Hiya! Can anyone give me information about tranylcypromine? I have had a variety of antid's, alone or in combination over the last 40years. I am currently in a 'washout' period with no antid prior to starting it. As I get older I find I get more anxious about changes (tho' something had to be done). I have read on this site, the side effects and diet, and I am worrying more and more about it. I would appreciate any experiences with it pleeeeeease. Lis

Hi,

I'm new to these forums, but I can probably share some information with you.

I actually started Tranylcypromine myself about... 36 days ago (I keep the empty bottles so I know exactly :P). The first time I saw my current psychiatrist, he asked me what I wanted. I told him that he was the expert, and he put me on Lofepramine, which made me much, much worse. Two months of that made me decide to do my own research.

I found a website called Psychotropical Research, to which I am not allowed to link you. It was pretty elucidating, so I told my psychiatrist I wanted to go on it. He thought it was a bit strange, but gave me a prescription anyway. All I can say is: what a difference! The first AD (and I have had a few from every group) I have ever taken that has made ANY change in my life. I had barely finished my first 7 pills, and I felt much, much improved. Sure, there are dietary restictions, but you get used to them very quickly. And I've had fewer headaches than I did BEFORE I took this medication.

Obviously pills work differently for different people, and it is supposed to take between 3-6 weeks to reach maximum efficacy. And of course it depends on how severe your depression is (mine is pretty bad). Oh, and I should warn you, there may be issues with sleep. I sleep poorly now - and I can get pretty exhausted and weak in the afternoons, although that is a very recent development.

Anyway, good luck. That page I linked you too should allay some of your concerns :)

This morning my psychiatrist have me a prescription for Parnate. I've been doing more research and it scares the crap out of me. Half the food I like I wouldn't be able to eat anymore. He's convinced I suffer from Atypical depression therefore should be on an MAOI. I'm not sure about his diagnosis though. I don't know if I should call his office and say forget it, I'm never taking that stuff, or maybe give it a try, or what.