Posted by Scott L. Schofield on January 16, 2000, at 20:33:40
In reply to Re: In reply to Elizabeth-Parnate "properties" :), posted by Michael on January 15, 2000, at 22:22:37
> > I'm ambivalent about switching -- like anybody, I don't relish the idea of ballooning like I did on Nardil, but at the same time, switching MAOIs is truly painful due to withdrawal symptoms and that pesky waiting period (I thought those were for handguns!). I can't decide whether it's worth the risk, especially since the spring semester begins in a couple weeks. (I *don't* want to have to go to the hospital right now!)There is a much more important issue to be considered here. An antidepressant that works for you today may not work the next time you try it. I know this to be very true of Nardil. Someone can take an antidepressant for many years and remain free of depression. However, once the drug is discontinued - because they have been on it "long enough" - they can relapse quickly. When the drug is restarted, oops.
After reading some of your posts, Elizabeth, I suggest that it might be wise to continue on Nardil or Marplan if they work for you, at least until some substantial inroads are made in neuroscience that will offer better, more accurately targeted treatments. Pardon my terseness, but fuck the weight gain.
> My experience with MAOI is abrupt cessation is better than tapering unlike most AD. At least, this is true with Parnate. Otherwise, it's like cutting off your arm an inch at a time. Since you are getting ready to start a new semester, use of a stimulant such as ritalin can help you during the transition if your doctor recognizes that therapy. If not, as you probably know, Parnate is much faster acting than Nardil or Marplan.
It has been my experience with MAOIs, Parnate in particular, that a rapid taper is preferable to an abrupt discontinuation.
- Scott
poster:Scott L. Schofield
thread:17762
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000112/msgs/19064.html