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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by lifelover on March 27, 2011, at 19:38:59
Do you guys think that because Gavis is now putting out a generic version of nardil, that pfizer will eventually discontinue theres? Does this happen when most meds go generic? Or do you think pfizer will continue to make their brand? I read somewhere that there is an estimated 80,000 people currently taking nardil and although its not the biggest number, it definitly is not a small number and i think there is room for both. Your opinions?
Posted by jedi on March 28, 2011, at 1:03:39
In reply to The gavis nardil, posted by lifelover on March 27, 2011, at 19:38:59
> Do you guys think that because Gavis is now putting out a generic version of nardil, that pfizer will eventually discontinue theres? Does this happen when most meds go generic? Or do you think pfizer will continue to make their brand? I read somewhere that there is an estimated 80,000 people currently taking nardil and although its not the biggest number, it definitly is not a small number and i think there is room for both. Your opinions?
All I can say is I hope they don't quit. I am a lifer on phenelzine sulfate. It is the only thing that has ever worked for my atypical depression and social anxiety. Just having one supplier is very scary and I have lived with that for 12 years. I don't want to go back to that.
I've been on the generic for about 3 weeks and notice no change yet. Cross my fingers. I did taper into it by mixing in the last of my brand Nardil for the first couple of weeks. The Gavis phenelzine, with my insurance, saves me $135 per month. My insurance covers brands at 0% even if there is no alternative.
Be Well,
Jedi
Posted by lifelover on March 28, 2011, at 1:43:08
In reply to Re: The gavis nardil » lifelover, posted by jedi on March 28, 2011, at 1:03:39
ok so jedi are u saying that up until now uve been taking half pfizer and half generic? or have u now been fully on the generic for a while maybe a week or a couple of days?
Posted by matthewdavid on March 28, 2011, at 11:01:04
In reply to Re: The gavis nardil, posted by lifelover on March 28, 2011, at 1:43:08
Hi Jedi/Lifelover, although I'm new to Nardil (3 weeks in) I am taking the generic. the first 3 weeks were aweful after discontinuing prior meds and waiting for the Nardil to kick in but like many others say when it does kick in it is like a light switch. As I was waiting for it to kick in I was in pretty bad shape, mentally, physically, emotionally, then just like a switch it kicked in. Now the first couple days I was definatly in the euphoric phase (and not complaining) but now I feel wonderful, don't feel medicated, and very hopeful to get my life back and say goodbye to the nightmare I've faced ever since my teenage years. It still seems too good to be true but I am ever so hopeful especially considering that it is one of the few meds that can provide longtime relief.
MAOI's- Last resort Med??
don't poop out
fewer side effects
more effective (in my case the only thing effective)
inexpensive (as compared to the "new class" of medsBased on my personal experience I would recommend the following to anyone trying to find depression/anxiety relief for the first time.
-try a benzo
-add an SSRI if needed (give it a full 3-4 weeks)
-switch to a second SSRI if needed (give it a full 3-4 weeks)
-Swith to a NSRI (if needed)
-add an approved SSRI if needed (combination therapy)
-add Lithium if needed
-if no results from the following switch to an MAOI!!!
-note: most doctors will have you try up to 20 different meds ("new class"), in various combinations which in my case took years off my life.The above steps could be taken over the course of a year. Seems like a long time to find the correct treatment but I spent 15 years in misery going from one med to another.
Suggestions to receive an MAOI Prescription:
-do your homework
-although food interactions data our outdated treat these meds with respect
-find a new dr, tell them your mom, aunt, grandma, or someone in your immediate family has taken them for years (this was my approach)
Posted by ed_uk2010 on March 28, 2011, at 13:33:39
In reply to The gavis nardil, posted by lifelover on March 27, 2011, at 19:38:59
>Do you guys think that because Gavis is now putting out a generic version of nardil, that pfizer will eventually discontinue theres?
I think it depends on the extent to which sales are affected. If sales drop substantially, they might decide to sell the product to another company, or discontinue it.
Posted by jedi on March 28, 2011, at 14:29:20
In reply to Re: The gavis nardil, posted by lifelover on March 28, 2011, at 1:43:08
> ok so jedi are u saying that up until now uve been taking half pfizer and half generic? or have u now been fully on the generic for a while maybe a week or a couple of days?
I was on a 50/50 split for a couple of weeks. I've been on the Gavis generic at 60mg for only a week. No changes, and I don't really expect any.
Be Well,
Jedi
Posted by jedi on March 28, 2011, at 14:37:08
In reply to Re: The gavis nardil » lifelover, posted by matthewdavid on March 28, 2011, at 11:01:04
That is so great that Nardil is kicking in for you. My hypomania lasted a lot longer than you are describing. When it wears off, don't think the med has quit working. Google some of my earlier posts in the archives. I describe a lot of my experiences with the hypomania and some of the effects you are feeling now. For several months, I would get just a giddy feeling and my scalp would tingle. Remember, this is not the true antidepressant effect. Be careful with it, and no major life changes until you are sure you are through it.
