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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by zonked on June 12, 2010, at 9:40:17
OK folks,
I wanted to wait a bit; this is day 3 on 60mg of Marplan (30 b.i.d.) and I know FOR CERTAIN it is working. It "feels" very much like Nardil, if that makes sense, without the munchies/cravings, and hmm--not as much of an artificial, almost-too-good feeling as Nardil gave me when it started.
(This is a GOOD thing. I want to as closely-resemble my pre-diagnosis state as possible.)
SLS: I want to encourage you to stick Marplan out a bit longer if you can, and I hope you're up to 60 now. If you see this, let me know how you're doing...
Ah, but now I have the MAOI-insomnia. Ever since increasing Marplan to 60, I have slept but not restfully and my temazepam 30 no longer does the trick.
Suggestions for a good hypnotic?
Here's what I *won't* take: trazodone or antipsychotics. Other than those, I'm open to suggestions!
PHEW! Here's to hoping it lasts this time. I long for the day when the only time I see my psychiatrist is for refills and I stop thinking so much about meds again...
I haven't mentioned on this board--I am also seeing a MFT (therapist) to work through some of my self esteem/anxiety issues, and he's great. For the first time in 3 years, I am pleased with my psychiatrist, general practitioner and therapist. Feeling pretty lucky these days :-)
-z
Posted by europerep on June 12, 2010, at 11:52:23
In reply to Marplan has kicked in--best meds for MAOI-insomnia? (SLS?), posted by zonked on June 12, 2010, at 9:40:17
sounds quite good!
just one question: are you exercising regularly? if not, and you start to feel better, it would be a good time to start, because physical activity has a significant effect on neurotransmitters, and is especially helpful in people having trouble with sleeping.. what I want to say is, do not rely too much on meds, doing something "yourself" will give you a much higher satisfaction, reduces the problem of interaction, etc...
maybe it's worth considering, especially in the beginning/after dosage adjustments when some side effects might be temporary only - and don't get too dependent on benzos, you know?good luck!
Posted by SLS on June 12, 2010, at 12:54:13
In reply to Marplan has kicked in--best meds for MAOI-insomnia? (SLS?), posted by zonked on June 12, 2010, at 9:40:17
> SLS: I want to encourage you to stick Marplan out a bit longer if you can, and I hope you're up to 60 now. If you see this, let me know how you're doing...
:-)
I am not feeling horrendous, so that's a good thing. I haven't given up on Marplan yet. I have been taking 60mg for 5 days. I suppose I should give it another 3 weeks as a minimum. Sometimes, I feel like there is a hint of improvement, but it might just be wishful thinking on my part.
I am extremely happy to hear that you are responding to Marplan. It is probably a better drug than how it has been judged in the past, probably because the dosages used were too low. The maximum dosage had been 30mg. It is now 60mg.
My appetite has actually decreased. I think this is a good sign.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on June 12, 2010, at 13:12:22
In reply to Re: Marplan has kicked in--best meds for MAOI-insomnia? (SLS?) » zonked, posted by SLS on June 12, 2010, at 12:54:13
Scott it's gonna work!!!! Phillipa
Posted by SLS on June 12, 2010, at 13:39:08
In reply to Re: Marplan has kicked in--best meds for MAOI-insomnia? (SLS?) » SLS, posted by Phillipa on June 12, 2010, at 13:12:22
> Scott it's gonna work!!!! Phillipa
:-)
- Scott
Posted by zonked on June 12, 2010, at 16:27:31
In reply to Re: Marplan has kicked in--best meds for MAOI-insomnia? (SLS?) » zonked, posted by SLS on June 12, 2010, at 12:54:13
>
> I am not feeling horrendous, so that's a good thing. I haven't given up on Marplan yet. I have been taking 60mg for 5 days. I suppose I should give it another 3 weeks as a minimum. Sometimes, I feel like there is a hint of improvement, but it might just be wishful thinking on my part.I would strongly encourage you to do so, and if no significant improvement by then, ask for a push to 80--80 was needed for some folks in some of the studies citied on Marplan's website (see the healthcare professionals tab).
My appetite decreased before the full theraputic effects appeared also, and I too had brief periods where I felt more like myself that faded before the effect was consistent.
I started this drug one month ago today. :-)
You'll continue to be in my thoughts until you remit!
-z
> I am extremely happy to hear that you are responding to Marplan. It is probably a better drug than how it has been judged in the past, probably because the dosages used were too low. The maximum dosage had been 30mg. It is now 60mg.
>
> My appetite has actually decreased. I think this is a good sign.
>
>
> - Scott
>
>
Posted by jade k on June 12, 2010, at 16:42:45
In reply to Marplan has kicked in--best meds for MAOI-insomnia? (SLS?), posted by zonked on June 12, 2010, at 9:40:17
Hi Zonked and Scott,
I'm curious about this maoi, biting my nails (in anticipation) and crossing my fingers for you both :)
~Jade
Posted by zonked on June 12, 2010, at 16:56:48
In reply to Re: Marplan has kicked in--best meds for MAOI-insomnia? (SLS?), posted by jade k on June 12, 2010, at 16:42:45
If you have any specific questions, do let me know...
