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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2 to 26 of 26. Go back in thread:
Posted by brooke484 on July 17, 2008, at 22:20:28
In reply to MARPLAN anyone????, posted by maoi_wowee on July 17, 2008, at 19:54:02
I took it for 6 months and it didn't do anything unfortunately. I was on 30 mgs. 40 made me too lightheaded.
You might want to read some of these posts.
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071204/msgs/799362.html
brooke
Posted by Tomatheus on July 17, 2008, at 23:15:40
In reply to MARPLAN anyone????, posted by maoi_wowee on July 17, 2008, at 19:54:02
maoi_wowee,
I took isocarboxazid (the generic version of Marplan) about two years ago for recurrent major depression, which has since progressed into schizoaffective disorder. Because I had a lot more success taking Nardil in enteric capsules than I did with the actual film-coated tablets, I tried taking isocarboxazid (another hydrazine-derivative MAOI) in the enteric capsules, as well.
My response to the isocarboxazid was similar to my response to the U.K. Goldshield-manufactured tranylcypromine: I had an excellent antidepressant response to the medication that lasted 3-4 days before losing most of the response. I tried increasing my dose to 20 mg/day and 30 mg/day, and each time I increased the dose, the same thing happened: 3-4 days of antidepressant relief, followed by practically nothing after that.
Compared with Nardil, which took several weeks to "kick in," I found isocarboxazid to be extremely fast-acting. The problem that I had with it, of course, is that the medication's wonderful start-up effect never lasted.
As far as I can tell, my response to isocarboxazid seems to be fairly atypical. Most patients do not respond to antidepressants for a few days only to lose their effects. But unfortunately, when I had recurrent major depression, I did.
Tomatheus
Posted by SLS on July 18, 2008, at 5:36:47
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone????, posted by Tomatheus on July 17, 2008, at 23:15:40
Hi Tomatheus.
Where are you right now?
- Scott
> I took isocarboxazid (the generic version of Marplan) about two years ago for recurrent major depression, which has since progressed into schizoaffective disorder. Because I had a lot more success taking Nardil in enteric capsules than I did with the actual film-coated tablets, I tried taking isocarboxazid (another hydrazine-derivative MAOI) in the enteric capsules, as well.
>
> My response to the isocarboxazid was similar to my response to the U.K. Goldshield-manufactured tranylcypromine: I had an excellent antidepressant response to the medication that lasted 3-4 days before losing most of the response. I tried increasing my dose to 20 mg/day and 30 mg/day, and each time I increased the dose, the same thing happened: 3-4 days of antidepressant relief, followed by practically nothing after that.
>
> Compared with Nardil, which took several weeks to "kick in," I found isocarboxazid to be extremely fast-acting. The problem that I had with it, of course, is that the medication's wonderful start-up effect never lasted.
>
> As far as I can tell, my response to isocarboxazid seems to be fairly atypical. Most patients do not respond to antidepressants for a few days only to lose their effects. But unfortunately, when I had recurrent major depression, I did.
>
> Tomatheus
Posted by Tomatheus on July 18, 2008, at 23:32:42
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone???? » Tomatheus, posted by SLS on July 18, 2008, at 5:36:47
> Where are you right now?
Just taking 5 mg/day of Abilify. I also take 500 mg of niacinamide to control my depressive symptoms when they get real severe (which is usually once every 2-4 days).
Tomatheus
Posted by SLS on July 19, 2008, at 5:34:06
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone???? » SLS, posted by Tomatheus on July 18, 2008, at 23:32:42
> > Where are you right now?
>
> Just taking 5 mg/day of Abilify. I also take 500 mg of niacinamide to control my depressive symptoms when they get real severe (which is usually once every 2-4 days).
>
> Tomatheus
Would you consider yourself to be a rapid cycler?If so, have you tried Lamictal yet?
- Scott
Posted by Tomatheus on July 19, 2008, at 20:16:55
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone???? » Tomatheus, posted by SLS on July 19, 2008, at 5:34:06
> Would you consider yourself to be a rapid cycler?
I have had rapid-cycling responses to medications (e.g., Paxil and Prozac), so I would definitely say that I'm prone to rapid cycling.
> If so, have you tried Lamictal yet?
