Phenelzine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Navyman
• August 6, 2016

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "Ptsd anxiety, Lifted after 20 years of suffering and isolation. On 90 mgs daily 9 months feel like enjoying life. Have cheated and eat as normal, Inorgasm problem eased with concurrent 05 mg cabergoline gives multiple orgasm. Weight gain in stomach very disappointing."

• Lorra...
• April 17, 2012

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "I took Nardil for 21 years. It worked better than anything else, until the dose was increased from 10 to 40 mg per day. None of my physicians were able to diagnose the cause of the grotesque swelling of my legs. A friend suggested it might be the Nardil; I quit taking it and proved her right. Even in reduced doses, the swelling persisted. I now take something else."

• Flora...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 21, 2021

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "I have been on nardil for over 30 years. I would not be alive or want to be alive without it. I'm sad that there are people who are living in misery and think they cannot feel better. Doctors don't use it enough. I'm not saying that it is the first drug that should be tried. If several drugs are unsuccessful, nardil can be a lifesaver. I would do anything to promote this wonderful drug. Don't even get me started on the unavailability this past year! I'm sure many lives were lost. A sad shame."

• Ralf
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 20, 2019

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "I recently had a stomach virus for 12 hours of nausea and diarrhea. I didn't take my normal dosage of Nardil for a day. Started back on the regular dose. It has been 4 days since starting back on. I have been experiencing nightmares every night, the same dream which seems to continue from the previous night. Feelings of fatigue, irritability, and stomach upset continue."

• Bubba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2016

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "After trying every other kind of antidepressant over the past 9 or so years, Nardil was my first try at an MAOI. The dietary restrictions were less difficult to get used to and less strict than they appeared at first. I was on 30mg of Nardil a day and didn't notice any effect, but after increasing to 45mg/day, I felt the best I've felt in years and it seemed that my depression might be cured at last. ...however, I also had the most side effects I've ever had from a medication: constipation, difficulty urinating, insomnia, and inability to reach an orgasm. Because of the bladder issues and insomnia, I've been forced to resume my search."

• Betty
• July 8, 2021

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "Many years ago I was given Nardil because other antidepressants were not working. Shortly after starting low-dose Nardil, I was so much better. I told my doctor I could hear the birds singing, & was aware of many things in my surroundings, that I usually don’t notice. This drug gave me the ability work, lose weight, and handle relationship issues. I was extremely careful with diet restrictions, and only had one episode of high blood pressure, after accidentally eating a small piece of kielbasa. I was on the medication for two years, but had to stop when I became pregnant. Currently I take an SSRI. My current physician will not prescribe Nardil now. I am older with a few medical issues. I wish there was a drug like this without the restrictions and concern over high blood pressure. If anyone is reading this, and need medication that will help because SSRIs don’t, ask your physician about Nardil, or other MAO inhibitors. An amazing medication!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 11, 2012

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "I took Nardil from '88-'98 and it worked well. Then I was switched to Paxil, which had a lot of side effects (weight, sexual, tired, sense of not really being there). Paxil was probably better for OCD but I came off it (had shocking withdrawal symptoms)."

• linje
• August 13, 2011

Nardil (phenelzine) "Nardil was definitely my wonder medicine. From being scared to go out my door, or have visitors I eventually worked in a large secondary school moved house achieved many things I never dreamt I would do BUT then I was informed it was being discontinued. I was then put on isocarboxazid and problems getting those so then put on Menerix and my condition returned. I have just tried CYMBALTA but having bad side effects so told to come off. Wish I knew what medicine was as good as Nardil."

• Nardil...
• January 4, 2022

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "Nardil is life changing. After trying about a dozen antidepressants in other med classes, as well as ECT, a new psychiatrist prescribed Nardil. I felt not just normal but happy in about a month. For several months I was sleeping well and waking up early (7) and was working out, eating well, had good hygiene, was reading, etc. However; eventually I had incurable insomnia. For someone with bipolar, this is a major problem. We are trying another MOAI (EMSAM) instead. I am so disappointed I couldn’t stay on Nardil as it really managed my depression very well. (Heads up if you try to wean yourself off Nardil, the withdrawals are unbearable.)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 21, 2023

Nardil (phenelzine) "Experienced extreme anxiety and panic attacks for many years. Ruined my life, took my life away. Couldn't live in my own skin. After many tests to evaluate any serious illness, I tried just about all other medicines on the market... to no avail, nothing worked. I really thought life was over. My doctor, as a final solution, prescribed Nardil. After explaining all the side effects and dangers involved with other foods and medicines, I decided to try one last medication. Within a month, I started to have fewer panic attacks and less anxiety. I stopped throwing up all the time and was able to actually eat and enjoy a meal. Nardil saved my life. Two years ago, I tried to go off it and try alternative medicines. After almost 9 months of anxiety and non-stop panic attacks again due to all medicines failing again, I went back on Nardil to get my life back. I will be on it for the rest of my life. I also can eat pretty much anything too, with caution because of the side effects."

