Question:

Interesting post I read here but no one expanded on the subject.  What is the opinion of inhaled steroids and weight gain?  I would like every ones opinion whether weight actually increases using inhaled vs oral steroids.

Response:

Interesting post I read here but no one expanded on the subject.  What is the opinion of inhaled steroids and weight gain?  I would like every ones opinion whether weight actually increases using inhaled vs oral steroids.

Weight gain is a common side effect of oral steroids.  The chances of a steroid side effect is proportional to the dose – the greater the dose, the greater the chance of side effects.  IIRC the rule of thumb is that once the daily dose of inhaled steroid goes over 1000 micrograms, there is a chance of side effects. However as in all things relating to asthma and asthma medications: ‘Your milage may vary.’ "…there is always a well-known solution to every human problem–neat, plausible, and wrong."    H. L. Mencken

Response:

Oral steriods like Prednisone definitely cause sudden weight gain and haven’t heard any convincing evidence that inhaled steriods do not. I have put on considerable weight since on Flovent 220 mcg and wonder if it might be to blame. Anyone else? Dana

Response:

I take Advair, in the lowest dose, but I have lost weight.  

Same thing with me. I was beginning to think I was a lone ranger.

Response:

I use the Advair Diskus and I also have lost weight.

Response:

I’m on 2000mcg inhaled steroid per day with short weekly courses of 30mg every day when required (usually every two / three months or so). Much as I’d like to blame my weight gain on the above, and I’m sure it does play some small part, I think the main reason for being my being overweight whilst taking steroids is that I find it hard to exercise without getting out of breath and wheezy, get depressed from not being as active as I’d like, and hence use food as comfort. I’m kidding myself if I think I can just blame it on the steroids.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Interesting post I read here but no one expanded on the subject.  What is the opinion of inhaled steroids and weight gain?  I would like every ones opinion whether weight actually increases using inhaled vs oral steroids.

Response:

I take Advair, in the lowest dose, but I have lost weight.  I lift weights and work out 3 times a week.  I have lost 20 lbs since I started to work out.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Interesting post I read here but no one expanded on the subject.  What is the opinion of inhaled steroids and weight gain?  I would like every ones opinion whether weight actually increases using inhaled vs oral steroids.

Response:

Question:

At 3 puffs of Flovent 110 daily (i.e. daily dose of 330 mcg.), I experience significant dysphonia ( hoarseness) At 2 puffs of Flovent 220 daily (i.e. daily dose of 440 mcg.), I experience no dysphonia I have observed this repeatedly over 2 years of daily use. Has anyone else had this experience? Perhaps others with dysphonia on Flovent 110 might try the 220. —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Hi, that certainly is a very interesting piece of information, and I am eager to try this "experiment".  Thanks for sharing.

Response:

Question:

I was recently switched from Pulmicort and Serevent to Advair 100/50.  While the Advair is more convenient to use I think the Pulmicort/Serevent combination worked better.  Does anyone know if there is a comparison study of these inhalers?

Response:

My understanding is that one works better for some people while others prefer the other medicine.  I’d ask your doctor to consider trying you on a higher does of Advair because 100/50 is the lowest of the three available doseages. -S- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was recently switched from Pulmicort and Serevent to Advair 100/50.  While the Advair is more convenient to use I think the Pulmicort/Serevent combination worked better.  Does anyone know if there is a comparison study of these inhalers?

Response:

 I have tried many inhalers over the years that I have had asthma. I  love advair with constant use my asthma is more under control then it has been since I was young. the only problem  that I have found is  it occasionally leave a gritty feeling in my mouth Tarna

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My understanding is that one works better for some people while others prefer the other medicine.  I’d ask your doctor to consider trying you on a higher does of Advair because 100/50 is the lowest of the three available doseages. -S- I was recently switched from Pulmicort and Serevent to Advair 100/50. While the Advair is more convenient to use I think the Pulmicort/Serevent combination worked better.  Does anyone know if there is a comparison study of these inhalers?

Response:

Thanks to all for your prompt reply to my query regarding Advair. Ellis, as usual your response is both commonsensical and on-point, quite a combination. John

Response:

Anybody out there have personal experience or know of any research on  Advair, a new combination inhaler (from GlaxoWellcome, I think) that combines Serevent with Flovent in one inhalation. Is the combo drug more efficacious through drug synergism or some other mechanism than taking seperate inhalations from the two medications? I am currently taking servent two puffs twice a day and flovent (220) 2 puffs, twice a day and wonder if I can tweak out some added value—better peak flows –with a switch. Any information would be much appreciated. John

My understanding is combining Flovent and Serevent in one inhaler is strictly for conveninience and is primarily a marketing move. In theory, Serevent should be used first; wait at least 15 min for the Serevent to start taking effect, then  inhale the Flovent. A disavantage of the 2 in 1 inhaler is it doesn’t allow for easy use of an action plan to manage asthma exacerbations. Generally for peak flows below 80%, the steroid inhaler should be increased, ie typically doubled. However with Advair used at the recommended dose of 2 pf twice a day, the dose cannot be increased because the Serevent max dose is limiting. Therefore to handle an asthma exacerbation with Advair requires either asking your doctor for a higher strength version of Advair [if one is available]; or more likely  a separate canister of Flovent, so you could double,  triple, or quadruple the steroid to control the  exacerbation, according to your Action Plan. But now what do you do with the extra canister of Flovent once the exacerbation is over? I’ll stick with the 2 drug approach; Flovent and Pulmicort in my case. Ellis

Response:

John I asked my doctor about it on Wednesday. She said that it won’t be available until next year, probably in January. She said that it will be available in 3 different strengths. I am going to try it then. Jody

Response:

I asked my family doctor about it-as I am taking both the Flovent & Serevent diskus meds too.  She said that she has had other patients try it & they didn’t find it to be as effective as taking them separately.  So, I decided to stick with the 2 vs taking the one.  However, that may not be the case for you.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anybody out there have personal experience or know of any research on Advair, a new combination inhaler (from GlaxoWellcome, I think) that combines Serevent with Flovent in one inhalation. Is the combo drug more efficacious through drug synergism or some other mechanism than taking seperate inhalations from the two medications? I am currently taking servent two puffs twice a day and flovent (220) 2 puffs, twice a day and wonder if I can tweak out some added value—better peak flows –with a switch. Any information would be much appreciated. John

Response:

Anybody out there have personal experience or know of any research on  Advair, a new combination inhaler (from GlaxoWellcome, I think) that combines Serevent with Flovent in one inhalation. Is the combo drug more efficacious through drug synergism or some other mechanism than taking seperate inhalations from the two medications? I am currently taking servent two puffs twice a day and flovent (220) 2 puffs, twice a day and wonder if I can tweak out some added value—better peak flows –with a switch. Any information would be much appreciated. John

Response:

Anybody out there have personal experience or know of any research on  Advair, a new combination inhaler (from GlaxoWellcome, I think) that combines Serevent with Flovent in one inhalation. Is the combo drug more efficacious through drug synergism or some other mechanism than taking seperate inhalations from the two medications?

Glaxo Wellcome’s site has some info, I think (can’t remember for sure at the moment, but it’s very likely that they do).  I did a search on Advair when I first started to use it, and I found some information. Just look around.  I can’t remember any details, but I do know that one of the claimed advantages with taking Advair is lower flovent doses (I’m sure you can find a scientific explanation for this, but I can’t give you one as I know nothing about drugs).  e.g. I was using flovent 250 before, and now it’s just 100 with the advair.  It’s so low that my throat doesn’t even begin to get irritated now, which is really nice. I’m not sure if this dose is right for me yet, as I still get mucous build-up, but so far it’s better than the stronger flovent, which actually did very little for me. Well, from personal experience, I can say that so far, I like Advair better than any other medication I’ve tried in the past.  Mind you, I haven’t exactly tried many, but still, it is the best so far. Vicky

Response:

At my next checkup he will be prescribing Advair.  Does anyone have any ideas or experiences about how Advair compares to Flovent with spacer as far as the above issues?

