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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by eric24 on September 29, 2003, at 20:59:49
Hi everybody. I started Parnate 2 weeks ago, and plan on being on it for a while if it works out (SSRIs didnt work).
I play sports in college, and our physicals are due tomorrow. This form I have to fill out, one of the questions is "What medications are you taking if any?" A copy of this paper will be in the trainers office, and in my coach's office. So not only will my coach know, but so will the assistant coaches (who are students here).
I really don't want ANYONE to know that I'm on anti-depressants. Only my sister knows so far that I'm taking medication.
Part of me says I should have SOMEONE on the team (like the coach) know that I'm on this just in case I end up in an ambulance unconscious and they don't know I'm on an MAOI.
The other part of me says, I probably won't get injured (its not a contact sport) and I could just wear one of those bracelets when I'm at practice or in competition.
Also, my coach is one of those tuff coaches who doesn't believe in weakness and all that. He probably thinks anyone on an antidepressant is a pussy. So, I really would not like to tell him.
What do you think I should do?
Eric
Posted by stjames on September 29, 2003, at 21:29:02
In reply to To tell coach I'm on Parnate?, posted by eric24 on September 29, 2003, at 20:59:49
You need to disclose this but I doubt anyone will
know what Parnate is.
Posted by kara lynne on September 30, 2003, at 0:53:26
In reply to To tell coach I'm on Parnate?, posted by eric24 on September 29, 2003, at 20:59:49
If you're that worried about it I don't think you necessarily have to tell them--as long as you definitely wear the bracelet, and you're a person who pays attention to the diet restrictions and taking care of yourself. They're probably more concerned with heart medications and steroids and things like that. Ideally there wouldn't be such stigma around these things, and maybe your coach would be more understanding than you think. Just consider yourself like a diabetic who needs to take insulin. Like st. james said, I doubt anyone will know what it's for anyway. And if they ask you could just say it's for something else (I don't know, headaches or something), and then you've done your part by telling them. The rest of it is really none of their business except as it relates to saving your life in an emergency situation.
Also if you don't tell them, you could say later that you were going through a trial period and you thought you weren't going to continue taking it. But wear the bracelet!
Good luck. Tell us what you decide to do.
Posted by cybercafe on September 30, 2003, at 1:09:49
In reply to To tell coach I'm on Parnate?, posted by eric24 on September 29, 2003, at 20:59:49
tell them you're taking it for narcolepsy or hypertension or some other bogus reason (yes it is used for narcolepsy)
Posted by djmmm on September 30, 2003, at 7:51:36
In reply to To tell coach I'm on Parnate?, posted by eric24 on September 29, 2003, at 20:59:49
> Hi everybody. I started Parnate 2 weeks ago, and plan on being on it for a while if it works out (SSRIs didnt work).
>
> I play sports in college, and our physicals are due tomorrow. This form I have to fill out, one of the questions is "What medications are you taking if any?" A copy of this paper will be in the trainers office, and in my coach's office. So not only will my coach know, but so will the assistant coaches (who are students here).
>
> I really don't want ANYONE to know that I'm on anti-depressants. Only my sister knows so far that I'm taking medication.
>
> Part of me says I should have SOMEONE on the team (like the coach) know that I'm on this just in case I end up in an ambulance unconscious and they don't know I'm on an MAOI.
>
> The other part of me says, I probably won't get injured (its not a contact sport) and I could just wear one of those bracelets when I'm at practice or in competition.
>
> Also, my coach is one of those tuff coaches who doesn't believe in weakness and all that. He probably thinks anyone on an antidepressant is a pussy. So, I really would not like to tell him.
>
> What do you think I should do?
> EricYou should disclose that you take parnate, just in case you get injured. I doubt your coach will even know what Parnate is..some nurses and dr. have trouble remembering that it exists.
I guarantee that you are not the only one that takes some sort of medication on a regular basis. Also, you are under no obligation to tell your coach why you are taking Parnate, or even what Parnate is...I seriously doubt he will even ask.
If he values keeping his job, he can't discriminate, or ostracize you from the team because you take an antidepressant.
Posted by Tepiaca on September 30, 2003, at 9:20:15
In reply to Re: To tell coach I'm on Parnate?, posted by djmmm on September 30, 2003, at 7:51:36
Posted by DSCH on September 30, 2003, at 10:25:40
In reply to To tell coach I'm on Parnate?, posted by eric24 on September 29, 2003, at 20:59:49
Parnate is basically an ampehtamine with a stubbier cyclopropane+NH2 side chain. At high doses it can indeed start acting more like the amphetamines in addition to its MAOI action.
