Been on every SSRI in 24 yrs. Lexapro worked well for 12 yrs then it pooped out. Then no other seemed to work again. I tried SNRI Pristiq for 6 wks and my heart raced the whole time and increased anxiety. I’m going off for 14 days to get ready to start Nardil. I need something to work. Feel so hopeless.
Please can I have positive stories on Nardil?
Question posted by Jslove224 on 6 Dec 2022
Last updated on 6 December 2022
Added 6 Dec 2022:
Also, I’m very nervous about all the drug interactions. Like if you needed emergency surgery or dental work. Just something my anxious mins can’t stop thinking about.
3 Answers
suziesnoozle
6 Dec 2022
Have been on Nardil since after my 2nd child . 33 years now and is the only drug that has worked for me .
Suffer from atypical depression which affects whole nervous system ( could be pots as well )
I was in hospital for 3 months and so unwell , lost so much weight my periods stopped. Two weeks after starting Nardil I began improving. Yes the dietary restrictions can be a pain but to feel well it’s worth all those . Good luck . For me Nardil has been a wonder drug
Jslove224
6 Dec 2022
I feel like that’s me. Do you have a lot of physical anxiety symptoms. My heart races, nausea, sweating etc.
I’m nervous cause of the drug interaction. Like what would happen if I had to go in for emergency surgery? Have you ever had this happen? I’m vegan so the dietary restrictions don’t bother me. I’m so glad you found something that works for you. I hope it works for me as well.
Maynards
6 Dec 2022
Nardil revolutionized my depression over 20 years.
After many years of poor response to tricyclics, SSRI, Rimoa my psych finally offered me Nardil (phenelzine)
within a week I felt a great improvement.
I’m still using it happily now.
Difficulties with access and supply are world wide but it is made in the USA.
Be prepared to feel a bit high when you start.
Most people will find 60 mg is the right dose. Under-dosing of antidepressants is rampant.
Main side effects ?
Constipation
High or low BP
Delayed ejac. in men
As in most ADs
Dietary restrictions are over played due to ignorance and old studies.
Soy sauce pate smoked salmon May be out.
However I can eat moderate amounts of hard cheese salami wine spirits beer.
Moderation. If there is a reaction you’ll get racing heart and pounding head but it’s usually finished after an hour.
It’s a drug that is still poorly understood and under-utilized world wide.
Good luck
Jslove224
6 Dec 2022
Thank you for your response. Was wondering what happens if you have a dental or medical emergency and need surgery? I know there are so many med interactions. I plan to be safe and get a medical alert bracelet. But just curious has this ever happened to you?
WildcatVet
6 Dec 2022
Hi, Jslove!
I've never used Nardil but my sister does and she's doing very well on it.
It has a high rating in User Reviews and I thought you might like to read them.
https://www.drugs.com/comments/phenelzine/nardil-for-depression.html
I hope it helps.
Jslove224
6 Dec 2022
Thank you for your response. I’m nervous cause of the medicine interaction. Like what would happen if you had to go in for emergency surgery?
WildcatVet
6 Dec 2022
My sister just shattered her arm and needed immediate surgery. The first things that were done were a stat EKG and blood work looking for any abnormalities. During surgery your blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac rhythms are constantly and closely monitored.
If you can tell the doctor(s) all the medications you're taking they can tailor your treatment plans.
BTW, what all medications are you taking?
Jslove224
6 Dec 2022
So as of now I’m just on clonazepam to get me through the 7 days of not taking anything before starting the Nardil.
I only take my women’s multivitamins, vitamin C,D and B12. Also fish oil.
WildcatVet
6 Dec 2022
Good! Then you don't need to worry about interactions with those.
Jslove224
6 Dec 2022
I see moderate interaction with clonazepam. But my psychiatrist of 30 yrs says it’s fine?
WildcatVet
6 Dec 2022
I would trust your psychiatrist who is well aware of your history and current situation. They are also aware of these risks and that you'll be much better off on this medication.
Lexapro also posed the risk of cardiovascular events but they only occurred in 0.1% to 1% of users.
The chance with Nardil is the same as Lexapro, even less because the serious side effects affected only 00.1% to 0.1%. of people on this medication.
Have you discussed your concerns with your doctor?
Jslove224
6 Dec 2022
I have emailed him and waiting for response. My psychiatrist that is. My primary moved so I’m in process of finding another at the moment.
Related topics
lexapro, nardil, pristiq, depression, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, heart, ssri, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
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