Posted by SLS on July 25, 2002, at 7:22:38
In reply to Re: hypertensive experiences?, posted by ayrity on July 17, 2002, at 23:55:30
Hi Ayrity.
> I have atypical depression and extreme fatigue is the prominent symptom- since Parnate has a stimulant effect we went with that first. My doc prefers Marplan (fewer side effects, though knowing me...) instead of Parnate if the stimulant effect is not required, or as second choice if the Parnate doesn't work out.
I am very interested to know why your doctor would choose Marplan over Nardil. Marplan is most definitely more mild in terms of side effects. However, the "old-timers" characterized Marplan as being a "weaker Nardil". It's non-usage probably led to the drug company to discontinue it years ago. However, there are a significant number of people who respond well to Marplan whom failed to respond to both Nardil and Parnate. I think the drug company was convince to begin selling Marplan again after they received so many requests that it be made available under a "compassionate use" protocol.
Terrence Ketter, MD at Stanford has recommended to a friend of mine that he also prefers Marplan, although I don't know all of his reasons why.
Since Nardil has been so much help to me, I would most definitely want to know why your doctor chose Marplan for you. With Nardil, the most troublesome startup side effect has been severe orthostatic hypotension. I had to literally crawl on all-fours to and from the bathroom and crawl down the stairs backwards. Surely, Nardil is not known to produce episodes of spontaneous hypertension as does Parnate. However, Marplan is probably much less offensive in this regard.
Does your doctor feel that Marplan is as efficacious as Parnate and Nardil?. How does he characterize the advantages of Marplan regarding side effects? Perhaps Marplan has been underestimated in the past such that it can now be justified as a first choice among MAOIs.
I'll say a little prayer on your behalf.
Good luck.
Sincerely,
Scott
poster:SLS
thread:75408
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020725/msgs/113653.html