Nardil User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)
Nardil has an average rating of 8.0 out of 10 from a total of 124 reviews on Drugs.com. 73% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 13% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Nardil
- Noa...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- July 28, 2023
"Severe social anxiety and treatment-resistant depression had become constant companions in my life, overshadowing any sense of joy or fulfillment. Despite years of trying different medications and therapies, I felt like I was stuck in a never-ending cycle of despair. That was until I discovered Nardil. From the moment I started taking it, I noticed a significant shift in my social anxiety. The racing thoughts and paralyzing fear began to subside, allowing me to engage in social situations with greater confidence and ease. Nardil gave me the ability to navigate social interactions without the constant worry of being judged or rejected. Nardil also proved to be a game-changer in my battle against treatment-resistant depression. It lifted the heavy fog of sadness and despair, replacing it with a renewed sense of hope and optimism. Nardil has truly been a lifeline for me."
- Jim...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- December 30, 2020
For Depression "I think Nardil is the best antidepressant. I have tried at least a dozen drugs (SSRI, SNRI, Mirtazapine, Tricyclics). Only Nardil produced a response for my depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. If you have any of these mental health conditions, do yourself a favor, and get on Nardil if you really want a recovery!"
Frequently asked questions
- xza...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- July 29, 2017
For Depression "I took Nardil for 4 years. It changed my personality drastically. I went from depressed and withdrawn to hypomanic (which is like halfway to fully manic). Much more sociable, and I also became a workaholic. The side effects were intolerable - extreme weight gain (gained 50 lbs, which brought me over 200 lbs. I had never been overweight before or since) and anorgasmia. I did prefer hypomania to unipolar depression, but eventually, I pooped out on it as everyone seems to do in these designer ADs within a few years. There was a study that found that MAOIs like Nardil can permanently damage your mu receptors, preventing you from having the capability to experience euphoria, and that happened to me also. I wish I had never taken any of those drugs."
- Lin...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- May 3, 2023
For Depression "I’ve been taking Nardil for over 30 years for depression, anxiety, and agoraphobia. They gave me my life back. A few times, tabs were unavailable, and symptoms returned. It takes several weeks to get into your system, and coming off them can make you feel very nauseous and generally unwell. However, it’s worth it! I do check what I eat and drink, but some things you can have just in low amounts. I don’t drink any form of alcohol or drink with phenylalanine."
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Nar...
- January 4, 2022
For Depression "Nardil is life-changing. After trying about a dozen antidepressants in other med classes, as well as ECT, a new psychiatrist prescribed Nardil. I felt not just normal but happy in about a month. For several months, I was sleeping well and waking up early (7) and was working out, eating well, had good hygiene, was reading, etc. However, eventually, I had incurable insomnia. For someone with bipolar, this is a major problem. We are trying another MAOI (EMSAM) instead. I am so disappointed I couldn’t stay on Nardil as it really managed my depression very well. (Heads up if you try to wean yourself off Nardil, the withdrawals are unbearable.)"
- Bub...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 30, 2016
For Depression "After trying every other kind of antidepressant over the past 9 or so years, Nardil was my first try at an MAOI. The dietary restrictions were less difficult to get used to and less strict than they appeared at first. I was on 30 mg of Nardil a day and didn't notice any effect, but after increasing to 45 mg/day, I felt the best I've felt in years, and it seemed that my depression might be cured at last. ...however, I also had the most side effects I've ever had from a medication: constipation, difficulty urinating, insomnia, and inability to reach an orgasm. Because of the bladder issues and insomnia, I've been forced to resume my search."
- Lor...
- April 17, 2012
For Depression "I took Nardil for 21 years. It worked better than anything else until the dose was increased from 10 to 40 mg per day. None of my physicians were able to diagnose the cause of the grotesque swelling of my legs. A friend suggested it might be the Nardil; I quit taking it and proved her right. Even in reduced doses, the swelling persisted. I now take something else."
- Mel...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- January 8, 2021
For Depression "After trying many others, an enlightened doctor prescribed Nardil, and it was a life saver. I was able to lead a relatively normal life! The food restrictions are not as extreme as advised, in my opinion. Recently, supplies were cut on the NHS, but I had to import my supplies. Despite the NHS warning doctors many months ago, I was not contacted. Recently, supplies have been easier to source, but I always dread that visit to the chemists."
- Sun...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- November 11, 2022
For Depression "I think of Nardil as my happy pills. I’m treatment resistant, and even ECT didn’t help my depression. On Nardil, it is GONE, no relapse ever. There are bad side effects: BAD insomnia, sexual dysfunction, interactions with lots of meds, blood pressure crisis, and impossible withdrawal effects if you miss a dose or try to wean off for some reason. It is also sometimes out of stock. All that being said, it’s still worth it. I can’t function without it. I WISH I could find ANYTHING to help me sleep."
