Parnate

Parnate questions and answers

Learn more about Parnate Dosages @ SaysUncle Learning.

Q: I just started taking the antidepressant maoi Parnate, and it feels like I'm taking a recreational drug?
Does the effect of this drug significantly change? For some, feeling coked up all the time would be good. But this isn't exactly what I'm looking for. Any experience?

A: Hi! Different drugs affect different people in different ways and side affects are common with Parnate. See this link for more information on side effects: http://bipolar.about.com/od/parnate/a/sfx_parnate.htm You might want to speak to your doctor about switching medications to something different if this drug is seriously interfering with your life or if you have any of the more serious symptoms described in the above link. I hope this helps!

Q: What problems are there with the use of parnate?
What foods and/or drugs should be avoided?

A: Here are a few sites with information: http://www.whatmeds.com/meds/tranylcyp.html http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/par1618.htm http://www.destinationrx.com/learningcenter/druginfo/info.asp?prodid=00007447120&name=PARNATE+10MG+TABLET The most important thing is to check with your doctor and pharmacist. It is useful to carry a list of foods and drugs to be avoided with you, and to let people close to you know this information and what side effects they should keep an eyye out for.

Q: What happens if I mix Zoloft with an MAO like Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate?
I need to know because I'm not really sure If I mixed the two or not.

A: combo can increase your risk for serotoin syndrome. please do some research.

Q: i have a lot of questions about parnate?
is it possible that the effects of parnate could be mildly felt within the first few doses? i only started it 3 days ago, and it seems like things don't get me all emotional as they normally do. is this in my head or am i really seeing the parnate working like it should. also, i've read that parnate can cause mania in ppl who have bipolar, i don't know yet what my diagnosis is, so how could i tell if i become manic?

A: Parnate (tranylcypromine) side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Stop using tranylcypromine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: frequent headaches, vision problems, sensitivity to light; fast or pounding heart beats, tight feeling in your chest or throat; swelling of your ankles or feet; pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, stiffness in your neck; confusion, lack of coordination, feeling light-headed, fainting; or tremors, muscle twitches you cannot control. Less serious side effects may include: feeling restless, weak, or drowsy; nausea, diarrhea or constipation, loss of appetite, stomach pain; chills, numbness or tingly feeling; dry mouth, decreased urination; blurred vision, ringing in your ears; or impotence, difficulty having an orgasm. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What other drugs will affect Parnate (tranylcypromine)? There are many other medicines that can cause serious medical problems if you take them together with tranylcypromine. Do not take tranylcypromine before telling your doctor about all other prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor, dentist, or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Q: What is the side effect of Parnate?
What is the side effect of drugs which is belong to EMO inhibitor categories?