My doctor gave me a sample of advair and I am waiting for responses on the newsgroup to see what the reaction is on people that have been taking it before I use it.

Response:

I am waiting for responses on the newsgroup to see what the reaction is on people that have been taking it before I use it.

Apparently for many people, the powdered form of drugs works well with added convenience.  For me, I have had trouble with all the powders.  My throat just tightens up.  It irrates my bronchi and throat and I do not believe it gets deep enough..  So I am sticking with the MDIs.

Response:

Patrice Crogen wrote Re: Advair   <<<I am interested in how it works on the small airways. My doc has me use an Inspirease with my Flovent for two reasons, one being reduce side effects,,, At my next checkup he will be prescribing Advair. I use Pulmocort which is another quality steroid in  powder form.  It is a single  medication   which I prefer.  Lots of complaints  about both Serevent and Flovent.  Maybe the powder version will be better.  If you find you don’ like it I’m almost certain Pulmocort would be an option. Need I say I’m real happy with it?—jack    

Response:

hi everyone.  I was just perscribed Advair by my doc and I was just wondering if people had any experience with it and could share adverse reactions, I am very sensitive and for some strange reason the scrip and the sample he gave me did not come with a thing about side effects, etc.  thanks. -Amy

I am interested in how it works on the small airways.  My doc has me use an Inspirease with my Flovent for two reasons, one being reduce side effects (of which I have plenty) and two being it’s a more effective delivery into the small airways because the particle size is reduced using the spacer. (These are his reasons.) At my next checkup he will be prescribing Advair.  Does anyone have any ideas or experiences about how Advair compares to Flovent with spacer as far as the above issues? I am so looking forward to taking one puff instead of four and sure hopes it proves to be a winner. Thanks much, Patrice

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hi everyone.  I was just perscribed Advair by my doc and I was just wondering if people had any experience with it and could share adverse reactions, I am very sensitive and for some strange reason the scrip and the sample he gave me did not come with a thing about side effects, etc.  thanks. -Amy I have not used these Med before, but I do know you can download the MEdRx advisor from Eckerd’s web site.  There is alsoa  big long PDF file about the side affects. From what I read is essentially it combine FLOVENT and SEREVENT into one diskus.  So it is essentially the same Meds, same side effects, just mixed together. David TDC Keeper of the Fountain of the Nations

  The combination of bronchodilator and topical steroid in one inhaled medicine has been marketed before, years ago, and I hope someone can prop up my distant memory and come up with the name of the drug. It was removed from the market quite quickly when it was realized that many many patients, regardless of detailed instruction, were using it prn on the basis of perceived need for its immediate bronchodilating action, thereby completely defeating any attempt to administer the steroid it contained on a regular basis.   Questions have been asked about why there are so many medicines used to treat one disease, and this is one of the reasons. Many years ago there was a drug marketed called Ataraxoid, a combination of the tranquillizer Atarax and prednisone (or was it prednisolone?). I knew of one patient who was hospitalized long ago and quite soon went into unexpected hypoadrenal shock. Giving a list of medicines she was taking prior to hospitalization she named Atarax, and it was not until her family brought her medicines to the hospital was it realized that she had been taking Ataraxoid when her nerves bothered her, which was often. I am not aware of the results of her legal action against her pharmacist.   I worry about combination drugs.      Larry

Response:

hi everyone.  I was just perscribed Advair by my doc and I was just wondering if people had any experience with it and could share adverse reactions, I am very sensitive and for some strange reason the scrip and the sample he gave me did not come with a thing about side effects, etc.  thanks. -Amy

Response:

hi everyone.  I was just perscribed Advair by my doc and I was just wondering if people had any experience with it and could share adverse reactions, I am very sensitive and for some strange reason the scrip and the sample he gave me did not come with a thing about side effects, etc.  thanks. -Amy

I have not used these Med before, but I do know you can download the MEdRx advisor from Eckerd’s web site.  There is alsoa  big long PDF file about the side affects. From what I read is essentially it combine FLOVENT and SEREVENT into one diskus.  So it is essentially the same Meds, same side effects, just mixed together. David TDC Keeper of the Fountain of the Nations

Response:

I take Advair…..no problems with congestion. Maybe you just have a cold

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was recently prescribed Advair for my asthma.  After taking it for about 10 days I developed alot of congestion. After seeing my doctor, I stopped taking it.  He x-rayed me and decided to do a bronchoscopy.  I’m still congested.  Has anyone  found that Advair perhaps is the culprit? Advair is composed of two components, each available separately: Flovent and Serevent.  You might ask your doctor about trying them one at a time. Please keep the traffic on the newsgroup where all may benefit from the discussion. -S- Thank you.

Response:

I never had any luck with flovent or serevent nor when they were combined in advair. So I just use Pulmicort and atrovent daily, so there are alternatives. Check with you doctor. Lane

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was recently prescribed Advair for my asthma.  After taking it for about 10 days I developed alot of congestion. After seeing my doctor, I stopped taking it.  He x-rayed me and decided to do a bronchoscopy.  I’m still congested.  Has anyone  found that Advair perhaps is the culprit? Thank you.

Response:

I was recently prescribed Advair for my asthma.  After taking it for about 10 days I developed alot of congestion. After seeing my doctor, I stopped taking it.  He x-rayed me and decided to do a bronchoscopy.  I’m still congested.  Has anyone  found that Advair perhaps is the culprit?

Advair is composed of two components, each available separately: Flovent and Serevent.  You might ask your doctor about trying them one at a time.

Please keep the traffic on the newsgroup where all may benefit from the discussion. -S- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thank you.

Response:

I was recently prescribed Advair for my asthma.  After taking it for about 10 days I developed alot of congestion. After seeing my doctor, I stopped taking it.  He x-rayed me and decided to do a bronchoscopy.  I’m still congested.  Has anyone  found that Advair perhaps is the culprit? Thank you.

What did your x-ray show? If you have a lung infection [pneumonia], it could show up on the x-ray. It might then be treated with antibiotics to see if it improves. Advair contains fluticasone, a steroid. Steroids must be used with caution in cases of lung infection, since they are immunosuppressants. It’s unlikely Advair would cause lung congestion but you could try switching to Pulmicort plus Serevent. Inhaled steroids can decrease the inflammation causing more mucus to come up; be sure to drink lots of water, and walk, to encourage expelling the mucus. It sounds like he is trying a bronchoscopy biopsy to try to identify the infection or other problem, so it can be treated. [if infection, it could be bacterial, viral, fungal] Ellis

Response:

I was recently prescribed Advair for my asthma.  After taking it for about 10 days I developed alot of congestion. After seeing my doctor, I stopped taking it.  He x-rayed me and decided to do a bronchoscopy.  I’m still congested.  Has anyone  found that Advair perhaps is the culprit? Thank you.

