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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by rjlockhart04-08 on July 2, 2010, at 18:23:24
I've been talking to a rehab doctor about depression during the day. It's not really that severe but its there, its not the depression that makes you dehiblitated but I've had depression like that when I came off amphetamines.
I told her about Parnate, she said its a 60's drug that is usally used in the last resort situation after all other medications have been tried. I told her about this site, and this is where I heard of Parnate. The only thing, I don't have "absolute" severe depression, but I do suffer with it and there are days when I can't handle it.
What did Parnate do you for you? prozac gives me energy but sometimes it doesnt cut it with the depression that is experienced.
would I also have to cut alot of things out of my diet , like cheeze because its a MAOI.
thanks for anything:
matt
Posted by Phillipa on July 2, 2010, at 19:11:40
In reply to what does Parnate do for you?, posted by rjlockhart04-08 on July 2, 2010, at 18:23:24
Matt yes you would have to give up a lot of foods. Phillipa
Posted by inanimate peanut on July 2, 2010, at 19:28:46
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you? » rjlockhart04-08, posted by Phillipa on July 2, 2010, at 19:11:40
I am very attached to my Parnate, but I wouldn't suggest it unless you've tried all the SSRI/SSNRIs, Wellbutrin, some TCAs, etc. not only because of the dietary restrictions (which honestly aren't bad once you get used to them) but primarily because it's contra-indicated with so many other treatments that it really limits your treatment options. That said, I think it's a good antidepressant. I find it activating (keeps me awake and gives me energy), but I know some people are just the opposite and have fatigue with it. My side effects have been insomnia and acne. But, at this point, I don't really see any real benefit for you trying it over other, less dangerous, antidepressants.
Posted by angels78 on July 2, 2010, at 22:28:25
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you? » rjlockhart04-08, posted by Phillipa on July 2, 2010, at 19:11:40
> Matt yes you would have to give up a lot of foods. Phillipa
Lol i always love your responses Phillipa.
There just packed with knowledge :)
Posted by Phillipa on July 3, 2010, at 19:16:25
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you? » Phillipa, posted by angels78 on July 2, 2010, at 22:28:25
Matt and I are long term buddies. I know him pretty well. Phillipa
Posted by Roslynn on July 5, 2010, at 16:40:58
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you?, posted by inanimate peanut on July 2, 2010, at 19:28:46
Hi Peanut,
I am considering Parnate...can you tell me what you mean by it being contra-indicated with other treatments? Do you mean not being able to take the SSRIs and TCAs, or does it go further and restrict you from say benzos, atypicals, etc.?
Thanks for any help.
Roslynn
> I am very attached to my Parnate, but I wouldn't suggest it unless you've tried all the SSRI/SSNRIs, Wellbutrin, some TCAs, etc. not only because of the dietary restrictions (which honestly aren't bad once you get used to them) but primarily because it's contra-indicated with so many other treatments that it really limits your treatment options.
Posted by inanimate peanut on July 5, 2010, at 22:18:22
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you? » inanimate peanut, posted by Roslynn on July 5, 2010, at 16:40:58
Nope, I've not had any problem combining with antipsychotics, benzos, etc. SSRIs are an obvious no-no, and my doc (and many docs) is also not willing to combine with Wellbutrin, psychostimulants, TCAs, etc. although all of those can and have been done successfully in the literature and here on babble.
Posted by jade k on July 10, 2010, at 15:20:36
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you? » Roslynn, posted by inanimate peanut on July 5, 2010, at 22:18:22
Hi peanut,
I noticed you are currently taking Parnate. I'm curious as to what dose you're on, and how long you've been on it. Do you currently augment with anything, if so, hows that workin out? Is it effectively treating your symptoms?
Thanks,
~Jade
Posted by inanimate peanut on July 10, 2010, at 18:02:31
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you?, posted by jade k on July 10, 2010, at 15:20:36
I take 90mg (sometimes 100mg) so it's a pretty high dose. I once tried to push my dose up higher to see if I would get better symptom relief but I didn't. It's relatively effective at treating my symptoms. Before Parnate I literally sat around and cried all day and just called people and cried and had lots of akathisia. Now I'm on the low end of functional. I can't work but I can take care of myself, live alone, etc. and not spend all day crying or in a hospital. It's really night and day difference with Parnate and without. I've only been taking it since December, so I'm still trying augments. I'm on a million drugs, but the only ones I'm using right now for mood augmentation are Geodon, Mirapex, and just now starting nortriptyline. The rest are for weight control, sleep, etc. I would definitely say Parnate is effective. I wish it were more effective but it definitely makes a difference. I hope that answers your questions.
Posted by jade k on July 10, 2010, at 23:20:26
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you? » jade k, posted by inanimate peanut on July 10, 2010, at 18:02:31
Hi peanut,
I believe you did answer all my questions! Thank you. I was on Parnate for over a year, I got up to 80mg along with 40mg Dexedrine.
>It's really night and day difference with Parnate and without.(don't I know it!!)
Anyway, I had to drop the Dex early on but I was in total remission for a good while. Then my beloved Parnate "led me astray". The dose was too high (for me). I would really recommend staying at as low a dose that works, and def keep that geodon on board if you can! I'm jealous. I might get back on a MAOI again one of these days.
Take care,
~Jade
Posted by MoonageDaydream on July 13, 2010, at 16:09:10
In reply to what does Parnate do for you?, posted by rjlockhart04-08 on July 2, 2010, at 18:23:24
I've been taking Parnate at 40 mg/day for about 4 weeks now. Unfortunately, I can't say I notice it's doing much of anything for my depression, anhedonia, or motivational issues. My anxiety was fairly low when I started it, and still is. But honestly all I notice is that I often feel tired for an hour or so after taking Parnate. For me, its not at all stimulating. I started drinking a couple of cups of coffee each day, and that balances out the sedation. On the positive side though, I haven't really noticed any side effects other than the sedation.
