Parnate User Reviews & Ratings
Parnate has an average rating of 8.5 out of 10 from a total of 98 reviews on Drugs.com. 85% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 9% reported a negative experience.
Condition | Avg. Rating | Reviews | Compare |
---|---|---|---|
Depression | 98 reviews for Depression | 76 medications | |
Add your review |
Reviews for Parnate
- Lisa
- July 16, 2019
For Depression "I have been on Parnate for 21 years and still going strong. I had severe treatment-resistant atypical depression for three years. Over that time, they put me on 10 different antidepressants in various combinations, and nothing worked. I did my own research and made my psychiatrist put me on it. Within a week, I was fine. I would, without a doubt, be dead without Parnate. I regularly eat aged cheese and cured meats, etc., and have never had any food reaction. However, if I drink beer or red wine, I do have a minor reaction - sounds weird, but I grind my teeth and can just tell it’s reacting with the Parnate. Side effects are very minimal - dry mouth; bit of agitation, etc. (though that could be from my anxiety issues - which are also significantly reduced on Parnate). The agitation was worse when I was on 60mg, but now I’m down to 30mg it’s fine. I have tried going off it to see what happened, and the depression came back with a vengeance within a few days!"
- A...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- September 8, 2016
For Depression "Awful anxiety and depression. 25 years. Can't count the 'new and (therefore) better' SSRI drugs I tried. On Parnate, I noticed a tremendous improvement in 2 to 3 weeks. And it kept getting better! Depression and anxiety wiped away, not embarrassed to be myself anymore, social, enjoying life! Dietary restrictions are so minuscule as to be laughable. And no red wine? Chocolate? Hah! 90% of the things they tell you not to eat are bogus or unproblematic nowadays. SSRIs CAN'T RAISE SEROTONIN LEVELS anywhere near what an MAOI is capable of. And the Dopamine increase may be what has helped my energy and joy for life again. Severe and treatment resistant? Google Ken Gillman and start living."
Frequently asked questions
- camar...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- June 1, 2020
For Depression "I've had dysthymia and episodes of acute double depression (atypical) with anxiety forever, but depression for 6 years. Been on Zoloft, Pristiq, Effexor, Brintellix, Prozac, moclobemide, bupropion, etc. Finally, a psychiatrist put me on Parnate and it's been amazing really. While still having some residual symptoms, it's almost reset my brain back to how it was before I was depressed. I pay no attention to my diet, though I don't drink and I'm not into aged cheeses or meats really, but have had them inadvertently without noticing, never an issue. Slight increase in appetite but easily mitigated by just walking more and driving less. It's worth a shot for treatment-resistant types without a doubt. Have seen a friend who was on 600mg Pristiq having crying spells completely transform within 2 weeks of Parnate."
- loraf...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- July 13, 2019
For Depression "I am 49 years old. I have bipolar II, ADD, fibromyalgia, social anxiety, and almost three years of agoraphobia. I started Parnate on January 10, 2019. I also take Temazepam for sleep. Anxious for relief, I increased the dose too fast, and as a result (I believe), on day 7, I had a hypertensive crisis. I did not go to the hospital or disclose to the doctor. I would rather die than be taken off Parnate without giving it a chance. On day 9, I felt great! Lots of energy, motivation and felt happy. I was able to go on errands, visit family, talk on the phone (big phobia). Despite the occasional cycling, Parnate saved my life and has given me some hope. I know I need to add a mood stabilizer, but I am afraid of messing with something that's 'good enough'. I am lucky that the food restrictions are unnecessary for me. I also went back on Adderall, despite the warnings, 40 mg per day, which has helped a lot. My blood pressure is normal. Check out research by Dr. Ken Gillman."
Are you taking this medicine?
- Wordc...
- April 1, 2017
For Depression "I have tried all the atypicals, tricyclics, SSRIs, SNRIs, and anything else they threw at me. The ONLY DRUG that helped was Parnate. The Walgreens sheet said it would kick in within 1-24 hours. After the first pill, I thought my mind had snapped. The abrupt cessation of all pain was so intense I was stunned. It has been ten years and I am still in love with this drug."