A: Parnate Tranylcypromine Sulfate Parnate - Parnate Side Effects - Parnate Information Pharmacology: Tranylcypromine is a nonhydrazine monoamine oxydase (MAO) inhibitor with a rapid onset of activity. It increases the concentration of epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin in storage sites in the nervous system. In theory, the increased concentration of monoamines in the brainstem is the basis for its antidepressant activity. Tranylcypromine differs from other MAO inhibitors in being a reversible inhibitor. When tranylcypromine is withdrawn, monoamine oxidase activity is generally restored within a week, although the drug is excreted in 24 hours. Indications: Tranylcypromine has been used successfully to treat psychotic depressive states such as: depressive phase of manic-depressive psychosis, involutional melancholia, reactive depression, psychoneurotic depression of moderate to severe intensity. In the psychiatric treatment of severe endogenous depression, it is impossible to predict, with presently known data, which patients will respond best to tranylcypromine and which to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The drug may be indicated in some reactive depressions in which ECT is not indicated. Tranylcypromine is not recommended for use in mild depressive states resulting from temporary situational difficulties. Note: Because tranylcypromine is a potent agent with the capability of producing serious side effects (e.g., hypertensive crises, sometimes complicated by fatal intracranial bleeding), its use should be reserved for patients who can be closely supervised. Before prescribing tranylcypromine, the physician should be thoroughly familiar with information on its dosage, side effects and contraindications, as well as the principles of MAO inhibitor therapy and the side effects of this class of drugs as reported in the literature. The physician should also be familiar with the symptomatology of mental depression and alternative methods of treatment, to aid in the careful selection of patients for tranylcypromine therapy. Selecting the Patient: Tranylcypromine should be used for the symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe depression. It is not recommended for those mild depressive reactions where more conservative therapy is indicated. Tranylcypromine should be reserved for those patients who can be followed closely. Blood pressure should be recorded periodically to detect evidence of pressor response to tranylcypromine therapy. Tranylcypromine should not be used in patients with cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disorders (e.g., arteriosclerosis, hypertension) (see Contraindications). Tranylcypromine should not be used in patients receiving any other antidepressant medication (see Contraindications). Tranylcypromine is not recommended for patients with a history of recurring or frequent headaches, especially the tension and vascular types. Tranylcypromine should not be used alone in patients with marked psychomotor agitation, since it is recognized that antidepressant drugs can aggravate some coexisting symptoms such as agitation or anxiety. Tranylcypromine Combined With Trifluoperazine: Tranylcypromine has been combined with trifluoperazine in the treatment of coexisting anxiety and depression. Such combined therapy has been found particularly valuable when used to treat depressed patients in whom a persistent disorder of mood is associated with anxiety, moderate agitation, inappropriate mental symptoms (such as unnatural fears or suspicions and phobias) or improper response to single-agent therapy. Combined tranylcypromine-trifluoperazine therapy has been used successfully in the treatment of psychiatric conditions such as psychoneurotic depression, agitated depression, schizo-affective disorders and pseudoneurotic schizophrenia. If the patient appears to have a pure depression, tranylcypromine should be used alone and, similarly, if the symptoms appear to indicate a pure anxiety state, trifluoperazine should be used first. The combined therapy has frequently displayed striking effectiveness in patients who obtained little benefit from treatment with a succession of single drugs. For comprehensive prescribing information on trifluoperazine, refer to Prescribing Information on that product. Contraindications: In patients with a previous history of hypersensitivity to tranylcypromine. In patients with cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disorders or a history of recurrent or frequent headaches. Tranylcypromine should not be administered to patients with confirmed or suspected cerebrovascular defect, hypertension or cardiovascular disease. The drug should be used with caution in individuals beyond the age of 60, because of the possibility of existing cerebral sclerosis with damaged vessels. In patients with liver damage