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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by caralyn192 on January 8, 2009, at 8:28:09
I was on Nardil 60 mg for 16 months. I tapered off it over 6 weeks. It's been 6 weeks since I stopped taking it completely. The symptoms started 1 day after I took the last dose (of 15 mg). I still have disabling nausea, diarrhea and lethargy. Anyone know when this will end? Is there anything I can do to relieve the symptoms? Thanks- Caralyn
Posted by myco on February 9, 2009, at 18:13:46
In reply to Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by caralyn192 on January 8, 2009, at 8:28:09
> I was on Nardil 60 mg for 16 months. I tapered off it over 6 weeks. It's been 6 weeks since I stopped taking it completely. The symptoms started 1 day after I took the last dose (of 15 mg). I still have disabling nausea, diarrhea and lethargy. Anyone know when this will end? Is there anything I can do to relieve the symptoms? Thanks- Caralyn
Hey, perhaps, for you, 6 weeks was to fast. There is something you can do to relieve the symptoms for sure. Add a little bit of nardil to your day. perhaps 15mg or half that every other day. Maintain this to ease the sides a lil then go to every 3 days then once a week. This might sound silly but it's been known to work for others meds. Generally people taper off tough meds (benzos and maois) at about 10% per week but this isnt a rule...go at the speed you need. Some peoples chemistry doesnt return to normal in 6 weeks also. Sometimes it takes months. So my guess, based on what I know from what ive heard here, my own experiences and what youve just told me would be that for you, 6 weeks tapering off nardil was to fast.
myco
Posted by gardenergirl on February 11, 2009, at 14:46:19
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal » caralyn192, posted by myco on February 9, 2009, at 18:13:46
I've been tapering Nardil as well, as I have to have some outpatient surgery under general anesthesia in about a week. My pdoc instructed me to reduce by one tablet a day every two weeks. I started at 60 mg, so this took about 10 weeks. It was really slow, but I've done pretty well with it. Initially I actually felt pretty good, but that effect has gone. Now, having been completely off for just under a week, I have lost about 20 pounds from my peak weight, my appetite has really declined, I've had some nausea and diarrhea, and I've been sleeping and dreaming a lot longer, though that was worse immediately after lowering doses and then got better in the second week at that dose.
My mood has gotten worse, and between the end of 30 mg and beginning 15 mg it was horrible for a few days--very very irritable, negative thinking, low mood, flat affect except for the irritability, etc. It felt like the worst PMS ever. This happened in the midst of my dog getting really sick and needing to be put down, and I'm managing to get by. I don't know if I will go back on it after the surgery. I'm thinking not, as I don't really look forward to all the start up side effects again, especially weight gain.
Oh, and before Nardil, I used to have really cold hands and feet, but on Nardil that went away. It's back now. I'd forgotten about that. :)
I hope you're feeling better now.
gg
Posted by SLS on February 11, 2009, at 18:53:11
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by gardenergirl on February 11, 2009, at 14:46:19
Hi GG.
I know it is early, but do you think you are going to need some sort of antidepressant treatment based upon the way you feel now? I guess you really won't know until the brain finds its new equilibrium.
You know, sometimes, coming off of Nardil so gradually can induce mania for people who are bipolar. For those who are not bipolar, they can get a nice improvement for a few weeks.
I hope all goes well...
- Scott
Posted by gardenergirl on February 12, 2009, at 9:20:09
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal » gardenergirl, posted by SLS on February 11, 2009, at 18:53:11
> Hi GG.
>
> I know it is early, but do you think you are going to need some sort of antidepressant treatment based upon the way you feel now? I guess you really won't know until the brain finds its new equilibrium.Hey Scott. I'll probably need something. I'm still on Provigil and still take Ambien most every night. Having regular sleep definitely does good things for my mood and functioning. I'm not sure what I'd like to try if I do decide I need something. Pdoc doesn't have any immediate suggestions. Guess we'll wait and see.
