Moclobemide (Aurorix and Manerix) Positive responses only, please.

Anyone ever have a helpful response to Moclobemide ('newer' MAOI)?
I live with chronic depression and an apparent anxiety disorder, most recently diagnosed as actually a Trauma Disorder... Whatever -- keeps me from going out, facing people. Have tried every antidepressant out there, as well as stuff like Ritalin/Lyrica (BAD reaction) -- just FYI.
Haven't read much online to encourage me to try it (and put my body through any more -- I have Chemical Sensitivities, too). about to give up the med route (again), but my doc is really pushing this one.

I'm really in a negative 'space', so please -- only positive responses to this antidepressant would be most appreciated!

For all the rest of you: Keep on keepin' on! (As best you can!)

Hi Karen,

Yes, I've read relatively positive stuff on all the medical, drug, and info sites (like Wiki..), but not so much as far as it being of any great help on other patient forums that come up through Google searches. (Most said they had little to no response, as compared to regular MAOIs, but which have a lot of side effects.)

Thanks for caring, though.

Hey again, Karen,

CSS is Chemical Sensitivities Syndrome.
And as you also have fibromyalgia, I'm sure you're aware there are a whole slew of syndromes and disorders all connected that fall under the umbrella group: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.). I obtained a wealth of knowledge through a wonderful M.D., Dr. Alison Bested, who runs an Integrative Medicine practice and co-wrote the book: "Hope & Help for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia". Best, most balanced source of information on these illnesses I've ever come across and which includes theoretical causes, current scientific study, symptoms (of each disorder), and treatments (listed under both 'western' Medicine and Alternative). My, but I do go on!

Stay well,
Cailin

Wow, I'd never even heard of this Guaifinisen Diet, so I Googled it and did find a Dr. Dantini in Ormond, Florida, who I think wrote the book. It does sound promising, and I do lean in favour of some kind of viral cause. But, like you, if a diet is sooooo restrictive, unless you have a personal chef, it's pretty difficult! I find with a lot of these diets, too, that they include foods that I have intolerances to (IBS!!) and/or are inflammatory. It all just becomes too overwhelming and exhausting when you're just doing your best to get out of bed and function on some level every day! The other red flag for me is a doctor's site that personally sell send-away tests, their own additional supplements, etc., etc. ...I guess that's what impressed me with Dr. Bested practice -- it's totally professional; you're simply provided with the information and decide yourself what direction you take, whether it's strictly 'western' medical (which is part of Universal Healthcare in Canada) or more alternative. In that case NDs work in her practice (but are paid separately on a sliding scale) and they will supply any tests and sell supplements (not their own) that they have researched stringently and also offer at a cheaper price for low-income patients. Her book is to reach people who are more housebound. She's really in the business of helping people in pain -- no profit here. (It's the most modest strip mall office, and I've often seen her mopping the floors herself near closing time!) I'm telling you, they broke the mould with this lady. It should be a medical model!
All that said, I believe everyone's an individual and, since they STILL don't know what the true cause is yet, why not try everything that's out there? Hopefully, something will eventually stick. ..A girlfriend of mine went the totally natural route, cutting out all the "bad" whites (sugar, flour, dairy), she exercises, uses infrared saunas, etc., and swears she hasn't had a flare-up in years! ...But I'm no martyr, so the more balanced approach is more my style.
One day I might even try organizing a walking group for people with chronic pain issues -- it can get lonely out there!
Anyway, Karen, I do hope Dr. Bested's book is of some help, though you could probably write your own, I'm sure!

Slainte!'
Cailin

Hello again, Karen,

Like so many who learn to live with chronic illnesses, you obviously have incredible spirit and will. It's amazing to me how many of us are out there. I just hope a major breakthrough is made, sometime soon, as to what the root cause actually is. Right now, all we can do is treat the symptoms, as you seem to have finally been able to after many years of trial and error. -- On that note, I'd just like to ask one more question... You mention taking Adderall for fatigue. I've just finished an unsuccessful trial of Ritalin for fatigue. Did you ever try it before the Adderall? (I know Adderall works on two brain receptors, as opposed to just the one with Ritalin.) I'm trying to decide whether to go that route, at this point, or try another.

(Think I'll start a new, less restrictive, thread for the Moclobemide, too. This one kind of got lost in a personal discussion!)