or blood dyscrasias. Extensive clinical use and laboratory tests have revealed no evidence of liver toxicity or blood dyscrasias due to tranylcypromine therapy. Because rare cases of hepatitis have been reported, it is recommended that patients with known liver damage or blood dyscrasias should not be treated with tranylcypromine. In pheochromocytoma. Tranylcypromine should not be used in the presence of known or suspected pheochromocytoma, as such tumors secrete pressor substances. In combination with certain drugs. Because the effect of many antidepressant drugs may persist for 10 to 20 days, do not commence tranylcypromine therapy within less than a week of discontinuing treatment with such drugs; then, use half the normal dosage for the first week. Similarly, allow 1 week to elapse between the discontinuance of tranylcypromine and the administration of any other drug that is contraindicated with tranylcypromine such as: Other MAO Inhibitors: such as isocarboxazid and phenelzine sulfate. Dibenzazepine Derivatives: such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, protriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, doxepin, perphenazine, carbamazepine, cyclobenzaprine, amoxapine, maprotiline and trimipramine, as combination with these drugs may induce hypertensive crises or severe convulsive seizures. Sympathomimetics: including amphetamines, ephedrine and over-the-counter preparations for colds, hay fever and weight reduction that contain vasoconstrictors (e.g., phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine) as well as with methyldopa, dopamine, levodopa and tryptophan, as such combinations may precipitate hypertension, severe headache, hyperpyrexia and rarely even cerebral (subarachnoid) hemorrhage. The combination of MAOIs and tryptophan has been reported to cause behavioral and neurologic syndromes including disorientation, confusion, amnesia, delirium, agitation, hypomanic signs, ataxia, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, shivering, ocular oscillations and Babinski signs. SSRIs: There have been reports of serious, sometimes fatal reactions when MAOIs are given before, with, or shortly after discontinuation with some SSRIs. It is recommended that MAOIs are not used in combination with SSRIs. If the two therapies are used consecutively, a suitable washout period should be observed as follows: MAOI followed by SSRI: 2 weeks; fluoxetine followed by MAOI: 5 weeks; other SSRI followed by MAOI: 2 weeks. Other Drugs: dextromethorphan, buspirone HCl. In combination with cheese or other foods with a high tyramine content. Hypertensive crises have sometimes occurred during tranylcypromine therapy after ingestion of foods with a high tyramine content. Tyramine is normally metabolized by monoamine oxidase in the intestinal and hepatic cells. When monoamine oxidase is inhibited, tyramine absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract passes freely into the circulation. It releases norepinephrine from adrenergic neurones, causing exaggerated hypertensive and other effects. In general, the patient should avoid protein foods in which aging or protein breakdown is used to increase flavor. In particular, patients should be instructed not to take foods such as cheese (exceptions: cream cheese and cottage cheese), sour cream, pickled herring, liver, meat prepared with tenderizers, Bovril, yeast extracts like Marmite, soy sauce, pods of broad beans (fava beans), canned figs, raisins, bananas (peel) or avocados (especially if overripe), chocolate and caviar. Alcoholic beverages have been known to precipitate a severe reaction. Therefore, the patient should avoid alcoholic drinks, especially red wines (such as chianti), sherry, beer (including nonalcoholic beer), etc. Patients on tranylcypromine therapy should also be advised not to consume excessive amounts of caffeine in any form (coffee, tea, cola drinks, etc.) because of possible enhanced effects of caffeine on the CNS. Warnings: Hypertensive Crisis: The most important adverse reaction associated with tranylcypromine is hypertensive crisis, which has sometimes been fatal. This response is not usually dose-related. It is associated with a distinctive reaction characterized by some or all of the following symptoms: occipital headache which may radiate frontally, palpitation, neck stiffness or soreness, nausea or vomiting, sweating (sometimes with fever and sometimes with cold, clammy skin), pallor followed later by flushing, and photophobia. Either tachycardia or bradycardia may be present, sometimes associated with constricting chest pain. Mydriasis may occur. The occipital headache, together with pain and stiffness in the cervical muscles, may mimic subarachnoid hemorrhage, but can equally be associated with actual intracranial bleeding, as in other conditions where a sudden rise in blood pressure occurs. Cases of