>
> You know, sometimes, coming off of Nardil so gradually can induce mania for people who are bipolar. For those who are not bipolar, they can get a nice improvement for a few weeks.Chalk up another data point for me not being bipolar, I guess. Kind of miss that "nice improvement", though. Now it's just bleah, whatever.
>
> I hope all goes well...
>Thanks. :) Warm thoughts and happy days to you.
gg
Posted by DebRose on April 9, 2009, at 17:51:47
In reply to Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by caralyn192 on January 8, 2009, at 8:28:09
> I was on Nardil 60 mg for 16 months. I tapered off it over 6 weeks. It's been 6 weeks since I stopped taking it completely. The symptoms started 1 day after I took the last dose (of 15 mg). I still have disabling nausea, diarrhea and lethargy. Anyone know when this will end? Is there anything I can do to relieve the symptoms? Thanks- Caralyn
Caralyn,
I am curious if you are still suffering withdrawal symptoms from being off Nardil? I was on Nardil for 18 years and had to go off it because I was starting to have problems with my blood pressure. I have been totally off it for 5 weeks now and still experiencing nausea, have lost 30 pounds, and generally feel weak. The nausea is starting to get better - it's now mostly for a couple hours or so in the morning.
Anyway, I'm just curious how long it took before withdrawal symptoms stopped and you actually felt good again (at least I hope you are feeling better by now!)
Thank you
Posted by caralyn192 on April 10, 2009, at 17:40:16
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal » caralyn192, posted by DebRose on April 9, 2009, at 17:51:47
> > I was on Nardil 60 mg for 16 months. I tapered off it over 6 weeks. It's been 6 weeks since I stopped taking it completely. The symptoms started 1 day after I took the last dose (of 15 mg). I still have disabling nausea, diarrhea and lethargy. Anyone know when this will end? Is there anything I can do to relieve the symptoms? Thanks- Caralyn
>
> Caralyn,
>
> I am curious if you are still suffering withdrawal symptoms from being off Nardil? I was on Nardil for 18 years and had to go off it because I was starting to have problems with my blood pressure. I have been totally off it for 5 weeks now and still experiencing nausea, have lost 30 pounds, and generally feel weak. The nausea is starting to get better - it's now mostly for a couple hours or so in the morning.
>
> Anyway, I'm just curious how long it took before withdrawal symptoms stopped and you actually felt good again (at least I hope you are feeling better by now!)
>
> Thank you
>
>Hey- I am better now, although it took about 3 months. I lost about 20 lbs., which was great because I had gained 30 lbs from the Nardil induced chocolate cravings!! I hope you feel better soon!! I feel great off the Nardil and am enjoying cheese again!
Posted by DebRose on April 10, 2009, at 17:50:40
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by caralyn192 on April 10, 2009, at 17:40:16
> > > I was on Nardil 60 mg for 16 months. I tapered off it over 6 weeks. It's been 6 weeks since I stopped taking it completely. The symptoms started 1 day after I took the last dose (of 15 mg). I still have disabling nausea, diarrhea and lethargy. Anyone know when this will end? Is there anything I can do to relieve the symptoms? Thanks- Caralyn
> >
> > Caralyn,
> >
> > I am curious if you are still suffering withdrawal symptoms from being off Nardil? I was on Nardil for 18 years and had to go off it because I was starting to have problems with my blood pressure. I have been totally off it for 5 weeks now and still experiencing nausea, have lost 30 pounds, and generally feel weak. The nausea is starting to get better - it's now mostly for a couple hours or so in the morning.
> >
> > Anyway, I'm just curious how long it took before withdrawal symptoms stopped and you actually felt good again (at least I hope you are feeling better by now!)
