![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jenny80 on April 20, 2007, at 12:17:40
Just started taking nardil on day 5 now of 15 mg three times a day. In the last two days I am feeling so tired and lethargic all day. starts in the afternoon and I find I fall asleep after work at 8 pm through until the next morning.
I really want to give this medication a good trial but I don't see how I can work my long shifts and manage to function properly when I'm falling asleep. I have been considering going on sick leave. Its impossible to deal with this and carry on working at the same time.
I have tried parnate but found the anorexia, shivers and up and down levels in energy to hard to handle.
I'm finding this too much now. I was told off today at work because I had asked for leave and not told our rota administrator about it until last minute. I practically cried in distress ! Don't know why I am so sensitive to any critisicm. Something I have been trying to deal with in therapy for the last 3 years with no success. I feel that I am beyond therapy. My problems are all biochemical/genetic !
Anyone know if this fatigue wears off after a while or any measures i can take to combat this. I'm in the UK so doubt if my doc wil prescribe me anything along with an MAOI.
Posted by football on April 20, 2007, at 14:38:53
In reply to nardil drowsiness, posted by jenny80 on April 20, 2007, at 12:17:40
One word: Provigil
Posted by jenny80 on April 20, 2007, at 15:59:54
In reply to Re: nardil drowsiness, posted by football on April 20, 2007, at 14:38:53
Can i buy provigil without a prescription? I am in the uk and last time i asked my doctor about this he started at me blankly. We are really behind in terms of pharmacology for depression here in the UK.
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 21, 2007, at 2:53:09
In reply to Re: nardil drowsiness, posted by jenny80 on April 20, 2007, at 15:59:54
Jenny:
In the beginning weeks, Nardil has some nasty side effects, including daytime sedation, insomnia, constipation and blackouts when standing up. However, most if not all lessen or go way in time.
Football is right: Provigil is the best drug to try. If you cant get a drug, try No Doz or energy drinks with a lot of caffeine.
I would say 80-percent of ppl fear trying Nardil bec of diet restrictions, which are a joke. I would guess 80-pecent ppl quit Nardil bec of startup side effects, which is a shame.
If you could find some way to stay on this drug for at least eight weeks it could change your life forever. Michael
Posted by gardenergirl on April 21, 2007, at 8:42:42
In reply to Re: nardil drowsiness » jenny80, posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 21, 2007, at 2:53:09
My old pdoc initially recommended using caffeine to help with the drowsiness/fatigue. She said about 4 cups of coffee over the day should do it. She was wrong, unfortunately. I probably was already having close to that amount.
Provigil has been the key for me. I know it can be hard to get, since it's not approved for this type of use. It's also expensive, so if you don't have a good prescription drug insurance plan, it might be a tough deal. Finally, it's a "use with caution" med when combined with Nardil, so some pdocs won't go there. I took my BP frequently when I first started taking it and found no change, so my new pdoc is satisfied now. But it's worked very well for me, and I don't feel at all juiced or ramped up.
Good luck.
Namaste
gg
Posted by jenny80 on April 21, 2007, at 9:44:25
In reply to Re: nardil drowsiness, posted by gardenergirl on April 21, 2007, at 8:42:42
thanks for your feedback.
i do have many of the sideeffects including sedation, feeling spaced out, constipation and abdominal pain. I am hoping it will wear off after a few weeks. I am working long days next week and hoping i dont sound incoherent or fall asleep.
Has everyone found that the sideeffects wear off then?
I will talk to my doctor about provigil but dont think i will have much luck. I will probably just have to ride out the next few weeks until the sedation wears off.
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 21, 2007, at 12:17:28
In reply to Re: nardil drowsiness, posted by gardenergirl on April 21, 2007, at 8:42:42
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 21, 2007, at 12:20:51
In reply to Re: nardil drowsiness, posted by jenny80 on April 21, 2007, at 9:44:25
Yes, youve got to just ride it out.
I feel for you. I have the same EXACT side effects, except I also have insomnia.
But I know if WE can just hang in there, somehow and some way, with God's help, this is a drug that may CHANGE your life FOREVER.
Take it one day at a time.
Prayers, Michael
Posted by jenny80 on April 21, 2007, at 17:54:55
In reply to Stock up on No Doz and Energy Drinks (caffeine) » jenny80, posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 21, 2007, at 12:20:51
Michael, how long have you been on nardil for now? I was wondering whether to lower the dose to 15 mg twice a day instead of three times a day and see if this helps.
Thanks again for all your support and help. I feel slightly better knowing i can find others who are going through the same thing.
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 21, 2007, at 23:04:16
In reply to Re: Stock up on No Doz and Energy Drinks (caffeine), posted by jenny80 on April 21, 2007, at 17:54:55
Ive been at 45mg for three weeks. I would suggest that you stay at 45mg for at least 6-8 weeks and if you do go down, consent with your pdoc.
Usually 45 is the miniumum effective dose, and 60 is what the majority seem to take. However, everyone is different, and 30 or 15 may be the magic trick for some.
Posted by Jedi on April 23, 2007, at 2:19:49
In reply to nardil drowsiness, posted by jenny80 on April 20, 2007, at 12:17:40
Hi,
I'm the same way right now with about six weeks of Parnate behind me. About two weeks at 80mg, which is a moderately high dose. When I was on Nardil I had the same side effect, it is quite common with the MAOIs. If you can't get a stimulant, then you just have to tough it out until the effect goes away. Sometimes I'm taking two hour naps in the late afternoon. I'm fortunate in that I'm self employed and can work my hours around my most tired times. I will not quit! This medication is going to work for me.
Good Luck,
Jedi
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 23, 2007, at 11:09:14
In reply to MAOI drowsiness » jenny80, posted by Jedi on April 23, 2007, at 2:19:49
Jedi, I love your attitude, and keep openly expressing it, as it will encourage others on this board.
My Nardil side effects have been nasty, but I dont even think twice about them because I knew this was part of the deal before I even started the drug. If you know that, then you accept it as part of the process.
The No. 1 reason drugs do NOT work for ppl is NOT because they DONT work, it is because ppl QUIT them before they have a chance to work.
Im hanging in there with you Jedi. Prayers.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.