Posted by Nohope on September 15, 2004, at 4:23:10
Hi everyone.
I've been on Parnate for 6 weeks now - I'd like to say how it is going but my condition is changing all the time. Here is a summary of my experience so far:
WEEK 1
Started on 30mg/day; 20mg upon awakening, 10mg at lunch time. By day 3, I am experiencing enormous relief from my anxiety. Insomnia starts to set in a little too, but I lie blissfully in bed like a sunbather, thanks to this new found calm. No change in depression, fatigue or any other aspect, but more wakefulness.WEEK 2
Getting temporary bursts of energy that helps me a lot at work. Still feeling calm, although maybe not as much as in week 1. Insomnia definitely prominent, but at least it is dream- free (I hate dreaming), unlike SSRI type insomnia where it is like a TV left on in my head. Notice some improvement in depression towards the end of the week. Erectile and anorgasmia problems become quite bad, but libido good. Appetite much less (excellent) but very strong craving for sugars (strange).WEEK 3
Outstanding mood - sometimes even a little calm euphoria. I haven't felt like this for a long time. Feeling very sharp and energetic at work. Insomnia still a problem. Sexual problems abating. I feel like a turning point has been reached in my life.WEEK 4
Unexpected return of significant anxiety and depression. Sleep improved. Still wakeful and energetic, but starting to feel periods of fatigue. Strong urges to sleep hit me between 4-6 pm, but then go again. Libido starts to wane. No other sexual problems. Appetite remains low (by that I mean excellent).WEEK 5
I increase dose to 40 mg/day. A few days later there is a definite improvement in anxiety; insomnia worsens but is still not bad. Towards the end of the week, mood improves again, but no really strong antidepressant effect or euphoria. Libido temporarily increases then wanes again. No other sexual problems. Start to crave sugars again, but still gradually losing weight.WEEK 6
All anxiety and depression benefit gained from upping dose is lost. Feeling quite anxious and mildly depressed. Quite irritable. Libido almost non-existant. Insomnia not too bad. Feeling wakeful but fatigued all day. Still strong urges to sleep between 4 - 6pm.In summary, I've never had a roller coaster ride like this. I've never been on a medication where I gained such tolerance to both the good and bad effects. It was extremely cruel to get to such an excellent state in week 3, then to feel it slip away.
My pdoc has given me the freedom to go as high as 60mg/day if I feel the need. My current plan is to go to this dose then stay there for about 4 weeks to see what happens. However, if people have any other suggestions or comments, *please* let me know. I'm disappointed and perplexed, but I'm not ready to give up on Parnate yet.Nohope
poster:Nohope
thread:390970
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040915/msgs/390970.html