> >
> > Thank you
> >
> >
>
> Hey- I am better now, although it took about 3 months. I lost about 20 lbs., which was great because I had gained 30 lbs from the Nardil induced chocolate cravings!! I hope you feel better soon!! I feel great off the Nardil and am enjoying cheese again!That's great that you're feelinge better! I can't believe it's taking this long to withdraw off Nardil. So did you go on a new antidepressant or are you completely med-free now?
Thanks
Posted by caralyn192 on April 12, 2009, at 11:30:19
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by DebRose on April 10, 2009, at 17:50:40
Hi- I'm completely med free, I am doing new therapy, including energy therapy. It's helping a lot. When you think how long you were on the Nardil, it makes sense that it would take awhile to get it out of your system. I found that if I nibbled on something small the nausea got better. I also felt better the sooner I got myself up and going...although some days I never got up. I hope you feel better soon, and just remember, it WILL get better!
Posted by DebRose on April 12, 2009, at 20:17:49
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by caralyn192 on April 12, 2009, at 11:30:19
> Hi- I'm completely med free, I am doing new therapy, including energy therapy. It's helping a lot. When you think how long you were on the Nardil, it makes sense that it would take awhile to get it out of your system. I found that if I nibbled on something small the nausea got better. I also felt better the sooner I got myself up and going...although some days I never got up. I hope you feel better soon, and just remember, it WILL get better!
Wow! That's great that you are med free and that the therapy is working for you!I know what you mean re feeling better the sooner you can get up and going, but it's SO hard when you feel like crap and when I'm up, I don't feel like doing anything; but when I sleep, I can almost feel my muscles atrophy! I get so much more tired.
I've been completely off Nardil for 5.5 weeks now, and this is getting really old! I started feeling sick before i was completely off it. I just hope this is over soon!
Thanks so much for responding to my questions; I appreciate it!
Posted by mnsu44 on June 5, 2009, at 0:05:24
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by caralyn192 on April 10, 2009, at 17:40:16
Hi all,
I'm currently in the process of getting off of Nardil after being on it for chronic daily headaches for the past 10+ years. So far the only side effects from withdrawal have been nightmares, depression and irritability.
My question to those of you who have already gone through withdrawal from Nardil is regarding losing the weight you gained on Nardil. I'm already feeling my appetite decrease and I've cut my dose in half. Can I expect that to continue? How long does it take for the other side effects to go away. I'm sorry to hear you have suffered nausea, etc... but hang in there, this medication has a short half-life, so your symptoms should go away soon.
Posted by caralyn192 on June 5, 2009, at 0:21:26
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by mnsu44 on June 5, 2009, at 0:05:24
The withdrawal side effects lasted almost 3 months for me, but it was worth it. I've lost 40 pounds since December...even though the nausea sucked, losing the weight was worth it. It's so nice eating like a normal person again!! Hang in there, you'll feel as good as new soon enough~!
Posted by DebRose on June 5, 2009, at 0:26:58
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by mnsu44 on June 5, 2009, at 0:05:24
> Hi all,
>
> I'm currently in the process of getting off of Nardil after being on it for chronic daily headaches for the past 10+ years. So far the only side effects from withdrawal have been nightmares, depression and irritability.
>
> My question to those of you who have already gone through withdrawal from Nardil is regarding losing the weight you gained on Nardil. I'm already feeling my appetite decrease and I've cut my dose in half. Can I expect that to continue? How long does it take for the other side effects to go away. I'm sorry to hear you have suffered nausea, etc... but hang in there, this medication has a short half-life, so your symptoms should go away soon.
Hello, Nardil may have a short half life, but the effects of going off it too fast can be horrific! I would highly reccommend weaning off VERY slowly or I promise, you will regret it! Well, you might be one of the lucky ones that doesn't suffer, but don't take the chances! If I had it to do all over again I would wean off a half a pill a month! I weaned off half a pill a week and 3 months after being completely off it, I'm STILL suffering nausea, lathargy, overall unwell feeling, neourological sensations in my feet, and I can't get onto another anti-depressant until the nausea goes away completely because it doesn't take much to trigger nausea since I've had it for 4 months now!So for your own well being - wean off nardil SLOW - even unreasonably slow!
