Posted by harryp on May 27, 2004, at 0:18:50
In reply to Re: Nardil food reaction » Sad Panda, posted by Teknohead on May 23, 2004, at 9:21:54
I'm taking steps to have a bp cuff, phentolamine and IV injection equipment with me when I travel.
Obviously, this isn't a solution for everyone!
I strongly urge everyone on MAOI's to carry a chart signed by their doctor explaining their condition, contraindicated drugs, and appropriate treatment, which is, preferentially:
5 mg phentolamine (an alpha blocker) IV--injected slowly. Phentolamine has a half-life of 15 min IV, repeated injections may be necessary over time.
2nd choice--IV labetalol (an alpha-beta blocker), titrated slowly with monitoring.
an alpha-beta or beta blocker may be used for reflex tachycardia AFTER administering an alpha blocker.
A beta-blocker MUST NOT be administered as a first treatment for a catecholamine-induced hypertensive crisis because of the risk of further vasodialation and bp elevation.
If you go to the ER you must be aggressive about explaining your symptoms, and the fact that you belive they are caused by a MAOI-tyramine interaction. I recommend carrying a bp cuff, so you can tell the triage nurse what your bp is--that will scare them!
I got instant service with the following line:
"Hello! I need to see a doctor IMMEDIATELY. I am taking a MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITOR and am having a HYPTERTENSIVE CRISIS from a tyramine reaction from some food I ate. MY SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE IS OVER 210!"
That was a great, uncrowded ER in Houston. I was very lucky.
poster:harryp
thread:348520
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040521/msgs/350987.html