such bleeding have been reported, some of which have been fatal. Blood pressure should be followed closely in patients taking tranylcypromine to detect evidence of any pressor response. It is emphasized that full reliance should not be placed on blood pressure readings, but that the patient should also be observed frequently. Therapy should be discontinued immediately upon the occurrence of palpitation or frequent headache during tranylcypromine therapy. These signs may be prodromal of a hypertensive reaction. Patients should be instructed to report promptly the occurrence of headache or other symptoms. If a hypertensive reaction occurs, tranylcypromine should be discontinued and therapy to lower blood pressure should be given immediate consideration. Headache tends to abate as blood pressure decreases. On the basis of present evidence, phentolamine is recommended for use in acute cases (the dosage reported for phentolamine is 5 mg i.v. administered slowly). Do not use parenteral reserpine or rauwolfia alkaloids for the treatment of a hypertensive crisis, as they may, by releasing catecholamines, exacerbate the condition. For milder reactions, the more moderate adrenolytic action of injectable chlorpromazine may be more appropriate. Care should be taken to administer these drugs in such a way as to avoid producing an excessive hypotensive effect. Fever should be managed by means of external cooling. Other symptomatic and supportive measures may be desirable in particular cases. Acute distress generally subsides in 24 hours or less. Hypotension: Hypotension, which may be postural, has been observed during tranylcypromine therapy, particularly at doses above 30 mg daily. It is seen most commonly (but not exclusively) in patients with pre-existing hypertension. In most instances, it affects the systolic readings. Rare instances of syncope have been seen. Dosage increases should be made more gradually in patients showing a tendency toward hypotension at the starting dose. Postural hypotension can usually be relieved by having the patient lie down until blood pressure returns to normal. This side effect is usually temporary, but if it persists, the drug should be discontinued. Blood pressure usually returns rapidly to pretreatment levels upon discontinuation of the drug. Also, when tranylcypromine is combined with those phenothiazine derivatives or other compounds known to cause hypotension, the possibility of additive hypotensive effects should be considered. Precautions: Drug Interactions (see also Contraindications): In general, the physician should bear in mind the possibility of a lowered margin of safety when tranylcypromine is administered in combination with potent drugs and should adjust dosage carefully. A marked potentiating effect has been reported on some CNS depressants such as morphine, meperidine, barbiturates and alcohol. For this reason, narcotics and barbiturates should be used conservatively with tranylcypromine, and patients should be warned that the drug may potentiate the effects of alcoholic beverages. Caution should be exercised when giving tranylcypromine with hypotensive agents: guanethidine, as its action may be antagonized; reserpine, as hyperactivity may occur; alpha-methyldopa, since the combination may give rise to central excitation. When tranylcypromine is combined with those phenothiazine derivatives or other compounds known to affect blood pressure, patients should be observed more closely because of the possibility of additive hypotensive effects. Caution should also be exercised when giving tranylcypromine with antiparkinson agents, as the combination may result in potentiation, with profuse sweating, tremulousness and rise in body temperature. Drugs which lower the seizure threshold, including MAO inhibitors, should not be used with Amipaque. As with other MAO inhibitors, tranylcypromine should be discontinued at least 48 hours before myelography and should not be resumed for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Caution should be exercised when giving tranylcypromine with clomipramine HCl, as this drug, in combination with a MAO inhibitor, has been reported to result in hyperpyrexia, diffuse intravascular coagulation and status epilepticus. Tranylcypromine should be administered with caution to patients receiving disulfiram. In a single study, rats given high intraperitoneal doses of d-or l-isomers of tranylcypromine sulfate plus disulfiram experienced severe toxicity including convulsions and death. Additional studies in rats given high oral doses of racemic tranylcypromine sulfate and disulfiram produced no adverse interaction. Occupational Hazards: Tranylcypromine may affect ability to drive or operate machinery. Angina: MAO inhibitors may have the capacity to suppress anginal pain that would otherwise serve as a warning of myocardial ischemia. Depression: Tranylcypromine may aggravate coexisting symptoms in depression, such as anxiety and agitation. In depressed patients, the possibility of suicide should always be considered and adequate precautions taken. Exclusive reliance on drug therapy to prevent suicidal attempts is unwarranted, as there may be a delay in the onset of therapeutic effect or an increase in anxiety and agitation. Also, some patients fail to respond to drug therapy or may respond only temporarily. Diabetes: Some MAO inhibitors have contributed to hypoglycemic episodes in diabetic patients receiving insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. Therefore, tranylcypromine should be used with caution in diabetics under treatment with these drugs. Epilepsy: Because the influence of tranylcypromine on the convulsive threshold is variable in animal experiments, suitable precautions should be taken if epileptic patients are treated. Hyperthyroidism: Use tranylcypromine with caution in hyperthyroid patients, because of their increased sensitivity to pressor amines. Renal Dysfunction: The usual precautions should be observed in patients with impaired renal function, since there is a possibility of cumulative effects in such patients. Pregnancy and Lactation: Tranylcypromine has been shown to pass through the placental barrier to the fetus of the rat and into the milk of the lactating dog. Nevertheless, as with any potent drug, the physician must assess the definite medical need when prescribing for the pregnant patient. Adequate human data on use during pregnancy or lactation and adequate animal reproduction studies are not available. Surgery: It is suggested that the drug be discontinued at least 7 days before elective surgery, to allow time for recovery of monoamine oxidase activity before anesthetic agents are given. Drug Dependency: There have been reports of drug dependency in patients using doses of tranylcypromine significantly in excess of the therapeutic range. Some of these patients had a history of previous substance abuse. The following withdrawal symptoms have been reported: restlessness, anxiety, depression, confusion, hallucinations, headache, weakness, diarrhea. Tranylcypromine tablets contain sodium benzoate. Information to Be Provided to the Patient: Patients should be warned against self-medication with proprietary (over-the-counter) drugs such as cold, hay fever or reducing preparations that contain sympathomimetic amines such as phenylpropanolamine and phenylephrine. Patients should be instructed not to eat cheese, particularly the aged varieties, or those foods listed under Contraindications, nor to drink wines which are high in tyramine content, such as chianti. They should also be advised not to consume excessive amounts of caffeine in any form. Patients should be warned that tranylcypromine may potentiate the effects of alcoholic beverages. Patients should be instructed to report the occurrence of headache or other unusual symptoms. Patients should be encouraged to carry a card or other notification of the fact that they are receiving a MAO inhibitor, so that this fact may be readily ascertained in case of accident, travel or transfer to the care of another physician. Patients should be instructed to adhere to the above instructions for at least 1 week following discontinuation of tranylcypromine therapy. Adverse Effects: The most frequently seen side effect is insomnia, which can usually be overcome by giving the last dose of the day not later than 3 p.m., by reducing the dose, or by prescribing a mild hypnotic. Some of the following unwanted reactions have been reported in the literature; others are possible. They are classified according to their seriousness and probable cause--an arrangement intended to help the physician view them in proper perspective. Pharmacologic Reactions of a Serious Nature: Hypertensive Crisis: see Warnings. Hypotension: see Warnings. Overstimulation: Overstimulation, which may include increased anxiety, agitation and manic symptoms, is usually evidence of excessive therapeutic action. Dosage should be reduced, or a phenothiazine tranquilizer should be administered concomitantly. Pharmacologic Reactions of a Less Serious Nature: Patients may experience restlessness, insomnia, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, dry mouth, nausea, abdominal pain, anorexia, diarrhea or constipation. Tachycardia, palpitation, blurred vision, headache without blood pressure elevation, chills, sweating, urinary retention, edema and impotence have each been reported in at least 1 patient. Toxic or Allergic Reactions: Blood dyscrasias, including anemia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia have been reported. Rare instances of hepatitis (e.g., one case of mild jaundice, not of the serious type associated with hydrazine MAO inhibitors) and skin rash have been reported. Other Reactions: Micturition difficulty has been reported. Tinnitus, muscle spasm and tremors, paresthesia and habituation have been reported so rarely that the role of tranylcypromine cannot be established. Overdose: Symptoms: The characteristic symptoms that may arise as a result of tranylcypromine overdosage are usually those which have already been described under Warnings and Adverse Effects. However, an intensification of these symptoms and sometimes severe additional manifestations may be seen, depending on the degree of overdosage and on individual susceptibility. Some patients exhibit insomnia, restlessness and anxiety, progressing in severe cases to agitation, mental confusion and incoherence. Hypotension, dizziness, weakness and drowsiness may occur, progressing in severe cases to extreme dizziness and shock. A few patients have displayed hypertension with severe headache and other symptoms. Rare instances have been reported in which hypertension was accompanied by twitching or myoclonic fibrillation of skeletal muscles with hyperpyrexia, sometimes progressing to generalized rigidity and coma. Treatment: Treatment normally consists of general supportive measures, close observation of vital signs and steps to counteract specific symptoms as they occur. Gastric lavage is helpful if performed early. External cooling is recommended if hyperpyrexia occurs. Barbiturates have been reported to help relieve myoclonic reactions, but frequency of administration should be controlled carefully because tranylcypromine may prolong barbiturate activity. The management of hypertensive reactions is described under Warnings. When hypotension requires treatment, the standard measures for managing circulatory shock should be initiated. If pressor agents are required, norepinephrine is the most suitable. The rate of infusion should be regulated by careful observation of the patient. MAO inhibitors may sometimes increase the pressor response, as has been demonstrated with norepinephrine. Mephentermine may be required if marked refractory hypotension occurs. Although tranylcypromine is rapidly excreted, its MAO inhibiting action may persist for approximately 1 week. Dosage: Dosage should be adjusted to the requirements of the individual patient. If the patient responds to therapy, the response is usually seen within 48 hours to 3 weeks after starting medication. Recommended starting dosage is 20 mg/day (10 mg in the morning and 10 mg in the afternoon). Continue this dosage for 2 to 3 weeks. If no signs of a response appear, increase dosage to 30 mg daily (20 mg upon arising and 10 mg in the afternoon). Continue this dosage for at least 1 week. If no improvement occurs, continued administration is unlikely to be beneficial. Although dosages above 30 mg/day have been used, it should be borne in mind that the incidence and severity of side effects may increase as dosage is raised. Dosage increases should be made in increments of 10 mg/day, and ordinarily at intervals of 1 to 3 weeks. When a satisfactory response is obtained, dosage may be reduced to a maintenance level. Some patients will be maintained on 20 mg/day; many will need only 10 mg daily. Reduction from peak to maintenance dosage may be desirable before withdrawal. If withdrawn prematurely, original symptoms will recur. No tendency to produce rebound depressions of greater intensity has been seen, although this is a theoretical possibility in patients treated at high doses. Experimental work indicates that tranylcypromine is rapidly excreted. Inhibition of MAO activity may, however, persist for up to 1 week. Combined Tranylcypromine-Trifluoperazine Therapy: For those physicians wishing to combine tranylcypromine with trifluoperazine, the usual dosage is tranylcypromine 10 mg plus trifluoperazine 1 mg or 2 mg twice daily (morning and afternoon) depending on the individual patient requirements. After a satisfactory response is secured, medication can often be reduced to one dose daily, usually administered in the morning. Patients displaying marked mental disturbance, especially psychotic manifestations or severe agitation, will usually require larger initial doses of trifluoperazine. Note: When ECT is being administered concurrently with tranylcypromine, 10 mg b.i.d. can usually be given during the series, then reduced to 10 mg daily for maintenance therapy. Supplied: Each red, round, biconvex, sugar-coated tablet, monogrammed SKF N71, contains: tranylcypromine 10 mg, as the sulfate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acacia, Black Opacode, calcium sulfate, candelilla wax, cellulose, ethylcellulose, FD&C red no. 3, gelatin, glycerin, magnesium stearate, Opaglos, Red Opalux, sodium benzoate, sugar and wheat starch. Energy: 1.29 kJ (0.31 kcal). Sodium: <1 mmol (0.003 mg). Bottles of 100. IMPORTANT NOTE: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING THIS DRUG.