- lin...
- August 13, 2011
"Nardil was definitely my wonder medicine. From being scared to go out my door or have visitors, I eventually worked in a large secondary school, moved house, and achieved many things I never dreamt I would do. BUT then I was informed it was being discontinued. I was then put on isocarboxazid and had problems getting those, so then put on Menerix and my condition returned. I have just tried CYMBALTA, but having bad side effects, so told to come off. Wish I knew what medicine was as good as Nardil."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 10 years or more
- August 11, 2012
For Depression "I took Nardil from '88 to '98, and it worked well. Then I was switched to Paxil, which had a lot of side effects (weight gain, sexual issues, tiredness, sense of not really being there). Paxil was probably better for OCD, but I came off it (had shocking withdrawal symptoms)."
- Ral...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- December 20, 2019
For Depression "I recently had a stomach virus for 12 hours of nausea and diarrhea. I didn't take my normal dosage of Nardil for a day. Started back on the regular dose. It has been 4 days since starting back on. I have been experiencing nightmares every night, the same dream which seems to continue from the previous night. Feelings of fatigue, irritability, and stomach upset continue."
- Mot...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- November 15, 2019
"I have been taking phenelzine/Nardil for the last 34 years and have been very well during that time. I thought I would have enough tablets to see me through until October when they were due to become available again. As anyone in the UK will know, the supply date has been moved to March 2020. I’m now back to square one, not having enough tablets to last. I bought some from Canada, but they are currently unavailable now, and my pharmacist has been trying all the wholesalers that import in this country, but up to now hasn’t had any success. Does anyone know where I can currently obtain some? Any suggestions would be really appreciated. I joined the phenelzine group and the Nardil group on this website, but haven’t had any luck there either. Fingers crossed."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 10 years or more
- September 21, 2023
"Experienced extreme anxiety and panic attacks for many years. Ruined my life, took my life away. Couldn’t live in my own skin. After many tests to rule out any serious illness, I tried just about all other medicines on the market… to no avail, nothing worked. I really thought life was over. My doctor, as a final resolution, prescribed Nardil. After explaining all the side effects and dangers involved with other foods and medicines, I decided to try one last medication. Within a month, I started to have less panic attacks and anxiety. I stopped throwing up all the time and was able to actually eat and enjoy a meal. Nardil saved my life. Two years ago, I tried to go off of it and try alternative medicines. After almost 9 months of anxiety and non-stop panic attacks again due to all medicines failing again, I went back on Nardil to get my life back. I will be on it the rest of my life. I also can eat pretty much anything too with caution because of the side effects."
- Sch...
- March 18, 2020
For Depression "Re: Nardil. The manufacturer, Kyowa Kirin, emailed me today to confirm there is no guarantee the drug will become available. Please note to all NHS patients: DO NOT be fobbed off by your GP saying he cannot get involved with funding the difference between the cost of Nardil and phenelzine sulfate import as a special case. My GP did this to me! So this is what I did: I called my CCG press office and put the fear of God in the staff! I emailed a strong, urgent letter to be forwarded to the head of complaints, stating that this matter cannot wait 28 days for a formal response. I explained that my NHS GP issued a script for Nardil, and when I took the script to the pharmacy, I was told, “We are running a business, not a bank!” They asked me to pay £99 plus postage for 60 tablets."
- Chi...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 26, 2016
For Depression "I am currently taking 15 mg three times per day (total of 45 mg). The first month was the worst. The main side effect that I had was body aches and muscle stiffness that never lessened. Once a month passed, the body aches went away and I noticed a faint constant headache. After about a week, that went away too. The only side effect I notice now (after 2 months on Nardil) is a pounding headache lasting 10 seconds, lightheadedness when I get up to stand from lying down, and swelling. I give it 4/10 because it has made my suicidal thoughts disappear, and I am less teary and emotional. It has not helped my overall mood or general sense of well-being. I find the dietary restrictions hard to follow."
- Cha...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- March 18, 2021
For Depression "Pfizer wants to stop this drug. They make peanuts from the sale of Nardil. In 2002, they changed the inactive ingredients from the original 15 to a garbage 8. This was so the pill would not be too effective. Google old Nardil pill. Shiny, very, very hard pill a bulldozer couldn't crush. Active ingredient phenelzine needs a slow, slow absorption rate. Research it at fda.drugs. Complain loudly to the MedWatch form. Good luck!"
- my1...