There is strong possibility of it turning up as an ampehtamine postive in a drug test I believe.
Posted by stjames on September 30, 2003, at 11:21:51
In reply to Re: To tell coach I'm on Parnate? » eric24, posted by DSCH on September 30, 2003, at 10:25:40
> Parnate is basically an ampehtamine with a stubbier cyclopropane+NH2 side chain. At high doses it can indeed start acting more like the amphetamines in addition to its MAOI action.
>
> There is strong possibility of it turning up as an ampehtamine postive in a drug test I believe.
However, other tests should be able to tell parnate from ampehtamine
Posted by djmmm on September 30, 2003, at 11:49:33
In reply to Re: To tell coach I'm on Parnate? » eric24, posted by DSCH on September 30, 2003, at 10:25:40
> Parnate is basically an ampehtamine with a stubbier cyclopropane+NH2 side chain. At high doses it can indeed start acting more like the amphetamines in addition to its MAOI action.
>
> There is strong possibility of it turning up as an ampehtamine postive in a drug test I believe.
>
>I wouldn't say "strong possibility" 20 years of research suggests "highly unlikely"
True, Parnate (If you have taken it...I have) can have a stimulating effect, but just because a med is stimulating, doesn't mean it's an amphetamine. It is highly unlikely that there is clevage of that cyclopropyl ring...
Taking high doses of ephedra or the MAO-B inhibitor selegiline will show up as amphetamine
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2055897&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8872238&dopt=Abstract
Posted by DSCH on September 30, 2003, at 12:41:12
In reply to Re: To tell coach I'm on Parnate?, posted by djmmm on September 30, 2003, at 11:49:33
> > Parnate is basically an ampehtamine with a stubbier cyclopropane+NH2 side chain. At high doses it can indeed start acting more like the amphetamines in addition to its MAOI action.
> >
> > There is strong possibility of it turning up as an ampehtamine postive in a drug test I believe.
> >
> >
>
> I wouldn't say "strong possibility" 20 years of research suggests "highly unlikely"
>
> True, Parnate (If you have taken it...I have) can have a stimulating effect, but just because a med is stimulating, doesn't mean it's an amphetamine. It is highly unlikely that there is clevage of that cyclopropyl ring...
>
> Taking high doses of ephedra or the MAO-B inhibitor selegiline will show up as amphetamine
>
> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2055897&dopt=Abstract
>
> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8872238&dopt=AbstractBut will the analysis eric24's urine will be subjected to be as discriminating as the blood tests done on the two individuals mentioned in the second abstract?
Posted by DSCH on September 30, 2003, at 12:52:48
In reply to Re: To tell coach I'm on Parnate?, posted by djmmm on September 30, 2003, at 11:49:33
> True, Parnate (If you have taken it...I have) can have a stimulating effect, but just because a med is stimulating, doesn't mean it's an amphetamine. It is highly unlikely that there is clevage of that cyclopropyl ring...
I meant amphetamine in the structural as opposed to the psychoactive sense. Clearly small changes can cause big differences (like altering keys) but it is sticking that NH2 group out there in a similar way.
At what dose did you notice the stimulating effects starting. Perrine writes that requires more than the normal therapeutic dose.
Posted by stjames on September 30, 2003, at 13:07:40
In reply to Re: To tell coach I'm on Parnate? » djmmm, posted by DSCH on September 30, 2003, at 12:41:12
> But will the analysis eric24's urine will be subjected to be as discriminating as the blood tests done on the two individuals mentioned in the second abstract?
Here in the states all positives on a initial
test must be checked using gas cromat/mass spec.
That is really the only way for a lab to avoid being sued.
Posted by kara lynne on September 30, 2003, at 14:18:34
In reply to Re: To tell coach I'm on Parnate?, posted by stjames on September 30, 2003, at 13:07:40
It's sounding easier to just say you're taking it--for for a medical condition. Period. It's not worth this much angst.
You never know, he could he be on Prozac.
Posted by cybercafe on September 30, 2003, at 15:52:35
In reply to Re: To tell coach I'm on Parnate?, posted by kara lynne on September 30, 2003, at 14:18:34
> It's sounding easier to just say you're taking it--for for a medical condition. Period. It's not worth this much angst.
