Phenelzine for Depression User Reviews (Page 5)

• Ron...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 28, 2025

"This is the best medicine I've ever taken in my life for anxiety and depression! I've tried all other categories of depressants, such as many SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and others, before giving an MAOI a try because I was scared of the diet, drug interactions, and potential side effects that could happen when taking an MAOI. I'm so glad that my psychiatrist is open-minded and allowed me to give phenelzine a try as a last resort. Nardil has annihilated my severe generalized/social anxiety and treatment-resistant depression, which I had for all of my life until this past year since starting Nardil. It's a shame this medicine is not used often because it's life-changing in the best of ways and could save many lives who are suffering from severe depression, extreme levels of anxiety, and help in other ways too. For dose, I take 60 mg of phenelzine a day, which works best for me. The side effects I experience are slight insomnia and weight gain. Other than that, this medicine has been a miracle."

• Lar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2023

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 libido, agitation. I was on 45 mg 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."

• Ros...
• 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 worldwide 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?"

• jus...
• August 29, 2020

Phenelzine "Quick data point, since every shared experience is valuable with this largely unknown med. Started Nardil in early '19 for depression and anxiety, hitting a dose of 75 mg, before ending up at a dose of 30-45 mg. 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."

• mem...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 22, 2020

"Phenelzine changed my life. I was on all the other types of antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, had ECT, did DBT, CBT, etc. I was in the hospital for most of a period of three years before my doctor put me on phenelzine. I've been on it all my adult life but didn't think I'd make it past 21 before that. It's allowed me to thrive in a way I never thought I'd have a chance to. I'm scared of what will happen now that there's a shortage. I don't want to go back to the place I was before. I believe that I, like many others, don't know how I would face life without phenelzine. It's inhumane to be held hostage like this by drug companies."

• Lom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2023

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

• Cra...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 13, 2021

"Nardil was prescribed to me 35 years ago, initially for post-natal depression and anxiety. No other antidepressants had worked for me until Nardil. It gave me hope and a light at the end of a very dark tunnel, and I could live a normal life again. I would definitely recommend Nardil for treatment-resistant depression."

• Big...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 11, 2020

"I had been a heavy drinker from the time I was 15 until I was 35, when I stopped alcohol for good. Shortly after I stopped drinking, I had my first panic attack. I saw a psychiatrist who prescribed an antipsychotic drug. I tried most of the tricyclic drugs over the next couple of years. These either didn't work or side effects were intolerable. My physician referred me to a psychiatrist who immediately prescribed Nardil. Thirty-three years later, I'm stable being on Nardil. I haven't had problems with food interactions as I've checked my BP over the years when trying different foods. The only drawback of Nardil is having to have pharmacies order it every time I need it. The worst situation was when the manufacturer got behind on a supply of Nardil. I phoned over 20 different drug stores only to find out they had no Nardil either. Cold turkey with no advance warning of the shortage. Drug manufacturers don't have to let their customers know when they have no supply left."

• Sam...
• April 11, 2020

"April 10, 2020. I went on Nardil after I went through postpartum depression many years ago. When I went to renew my prescription this month, my pharmacist told me my doctor would have to put me on another medication. I now need to find a new source for Nardil."

• Wit...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 9, 2023

"This is actually a really effective medication, but for me, after a year, the side effects are too harsh. Massive weight gain and excessive sweating! I’m currently trying to get off, and the withdrawals are horrendous! If I’d known they were this bad, I would never have started it."

• Gjg...
• March 8, 2020

"Like many people on this website, I'm afraid I'll have to stop taking Nardil due to the shortage (I'm Canadian). This medication is wonderful; it gave me my brain back. Nothing else treated my depression before. I was always so weak I was always looking for a place to sit, and Nardil allowed me to be energetic as before. Last month, I found a chain of pharmacies that had a provider who was able to provide Nardil. Now they are backordered too. I'm already tapering Nardil, and I'm scared!"

• Ret...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 9, 2016

"I have bipolar disorder that stays on the depressed side, so I also take 750 mg of lithium in addition to 60 mg of Nardil. I've taken every TCA, every SSRI, and SSNRI. I have AARP insurance, the add-on to Medicare. Nardil is a Tier 4 drug, about $95/mo. I've taken everything else, the drug was dropped to a Tier 1. I changed all my meds to Optum RX, and for 90 days of Tier 1 or 2 meds, I pay $0. Nardil is the most effective antidepressant I've taken. The dietary restrictions are not a problem, but I cheat and have coffee. The problem is the lack of coordination if you need elective surgery. Communication between the anesthesiologist, psychiatrist, retina specialist/surgeon, and three RNPs is pitiful. The anesthesiologist refuses to meet with me."

• CJa...
• February 24, 2020

"This medication has truly been a lifesaver for me. I'm 29, female, and have struggled since I was 13 with OCD, major depression, and anxiety. I've literally tried all the other drug classes of antidepressants, and none have worked as well as Nardil. I felt great after about a week, and my energy levels are so high that I have to set an alarm to actually sleep! Unfortunately, when I first started on 45 mg daily, I was having crazy nightmares and sleep paralysis. I dropped my dose to 30 mg daily with the help of my doctor (because I'm underweight as well). When I eventually gain weight, I'll go up to the normal dose. No bad side effects whatsoever except appetite suppression. This isn't good for me because I'm already underweight. Working with a dietitian soon, though. 10/10 for this drug! Please keep manufacturing it, Canada!"

• Sur...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 30, 2021

"Nardil is a total game changer for depression. My diagnosis is Bipolar II, and Nardil completely changed my world, pulling me out of a debilitating depressive episode that none of the 6-8 drugs I tried, nor the 18 ECT treatments I received, even touched. I started Nardil 20 years ago, am still on it, and have not had a depressive episode since. In fact, I've been happier since Nardil than I ever was before, even when I wasn't depressed. It completely raised my baseline level of happiness, ease, and contentment. And I don't feel like I'm 'on anything'--I feel like the best possible version of myself. I'm not religious, but I consider Nardil to be greatness in a little orange pill."

• Par...
• April 4, 2015

"Nardil was a last resort drug for me, after 25 years of trying anything, including a vagus nerve implant and electroconvulsive therapy to treat lifelong major depression. I have never been sure if it works or not. I still have major depressive episodes - an increase in the medication seems to help. However, side effects such as fatigue to the point where I cannot take another step, hypomanic episodes, a feeling of 'bugs' crawling under my skin, and an 80-pound weight gain make me want to stop taking the medication. I have stopped and restarted it a couple of times over the past 6 years and am unsure if it really helps or not. If you plan to start taking it, I would advise keeping track of side effects you might not relate to Nardil."

• And...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 30, 2020

"Having taken Nardil for 35 years, the drug has allowed me to have a successful career in a position of responsibility as a senior engineering manager. I also have an active social life (pre-COVID) and am a qualified tennis tournament referee. I have experienced few side effects. In the first years of taking it, I experienced the tyramine reaction. However, very few substances trigger it, and I have not had a reaction for over 30 years. The current shortage (and in some countries, withdrawal) is worrying. Terrific drug."

• Mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 13, 2020

"I have TRD, MDD and failed every SSRI, SNRI, several TCAs, trazodone, Wellbutrin, ECT. On phenelzine, I woke up not just able to face the day, but happy to. I had severe orthostatic hypotension. MD advised compression tights, extra salt, more fluids. That wasn’t enough. I took fludrocortisone and midodrine and eventually was able to dc them and maintain BP. Later, I had neuro symptoms and swelling in my hands and feet. Negative workups for various problems. It was suggested phenelzine was the issue. I decreased it and problems resolved. Decreasing it was hell. MDD returned with crippling anxiety. Turns out I didn’t need to decrease as the problem was not a direct effect of phenelzine. MD did not reduce from max to a maintenance dose, and phenelzine causes pyridoxine (B6) deficiency, which explains all the neuro and joint issues. I could have taken a supplement. If it works for you, work with MD to manage side effects before dc’ing."

• Hey...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 14, 2020

"I have used Nardil for years. Like 30 years. My doctor tried every depression medication, had side effects, gained weight, craved sweets, the list continues. Started Nardil, positive effects were within a week of starting. At one time, had to increase the amount I took. Two years ago, I was able to cut back from 5 a day to 3. I will not stop this medication because I do not ever want to go back to that deep, dark hole I had with depression. It cannot be discontinued. PLEASE"

• dar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 4, 2020

"Phenelzine is an excellent medication. Nothing compares. Been on it 20 years and now having all sorts of problems getting it here in Australia. Had the Canadian one imported, which was the same as the Australian, but now there are problems with getting it in. Very concerned about what will happen. I have tried to change to Parnate before, but Parnate did nothing for me, and I had a heap of withdrawal effects from the Nardil. I really hope this is sorted out."

• Lil...
• November 12, 2019

"Having taken Nardil very successfully for over 40 years, 10 days ago I was told by my GP that it was unavailable in the UK until March 2020, and that I would have to come off it for 15 days before trying Sertraline. I was absolutely NOT going to accept going cold turkey and was referred to a consultant, who fortunately can get a supply. I hope other patients haven't been fobbed off with this attitude."

• Efe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 5, 2021

"My depression started 20 years ago once one of my relatives died. I tried all different medications available. Finally, I got phenelzine. It works much better than any other drug! Side effects slowly go away in 3 to 6 months. I started with 15 mg, and I increased my dosage 15 x week, this is the best way. Once I reached 60 a day, in 3 weeks the depression went away like magic. I take 30 mg in the morning and 30 mg at lunch, always with food. Working out, in the beginning, it was harder, now I have a well-shaped body, training 5 times a week. Food interactions are not a big issue, I only avoid aged cheese and spoiled foods. Alcohol, I drink everything but Chianti. It makes you sleepy under phenelzine, so I usually no more than a glass. Sex, at the beginning, side effects are strong for a male, but after 5 months, erections came back, the only issue is that it is harder to ejaculate. Constipation was hard to manage, now it is okay. Do your best to get it! Even if it is expensive, as it will save your life."

• Qui...
• March 23, 2020

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 60 mg per day and starting drinking again. That was at least a good buzz, and I will fight feelings of depression on my own."

• Bel...
• February 7, 2014

Phenelzine "Saved my life! Had major postpartum tried for 3 months on different antidepressants nothing worked until Nardil! Thank you Nardil..."

• Cos...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 9, 2017

Phenelzine "Nardil is an amazing drug. I honestly do not know where I would be without it. I wish more doctors would be willing to prescribe it to people."

• jul...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 6, 2020

Phenelzine "Google 'Nardil: A Pharmaceutical Secret Weapon?' We want Nardil back... Save a lot of lives! Please! I take Nardil for panic attacks."