Thanks,

Cailin

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, Karen... I tried both regular release Ritalin and Concerta. My doc pushed both up to their highest dosages (Ritaling/60mg and Concerta 72mg), before we gave up. Out of a month, I had two good response days, but even they didn't last more than about an hour. it's been so disappointing, because I hadn't felt that "normal", alert, focused, and motivated in years. But the worst part was the crash I would experience a couple of hours after a dose -- lots of physical discomfort and intense 'rebound' depression. That's why I was wondering about the Adderall -- that maybe it would work a little longer and more smoothly? My dr is open to trying it. I'm just a little cautious because of the rebound depression I experienced with the Ritalin -- I don't want to go through that again. But if that doesn't appear to be a side effect of the Adderall, I'd definitely be open to giving it a try.

Hope you're doing well and thanks for all the feedback!

Cailin

Hey Karen,

Your feedback has been really helpful. I am absolutely going to tell my dr I'd like to give the Adderall a try, next week.

I know exactly what you're talking about re 'sleeping your life away' for two years! I'm in that place, right now, so maybe, just maybe, it can give me some of my life back ... So much in life yet to do!
I'm happy to hear it has helped you so much...

BTW: Think I figured out why no one here has tried Moclobemide -- It appears it hasn't been approved for use in the U.S.

Anyway, have a nice Memorial Day weekend down there!
Bye for now,

Cailin

Hey there Karen!

Sorry, I missed your last reply to this thread till now!

I agree totally with you in regards to drug companies. Trust me, they and insurance companies are causing a lot of problems here, too. A psychiatrist even told me that with the introduction of SSRIs in the '90s, the whole Canadian model of Mental Health treatment began to change -- government insurance stopped covering Psychologists, forcing the first line of treatment over to medication. Our once wonderful Universal Healthcare is no longer as ideal as Michael Moore would have you believe -- not any more, anyway! E.g., you wouldn't believe what I had to go through to get Botox approved by my private insurance for treatment of a Tardive Dystonia I developed (my eyes clamped shut) as a side effect of one of my meds. (A lot of GPs apparently now do cosmetic side businesses, now!) Anyway, drug & insurance companies need to be reigned in fast, in my opinion!

I started the Adderall XR, yesterday, and we used a conversion chart (from Concerta to Adderall XR) to decide on the starting dose, which was 40mgs! But she suggested 30mg to begin. Unfortunately, so far I've had zero response, and in fact actually feel very weepy a couple of hours after I take it! And the agitation last night!! Waiting to hear from her today to see what she suggests. ...I dunno, could be that we started too high ... or too low! ... or that because it works differently than Concerta, my brain doesn't like something it does... Pretty fed up, though. Anyway, really nice chatting with you from time to time -- I've become pretty isolated over the years.

Hope you're having a good day, today! ...It's a comfortable 21〫Celsius (approx. 70〫F) here in T.O...

TC,
Cailin

Yes, Karen, you did tell me you ordered the book! And only $4! (I hope it's not used and marked up.) I hope you find it as well laid out and informative as I did. (I gave it to a couple of people as gifts, and they found it really helpful. ...And, yes, a number of old friends and my sisters all have fibro! -- Has to make you wonder if there isn't an environmental component...) I might buy the new edition, myself, to see if she's added any important updated information.

Just spoke with my dr, and she convinced me to give the Adderall XR a few more days with increases to give it a fair shot. Everyone metabolizes so differently, so dosing can apparently vary quite a bit. ...And BTW, no, I'm definitely not ADHD!

It's great that you've been able to get out and about with some friends. Just the distraction of the activity and feeling a sense of belonging can make a big difference in how you feel, both physically & mentally. ...And your dog, Jasmine -- pets are amazing motivators & company! I love the bratty thing! -- shows she has mischievous spirit and is quite smart! I don't live far from what we here call The Beach (a town-like area on Lake Ontario) in Toronto -- There are a huge number of dog lovers who hang out down there in the off-leash section. Sometimes I would go down there just to watch the dogs play with each other -- there's such a simple joy in them that never fails to give me a lift! The Labs are priceless: see stick, see stick thrown into water, dive in water to get stick, bring stick back... rinse & repeat, repeat, repeat...! ****!

At heart, though, I'm a kitty-person. Had a couple of sisters for 17 yrs, and you talk about bratty?? But they were great company; miss them a lot. Hope to get another down the road sometime. In the meantime, the neighbourhood cats, Butter, Jango, Raggs & Muffin (Ragamuffin, get it?) come for visits.

Well, have to remember to go eat some dinner, so I'm off for now.
I'll keep you posted on my Adderall XR 'progress', and let me know when you get the book.

TC,
Cailin

P.P.S 'Anagram' isn't the word I was looking for!! But too tired, now, and I know you know what I meant!