Question:

i notice that when i do NYC races in central park (freddiemac 5K most recently) i become terribly asthmatic after about a mile.  i don’t have this problem in the NJ suburbs where i live and run other races. i am on asthma medications (serevent, flovent and nasonex.) and these do a good job for me. wondering if it’s the air quality in central park. -rei

Response:

wondering if it’s the air quality in central park.

It could very well be. I would think the ground level pollution is higher in NYC (more concentration of cars) than in the suburbs…particularly in the warmer months. For example, I used to have chronic bronchitus when I lived in the city.  When I moved to NJ the problem cleared up. Johanna "forever young" Young

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Question:

Has anyone ordered from here? I am instrested in the Kramer that is $179 (I forgot the model and am to lazy to load up the browser I has 2 "quad rail" humbukers and 1 double rail humbuker in the middle. Also comes with a Floyd Rose tremolo and some kick ass tuners. So, any good? Or has anyone ordered from their yet? Thanks Nicola

I’m interested too… it’d be nice to have a backup guitar with a floyd for gigs if my JEM breaks a string… *sigh* why can’t I be endorsed for JEMs?   Hehehe…  Where is the company located?  *crosses fingers* please say Canada… -=Devon Lougheed=- "if politics is the blind leading the blind, entertainment is the f**ked up leading the hypnotised" to reply remove NOSPAM from email adress

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I bought the same guitar your looking at. I love it! Right now I own two Les Pauls, a JB player PRS copy, and a Cort Flying V. This guitar doesn’t sound like any of them. The sound is close to a Jackson or Ibanez but a little beefier. I play mainly hard rock in the vain of Ratt and it does great for what I need it for. I haven’t played out with it yet but I’ve recorded with it and it did great!! No Noise. I have a Line 6 Flextone 300 watt head through a Peavy 412e cab. So just about any guitar would sound great to me!! It will depend a lot on what type of setup you have and what style of music you play. The guitar stays in tune providing you have it setup correctly. It seems like it will hold up against the test of a musicians time!! My experience with music yo was very good. I placed my order and got a receipt number right away, then a thank you for your order the next day as well as a confirmation of shipment with a UPS tracking number. It was here in 6 days. These Krammers are made by Gibson and are shipped from the Gibson factory in Nash. Tenn. You can email Gibson for more info on the Krammer line. (since they are real quite about it online) Visit www.gibson.com Good Luck Laura

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone ordered from here? I am instrested in the Kramer that is $179 (I forgot the model and am to lazy to load up the browser I has 2 "quad rail" humbukers and 1 double rail humbuker in the middle. Also comes with a Floyd Rose tremolo and some kick ass tuners. So, any good? Or has anyone ordered from their yet? Thanks Nicola

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I bought the same guitar your looking at. I love it! Right now I own two Les Pauls, a JB player PRS copy, and a Cort Flying V. This guitar doesn’t sound like any of them. The sound is close to a Jackson or Ibanez but a little beefier. I play mainly hard rock in the vain of Ratt and it does great for what I need it for. I haven’t played out with it yet but I’ve recorded with it and it did great!! No Noise. I have a Line 6 Flextone 300 watt head through a Peavy 412e cab. So just about any guitar would sound great to me!! It will depend a lot on what type of setup you have and what style of music you play. The guitar stays in tune providing you have it setup correctly. It seems like it will hold up against the test of a musicians time!! My experience with music yo was very good. I placed my order and got a receipt number right away, then a thank you for your order the next day as well as a confirmation of shipment with a UPS tracking number. It was here in 6 days. These Krammers are made by Gibson and are shipped from the Gibson factory in Nash. Tenn. You can email Gibson for more info on the Krammer line. (since they are real quite about it online) Visit www.gibson.com Good Luck

Just that everyone understands, the new Kramer Strikers may be "shipped" from Gibson’s factory in Nashville TN but they are made in Korea. I’m still looking for someone here to post a review of the guitar. I’m looking for quality and playability.  I have to be honest in that I am intrested in picking one up (can’t beat the price) but the one thing that holds me back in the "rail" pickups that the guitar comes with. The MusicYo site states that the rail pickup’s have a 2/4 configuration where you can pull up on the tone knob to turn on all four pickup rails.  The problem for me is if I don’t like the pickups it doens’t seem like it would be very easy to just replace them with better pickups. The 2/4 pickup selector switch may have to be replaced as well.  I have played the new Kramer Baretta’s with the rail pickups and I wasn’t that impressed. The Jackson DK’s sounded much better (with the Duncan design pickups).   So can anyone who has purchased a new Kramer Striker from MusicYo post an in-depth review of the guitar (quility, sound, opinion of the "rail" pickups etc..). Regards, — — Matt Costanza Austin, TX USA

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Very good company for their guitars, great service. For strings, give www.stringsdirect.co.uk a try – they are also apparently excellent but have far cheaper delivery costs. Stu

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Has anybody else had any dealings with MusicYo.com ? I logged on a couple of days ago to look at buying a few items, which initially looked good on pricing. However when it actually came to delivery costs, sheesh, it worked out more expensive than buying it from my local retailer ! I am based in the UK, and delivery for 1 (or 10) sets of strings worked out at 39.85 dollars standard delivery ( from the European warehouse) or $97.13 dollars for express delivery ( from the European warehouse) – I nearly fell off my chair ….. Any feedback mush appreciated Rgds Gary

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Hi, Has anybody else had any dealings with MusicYo.com ? I logged on a couple of days ago to look at buying a few items, which initially looked good on pricing. However when it actually came to delivery costs, sheesh, it worked out more expensive than buying it from my local retailer ! I am based in the UK, and delivery for 1 (or 10) sets of strings worked out at 39.85 dollars standard delivery ( from the European warehouse) or $97.13 dollars for express delivery ( from the European warehouse) – I nearly fell off my chair ….. Any feedback mush appreciated

I purchased a guitar (Steinberger Spirit GT-Pro), gigbag, etc. from them.  I’ve been very pleased with their service, incl. customer service & tech support (I used email for both). Dave Morgenlender

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I’ve dealt with them pretty extensively and have been happy with the instruments I purchased. I have purchased strings from them, but since I live in the US, shipping cost is not a major concern. My guess is you might be better off purchasing strings locally as suggested, unless they are the sole source (like for my Steinberger). If these are regular strings, I’d recommend also checking out musicians friend or American Musical Supply for bulk discounts and shipping. If you’r not concerned with brand names, they may have generic bulk strings you may purchase. Another possibility with Music Yo is to contact them to see if they will ship via your preffered shipper. They might be willing to do it for you. Contact is by email only, however, they have responded to some requests in the past and have been a pleasure to deal with. Toby

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anybody else had any dealings with MusicYo.com ? I logged on a couple of days ago to look at buying a few items, which initially looked good on pricing. However when it actually came to delivery costs, sheesh, it worked out more expensive than buying it from my local retailer ! I am based in the UK, and delivery for 1 (or 10) sets of strings worked out at 39.85 dollars standard delivery ( from the European warehouse) or $97.13 dollars for express delivery ( from the European warehouse) – I nearly fell off my chair ….. Well, I don’t know about their shipping prices on small items like Christmas gift last year…….but I think if I was going to actually buy anything from them, it would be something like a guitar or amp and not strings.  Is there a reason you can’t go to a local store for strings? Charles — Head Papershuffler Paper Airplane Division (currently assigned to the Rubber Band Flight Dynamics project)

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Hi, Has anybody else had any dealings with MusicYo.com ? I logged on a couple of days ago to look at buying a few items, which initially looked good on pricing. However when it actually came to delivery costs, sheesh, it worked out more expensive than buying it from my local retailer ! I am based in the UK, and delivery for 1 (or 10) sets of strings worked out at 39.85 dollars standard delivery ( from the European warehouse) or $97.13 dollars for express delivery ( from the European warehouse) – I nearly fell off my chair

I noticed the UK prices are much higher. I have no idea about tariffs or costs in the US. The prices in the US are lower and you can use the US postal service to lower the delivery costs – something a lot of places are now using after the tech bubble collapsed and freebies and subsidies went out the window as wel las the feeling that online sales was the future of retailing. Fuel costs also rose with the rise of oil prices causing a rise a shipping prices. I got my bass delviered I think for $12 or so by the postal service and it got here in about a week about the same as UPS which would have cost $30-40.  

Response:

Has anybody else had any dealings with MusicYo.com ? I logged on a couple of days ago to look at buying a few items, which initially looked good on pricing. However when it actually came to delivery costs, sheesh, it worked out more expensive than buying it from my local retailer ! I am based in the UK, and delivery for 1 (or 10) sets of strings worked out at 39.85 dollars standard delivery ( from the European warehouse) or $97.13 dollars for express delivery ( from the European warehouse) – I nearly fell off my chair …..

Well, I don’t know about their shipping prices on small items like gift last year…….but I think if I was going to actually buy anything from them, it would be something like a guitar or amp and not strings.  Is there a reason you can’t go to a local store for strings? Charles — Head Papershuffler Paper Airplane Division (currently assigned to the Rubber Band Flight Dynamics project)

Response:

Hi, Has anybody else had any dealings with MusicYo.com ? I logged on a couple of days ago to look at buying a few items, which initially looked good on pricing. However when it actually came to delivery costs, sheesh, it worked out more expensive than buying it from my local retailer ! I am based in the UK, and delivery for 1 (or 10) sets of strings worked out at 39.85 dollars standard delivery ( from the European warehouse) or $97.13 dollars for express delivery ( from the European warehouse) – I nearly fell off my chair ….. Any feedback mush appreciated Rgds Gary

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Question:

Hi, new here. A little background first: I was diagnosed with mild asthma in August and was given an Rx for albuterol 2 puffs as needed. At first I was hardly using it, maybe once a week, then I started going to the gym and as advised by my Dr I’d use it prior to working out to prevent an exercise induced attack  I stopped going to the gym for awhile and just started up again 3 weeks ago. In the last week and a half I’ve been getting chest pains much like what sent me to the Dr. in the first place as well as "flutters" in my chest. I noticed that my inhaler use has gone way up, its almost daily now and some days twice and most of the time I use it and it does nothing. I plan on calling the Dr. in the morning to make an appointment, but I’m just wondering if this is normal? Other then being constantly sleepy (which I think is in part due to being unable to breathe well and part due to jitteryness from the inhaler) and the chest tightness I feel fine, no fever or anything… Sheila Marie

Response:

Hi, new here. A little background first: I was diagnosed with mild asthma in August and was given an Rx for albuterol 2 puffs as needed.

