I'm 16 and i was prescribed Nardil an MAO inhibitor?!
Question: I have severe depression and many medications didn't work. I've been trying nardil for 2 weeks and i can't eat certain things otherwise I get lethal side effects, such as extreme hypertension. My doctor was very iffy when he was giving me this drug because it is not supposed to be used in teens. My question is that I really wanna know why it is such a bad idea and risky idea for teens to take it.?
Answers: I have severe depression and many medications didn't work. I've been trying nardil for 2 weeks and i can't eat certain things otherwise I get lethal side effects, such as extreme hypertension. My doctor was very iffy when he was giving me this drug because it is not supposed to be used in teens. My question is that I really wanna know why it is such a bad idea and risky idea for teens to take it.?
You answered the question yourself; "you can't eat certain things otherwise you get lethal side effects." It also has bad side effects when mixed with other drugs.
It's a very old drug and hardly anybody takes it anymore. Your doctor must have decided to use it only because more modern drugs didn't work.
the greatest concern for teens seems to be increased risk of suicidal thoughts/attempts.
i really hope this works for you and its really great you are asking questions/getting involved in your care. with this drug it is really important to follow the restrictions your doctor gave to you, as you already seem to understand. this isn't a drug you should discontinue abruptly but if you are having any of sort of suicidal thoughts PLEASE talk to someone.
good luck!
Some anti-depressants increase suicidal tendencies in teens, as well as many teens have trouble following the strict dietary requirements of Nardil. Also, if you aren't getting therapy, and medication is the only treatment you are using for your depression, he may be concerned that the reasons the medications aren't working is because you aren't getting ENOUGH help from them.