- July 16, 2010
For Migraine Prevention "I've been on Nardil for migraine prevention, probably 5 years now. My neurologist prescribed it after nothing else would work, including Depakote and Topamax. My original dosage was 15 mg 3 times a day. I tried going off of it last year, 1 pill per week, as directed by my neurologist, but it was a horrible experience with 3 weeks of diarrhea, weakness, and depression, so I cut it down to 1/2 pill per week. Still a bad experience. Had to go back on it. Tried again this summer, cutting it by 1/4 pill per week...much better results. However, when I was down to the last pill in the morning, migraines hit with a vengeance. I've upped it back to 1.5 pills per day. I plan to try to decrease again, but even slower. Other than migraines returning aggressively, no bad experience this time."
- And...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- February 11, 2025
For Depression "Find a doctor open to Nardil. After my Nardil pooped out after 10 years, I tried almost 10 different medications with no effect on alleviating my five-year excruciatingly painful and suicidal depression. I tried ECT, ketamine, acupuncture, and a clinical trial of magnetic therapy. I went back on Nardil, and after two weeks, the depression had lifted. I made people laugh again. Find a doctor open to Nardil."
- Old...
- September 28, 2016
For Depression "I've struggled with depression and social anxiety all my life and have recently been treated with a variety of different antidepressants. I think I am depressed because of a narcissistic mother who seemed to be unable to love unconditionally. While Nardil might well help others, I don't feel it has helped me, and the effect on sexual activity is depressing in itself. I am currently seeing a psychotherapist, and while it is very hard to deal with the issues that come up, I think it might be my salvation. I do hope so."
- V1b...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- November 21, 2019
"I'm from the UK. I have SAD, GAD, paranoia, PTSD, BDD, OCD, depression, and have been on Nardil. Have just been through 4 or 5 months of rubbish because of walking into my pharmacy and them telling me they couldn't get it anymore (even though I warned them and provided them with a list of places they could source it from). I ended up having to go cold turkey from 75 mg a day. That was not fun and made me very sick for a long time. Good news, I finally found a pharmacist that would source them using the guidelines put out here. Google Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee, go to their main site and search for phenelzine. Your script having to be hand-written and have ‘specials/unlicensed’ written on it. It's been a battle, but I got my first batch today, sourced from the US and made by Pfizer. A more effective 'Nardil' than what is supplied to the UK."
- End...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 28, 2022
For Depression "I was very hopeful, given all the stuff I read online (all over the web) about the life-changing workings of this drug for so many folks out there. Pretty bummed that that’s not the case for me. Was on it for almost 3 months — nothing. The good part about Nardil (for me) was that I didn’t experience any negative side effects. I wish I could somehow just give this med a neutral review, but that’s not how the rating system on this site works. Hence my 6/10 rating — not good, not bad & +1 star for the lack of crap side effects. Happy for all of you that have found, in Nardil, your medicine of choice!"
- Kar...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- January 11, 2022
For Depression "The first doctor I saw was pro-Prozac, and it did not work. Found another doctor, and he put me on Nardil. I did not like it at all. I gained about 50 pounds while in the hospital and another 60 when I got out. I went to him about the weight gain early on, and he did not seem concerned. I have never been overweight. It caused a major craving for sweets and really slowed my metabolism, even though I was working out. I guess that I am one of the rare ones that it didn't help. I'm glad that you all found success."
- Mis...
- March 14, 2021
For Depression "I have been on Nardil for 41 years. I have tried other meds to no avail. It’s a wonderful medication for anxiety, depression, and social anxiety. I retired from a teaching career, which I have never been able to complete without this medication. It’s a life saver. It has been out of supply in Canada since March 2020 and again in January 2021. Luckily, I have been able to get Nardil from Washington State as I live near the US border in Vancouver. There is a supply of Nardil in the US. ERFA and Canada Health have not done enough for people who need this medication."
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For Depression "Many years ago, I was given Nardil because other antidepressants were not working. Shortly after starting low-dose Nardil, I was so much better. I told my doctor I could hear the birds singing and was aware of many things in my surroundings that I usually don’t notice. This drug gave me the ability to work, lose weight, and handle relationship issues. I was extremely careful with diet restrictions and only had one episode of high blood pressure after accidentally eating a small piece of kielbasa. I was on the medication for two years but had to stop when I became pregnant. Currently, I take an SSRI. My current physician will not prescribe Nardil now. I am older with a few medical issues. I wish there was a drug like this without the restrictions and concern over high blood pressure. If anyone is reading this and needs medication that will help because SSRIs don’t, ask your physician about Nardil or other MAO inhibitors. An amazing medication!"