Posted by LLL on July 21, 2002, at 9:25:58
In reply to Re: hypertensive experiences?, posted by cybercafe on July 21, 2002, at 2:46:44
> > It's absolutely nothing like a bad headache. It's far worse and regular meds like aspirin, ibuprofen and Aleve don't do much. It begins as a pounding on the side of the head. The pain is so intense I've actually cried. Then eventually the specific point of pain will start to spread out. It spread toward the front/top of my head
>
> I really appreciate the info Jess -- I would have been in big trouble if I had to find out that over-the-counter meds didn't work on my own ! Ouch !
>
>It's NOTHING like a regular headache. Although I strongly believe in the positive benefits of taking Parnate I am currently scared to death of triggering a hypertensive crisis after experiencing two. As Jess said, height,weight and gender do not matter. 30 mg of Parnate is not a "low" dose. Please educated yourself and what happens during a tyramine reaction and learn from other's mistakes. It was one of the most painful and scariest experiences of my life. The first time I was working as a psychotherapist(now retired)in a hospital psychiatric unit, side by side with my psychiatrist and team of nurses/therapists/friends. The second time as I mentioned before, was complete with paramedics, an ambulance ride, and lousy, humiliating hospital care. Each time I used Procardia sublingualy and although can decrease blood pressure - it did nothing to stop the pain (which is like an explosion, gun shot through your head) or ease my fear. Thorazine is used as an antedote as well. Hypertensive crisis may include stroke, intracerebral bleeding, cardiac failure and death. Your age has nothing to do with it! You may need to educate your doctor as most of us have. My former very knowledgeable, very much trusted, loved and respected, "Harvard educated" psychiatrist, friend, and colleague switched me from Nardil to Parnate too quickly. I was the one who warned her against doing so and told her what the literature recommended. She instead instructed me differently and precipitated my first hypertensive crisis! This was both a humbling and learning experience for her as well!
She is now much more cautious and conservative in her recommendations. However, since she is now over 1,000 miles away I unfortunately cannot use her as my physician.
I am disturbed by some of the prior postings which report a somewhat cavalier attitude toward their diet. I suggest you err on the side of caution and go with what research supports.
I wouldn't be on Parnate again however, if I didn't think the benefits were worth it and I am one of those few who cannot take anything else.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck,
Lisa
poster:LLL
thread:75408
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020718/msgs/113144.html