Response:

CBI’s point is important and I see I didn’t make it clear in my earlier message.  Some people have difficulty taking a standard dose of Serevent twice daily.  This is unavoidable with taking Advair twice daily.  There is no way to cut down on Serevent in this combo.  I’m familiar with this since my doctor and I varied my doses of flovent and serevent at one time to see which was causing me leg cramps in the middle of the night.  Might have been either or neither.  The problem went away before we could isolate it. Anyway, time to talk to your doc.  Between you and your doc, the two of you have a better idea than I do of why you’re on what you are and whether trying a different med is appropriate. Liam

…experience with Advair and some issues affecting convenience and compliance – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The first is a medical issue affecting some people.  The others are relatively minor issues adding up to better compliance on my part.  If you can’t handle taking serevent twice daily though, this might not be for you. I’m not a doc, but I think it is worth talking to yours. All of this is true. In your case you were using both products twice daily so Advair is an equivalent product with the benefits you mention, plus it is cheaper (both in real costs and co-pays). The original poster was not using Serevent twice daily so switching to Advair would result in a real change in therapy that may or may not be advisable. — CBI, MD

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m been considering asking my doctor to change my meds to Advair. I am now taking Flovent 220 at bedtime and "when I think about it" during the day. I also take Seravent at bedtime. I was hospitalized in 1997 in ICU for 2 days. I now have asthma somewhat under control. But I’m wondering if it’s worth it for me to change. Would it be worht it to see how I respond? I’ve been reading that it works better than a fluticasone propionate used alone. Any comments? Linda Flovent + Seravent = Advair Advair does not work better than Flovent combined with Serevent, since it’s the same amount of each drug. The only reason to take Advair is to reduce the number of inhalations per day. The disadvantage of the combined drug Advair, is you can’t independently adjust the dose of fluticasone, which is what you are supposed to do during an asthma exacerbation. The Serevent component, salmeterol, is already at the maximum dose in the Advair formulation. Therefore, those taking Advair also need to keep a Flovent inhaler handy in case of an exacerbation needing an increased dose of fluticasone. [Typical Action Plans call for doubling the dose of inhaled steroid when the peak flow is less than 80% personal best]. Ellis

Hi Ellis (and everyone else), This brings something to mind that I wanted to ask about here in the group. My action plan states that when I drop below 400 I should stop Advair (250/50 2xday) and change to two puffs of Pulmacort three times a day. What if I stayed on the Advair and added two puffs of Pulmacort once a day? Same difference or are the anti-inflammatory not combinable? — Dan Rhea "Loyalty is for family, friends and country, not operating systems, compilers and computers"   – Dan Rhea, 1986

Response:

Hi Ellis (and everyone else), This brings something to mind that I wanted to ask about here in the group. My action plan states that when I drop below 400 I should stop Advair (250/50 2xday) and change to two puffs of Pulmacort three times a day. What if I stayed on the Advair and added two puffs of Pulmacort once a day? Same difference or are the anti-inflammatory not combinable?

I think I like your approach better. What most docs do is to write a prescription for Flovent in addition to the Advair. That way when you add the Flovent you are increasing the dose of the same medication (fluticasone). I can see no reason why adding Pulmicort would not work just as well. I have never heard of any trouble with mixing the meds. The problem with switching off the Advair is that you lose the Serevent component just when you may need the extra dilators. — CBI, MD

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Ellis (and everyone else), This brings something to mind that I wanted to ask about here in the group. My action plan states that when I drop below 400 I should stop Advair (250/50 2xday) and change to two puffs of Pulmacort three times a day. What if I stayed on the Advair and added two puffs of Pulmacort once a day? Same difference or are the anti-inflammatory not combinable? I think I like your approach better. What most docs do is to write a prescription for Flovent in addition to the Advair. That way when you add the Flovent you are increasing the dose of the same medication (fluticasone). I can see no reason why adding Pulmicort would not work just as well. I have never heard of any trouble with mixing the meds. The problem with switching off the Advair is that you lose the Serevent component just when you may need the extra dilators. — CBI, MD

Excellent! Thank you Doctor! Now I need to bounce the idea off my own doctor since I need to replace the Pulmacort… it expired in December… and it was mostly full too. — Dan Rhea "Loyalty is for family, friends and country, not operating systems, compilers and computers"   – Dan Rhea, 1986

Response:

Since switching to Advair three months, I know I’m getting the same amount of Flovent & Serevent as before, but I have better control with the combination than taking each drug separately.  Might this be because the Advair is a powder whereas before the Flovent & Serevent were MDIs?  I’m sure I read that more drug gets into the lungs when using a diskhaler than using MDIs. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Flovent + Seravent = Advair Advair does not work better than Flovent combined with Serevent, since it’s the same amount of each drug. The only reason to take Advair is to reduce the number of inhalations per day.

Response:

 Might this be because the Advair is a powder whereas before the Flovent & Serevent were MDIs?  I’m sure I read that more drug gets into the lungs when using a diskhaler than using MDIs.

I have had the same results. Seems if I read somewhere thta the powder was more effective in getting into the lungs.

Response:

WHAT???? Hard to tell your friends not to smoke around you.  Hell, if they refuse then they are not your friend anymore.  Get real.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use Advair 2 times a day.  I think you are correct by saying that it should be used as prescribed.  One time I stoped taking it 2 times a day and only as needed, and it was not a good idea.  Talk to your doctor if you want to cut back and see what he or she thinks.  I also think it is a great drug, but I have to be careful around smokers.  That is why I always carry my Albuterol.  It’s hard to tell your friends not to smoke around you because you have a disease that can kill you if you are not careful.

Response:

Wilson you are correct.  Just because someone like myself cut back on my prescribed doses is not a reason for anyone else to do so. Every case of Asthma is different for every person.  Advair works for me at half the dose where it may not work for someone else at twice the dose.  Everyone should see their doctor to make sure that they are in accordance with their wishes. Dennis

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use Advair 2 times a day.  I think you are correct by saying that it should be used as prescribed.  One time I stoped taking it 2 times a day and only as needed, and it was not a good idea.  Talk to your doctor if you want to cut back and see what he or she thinks.  I also think it is a great drug, but I have to be careful around smokers.  That is why I always carry my Albuterol.  It’s hard to tell your friends not to smoke around you because you have a disease that can kill you if you are not careful.

Response:

 It’s hard to tell your friends not to smoke around you because you have a disease that can kill you if you are not careful.

Your friends will not want to cause you discomfort and ill health. The rest are worth antagonizing. — CBI, MD

Response:

Hi I’m been considering asking my doctor to change my meds to Advair. I am now taking Flovent 220 at bedtime and "when I think about it" during the day. I also take Seravent at bedtime. I was hospitalized in 1997 in ICU for 2 days. I now have asthma somewhat under control. But I’m wondering if it’s worth it for me to change. Would it be worht it to see how I respond? I’ve been reading that it works better than a fluticasone propionate used alone. Any comments? Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  It’s hard to tell your friends not to smoke around you because you have a disease that can kill you if you are not careful. Your friends will not want to cause you discomfort and ill health. The rest are worth antagonizing. — CBI, MD

Response:

I’m been considering asking my doctor to change my meds to Advair. I am now taking Flovent 220 at bedtime and "when I think about it" during the day. I also take Seravent at bedtime. I was hospitalized in 1997 in ICU for 2 days. I now have asthma somewhat under control. But I’m wondering if it’s worth it for me to change. Would it be worht it to see how I respond? I’ve been reading that it works better than a fluticasone propionate used alone. Any comments? Linda

Flovent + Seravent = Advair Advair does not work better than Flovent combined with Serevent, since it’s the same amount of each drug. The only reason to take Advair is to reduce the number of inhalations per day. The disadvantage of the combined drug Advair, is you can’t independently adjust the dose of fluticasone, which is what you are supposed to do during an asthma exacerbation. The Serevent component, salmeterol, is already at the maximum dose in the Advair formulation. Therefore, those taking Advair also need to keep a Flovent inhaler handy in case of an exacerbation needing an increased dose of fluticasone. [Typical Action Plans call for doubling the dose of inhaled steroid when the peak flow is less than 80% personal best]. Ellis

Response:

Hi I’m been considering asking my doctor to change my meds to Advair. I am now taking Flovent 220 at bedtime and "when I think about it" during the day. I also take Seravent at bedtime. I was hospitalized in 1997 in ICU for 2 days. I now have asthma somewhat under control. But I’m wondering if it’s worth it for me to change. Would it be worht it to see how I respond? I’ve been reading that it works better than a fluticasone propionate used alone. Any comments?