• Mel
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 8, 2021

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "After trying many others an enlightened doctor prescribed Nardil and it was a life saver. I was able to lead a relatively normal life! The food restrictions are not as extreme as advised in my opinion. Recently supplies were cut on the NHS but I had to import my supplies, despite the NHS warning doctors many months ago I was not contacted. Recently supplies have been easier to source, but I always dread that visit to the chemists."

• Karen
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 11, 2022

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "First doctor I saw was pro-Prozac and it did not work. Found another doctor and he put me on Nardil. I did not like it at all. I gained about 50 pounds while in the hospital and another 60 when I got out. I went to him about the weight gain early on and he did not seem concerned. I have never been overweight. It caused a major craving for sweets and really slowed my metabolism, even though I was working out. I guess that I am one of the rare ones that it didn't help. I'm glad that you all found success."

• Mothe...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 15, 2019

Nardil (phenelzine) "I have been taking phenelzine/Nardil for the last 34 years and have been very well during that time. I thought I would have enough tablets to see me through until October when they were due to become available again. As anyone in the UK will now the supply date has been moved to March 2020 . I’m now back to square one not having enough tablets to last. I bought some from Canada but they are currently unavailable now and my pharmacist has been trying all the wholesalers that import in this country but up to now hasn’t had any success. Does anyone know where I can currently obtain some. Any suggestions would be really appreciated. I joined the phenelzine group and the Nardil group on this website but haven’t had any luck there either. Fingers XXX"

• Schei...
• March 18, 2020

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "Re Nardil manufacturer Kyowa Kirin emailed me today to confirm there is no guarantee the drug will become available Please note to all NHS patients : DO NOT be fobbed off by your GP saying he cannot get involved with funding the difference between the cost of Nardil and phelezine sulphate import as a special My GP did this to me ! So this is what I did “ I called my CCG Press office and put the fear of god in the staff ! I emailed a strong urgent letter to be forwarded to head of complaints stating that this matter can not wait 28 days for a formal response I explained that my nhs GP issued a script for Nardil and when I took script to pharmacy I was told “ we are running a business not a bank !” They asked me to pay £99 plus postage 60 tablets"

• Charles
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 18, 2021

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "Pfizer wants to stop this drug. They make peanuts from the sale of Nardil. In 2002. They changed the inactive ingredients from the original 15, to a garbage 8. This was so the pill would not be too effective. Google old Nardil pill. Shiny very very hard pill a bulldozers couldn't crush. Active ingredient Phenelzine needs a slow slow absorption rate. rResearch it at Fda.drugs. Complain loudly to the MedWatch form. Good luck!"

• Jamesy
• June 5, 2020

For Depression "I live in the UK. I was put on Nardil in 1980s when I was 25. I was suffering bad phobias and anxiety attacks. Adrenalin was running riot and lost weight, had a red face and nose and was close to not leaving my house. They saved my life and I have been on them nearly 35 years. I have tried a couple of times to come off them but felt awful. I am fortunate my doctors get me unlicensed import supplies but they do cost a fortune, the pharmacy showed me the prices. I have to wait a long time for each prescription as Clinigen charge around £40 per 60 tabs for the unbranded phenelzine but are out of stock and the Nardil branded ones are around £220 per 60 tabs! The UK supplier to NHS charged around £20 per 100 tablets. All about money and my pharmacist asked if I could try and come off them, the biggest fear is that they are stopped being produced. If so, I don't think I will have a life to live, it's so scary."

• Chino...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2016

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "I am currently taking 15 mg three x per day (total of 45mg). The first month was the worst. The main side effect that I had was body aches and muscle stiffness that never lessened. Once a month passed the body aches went away and I noticed a faint constant headache. After about a week that went away too. The only side effect I notice now (after 2 months on Nardil) is a pounding headache lasting 10 seconds and light headedness when I get up to stand from laying down and swelling. It give it 4/10 because it has made my suicidal thoughts disappear and I am less teary and emotional. Has not helped my overall mood or general sense of wellbeing. I find the dietary restrictions hard to follow."

