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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Spanner on November 22, 2002, at 4:27:56
Hi,
I've just started a course of moclobemide 150mg after an SSRI didn't help with my social anxiety.
I was wondering if anyone else had side effects such as trembiling, repeated REM, faint attacks as though you're going to pass out and random "shocks" passing through the body?
As much as I struggle with the Social Anxiety Disorder I don't want to destroy the rest of my mind and body trying to repair it.
Any thoughts/common side effects?
Thanks
Regards
Spanner
Posted by JonW on November 22, 2002, at 6:17:46
In reply to Moclobemide Side effects, posted by Spanner on November 22, 2002, at 4:27:56
Could you be experiencing withdrawal? How long ago did you stop the SSRI? I presume it's been atleast 2 weeks as most would consider it unwise to start moclobemide any sooner. I've tried moclobemide several times in hopes that it might work because it causes very few side-effects for most people. I don't think I've heard a single person here complain about side-effects from moclobemide -- maybe insomnia. You should let your pdoc know so he or she can decide if there's a problem or how to adjust your meds, etc. Inform him or her of your concerns. I'm sure your pdoc will put your mind at ease.
Jon
Posted by Spanner on November 22, 2002, at 7:02:06
In reply to Re: Moclobemide Side effects, posted by JonW on November 22, 2002, at 6:17:46
Hi Jon,
thanks for the reply.
I only stopped the SSRI for one day, then started on an increadibly low dosage of the moclobemide and am gardually building it up.I did let the doc know and he said it was nothing to be concerned about - I'm just not always sure of how much exposure Cape Town docs get to side effects of such medications, seeing that we don't have a very big pool of users.
I will heed is advice and trust his judgement :)
Thanks.
Spanner
Posted by JonW on November 22, 2002, at 9:04:34
In reply to Re: Moclobemide Side effects, posted by Spanner on November 22, 2002, at 7:02:06
> Hi Jon,
> thanks for the reply.
> I only stopped the SSRI for one day, then started on an increadibly low dosage of the moclobemide and am gardually building it up.
>
> I did let the doc know and he said it was nothing to be concerned about - I'm just not always sure of how much exposure Cape Town docs get to side effects of such medications, seeing that we don't have a very big pool of users.
>
> I will heed is advice and trust his judgement :)Spanner,
I'm no doctor, but it sounds to me like you are experiencing withdrawal.
Jon
Posted by bluedog on November 22, 2002, at 10:01:46
In reply to Re: Moclobemide Side effects, posted by JonW on November 22, 2002, at 9:04:34
>
> I'm no doctor, but it sounds to me like you are experiencing withdrawal.
>
> Jon
I would have to agree with Jon.You didn't mention which ssri you were on but it sounds suspiciously like EFFEXOR withdrawal to me.
Furthermore I have previously been on moclobemide and I personally experienced nil side effects on this drug (If you are on a super low dose as you mentioned I would be VERY surprised if what you are experiencing is moclobemide side effects)
Posted by tina on November 22, 2002, at 10:05:34
In reply to Re: Moclobemide Side effects, posted by JonW on November 22, 2002, at 6:17:46
I never had a single side effect from moclobemide. You should contact your doc.
Posted by jay on November 22, 2002, at 12:00:10
In reply to Moclobemide Side effects, posted by Spanner on November 22, 2002, at 4:27:56
As a former moclobemide user, I had a really tough time tolerating this med beyond a few days. It caused the things you mentioned, and especially raised my aggitation and anger level. I read at the website, http://www.mentalhealth.com , that moclobemide shouldn't be used in 'aggitated' patients. My mood was just really foul, kinda like on Wellbutrin, and I did experience a *tiny* mood lift once in awhile, but I was just so miserable after a few days. I also found even my usual dose off a benzo didn't help at all.If you are looking for a lift from a combo of atypical depression, with serious anxiety, I found smaller than normal doses of Prozac and also EffexorXR helpful. After 10 or so years of trials, that is my conclusion for now. I just thought maybe you had atypical depression with anxiety (and some 'rapid cycling' issues..more along the anxiety lines, though) as we have had similar responses.
I hope that helps somewhat..
Jay
Posted by cubbybear on November 23, 2002, at 4:59:01
In reply to Re: Moclobemide Side effects » Spanner, posted by jay on November 22, 2002, at 12:00:10
I've been following this discussion since I'm going to start Moclobemide next week. From what I've read, perhaps there is just a small minority of patients for whom Moclobemide produces problem side effects.
I would like to know from any of you who have had success with Moclobemide-- when is the best time of day to take it- (only 150 mg.) after breakfast , lunch, or dinner? Obviously, if insomnia is a potential side effect, it would seem to be best after breakfast or lunch.. Please let me know your experiences about this and if insomnia was a problem for you. Thanx!