I haven't tried Lamictal. I've taken lithium and Depakote, and both made me feel irritable. Lithium was somewhat helpful years ago when I took it with Wellbutrin, but it left me with a permanent tremor and probably also some permanent irritability. Depakote didn't do any good for me whatsoever; just made me feel crappy all-around. So, I'd be somewhat hesitant to try Lamictal, but I'd consider it if my pdoc wanted to prescribe it.
Thank you for the suggestion.
Tomatheus
Posted by SLS on July 19, 2008, at 21:19:24
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone???? » SLS, posted by Tomatheus on July 19, 2008, at 20:16:55
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is supposed to help penetrate the rapid cycle and gradually produce a longer and longer delay into bipolar episodes. This is actually old news.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/12/001214082725.htm
- Scott
Posted by Tomatheus on July 19, 2008, at 22:20:24
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone????, posted by SLS on July 19, 2008, at 21:19:24
Posted by jaclinhyde on July 20, 2008, at 22:33:37
In reply to MARPLAN anyone????, posted by maoi_wowee on July 17, 2008, at 19:54:02
Marplan was my favorite (if a person can have a favorite MAOI) of the bunch. Kind of like the 3 bears....Nardil made me too sleepy and I gained too much weight, Parnate made me too hyper and I actually had a psychotic episode on it while Marplan was just right. It was the best of both worlds for me and fell somewhere in between the two. I am not on it anymore (long story, don't ask!) but would go back on it in a heartbeat if I could pry Cymbalta out of my system without the side effects.
Posted by Crotale on July 20, 2008, at 22:38:59
In reply to MARPLAN anyone????, posted by maoi_wowee on July 17, 2008, at 19:54:02
I took Marplan for a few months. I found it very similar to Nardil. Side effects included orthostatic hypotension, weight gain (maybe not quite as much as Nardil), insomnia.
I stopped taking it because I had a really bad response to Nardil ultimately - it pooped out and I switched to what seems to have been a mixed episode (even though I am not bipolar). Marplan felt so much like Nardil and I did not want to risk that again.
Hope it works out better for you!
-Crotale
Posted by maoi_wowee on July 21, 2008, at 23:36:45
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone????, posted by jaclinhyde on July 20, 2008, at 22:33:37
> Marplan was my favorite (if a person can have a favorite MAOI) of the bunch. Kind of like the 3 bears....Nardil made me too sleepy and I gained too much weight, Parnate made me too hyper and I actually had a psychotic episode on it while Marplan was just right. It was the best of both worlds for me and fell somewhere in between the two. I am not on it anymore (long story, don't ask!) but would go back on it in a heartbeat if I could pry Cymbalta out of my system without the side effects.
How long did it take Marplan to work for you? I've been on it for two weeks now and am feeling some relief from depresion,but not nearly as good as i felt on Nardil (though tremendous weight gain killed that for me).So, please let me know what dose was effective for you and also what time(s) each day you took your dose.
Thank you!!!
Posted by jaclinhyde on July 22, 2008, at 11:41:57
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone????, posted by maoi_wowee on July 21, 2008, at 23:36:45
It took awhile but if you are only getting so-so relief and you have been on the same dose for awhile then you might need to get it increased. Just my .02, ymmv. It really is a great drug though, imho.
Good luck and keep us informed.
Posted by Crotale on July 27, 2008, at 8:15:43
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone????, posted by maoi_wowee on July 21, 2008, at 23:36:45
> but would go back on it in a heartbeat if I
> could pry Cymbalta out of my system without the > side effects.Watch out for that Cymbalta. I've had trouble with some of these mixed reuptake inhibitors (I think I may have started the joke of caling Effexor "Side-Effexor").
Seriously though, with no interaction, I think I may have gotten central serotonin syndrome when I tried Cymbalta!
(hi temp, fluctuating Bp, delirium, etc.)
BTW I love the 3 bears analogy. But where does that put selegiline?
Posted by jaclinhyde on July 27, 2008, at 17:49:01
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone???? » maoi_wowee, posted by Crotale on July 27, 2008, at 8:15:43
> > but would go back on it in a heartbeat if I
> > could pry Cymbalta out of my system without the > side effects.
>
> Watch out for that Cymbalta. I've had trouble with some of these mixed reuptake inhibitors (I think I may have started the joke of caling Effexor "Side-Effexor").
>
> Seriously though, with no interaction, I think I may have gotten central serotonin syndrome when I tried Cymbalta!
