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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Annie on May 27, 1999, at 14:12:18
(If multiples of this post appear, I apologize. I got an "unspecified" error message that said try again, The last time I did that, it posted twice).
Since the initial announcement that Marplan would again be available in the U.S., I have seen many posts here and elsewhere registering emotions from relief to excitement. I am not familiar with this drug. What is the reason for all the optimism? Is the side effect profile more benign than Parnate or Nardil? Does it have a higher effective rate? Does it kick in more quickly? The selegiline study I've been participating in is almost over and an MAOI is the logical next trial. Like Elizabeth, I experienced a spontaneous hypertensive crisis on Parnate. I read with relief that more gradual dose increases were effective but mine occurred after only three days at 10mg. I want to explore any alternatives. I have already tried Nardil.
Thanks, Annie
Posted by Elizabeth on May 27, 1999, at 22:42:12
In reply to Marplan benefits?, posted by Annie on May 27, 1999, at 14:12:18
Annie,
Go for it. The people I know who've used Marplan (very small n) say that it doesn't cause weight gain as Nardil does. Also, I don't know about you but Nardil "pooped out" for me after 6-8 months each time I used it, and I became very depressed.
I think Marplan's side effects are sort of "in between." As a hydrazide, it carries the small risk of vitamin B6 deficiency that's associated with Nardil, but it also lacks the intrinsic amphetamine-like activity that Parnate has been postulated to have. Also, as mentioned, less weight gain than with Nardil, perhaps none at all. Anyway, so mostly Marplan is another alternative.
About the auto-induced hypertensive crises, I think your body gets used to it with time; it might actually be worthwhile to take an antihypertensive drug with the Parnate and monitor your BP, at least when first taking it. Talk to your doctor about this. (Pindolol is my personal fave.)
How's the selegiline study going? Do you know what the dosage is and whether it's a controlled study? Tell all. :-)
Posted by JD on May 29, 1999, at 11:54:32
In reply to Re: Marplan benefits?, posted by Elizabeth on May 27, 1999, at 22:42:12
Hi Annie,
As someone who's been getting closer and closer to trying an MAOI myself, I've too have done my share of looking into Marplan lately. As Elizabeth says, my sense is also that it can kind of be placed "between" Parnate and Nardil in the scheme of things--generally not as much weight gain as with Nardil, not as activating and pro-hypertensive as Parnate. Sounds ideal, no? The question is whether it's as effective, since Parnate and Nardil have more research behind them and have very solid reputations despite their unpleasant side effects. Though it's clearly a very potent med, not very much is known about how Marplan compares in studies with other drugs, even with other MAOIs--as I've mentioned elsewhere, some doctors anecdotally claim it's not as good, but some patients apparently swear by it. Interestingly, part of the recent FDA re-approval in the US even included uncertainty over what the proper dosages were. My guess is that it's at least worth a try for many people in the MAOI market, especially for people who have problems with Nardil and Parnate...
Best,
JD
This is the end of the thread.
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