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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by girlnterrupted78 on August 1, 2007, at 16:36:37
In the last several days I realized that Nardil is definitely not working.
I already tried the higher dose--90mgs, and it gave me unbearable headaches, so that was simply not an option.
I tried 45mgs, and it wasn't enough. I remained on 60mgs.
The other day I went to apply for a new job and I realized just how anxious and uncomfortable I still am.
Then I made a mistake at work, and couldn't even face anyone to admit to it. The guilt overwhelmed me. The mistake wasn't even that important, but in my mind, I imagined everyone mocking me for it and being annoyed, so I went home and decided to let 1 or 2 days pass so that the anxiety and guilt would sink in and decrease a little bit and see if it healed/got easier in 2 days. It didn't, however..
When I finally had to face it, it wasn't even half as bad as I imagined. Nobody mocked me or seemed annoyed. It was all in my head.
Then the other day I was sure I'd get fired and got so incredibly anxious that I began to underperform. Then at the end of the day I realized the thought of 'firing me' probably didn't even cross my boss' mind. He immediately began criticizing the customer I had the problem with and said he noticed they were impossible from the moment they walked in. I had already began to think of how I'd get fired and how this would impact my depression..
So all these little things made me realize that I'm still very depressed, despite being on Nardil for almost 2 months.
I think I'm going to go up to 75mgs for a week, watch for any changes, and if nothing, start tapering off and switch to Parnate.
Any thoughts anybody? Does it really seem like I'm depressed?
Thanks
Posted by Phillipa on August 1, 2007, at 17:01:12
In reply to Nardil definitely not working. Switchin to Parnate, posted by girlnterrupted78 on August 1, 2007, at 16:36:37
Sounds more like anxiety to me. Do you associate that with depression? Nardil is supposed to be calming isn't it? But I sure give you credit for working and a new job at that. What a feat. Phillipa
Posted by missjulie on August 1, 2007, at 22:18:11
In reply to Nardil definitely not working. Switchin to Parnate, posted by girlnterrupted78 on August 1, 2007, at 16:36:37
Yes it definitely seems like you are depressed and anxious... but of course you know your moods best If your one great year on celexa was anything like mine on Prozac, none of this would have bothered you in the slightest. It would have all rolled off your back. I think giving Parnate a try is an excellent idea if you quit on Nardil... try both MAOIs... though I must say, GI78, I'm on my 8th week of Parnate, 50mg, and I'm still depressed... I too was absolutely freaking out (procrastinating, putting off leaving, not being prepared) before going to meet am important new client today (who turned out to be quite nice). Know how you feel, once again, unfortunately. good luck, do advise if and when you switch, anxious to hear your progress.
Posted by girlnterrupted78 on August 1, 2007, at 23:20:47
In reply to Re: Nardil definitely not working. Switchin to Parnate » girlnterrupted78, posted by missjulie on August 1, 2007, at 22:18:11
Thanks for your message, missjulie. It's great to hear from you! Sorry to hear about your experience with Parnate. It's a shame that you've been on it just as long as I've been on Nardil (8 weeks) and still no response?!
Not even slight relief? Or more energy, like Parnate is known for? This is just terrible.
What on earth happened to all the MAOIs? The "amazing drugs of last resort" have just become completely worthless. Full of side effects, expensive as any other AD, but worthless at treating depression. (Probably thanx to the greedy pharmaceutical companies..)
Did you already try Nardil? How long will you give Parnate before you decide to quit? Are you on the highest dose? Have you felt ANY relief at all?
Did you ever try going back to Prozac after it stopped working? I've heard recently (maybe here at babble--can't remember) that Remeron might be an option for people who need something similar to MAOIs but they didn't work. I would be willing to try it. I'd try anything at this point. Have you ever been on it?
Well, thanks again for the support and please keep me posted on your progress too.
Sincerely,
GI78
Posted by Jedi on August 2, 2007, at 1:12:22
In reply to Re: Nardil definitely not working. Switchin to Par » missjulie, posted by girlnterrupted78 on August 1, 2007, at 23:20:47
...
> What on earth happened to all the MAOIs? The "amazing drugs of last resort" have just become completely worthless. Full of side effects, expensive as any other AD, but worthless at treating depression. (Probably thanx to the greedy pharmaceutical companies..)
...Tranylcypromine(Parnate) has been out in a generic formulation for about a year. It is too bad there just isn't that magic pill that works for everybody.
Take care,
Jedi
Posted by girlnterrupted78 on August 2, 2007, at 1:45:43
In reply to Re: Nardil definitely not working. Switchin to Par » girlnterrupted78, posted by Jedi on August 2, 2007, at 1:12:22
Hi Jedi,
When you said Parnate's been out on a generic formulation, do you mean that a generic is *replacing* the brand, or that the generic came out *in addition* to the brand? Are there's two options of Parnate out there (generic + brand) or just the generic?
Of course there isn't a magic pill that works for everyone. I'm not sure what you mean by that.
The only reason we're disappointed on the MAOI failure is because MAOIs are well-known to be excellent drugs of 'last resort'
They were known to be reliable last options for treatment-resistant depression, atypical depression, and social anxiety when the person didn't respond to other variety of treatment options--which is exactly what happened to me.
I tried Nardil (the new reformulated version by Pfizer) and it did nothing other than cause a bunch of side effects and lift my depression lightly for a few weeks. Lightly, as in 25-30% for a few days, and then began to go down.