Q: Is 200mg of Parnate per day Dangerous?
Is 200mg of Parnate per day dangerous and if so what are the risks? and is there a chance for an acummulative affect can be dangerous? The dosage refers to when it is taken alone and not with any other drug. Does it lead to vascular failure?

A: 60 mg/day is regarded as maximal dosage. At 200 mg/day this may be extremely dangerous for an MAO-I even in the absence of other agents. Possible untoward events would include sertotonin syndrome, seizure and death.

Q: Can Topamax and Parnate be taken together?
Is this generally not a combo that is used together?

A: Other than certain foods and drinks interacting with Parnate, I do not see any reported side effects listed if these two medications are taken together. This is something you need to discuss with your doctor, to make sure that it is ok with him/her that you do so. If your doctor approves and you do experience any side effects, you will need to mention this to your doctor immediately.

Q: has anyone ever used parnate? is it effective?
I've read on http://www.drugdelivery.ca/s3929-s-PARNATE.aspx a lot about parnate but i haven't found anything about it's effectiveness... i've been on lexapro, xanax before and some more but nothing worked for me. i'm severely depressed!

A: Since you have not responded to any other medications, this is why you are now on Parnate. Parnate is a MonoAmine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). Monoamine Oxidase is an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft (mainly serotonin) so the substance can be recycled. This allows for more interaction between the neurotransmitter and the neuron to be stimulated. As this happens throughout the entire central nervous system, mood is elevated and you are more alert. However, unlike with the other treatments that you have tried, you are going to have to make some SERIOUS changes to your diet. Aged foods containing Tyramine will cause your blood pressure to skyrocket (this can lead to a stroke). Foods like: Aged cheeses, chocolate, wines and so on. You ought to consider ECT if your depression is not improving.

Q: When taking the medication Parnate, is it okay to eat Italian pork sausage?


A: As a practicing Pharmacist, I would recommend checking the package label for meat extracts or meat prepared with tenderizers before eating. This MAOI class drug has gotten an unusually bad rap over the past 20 or so years and has proven to be a very good antidepressant. Most food interactions are overblown... Should avoid aged products, however...

Q: Are there any sources for purchase MAOIs(Nardil,Parnate) ?
Hi, I would like to try MAOI's such as Nardil / Parnate. Are there any websites in European Union, where can I buy Nardil or Parnate w/o prescription ? thanks.

A: I take Nardil (Phenylzine) and have done for years Please don't ever take anti depressants without the supervision and advice of a medical professional Side effects from anti d's can be horrendous in some people,have you read the possible side effects of Nardil Also if you are taking MAOI's you have to follow the very strict dietary guidelines If you are depressed PLEASE seek professional advice first, and never take medication without a doctor's support If you do find somewhere to buy them on the 'net beware that you are taking a huge risk of them being fake.

Q: Nardil or Parnate experience?
Has anyone had any experience with Nardil or Parnate. I suffer from Social Anxiety and mild depression. What did you use it to treat, what was your experience, did it help you?. and i know that there is a diet for it, did you follow the diet?

A: Nardil is probably the best drug out there for social anxiety. Don't let people scare you by saying it's an old drug that nobody uses anymore. It is an old drug but a good one that works on every neurotransmitter rather than just dopamine or serotonin. There is a diet to follow but it's not as bad as they used to make it seem - you just can't eat aged foods such as aged cheeses (pizza is okay), aged meats (anything than doesn't require refrigeration - sausages, country ham, etc) and keg beers and some wines. Bottled beer is okay - it's the bacteria in the kegs. Side effects can vary a lot. Some people just find it to be a miracle drug with no side effects. Others find a lot such as weight gain, sleepiness, urinary hesitancy, etc. I am one that had a lot of side effects but found it to be quite successful for social anxiety. I'm disappointed it wasn't a miracle for me like it is for 80% of people but the weight gain was too much. Check out askapatient.com and revolution health for reviews. Hope that helps. I'm getting ready to try Parnate because it's more activating and doesn't cause as much of the tiredness but it supposedly doesn't work as well on anxiety so we will see.

Q: Is Parnate weight neutral?
I've gained too much weight on the SSRIs, and they don't work that well, hence we are trying parnate. Is it weight neutral, or does it cause weight gain/loss? I jsut want to be at my normal weight! Any personal experiences and knowledge would be great

A: I've never taken Parnate, but I'm sure I read that it doesn't cause weight gain, because it's one of the more stimulating anti depressants. For more info, you can google it; or get hold of 'Feeling Good' by Dr David Burns; you need the revised, updated version. The last section of the book is all about anti depressants and he does discuss the MAOIs. I'm guessing you already know that on this drug there are several foods you'll have to avoid, as well as many medicines, including some over the counter ones. Good luck.

Q: Experiences with Parnate?
Going to start Parnate at the end of July, and just wanting to hear of some personal experiences with the medication.. side-effects and such. I've read all the cookie-cutter BS that is put out there by the docs and drug companies. I'd rather hear personal experiences from people who actually used it for depression/anxiety.