Posted by mnsu44 on June 5, 2009, at 0:51:43
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by caralyn192 on June 5, 2009, at 0:21:26
Thanks for the good news! So far I haven't experienced any nausea, so I think that's a good sign. Did you lose the weight just from eating less or did you increase your amount of exercise too? I'd LOVE to lose 20-30 pounds over the next several months, I think I'd finally feel human again.
Posted by mnsu44 on June 5, 2009, at 0:55:16
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by DebRose on June 5, 2009, at 0:26:58
> > Hi all,
> >
> > I'm currently in the process of getting off of Nardil after being on it for chronic daily headaches for the past 10+ years. So far the only side effects from withdrawal have been nightmares, depression and irritability.
> >
> > My question to those of you who have already gone through withdrawal from Nardil is regarding losing the weight you gained on Nardil. I'm already feeling my appetite decrease and I've cut my dose in half. Can I expect that to continue? How long does it take for the other side effects to go away. I'm sorry to hear you have suffered nausea, etc... but hang in there, this medication has a short half-life, so your symptoms should go away soon.
>
>
> Hello, Nardil may have a short half life, but the effects of going off it too fast can be horrific! I would highly reccommend weaning off VERY slowly or I promise, you will regret it! Well, you might be one of the lucky ones that doesn't suffer, but don't take the chances! If I had it to do all over again I would wean off a half a pill a month! I weaned off half a pill a week and 3 months after being completely off it, I'm STILL suffering nausea, lathargy, overall unwell feeling, neourological sensations in my feet, and I can't get onto another anti-depressant until the nausea goes away completely because it doesn't take much to trigger nausea since I've had it for 4 months now!
>
> So for your own well being - wean off nardil SLOW - even unreasonably slow!Thank you for the suggestion. So far I've done 1 pill per week, under the guidance of my doctor, and it hasn't been too bad. But I know coming off of those last 2 pills will be the most difficult. I just want it out of my system, you know? But I'll take it slow if I find that the side effects are too much to handle. I definitely will consider cutting the pills in half - thank goodness for pill cutters!!
I hope your nausea goes away soon, DebRose, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.
Posted by DebRose on June 5, 2009, at 0:56:05
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by mnsu44 on June 5, 2009, at 0:51:43
> Thanks for the good news! So far I haven't experienced any nausea, so I think that's a good sign. Did you lose the weight just from eating less or did you increase your amount of exercise too? I'd LOVE to lose 20-30 pounds over the next several months, I think I'd finally feel human again.
>
>
Hey, excuse me if I"m butting in here, but I'm curious, how fast (or slow) are you weaning off Nardil and how much were you taking to start with?
Posted by DebRose on June 5, 2009, at 1:04:34
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by mnsu44 on June 5, 2009, at 0:55:16
> Thank you for the suggestion. So far I've done 1 pill per week, under the guidance of my doctor, and it hasn't been too bad. But I know coming off of those last 2 pills will be the most difficult. I just want it out of my system, you know? But I'll take it slow if I find that the side effects are too much to handle. I definitely will consider cutting the pills in half - thank goodness for pill cutters!!
>
> I hope your nausea goes away soon, DebRose, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.
>
>
Wow, 1 pill a week is pretty fast! I started at 1 pill every two weeks and had to stop primarily because of extreme anxiety. The effects of going off Nardil didn't really start until I was almost completely off it. I've been totally off it for 3 months now, and I'm still sick! This is no longer withdrawals!I really hope you don't have to go through what many others have with thsi medication - if you wait until the symptoms show up, it's already too late. THe only other recourse would be to either deal with it for how ever many months it will take to be over with, or increase your dosage until the symptoms go away and then start weaning off again, but this time MUCH slower!