>
> (hi temp, fluctuating Bp, delirium, etc.)
>
>
> BTW I love the 3 bears analogy. But where does that put selegiline?Yeah well the only problem with me is that the SSRI's alone do absolutely nothing. I need the other neurotransmitters tweaked too. That is why the MAOI's always worked so well. Cymbalta is not too bad actually, I think it is working a little.
As for selegiline I guess it would be Goldilocks :-)
TS
Posted by Crotale on July 27, 2008, at 20:21:31
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone????, posted by jaclinhyde on July 27, 2008, at 17:49:01
> Yeah well the only problem with me is that the SSRI's alone do absolutely nothing. I need the other neurotransmitters tweaked too. That is why the MAOI's always worked so well. Cymbalta is not too bad actually, I think it is working a little.
Yeah I never had much luck with SSRIs either although Prozac seemed to work okay (not great) when I was a teenager.
I don't know why I had such a bad reaction to Cymbalta. Effexor hit me pretty hard too, my doc though I got hypomanic on it even though I'm not bipolar. (He made me go on Trileptal after I had the seizure on desipramine anyway, even though it turned out my desipramine level was through the roof and he made me go off that one anyway, and I would think the high TCA level was what caused the seizure.)
> As for selegiline I guess it would be Goldilocks :-)
After I finished giggling at this one I realized that I couldn't figure out the analogy!
-Crotale
Posted by jaclinhyde on July 28, 2008, at 0:33:01
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone???? » jaclinhyde, posted by Crotale on July 27, 2008, at 20:21:31
> > As for selegiline I guess it would be Goldilocks :-)
>
> After I finished giggling at this one I realized that I couldn't figure out the analogy!
>
> -CrotaleLOL! Ok let's see if I can make some sense out of it:
Selegilocks was walking through the woods one day when she came to a house. Inside were three beds that looked soooo comfortable because she was so tired from all those trials she was being put through back home at the lab. Above the first bed was a sign that read "NARDIL." She couldn't resist trying it out for herself. As she lay there she became very very hungry and even more sleepy than before so she quickly got up and made a made dash to the kitchen to find something to eat. But all she could find was a big block of cheddar cheese and chianti wine. The labels on both items said 'HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS' so she decided to just deal with the hunger and leave the goodies alone. Back in the bedroom she found another bed and above that one the sign read "PARNATE." 'What odd names these drugs have' she thought to herself as she eased herself down onto the mattress. Suddenly she felt as if a bolt of lightning had gone off in her head! She started giggling and had a sudden urge to fold the towels and dust the place even though it was about 3:00 in the morning. 'At least I am not hungry anymore' she said with a grin as she finished the last coat of paint on the bedroom wall. "Hmmm..there is one more bed!" she whispered, walking toward the last bed in the room. Above it the sign said "MARPLAN." She eased herself down between the sheets and cuddled up in the blankets. "Oh this is just right!" she sighed as she began to drift off to sleep. Suddenly she was awakened by a noise! She opened her eyes and saw three bears in front of her. "Oh please forgive me, I was so tired and when I found your house I just couldn't resist lying down!" The bears just stood there. Nardil yawned, Parnate fidgeted and Marplan finally spoke. "Hey, no problem darlin' make yourself at home...you are one of us now!" Selegilocks was so happy that she passed around a whole bunch of these special patches she had brought with her on her journey and gave them to the bears as gifts.
And they all lived happily ever after. The End.
Tune in next week boys and girls for the story of how Prozac infiltrated Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, hitching a ride on the trolley and ending up in the land of make believe. A beautiful day in the neighborhood it was not!
Posted by zonked on June 19, 2010, at 12:26:15
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone????, posted by jaclinhyde on July 28, 2008, at 0:33:01
This is enormously LOL...