If you’re having ongoing problems, one option is to discuss other medication with your doctor, such as Singulair, Intal, Tilade, or Pulmicort. Joan Joan Marie Verba http://www.sff.net/people/Joan.Marie.Verba

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Hi, new here. A little background first: I was diagnosed with mild asthma in August and was given an Rx for albuterol 2 puffs as needed. At first I was hardly using it, maybe once a week, then I started going to the gym and as advised by my Dr I’d use it prior to working out to prevent an exercise induced attack  I stopped going to the gym for awhile and just started up again 3 weeks ago. In the last week and a half I’ve been getting chest pains much like what sent me to the Dr. in the first place as well as "flutters" in my chest. I noticed that my inhaler use has gone way up, its almost daily now and some days twice and most of the time I use it and it does nothing. I plan on calling the Dr. in the morning to make an appointment, but I’m just wondering if this is normal? Other then being constantly sleepy (which I think is in part due to being unable to breathe well and part due to jitteryness from the inhaler) and the chest tightness I feel fine, no fever or anything…

You need to see your doctor ASAP. — We make war so we may live in peace. Aristotle

Response:

Hi, new here. A little background first: I was diagnosed with mild asthma in August and was given an Rx for albuterol 2 puffs as needed. If you’re having ongoing problems, one option is to discuss other medication with your doctor, such as Singulair, Intal, Tilade, or Pulmicort.

I have both Pulmicort and Singulair now. The Dr. is hoping we can get the attack under control and drop the Pulmicort in a month or so. Sheila Marie, still not quite right, but feeling better.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, new here. In the last week and a half I’ve been getting chest pains much like what sent me to the Dr. in the first place as well as "flutters" in my chest. I noticed that my inhaler use has gone way up, its almost daily now and some days twice and most of the time I use it and it does nothing. I plan on calling the Dr. in the morning to make an appointment, but I’m just wondering if this is normal? You need to see your doctor ASAP.

Went today, I was scared last night, I’ve never felt anything like that before. I almost thought for sure I was having a heart attack at 28, but it wasnt. The Dr sent me home all sorts of medicine. He said we need to be more aggressive in my treatment. Seems exercise is a major trigger for me, though its one I need to find a way to get past or something. That’s the goal though, to get to a point where exercise doesn’t trigger this sort of thing. Sheila Marie

Response:

When I first started going downhill with my asthma my main complaint was being extremely tired all the time and the inhaler just sustained me but did not make me feel better. You probably need to be on a low dose of Flovent to start and probably Accolate. Go see your doc! And if he doesn’t change your meds than go to another doctor b/c your asthma will only worsen w/o proper treatment!! Dana

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I’m glad to hear your doctor gave you some preventive meds instead of just rescue meds like albuterol. You should feel better soon! Dana

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Question:

I was on oral prednisone for about 3 months, 40MG with a slow taper, I found I had bruising problems, which declined as I got down below 10MG. I also use Pulmicort, and before that, Flovent, and have seen no problems with those alone. As has been pointed out, people vary in their sensitivity. Boyd — "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." (Ellen Parr- author) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi does anyone know if my medications (Ventolin- Seratide 250- Uniphyllin) has anything to do with the bad bruises that keep appearing. I don’t even know why I am getting them as I don’t really knock myself or anything. Just wondered if they were related. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Response:

I also get lots of bruises.  I think it also depends on the person.  Some people are more sensitive to the side effects. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any steroid can lead to bruising. When I am on Prednisone my legs look like I have been kicked by Jackie Chan! Denise Hi does anyone know if my medications (Ventolin- Seratide 250- Uniphyllin) has anything to do with the bad bruises that keep appearing. I don’t even know why I am getting them as I don’t really knock myself or anything. Just wondered if they were related. Thanks in advance for any replies.

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I have noticed since my son started Pulmicort that he bruises much more easily.  He had a nasty insect bite on his leg that left a black and blue mark for weeks.  His doctor said that inhaled steroids do that sometimes.  But the kid’s not wheezing anymore. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi does anyone know if my medications (Ventolin- Seratide 250- Uniphyllin) has anything to do with the bad bruises that keep appearing. I don’t even know why I am getting them as I don’t really knock myself or anything. Just wondered if they were related. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Response:

Any steroid can lead to bruising. When I am on Prednisone my legs look like I have been kicked by Jackie Chan! Denise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi does anyone know if my medications (Ventolin- Seratide 250- Uniphyllin) has anything to do with the bad bruises that keep appearing. I don’t even know why I am getting them as I don’t really knock myself or anything. Just wondered if they were related. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Response:

Hi does anyone know if my medications (Ventolin- Seratide 250- Uniphyllin) has anything to do with the bad bruises that keep appearing. I don’t even know why I am getting them as I don’t really knock myself or anything. Just wondered if they were related. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Response:

Hello, I’ve been lurking for quit some time now. I’ve had diabetes for 3 years and was taking oral medications. Now my doctor has put me on insulin, this is my question. Is any one else that uses insulin’s  tummy as bruised as mine is? What am I doing wrong? It doesn’t hurt. It just looks horrible. Also sometimes a little bubble of insulin seeps out of my skin is this normal? I always hate to call the doctor for every little problem, so I was hoping some one could answer these questions for me.

Response:

Gale, I get bruising from time to time. I can’t explain why it happens. I have heard it could be from pinching a to small of an area.It doesn’t matter where I shoot I can get bruising. A bubble does appear sometime right after I shoot but it is nothing to be concerned about. keep the faith rik — Padded room with a view                                    RWC3

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Hi Gale., I did have brusing when I first started, came from shoving the needle in to quickly for me.. Once I let the needle fall into the skin then slowly push it the rest of the way, the problems stopped. For *me* I found shooting at an angle wasn’t an option, I go straight in. But as with this.. its a YMMV also, the little bubble is normal, not enough to worry about, keep the needle inserted a extra couple seconds so it all gets dispensed.. should end that problem also. Good luck — RK [T1 that was smarter then her previous Doctors!][dx'd 5/00][Lantus Lover w/Novolog] http://www.diabeticnet.com – Main alt.support.diabetes website – Be fooled by no other imitations! http://www.zerolimit.net/files/zl-mirc.exe (#diabeticnet chatroom software)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I’ve been lurking for quit some time now. I’ve had diabetes for 3 years and was taking oral medications. Now my doctor has put me on insulin, this is my question. Is any one else that uses insulin’s  tummy as bruised as mine is? What am I doing wrong? It doesn’t hurt. It just looks horrible. Also sometimes a little bubble of insulin seeps out of my skin is this normal? I always hate to call the doctor for every little problem, so I was hoping some one could answer these questions for me.

Response:

press down on the injection site for 10 seconds after your shot — kate

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I’ve been lurking for quit some time now. I’ve had diabetes for 3 years and was taking oral medications. Now my doctor has put me on insulin, this is my question. Is any one else that uses insulin’s  tummy as bruised as mine is? What am I doing wrong? It doesn’t hurt. It just looks horrible. Also sometimes a little bubble of insulin seeps out of my skin is this normal? I always hate to call the doctor for every little problem, so I was hoping some one could answer these questions for me.

Response:

Hello, I’ve been lurking for quit some time now. I’ve had diabetes for 3 years and was taking oral medications. Now my doctor has put me on insulin, this is my question. Is any one else that uses insulin’s  tummy as bruised as mine is? What am I doing wrong? It doesn’t hurt. It just looks horrible. Also sometimes a little bubble of insulin seeps out of my skin is this normal? I always hate to call the doctor for every little problem, so I was hoping some one could answer these questions for me.

Well, I did at first also a little. For one thing, inject the insulin slowly. As for the insulin seeping out, count to 10 or so before withdrawing. — Dave – 5:23:57 PM T2 – 8/98 Glucophage, U & H A 4th generation Diabetic – Davors Daily Aphorism: I have a speech impediment… my foot. — —–= 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:

press down on the injection site for 10 seconds after your shot — kate

Ten seconds is apparently the  correct time to hold the needle in place before *slowly* withdrawing. So say Novo and Lilly in their literature. Bruising is usually the result of just catching a blood vessel under the skin. So slow insertion and removal helps prevent damage to those vessels caused by too-fast movement. It’s just one of those things we all live with. I can go a fortnight without a bruise and then get three in a day. Ratty

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Hello, I’ve been lurking for quit some time now. I’ve had diabetes for 3 years and was taking oral medications. Now my doctor has put me on insulin, this is my question. Is any one else that uses insulin’s  tummy as bruised as mine is? What am I doing wrong? It doesn’t hurt. It just looks horrible. Also sometimes a little bubble of insulin seeps out of my skin is this normal? I always hate to call the doctor for every little problem, so I was hoping some one could answer these questions for me.

If your stomach is the only place you are injecting then you are ignoring other good locations and not allowing your stomach area enough time to heal.  I found that by setting up and following an exact injection site rotation schedule that I eliminated most of the bruising.  You can inject in your upper arm, the closer to the back of it the better, your upper thighs and even around your back as far as you can reach.  I learned that by keening up against a door frame that I could either pull my upper arm tight or with a twist I could bunch up the skin and then inject using one hand.  The trick is to stay leaning up against the door frame until you remove the syringe.  It is akward at first but with a little practice it can be done in the dame amount of time that it takes to inject in the thigh or stomach area. By injecting in the upper arm on one side and then the stomach area on the same side and then the thigh and then switching sides and going back up to the arm and then starting over, you will allow enough time to heal between injections in the same area. The back flow of insulin from the injection is nothing to be concerned about.  It can be avoided by simply placing your fingertip directly on the injection site and applying pressure for a few seconds immediately after pulling the syringe out. Derek Type 1 since 1975 Minimed 508 Insulin Pump http://www.diabeticnet.com http://sweetblood.org http://www.insulin-pumpers.org http://www.diabetesinterview.com http://www.zerolimit.net (irc server webpage for our chat room) #diabeticnet is the name of our IRC chat on zerolimit.net http://www.zerolimit.net/files/zl-mirc.exe  http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/misc/webtv.html http://www.xs4all.nl/~ircle/  <–Ircle Mac IRC software http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2001/06/cureall.htm

Response:

Thank you all for the support, I will give it a try. It’s a good thing I don’t wear a bikini any more….lol…thanks you all have been great. Gale

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I’ve been lurking for quit some time now. I’ve had diabetes for 3 years and was taking oral medications. Now my doctor has put me on insulin, this is my question. Is any one else that uses insulin’s  tummy as bruised as mine is? What am I doing wrong? It doesn’t hurt. It just looks horrible. Also sometimes a little bubble of insulin seeps out of my skin is this normal? I always hate to call the doctor for every little problem, so I was hoping some one could answer these questions for me.

