Hi ! I have been yaking a maoi, parnate, for years now. It is the absolute best for depression but because of its worrisome side effects, it is a last resort medicine. It is wonderful (although I do take many others.) Without it I become catatonic. (I also suffer from a rare form of bipolar.) Always carry the food don'ts list with you and get ready to bevery outspoken. You will be at part's and have to always turn down wine. No chocolate either. And forget CHinease food. You are going to have to speak up and answer questions over and over. I don't mind; I feel like I am educating people about
mental illness and not "fake" it is. Who would turn down a free trip to Napa Valley season
opening wine and cheese tasting party if they were just trying to get attention? I live in California so that has actually happened to me. You will need to ask what is in the "house dressing" - a lot contain Blue CHeese. Most good cheeses are off the list I love to know I can eat mozzerella and mild chedder - so my doctor said that is about
1 slice of pizza for a chain place. Still it is a risk. ANd then there are medication contraditions. Some can take benedrl, some can't, No cold meds. No regular aethesia, there are alteranatives but you must tell them you need one. Tell your dentist everytime you sit down for any service, even a cleaning. Finally you need an ID bracelet in case you are in an accident so those trying to save you don't giver you meds that would revive a normal person, but kill you..
On the good side not everyone reacts the same to MAOI's. I take some meds that are contraindicated with Parnate. I had to start slowly disoling the caps in water and taking a teason at a time, but now I take a high dose of that one med.There are two otheres that I also take that are contraindicated I take. SO you are not toatally removed from using contraindcated meds. I just have to take my blood presssure at home many times a day. I also come from a family who are MAOI responders and metabolize drugs in an odd way.
There is a patch you may want to ask about. It has all the drug restrictions, but less food restrictions. Most can eat normally except for wine. It has gotten good reviews.
It is hard at first, but now it is normal for me and my extended family as well. And chances are this will work. It is strong and good. Others don't even come close in the medical arsenal.
quietpain