Posted by kara lynne on November 23, 2002, at 13:02:35
In reply to Re: Moclobemide Side effects, posted by cubbybear on November 23, 2002, at 4:59:01
I was on Moclobemide for about six weeks. Although it helped with some things, I could never get rid of a sense of "depersonalization" while I was taking it. It just felt like there was a layer of something I didn't like between me and the rest of the world. It was a kind of harsh, buzzy feeling. I didn't know what to call it until my doctor read me straight from some source that depersonalization is one of the main side effects of Moclobemide. Of course he didn't mention it until I experienced it (which I guess was smart on his part--in case I never did). In any event, it did not get better over time and I felt much better as soon as it was out of my system. Also, I had some cognitive difficulty on it-- my synapses just didn't seem to be firing well. I was in school and trying to learn things and couldn't follow simple steps without repeating them a hundred times. Yes, you may be experiencing withdrawal symptoms from (Effexor?), but I definitely had side effects from Moclobemide.
Posted by JonW on November 23, 2002, at 13:07:32
In reply to Re: Moclobemide Side effects, posted by cubbybear on November 23, 2002, at 4:59:01
> I've been following this discussion since I'm going to start Moclobemide next week. From what I've read, perhaps there is just a small minority of patients for whom Moclobemide produces problem side effects.
> I would like to know from any of you who have had success with Moclobemide-- when is the best time of day to take it- (only 150 mg.) after breakfast , lunch, or dinner? Obviously, if insomnia is a potential side effect, it would seem to be best after breakfast or lunch.. Please let me know your experiences about this and if insomnia was a problem for you. Thanx!I have taken Moclobemide up to 900mg/day and would have to say it's the most tolerable drug I've ever been on. As a bonus, it lowered my blood pressure and enhanced all things sexual. Insomnia was never a major problem, and certainly not at 150mg. The downside, unfortunately, is that it's not a very potent drug and ultimately proved ineffective for my depression and anxiety. This is the opinion shared by many in the field, and I know the majority of posts in the archives here support that reputation. However, there are success stories sprinkled here and there and you very well could become one of them. It's a wonderful drug to try, and you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Good Luck!
Jon
Posted by BekkaH on November 24, 2002, at 16:56:38
In reply to Moclobemide Side effects, posted by Spanner on November 22, 2002, at 4:27:56
Hi. I'm interested in reading more about Moclobemide, and I'd also like to know why it is not available in the U.S.? Did the FDA reject it? If so, do you know why?
Thanks for any information.
Posted by cubbybear on November 25, 2002, at 0:45:46
In reply to Re: Moclobemide Side effects, posted by BekkaH on November 24, 2002, at 16:56:38
We may never know the exact truth, especially when government agencies like the FDA are involved. But what I THINK happened is that the manufacturer submitted Moclobemide for approval, but by that time, the SSRIs had (virtually?) cornered the market, and the manufacturer of Moc. didn't want to spend the vast amounts of money required to go through the approval process, on top of all the competition they were up against.
Also, there may have been some resistance from physicians or other people because the older MAOIs had gotten an ill-deserved reputation (safety and diet restrictions). So basically the Moclobemide marketing people missed the boat. That's just my hunch. If anyone out there knows more definitively why the drug was never approved, I would like to hear it.
Posted by Spanner on November 25, 2002, at 9:35:01
In reply to Re: Moclobemide Side effects » Spanner, posted by jay on November 22, 2002, at 12:00:10
Hey there Team Moclobemide...
To JonW, bluedog and Tina thank you for the advice. After an excellent weekend away with a couple of very good (understanding) friends I seem to have had very few of the tingling and dizziness side-effects that I had last week. The SSRI was Aropax and I was informed that it was used predominantly more for depression in this country while Moclobemide was used for Anxiety.
I have had one or two minor bouts of anxiety today in comparison to what I was going through and am finding myself a little hyper and over talkative...which could be a good thing :)
I only hope my mind settles with this set.
Posted by Spanner on November 25, 2002, at 9:39:54
In reply to Re: Moclobemide Side effects » Spanner, posted by jay on November 22, 2002, at 12:00:10
>
> As a former moclobemide user, I had a really tough time tolerating this med beyond a few days. It caused the things you mentioned, and especially raised my aggitation and anger level. I read at the website, http://www.mentalhealth.com , that moclobemide shouldn't be used in 'aggitated' patients. My mood was just really foul, kinda like on Wellbutrin, and I did experience a *tiny* mood lift once in awhile, but I was just so miserable after a few days. I also found even my usual dose off a benzo didn't help at all.
>
> If you are looking for a lift from a combo of atypical depression, with serious anxiety, I found smaller than normal doses of Prozac and also EffexorXR helpful. After 10 or so years of trials, that is my conclusion for now. I just thought maybe you had atypical depression with anxiety (and some 'rapid cycling' issues..more along the anxiety lines, though) as we have had similar responses.
>
> I hope that helps somewhat..