Congratulations,
Jedi
> Hi Jedi/Lifelover, although I'm new to Nardil (3 weeks in) I am taking the generic. the first 3 weeks were aweful after discontinuing prior meds and waiting for the Nardil to kick in but like many others say when it does kick in it is like a light switch. As I was waiting for it to kick in I was in pretty bad shape, mentally, physically, emotionally, then just like a switch it kicked in. Now the first couple days I was definatly in the euphoric phase (and not complaining) but now I feel wonderful, don't feel medicated, and very hopeful to get my life back and say goodbye to the nightmare I've faced ever since my teenage years. It still seems too good to be true but I am ever so hopeful especially considering that it is one of the few meds that can provide longtime relief.
>
> MAOI's- Last resort Med??
> don't poop out
> fewer side effects
> more effective (in my case the only thing effective)
> inexpensive (as compared to the "new class" of meds
>
> Based on my personal experience I would recommend the following to anyone trying to find depression/anxiety relief for the first time.
>
> -try a benzo
> -add an SSRI if needed (give it a full 3-4 weeks)
> -switch to a second SSRI if needed (give it a full 3-4 weeks)
> -Swith to a NSRI (if needed)
> -add an approved SSRI if needed (combination therapy)
> -add Lithium if needed
> -if no results from the following switch to an MAOI!!!
> -note: most doctors will have you try up to 20 different meds ("new class"), in various combinations which in my case took years off my life.
>
> The above steps could be taken over the course of a year. Seems like a long time to find the correct treatment but I spent 15 years in misery going from one med to another.
>
> Suggestions to receive an MAOI Prescription:
> -do your homework
> -although food interactions data our outdated treat these meds with respect
> -find a new dr, tell them your mom, aunt, grandma, or someone in your immediate family has taken them for years (this was my approach)
Posted by matthewdavid on March 28, 2011, at 15:01:30
In reply to Nardil working » matthewdavid, posted by jedi on March 28, 2011, at 14:37:08
thanks Jedi for all your advice, you bring up an interesting point about not making any life changing decisions. I took all sort of meds over the years with little or no success other than with Paxil. Although it only lasted a few years it was remarkable and I know exactly what you mean about being careful with decisions. I had felt so aweful for so long and once feeling better made many decisions with out giving as much thought as I should have; huge decisions; for the most part they were the correct decisions but didn't put the thought into them and made decisions with considering the proper timing or making the proper preparations for the outcome of those decisions.
definately good advice
Posted by lifelover on March 28, 2011, at 16:03:40
In reply to Re: Nardil working, posted by matthewdavid on March 28, 2011, at 15:01:30
Im happy to hear its working good for u matt! Are ur symptoms in complete remission now? Also jedi for getting rid of the social anxiety what dose works good for u? And is it in complete remision?
Posted by matthewdavid on March 28, 2011, at 16:27:09
In reply to Re: Nardil working, posted by lifelover on March 28, 2011, at 16:03:40
Hi Lifelover, as Jedi has stated and many others experienced with this med there is an initial state of euphoria (100% feeling of well being). It was an aweful couple weeks waiting for it to kick in but once it did I feel remarkable. I'm sure I'm probably still in the state of euphoria because I went from feeling like I would gladly welcome death to feeling wonderful almost overnight so I'll keep you posted once I get settled in. But for now I am:
Happy
I can smile
sense of well being
already feel much more social and outgoing
I can look in the mirror
huge level of motivation
have hope and goals and ambition
As many of you know anxiety can have aweful physical symptoms as well as mental and I feel 100% better physically.
and one other hug difference, my mind is now sharp and crisp, I can think, focus, I am smart again!I've heard of people on this med going into complete remission but my goals are to simply be stable enough to take control of my life and work towards my goals, enjoy life, feel better, and get rid of the anxiety that clogs my mind.
Posted by lifelover on March 28, 2011, at 16:55:24
In reply to Re: Nardil working » lifelover, posted by matthewdavid on March 28, 2011, at 16:27:09
also matt davis wat dose are ur currently on?
Posted by MatthewDavid on March 28, 2011, at 17:39:29
In reply to Re: Nardil working, posted by lifelover on March 28, 2011, at 16:55:24
I started with the typical 45 mg for 2 weeks, went to 60 mg for the 3rd week, considered going to 75 mg for the 4th week but it kicked in. As far as the diet I was glad I found I could eat mozzerella cheese, I substitute mozzerella cheese or velveeta cheese for cheddar so it doesn't really change what I normally eat.
Posted by jedi on March 29, 2011, at 1:05:41
In reply to Re: Nardil working, posted by lifelover on March 28, 2011, at 16:03:40
> Im happy to hear its working good for u matt! Are ur symptoms in complete remission now? Also jedi for getting rid of the social anxiety what dose works good for u? And is it in complete remision?
Hi Lifelover,
I would not say that I am 100% cured of my social anxiety. But I would say close to 90%. I also augment my 60mg of Nardil with .5mg of clonazepam. They both work on GABA and work synergistically to reduce social anxiety. I've cut the clonazepam from 2mg down to the .5mg because of memory issues. I hope to eliminate it completely in a very slow taper.My social anxiety was with me since my early teens. I am now in my 50s so that is a long time to live with that kind of affliction. I believe it goes hand in hand with atypical depression and is a more life changing illness than most people give it credit for. When I was in high school, I could not even ask a girl out for fear of being rejected. It affects all aspects of your personal and professional life. And it is not just being shy. Social anxiety or social phobia is a lot deeper than that and affects every aspect of your life.
Just my 2 cents.
Jedi
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