Phenelzine for Depression User Reviews (Page 4)

• Betty
• July 8, 2021

Nardil (phenelzine) "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) "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)."

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

Nardil (phenelzine) "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."

• Nardil...
• January 4, 2022

Nardil (phenelzine) "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.)"

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

Nardil (phenelzine) "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) "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."

• Schei...
• March 18, 2020

Nardil (phenelzine) "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) "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

"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) "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) "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) "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) "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

"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) "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."

• Lomax
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2023

Nardil (phenelzine) "Nardil helps with anxiety but made me extremely tired, depressed, and agitated. I could only tolerate a low dose of 30mg. Every time I tried to raise it to 45mg I experienced dizziness to the point of fainting, agitation, and crying spells."

• Lars
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2023

Nardil (phenelzine) "I was very upset after trying this drug. I had such high hopes and am very confused with the high ratings. I was on Nardil for 2 months and have experienced many side effects. Dizziness, fatigue, nausea, no energy, worse depression, zero libidos, agitation. I was on 45mg and could barely stand up at this dose. If you are sensitive to medication this is probably not for you. The only advantage was a slight reduction in anxiety."

• Miste...
• March 14, 2021

Nardil (phenelzine) "I have been on Nardil for 41 years. I have tried other meds to no avail. It’s a wonderful medication for anxiety, depression and social anxiety. I retired from a teaching career , which I never been have been able to complete without this medication. It’s a life saver. It has been out of supply in Canada since March 2020 and again in January 2021. Luckily I have been able to get Nardil from Washington State as I live the US border in Vancouver . There is a supply of Nardil in the US . ERFA and Canada Health has not done enough to people who need this medication."

• Charlie
• April 4, 2021

Nardil (phenelzine) "The reason Lupin Nardil works and greenstone doesn't is because the inactive ingredient polyvinyl alcohol wraps Nardil pill like a tide detergent pod pill. This is for a better absorption. Greenstone doesn't have this. Trust me, Pfizer created a formula Nardil failure on Nardil! Hard to believe but it is true."

• Linmeme
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 5, 2019

Nardil (phenelzine) "Been back on Nardil 6 weeks got from Wells Pharmacy. Still anxious tho , these tablets not as dark wonder if ingredients are slightly different. Been put on 80mg bedranol to ease palpitations which they have."

• Charlie
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 5, 2021

Nardil (phenelzine) "I was prescribed Nardil from 1979 until 2003 for panic disorder and agoraphobia. Bang it stopped working: lo and behold, Pfizer changed the inactive ingredients from the previous owner of Nardil, WarnerLambert. Pfizer went from 15 inactive ingredients to only 8. I won't go into detail, but I'm annoyed they changed it. (September 2, 2003) and never liked back. Please look at a website pre 2003 Nardil petition. Thx"

• Linmeme
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 3, 2023

Nardil (phenelzine) "I’ve been taking Nardil for over 30 years for depression, anxiety, and agoraphobia. They gave me my life back. A few times tabs were unavailable and symptoms returned. It takes several weeks to get into your system and coming off them can make you feel very nauseous and generally unwell. However, it’s worth it!! I do check what I eat and drink but some things you can have just in low amounts. I don’t drink any form of alcohol or drink with Phenylalanine."

• EndTh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2022

Nardil (phenelzine) "I was very hopeful, given all the stuff I read online (all over the web) about the life-changing workings of this drug for so many folks out there. Pretty bummed that that’s not the case for me. Was on it for almost 3 months — nothing. The good part about Nardil (for me) was that I didn’t experience any negative side effects. I wish I could somehow just give this med a neutral review, but that’s not how the rating system on this site work. Hence my 6/10 rating — not good, not bad & +1 star for the lack of crap side effects. Happy for all of you that have found, in Nardil, your medicine of choice!"

• Flora...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 1, 2020

"I have been on nardil for over 30 years. It gave me a life after being sick for over 7 years in my 20s. I had no quality of life with my depression and anxiety. I was homebound and not able to function. The thought of not being able to obtain them terrifies me. Life would almost be too hard without it - I'm not exaggerating when I say that. I can't go back to that dark place again."

• Ross
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 30, 2020

"Been on Nardil for 20 years in Australia. No other antidepressants worked. Seeing as it is not available I am having no luck with two alternate medications either so far. I have been feeling terrible now for 3 months. It is obvious it is a World wide problem. None available in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, UK, Italy and sporadic supply in the USA as I understand. There obviously are other nations affected also but I only have English. What makes me angry is none of the Governments of these Nations have been in contact with each other to try and find a new Manufacturer. I am certain there would be many Manufacturers who would make Nardil if they knew they had a Guaranteed Market in even the above Nations. Why are they as far as I can see doing nothing?"