> Jay
Jay thank you for the advice as to what to use in conjunction - I definitely have a natural tendency to become agitated and impatient so that is probably one of the causes of the side effects. It seems after a relaxing weekend that they have subsided somewhat and will see how the week progresses.
Posted by Spanner on November 25, 2002, at 10:00:47
In reply to Re: Moclobemide Side effects » cubbybear, posted by JonW on November 23, 2002, at 13:07:32
> > I've been following this discussion since I'm going to start Moclobemide next week. From what I've read, perhaps there is just a small minority of patients for whom Moclobemide produces problem side effects.
> > I would like to know from any of you who have had success with Moclobemide-- when is the best time of day to take it- (only 150 mg.) after breakfast , lunch, or dinner? Obviously, if insomnia is a potential side effect, it would seem to be best after breakfast or lunch.. Please let me know your experiences about this and if insomnia was a problem for you. Thanx!
>
> I have taken Moclobemide up to 900mg/day and would have to say it's the most tolerable drug I've ever been on. As a bonus, it lowered my blood pressure and enhanced all things sexual. Insomnia was never a major problem, and certainly not at 150mg. The downside, unfortunately, is that it's not a very potent drug and ultimately proved ineffective for my depression and anxiety. This is the opinion shared by many in the field, and I know the majority of posts in the archives here support that reputation. However, there are success stories sprinkled here and there and you very well could become one of them. It's a wonderful drug to try, and you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Good Luck!
>
> JonI have been told to stop the dosage at 1 (150mg) in the morning after breakfast and 1/2(150mg) after lunch. I'm not sure if this is to help with sleep or to subdue the anxiety while you are active throughout the day. So far the sleep thing has been interesting to say the least - I'm sleeping much better now than I was when on Aropax (SSRI) and also have had very vivid dreams that are full of symbolism and images, but nothing bad. After less than a week my side effects are quite subdued and I'm feeling far more confident and at ease. I guess the low dosage is an effort by my doc to see if we can use it as little as possible and hence counter what Jon mentions above about it's potency problem over a long period of time.
The one thing I will say is that if I was going to have a social anxiety phobia, Cape Town is the one place in the world I think I could bring it under control - it's like San Francisco only 100 times more laid back, with more white beaches, more sunshine and so many fewer people...
Posted by ZeeZee on November 25, 2002, at 10:49:53
In reply to Moclobemide Side effects, posted by Spanner on November 22, 2002, at 4:27:56
I had much success in the past with MAOI's and am considering the use of RIMA's. Do you have to adhere to dietary restrictions as you would with Parnate and Nardil? Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks
Posted by Spanner on November 26, 2002, at 2:58:11
In reply to Moclobemide question » Spanner, posted by ZeeZee on November 25, 2002, at 10:49:53
> I had much success in the past with MAOI's and am considering the use of RIMA's. Do you have to adhere to dietary restrictions as you would with Parnate and Nardil? Any input would be appreciated.
> ThanksHi there ZeeZee, I'm relatively new to all of this and living in Cape Town there are fewer people to communicate experiences and opinions, but I gave my doc a fair idea of my diet (which is relatively healthy) and he did not advise many changes. He did advise to stop drinking all alcohol or at least move onto light beer , of which I do the later (only on weekends) and it hasn't affected my anxiety at the time or the morning after. I have also stopped drinking coffee altogether, will only drink caffeine free tea and very rarely have a coke. So have moved onto fruit juice and water - it wasn't easy, but I suppose it's also healthier :)
I have also found a source of confidence and anxiety release in a martial art that I practice - it gives me the chance to take my mind of everything else and it keeps me physically healthy. So far I have felt that it has improved self-confidence and given me an upper hand with the anxiety when in a social situation, while before I would have been incredibly self aware and inward looking - I'm now learning to look more outward and it has made a huge difference.
Posted by cubbybear on November 26, 2002, at 6:30:12
In reply to Moclobemide question » Spanner, posted by ZeeZee on November 25, 2002, at 10:49:53
Hello ZeeZee,
You asked if a person has to adhere to dietary restrictions with RIMAS as he/she would with the MAOIs Panate and Nardil. The answer is definitely not. That's the great difference between them. If you decide to start with a RIMA such as Moclobemide (Aurorix), check various websites on it and you'll see for yourself. You can have the tyramine foods, but just don't eat excessive amounts of them.
Posted by ZeeZee on November 26, 2002, at 8:14:42
In reply to Re: Moclobemide question, posted by cubbybear on November 26, 2002, at 6:30:12
Posted by ZeeZee on November 26, 2002, at 8:22:32
In reply to Re: Moclobemide question }} ZeeZee, posted by Spanner on November 26, 2002, at 2:58:11
Thanks so much for your reply and it's great to hear that you are doing so well. I don't drink alcohol nor caffeine so there wouldn't be much sacrifice for me. I'm going to check with my doc after the holidays to see if she'd agree with prescribing Moc. I'm afraid that'll be my biggest struggle!
Take Care
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