The down side to using Advair is that you would not be able to use it as you are now. It is a combination medicine for people taking both Flovent and Serevent. If you are taking both twice daily then it may be more convenient and cheaper. There are no other advantages. The two agents together do work better than just the Flovent. Personally, I lean toward adding anti-inflammatories before adding Serevent in asthma. — CBI, MD

Response:

Well, I just switched to Advair from Flovent 110 and Serevent, both 2 puffs twice daily.  I was told to keep the flovent handy for flare-ups.  I find the Advair to work about the same, with the following personal preferences: – No aerosol.  I now cough less after taking the meds. – No spacer needed.  Easier to pack. – Smaller package, only one. – Counter built-in.  No more asking, "When did I start this canister?" – 1 puff, not four each time.  Done quicker. The first is a medical issue affecting some people.  The others are relatively minor issues adding up to better compliance on my part.  If you can’t handle taking serevent twice daily though, this might not be for you. I’m not a doc, but I think it is worth talking to yours. Liam

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi I’m been considering asking my doctor to change my meds to Advair. I am now taking Flovent 220 at bedtime and "when I think about it" during the day. I also take Seravent at bedtime. I was hospitalized in 1997 in ICU for 2 days. I now have asthma somewhat under control. But I’m wondering if it’s worth it for me to change. Would it be worht it to see how I respond? I’ve been reading that it works better than a fluticasone propionate used alone. Any comments? The down side to using Advair is that you would not be able to use it as you are now. It is a combination medicine for people taking both Flovent and Serevent. If you are taking both twice daily then it may be more convenient and cheaper. There are no other advantages. The two agents together do work better than just the Flovent. Personally, I lean toward adding anti-inflammatories before adding Serevent in asthma. — CBI, MD

Response:

Well, I just switched to Advair from Flovent 110 and Serevent, both 2 puffs twice daily.

I have  switched to Advair and feel that it has been more efficient for me then taking Flovent & Serevent separately. I find that I also have to use my Albuterol less often.

Response:

I have been on Advair for a week now and it is so much quicker and easier. I also love the fact it is counted for me. I seem to have trouble sleeping, is anyone else having that problem from Advair. Anne

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, I just switched to Advair from Flovent 110 and Serevent, both 2 puffs twice daily.  I was told to keep the flovent handy for flare-ups.  I find the Advair to work about the same, with the following personal preferences: – No aerosol.  I now cough less after taking the meds. – No spacer needed.  Easier to pack. – Smaller package, only one. – Counter built-in.  No more asking, "When did I start this canister?" – 1 puff, not four each time.  Done quicker. The first is a medical issue affecting some people.  The others are relatively minor issues adding up to better compliance on my part.  If you can’t handle taking serevent twice daily though, this might not be for you. I’m not a doc, but I think it is worth talking to yours.

All of this is true. In your case you were using both products twice daily so Advair is an equivalent product with the benefits you mention, plus it is cheaper (both in real costs and co-pays). The original poster was not using Serevent twice daily so switching to Advair would result in a real change in therapy that may or may not be advisable. — CBI, MD

Response:

When I was 26 I was diagnosed with Asthma.  Thank goodness it was not as serious as many people I hear about with trips to the hospital etc. (never had to go to the hospital for an attack).  However, it was still asthma and I was waking up at night gasping for breath and wheezing etc.  Getting too active, or getting hot would make me run for my albuterol inhaler.  Well I am now 42 and for up until last summer my medicines consisted of Proventil Repetabs, Theo-Dur, and my inhaler.  That combination of medicines NEVER actually controlled my asthma too well.  If I started laughing I would use the inhaler, if I got hot, I would use the inhaler.  My doctor for 15 years NEVER, never offered any new treatments.  He would just ask me how I was doing, I would tell him (under control but use the inhaler two or three times a week). I finally started wondering what new approaches there were in Asthma Treatments so I went to a new doctor, who put me on a different regime. This was a little better, but not much.  Note: I had never took a steroid drug for asthma (never prescribed).  I went back to my new doctor and asked about the new Advair I had received a mailing about, and asked if I could try that new drug, and she agreed.  I started taking that drug and quit using the inhaler.  It has been MONTHS since I have had to use that albuterol inhaler (‘course I still have one handy).  During this time, my company downsized and I was terminated.  My schedule was upset, and now I could not remember to take my medicine twice a day.  I could only remember to take the Advair once a day.  I started noticing that it did not matter. I started watching and did not concern myself with taking the Advair as prescribed (twice a day).  I would not advise anyone to do this, but for myself I had lived with my asthma for 15 years, and I knew that the worst it would get for me would be a 20 min coughing and wheezing (note: I have never been hospitalized for my asthma) and I knew that the Albuterol Inhaler would take care of any sort of attack I might have.  Well, Its has been months now, and taking the Advair once a day simply works for me and IN MY CASE. This medicine is amazing.  It has been so long since I have use the inhaler I just do not even think about it any more. I wish other people had as mild, and as easily treatable asthma as I now do (of course I know others have Asthma much worse than me), and AGAIN I do not recommend fooling around with your doses but with me, I knew my worse case still would not be life threatening.  If you are having troubles with your current medicine, you may want to ask your doctor about Advair.  It may be a drug that can work for you as well as it has worked for me (taking it as doctors orders of course  ) Dennis

Response:

I use Advair 2 times a day.  I think you are correct by saying that it should be used as prescribed.  One time I stoped taking it 2 times a day and only as needed, and it was not a good idea.  Talk to your doctor if you want to cut back and see what he or she thinks.  I also think it is a great drug, but I have to be careful around smokers.  That is why I always carry my Albuterol.  It’s hard to tell your friends not to smoke around you because you have a disease that can kill you if you are not careful.

Response:

Question:

Hi Tony, I am feeling much, much better. The increase in Effexor XR has helped as has being removed from the source of my stress, albeit temporarily. I am taking life very easy right now:) Thanks and love Meryl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How are you feeling, ((((((Meryl)))) SSRIs cannot "erase" the ongoing problems in our lives, but increases may be necessary to function in everyday life. Saying a prayer that you find an answer to this depression. Take it easy on yourself, Tony — "Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans"  ~ John Lennon — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Tony, I am feeling much, much better. The increase in Effexor XR has helped as has being removed from the source of my stress, albeit temporarily. I am taking life very easy right now:) Thanks and love Meryl

This is very good news! It makes me feel good. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How are you feeling, ((((((Meryl)))) SSRIs cannot "erase" the ongoing problems in our lives, but increases may be necessary to function in everyday life. Saying a prayer that you find an answer to this depression. Take it easy on yourself, Tony — "Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans" ~ John Lennon — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Tony, I am feeling much, much better. The increase in Effexor XR has helped as has being removed from the source of my stress, albeit temporarily. I am taking life very easy right now:) Thanks and love Meryl This is very good news! It makes me feel good. Philip

Thanks Philip, Just have to make it last. At least I know I am still here under all the anxiety and depression. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