• Old...
• September 28, 2016

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "I've struggled with depression and social anxiety all my life and have recently been treated with a variety of different antidepressants. I think I am depressed because of a narsisstic mother who seemed to be unable to love unconditionally. While Nardil might well help others, I don't feel it has helped me and the effect on sexual activity it depressing in itself. I am currently seeing a psychotherapist and while it is very hard to deal with the issues that come up, I think it might be my salvation. I do hope so."

• Sunny
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 11, 2022

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "I think of Nardil as my happy pills. I’m treatment resistant, and even ECT didn’t help my depression. On Nardil it is GONE, no relapse ever. There are bad side effects: BAD insomnia, sexual dysfunction, interactions with lots of meds, blood pressure crisis, and impossible withdrawal effects if you miss a dose or try to wean off for some reasons. It is also sometimes out of stock. All that being said, it’s still worth it. I can’t function without it. I WISH I could find ANYTHING to help me sleep."

• Quickly
• March 23, 2020

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "Nardil helped me stop drinking which also helped my suicidal depression. I'm now 12 years into using it and it has become less effective fighting depression lately, the last year. Thinking about weaning off 60mg per day and start drinking again. That was at least a good buzz and I will fight feelings of depression on my own."

• Cherela
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 5, 2020

For Depression "I’ve been taking Nardil for 14 years. It is the only medication that helped me. I was hospitalized and given ECT but nothing worked but Nardil. Like many others, I am worried about the shortage of Nardil. I live in the USA. Has anyone been able to transition to another MAOI?"

• justk...
• August 29, 2020

Nardil (phenelzine) for Depression "Quick data point, since every shared experience is valuable with this largely unknown med. Started Nardil in early ‘19 for depression & anxiety, hitting a dose of 75mg, before ending up at a dose of 30-45mg. One month of relief - my brain clicked so well I‘m convinced neurotransmitters are hugely to blame in my case. Words came quickly, I felt funnier, was mostly happier, and the voices of insecurity/low self esteem quieted to a murmur. It felt like a different brain. I avoided big drinking nights until one Friday night and the next day, my clouds returned. I’m getting off to prep for a minor surgery and because I don’t think Nardil’s my answer. Mostly off and luckily it’s been a non event. I was scared of horror stories of super slow taper regimens and/or having to get back on. But besides brain zaps I've had with other meds, no real issues. After a 3 week taper, I’ve had 1 pill over the past 6 days. Not 100% out of the woods, but close. In case you’re where I was, you have my story of hope to hold onto."

• my1po...
• July 16, 2010

Nardil (phenelzine) for Migraine Prevention "I've been on Nardil for migraine prevention, probably 5 years now. My neurologist prescribed it after nothing else would work, including Depakote and Topamax. My original dosage was 15 mg 3 x day. I tried going off of it last year, 1 pill/week, as directed by neurologist, but it was a horrible experience with 3 weeks of diarrhea, weakness and depression, so cut it down to 1/2 pill/week. Still bad experience. Had to go back on it. Tried again this summer, cutting it by 1/4 pill/week...much better results. However when down to last pill in morning, migraines hit with a vengeance. Have upped it back up to 1.5 pills/day. Plan to try to decrease again, but even slower. Other than migraines returning aggressively, no bad experience this time."

• be wary
• October 14, 2010

Nardil (phenelzine) "My brother had a terrible reaction to Nardil. His behavior and personality changed immensely when he started taking it for depression and then he hit bottom when he tried to get off it. Maybe it is a wonder drug for some, but if you start having hallucinations or your reality changes, please get help."

• V1bzz
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 21, 2019

Nardil (phenelzine) "Hey all, from the UK. I have SAD,GAD,Paranoia, PTSD, BDD, OCD, Depression and have been on Nardil. Have just been through 4 or 5 months of rubbish because of walking into my pharmacy and them telling me they couldn't get it anymore (even though I warned them and provided them with a list of places they could source it from). I ended up having to go cold turkey from 75 mg a day. That was not fun and made me very sick for a long time. Good news, I finally found a pharmacist that would source them using the guidelines put out here google Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee go to their main site and search for phenelzine. Your script having to be hand written and have ‘specials/unlicensed’ written on it. It's been a battle but I got my first batch today, sourced from the US and made by Pfizer. A more effective 'Nardil' than what is supplied to the uk. "