Posted by Bob on January 8, 2001, at 21:59:09
In reply to Re: response to meds in general » Bob, posted by SLS on January 8, 2001, at 13:14:39
> > Thanks... that was informative and helpful! I was under the impression that MAOIs had a nastier side effect profile than even the tricyclics. Do you find this to be true?
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> > Bob
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>
> For me, no. In fact, for me, I prefer the side effect profiles of Parnate, Nardil, and Marplan to those of both the tricyclics and SSRIs. Marplan didn't help at all, but the other two have been very helpful. I am an MAOI responder. Startup side effects can be discouraging, though:
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> 1. Low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension): dizziness upon standing from a seated or recumbant position.
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> 2. Inability to achieve orgasm.
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> 3. Changes in ejaculation response.
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> 4. Dry mouth
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> 5. Difficulty urinating.
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> 6. Insomnia
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> 7. Constipation
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> For me, these side effects pretty much disappeared over the course of 2-4 months. If the drug works for you, I would look forward to watching these side effects disappear, with the possible exceptions of insomnia and constipation. This occurs with some people, but not with others.
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> I am currently taking Parnate. Right now, it is like I am taking nothing at all (except for the improvement)! Of course, everyone is different, but I have found the MAOIs to be more forgiving than either tricylics or SSRIs regarding side effects.
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> Drive and Orgasms: No problem.
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> The diet thing is generally exaggerated. There are many more foods that are safe to eat than most MAOI lists have you believe. I am not missing anything. Not even pizza (mozzarella cheese only). However, it is no less a serious matter. Eating or drinking a truly contraindicated food can lead to serious consequences, particularly dangerously high blood pressure. In the 18 years that I have been on and off MAOIs, the only instance of a food-reaction occurred when I ate 1 1/2 thin slices of pepperoni on a pizza. I ate it by mistake. I just wasn't concentrating. Still, I do not really feel deprived of food, and the list is not too hard to remember. Be aware that in the same way certain foods can cause a reaction, so too can certain drugs. These are all issues to be discussed with your doctor so that you are fully informed so as to make a decision.
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> Personally, I do not consider MAOIs to be a "last resort".
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> Bye for now.
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>
> - ScottScott:
The things I found to be intolerable about the tricyclics after awhile was the weight gain, jitteriness/yawning, and sweating. Would you say that these aren't significant problems in the long run with the MAOI's?
Did the hypotension eventually subside?
Bob
poster:Bob
thread:51109
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001231/msgs/51224.html