>
>
> You never know, he could he be on Prozac.you could just say something like "i have a sleeping disorder" or "i have a learning disorder" and leave it at that... that's all i'd say
Posted by DSCH on September 30, 2003, at 15:58:25
In reply to Re: To tell coach I'm on Parnate?, posted by stjames on September 30, 2003, at 13:07:40
> > But will the analysis eric24's urine will be subjected to be as discriminating as the blood tests done on the two individuals mentioned in the second abstract?
>
> Here in the states all positives on a initial
> test must be checked using gas cromat/mass spec.
> That is really the only way for a lab to avoid being sued.Thanks. I didn't know that.
Posted by djmmm on September 30, 2003, at 16:19:37
In reply to Re: To tell coach I'm on Parnate? » djmmm, posted by DSCH on September 30, 2003, at 12:52:48
> > True, Parnate (If you have taken it...I have) can have a stimulating effect, but just because a med is stimulating, doesn't mean it's an amphetamine. It is highly unlikely that there is clevage of that cyclopropyl ring...
>
> I meant amphetamine in the structural as opposed to the psychoactive sense. Clearly small changes can cause big differences (like altering keys) but it is sticking that NH2 group out there in a similar way.
>
> At what dose did you notice the stimulating effects starting. Perrine writes that requires more than the normal therapeutic dose.
>It was mildly stimulating at 20mg...I took 40mgs..a comparatively "average" dose, and considered THE threaputic dose
Posted by djmmm on September 30, 2003, at 16:28:03
In reply to Re: To tell coach I'm on Parnate? » djmmm, posted by DSCH on September 30, 2003, at 12:41:12
> > > Parnate is basically an ampehtamine with a stubbier cyclopropane+NH2 side chain. At high doses it can indeed start acting more like the amphetamines in addition to its MAOI action.
> > >
> > > There is strong possibility of it turning up as an ampehtamine postive in a drug test I believe.
> > >
> > >
> >
> > I wouldn't say "strong possibility" 20 years of research suggests "highly unlikely"
> >
> > True, Parnate (If you have taken it...I have) can have a stimulating effect, but just because a med is stimulating, doesn't mean it's an amphetamine. It is highly unlikely that there is clevage of that cyclopropyl ring...
> >
> > Taking high doses of ephedra or the MAO-B inhibitor selegiline will show up as amphetamine
> >
> > http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2055897&dopt=Abstract
> >
> > http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8872238&dopt=Abstract
>
> But will the analysis eric24's urine will be subjected to be as discriminating as the blood tests done on the two individuals mentioned in the second abstract?The test used as a basic urinalysis is the Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Test and on the off chance he tested false positive for amphetamine/methamphtamine, he has the right for further testing using GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) which will specifically ID the false positive.
Posted by stjames on September 30, 2003, at 16:31:42
In reply to Re: To tell coach I'm on Parnate?, posted by kara lynne on September 30, 2003, at 14:18:34
> It's sounding easier to just say you're taking it--for for a medical condition. Period. It's not worth this much angst.
>
>
> You never know, he could he be on Prozac.I agree, we have gotten pretty far away from the
posters question. No where is it required to say why one is on these meds, just that they are taken under a doc's orders. No one has the right to ask why. No disclosing these meds has several downsides.
Posted by Viridis on October 1, 2003, at 1:00:50
In reply to To tell coach I'm on Parnate?, posted by eric24 on September 29, 2003, at 20:59:49
Why don't you just give the chemical name -- tranylcypromine sulfate. A medical professional would know what this is; I doubt that a coach would. People take all sorts of meds for all sorts of reasons, and it's really just between the doctor and patient.
Personally, I wouldn't care anyway, but this approach would provide the required info with less chance of disclosing the reason for the prescription. And if the sports people ask, you could just say it's "personal" (or give some vague answer like "it's for a neurological condition", which would be true). Really, I doubt anyone would investigate very closely.
Posted by cubbybear on October 1, 2003, at 3:42:11
In reply to To tell coach I'm on Parnate?, posted by eric24 on September 29, 2003, at 20:59:49
>> Also, my coach is one of those tuff coaches who doesn't believe in weakness and all that. He probably thinks anyone on an antidepressant is a pussy. So, I really would not like to tell him.
>
> What do you think I should do?
> EricHi Eric,
One day away from the computer kept me away from a pretty lively discussion. I fully understand your dilemma; on the one hand, it's always essential to keep identifying info about MAOIs on you--either on a medical alert tag or wallet card. I agree also that there should be absolutely no stigma attached to taking anti-depressants, but unfortunately, some people are still in the Stone Age and get their jollies up making judgements about other people, based on the medications they take. The worst kind, in my opinion, are the macho types who go around guzzling beer and calling anyone other than a 250 pound linebacker a pussie or wimp.
