Allergy medications: Know your options

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were the first type of antidepressant in use, dating back to the 1950s.

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MAOIs approved to treat depression

Here are the MAOIs that have been specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat depression, with their generic or chemical names followed by available brand names in parentheses:

Phenelzine (Nardil)
Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
Selegiline (Emsam)
Emsam is the first skin (transdermal) patch for depression. You apply a new Emsam patch to your torso, thigh or upper arm each day, allowing the medication to be absorbed into your bloodstream over a 24-hour period.

Some of these medications may also be used to treat conditions other than depression.

Suicidal feelings and MAOIs

In some cases, antidepressants may be associated with worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior, particularly early in treatment or when you change your dosage. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any changes in your symptoms. You may need more careful monitoring at the beginning of treatment or upon a change in treatment, or you may need to stop the medication if your symptoms worsen.

Why say no?

There are countless worthy requests out there just waiting to eat up your free time and increase your stress. It's easy to create stressful situations in your life if you don't turn down requests for your time and talents. 

If you don't, who will make costumes for the school play or coach your children's Little League team? The answer may not be simple, but you should still consider these reasons for making sure it's not you.

Saying no can be good for you. Saying no is not a selfish act. In fact, it may be the most beneficial thing that you can do for your family and your other commitments. When you say no, you'll be able to spend quality time on the things you've already said yes to.
Saying no can allow you to try new things. Just because you've always helped plan the company softball tournament doesn't mean that you have to keep doing it forever. Saying no will free up time to pursue other hobbies or interests.
Yes isn't always the best answer. If you're overcommitted and under a lot of stress, you've got a much better chance of becoming sick, tired or just plain crabby, which won't benefit you or anyone else.
It's important to recognize other people. Let those around you come through. Although others may not do things exactly the same way you would, you can learn an important lesson by allowing others to help while gaining yourself valuable free time.
When to say no

Sometimes it's tough to determine which activities deserve your time and attention. Use these strategies to evaluate obligations  and opportunities  that come your way.

Find yourself. Saying no helps you prioritize the things that are important to you. You'll gain time that you can commit to the things that you really want to do, such as leaving work at a reasonable hour to make time for a mind-clearing run at the end of the day. Examine your current obligations and overall priorities before making any new commitments. Ask yourself if the new commitment is important to you. If it's something that you feel strongly about, by all means do it.
Weigh the yes-to-stress ratio. Is the new activity that you're considering a short- or long-term commitment? Taking an afternoon to bake a batch of cookies for the school bake sale will take far less of your precious time than heading up the school fundraising committee for an entire year. If an activity is going to end up being another source of stress in your life  especially for the long term  take a pass.
Let go of guilt. If friends want to get together for an impromptu evening out on the town when you've already scheduled a quiet evening at home with your partner, it's okay to decline their offer. Do what you've set out to do and don't veer off that path because of feelings of guilt or obligation. It will only lead to additional stress in your life.
Keep your current commitments in check. If you have relatives coming over for dinner, don't go overboard. Order pizza or ask them to bring a dish to share.
Sleep on it. Are you tempted by a friend's invitation to volunteer at your old alma mater or join a weekly golf league? Take a day to think over the request and respond after you've been able to assess your current commitments as well as the new opportunity.
Last Updated: 06/25/2007
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