So glad you upped your meds, dear Meryl.  Later, once your life quiets down, you can always lower it again. Take care, Liz I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Liz, I am noticing an improvement. Had my longest sleep in 6 weeks last night:) I think I have been caught out by the fact that sorting out RL stuff is taking much longer than I anticipated. This has meant prolonged anxiety and worry. It will end. love Meryl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So glad you upped your meds, dear Meryl.  Later, once your life quiets down, you can always lower it again. Take care, Liz I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Meryl, You are sounding better and very positive!!! smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Liz, I am noticing an improvement. Had my longest sleep in 6 weeks last night:) I think I have been caught out by the fact that sorting out RL stuff is taking much longer than I anticipated. This has meant prolonged anxiety and worry. It will end. love Meryl So glad you upped your meds, dear Meryl.  Later, once your life quiets down, you can always lower it again. Take care, Liz I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

love Meryl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Meryl, You are sounding better and very positive!!! smiles, Elise Hi Liz, I am noticing an improvement. Had my longest sleep in 6 weeks last night:) I think I have been caught out by the fact that sorting out RL stuff is taking much longer than I anticipated. This has meant prolonged anxiety and worry. It will end. love Meryl So glad you upped your meds, dear Meryl.  Later, once your life quiets down, you can always lower it again. Take care, Liz I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Liz, I am noticing an improvement. Had my longest sleep in 6 weeks last night:) I think I have been caught out by the fact that sorting out RL stuff is taking much longer than I anticipated. This has meant prolonged anxiety and worry. It will end. love Meryl

Glad you are feeling an improvement, Meryl.  This is good news.   Take care, Liz — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

How are you feeling, ((((((Meryl)))) SSRIs cannot "erase" the ongoing problems in our lives, but increases may be necessary to function in everyday life. Saying a prayer that you find an answer to this depression. Take it easy on yourself, Tony — "Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans"  ~ John Lennon — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

It does help:) Thanks Bob, love Meryl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Meryl, I am on 300mg. and so is my brother.  I am pretty sure I have been on 450, almost positive.  I *think* my doc told me at some point that there are new thoughts amongst psychopharmocologists on how much effexor is acceptable/helpful. hope this helps, bob I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Meryl, I am on 300mg. and so is my brother.  I am pretty sure I have been on 450, almost positive.  I *think* my doc told me at some point that there are new thoughts amongst psychopharmocologists on how much effexor is acceptable/helpful. hope this helps, bob

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Rita, Yes it is about *if*  :) I can and do increase my Xanax when necessary. The former levels worked each time. It just seems that I’m OK for 9- 12 months and then I start to get overwhelmed and the depression resurfaces. It is my hope that when the current stressors in my personal life diminish, my need for increased medication will do likewise. love Meryl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wow, what a memory!  Yeah, I can see your concern, but if, IF, that should ever happen, your doc may just add a bit of another AD along with the Effexor.  Or even increase your Xanax a little.   Who knows?   Maybe you should have been on this higher level all along.   I’ve been on the same level for three years.   We tried to go higher but just one little dose higher of Effexor made me climb the walls.  That’s when my p-doc knew I was on the right dose. xxoo Rita Thanks Rita but I remember your dose:) When having my script for 300 mg approved my psychiatrist stated my level of depression as major. I also take Xanax for my Panic Disorder. I have increased my dose. I believe it will help. My concern was more the fact that if I am near the upper level I may eventually need to find another AD, but I guess I am a bit ahead of myself. Thnks, love Meryl Hi Meryl…I was going to tell you what my dose level was because you asked, but I changed my mind.   The reason is my level of depression is most likely different than yours, plus I take Xanax along with it, so that also changes things. I agree with your doctor’s words about a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.  My way of thinking is that it doesn’t matter how high or how low a dose of Effexor someone else is taking….what matters is what works for you. If you trust your doctor and he’s done well for you, then I would go along with his advise on upping the dose.   He knows your case better than any of us do, plus we’re not doctors.   Nothing is written in stone…if the dose is too high for you, all you need do is wean down to the lower dose. Just my two cents worth…. Rita xxoo If you find it’s too high a dose, you can always wean down again. Nothing is written in stone. I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – :I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of :depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I :worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is :incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous :thing":) :I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their :prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my :mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now :300 mg. :All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. Dear Meryl, Sorry you are struggling with depression. Good luck with the med increase…….I hope it helps. (((((Meryl))))) Jackie ~*~If I could wish for my life to be perfect, it would be tempting but I would have to decline, for life would no longer teach me anything~*~

Thanks Jackie, Increasing Effexor has helped in the past. I see no reason why it won’t this time. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

:I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of :depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I :worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is :incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous :thing":) :I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their :prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my :mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now :300 mg. :All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. Dear Meryl, Sorry you are struggling with depression. Good luck with the med increase…….I hope it helps. (((((Meryl))))) Jackie ~*~If I could wish for my life to be perfect, it would be tempting but I would have to decline, for life would no longer teach me anything~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Wow, what a memory!  Yeah, I can see your concern, but if, IF, that should ever happen, your doc may just add a bit of another AD along with the Effexor.  Or even increase your Xanax a little.   Who knows?   Maybe you should have been on this higher level all along.   I’ve been on the same level for three years.   We tried to go higher but just one little dose higher of Effexor made me climb the walls.  That’s when my p-doc knew I was on the right dose. xxoo Rita

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Rita but I remember your dose:) When having my script for 300 mg approved my psychiatrist stated my level of depression as major. I also take Xanax for my Panic Disorder. I have increased my dose. I believe it will help. My concern was more the fact that if I am near the upper level I may eventually need to find another AD, but I guess I am a bit ahead of myself. Thnks, love Meryl Hi Meryl…I was going to tell you what my dose level was because you asked, but I changed my mind.   The reason is my level of depression is most likely different than yours, plus I take Xanax along with it, so that also changes things. I agree with your doctor’s words about a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.  My way of thinking is that it doesn’t matter how high or how low a dose of Effexor someone else is taking….what matters is what works for you. If you trust your doctor and he’s done well for you, then I would go along with his advise on upping the dose.   He knows your case better than any of us do, plus we’re not doctors.   Nothing is written in stone…if the dose is too high for you, all you need do is wean down to the lower dose. Just my two cents worth…. Rita xxoo If you find it’s too high a dose, you can always wean down again. Nothing is written in stone. I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Thanks Rita but I remember your dose:) When having my script for 300 mg approved my psychiatrist stated my level of depression as major. I also take Xanax for my Panic Disorder. I have increased my dose. I believe it will help. My concern was more the fact that if I am near the upper level I may eventually need to find another AD, but I guess I am a bit ahead of myself. Thnks, love Meryl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Meryl…I was going to tell you what my dose level was because you asked, but I changed my mind.   The reason is my level of depression is most likely different than yours, plus I take Xanax along with it, so that also changes things. I agree with your doctor’s words about a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.  My way of thinking is that it doesn’t matter how high or how low a dose of Effexor someone else is taking….what matters is what works for you. If you trust your doctor and he’s done well for you, then I would go along with his advise on upping the dose.   He knows your case better than any of us do, plus we’re not doctors.   Nothing is written in stone…if the dose is too high for you, all you need do is wean down to the lower dose. Just my two cents worth…. Rita xxoo If you find it’s too high a dose, you can always wean down again. Nothing is written in stone. I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Meryl…I was going to tell you what my dose level was because you asked, but I changed my mind.   The reason is my level of depression is most likely different than yours, plus I take Xanax along with it, so that also changes things. I agree with your doctor’s words about a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.  My way of thinking is that it doesn’t matter how high or how low a dose of Effexor someone else is taking….what matters is what works for you. If you trust your doctor and he’s done well for you, then I would go along with his advise on upping the dose.   He knows your case better than any of us do, plus we’re not doctors.   Nothing is written in stone…if the dose is too high for you, all you need do is wean down to the lower dose. Just my two cents worth…. Rita xxoo If you find it’s too high a dose, you can always wean down again.   Nothing is written in stone.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Question:

I just started to take 75 mg effexor xr, since the prozac i use to take, wasn’t working very well anymore.  How is this anti-depressant like?  Is it better than the older SSRIs?  Sometimes I feel strange while I am on it. Does this go away with time?  Are there more or less sexual side effects with this one compared to SSRIS like prozac and zoloft? Thanks for any help

I am now on 150 mg of Effexor, but it is only temporary. I have been on 75 mg since a couple of years ago, and there is no side effect which gives me problems. I am also on Risperdal, and recently my pdoc changed it for Zyprexa and I noted an increase of my sexual libido, so I am not sure if Effexor is lowering my libido. What I can say is that when I was married I didn’t find I needed more sexual drive than I actually had. If you find any annoying side effects from Effexor, most surely they’ll disappear in something like a week. — Teilhard Knight The Extraterrestrial Eat the sandwich to email    http://www.newsfeed.com       The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–= Over 100,000 Newsgroups – Unlimited Fast Downloads – 19 Servers =—–

Response:

I just started to take 75 mg effexor xr, since the prozac i use to take, wasn’t working very well anymore.  How is this anti-depressant like?  Is it better than the older SSRIs?  Sometimes I feel strange while I am on it. Does this go away with time?  Are there more or less sexual side effects with this one compared to SSRIS like prozac and zoloft? Thanks for any help

Response:

Question:

Then I decided that this was a legitimate attempt by a well meaning person to provide a new product, and at the same time…make an honest living.

