Posted by Cam W. on January 31, 2000, at 18:47:10
In reply to Polypharmacy options with Nardil, posted by Mark Clement on January 31, 2000, at 15:25:59
> I have been taking Nardil at a relatively high dose (90-105 mg/d)for several years. During most of my time on this med I have experienced moderate, though inconsistant, relief of depressive and anxious symptoms. Briefly, the most uncomfortable symptoms are squelched, yet others (anhedonism, apathy, concentration problems, et al) have persisted to varying degrees. At certain times I feel almost normal (although, I must admit, I'm not quite sure what constitutes "normal", since I have been depressed for some fifteen years now). This mood invariably passes within a day or so, and I end up having to wrestle with the return of the other symptoms .There seems to be no explicable reason for this change; even my psychiatrist says he doesn't know why I react to Nardil the way I do.
> Now here's the crux of my posting: I am growing impatient with a partial response, and feel adverse to the idea (my psychiatrist's suggestion)that I try another med. I've been through more than a half dozen already, and nothing, save the Nardil, has given me the slightest relief from symptoms. Beyond this, I HATE the feeling of being off of this med. Since my Doc will not mix other antidepressants with MAOIs, it seems I may have to seek treatment elsewhere. If this comes to pass, I will need a referal. I can't say if my present psychiastrist will abide by such a request. Any suggestions regarding the referal or the med situation??Mark - Your doctor is correct not to mix your MAOI with other antidepressants. Mixed with TCAs, SSRIs or the newer agents can cause nasty side effects like hyperthermia (increased body temperature), rigidity, myoclonic movements (severe convulsions) and death. Sounds to me like your doc does care. The only other thing you might try if you are unwilling to try other antidepressant (possibly with augmenting agents) is electroconvusive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
The TMS is probably not going to work, but I have seen wonders done with an ECT course. Don't have a knee-jerk reaction to ECT. It is not like in "one Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" or "The Snake Pit". Today's ECT is safe and effective in the old-old (>75yrs.) and in pregnancy. Maybe ask your doc about these. Sincerely Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:20219
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000128/msgs/20235.html