It's a beautiful day here today, I spent much of the day with a friend I haven't seen in a year--if that's any indication. :)
Isn't it weird when you start to feel things again? In the darkest times, depression tries to convince me (as my therapist said) that I'll never feel good again and it's just not true :)
-z
> Hi Zonked and Scott,
>
> I'm curious about this maoi, biting my nails (in anticipation) and crossing my fingers for you both :)
>
> ~Jade
>
>
Posted by zonked on June 12, 2010, at 19:59:17
In reply to Re: Marplan has kicked in--best meds for MAOI-insomnia? (SLS?), posted by europerep on June 12, 2010, at 11:52:23
> sounds quite good!
>
> just one question: are you exercising regularly?Yes - I walk quite a lot even when I can take the subway or bus; as soon as I have money to do so I'm considering joining the gym again.
In my late teens/early 20s I used to go to the gym 3x/week--and left feeling great!
I forgot to mention I quit smoking (with the patch) about 10 days ago, too; using the patch. For some reason it is *really* easy to quit on MAOIs depressed or not (except Parnate which made me crave cigarettes!)
The longest I've managed to stay quit was 1 year--I've learned this time I can never have a cigarette again, ever--not even one. :)
-z
if not, and you start to feel better, it would be a good time to start, because physical activity has a significant effect on neurotransmitters, and is especially helpful in people having trouble with sleeping.. what I want to say is, do not rely too much on meds, doing something "yourself" will give you a much higher satisfaction, reduces the problem of interaction, etc...
> maybe it's worth considering, especially in the beginning/after dosage adjustments when some side effects might be temporary only - and don't get too dependent on benzos, you know?
>
> good luck!
Posted by angels78 on June 12, 2010, at 20:17:41
In reply to Re: Marplan has kicked in--best meds for MAOI-insomnia? (SLS?) » europerep, posted by zonked on June 12, 2010, at 19:59:17
Hope it doesn't poop out on you in a month. goodluck
Posted by jedi on June 13, 2010, at 14:24:24
In reply to Marplan has kicked in--best meds for MAOI-insomnia? (SLS?), posted by zonked on June 12, 2010, at 9:40:17
> Ah, but now I have the MAOI-insomnia. Ever since increasing Marplan to 60, I have slept but not restfully and my temazepam 30 no longer does the trick.
> Suggestions for a good hypnotic?
> Here's what I *won't* take: trazodone or antipsychotics. Other than those, I'm open to suggestions!Hi Zonked,
I have used diphenhydramine HCL(Benadryl) a lot for Nardil induced insomnia. I am very sensitive to histamine blockers and the stuff usually knocks me right out. I know what you mean about the TRAZ - really gives me a drugged feeling and a morning hangover. I have used micro doses of Seroquel(12.5mg) which really just acts as a histamine blocker at this dosage.Not everyone reacts to the antihistamines like I do. They just wire my mom out. But I'm lucky that I can use them fairly consistently as a sleep aid.
Good Luck with the Marplan,
Jedi
Posted by Phillipa on June 13, 2010, at 21:12:55
In reply to Re: Marplan has kicked in--best meds for MAOI-insomnia? (SLS?) » zonked, posted by jedi on June 13, 2010, at 14:24:24
Jedi they kind of do strange things to me also. Only took bendyrl once for bee stings and couldn't fall asleep and didn't stop stinging feeling. But just made me a bit tired. Didn't like the feeling. 12.5 mg of seroquel knocked me out but later had the dryest lips which pealed. antihistamine? Phillipa
Posted by zonked on June 14, 2010, at 10:20:06
In reply to Re: Marplan has kicked in--best meds for MAOI-insomnia? (SLS?) » zonked, posted by jedi on June 13, 2010, at 14:24:24
> Hi Zonked,
> I have used diphenhydramine HCL(Benadryl) a lot for Nardil induced insomnia.Good to know. How's your sleep quality though? I've read that antihistamines drastically reduce sleep quality/REM sleep.
Of course, I've heard similar things about benzos, sigh.
I almost want to do a poll--asking MAOI users their hypnotic of choice...
Don't you love meds? One set of symptoms go away, then you get side effects (like insomnia) which, if not treated well, could lead to exacerbation of the original symptoms...I have had pretty poor quality sleep since increasing my Marplan to 60...
:)
-z
Posted by europerep on June 14, 2010, at 14:16:42
In reply to Re: Marplan has kicked in--best meds for MAOI-insomnia? (SLS?) » europerep, posted by zonked on June 12, 2010, at 19:59:17
> > just one question: are you exercising regularly?
>
> Yes - I walk quite a lot even when I can take the subway or bus;right... ;).. I was thinking about something that, besides positive effects on your whole system, would just leave you totally exhausted physically, so your body just needs sleep.. like running.. but of course you'd have to see personally how that could work out for you..
you can as well combine that with a drug to help you sleep better.
it's just me I guess.. since I do already take so many pills, I want to keep the actual number I take as low as possible, both to prevent interactions and to not raise unnecessarily the pills per capita ratio, which is quite bad for the US as well as europe.. ;)anyway, try to find something that fits you..
good luck!
This is the end of the thread.
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