Response:

<snip  I learned that by keening up against a door frame that I could either pull my upper arm tight or with a twist I could bunch up the skin and then inject using one hand.  The trick is to stay leaning up against the door frame until you remove the syringe.  It is akward at first but with a little practice it can be done in the dame amount of time that it takes to inject in the thigh or stomach area. <sniip i got this image of me doing this in a resturant just as my meal arrives. d.

I always used my stomach when injecting in restaurants. Derek Type 1 since 1975 Minimed 508 Insulin Pump http://www.diabeticnet.com http://sweetblood.org http://www.insulin-pumpers.org http://www.diabetesinterview.com http://www.zerolimit.net (irc server webpage for our chat room) #diabeticnet is the name of our IRC chat on zerolimit.net http://www.zerolimit.net/files/zl-mirc.exe  http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/misc/webtv.html http://www.xs4all.nl/~ircle/  <–Ircle Mac IRC software http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2001/06/cureall.htm

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Has anyone experienced bruising after squeezing a pimple? If so, do you know how to treat it properly without it causing an infection? And why does this happen with some pimples and not others? Thanks! -Bobbi

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:Has anyone experienced bruising after squeezing a pimple? : :If so, do you know how to treat it properly without it causing an :infection? :And why does this happen with some pimples and not others? You have bruised becuase you squeezed hard enough to burst fine blood vessels under the skin.  This was too hard and is probably resulting in causing more serious problems. Please go to a profesional skin care specialist and have them show you the proper way to extract them. Jeff :Thanks! :-Bobbi AAEA – American Aestheticians Education Association   (A non-profit professional organization dedicated to generic    and non-biased education, litigation and research for the    Esthetic and Beauty Care Service Provider Industries.)

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: :Has anyone experienced bruising after squeezing a pimple?

: You have bruised becuase you squeezed hard enough to burst fine blood : vessels under the skin.  This was too hard and is probably resulting : in causing more serious problems. On rare occasion I have had a cyst bruise which I didn’t squeeze. It would do so after "hanging around" for a long time, neither getting better nor getting worse. Maybe this is a result of the stuff inside being "backed up,"  or "stuck." Val Butler

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One should not squeeze pimples.  Bruising can lead to nodule formation and boil-like eruptions.  It usually makes matters worse in the medium to long-term, although it might appear cosmetically more attractive in the short-term. Cheers, Dr P M Lassoff London "Bake those donuts with extra grease This batch is for the Chief of Police"                          – The Pop-O-Pies

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Has anyone experienced bruising after squeezing a pimple? If so, do you know how to treat it properly without it causing an infection? And why does this happen with some pimples and not others? Thanks! -Bobbi

Response:

:Has anyone experienced bruising after squeezing a pimple? : :If so, do you know how to treat it properly without it causing an :infection? :And why does this happen with some pimples and not others? You have bruised becuase you squeezed hard enough to burst fine blood vessels under the skin.  This was too hard and is probably resulting in causing more serious problems. Please go to a profesional skin care specialist and have them show you the proper way to extract them. Jeff :Thanks! :-Bobbi AAEA – American Aestheticians Education Association   (A non-profit professional organization dedicated to generic    and non-biased education, litigation and research for the    Esthetic and Beauty Care Service Provider Industries.)

Response:

: :Has anyone experienced bruising after squeezing a pimple?

: You have bruised becuase you squeezed hard enough to burst fine blood : vessels under the skin.  This was too hard and is probably resulting : in causing more serious problems. On rare occasion I have had a cyst bruise which I didn’t squeeze. It would do so after "hanging around" for a long time, neither getting better nor getting worse. Maybe this is a result of the stuff inside being "backed up,"  or "stuck." Val Butler

Response:

One should not squeeze pimples.  Bruising can lead to nodule formation and boil-like eruptions.  It usually makes matters worse in the medium to long-term, although it might appear cosmetically more attractive in the short-term. Cheers, Dr P M Lassoff London "Bake those donuts with extra grease This batch is for the Chief of Police"                          – The Pop-O-Pies

Response:

Kenneth, you state you have been or currently are on prednsoine. That should be the answer to the bruising problem. It generally takes some time to be affected, you did not state the # of milg. you are on, if it is a high dosage then it could set it off earlier then one who has been on a small dosage for a number of years. If you continue on pred. I would suggest a med. called FOLGARD it helps somewhat after a period of time. Check with your local druggist and or Dr. D.S.M. (DM Ret. US Govt. Int. Affairs)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – grapefruit ? What foods contain flavanoids? Bruising, without the slightest trauma, usually reflects thinning of the dermis. What ever you are taking for nutritional supplements…they are not working. It is   remedied quite easily by consuming a diet rich in flavanoids. Along with a basic  supplement regimen of Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Essential Fatty Acids. Ken.W  7 Years Med Free All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

grapefruit ?

****** Wouldn’t eating grapefruit  be  a  bad idea? Aside from the acidity I mean. m Wouldn’t the grapefruit  iinteract with any meds you’re takiing? Violet Tigress

Response:

 Vi Wouldn’t eating grapefruit  be  a  bad idea? Aside from the acidity I  Vi mean. m Wouldn’t the grapefruit  iinteract with any meds you’re  Vi takiing?  Vi Violet Tigress         For what it is worth, my wife has continued to eat grapefruit         and other citrus plus tomatoes through all her problems. She         claims that she sees no ill effects and the last time at the         doctor, he said if it doesnt bother than eat it.         Quite recently I read an article claiming that the effects of         grapefruit on the meds MAY not be as bad as first thought. What         is good for today is gonna kill ya tomorrow.  Ya cant win!!                         Art ___ Blue Wave/DOS v2.30

Response:

grapefruit ? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What foods contain flavanoids? Bruising, without the slightest trauma, usually reflects thinning of the dermis. What ever you are taking for nutritional supplements…they are not working. It is   remedied quite easily by consuming a diet rich in flavanoids. Along with a basic  supplement regimen of Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Essential Fatty Acids. Ken.W  7 Years Med Free All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

I saw my GP yesterday, and she ordered a whole lot of blood tests (they took 6 vials from me) – FBE, LFT, iron, etc. Hopefully that will shed some light on the problem. Will these tests tell me about my platelets? I hope so, because I heard somewhere that platelets should be checked when there is bruising. I’ll find out the results next week. Thanks for the suggestion Amy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. Have you had your platelets checked recently?

Response:

What foods contain flavanoids? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bruising, without the slightest trauma, usually reflects thinning of the dermis. What ever you are taking for nutritional supplements…they are not working. It is   remedied quite easily by consuming a diet rich in flavanoids. Along with a basic  supplement regimen of Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Essential Fatty Acids. Ken.W  7 Years Med Free All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason.

Have you had your platelets checked recently?

Response:

I bruise more when taking Imuran or prednisone.  Sometimes all it takes is just pressing my skin up against a surface too hard (such as leaning it on a box, etc). Be well- Tracy CD class of ‘98 my homepage: http://home.talkcity.com/ParadiseDr/goodboie/index.html  : )  smile – it makes people wonder what you’re up to!

Response:

Another strange side-effect I had while on Imuran was bleeding.  The tiniest scratch would cause awful bleeding and would take up to a half- hour to stop.  I work alot outside in my gardens and last summer, while on pred and Imuran, I had to carry a couple papertowels in my pocket as every time I turned around, I’d be bleeding from somewhere. Hugs,  Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I bruise more when taking Imuran or prednisone.  Sometimes all it takes is just pressing my skin up against a surface too hard (such as leaning it on a box, etc). Be well- Tracy CD class of ‘98 my homepage: http://home.talkcity.com/ParadiseDr/goodboie/index.html  : )  smile – it makes people wonder what you’re up to!

Response:

Bruising, without the slightest trauma, usually reflects thinning of the dermis. What ever you are taking for nutritional supplements…they are not working. It is   remedied quite easily by consuming a diet rich in flavanoids. Along with a basic  supplement regimen of Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Essential Fatty Acids. Ken.W  7 Years Med Free

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

Hi Amy, I have UC to and take prednisolone and mesalazine (same as mesasal). I find that everyfew months I will get tons of brusies coveing my arms and legs for a few weeks and then they just go. They are usually just little bruises but sometimes I find that they can be quite big too. Hope this helps Sarah

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

  LOL! Hugs,  Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not if the horse was a good dancer! Debs Thanks Linda, so it might be the Imuran and it has finally kicked in! Being kicked in the thigh by a horse sounds PAINFUL. I had one step on my foot once, got a lovely looking bruise but that is to be expected! Amy. Hi Amy, I don’t bruise easily – no bruise even after being kicked in the thigh by a horse that didn’t want to go into the horsetrailer but while I was taking Imuran, I’d find bruises when I didn’t remember hitting anything.  I seemed to get alot on the backs of my hands and on my arms.  Since being off Imuran, I haven’t bruised at all. Hugs,  Linda All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

YW Amy  About two summers ago, a friend’s horse stepped on my pinky toe and I’m sure she broke it.  Nothing I did for it made it feel better except to wear my cowboy boots.  I sure looked kinda funny that summer with my shorts and cowboy boots everywhere I went, LOL!   Hugs,  Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Linda, so it might be the Imuran and it has finally kicked in! Being kicked in the thigh by a horse sounds PAINFUL. I had one step on my foot once, got a lovely looking bruise but that is to be expected! Amy. Hi Amy, I don’t bruise easily – no bruise even after being kicked in the thigh by a horse that didn’t want to go into the horsetrailer but while I was taking Imuran, I’d find bruises when I didn’t remember hitting anything.  I seemed to get alot on the backs of my hands and on my arms.  Since being off Imuran, I haven’t bruised at all. Hugs,  Linda All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

