Posted by Jennifer on June 9, 2000, at 3:03:18
In reply to MAOI Reaction Symptoms, posted by Kim on June 4, 2000, at 2:50:27
Kim, I'm new, and I don't know how thorough the post was that you read, however I am familiar with the basic symptoms of an MAOI reaction. If you read about hypertensive crisis, you will learn a bit more. Basically, increased tyrimine levels throw off the blood pressure monitoring part of your brain. Your blood pressure rises over several HOURS. You don't need to worry if you have a headache all of the sudden while you're out to dinner that it may be a reaction. I keep a blood pressure cuff at home. Whenever I have a migraine headache, I find out what it is. Remember that your blood pressure will go up with the pain from the headache. Usually I run 110/60. With a migraine it may be 140/80. The headache is one that starts at the base of your skull and slowly works it's way up. Some people feel nauseated and have vision changes also. If your diastolic (bottom) number of your BP should go above 100, or your top number above 180 or so (assuming you have an average BP now) then it is time to get some help. The worst effect would be a stroke. It occurs on average when your BP is around 300/200. So if you can't decide if it is a reaction, monitor your BP every 15 minutes or so for a couple hours. If you are not seeing a consistent upward trend, it's most likely a different headache. I keep a prescription for Procardia on hand in case of hypertensive crisis. In 8 years I have never used it. My pdoc rx'd Nardil his entire career and never saw a reaction. I hope this helps at least a little bit, although I'm sure it's more vague than what you were looking for. Jennifer
> A while back someone (Elizabeth?) contributed to a thread with a detailed post about the symptoms of MAOI reaction. I thought I'd copied it, but can't find it and can't find the thread. I'd appreciate it if you could repost the information.
> Thanks,
> Kim
poster:Jennifer
thread:35949
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000603/msgs/36669.html