 Your sarcasm was appropriate…you were spammed…the kind of people who fall for this MLM crap tend to let themselves be brainwashed into believing what they claim. Check this out… http://www.worldwidescam.com/ http://www.quackwatch.com/

Response:

God dang Keith! After looking at those links you put my mind to rest…thanks! Well, you know, she did ADMIT that it was MLM, and….she was chicken to give me the company name. That was some of what got me fired up in the first place. And on top of that, she HAD to have gotten my name out of this support group! I suspect she lurked here, and noticed that I have a big mouth, and decided if she could win me over, then  she could "clean up" at the expense of the group members. And THAT is what brought out the rattlesnake in my personality!! Thanks again friend, Mark <somewhere in the deep south bible belt just north of the catholic zone – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Then I decided that this was a legitimate attempt by a well meaning person to provide a new product, and at the same time…make an honest living.  Your sarcasm was appropriate…you were spammed…the kind of people who fall for this MLM crap tend to let themselves be brainwashed into believing what they claim. Check this out… http://www.worldwidescam.com/ http://www.quackwatch.com/

Response:

  Hello:  Hello Who?? You send me e mail and you dont even know my  name? *Tip- People will usually buy something if you say their  favorite word…that being, their name. Remember this. I retired  a rich man due to my gift of salesmanship. If you received this post previously, I apologize for the intrusion.

 Ok, here….you start out apologizing. Not good. You admit that  there is an aspect of incompetence in your record keeping. You   admit you dont even know who you have been contacting. I  would rethink this also. *Tip- You MUST come up with a way  to incorporate first names. I represent a Network Marketing company that just came out with a natural alternative to Prozac, L-5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan).

 Ok, very nice and semi-impressive. Big Word, and an abbreviation  combined with the number five. Is that the significant molecular  combination….or just a cool marketing number. *Tip- I would  recommend a double digit number. It sounds more potent. Possibly  thirty-seven. Also, are you ashamed of the name of your company, or are planning an illegal activity and I am your target? L-5-HTP is a metabolite of tryptophan; a natural plant extract that raises serotonin levels in the brain without the harmful side effects of pharmaceutical antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, etc.

 I would never accept this statement without personal research. And also,  natural extracts are indeed chemical elements, and can have just as  significant a reaction to the body, or dangerous interaction with other  medicines as prescription varieties. Once something "natural" is extracted,  then it is no longer "natural".  It relieves depression, anxiety/panic disorders, OCD, migraine headaches, insomnia, eating disorders, PMS, violent or aggressive tendencies,alcoholism, fibromyalgia, and more.

 What about male pattern baldness, La Nina regional drought, irregular  tire-tread wear, feline rebellion, bikini tan-lines, and poor cable  reception?  *Tip- the intelligent reader might find this somewhat exploitive by its  probable exaggeration. The less intelligent reader would like to hear about  genital enlargement properties. It is being used with great success by healthcare professionals

worldwide.  Ok. Tip time again. *If you are going to make such a claim, then why didn’t  you go ahead and list references? Such is standard practice by persons  who are both professional and sincere. Maybe you are otherwise?  If not, then name the "worldwide" healthcare professionals rushing to   advocate it. If you would like me to mail you a brochure and more information, I would be happy to send it to you.

 Scaaaary! You found me by e mail didn’t you? Then why not make the  information available the same way. Could it be….that you would like  to have my home address? Would you like to give me yours? How detestible is this? Uh…Very! Sincerely,

 I’m not so sure about that right now. Linda Hoffman

 I wouldnt mind an e mailed copy of the abstract.

Response:

The following discourse is an example of how I started out thinking I was being "spammed" and someone anonymous was trying to get my address. Then I conjected that everyone in the group got this message, and was being exploited.     Then I decided that this was a legitimate attempt by a well meaning person to provide a new product, and at the same time…make an honest living.     Now I dont know what the hell to think, and I feel like an asshole for being so sarcastic.    My need right now is to tell you that my moods are swinging pretty far, and I am uncomfortable in my own skin. One minute I have almost uncontrollable aggression, then I have remorse. Then I have uncertaintly as to which one is appropriate.     How do you spell, "chill pill"? Mark – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello:  Hello Who?? You send me e mail and you dont even know my  name? *Tip- People will usually buy something if you say their  favorite word…that being, their name. Remember this. I retired  a rich man due to my gift of salesmanship. If you received this post previously, I apologize for the intrusion.  Ok, here….you start out apologizing. Not good. You admit that  there is an aspect of incompetence in your record keeping. You   admit you dont even know who you have been contacting. I  would rethink this also. *Tip- You MUST come up with a way  to incorporate first names. I represent a Network Marketing company that just came out with a natural alternative to Prozac, L-5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan).  Ok, very nice and semi-impressive. Big Word, and an abbreviation  combined with the number five. Is that the significant molecular  combination….or just a cool marketing number. *Tip- I would  recommend a double digit number. It sounds more potent. Possibly  thirty-seven. Also, are you ashamed of the name of your company, or are planning an illegal activity and I am your target? L-5-HTP is a metabolite of tryptophan; a natural plant extract that raises serotonin levels in the brain without the harmful side effects of pharmaceutical antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, etc.  I would never accept this statement without personal research. And also,  natural extracts are indeed chemical elements, and can have just as  significant a reaction to the body, or dangerous interaction with other  medicines as prescription varieties. Once something "natural" is extracted,  then it is no longer "natural".  It relieves depression, anxiety/panic disorders, OCD, migraine headaches, insomnia, eating disorders, PMS, violent or aggressive tendencies,alcoholism, fibromyalgia, and more.  What about male pattern baldness, La Nina regional drought, irregular  tire-tread wear, feline rebellion, bikini tan-lines, and poor cable  reception?  *Tip- the intelligent reader might find this somewhat exploitive by its  probable exaggeration. The less intelligent reader would like to hear about  genital enlargement properties. It is being used with great success by healthcare professionals worldwide.  Ok. Tip time again. *If you are going to make such a claim, then why didn’t  you go ahead and list references? Such is standard practice by persons  who are both professional and sincere. Maybe you are otherwise?  If not, then name the "worldwide" healthcare professionals rushing to   advocate it. If you would like me to mail you a brochure and more information, I would be happy to send it to you.  Scaaaary! You found me by e mail didn’t you? Then why not make the  information available the same way. Could it be….that you would like  to have my home address? Would you like to give me yours? How detestible is this? Uh…Very! Sincerely,  I’m not so sure about that right now. Linda Hoffman  I wouldnt mind an e mailed copy of the abstract.