Posted by caralyn192 on June 5, 2009, at 8:05:10
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by DebRose on June 5, 2009, at 1:04:34
Hey- I lost the weight two ways. First, I know I ate less because of the nausea. Second, most of the weight came off because I no longer craved chocolate! I had been eating a BIG bag of kisses almost every night. I am surprised I didn't look like a big Hershey Kiss! I have been slowly incorporating exercise into my life lately. It feels good and I know it helps me continue to lose.I am also really careful about what I eat. Being drug free for the first time in eight years has been so empowering. I feel totally in control. I only want healthy things in my body. I love it.
I wish you well, the withdrawal was difficult, but as I look back on it, I am glad it was hard. I know now that medications will only be my last resort, after seeing how they took over my body and mind. I also must say that I couldn't have gotten better with out them though, I'm just glad I've been able to move forward.
Posted by mnsu44 on June 5, 2009, at 8:46:51
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by DebRose on June 5, 2009, at 0:56:05
> Hey, excuse me if I"m butting in here, but I'm curious, how fast (or slow) are you weaning off Nardil and how much were you taking to start with?
>
You're not butting in at all - good questions! I've been on 60 mg of Nardil for the past 14 years to treat chronic daily headaches. My doctor advised me to reduce my dose by 1 pill per week (so 15 mg per week) until I'm off of it completely. So far it's been a little over 2 weeks so I'm down to just 30 mg now. I think these last two pills will be the most difficult -I take them as soon as I wake up in the morning, generally when I'm in the most pain from my headache. Thanks for asking!
Posted by mnsu44 on June 5, 2009, at 8:50:19
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by DebRose on June 5, 2009, at 1:04:34
> Wow, 1 pill a week is pretty fast! I started at 1 pill every two weeks and had to stop primarily because of extreme anxiety. The effects of going off Nardil didn't really start until I was almost completely off it. I've been totally off it for 3 months now, and I'm still sick! This is no longer withdrawals!
>
> I really hope you don't have to go through what many others have with thsi medication - if you wait until the symptoms show up, it's already too late. THe only other recourse would be to either deal with it for how ever many months it will take to be over with, or increase your dosage until the symptoms go away and then start weaning off again, but this time MUCH slower!
>
>
I agree with you - I was surprised that my doctor suggested such a quick reduction, especially since I've been on the medicine for so long. I think, based on what everyone here has said, that I'll slow my withdrawal down to reducing the last two pills by decreasing one pill every two weeks, or possibly even slower. It's hard enough to suffer with chronic pain everyday, but to deal with withdrawal symptoms on top of it seems unfair.
Posted by mnsu44 on June 5, 2009, at 8:53:46
In reply to Re: Long Nardil Withdrawal, posted by caralyn192 on June 5, 2009, at 8:05:10
> Hey- I lost the weight two ways. First, I know I ate less because of the nausea. Second, most of the weight came off because I no longer craved chocolate! I had been eating a BIG bag of kisses almost every night. I am surprised I didn't look like a big Hershey Kiss! I have been slowly incorporating exercise into my life lately. It feels good and I know it helps me continue to lose.I am also really careful about what I eat. Being drug free for the first time in eight years has been so empowering. I feel totally in control. I only want healthy things in my body. I love it.
> I wish you well, the withdrawal was difficult, but as I look back on it, I am glad it was hard. I know now that medications will only be my last resort, after seeing how they took over my body and mind. I also must say that I couldn't have gotten better with out them though, I'm just glad I've been able to move forward.I still hope to avoid the nausea, but who knows what will be once I'm off the medicine completely. I completely understand the empowered feeling you speak of - being "drug free" for the first time in 17+ years is something I look forward to and know I'll have to work hard to obtain. I wonder what being on this medication for so many years has done to my body, my organs, etc. Although I may not be able to remain off medicine forever, at least I know I'll have other options that aren't as dangerous as Nardil and that alone is a good feeling.
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