I guess what I would do in your situation is that I would be upfront and state that the medication is for a neurological imbalance, in the unlikely event you are asked. The macho bully types would probably reply with a "Duh??" or some other sound connoting total ignorance and not pursue the matter further. In the unlikely event you have a macho bully coach who possesses the curiosity to probe into the pharmacological attributes of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, you should exercise your Fifth Amendment Rights, or whatever, and state that you're not required to state WHY you take any particular medication. If this guy wants to make a big issue out of something that's so important to your life and well being, then you'd best think what's the number one priority:your freedom from incapacitating depression or playing sports under a coach like him.
Posted by eric24 on October 2, 2003, at 10:16:57
In reply to Re: To tell coach I'm on Parnate? » eric24, posted by cubbybear on October 1, 2003, at 3:42:11
Thanks Eric and everyone else for the replies. I handed it in a few days ago, and put that I wasn't on any medication. I am still considering telling my coach, because in practice I have been getting light headed during some of the exercises. This is normal for me (I'm 6'7" and have been known to fall over if I stand up too fast) but I swear I feel more lightheaded now. I'm going back to the pdoc next week, and will probably up the dosage to 20mg. I'll keep everyone updated, and thanks for the interesting discussion.
Rob
> >> Also, my coach is one of those tuff coaches who doesn't believe in weakness and all that. He probably thinks anyone on an antidepressant is a pussy. So, I really would not like to tell him.
> >
> > What do you think I should do?
> > Eric
>
> Hi Eric,
> One day away from the computer kept me away from a pretty lively discussion. I fully understand your dilemma; on the one hand, it's always essential to keep identifying info about MAOIs on you--either on a medical alert tag or wallet card. I agree also that there should be absolutely no stigma attached to taking anti-depressants, but unfortunately, some people are still in the Stone Age and get their jollies up making judgements about other people, based on the medications they take. The worst kind, in my opinion, are the macho types who go around guzzling beer and calling anyone other than a 250 pound linebacker a pussie or wimp.
> I guess what I would do in your situation is that I would be upfront and state that the medication is for a neurological imbalance, in the unlikely event you are asked. The macho bully types would probably reply with a "Duh??" or some other sound connoting total ignorance and not pursue the matter further. In the unlikely event you have a macho bully coach who possesses the curiosity to probe into the pharmacological attributes of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, you should exercise your Fifth Amendment Rights, or whatever, and state that you're not required to state WHY you take any particular medication. If this guy wants to make a big issue out of something that's so important to your life and well being, then you'd best think what's the number one priority:your freedom from incapacitating depression or playing sports under a coach like him.
>
Posted by linkadge on October 2, 2003, at 15:36:59
In reply to Re: To tell coach I'm on Parnate? » eric24, posted by eric24 on October 2, 2003, at 10:16:57
I did not know they exist, is this something a pharmacy would cary ??
Linkadge
Posted by bookgurl99 on October 2, 2003, at 22:58:40
In reply to Where to get an MAOI bracelet?, posted by linkadge on October 2, 2003, at 15:36:59
> I did not know they exist, is this something a pharmacy would cary ??
>
>
> LinkadgeYou can order them online. Just Google "medical id" or "medalert id." There are a lot of companies. I just bought one personalized with my name, meds,and doses as one of my meds could have interactions.
Posted by cubbybear on October 3, 2003, at 3:06:48
In reply to Re: To tell coach I'm on Parnate? » eric24, posted by eric24 on October 2, 2003, at 10:16:57
I feel more lightheaded now. I'm going back to the pdoc next week, and will probably up the dosage to 20mg. I'll keep everyone updated, and thanks for the interesting discussion.
>
> Rob
>
By all means keep us posted Rob. If you've been getting lightheaded on only 10 mg., you will probably experience it more keenly when you increase the dose. As you probably know, the lightheadedness is an indication of LOW blood pressure. Mine has gone as low a 57/90 during the first couple of weeks on Parnate. I've always been told that it's nothing to be concerned about, and this particular side effect always disappeared after a couple of weeks. One thing you could consider doing is increasing your salt intake. If you don't mind salty foods, just let loose with the salt shaker! Never mind what the "experts" say about salt in your diet. For people who have low blood pressure, some extra salt can't possibly hurt. Good luck with the Parnate, sports practice, and your coach.
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