Response:

Writing is a good way to vent, what I sometimes do, …is saving the post to be sent later. I reread them a short time later, edit them to be softer if need be …then send if I still want to respond. I’ve been enjoying your posts, but more because I’m learning about you than seeing the conflicts unfold. Stay relaxed friend, Garland – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The following discourse is an example of how I started out thinking I was being "spammed" and someone anonymous was trying to get my address. Then I conjected that everyone in the group got this message, and was being exploited.     Then I decided that this was a legitimate attempt by a well meaning person to provide a new product, and at the same time…make an honest living.     Now I dont know what the hell to think, and I feel like an asshole for being so sarcastic.    My need right now is to tell you that my moods are swinging pretty far, and I am uncomfortable in my own skin. One minute I have almost uncontrollable aggression, then I have remorse. Then I have uncertaintly as to which one is appropriate.     How do you spell, "chill pill"? Mark Hello:  Hello Who?? You send me e mail and you dont even know my  name? *Tip- People will usually buy something if you say their  favorite word…that being, their name. Remember this. I retired  a rich man due to my gift of salesmanship. If you received this post previously, I apologize for the intrusion.  Ok, here….you start out apologizing. Not good. You admit that  there is an aspect of incompetence in your record keeping. You   admit you dont even know who you have been contacting. I  would rethink this also. *Tip- You MUST come up with a way  to incorporate first names. I represent a Network Marketing company that just came out with a natural alternative to Prozac, L-5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan).  Ok, very nice and semi-impressive. Big Word, and an abbreviation  combined with the number five. Is that the significant molecular  combination….or just a cool marketing number. *Tip- I would  recommend a double digit number. It sounds more potent. Possibly  thirty-seven. Also, are you ashamed of the name of your company, or are planning an illegal activity and I am your target? L-5-HTP is a metabolite of tryptophan; a natural plant extract that raises serotonin levels in the brain without the harmful side effects of pharmaceutical antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, etc.  I would never accept this statement without personal research. And also,  natural extracts are indeed chemical elements, and can have just as  significant a reaction to the body, or dangerous interaction with other  medicines as prescription varieties. Once something "natural" is extracted,  then it is no longer "natural".  It relieves depression, anxiety/panic disorders, OCD, migraine headaches, insomnia, eating disorders, PMS, violent or aggressive tendencies,alcoholism, fibromyalgia, and more.  What about male pattern baldness, La Nina regional drought, irregular  tire-tread wear, feline rebellion, bikini tan-lines, and poor cable  reception?  *Tip- the intelligent reader might find this somewhat exploitive by its  probable exaggeration. The less intelligent reader would like to hear about  genital enlargement properties. It is being used with great success by healthcare professionals worldwide.  Ok. Tip time again. *If you are going to make such a claim, then why didn’t  you go ahead and list references? Such is standard practice by persons  who are both professional and sincere. Maybe you are otherwise?  If not, then name the "worldwide" healthcare professionals rushing to   advocate it. If you would like me to mail you a brochure and more information, I would be happy to send it to you.  Scaaaary! You found me by e mail didn’t you? Then why not make the  information available the same way. Could it be….that you would like  to have my home address? Would you like to give me yours? How detestible is this? Uh…Very! Sincerely,  I’m not so sure about that right now. Linda Hoffman  I wouldnt mind an e mailed copy of the abstract.

Response:

Question:

Does anyone think taking 300 mg wellbutrin and 225 mg effexor per day (as prescribed) then taking handfuls of klonopin on the weekend to calm down (not prescribed) is a problem?  I have felt better that ever on the effexor and the wellbutrin and viagra takes care of the sexual problems for me, but weekends are still rough.  I just want to be alone and be numbed. Can anyone relate? I feel like I should be so very grateful, cause I feel better than I ever have before, but I like to play with pills. I’d just like to know I’m not alone in this. Thanks… — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Response:

Does anyone think taking 300 mg wellbutrin and 225 mg effexor per day (as prescribed) then taking handfuls of klonopin on the weekend to calm down (not prescribed) is a problem?  I have felt better that ever on the effexor and the wellbutrin and viagra takes care of the sexual problems for me, but weekends are still rough.  I just want to be alone and be numbed. Can anyone relate? I feel like I should be so very grateful, cause I feel better than I ever have before, but I like to play with pills. I’d just like to know I’m not alone in this. Thanks…

When I was taking 300 mg Effexor and 150 mg Wellbutrin, I had to take Klonopin quite often.  I just got so tense and anxious and sometimes I was really irritable or angry.  Lots of Klonopin helped.  I’m not on the Wellbutrin anymore, and I haven’t had to take the Klonopin recently either. No, you’re not alone. Deb

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone think taking 300 mg wellbutrin and 225 mg effexor per day (as prescribed) then taking handfuls of klonopin on the weekend to calm down (not prescribed) is a problem?  I have felt better that ever on the effexor and the wellbutrin and viagra takes care of the sexual problems for me, but weekends are still rough.  I just want to be alone and be numbed. Can anyone relate? I feel like I should be so very grateful, cause I feel better than I ever have before, but I like to play with pills. I’d just like to know I’m not alone in this. Thanks… When I was taking 300 mg Effexor and 150 mg Wellbutrin, I had to take Klonopin quite often.  I just got so tense and anxious and sometimes I was really irritable or angry.  Lots of Klonopin helped.  I’m not on the Wellbutrin anymore, and I haven’t had to take the Klonopin recently either. No, you’re not alone. Deb

I just don’t like benzo’s.  I want to take the whole bottle sometimes. I like the tense and anxious feeling better.  I really do. — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Response:

Question:

Hi everyone, I’ve been taking paxil for several weeks now, (10mg.) with xanax in the morning.  For some reason, the paxil has NO sedative effects on me.  My doctor switched me from the xanax to clonazepam.  She thought something longer acting would be better for my anxiety.  In my drug book, however, it states that the duration of clonazepam is 7-8 hours, which seems to me the same as xanax.  I’m going to take .5 in the morning and at bedtime.  I am hopeful for this, because once the xanax wears off, I am anxious again.  Does anyone know the half life on klonipin? I know there are many people here on Klonipin.  How long until it takes effect?  I thought I read here a couple of weeks for the full effect.  How does it work with the SSRI’s?  If I don’t feel better in a couple of weeks, she’s gonna switch me to another SSRI.  Also, if you are on an SSRI, why are you taking klonipin? and if you didn’t take klonipin/xanax would you feel a little anxiety from the SSRI?  My doctor thinks that I am having a paradoxical reaction to the paxil.  She said paxil is usually the most sedating of the SSRI’s.  But, I’ve noticed some people are on SSRI’s alone, and some take them with a benzo. Thankyou, Maria  

Response:

 The half-life of Klonopin is estimated to be between 18-30 hours.                                                       Cmat

Response:

 I also take klonopin/zoloft for anxiety and fibromyalgia.  It works very well.  I also was on xanax,then unto klonopin the combo is doing me great. Hope the same will go for you takecare kurt

Response:

Question:

It’s my understanding that Kip had secretly stopped taking his meds, as had Eric Harris. I’d like to know why his (Eric’s) psychiatrist doesn’t speak up.

