Posted by dcruik518 on August 10, 2008, at 11:25:25
In reply to Nardil vs. Parnate, posted by noellejc on August 5, 2008, at 14:49:08
> Hi. I'm new to PsychoBabble and was looking to find some info about Nardil and Parnate. I've had treatment-resistant depression for 20 yrs and my psychiatrist and I are now considering MAOI's. Honestly, reading about all the side effects scares me. I also struggle with compulsive overeating. We've talked about Nardil, but because I already struggle with food, I'm worried about the weight gain. Does anyone know what percentage of people on Nardil actually gain weight? My psychiatrist suggested trying Parnate instead if I was worried. Can anyone tell me what Parnate is like vs. Nardil? I know this might sound superficial. I'm just trying to make the best descision for me based on my symptoms. I suffer from atypical depression, compulsive overeating, body dysphoric disorder, mild OCD, and I am in recovery from addiction. Thanks for any input. Noelle
Hi Noelle,
Nardil tends to be most effective for social anxiety and dysthymia. It also causes MUCH MORE weight gain that Parnate. Parnate is a more energizing drug, but since, unlike Nardil, it doesn't raise brain GABA levels, it's not as good for anxiety. With your symptoms and being overweight--which is very serious health concern in itself--I would go with Parnate first, and give it a good trial. MAOIs typically seem to take longer to start working than other anti-depressants, six - eight weeks. For more thorough information comparing the two drugs, see this excellent article: http://www.psychotropical.com/maois_full.shtmlGood luck,
Dwight
poster:dcruik518
thread:844350
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080805/msgs/845327.html