Not if the horse was a good dancer! Debs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Linda, so it might be the Imuran and it has finally kicked in! Being kicked in the thigh by a horse sounds PAINFUL. I had one step on my foot once, got a lovely looking bruise but that is to be expected! Amy. Hi Amy, I don’t bruise easily – no bruise even after being kicked in the thigh by a horse that didn’t want to go into the horsetrailer but while I was taking Imuran, I’d find bruises when I didn’t remember hitting anything.  I seemed to get alot on the backs of my hands and on my arms.  Since being off Imuran, I haven’t bruised at all. Hugs,  Linda All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

Thanks Linda, so it might be the Imuran and it has finally kicked in! Being kicked in the thigh by a horse sounds PAINFUL. I had one step on my foot once, got a lovely looking bruise but that is to be expected! Amy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Amy, I don’t bruise easily – no bruise even after being kicked in the thigh by a horse that didn’t want to go into the horsetrailer but while I was taking Imuran, I’d find bruises when I didn’t remember hitting anything.  I seemed to get alot on the backs of my hands and on my arms.  Since being off Imuran, I haven’t bruised at all. Hugs,  Linda All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

Hi Amy, I don’t bruise easily – no bruise even after being kicked in the thigh by a horse that didn’t want to go into the horsetrailer but while I was taking Imuran, I’d find bruises when I didn’t remember hitting anything.  I seemed to get alot on the backs of my hands and on my arms.  Since being off Imuran, I haven’t bruised at all. Hugs,  Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

It seems, at least for me, that bruises just appear.  I have gotten them from just little bumps against furniture to anemia (a simple blood test can tell you if you are really low).  I find the skin reacts for some reason I really don’t understand myself and I have CD.  If you are real tired and the bruises are a lot contact your dr to be sure it’s ok.  UM MOM Susan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After this I tried Celexa, Effexor and Zoloft.  Each helped for a week or two and then the irritability and aggression began to steadily increase until it became urgent that I stop the drug. Hi Louise, I had feelings and thoughts of aggression for a few weeks after starting to raise the Zoloft dose to high levels. What I did was take a little bit of Benadryl, about a few grains from a broken store-brand capsule, to settle the agitation.  Eventually after a few days of the Benadryl the agitation stopped and never came back again. I also started raising the dose very gradually. I have a family history of bipolar (called manic depressive back then), and my pdoc concluded that I should NEVER take any more SSRIs because I have the biological tendency to become manic from them. Are you sure you are manic on them permanently? Some of us get manic on them for a while, but only for a while. I was euphorically hypomanic from Zoloft for four months, with some jitters thrown in.  Eventually all that left. How long were you on any of the SSRIs? So, does anyone know whether the Klonopin would prevent the irritable, agitated and aggressive symptoms that I always get after a few weeks on an SSRI?  Would it be worth trying an SSRI now that I am solidly on Klonopin or is it likely that the same thing will happen? Well, I took Benadryl for a few days to calm down the agitation. It wasn’t much–just a few grains once or twice a day–not enough to make one sleepy. It worked for me.  It is used to help those who go through akathisia/ agressiveness when having starting SSRIs.  It may or may not work for you.

I was never on an SSRI for more than a month or two because my I and my pdoc and my therapist became fearful that my anger and irritation were so intense that I would lose control and they felt I should get off of them. I guess I was wondering whether the Klonopin would be like the Benedryl. Louise — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ::Two people I was very close to have passed away in the last ::6 months and another is moving far away in about 6 weeks. ::The moving has thrown me over the line and I am becoming ::more and chronically depressed, hopeless and it’s getting ::real hard to function in the mornings. <gently snipped Dear Louise, Sorry about all the loss in your life. (((((Louise))))) You seem so sensitive to lots of medication. Have you thought about getting some therapy to help deal with your feelings of loss? It could help you a lot. Healing thoughts being sent your way. Jackie ~*~If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude~*~  ~~ Maya Angelou quote

I’m sorry, I should have said that I am in therapy.  In fact, in January, my therapist of 10 years suddenly had a stroke and died – that is one of the "losses". I have started with someone else….but it’s not the same and I don’t know if it ever will be. Louise — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::I’m sorry, I should have said that I am in therapy.  In ::fact, in January, my therapist of 10 years suddenly had a ::stroke and died – that is one of the "losses". I’m so sorry (((((Louise))))) Jackie ~*~Life is not the way it’s supposed to be. It’s the way it    is. The way you deal with it is what makes the difference~*~   ~~ Virginia Satir   — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Over the last 10+ years, I’ve tried several SSRIs to treat a chronic low level, lifelong depression.  I have also suffered from a lot of anxiety and panic attacks and have usually been thought to have an "agitated depression" when I’ve sought psychiatric help. The only ADs that ever helped were the ones that put me to sleep and made me just able to function, but not "live", because I’d rather be sleeping, almost no matter what.  That was Luvox.  But when the dose of Luvox was raised, I didn’t become more sleepy, I became more agitated, argumentative and intolerably irritable.  I was on the verge of destruction – myself and others. After this I tried Celexa, Effexor and Zoloft.  Each helped for a week or two and then the irritability and aggression began to steadily increase until it became urgent that I stop the drug. I have a family history of bipolar (called manic depressive back then), and my pdoc concluded that I should NEVER take any more SSRIs because I have the biological tendency to become manic from them. I used Lamictal for several years with minimal success.  I need to take lots of benzos to counter the panic attacks and eventually began getting them in a variety of ways because the pdoc didn’t want me to take them every day (ativan mostly). Then I stopped the lamictal and felt better, as I suspected I would.  I was off all medication except for ativan prn for about 8 months. Then, last May (06), there were some serious changes in my life and I became extremely anxious.  I went to see a new pdoc who suggested that we focus on the panic attacks and the anxiety and see what happens.  I am now taking 2mg Klonopin daily and it has definitely helped to level me out and yet, to leave me able to feel and think clearly and have good judgment.  It has provided a lot of relief with minimal side effects.  I don’t really care that it might be addictive. Two people I was very close to have passed away in the last 6 months and another is moving far away in about 6 weeks. The moving has thrown me over the line and I am becoming more and chronically depressed, hopeless and it’s getting real hard to function in the mornings. Seroquel was suggested but I refused it because of its potential to cause diabetes.  This is a disease I dread and I will not take a drug that makes it happen to some people and they don’t know why! So, does anyone know whether the Klonopin would prevent the irritable, agitated and aggressive symptoms that I always get after a few weeks on an SSRI?  Would it be worth trying an SSRI now that I am solidly on Klonopin or is it likely that the same thing will happen? Thanks for reading this long post and for any experiences and/or suggestions you have. Louise — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Over the last 10+ years, I’ve tried several SSRIs to treat a chronic low level, lifelong depression.  I have also suffered from a lot of anxiety and panic attacks and have usually been thought to have an "agitated depression" when I’ve sought psychiatric help. The only ADs that ever helped were the ones that put me to sleep and made me just able to function, but not "live", because I’d rather be sleeping, almost no matter what.  That was Luvox.  But when the dose of Luvox was raised, I didn’t become more sleepy, I became more agitated, argumentative and intolerably irritable.  I was on the verge of destruction – myself and others. After this I tried Celexa, Effexor and Zoloft.  Each helped for a week or two and then the irritability and aggression began to steadily increase until it became urgent that I stop the drug. I have a family history of bipolar (called manic depressive back then), and my pdoc concluded that I should NEVER take any more SSRIs because I have the biological tendency to become manic from them. I used Lamictal for several years with minimal success.  I need to take lots of benzos to counter the panic attacks and eventually began getting them in a variety of ways because the pdoc didn’t want me to take them every day (ativan mostly). Then I stopped the lamictal and felt better, as I suspected I would.  I was off all medication except for ativan prn for about 8 months. Then, last May (06), there were some serious changes in my life and I became extremely anxious.  I went to see a new pdoc who suggested that we focus on the panic attacks and the anxiety and see what happens.  I am now taking 2mg Klonopin daily and it has definitely helped to level me out and yet, to leave me able to feel and think clearly and have good judgment.  It has provided a lot of relief with minimal side effects.  I don’t really care that it might be addictive. Two people I was very close to have passed away in the last 6 months and another is moving far away in about 6 weeks. The moving has thrown me over the line and I am becoming more and chronically depressed, hopeless and it’s getting real hard to function in the mornings. Seroquel was suggested but I refused it because of its potential to cause diabetes.  This is a disease I dread and I will not take a drug that makes it happen to some people and they don’t know why! So, does anyone know whether the Klonopin would prevent the irritable, agitated and aggressive symptoms that I always get after a few weeks on an SSRI?

Klonopin isn’t a mood stabilizer, so my guess is that it wouldn’t prevent a mood swing to hypomania/mania. Our resident psychiatrist Margrove might be able to suggest a good med combo. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is used for depression in bipolars cause it is thought it is less likely than other antidepressants to result in a mood swing . Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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::Two people I was very close to have passed away in the last ::6 months and another is moving far away in about 6 weeks. ::The moving has thrown me over the line and I am becoming ::more and chronically depressed, hopeless and it’s getting ::real hard to function in the mornings. <gently snipped Dear Louise, Sorry about all the loss in your life. (((((Louise))))) You seem so sensitive to lots of medication. Have you thought about getting some therapy to help deal with your feelings of loss? It could help you a lot. Healing thoughts being sent your way. Jackie ~*~If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude~*~  ~~ Maya Angelou quote — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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After this I tried Celexa, Effexor and Zoloft.  Each helped for a week or two and then the irritability and aggression began to steadily increase until it became urgent that I stop the drug.

Hi Louise, I had feelings and thoughts of aggression for a few weeks after starting to raise the Zoloft dose to high levels. What I did was take a little bit of Benadryl, about a few grains from a broken store-brand capsule, to settle the agitation.  Eventually after a few days of the Benadryl the agitation stopped and never came back again. I also started raising the dose very gradually. I have a family history of bipolar (called manic depressive back then), and my pdoc concluded that I should NEVER take any more SSRIs because I have the biological tendency to become manic from them.

Are you sure you are manic on them permanently? Some of us get manic on them for a while, but only for a while. I was euphorically hypomanic from Zoloft for four months, with some jitters thrown in.  Eventually all that left. How long were you on any of the SSRIs? So, does anyone know whether the Klonopin would prevent the irritable, agitated and aggressive symptoms that I always get after a few weeks on an SSRI?  Would it be worth trying an SSRI now that I am solidly on Klonopin or is it likely that the same thing will happen?