Matt- you would have to stop eating cheese (except possibly mozzarella). Its not the worst thing in the world, and I'd be 100% fine with it if the MAOI was actually working. Since it is isn't working for me AND I have to give up cheese, it is a bit cumbersome. The MAOI diets do seem overcautious though about some things. I've drank coffee, ate chocolate, and drank bottled domestic beer, gin, and vodka.
Posted by Conundrum on July 13, 2010, at 20:32:45
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you?, posted by MoonageDaydream on July 13, 2010, at 16:09:10
I've never taken parnate, but from what others have said here who have taken it:
A. It may take more than 4 weeks to work, more like 2 months for some once they've reached the optimal dose, so it can take a while.
B. 40 is a low dose, many recommend going up to 80mg.
Hope that helps. People who have taken the drug feel free to back me up or say that this is incorrect.
Posted by jade k on July 13, 2010, at 21:00:27
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you? » MoonageDaydream, posted by Conundrum on July 13, 2010, at 20:32:45
> I've never taken parnate, but from what others have said here who have taken it:
>
> A. It may take more than 4 weeks to work, more like 2 months for some once they've reached the optimal dose, so it can take a while.
>
> B. 40 is a low dose, many recommend going up to 80mg.
>
> Hope that helps. People who have taken the drug feel free to back me up or say that this is incorrect.I'll back ya :-)
~Jade
Posted by emmanuel98 on July 13, 2010, at 21:31:33
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you? » Conundrum, posted by jade k on July 13, 2010, at 21:00:27
Parnate worked for me within 48 hours. It was like day and night. S/Es include (very occasionaly now) postural hypotension, dry mouth. Insomnia that requires nightly ativan. That's it.
Posted by Conundrum on July 13, 2010, at 21:42:14
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you?, posted by emmanuel98 on July 13, 2010, at 21:31:33
You know I noticed a similar thing with pristiq, but it stopped working after a couple weeks. But I think for most people its the opposite effect.
Posted by inanimate peanut on July 14, 2010, at 22:01:27
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you?, posted by MoonageDaydream on July 13, 2010, at 16:09:10
yeah, you're definitely on a low dose. I would try a higher dose and give it another 4 weeks and then just say it's not working and move on. Maybe it just doesn't work for some people.
Posted by MoonageDaydream on July 15, 2010, at 12:25:23
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you? » MoonageDaydream, posted by Conundrum on July 13, 2010, at 20:32:45
> I've never taken parnate, but from what others have said here who have taken it:
>
> A. It may take more than 4 weeks to work, more like 2 months for some once they've reached the optimal dose, so it can take a while.
>
> B. 40 is a low dose, many recommend going up to 80mg.
>
> Hope that helps. People who have taken the drug feel free to back me up or say that this is incorrect.My plan for now is to try to take it before bed and see if that makes any difference. At my next appt., I'm going to ask the dr. if I can up the dosage gradually for the next 2 weeks. I found 40mg to be more stimulating than 20 mg, so possibly an increase will be more stimulating. I have ADD and had to stop Dexedrine to take Parnate...which ironically enough I picked because it's stimulating to most people, but I just find it sedating. The only thing is, I occasionally have mild orthostatic hypotension (light "headrushes") when NOT on medication, and after going from 30-40 mg, it got far worse and I almost fainted once. This went away after a few days though.
Although I want to try Emsam again (which worked OK but not amazingly and I only stopped because I needed to take ADD meds at the time for uni), I know I should be patient and give Parnate at least 6 weeks. So my plan is to stick with it and try increasing the dosage to 50 and then 60.
Posted by jade k on July 15, 2010, at 12:36:11
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you?, posted by MoonageDaydream on July 15, 2010, at 12:25:23
Hi Moonage,
It took forever for me to respond to Parnate(2-3 months), but I was so sure it was going to work, I stuck with it. And then it kicked in. You may feel tired due to your low blood pressure. I had it bad. I did faint once in my kitchen. I got my BP up when I augmented and then I really felt the stim effects.
I do remember having an hour or two in the afternoons for a while where I felt like taking a nap. That passed as I got higher on my dose.
Good Luck!
~Jade
Posted by MoonageDaydream on July 20, 2010, at 20:03:42
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you?, posted by jade k on July 15, 2010, at 12:36:11
Jade k,
That's really interesting to hear. What dose were you on when it finally started working and when the sedation went away?And what did you augment it with? A stimulant? I had been taking 10 mg Dexedrine for ADD before Parnate and I really think that a tiny amount of that on top of the Parnate would be a very good combo. Unfortunately, my doc is young and started practicing around the time the SSRIs came out, and has only used Nardil 3 times and never used Parnate or Emsam, so clearly he's no expert on MAOIs. I doubt I could talk him into letting me try it although he does seem open to me guiding my own treatment for the most part.
Posted by Defective on May 18, 2011, at 15:33:34
In reply to Re: what does Parnate do for you?, posted by inanimate peanut on July 2, 2010, at 19:28:46
Hi, I saw your messages on the Dr. Bob board and I was wondering if you could please answer a quick question. I started Parnate 13 days ago, day 1 I took 20 mg, day 2-8 I I took 30 mg, day 10-11 I took 40 mg, and the last two days I've been on 50 mg. I haven't felt anything yet and I was instructed to go up to 60 tomorrow. Based on your experience and others on the message board, when would you expect me to feel an anti-depressant response? Thanks in advance for any advice you may have to share with me.
Best,
Defective
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