-z
>
> LOL! Ok let's see if I can make some sense out of it:
>
> Selegilocks was walking through the woods one day when she came to a house. Inside were three beds that looked soooo comfortable because she was so tired from all those trials she was being put through back home at the lab. Above the first bed was a sign that read "NARDIL." She couldn't resist trying it out for herself. As she lay there she became very very hungry and even more sleepy than before so she quickly got up and made a made dash to the kitchen to find something to eat. But all she could find was a big block of cheddar cheese and chianti wine. The labels on both items said 'HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS' so she decided to just deal with the hunger and leave the goodies alone. Back in the bedroom she found another bed and above that one the sign read "PARNATE." 'What odd names these drugs have' she thought to herself as she eased herself down onto the mattress. Suddenly she felt as if a bolt of lightning had gone off in her head! She started giggling and had a sudden urge to fold the towels and dust the place even though it was about 3:00 in the morning. 'At least I am not hungry anymore' she said with a grin as she finished the last coat of paint on the bedroom wall. "Hmmm..there is one more bed!" she whispered, walking toward the last bed in the room. Above it the sign said "MARPLAN." She eased herself down between the sheets and cuddled up in the blankets. "Oh this is just right!" she sighed as she began to drift off to sleep. Suddenly she was awakened by a noise! She opened her eyes and saw three bears in front of her. "Oh please forgive me, I was so tired and when I found your house I just couldn't resist lying down!" The bears just stood there. Nardil yawned, Parnate fidgeted and Marplan finally spoke. "Hey, no problem darlin' make yourself at home...you are one of us now!" Selegilocks was so happy that she passed around a whole bunch of these special patches she had brought with her on her journey and gave them to the bears as gifts.
>
> And they all lived happily ever after. The End.
>
> Tune in next week boys and girls for the story of how Prozac infiltrated Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, hitching a ride on the trolley and ending up in the land of make believe. A beautiful day in the neighborhood it was not!
Posted by tom2228 on June 21, 2010, at 11:44:16
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone????, posted by zonked on June 19, 2010, at 12:26:15
> This is enormously LOL...
>
> -z
> >
> > LOL! Ok let's see if I can make some sense out of it:
> >
> > Selegilocks was walking through the woods one day when she came to a house. Inside were three beds that looked soooo comfortable because she was so tired from all those trials she was being put through back home at the lab. Above the first bed was a sign that read "NARDIL." She couldn't resist trying it out for herself. As she lay there she became very very hungry and even more sleepy than before so she quickly got up and made a made dash to the kitchen to find something to eat. But all she could find was a big block of cheddar cheese and chianti wine. The labels on both items said 'HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS' so she decided to just deal with the hunger and leave the goodies alone. Back in the bedroom she found another bed and above that one the sign read "PARNATE." 'What odd names these drugs have' she thought to herself as she eased herself down onto the mattress. Suddenly she felt as if a bolt of lightning had gone off in her head! She started giggling and had a sudden urge to fold the towels and dust the place even though it was about 3:00 in the morning. 'At least I am not hungry anymore' she said with a grin as she finished the last coat of paint on the bedroom wall. "Hmmm..there is one more bed!" she whispered, walking toward the last bed in the room. Above it the sign said "MARPLAN." She eased herself down between the sheets and cuddled up in the blankets. "Oh this is just right!" she sighed as she began to drift off to sleep. Suddenly she was awakened by a noise! She opened her eyes and saw three bears in front of her. "Oh please forgive me, I was so tired and when I found your house I just couldn't resist lying down!" The bears just stood there. Nardil yawned, Parnate fidgeted and Marplan finally spoke. "Hey, no problem darlin' make yourself at home...you are one of us now!" Selegilocks was so happy that she passed around a whole bunch of these special patches she had brought with her on her journey and gave them to the bears as gifts.
> >
> > And they all lived happily ever after. The End.
> >
> > Tune in next week boys and girls for the story of how Prozac infiltrated Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, hitching a ride on the trolley and ending up in the land of make believe. A beautiful day in the neighborhood it was not!
>
>LMAO yea this is great! Today is my 2nd day of walking in that Selegilocks' shoes.. might be wandering across the 3 bears' house sometime soon myself..
Posted by SLS on June 24, 2010, at 15:04:10
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone????, posted by zonked on June 19, 2010, at 12:26:15
Hi Zonked.
How are things going with Marplan? I noticed in one of your posts that your mood was variable. I hope that things will even out for you.
I discontinued Marplan a few days ago, mainly because of the side effects of muscle weakness and pain. It wasn't helping, though.
- Scott
Posted by zonked on June 24, 2010, at 15:33:20
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone???? » zonked, posted by SLS on June 24, 2010, at 15:04:10
Scott,
Mood is definitely variable (I haven't felt good since last Friday.)
