anyone on MAOI?

[Hensley258]

Well, it's finnaly come to this after so many failed antidepressants. Upon my visit today my Psychiatrist mentioned the idea of the dreaded MAOI.

I know this must not be good because even he is reluctant to take that step. Can I get any input from anyone that has direct experience with MAOI's such as Parnate or Nardil?

(Please don't mention the MAOI patch because I have already talked to too many people that said the patch doesn't work.)

[whodunnit]

Hi there,

The reality of depression meds is that any one of them could react extremely badly with an individual. I was terrified of using lithium until I started using it when I found all I needed to do was have regular blood tests.

The drugs you refer to are a choice you and your doc must make.

This link : http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/articles/conventional/pharmaceutical/maoi.php

gives details and this comment in particular would tend to sway me if I was choosing :

"However, in some cases where individuals prove unresponsive to other treatments, MAOIs have been tried with marked success."

Of course we are all different etc and some work with some of us and .... All that stuff.

The key is hope isn't it? If there's hope with those meds then do it. Stick to the rules of dietary restriction and so on until it either works or you can't do it any more.

Forget how it affects others. It is only you that matter. Google for info on how others have reacted to such meds and you'll find good and bad as you will with all meds.

On the other hand, if it scares you then don't touch them. Truly, just dismiss them and forget worrying about them. It is your choice. Hope is hope Hensley.

[Hensley258]

It's hard to find many people that are taking Parnate. I have read many reports posted online from people like you and I that have had great success with MAOI.

Most of them said the diet restrictions are not that bad.

[Mike5709]

I too have been through a long list of medications that have been ineffectual. Although my doctor has brought MAOI meds yet, I’ve been thinking that is a possibility. I too have read about the dietary restrictions and side-effects with a great deal of concern.

Having said this, I will do whatever he recommends. I direct my own care to the extent that I am very clear about how I am reacting to different meds. I do not ask for or refuse particular medications. I have to trust he knows what he is doing. At the same time I would be sure he knows of any concerns or questions I might have about what he asks me to do.

From your note, it appears your doctor is fully aware of the implications of using those types of medications. As such, if he prescribes them he feels the potential benefit outweighs the risk.  

I would not refuse a medication based on what I have read or heard from other people. I believe we are all unique and to generalize from someone else’s opinion is risky.

I am committed to leaving no stone unturned to find some relief from the pain I feel. I have hurt for so long the possibility of adding some on doesn’t scare me as long as it gives me a chance for success.

Good luck and I hope we both find what we are searching for.