To his credit, that doctor is honoring his obligation to his patient. Doctors need the patient’s permission to disclose confidential medical records. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Kate Coe  drug, which is classified by the U.S. government in the same category as  cocaine and heroin. Oopsie!  Another little error: cocaine and heroin are not in the same "category."  Sounds scary, though, doesn’t it?       Nod.  Specifically, Ritalin is Schedule II, believed to be at a high risk of diversion, but having medical necessity.  Codeine is also schedule II.  Heroin, marijuana, PCP, etc. are schedule I, no legitimate medical use recognized by the Feds, but research use is allowable.  Clarke claims that children who take Ritalin in elementary school are  often switched to Prozac and other drugs as they grow older. The effects  of Ritalin can cause problems long after the prescription is stopped, he  added.       This is a particularly good example of lying, BTW.  It’s true that some people who take Ritalin have latent Tourette’s syndrome uncovered.  They may have problems with tics for a long time. However, Ritalin is not causing the tics; Tourette’s is.       He gets to make a statement that is subtlely untrue, while being able to point to someone who had a long term problem with Tourette’s as "proof".  "When they go through puberty, this becomes true speed," explained  Clarke.        BTW: the idea of a "paradoxical effect" of stimulants has been debunked for a long time. As for "speed", have you ever let your child have some Pepsi?  Caffeine is as much "speed" as Ritalin is.  "They are switching lots of these kids from Ritalin to Prozac — the  frying pan into the fire routine," she told WorldNetDaily. "Kip Kinkel  in the Oregon shooting last summer was a perfect example of the effects.  The chances the boy in Arkansas was on it are great." Interesting statement, isn’t it?  "The chances…are great."      It also shows an incredible ignorance of probability.  The chances aren’t great; the chances are 0 (he wasn’t on it) or 1 (he was on it).  There is no "chance" involved in an already established event.  Of course, the honest statement "I wouldn’t be surprised if he was on it" makes the person look like a prejudiced jerk.       I’ll refrain from the obvious cheap shot. — Everything I needed to know in life I learned in kindergarten.  Like: There is great power in both creation and destruction, but creation focuses power, and destruction disperses it.  This is the superiority of creation.

– Mark Probert I reserve the right to post any email, at my discretion, into the newsgroup from where it originated. If you "post & mail" please state

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think it’s disgusting that anyone would use such a tragedy to push a political agenda. –John Yes.  I think that this guy wants to get his picture in the dictionary next to the definition of ‘opportunist’ Visit his website. Visit his website. Visit his website. Visit his website. Oh, please visit his website.  

Here is the URL as a single line: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/bluesky_bresnahan/19990429_xex_doping_ou… Thanks, now I’ll be able to put in a garden.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was kindly forwarded the following little gem this morning by someone.   I am not posting it here because I agree with any of the views contained and I didn’t write the piece (for any daft individual who thinks or says I have  - John) but what are everyone’s views on this news item? the article is at http://www.worldnetdaily.com/bluesky_bresnahan/19990429_xex_doping_ou… ml Doping our kids   Prescription drugs at root   of violence, says expert   By David M. Bresnahan  

Question:

I just learned about this medication and am wondering if any of you here are taking it now.   — Laura Goodwin "Pain is fleeting, glory is forever. Remember: scars are sexy."

Response:

I just learned about this medication and am wondering if any of you here are taking it now.  

     I’m not taking it, but IIRC, it’s an SSRI like med (it’s not precisely like Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil, but it does inhibit reuptake of seratonin at (presumably different) selected sites) and it’s supposed to be more ‘energizing’ than the other SSRIs.  (That is, the side effects tend not to be sleepiness or fatigue; they tend to be anxiety, etc.) — Everything I needed to know in life I learned in kindergarten.  Like: There is great power in both creation and destruction, but creation focuses power, and destruction disperses it.  This is the superiority of creation.

Response:

Hi, LaLaura:  I take adderal and effexor.  The effexor helps with my motivation and mood swings.  The adderal helps my thought process and energy level.  But I think that the effexor has an impact on my energy level too.  A friend of mine has been taking effexor at 37.5mg three times a day (I take same dose twice a day) and his blood pressure went up.  His ADD dr. is monitoring the blood pressure now before determining whether it’s the effexor raising the pressure, and if it’s not the effexor, then he’ll prescribe a higher dose of effexor. This friend of mine can’t seem to get anything done, and his motivation level even on effexor three times a day is really not good.  However, this is probably because he has underlying emotional issues that he’s not dealing with……As for me, I’m doing really well on the dosage I’m taking. …..There’s so much stuff to do, to think about, to assemble. Oh no, Mr. Bill, I’ve turned into my stuff!!!

Response:

Have been taking Effexor for 3+ years.  It has been the best of all of the antidepressants for me.  None of the SSRIs worked, the Tricyclics had horrendous side effects, and Serzone also had some strange side effects. I started taking it in conjuction with Ritalin, but now take Effexor and Adderall. I do remember that the first few days Effexor was a little rough on my stomach, but those symptoms subsided within a week. Good luck, Lloyd – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just learned about this medication and am wondering if any of you here are taking it now. — Laura Goodwin "Pain is fleeting, glory is forever. Remember: scars are sexy."

Response:

I take effexor now and like it much better than the combination of prozac and dexedrine that I was taking before.  No side effects either. Wayne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, LaLaura:  I take adderal and effexor.  The effexor helps with my motivation and mood swings.  The adderal helps my thought process and energy level. But I think that the effexor has an impact on my energy level too.  A friend of mine has been taking effexor at 37.5mg three times a day (I take same dose twice a day) and his blood pressure went up.  His ADD dr. is monitoring the blood pressure now before determining whether it’s the effexor raising the pressure, and if it’s not the effexor, then he’ll prescribe a higher dose of effexor. This friend of mine can’t seem to get anything done, and his motivation level even on effexor three times a day is really not good.  However, this is probably because he has underlying emotional issues that he’s not dealing with……As for me, I’m doing really well on the dosage I’m taking. …..There’s so much stuff to do, to think about, to assemble. Oh no, Mr. Bill, I’ve turned into my stuff!!!

Response:

Effexor reduces ‘reuptake’ of norepinephirine and dopamine as well as seratonin so it can treat both ADD and depression/anxiety. It even treated my allergies!  Unfortunately, like a strong antihistamine, it caused me so much urinary tract irritation that I had to stop taking it.

Response:

Effexor reduces ‘reuptake’ of norepinephirine and dopamine as well as seratonin so it can treat both ADD and depression/anxiety. It even treated my allergies!  Unfortunately, like a strong antihistamine, it caused me so much urinary tract irritation that I had to stop taking it.

Interesting.   I’m grateful to you and to the other fine people who posted so far.  I’m considering trying effexor, since both rit and dex leave much to be desired in my case. I’m not at all depressed, but I do apparently have temporal lobe as well as frontal lobe dysfunction, which has rendered me virtually handicapped, although I’m a sharp gal in many ways.  For example, petty anxieties paralyze me, but I can be quite bold and effective in a real emergency. I have no sure sense of time or timing, unless I’m dancing.  If music is involved I’m brilliant, but I’m never sure what day of the week it is. An hour can seem like a day, and whole days can zip by in seconds. Whole years vanish from my conciousness, but I’ll never forget some minor incident from my girlhood.  Minor irritations that other people shrug off loom large to me, but things that terrify ordinary people are to me laughably tiny.  In short, I’m out of step with the entire rest of the race of humanity.  I don’t have a different drummer, I’ve got a whole dad-blamed different orchestra. It would not be a problem if people didn’t complain, but alas, much fault has been found with me, and I can’t keep a job to support myself. I would like to be able to provide for myself, at least. — Laura Goodwin "Pain is fleeting, glory is forever. Remember: scars are sexy."

Response:

effexor works for awhile then you feel crappy again. Libido is gone forever on effexor

Response:

effexor works for awhile then you feel crappy again. Libido is gone forever on effexor

     That’s not true.  It *CAN* happen; it can happen with most antidepressants, even those not known for it (some folks have reported sexual side effects from Wellbutrin, which has also shown a significant INCREASE to libido in one experiment), but the only way to know is to try.      Wellbutrin and Serzone are the two noted for having the least sexual-side effects. — Everything I needed to know in life I learned in kindergarten.  Like: There is great power in both creation and destruction, but creation focuses power, and destruction disperses it.  This is the superiority of creation.

Response: