Deep thoughts about Parnate

[tallgreengrass]

Hi everyone!

I've been on on a lot of meds, won't list them all here because there's a LOT and I honestly can't remember.  My doctor suggested that I try a MAOI for my recurrent, persistant depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety.  I did a low-tyramine diet about 6 months ago to see if it made a difference in my sudden, frightening onset of migraines (it worked, and I stayed on the diet for about 4 months, then gradually went back to my regular way of eating).  

 

So, anyway, I decided to say yes, let's try this MAOI thing.  I am familiar with the diet and I know that I can follow it strictly, especially if my health and life depends on it.  I guess I just have thoughts about this that I want to share with other people...

 

Like, MAOIs scare me.  To willingly take a drug that has some major adverse reactions, and to know that you are on control of that reaction (diet), makes me feel a little strange.  Like, almost happy.   Maybe I'm just really ready for a big change?  I know that my life is worthwhile, that these dark days won't last forever, but they have lasted so long already, and I'm hoping that the MAOI helps me get through it.  I've been on meds for about 20 years, mostly antidepressants but a few anti-psychotics here and there.  I get better, the meds stop working as well, we up the dose, it works for a while, we reach the max, change meds, and then the process starts all over again.  Will an MAOI help me in a different way?  I hope so.

 

Anyone else see their beginnning of an MAOI as a life change?  I was looking at med alert bracelets, thinking, well, I probably should get one, since there is a small possibility that something will happen and I'll not be able to speak for myself (even if it's a random, non med-related issue, like a car accident), just to avoid a drug interaction.  I feel hopeful but worried.  I've tapered off the Effexor and am beginning my 2-week washout period today.  I feel zappy in my brain and nauseous but I'm hoping it goes away fast, and I can handle 2-weeks without meds.

 

Thanks for reading.  

[lysergia]

i've felt like that every time i've tried a new class of medication.  the first antipsychotic, the first anticonvulsant, the first tricyclic, the first MAOI, and even the first ECT.  there's this greater feeling of hope like "this will be the one because it is so different".  maybe that will be true for you this time!  i do hope so.  i've been through the same cycle with meds as you, and i know how frustrating it is.