I am hoping beyond hope I get a more consistent effect in the next two weeks--can't see the pdoc before then.
I wish I had the money to see an expert psychopharmacologist out of pocket. (It seems like the best ones are cash only, Medicare/Medicaid? Yeah, right!)
I keep thinking, if I could get a doc to prescribe super-high-dose Parnate and go along with it, or buprenorphine, I'd probably be okay.
I don't have the energy to even think of starting that process though. Hi, before I waste money and time, here is my super-abbreviated-history over the phone, would you give me something that works? Or am I going to throw my money down the drain by making this appointment?
Doc mentioned Synthroid and asked me if my testosterone levels had been checked recently, as a matter of fact I asked my GP two weeks prior for both tests (TSH is 2.1 and testosterone was in the low 400s). My hopes are not high. It would be interesting, though, if the underlying cause for all of this was hormonal. We'll see.
I cried this morning, and am in tears now--my Mom, who's the sunshine in my life, asked me if I wanted to hang out this weekend and I had to decline--she can't handle being around me depressed. She has a terminal brain cancer and I want to get better before it starts getting her.
Most of the time though, I just can't cry--I am flat. You and I are a lot alike--we both got blips from Marplan and no consistent effect. I wonder what's next?
I mentioned buprenorphine to a counselor working with me--she actually claimed to be familiar with the Harvard study--but her response was something along the lines of: "do you know how bad off you need to get that?". Well, chronic unremitting depression and all of the damned trials and therapy and supplements--I think I am bad enough off... (BTW, has bupe ever crossed your mind?)
I find it appalling that doctors hand out brain damaging antipsychotics like crazy for every psychiatric complaint and would rather do a controlled electrocution (ECT) with potentially serious cognitive and memory side effects than use something proven to work in 90% of refractory patients. (Just my opinion.)
Sorry I'm so bitter today... At least I know I'm not alone in my struggle. We'll get there. You're a good guy--thanks for your support. *hug*
-z
> Hi Zonked.
>
> How are things going with Marplan? I noticed in one of your posts that your mood was variable. I hope that things will even out for you.
>
> I discontinued Marplan a few days ago, mainly because of the side effects of muscle weakness and pain. It wasn't helping, though.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by jade k on June 24, 2010, at 16:57:08
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone???? » SLS, posted by zonked on June 24, 2010, at 15:33:20
Hi zonked,
>
> I keep thinking, if I could get a doc to prescribe super-high-dose Parnate and go along with it, or buprenorphine, I'd probably be okay.
I started on parnate with one pdoc that would go to 60mg, then I googled various things till a local pdoc who "specialized" in maoi's came up. Then I called the office and asked "does he go higher than 60mg and does he augment", she said yes to both and I got my appt. Parnate was really good for my depression (it took a little while) and I did get up to 80mg. That ended up being too much for me but seems to be okay for most people.Someone I know takes Suboxone (Bupe), if you go to the SAMHSA website, they give you a doc finder (docs that can prescribe it). I just read there that individual docs can prescribe it as they see fit (not just opiate addiction was my impression).
The guy I know who takes it likes it for depression and seems in a good mood when he takes it.
>
> I don't have the energy to even think of starting that process though. Hi, before I waste money and time, here is my super-abbreviated-history over the phone, would you give me something that works? Or am I going to throw my money down the drain by making this appointment?
Seems a fair question to me!
>
> I cried this morning, and am in tears now--my Mom, who's the sunshine in my life, asked me if I wanted to hang out this weekend and I had to decline--she can't handle being around me depressed. She has a terminal brain cancer and I want to get better before it starts getting her.
I'm so sorry about your mom, I know how frustrating it is to feel unable to be there for the people you care the most about.
>
> I mentioned buprenorphine to a counselor working with me--she actually claimed to be familiar with the Harvard study--but her response was something along the lines of: "do you know how bad off you need to get that?". Well, chronic unremitting depression and all of the damned trials and therapy and supplements--I think I am bad enough off... (BTW, has bupe ever crossed your mind?)
>
> I find it appalling that doctors hand out brain damaging antipsychotics like crazy for every psychiatric complaint and would rather do a controlled electrocution (ECT) with potentially serious cognitive and memory side effects than use something proven to work in 90% of refractory patients. (Just my opinion.)
Its my opinion too. I think considering your chronic, unrelenting depression, combined with your mother's condition, is a good argument for something outside the box. What that would be, I don't know. Maybe suboxone or parnate or something else. I'm gonna check out tramadol. I'm not sure if its prescribed off label or not. I know when I tried it for headaches, I noticed a mood lift as well.Good luck to you, feel free to mail me if you like.
~Jade
Posted by europerep on June 25, 2010, at 10:32:58
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone???? » zonked, posted by SLS on June 24, 2010, at 15:04:10
> Hi Zonked.
>
> How are things going with Marplan? I noticed in one of your posts that your mood was variable. I hope that things will even out for you.
>
> I discontinued Marplan a few days ago, mainly because of the side effects of muscle weakness and pain. It wasn't helping, though.
>
>
> - Scotthey there..
uhmm, if you allow me, there are two questions I'd like to ask you.. I haven't ever read anything about your age, would you be willing to disclose that information? :-) I am just curious about that..
also, it's probably a stupid question, but have you done psychotherapy for a sufficiently long time in the past?especially if the answer to the latter question is yes, is there no way for you to try something "outside the box".. I once read about you having tried buprenorphine, and since you are not on it anymore, I guess it didn't work, right?
I remember something on wiki about the "compassionate prescription act" or something, which allows people to take medication that is in development, if these people profit from it, it's a serious disease, there are no other possibilities blabla.. didn't you once mention clorgyline or something like that, i.e. MAOIs not being prescribed anymore? and have you had one psychiatrist throughout all the time, favorably at a university clinic? I was wondering whether these drugs are no longer marketed, or whether prescription or "giving out to patients" is formally banned by the FDA.. because if not, maybe your doc could get ahold of one these substances? yeah I know, little chances..ok, something else? sounds stupid, but have you actually tried marihuana? really good, highly potent marihuana can totally help with depression, it's one of the possible indications for which healthCanada allows medical marijuana use..
or another thing yet.. did you see my thread on new phase II clinical trials of EVT101? it's still up somewhere in the list, if not, search for EVT101.. I guess you wouldn't be admitted to a study because you have had more than three treatment regimes that didn't work, but maybe your doc could strike a deal with one of the responsables to have basically a n=1 study going, because efficacy in you would probably be the most effective way to prove its worthiness in TRD.. far-fetched idea, I know.. or, try to get ahold of medical ketamine.. it's probably not a good idea for longterm-use, but if it works, you have something to look forward to when and if EVT101 will make it to the market..
it's all a lil' weird ideas, and especially they require a lot of work which will be hard to do, but these were just ideas I have had..
I guess the one the easiest to try would be marihuana, I do not know your stance on that but it's a fact it can be effective in TRD.. of course it would compromise living greatly, but so does TRD..just some random ideas I had throughout today..
good luck with whatever comes next for you!
Posted by zonked on June 25, 2010, at 11:28:35
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone???? » SLS, posted by europerep on June 25, 2010, at 10:32:58
> hey there..
I know you were probably addressing Scott, and Scott I hope you don't mind but since his post seems to apply to me as well I'd like to respond too.
> uhmm, if you allow me, there are two questions I'd like to ask you.. I haven't ever read anything about your age, would you be willing to disclose that information? :-) I am just curious about that..Late 20s. Male, white, american.
> also, it's probably a stupid question, but have you done psychotherapy for a sufficiently long time in the past?
Here's where I believe I've made my mistake with therapy in the past. During depressions, I haven't found it helpful, maybe because I didn't have the energy to stick with it. How do you cram a life full of depressive thoughts into two weeks? And week after week it's the same, anhedonia, lack of energy/motivation, regardless of circumstances.
During remissions is where I may have screwed up.. I considered myself busy enough with work and was functioning, so why waste the time and money? Perhaps if I had, I would have had the "coping skills" to prevent full blown depressive relapse. Or at least, that's the theory.
> especially if the answer to the latter question is yes, is there no way for you to try something "outside the box".. I once read about you having tried buprenorphine, and since you are not on it anymore, I guess it didn't work, right?I have never tried it myself or have even brought it up with a doc, but I am getting that desperate.
