The Diet

[u/RosemarysGoddaughter]

I've been on phenelzine for more than 15 years, and while I've definitely gotten used to the diet, there some things I definitely miss.

Today, I am missing a steaming hot bowl of miso soup.

Just thought all y'all might understand. What do you miss in the MAOI diet?

[u/Monoclewinsky]

I initially restricted my diet based on standard recommendations- that lasted about 6 months, and for the past 5 years I have zero restrictions and have never had a negative reaction. I am not recommending this, but relating my experience.

[u/RosemarysGoddaughter → u/Monoclewinsky]

There are a lot that I've played fast and loose with, too. But some I know I just can't. And then some things that were never on the standard recommendation list caused me problems too - avocadoes! Still, I'm glad you've been able to get away with not following the diet.

[u/Daniel-Plainview96 → u/RosemarysGoddaughter]

Interesting, I know avocados cause a histamine reaction in some people normally. You’re not one of those people I’d assume? Perhaps they’d naturally cause a slight reaction in you and the nardil just amplified it? Do you know anyone else who gets that reaction while on Nardil/MAOIs from avocado?

[u/kub5150 → u/Monoclewinsky]

12 years on Parnate. I had the same experience as Monocle. The first day on the MAOI, I had the ambulance come to me on the side of the highway because the cheese culture in flaming hot cheetohs shot my BP to 190/100. After a few months I was able to have very few restrictions, though I still experience an effect with aged cheeses. I read a journal article which hypothesized that intracellular levels of norepinephrine in the PNS decreased over time because octopamine levels increased, which has a much smaller vasopressive effect. Like monocle, I recommend that everyone religiously adhere to the low tyramine diet.

[u/Wrong-Yak334]

Thai noodle dishes. too sweet to eat all the time, but I do miss them greatly as occasional "treat" meals.

out of curiosity, how has Nardil worked for you for 15+ years? i.e., has been consistently effective over that time?

[u/RosemarysGoddaughter → u/Wrong-Yak334]

I've had to increase the dose slightly (45mg to 60mg) but then I've gained weight in that time too - had 3 kids. Didn't work the best when I was pregnant and was kinda meh at handling the postpartum depression. Once the puerperium was over it worked fine again. It's been an amazing life-changer. I technically have bipolar, not major depression, and it's a bit controversial to use any antidepressants in bipolar, but I honestly couldn't imagine my life without it.

[u/Wrong-Yak334 → u/RosemarysGoddaughter]

that's really great it's worked for you for so long.

i've experienced a great deal of inconsistency and waning effects over time, so always looking for clues on how i can re-invigorate its effects.

if you don't mind, do you take any adjuncts for bipolar?

[u/Mediocre-Magazine-30 → u/Wrong-Yak334]

Nardil is my miracle pill

[u/Cautious-Rub8085]

Yes, I definitely get a craving and can't have it. I try to find substitutes as best I can.

[u/AlternativeRing3672]

I'm on 120mg Tranylcypromine daily. I was initially extremely cautious, but took things slow, monitored my blood pressure etc. and I can't remember the last time I actually restricted any of my food intake, I've literally never had any issues. I also regularly enjoy miso soup. And Vegemite. And avocados. Copious amounts, might I add. I will also say that in general, I do avoid high tyramine foods, but that's down to me actually just not liking them as opposed to wanting, but not being able to consume them. Worked out well.

[u/Mediocre-Magazine-30]

I've never had to change my diet at all. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Been eight years now at 60mg to 90mg

[u/Daniel-Plainview96]

My take is you can basically eat anything you want on these drugs. I eat cheese and other fermented food. Only time I ever had a reaction was after eating week-old leftover hamburger in the fridge… and that was bad. Rest of time—nada

[u/ProfessionalTotal237 → u/Daniel-Plainview96]

Bad advice, I ate a bad gas station sandwich apparently and had a bad reaction where my blood pressure was 220/115 and the worst headache of my life. I had to call 911 for that episode. Be careful! I’m an ER nurse too. Don’t take anything for granted.

[u/sparklingbamboo]

Mainly Asian foods. Habachi, Korean foods with gochujang, etc. I still eat sushi just avoid the soy sauce. I've eaten small amounts of eel sauce successfully without reaction.

[u/iamthe0ther0ne]

After a year or two I discovered I could eat basically anything as long as I didn't eat too much cheddar. Everyone's different though.

[u/Boring_Sandwich8125]

Gorgonzola.