Posted by SDW on December 5, 2004, at 23:47:33
In reply to Re: MAOI diet questions again (sorry) » KaraS, posted by gardenergirl on December 5, 2004, at 22:01:06
Hi, I have been on Parnate several times over a 15-year period and just recently restarted it after a 5-month break.
It’s true that the restrictions have been exaggerated in the past. I am glad that people are being given the opportunity to use these meds, and I would say: Don’t let the diet scare you. I was scared at first, but over the years I have realized how easy it is if you just follow some sensible rules.
I have never had any kind of reaction. Here are just a couple of things I’ve learned “on the front line” that might be useful…Keep in mind; this has been my experience…use your judgment and trust your doc or pharmacist.
RED WINE:
Some white wines actually have more Tyramine than some red wines, so color isn’t the real factor. Chianti is risky, as are very dark, heavy red wines, but common drinking wines like Burgundy are fine. White wines, like Chablis and Chardonnay, are almost always OK if you consume them in moderation. Age is a factor, so just think twice before drinking a 1947 vintage of anything….With food, the words “Fermented” and “Cured” are red flags…any protein food that gets its characteristic flavor from aging is something to notice.
CHEESE
Some people tolerate small amounts of mild cheddar OK. With cheese, a doctor once told me, “more smelly and moldy, more risky”.PIZZA
is fine. Pepperoni and sausage could be a problem for some.CHOCOLATE
is fine…The original concern was the tiny amount of caffeine in chocolate, and the Phenylalanine (Amino Acid). You would probably have to eat about 1 kg of chocolate to cause a reaction. (Trust me: I have eaten embarrassingly large amounts)BANANAS are fine, if they are not over-ripe. And, just in case you are so inclined, never eat the PEEL. There was a case of a woman who ate stewed banana peel…why she felt she needed to do this anyway, I don’t know.
AVOCADO
Fine, if not overripe.Hope some of this is helpful…I’ll let you know if I think of anything else.
Best,
Stephen
poster:SDW
thread:422508
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041201/msgs/425050.html