> I remember something on wiki about the "compassionate prescription act" or something, which allows people to take medication that is in development, if these people profit from it, it's a serious disease, there are no other possibilities blabla.. didn't you once mention clorgyline or something like that, i.e. MAOIs not being prescribed anymore? and have you had one psychiatrist throughout all the time, favorably at a university clinic? I was wondering whether these drugs are no longer marketed, or whether prescription or "giving out to patients" is formally banned by the FDA.. because if not, maybe your doc could get ahold of one these substances? yeah I know, little chances..
> ok, something else? sounds stupid, but have you actually tried marihuana? really good, highly potent marihuana can totally help with depression, it's one of the possible indications for which healthCanada allows medical marijuana use.
Gives me panic attacks. I don't touch schedule I drugs or alcohol.
>
> or another thing yet.. did you see my thread on new phase II clinical trials of EVT101? it's still up somewhere in the list, if not, search for EVT101.. I guess you wouldn't be admitted to a study because you have had more than three treatment regimes that didn't work, but maybe your doc could strike a deal with one of the responsables to have basically a n=1 study going, because efficacy in you would probably be the most effective way to prove its worthiness in TRD.. far-fetched idea, I know.. or, try to get ahold of medical ketamine.. it's probably not a good idea for longterm-use, but if it works, you have something to look forward to when and if EVT101 will make it to the market..Ketamine scares the crap outta me, but I'll look into the research drug--thank you!
Bleh. I'll keep trying until I find something to pull me out of this...I am tired of not feeling like me.
I think I'd be better off if I had the financial resources to see a real expert (like I did when I worked), as frequently as necessary but it's catch-22--disability is a pittance and I won't have money again until I can work.
-z
Posted by SLS on June 25, 2010, at 13:39:22
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone???? » SLS, posted by europerep on June 25, 2010, at 10:32:58
> hey there..
Hi.
Thanks for the interest and suggestions.
> uhmm, if you allow me, there are two questions I'd like to ask you.. I haven't ever read anything about your age, would you be willing to disclose that information? :-) I am just curious about that..
50.
> also, it's probably a stupid question, but have you done psychotherapy for a sufficiently long time in the past?
Yup. I have undergone several courses of therapy lasting for several years each.
> especially if the answer to the latter question is yes, is there no way for you to try something "outside the box".. I once read about you having tried buprenorphine, and since you are not on it anymore, I guess it didn't work, right?
I never tried buprenorphine. I brought up the subject once with my current doctor. He would not consider it.
> I remember something on wiki about the "compassionate prescription act" or something, which allows people to take medication that is in development, if these people profit from it, it's a serious disease, there are no other possibilities blabla.
I don't know the details involved in getting an investigational drug under a compassionate use protocol. I would have liked to have seen flibanserin be approved by the FDA for female sexual dysfunction. I think it would have made an interesting drug to be used as an adjunct for treating depression and anxiety.
> didn't you once mention clorgyline or something like that, i.e. MAOIs not being prescribed anymore?
Yes. Clorgyline was never approved for use anywhere in the world as far as I know. I got it through the NIMH at the US National Institutes of Health.
> and have you had one psychiatrist throughout all the time, favorably at a university clinic?
Several of my doctors have been on staff at university programs.
> I was wondering whether these drugs are no longer marketed, or whether prescription or "giving out to patients" is formally banned by the FDA.. because if not, maybe your doc could get ahold of one these substances? yeah I know, little chances..
I haven't broached the subject with my doctor yet, but I am interested in adding agomelatine to Nardil. I am not sure I can convince him to combine an little-known drug with an MAOI.
> ok, something else? sounds stupid, but have you actually tried marihuana?
Every time I try it, I develop paralyzing anxiety. It hits me very hard. I didn't know that it was being used as a treatment for depression.
> just some random ideas I had throughout today..
> good luck with whatever comes next for you!Thanks. I sincerely appreciate it.
- Scott
Posted by zonked on June 25, 2010, at 14:50:22
In reply to Re: MARPLAN anyone???? » zonked, posted by SLS on June 24, 2010, at 15:04:10
Scott,
Have you tried stimulants (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse, Ritalin et al)?
They can be useful alone or in combination with ADs. Really, the only reason I am not on one right now is because I want(ed?) to see how Marplan does on its own, and also because my pdoc can't prescribe them in the clinic I go to (against clinic policy.)
Sometimes they are used when all else fails....
We'll get better eventually--this forum has helped keep me hopeful and realize I'm not alone.
-z
This is the end of the thread.
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