A: I've never taken this medication but I've heard that's it's rather wonderful! It's meant to be one of the most 'enjoyable' anti depressants as it is stimulating and can produce really significant elevation of mood. It's also been around for a long time. I'm guessing you know that as it's an MAOI there are several foods and many medications, including some over the counter ones, that you will have to avoid, as with these drugs there can be dangerous interactions. Good luck with it. I decided a while back that I might ask my doctor about this drug if my current anti depressant doesn't improve.

Q: People suffering depression: What meds are you on and how did you find your doctor?
I think I am in a serious depression. I used to take Parnate about 18 years ago for post partum depression. I don't take it anymore, but in all honesty, I have never recovered from my 2nd pregnancy. Now, lately, it has gotten worse and I need to go back on medication, but where do i start? I don't want to do anything that takes effort.

A: I'm on Effexor. I also tried Citalopram/Celexa, and Prozac. The Prozac didn't shift the depression but was great at reducing anxiety. I've read about Parnate; apparently it's amazing and really achieves significant mood elevation. You can ask your doctor to refer you to a psychiatrist; he can then evaluate you properly. If he knows that Parnate helped you before, he may offer you that again. Hope you feel better soon.

Q: can you take xanax for anxiety if you are on parnate?


A: If you can't ask your dr....ask a pharmacist. They usually will help if they're not too busy. Remember what happened to Anna Nicole...and to so many other people. Be really careful about mixing medicines....and always tell your dr. every thing you are taking...even if it's aspirin. I take a half mg. of Risperdol for anxiety. I know other people it's helped with anxiety and panic attacks....you might want to ask your dr. about it. I don't know what parnate is. I'm gonna look it up. I need all the information I can get. I don't like to be uninformed about medicines....and their side effects. If something doesn't make me feel right...I don't take it. I have a good dr. who works with me on this till we get it right. Xanax didn't work for me...but it might work for you. Good Luck.PS. I googled parnate...you should too...it says you have to be careful what you even eat when taking it...that it could hurt you if you mixed it with even the wrong food. You need to find out all you can about it..especially before you mix another drug with it. ASK YOUR DR (Read below from Google) .Never take Parnate with the following drugs; the combination can trigger seizures or a dangerous spike in blood pressure: Other MAO inhibitors such as Nardil Antidepressant drugs classified as tricyclics, such as Anafranil, Elavil, and Tofranil Carbamazepine (Tegretol) Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) When switching from one of these drugs to Parnate, or vice versa, allow an interval of at least 1 week between medications. Also avoid combining Parnate with any of the following: Antidepressant drugs classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine Anesthetics Antihistamines such as Allegra, Benadryl, and Clarinex Blood pressure medications such as Accupril, Lotensin, and Prinivil Bupropion (Wellbutrin) Buspirone (BuSpar) Cold and hay fever remedies that constrict blood vessels Cough remedies containing dextromethorphan Demerol and other narcotic painkillers such as Percodan, OxyContin, and Vicodin Disulfiram (Antabuse) Guanethidine Methyldopa Over-the-counter weight reduction aids Parkinson's disease medications such as Parlodel, Requip, and Sinemet Reserpine Sedatives such as Halcion, Nembutal, and Seconal Tryptophan Water pills such as HydroDIURIL While taking Parnate, you should also avoid foods that contain a high amount of a substance called tyramine, including: Anchovies Avocados Bananas Beer (including nonalcoholic beer) Caviar Cheese (especially strong and aged varieties) Chianti wine Chocolate Dried fruits (including raisins, prunes, and figs) Liqueurs Liver Meat extracts or meat prepared with tenderizers Overripe fruit Pickled herring Pods of broad beans like fava beans Raspberries Sauerkraut Sherry Sour cream Soy sauce Yeast extracts Yogurt Likewise, avoid alcohol and large amounts of caffeine. SORRY THIS IS SO LONG...WANTED YOU TO HAVE THIS INFORMATION.