I had heard that Nardil was the gold standard for my type of (atypical + treatment resistant) depression + social anxiety, but no, it was not, not for me.
So yes, I'm deeply disappointed and will probably try Parnate as another last resort.
But please, tell me if you know whether Parnate (the original) is still out on the shelves, or whether the generic reformulation has replaced it completely and like Nardil, the original Parnate is also gone for good?
Thank you
Posted by Jedi on August 2, 2007, at 11:28:26
In reply to Re: Nardil definitely not working. Switchin to Par » Jedi, posted by girlnterrupted78 on August 2, 2007, at 1:45:43
Hi GI,
Brand name Parnate is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. The generic version of tranylcypromine is made by Par Pharmaceuticals. I assume that the brand name Parnate will continue to be manufactured.There are only going to be a certain percentage of people that respond to the MAOIs. Usually the people that take the medications have already failed to respond to several other meds. This does not mean that if the MAOIs don't work for you, there is no other hope.
Good Luck,
Jedi
> Hi Jedi,
>
> When you said Parnate's been out on a generic formulation, do you mean that a generic is *replacing* the brand, or that the generic came out *in addition* to the brand? Are there's two options of Parnate out there (generic + brand) or just the generic?
>
> Of course there isn't a magic pill that works for everyone. I'm not sure what you mean by that.
>
> The only reason we're disappointed on the MAOI failure is because MAOIs are well-known to be excellent drugs of 'last resort'
>
> They were known to be reliable last options for treatment-resistant depression, atypical depression, and social anxiety when the person didn't respond to other variety of treatment options--which is exactly what happened to me.
>
> I tried Nardil (the new reformulated version by Pfizer) and it did nothing other than cause a bunch of side effects and lift my depression lightly for a few weeks. Lightly, as in 25-30% for a few days, and then began to go down.
>
> I had heard that Nardil was the gold standard for my type of (atypical + treatment resistant) depression + social anxiety, but no, it was not, not for me.
>
> So yes, I'm deeply disappointed and will probably try Parnate as another last resort.
>
> But please, tell me if you know whether Parnate (the original) is still out on the shelves, or whether the generic reformulation has replaced it completely and like Nardil, the original Parnate is also gone for good?
>
> Thank you
Posted by missjulie on August 2, 2007, at 14:15:41
In reply to Re: Nardil definitely not working. Switchin to Par » missjulie, posted by girlnterrupted78 on August 1, 2007, at 23:20:47
Re: what Jedi said - I don't know, at the drugstore I got "real" Parnate and paid more for it (as opposed to the generic) so I know I got the most "authentic" Parnate available, but I do think they reformulated is properties at some point. You have summed it up so well.. the drugs of last resort do nothing for me with the exact symptoms they are supposed to be so good at treating. Gold standard my A*&^%%$. It simply cannot be what others have raved about for years and years.
The bitterest disappointment was in terms of energy - no lift whatsoever, in fact, it is a very calming drug. I feel flatter, less emotional, which is good in a sense, but none of that wanting to go out and do things, feeling hopeful, confident, social, get up happily for work, etc. NONE. Speaking for me only, of course - it makes you tired all day and unable to sleep at night. Great combo huh. Yes, the letdown after such hope is just terrible. I went for Parnate vs. Nardil for its well known energizing "rush" - ha.
I'm about where you are 30% relief, maybe, very bothersome side effects, crushed to think this last resort for me is such a failure (after two years of relentlessly begging dr's to try an MAOI on me)
Currently up to 50m the highest my dr. wants to go is 60, so I wll keep trying a couple more weeks then probably quit.. the pluses are not worth the minuses. I have heard of people going on super high doses, like 100 or 120 a day, but that seems dangerous and I don't want to take 12 pills a day anyway.
Listen, none of this is discourage you from trying it... please do, might as well. I MAY give nardil a try, but read too many posts like yours to be optimistic.
Yes, I tried Prozac and all its cousins (at varying dosages) a dozen times after it pooped out.. got bad side effects (anger, irritability, night sweats) and no relief ever again. (Did you do the same re: Celexa??) Listen, I've tried them all, trust me. I had hope for many years because I was absolutely well for an entire year taking one little 20mg Prozac. To know that I was so easily curable once and in such misery now is the most frustrating thing on earth. I see all the people who take big cocktails of 5 and 6 drugs and are constantly tinkering with them and hope I won't end up that way... because I'm disorganized and forgetful, mainly. This once seemed such a simple chemical problem, easily fixed. The past 15 years have shown me it most certainly is not. I will let you know what I decide to do next, and please keep me posted on your progress or lack thereof :(
Sorry so long, but it is a great relief to have someone whose experiences so closely mirror my own (though I regret it for you, of course). Do you have babblemail, I tried to send this very long (and I'm sure to others very boring) post that way, and it said you are not registered for babblemail??
best regards missjulie
Posted by FredPotter on August 2, 2007, at 15:53:18
In reply to Re: Nardil definitely not working. Switchin to Parnate » girlnterrupted78, posted by missjulie on August 1, 2007, at 22:18:11
I still get anxious on Nardil but it doesn't seem to matter. Like it doesn't turn into worry and is not deeply emotionally charged, because I feel happy.
This is the end of the thread.
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