- cobby
- Taken for 10 years or more
- February 21, 2018
For Depression "I am asking you to go out on a limb, and trust a complete stranger, me. Parnate works for everyone. If it isn't working, you are: 1. taking the Parnate from Par Pharmaceuticals - it doesn't work long term. The Parnate you want to buy is put out by Activas Danbury, make sure the active ingredient is made in Italy - it will say on your prescription sheet. Walmart usually is willing to order it for you. 2. You are not taking enough. The therapeutic dose starts at 30mg, most people need 50 or 60mg."
- Almost...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- September 21, 2016
For Depression "I have literally been on almost everything including a VNS stimulator. I had 3 near-fatal suicide attempts that put me on life support. I was even involuntarily committed to the state hospital. I have PTSD, MDD, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, and a brain injury. Parnate is the only drug that has EVER helped. All of my friends and family say there is a profound difference from just this one medication than any absurd cocktail. It even helps with my lethargy, memory impairment, and concentration. I had no problems but the reluctance of my doctor who panicked and took me off of it despite my obvious improvement. Now I got it back! It is AMAZING and tragically underutilized. Insist on it before agreeing to VNS or ECT."
- ssris...
- June 12, 2016
For Depression "I've dealt with major depressive disorder for 22 years and have always had to be on several antidepressants at one time. They only lessened my symptoms in the best of cases, but did nothing most of the time. I've been on every antidepressant in addition to things like risperdal as an adjunct. I was on 450mg Wellbutrin, 60mg Remeron, and 120mg Cymbalta concurrently with no effect when I decided to take the MAOI plunge. That was 18 months ago. It's truly amazing to feel normal. I'd forgotten what that felt like. I do have to say the first couple of months were the most brutal med adjustment I've ever been through. Very glad I hung in and didn't give up."
- Andre...
- November 17, 2016
For Depression "No SSRI or SNRI works. Parnate works. Food restrictions caused no problems at all. Completely obliterated negative thinking and bad feeling. To me, it's a miracle drug. I was careful not to take other heavy-duty drugs at the same time. This med probably saved my life. It should be used much more frequently."
- Dog...
- January 16, 2020
For Depression "I have taken Parnate for 30+ years. I have low-grade chronic depression. Any time I wean off Parnate, I gain huge weight due to an out-of-control appetite, as well as lethargy and irritability that make it impossible to function. I tried 15 other antidepressants (because of severe hypertensive crises); all failed over time. Parnate is the only medication that works. I would like not to take ANY meds. I would like to be able to eat aged cheese or avocados, have a glass of good wine, and eat in a restaurant without having to do major detective work and scare the staff, but those things are not possible. Parnate is like insulin for a diabetic: it is life-preserving. Side effects you HAVE to deal with. I ended up in the emergency room twice as a result of tyramine (misled by restaurant staff). Insomnia: I take the last dose no later than 2 PM, no caffeine after morning, and when necessary, Imovane to help sleep. Loss of libido and difficulty/inability to achieve orgasm are HUGE trade-offs, but in my case, they are trade-offs for life."
- MARGA...
- June 3, 2008
For Depression "Even though there are many food restrictions, food I dearly love and miss, Parnate has given me my life back. I have been suffering from anxiety and depression all my life and this is the first drug that has actually helped. Thank you for giving me life again."
- dorde...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- March 16, 2019
For Depression "The granddaddy of antidepressants. The first couple of months or so on Parnate will be a little rough since it tends to sedate you during the day and keep you up at night, but this effect usually diminishes with time. As echoed by people here, the diet is pretty overstated. There are very few foods that will actually cause a hypertensive crisis. You will be fine as long as you don't binge on fancy cheeses, cured meats, or eat spoiled food. Not a lot of doctors know this, but you can also combine it with TCAs and stimulants if it doesn't completely resolve your depression on its own. Probably the best option you have for hard-to-treat depression at the moment."
- Shiva...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- June 30, 2020
For Depression "This is an old drug and by far the best. May be the only one that works. I had tried all kinds of ADs before being prescribed this. SSRIs were the worst. The other AD only induced some placebo effect for a few days and then made you more numb, more apathetic, and de-motivated. Earlier I used to import this from Canada as it was unavailable in India. Thank heavens...now a generic is also available in India. However, it is unfortunate that most doctors don't even think of prescribing this, and some of them don't even know that it exists. Side effects are minimal, and the so-called food restrictions are highly exaggerated. This drug gave me a life."
- Pds
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- January 11, 2024
For Depression "With severe depression and suicidal thoughts since I was 17, at 49, it has been a rough ride. I've tried all kinds of meds. Some worked a tiny bit (i.e., just wanting to be dead rather than actively trying to kill myself), but all had unmanageable side effects. 4-5 years ago, I took the genetic test that tells you what medications 'will' and won't work for your body (no guarantee how well it works or side effect strength). Years later, I've gone through the list one by one. I tried the new, fancy drugs first, but all were short-lived or impossible to live with. Parnate was second to last on the list, and all doctors and pharmacists said not to bother since it was 'ancient,' but less than 6 months later, it is BY FAR the best thing I've taken. I feel 'normal' for once in my life. Sleep can be weird, but 1 modafinil cancels any slight tiredness. I've done more with my life in the last 6 months than I have in the last 6 years. Old meds work, or they'd be gone."
- Whisker
- May 2, 2017
For Depression "I too had tried all the tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs along with helper drugs for anxiety and insomnia. I went on Parnate 4 years ago and it's the ONLY drug that has consistently worked at keeping my depression in check. After a depressive episode that almost killed me, the decision was made to try it. There is no 'poop out'. The MAOI diet everyone freaks out over is NOT that bad - just be mindful of what you eat. Following instructions for safe use of this drug is nothing compared to the relief of clinical depression!"
- Finally
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 26, 2019
For Depression "Like almost all of you guys, I spent years with another innumerable antidepressants without results. After asking my doctor for months to put me on Parnate, finally he agreed and started with 20 mg, that seemed to have no effect. After two months taking Parnate and on a dosage of 60 mg, finally I felt my old self, happy, talkative, without any anxiety (I had generalized and social). I just felt like a normal person, with all my cognitive potential. Thanks."
- Bill
- October 27, 2014
For Depression "I've spent so many years battling crippling depression, and trying almost every medication on the market. I know the feeling of sleeping for 12 hours and not getting anything accomplished because depression controls everything you do. After trying multiple medications and seeing multiple doctors, I FINALLY found a psychiatrist that suggested I try an MAOI. Parnate has been a miracle for me. It knocked my depression out of the park! I've been on Parnate for 3 months (with a combination of Lamictal) and my life has completely changed for the better. I feel like the person that I want to be. If you're reading this and suffer from crippling depression, I would highly suggest you talk to a doctor about taking Parnate."
- Rusty
- Taken for 10 years or more
- October 28, 2020
For Depression "Parnate, like Nardil, is a life-changing MAOI medication for many people, which, after cruelly having it withdrawn from manufacture late in 2019, I recently stumbled across the fact that at least Parnate is available again, available from the UK for use in Australia. In my opinion, MAOI drugs are far superior to all the SSRIs, SNRIs, and TCAs out there, as I have tried them all and endured their nasty side effects. For people taking Parnate and adhering to the outdated diet restrictions, I would advise you all that there is a readily available PubMed.gov MAOI User Friendly Diet, which is an up-to-date researched publication for a simple diet with minimal restrictions."
- Anonymous
- March 1, 2016
For Depression "I have been on 48 different medications, of all the drug classes used for anxiety and depression. I can honestly say, the same day I took this medication at 10mg, I felt calmer. This truly knocks anxiety completely out of the water. My depression is also in total remission. I also am not experiencing any side effects. This is a wonderful medicine, despite the bad reputation they have."
- alan
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- January 27, 2021
For Depression "I have tried all the SSRIs and the other stuff, and they only made my social anxiety symptoms worse. Parnate worked like magic! It's just terrible that doctors 60 and younger are taught false stuff about this wonderful drug, such that they are afraid to prescribe it! I've taken it for 7 months with zero side effects, and it is so wonderful now to be in the world without those crippling social anxieties!"
- Zeusko
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- July 6, 2023
For Depression "I live in Croatia, EU. Like most others, I had to go through a whole spectrum of drugs, about 20, before being offered an MAOI. My psychiatrist no longer knew what to do with me because I had atypical treatment-resistant depression, social anxiety (I didn't leave the house almost anywhere for 2 years). I was afraid of people, and I had no will, desire, or motivation to do anything but sleep. I have also been diagnosed with GAD, ADD, fibromyalgia, and worst of all, anhedonia. Anhedonia is a state when nothing makes you happy, you have no motivation, no desire to socialize, no energy, and the only thing you feel is anger. You start abusing various drugs. These drugs were mostly stimulants. Adderall, Modafinil, Dexedrine (he was the best for me). Then I realized that the hormone of happiness is not serotonin, but dopamine, and that the MAO inhibitor is what I need. I am now on 60 mg of Parnate, Xanax, 225 mg of Lyrica, and rotate between Modafinil and Dexedrine. Thanks to God, I feel 80% better."
- Lost...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- February 2, 2013
For Depression "Been on Parnate (tranylcypromine) for about 17 years. Like many others, I felt like a guinea pig when I was first diagnosed. I went through about a dozen different psychiatrists. They all just tried different meds to find one that would work. I or anyone else could have done that. One convinced me to have ECT, which I did against my better judgment. It was a nightmare of torture! After the first two, I lost all sense of time as well as my memory. I had 14 ECT treatments and was nothing more than a zombie! To get it to stop, I said I wasn't depressed anymore. Finally found a doctor that used Parnate."
- broke...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 5, 2015
For Depression "Parnate is the second-greatest thing to ever happen to my brain, second only to ECT. I started it in the hospital. Before Parnate, I was spending about 22 hours per day in bed. Now I am in bed just at night. I have started to laugh again. I'm looking for work after being unable to hold down a job for over 2 years. My parents see the improvement too, and they are really pleased. Just be careful. Everyone talks about the food interactions, but you also got to be aware of the medication interactions, those can be deadly. I had a hypertensive crisis as a result of a drug interaction that nearly ended things. Before Parnate, I would have viewed that as a missed opportunity, but now I want to live again!"
- nolon...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 25, 2021
For Depression "Incredibly strong antidepressant. Makes SSRIs seem like a placebo in comparison. Pulled me out of a very long depressive episode after trying every other drug I had yet to try, including fancy new SSRIs and IV ketamine - all ineffective. ECT was next. Parnate, while difficult to tolerate initially, is stunningly effective and worth putting up with the hassle and side effects. Worst was the hypotension (especially with lower BP at baseline) and sleep difficulties (insomnia + extreme afternoon fatigue), but both improve significantly over a couple of months. Diet changes were minimal to none, depending. The worst part about MAOIs is finding a good doctor who has their head on straight, research done, and cares enough to try them with patients who need them. MAOIs are deserving of being much more than just a 'last resort.' These are psychiatry's best kept secret... shameful they don't know that! If you need info/expertise: Dr. K. Gillman."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
More about Parnate (tranylcypromine)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (99)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Drug class: monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Breastfeeding
- En español
For Depression "I'm a 56-year-old female who has struggled with treatment-resistant depression for 20 years. In that time, I've been prescribed 25 different meds which were ineffective. Last month, out of desperation, I asked my doctor to prescribe Parnate. That was last month. I haven't experienced one negative side effect and feel better than I have in 20 years. It's literally saving my life."