Well, I took Benadryl for a few days to calm down the agitation. It wasn’t much–just a few grains once or twice a day–not enough to make one sleepy. It worked for me.  It is used to help those who go through akathisia/ agressiveness when having starting SSRIs.  It may or may not work for you. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Question:

This week I was diagnosed with Adult ADHD.  While this is not entirely a surprise and I am glad I’m not Bipolar instead, I am still pretty much freaking out about what this means and what the future holds, etc.  I am also worried about how the hell I will afford a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist, and prescription meds given that I am one of the many million of Americans without medical insurance.  I am about to finish grad school, assuming I don’t flunk out. I want to learn as much as possible about the disorder, treatment options, and related relationship issues.  Anecdotes about your own experiences and types of Adult ADD/ADHD would be helpful, as would insights into how you all deal with romantic relationships.  I’m a dyke, currently single, and I wonder what I can learn while I am still single that will help me navigate a successful relationship in the future – assuming I don’t "scare the horses" with my diagnosis. What were you *like" before your diagnosis, and then after treatment began?  Can you give me some specific behavioral examples that illustrate your experiences? Is it possible to manage ADHD without meds? Which meds work – and how? Will I magically be come a more productive and focused person on meds, less prone to anger and irritability, more capable of holding a rewarding job, and more calm/less distracted?  If I go on meds, will my sex drive suffer, will I gain weight, or will I have to deal with other unpleasant side effects? I have already been on and have come off Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor and Topamax, which were prescribed for panic disorder – all of which made me either suicidal, catatonic, seriously deperssed, or sexually numb.  I don’t want to go through that again! What experiences do you have of dealing with co-morbid conditions such as panic disorder, anxiety, and depression. One last thing – I am probably the only 34 year-old American who does not drive and never has.  I suspect that my fear of driving may have something to do with being ADHD, but I don’t know.  It could also be a phobia – or simply related to my panic disorder, but basically I am scared shitless of either killing myself or someone else if I get behind the wheel of a car.  I find it difficult to integrate looking around me, figuring out which road I need to turn into, figuring out which lane to be in, watching for small children or red lights, or obstacles, and signalling appropriately, as well as actually operating the machinery.  Has anyone ever heard of this sort of problem, or experienced something similar? Now that I live in California, I really need to get over it and get a license and a car, because SD Transit is killing my social life! Your input would be greatly appreciated. Vik San Diego, CA

Response:

This week I was diagnosed with Adult ADHD.  While this is not entirely

a surprise and I am glad I’m not Bipolar instead, I am still pretty much freaking out about what this means and what the future holds, etc.  I am also worried about how the hell I will afford a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist, and prescription meds given that I am one of the many million of Americans without medical insurance.  I am about to finish grad school, assuming I don’t flunk out. Whoa… hold on here… Just remember–you didn’t just "get" ADHD–you just got "diagnosed"–this should be a good thing–not something to freak you out.  The key is to realize that you have obviously developed some coping mechanisms since you have made it to grad school–the thing is, some of them are helpful and some are harmful.  You will be able to figure which are which as you educate yourself on the dis-ease that you have always had.   As for not having medical insurance–shame on you–but BOY do I understand!! (I too am a poor perpetual student–veterinary resident–so a little pay, but not quiet minmum wage when you work it out–thank goodness I get medical insurance through the state as I work at a university). There are programs through the drug companies to provide medication at a reduced or free rate to qualified individuals.  Ask the Dr. who diagnosed you to use "samples" when trying a new drug so you don’t spend money on meds that aren’t going to work for you. <<I want to learn as much as possible about the disorder, treatment options, and related relationship issues.  Anecdotes about your own experiences and types of Adult ADD/ADHD would be helpful, as would insights into how you all deal with romantic relationships.  I’m a dyke, currently single, and I wonder what I can learn while I am still single that will help me navigate a successful relationship in the future – assuming I don’t "scare the horses" with my diagnosis. This entire forum is a good place for anecdotes–but remember that everyone’s experiences will be different–although I bet you will recognize yourself in many of them! <<What were you *like" before your diagnosis, and then after treatment began?  Can you give me some specific behavioral examples that illustrate your experiences? I was diagnosed as a 7 year old, but through structure and activity I didn’t need meds until I was "on my own" and having more responsibilities without any "love-ingly nagging" parents to help me organize my time.  But some of my symptoms: –the small child lying in the middle of the grocery store aisle kicking and screaming –severe seperation anxiety–camp was a HUGE ordeal–ended up loving it in the end –Very creative ("gifted"), but insisted on doing things MY way –"hyper-emotional" "hyper-mature" –Would rather hang out with just a few friends than a big group (easily overstimulated) –On the go –Happiest "doing" rather than watching (ie–interrupting, 18 projects going on at once, very active in sports) –Impulse spending –Moody–especially PMS –oh yea–had anxiety issues that led to skin picking Since treatment: Straterra 80mg/Effexor 150 +37.5 during PMS/Buspar 20-30mg) –Realize when i am procrastinating (See "Motivation" thread on the forum –Realize when I am interrupting–unless it is something I am really excited about–then usually realize after the fact–oops! –More rational about my emotions, realize when I am heading toward a HULK episode–can usually nip it in the bud–not always… –Activity level still high –skin picking less–again–realize it, but don’t always choose to stop it. –Still moody after big changes in activity (ie–semi depressed after a big project is done…) Basically with meds i can monitor my behavior better–doesn’t always mean I change it as habits die hard! <<Is it possible to manage ADHD without meds? Which meds work – and how? Will I magically be come a more productive and focused person on meds,less prone to anger and irritability, more capable of holding a rewarding job, and more calm/less distracted?  If I go on meds, will my sex drive suffer, will I gain weight, or will I have to deal with other unpleasant side effects? I have already been on and have come off Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor and Topamax, which were prescribed for panic disorder – all of which made me either suicidal, catatonic, seriously deperssed, or sexually numb.  I don’t want to go through that again! I am less prone to irritability and anger for sure–probably becasue I realize when i am "overstimulated" and remove myself from the situation. I was hopeing to become magically more productive, etc.  BUT–not so…. I think the meds make me more "aware" so I can choose to change my behavior–I recommend at least a couple of sessions of therapy to recomment tricks to change your behavior. I am lucky and have had no big side effects with the meds.  The dr. has avoided true stimulants becasue of the skin picking issue (anxiety related).  I have had night sweats and that is about it. <<What experiences do you have of dealing with co-morbid conditions such as panic disorder, anxiety, and depression. All very common with ADHD.  Usually treating ADHD (if that is the underlying cause) diminishes the others to some degree. <<One last thing – I am probably the only 34 year-old American who does not drive and never has.  I suspect that my fear of driving may have something to do with being ADHD, but I don’t know.  It could also be a phobia – or simply related to my panic disorder, but basically I am scared shitless of either killing myself or someone else if I get behind the wheel of a car.  I find it difficult to integrate looking around me, figuring out which road I need to turn into, figuring out which lane to be in, watching for small children or red lights, or obstacles, and signalling appropriately, as well as actually operating the machinery.  Has anyone ever heard of this sort of problem, or experienced something similar? Now that I live in California, I really need to get over it and get a license and a car, because SD Transit is killing my social life! I think this is probably a learned behavior by now, so treating the ADHD may help you some, but overcoming your fear will take more than meds.  I reccomend finding a calm, supportive friend to help you start driving in a parking lot where you don’t have so many distractions. <<Your input would be greatly appreciated. Good luck!  Hang in there! RV

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This week I was diagnosed with Adult ADHD.  While this is not entirely a surprise and I am glad I’m not Bipolar instead, I am still pretty much freaking out about what this means and what the future holds, etc.  I am also worried about how the hell I will afford a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist, and prescription meds given that I am one of the many million of Americans without medical insurance.  I am about to finish grad school, assuming I don’t flunk out. I want to learn as much as possible about the disorder, treatment options, and related relationship issues.  Anecdotes about your own experiences and types of Adult ADD/ADHD would be helpful, as would insights into how you all deal with romantic relationships.  I’m a dyke, currently single, and I wonder what I can learn while I am still single that will help me navigate a successful relationship in the future – assuming I don’t "scare the horses" with my diagnosis. What were you *like" before your diagnosis, and then after treatment began?  Can you give me some specific behavioral examples that illustrate your experiences? Is it possible to manage ADHD without meds? Which meds work – and how? Will I magically be come a more productive and focused person on meds, less prone to anger and irritability, more capable of holding a rewarding job, and more calm/less distracted?  If I go on meds, will my sex drive suffer, will I gain weight, or will I have to deal with other unpleasant side effects? I have already been on and have come off Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor and Topamax, which were prescribed for panic disorder – all of which made me either suicidal, catatonic, seriously deperssed, or sexually numb.  I don’t want to go through that again! What experiences do you have of dealing with co-morbid conditions such as panic disorder, anxiety, and depression. One last thing – I am probably the only 34 year-old American who does not drive and never has.  I suspect that my fear of driving may have something to do with being ADHD, but I don’t know.  It could also be a phobia – or simply related to my panic disorder, but basically I am scared shitless of either killing myself or someone else if I get behind the wheel of a car.  I find it difficult to integrate looking around me, figuring out which road I need to turn into, figuring out which lane to be in, watching for small children or red lights, or obstacles, and signalling appropriately, as well as actually operating the machinery.  Has anyone ever heard of this sort of problem, or experienced something similar? Now that I live in California, I really need to get over it and get a license and a car, because SD Transit is killing my social life! Your input would be greatly appreciated. Vik San Diego, CA

Vik <Big Preface No-one here that Ive seen will give you medical advice nor should they. Opinions – at least from me are just that – only opinions. Everyone here seems different but you will be able to identlify The people here are nice </Big Preface I am also newly diagnosed and kinda get the freaking bit but for different reasons. To address the issues I think your looking at re freaking…. I look at this slightly differently. To me ADD has upsides that I havent seen mentioned here. Having said that Im mildly ADD and havent been as obviously hammered as some. Statistically your likely to have an above average IQ. This is a good thing. The ability to hyperfocus is a good thing (if/when you can access it) particularly in conjunction with the IQ thing.If youre interested you can keep many things going at once – and on it goes. For me it aint all bad. I see it a little bit like being colour blind but making up for that by being able to see in the dark. Unfortuneatly the world operates in colour which is where I come unstuck. Im on Dex which basically allows me to see enough colour that I can work with people better. From what Ive seen there are two distinct groups here. Those that have the "H" and those who dont. Im one of the latter. Im probably Hypoactive not Hyper. I tend to have extended vague-outs. Cant comment to much on cost but for me Dex costs AU$23.00/month Dealing with people for me has been *so* much easier for a variety of reasons. All those little things that used to give me the shits just dont any more. Im *much* more patient. I dont interrupt others while theyre talking anywhere near as much as I used to so people dont get as pissed of at me. FTR this absolutely isnt a doped up / drugged patience,its a Im more alert but can deal with it thing. People smile at you in the morning and you actually notice and smile back. Dont know why youd "scare the horses". If you were diabetic would you feel the need to announce it at first meeting? Colour blind, had a heart condition ? I wouldnt/dont tell anyone that doesnt need to know. If you have someone who is getting close to you you might want to prep them with a "how to deal with me" talk but til them its no-ones business but yours. Dex makes me more focused but along with the procrastination I have to work on it. Meds arent,for me, a "cure". The effect is very much like the interrupting thing. I still start to interrupt at the moment but catch myself with my mouth open – I then have the choice as to what to do. If I find a moth Im far more likely to get distracted – realise Ive been distracted and get back to what I was doing. If Im procrastinating Dex lowers the hill I have to climb. The hill is still there but much smaller. Dex,as I understand it,typically reduces appetite. This has been the case with me but Ive always had to schedul meals and make sure I ate them – skinny guy lightening metabolism . One flash and its ash. My Doc here in Australia said that Ritalin is typically given to kids and Dex to adults – at least for the first prescription for just this reason (amongst others). In terms of holding a job Im statistically in the highest earning 10% in the country. I got it without meds and being self taught in my field and I enjoy what I do. Sounds like I make a fortune but have a look at the stats from the US which Im sure would be similar and Im sure youll be surprise how low that number is. I was. BTW – normally Id find this bit *really* tacky. I hate talking about incomes but it does prove you can function and hold down a good job. Re sex drive Some of the meds have the unfortunate side effect with guys of increasing desire but decreasing ability – not sure how that would work with a lady So….there you go …..my two cents worth Rod

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As for not having medical insurance–shame on you–but BOY do I understand!! (I too am a poor perpetual student–veterinary resident–so a

Do your student fees include medical coverage? Some do. little pay, but not quiet minmum wage when you work it out–thank goodness I get medical insurance through the state as I work at a university). There are programs through the drug companies to provide medication at a reduced or free rate to qualified individuals.  Ask the Dr. who diagnosed you to use "samples" when trying a new drug so you don’t spend money on meds that aren’t going to work for you.

Doctors can’t give out "samples" of regulated drugs, which includes the more common ADD treatments.         Bob Kaplow      NAR # 18L       TRA # "Impeach the TRA BoD"                 To reply, remove the TRABoD! <<< Kaplow Klips & Baffle:      http://nira-rocketry.org/LeadingEdge/Phantom4000.pdf     www.encompasserve.org/~kaplow_r/    www.nira-rocketry.org    www.nar.org  Save Model Rocketry from the HSA!   http://www.space-rockets.com/congress.html

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There are programs through the drug companies to provide medication at a reduced or free rate to qualified individuals.

If you’re in the US you can check if the med you’re prescribed is on one of these programs at: http://www.needymeds.com/ . Multiple listings of any med means it’s available via different programs. Vashti

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.  I’m a dyke, currently single, and I wonder what I can learn while I am still single that will help me navigate a successful relationship in the future – assuming I don’t "scare the horses" with my diagnosis.

Here in England dyke means lesbian. It is an offensive word – like faggot.

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<<Doctors can’t give out "samples" of regulated drugs, which includes the more common ADD treatments. –Oh yea–good point!  In the veterinary field we don’t have to worry about that so much.  Occ. we do get the "drug-hunting" owner.  I guess I was also thinking of Straterra in particular.

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.  I’m a dyke, currently single, and I wonder what I can learn while I am still single that will help me navigate a successful relationship in the future – assuming I don’t "scare the horses" with my diagnosis. Here in England dyke means lesbian. It is an offensive word – like faggot.

It is offensive in the US as well, if, and only if, used by persons who are not lesbians to refer to persons who are lesbians.   For example there are numerous motorcycle clubs and bicycle clubs around the world calling themselves "Dykes on Bikes" including one in London <http://www.geocities.com/dykesonbikesuk/.  And referring to a pair of diagonal-cutting pliers or the famous earthworks in the Netherlands as "dykes" is not generally offensive to anyone except those who are determined to be offended. — –John Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net (was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This week I was diagnosed with Adult ADHD.  While this is not entirely a surprise and I am glad I’m not Bipolar instead, I am still pretty much freaking out about what this means and what the future holds, etc.  I am also worried about how the hell I will afford a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist, and prescription meds given that I am one of the many million of Americans without medical insurance.  I am about to finish grad school, assuming I don’t flunk out. I want to learn as much as possible about the disorder, treatment options, and related relationship issues.  Anecdotes about your own experiences and types of Adult ADD/ADHD would be helpful, as would insights into how you all deal with romantic relationships.  I’m a dyke, currently single, and I wonder what I can learn while I am still single that will help me navigate a successful relationship in the future – assuming I don’t "scare the horses" with my diagnosis. What were you *like" before your diagnosis, and then after treatment began?  Can you give me some specific behavioral examples that illustrate your experiences? Is it possible to manage ADHD without meds? Which meds work – and how? Will I magically be come a more productive and focused person on meds, less prone to anger and irritability, more capable of holding a rewarding job, and more calm/less distracted?  If I go on meds, will my sex drive suffer, will I gain weight, or will I have to deal with other unpleasant side effects? I have already been on and have come off Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor and Topamax, which were prescribed for panic disorder – all of which made me either suicidal, catatonic, seriously deperssed, or sexually numb.  I don’t want to go through that again! What experiences do you have of dealing with co-morbid conditions such as panic disorder, anxiety, and depression. One last thing – I am probably the only 34 year-old American who does not drive and never has.  I suspect that my fear of driving may have something to do with being ADHD, but I don’t know.  It could also be a phobia – or simply related to my panic disorder, but basically I am scared shitless of either killing myself or someone else if I get behind the wheel of a car.  I find it difficult to integrate looking around me, figuring out which road I need to turn into, figuring out which lane to be in, watching for small children or red lights, or obstacles, and signalling appropriately, as well as actually operating the machinery.  Has anyone ever heard of this sort of problem, or experienced something similar? Now that I live in California, I really need to get over it and get a license and a car, because SD Transit is killing my social life!

That’s interesting.  I was surprised that a friend’s teenager wasn’t raring to get behind the wheel–I asked her about it and she said she "doesn’t multi-task very well" and seemed to be afraid.  Kind of surprising because she seems to be the adventurous sort otherwise.  Not ADHD–she was evaluated for that and found not to have it.  I wonder if you and she are experiencing the same thing? One thing that may help–don’t try to learn in a city–if you can find a friend who’ll take you out far from the madding crowd and let you practice on back roads in the country where you don’t have to go fast or dodge a lot of traffic you can get the conditioned responses down and once you’ve done that so that you don’t have to constantly think about the mechanics of keeping the car on the road and going straight the whole thing may become a lot easier for you. Your input would be greatly appreciated. Vik San Diego, CA

– –John Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net (was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

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Here in England dyke means lesbian. It is an offensive word – like faggot.

Here in the US dyke means lesbian too.  I didn’t mean to imply that I am a kangaroo or something – I meant to explain that I am a gay woman. And in England, where I am originally from and lived for a total of 18 years so far, lots of dykes self-ID as dykes.  Lots of lesbians self-ID as lesbians there too.  And lots of English queers self-ID as queer.  I guess any of these terms are only offensive to those who have not reclaimed the langugage. With that said, while in the UK, I’ve only lived in Sheffield, Liverpool, and London as a dyke – maybe in your neck of the woods (and social strata) the term ‘dyke’ is not the sexuality descriptive of choice. But it is for me. Cheers mate, Vik

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And referring to a pair of diagonal-cutting pliers or the famous earthworks in the Netherlands as "dykes" is not generally offensive to anyone except those who are determined to be offended.

Better yet being referred to as being akin to a dike is a *complement*. A dike is considered a great thing and somewhere along the line the phrase was born: "Zij is een dijk van een vrouw" would translate literally as : she’s a dike of a woman, ie a great/strong woman. Used to describe those of either gender in a positive way. Don’t know about the diagonal-cutting pliers though, you lost me on that one. Vashti

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Is it possible to manage ADHD without meds? Which meds work – and how? Will I magically be come a more productive and focused person on meds, less prone to anger and irritability, more capable of holding a rewarding job, and more calm/less distracted?  If I go on meds, will my sex drive suffer, will I gain weight, or will I have to deal with other unpleasant side effects?

Answering these questions form my experience only: It is possible to manage ADD without meds, until it isn’t.  With me, it became much less possible once I had kids. Generic Ritalin (methylphenidate) works great for me and it’s cheap. Yes I did become magically more productive, etc.  But I’m still ADD. The differences are usually subtle, but good.  My driving got much better. My sex drive didn’t change at all.  In fact my meds make it easier to concentrate, so if anything it’s better. No weight gain, sleep difficulties, or any other side effects.  I’m lucky, but I think this is the case more often than not.

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: This week I was diagnosed with Adult ADHD.  While this is not entirely : a surprise and I am glad I’m not Bipolar instead, I am still pretty : much freaking out about what this means and what the future holds, : etc.  I am also worried about how the hell I will afford a : psychiatrist, a psychotherapist, and prescription meds given that I am : one of the many million of Americans without medical insurance.  I am : about to finish grad school, assuming I don’t flunk out. What about your Student Health Centre? Financial Aid may have bursaries for help. That’s how i paid for my eight hours ($1200) of AD/HD testing. The Doc i see who specializes in AD/HD is at Student Health. For the last four years, i have had a job on campus working with students. I have learned a lot about how to deal with such situations. (e.g. finding resources!) What school are you at? : panic disorder – all of which made me either suicidal, catatonic, : seriously deperssed, or sexually numb.  I don’t want to go through : that again! The panic/anxiety/depression gets better with meds. Ritalin didn’t calm me down, but Dexedrine does. In retrospect, much of that anxiety is from benig scatter-brained and panicked over feeling like a disorganized walking disaster, i found. The depression was the helplessness over my workload (due to Executive impairments.) You may want to look up the phrase "Executive Function" on GOOGLE, to understand what in the brain is impaired. : What experiences do you have of dealing with co-morbid conditions such : as panic disorder, anxiety, and depression. See above. : One last thing – I am probably the only 34 year-old American who does : not drive and never has.  I suspect that my fear of driving may have : something to do with being ADHD, but I don’t know.  It could also be a : phobia – or simply related to my panic disorder, but basically I am : scared shitless of either killing myself or someone else if I get : behind the wheel of a car.  I find it difficult to integrate looking : around me, figuring out which road I need to turn into, figuring out : which lane to be in, watching for small children or red lights, or : obstacles, and signalling appropriately, as well as actually operating : the machinery.  Has anyone ever heard of this sort of problem, or : experienced something similar? Now that I live in California, I really : need to get over it and get a license and a car, because SD Transit is : killing my social life! Yup. AD/HDers have a higher rate of accidents — likely due to inattention and/or impulsivity. But with some help and planning, you will manage. <G Emma

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I am also recently pre-diagnosed with probably ADHD. For me, this is an incredible relief as the previous Bipolar diagnosis left me with unsuitable meds that didn’t even come cloe to helping me feel and/or be Normal. And when I say Normal, I mean MY definition of Normal. All I need to do now is verify what pill is pinkish-orange and has a ’score-line’ to help cut it in half, with the number 4930 over the ’score-line’ and the letter V under it. Does anyone have a recent PDR they could look this thing up in for me, please? TIA

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am also recently pre-diagnosed with probably ADHD. For me, this is an incredible relief as the previous Bipolar diagnosis left me with unsuitable meds that didn’t even come cloe to helping me feel and/or be Normal. And when I say Normal, I mean MY definition of Normal. All I need to do now is verify what pill is pinkish-orange and has a ’score-line’ to help cut it in half, with the number 4930 over the ’score-line’ and the letter V under it. Does anyone have a recent PDR they could look this thing up in for me, please?

You can sign up for an online PDR here: http://www.pdr.net/pdrnet/librarian

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am also recently pre-diagnosed with probably ADHD. For me, this is an incredible relief as the previous Bipolar diagnosis left me with unsuitable meds that didn’t even come cloe to helping me feel and/or be Normal. And when I say Normal, I mean MY definition of Normal. All I need to do now is verify what pill is pinkish-orange and has a ’score-line’ to help cut it in half, with the number 4930 over the ’score-line’ and the letter V under it. Does anyone have a recent PDR they could look this thing up in for me, please? You can sign up for an online PDR here: http://www.pdr.net/pdrnet/librarian

AWESOME!  THANK YOU!

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Question:

 you all should check out this web address, it is the journal of a schizophrenic…its amazing… http://www.h13.com <I finally am getting time to read some interesting posts and I find <the debate about to med or not to medicate an interesting one. A Shawneie forgery as about 2/3 of the posts today are. She is pissed off that her schemes were exposed and I refuse to allow her to use her sock puppets to hide behind so she is taking it out on everyone. Yes, she is having a very bad day.

LOL.. Poor pauly boy..

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I finally am getting time to read some interesting posts and I find the debate about to med or not to medicate an interesting one. When my dau. was diagnosed with severe TS almost 3 yrs. ago, we chose to medicate.  Her tics were so that she could not attend school.  She had a loud hiccup type tic every 3 sec. of every waking moment.  Her tics went on from there.  I saw a picture of her at Christmas time when she was about in third grade where I actually took a picture of her in the middle of one of her tics.  I didn’t realize it was TS then.  I did go to m.d. about it, but they said, bad habits. So went to full gambit.  Seroquel, Respiradol, Zyprexia, Clonidine, Tenex, Klonopin, Geodon and  antidepressants–Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and Prozac.  After all of that, my dau. is not presently on any medications.  By this summer, she had had it and we pulled her off her present medications of Prozac and Geodon.  As soon as we deleted Prozac, my old dau. emerged.  She was a ticcing old dau., but her old personality resurfaced.  It was like a miracle to us.  She traded dealing with ticcing rather than being spaced out, drugged out, crazed out by drugs that she had no control over her reactions to.  Three years later she is learning to live with her ticcing, learning to deal with the teasing she had received in middle school (she hardly attended school at all during her middle school years).  She has developed a harder crust.  She no longer self-mutilates, but still tics a great deal and I drive4 her crazy–such as breathing, sneezing, coughing, etc.  My noises and mannerisms sends her into tail spins. If I had known that Prozac was having the negative impact on her, I would have demanded she be taken off of it.  I think many of us parents are just so desperate to return our children to what we view as normalcy.  I never realized how this med was affecting her.  I just thought she was mentally decompensating more.  Especially with antidepressants, you have to watch out for weight gain and ones that could make you tic more, such as Zoloft and Wellbutrin.  It is so complicated and scarey to medicate to kids.  They are often unable to fully explain to the medicating docs how the medications are truly affecting them. The child often wants the medications to work so bad that they are initially willing to put up with anything that could help them deal with the tics. Then it is further complicated by the philosophical treatment of the neuros vs. the psychiatrists.  It is also dependent on if you have a doctor in any field that has any real experience with TS.  It is just very scarey out there for both the parent and the TS child.  I know first hand.  Been there and done that. I think it took me awhile to come to terms with my daughter’s diagnosis of TS.  I see so many parents making comments, that "my beautiful, gifted, child has TS."  They feel that somehow their child has been blighted.  I know I fell into that trap too.  It just takes awhile for us parents to accept the pronounced changes that happen when a child has TS.  Their ticcing driving you crazy; their not being able to attend school sometimes; their being upset when kids tease them; their being depressed because their lives will never be the ame–they just want to be "normal" like everyone else.  Let’s face it, in adolescents, especially, it is like a kiss of death to be thought of as different.  All of the peer pressure is staggering to a TS child. Would I do what I did if I had to do it over again, probably.  Because I must remember where we were at three years ago–so desperate, so unwilling to accept what was my daughter’s plight.  Were we misguided–perhaps.  We we desperate–yes.  We just had to try to do anything we could go help her, good or bad, only to come to full circle and take all of the medications away.  The ironies of life. Dawnee Dawnee

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Question:

Hi Kevin, I must have tried a "million" antidepressants – none of which helped that I could tell.  About 5 years ago, I changed to Effexor and I definately can tell it has helped.  I stopped taking it at one time because my weight dropped too low for my body to handle the medication and boy was my mood terrible.  It was scarey.  Luckily I am much better now and restarted it.  I take 150mg XR.  I don’t notice any side effects although when I started it I kind of felt like I was on a boat for the first week.  (Luckily I don’t get seasick LOL!  Anyway it was just kind of wierd but didn’t really bother me.) The one problem I’ve found is if I forget to take it I sometimes end up with bad headahes.  Actually in some ways this is a good thing because I hate headaches and thus I am more likely to remeber to take my meds and less likely to give in to my ED thoughts that tell me to NOT take them. I know one of the things you (& your doctor) need to do when you first start this medication is a regular monitoring of your bloodpressure because it can cause high bloodpressure.  This side effect will either happen or it won’t so you only have to do this close monitoring in the beginning.  (Effexor is a seratonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) as well as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.  The other drug that is in it’s class is Wellbutrin.) Anyway, that’s my thoughts. Many hugs, Kathryn K. — Kathryn K.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m concerned that Zoloft isn’t helping me as much as it used to.  I am up to past the usual maximum dosage (250mg).  My psychiatrist mentioned the last time I saw him that Effexor would likely be the next medication we would try. I’m interested in any experiences with Effexor (good or bad) that people may have had, and how you transitioned from any previous medication to Effexor. I am hoping that the dosage of Zoloft can be decreased as Effexor is added. I realize that meds work differently for different people.  Any input will be used for discussion with my psychiatrist and will help me ask the right questions. Thank you, Kevin

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Hey Kevin– I was on Zoloft until it stopped working.  Now I take Effexor XR twice a day.  I think it’s a good med., as someone else mentioned, it works two ways on us.  I can use all the help I can get! Good luck! Lynette

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kevin i have never personally taken effexor but iknow people who have and they did very well on it. shell

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Kevin, I took Effexor for quite some time (got changed to Celexa on a request… long story) and it worked really well. Most of those in that drug family (Prozac, Effexor, Celexa, etc.) work pretty much the same, but some can work better for you for whatever reason. Paxil, however, did nothing for me. Lori

Response:

i’ve been on both the XR form as well as the plain form.  both times i’ve found it one of the few antidepressants that helped me.  i haven’t been as lucky with side effects-i’ve had some nasty ones especially on the plain effexor.  they disappeared after my body adjused to it.  i don’t know if anyone is still using the plain vs the XR. i’m on 225 and so far so good.

Response:

I am on 225 mg of Effexor. I find it very helpful for depression– the only med that has worked so far! It works on seratonin, as well as another chemical in the brain (forgot which). I had no side effects other than feeling a bit more tired than usual at first… good luck! Love, Danielle

Response:

hi kevin!  i switched to effexor when the straight SSRI’s stopped working for me.   i have been really pleased with it, it’s helped a lot with the obsession and anxiety, as well as depression. pluses for me, once i get on it and acclimated – no real side effects (not sedating, no dry mouth, no s*xual side effects) minus – it’s tough (for me) to get on and off, it makes me really nauseous for the first week or so, even titrating up from a low dose, but i keep reminding myself that once i get through that, it’s fine. it’s hard to get off too, but i am managing. overall, i’ve had a good experience with it! – dolphin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m concerned that Zoloft isn’t helping me as much as it used to.  I am up to past the usual maximum dosage (250mg).  My psychiatrist mentioned the last time I saw him that Effexor would likely be the next medication we would try. I’m interested in any experiences with Effexor (good or bad) that people may have had, and how you transitioned from any previous medication to Effexor. I am hoping that the dosage of Zoloft can be decreased as Effexor is added. I realize that meds work differently for different people.  Any input will be used for discussion with my psychiatrist and will help me ask the right questions. Thank you, Kevin

Before you buy.

Response:

I’m concerned that Zoloft isn’t helping me as much as it used to.  I am up to past the usual maximum dosage (250mg).  My psychiatrist mentioned the last time I saw him that Effexor would likely be the next medication we would try. I’m interested in any experiences with Effexor (good or bad) that people may have had, and how you transitioned from any previous medication to Effexor. I am hoping that the dosage of Zoloft can be decreased as Effexor is added. I realize that meds work differently for different people.  Any input will be used for discussion with my psychiatrist and will help me ask the right questions. Thank you, Kevin

Response:

I found Effexor to be more helpful overall than other anti-depressents I took. However, as my doctor upped the dose I began to feel more and more tired, so much so that I had to go off it.  I’m not sure how common that is, but I thought I’d throw in my experience.  Good luck Janelle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m concerned that Zoloft isn’t helping me as much as it used to.  I am up to past the usual maximum dosage (250mg).  My psychiatrist mentioned the last time I saw him that Effexor would likely be the next medication we would try. I’m interested in any experiences with Effexor (good or bad) that people may have had, and how you transitioned from any previous medication to Effexor. I am hoping that the dosage of Zoloft can be decreased as Effexor is added. I realize that meds work differently for different people.  Any input will be used for discussion with my psychiatrist and will help me ask the right questions. Thank you, Kevin

Response:

hi kevin, i went from celexa to effexor and it *was* better as far as the side effects. i still experienced dry mouth and nausea and really bad insomnia.  as usual, these are the typical side effects.  [snip]

Most of those go away quickly. I never had any side effects on SSRI antidepressants. Lori

Response:

hi kevin, i went from celexa to effexor and it *was* better as far as the side effects. i still experienced dry mouth and nausea and really bad insomnia.  as usual, these are the typical side effects.  i stayed on it for 3 months – - it scares me to take meds because i feel so numbed.  i took both Rx for depression and self-injury, primarily.  i hope it is a good move for you kevin.  take care and let us know how your appointment goes : )

Response:

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it will help me talk to my doctor tomorrow and ask some good questions. Meds work differently for different people, so my experience may vary. I may keep a journal each day too as I switch to the new med, to help monitor my moods.

That’s a really good idea.  I followed this thread with interest because I’m about to go down the same path, have yet to make the psych appointment but I’m going to this week on the advice of my therapist. The only other experience I’ve had with meds was very briefly with Prozac a few years ago, but I didn’t like the side effects. I think I’ll use your journal idea, too. Betsy

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My psychiatrist mentioned the last time I saw him that Effexor would likely be the next medication we would try. Any input will be used for discussion with my psychiatrist and will help me ask the right questions.

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it will help me talk to my doctor tomorrow and ask some good questions.  It seems like the experiences were mostly positive, but I noted drowsiness at higher dosages and someone in e-mail mentioned a rebound effect so I’ll ask about those things. Meds work differently for different people, so my experience may vary. It’s scary for me to switch meds so I will do all I can to ensure I do my part to help the psychiatrist help me. I may keep a journal each day too as I switch to the new med, to help monitor my moods. Kevin

Response:

The only big problem I have with it is, when I accidentally skip a dose, I go through a really bad withdrawal.  Not fun!  

I just started on Effexor, too.  Just wondering — what kind of bad withdrawal when you skip a dose? Also, someone else had mentioned that you get side effects when you go off it. What are they? Thanks, Paw

Response:

Hey Kevin!  I am on Effexor XR.  At first I took the plain pill version.  It helped a bit, but then stopped working quite quickly.  So my psychiatrist at the time switched me to the XR form!  It has helped me a lot. Ears

Update — I started on Effexor XR last week.  There will be about a 20-day overlap between gradually reducing Zoloft and increasing Effexor. All of your input helped — thank you! Kevin

Response:

Hey Kevin!  I am on Effexor XR.  At first I took the plain pill version.  It helped a bit, but then stopped working quite quickly.  So my psychiatrist at the time switched me to the XR form!  It has helped me a lot.  I have not had any side affects.  The only big problem I have with it is, when I accidentally skip a dose, I go through a really bad withdrawal.  Not fun!  But as long as I take it, it’s been an awesome help!  I’ve tried other antidepressants with no luck.  But luckily, gratefully Effexor XR is doing a good job!!!  :O) Ears There can be no transforming of darkness into light and of apathy into movement without emotion. – Carl Jung   The voyage of discovery lies not in finding new landscapes but in having new eyes. – Marcel Proust

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However, as my doctor upped the dose I began to feel more and more tired, so much so that I had to go off it.  I’m not sure how common that is, but I thought I’d throw in my experience.  Good luck

It caused me drowsiness also, but mainly at the beginning. I think it’s listed as one of the side-effects.  I don’t think I had any others that particularly stood out…. Hope it works out for you. Jennifer

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oh — I should have mentioned that I take the XR form…about 150 mg currently.  (Plus Depakote, a mood stabilizer)

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One thing I can definitely say: Don’t go OFF the stuff too fast! You will have many physical side-effects. (Then again, this was my experience with Paxil, too.) I would say that overall, Effexor helped. I wish I could give more details, but it’s difficult for me to separate out what is due to what. It seemed like I was better able to deal with things when I *was* on it, as opposed to when I wasn’t, though….

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Meds work differently for different people, so my experience may vary. It’s scary for me to switch meds so I will do all I can to ensure I do my part to help the psychiatrist help me.

I hear you. And that is so very true how some meds work for others and differently on each other. I may keep a journal each day too as I switch to the new med, to help monitor my moods.

That is a super idea! Good luck and please let us know how the Effexor seems to be working. And if you have any questions about it, feel free to E-mail me (my address is now correct <grin). Lori

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Effexor has never made me tired.  In fact, because of sleep problems, my dr. told me to take me 2 doses early in the day, as it can keep some alert. Once again, everyone has different experiences! Lynette

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isn’t it weird?  it’s like ect with from within =)  first time it happened-i had no clue.  i told my pdoc and he looked at me strangely.  now he’s heard that a lot.  it feels about the same as it did once when i managed somehow to plug a fan and my thumb into a wall socket.  don’t miss a dose.

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if i skip a dose, i get what feels like electrical shocks.  it isn’t nearly as much of a problem as it was with the plain effexor.

Lea, you said the magic words!!!!!  I have this feeling on the meds that i am taking currently!  I feel almost not human sometimes…like I’m a frankenstein in progress or something.   becca

Response:

I just started on Effexor, too.  Just wondering — what kind of bad withdrawal when you skip a dose?

For me, I get way more depressed, my heart feels as though it’s skipping a beat & beating way to fast…I feel really shaky, and dizzy, I get a really bad headache/miagrane… Of course meds can act differently with different people, because are bodies are not the same. This only happens if I skip a dose.  I have no side affects in taking it… Ears There can be no transforming of darkness into light and of apathy into movement without emotion. – Carl Jung   The voyage of discovery lies not in finding new landscapes but in having new eyes. – Marcel Proust

Response:

if i skip a dose, i get what feels like electrical shocks.  it isn’t nearly as much of a problem as it was with the plain effexor. going on it-well i was lucky enough to not be able to urinate.  that was an embarrassing er visit let me tell you.  that was not quite as bad on the XR form as it was on the plain.  i ended up having to self cath for almost a month the first time i went on effexor but it worked quickly and well for me so i kept on taking it. getting off effexor was a killler.  the pdoc treating me tapered me off way too fast and i ended up on a medical unit b/c i slept 24/7, threw up everything i ate or drank (not purposely) and had a killer headache.  i went back on effexor a couple of years later and even knowing  how hard it was to get off-i still chose to take it again.

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Question:

On my third week at 200 mg.  Still nothing.  Does anyone have any experience using Serzone?  Please share.

Response:

Taking serzone, 250 mg/day. Started at 75, then up to 125, then 150, now 250.  I’ve been on it probably 9-10 months.  I am very glad I found it. I can’t take prozac, paxil, zoloft, effexor . . . but the serzone does what it needs to. I don’t feel "flat" or numb – I still have emotions, it’s just that the highs are not as high nor the lows as low.  I still have bad days, but they come and go much quicker than when I was on no meds at all.  My pdoc says I will probably be on the serzone for a couple of years at least. The only side effects i’ve noticed are that I sweat a whole lot (I sweat a lot before I ever took ADs, so now it is profuse!), and my dreams are very, very vivid.  But I can handle both of those SE. Good luck with it, Oliver. Kym The Tintinnabulation of the bells, Bells, BELLS! Remove "blech" to e-mail me

Response:

serzone nearly wrecked everything , 400 per day , welcome to the zoo , well it was for me , the best med i took so far , has been no med , and i mean no med at all . not even a coffee .

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Taking serzone, 250 mg/day. Started at 75, then up to 125, then 150, now 250.  I’ve been on it probably 9-10 months.  I am very glad I found it. I can’t take prozac, paxil, zoloft, effexor . . . but the serzone does what it needs to. I don’t feel "flat" or numb – I still have emotions, it’s just that the highs are not as high nor the lows as low.  I still have bad days, but they come and go much quicker than when I was on no meds at all.  My pdoc says I will probably be on the serzone for a couple of years at least. The only side effects i’ve noticed are that I sweat a whole lot (I sweat a lot before I ever took ADs, so now it is profuse!), and my dreams are very, very vivid.  But I can handle both of those SE. Good luck with it, Oliver. Kym The Tintinnabulation of the bells, Bells, BELLS! Remove "blech" to e-mail me

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mind you, normally i wouldn’t be bothered by the easy access to a script… but it only verified for me that nobody in a 90 mile radius gives a sh*t about me.

Honey, it’s not you.  Doctors are under so much pressure to see as many people as possible that they simply give you pretty much what ever you ask for just to save time.  Yes it’s horrible, but it’s not aimed at you personally. anybody experience really bad headaches with this drug?

I couldn’t tell you that because I’ve had bad headaches pretty much all my life no matter what drug I’m on. Monica Tittle   Bad habits are hard to break.  Especially if you like them.                                   –Found inside a fortune cookie

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That’s the med’s that my doc gave me. I’m taking 100 mg’s.  I’ve only started today, so I woulden’t know. The doc said it should take about 2 1/2 weeks to kick in. Give it another week.  If it is not working, then tell your doc. ~Racheal G           ICQ# 91183600 You can’t fight the tears that aint coming, or the moment of truth in your lies. When everything feels like the movies, you bleed just to know your alive. Before you buy.

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The only side effects i’ve noticed are that I sweat a whole lot (I sweat a lot before I ever took ADs, so now it is profuse!), and my dreams are very, very vivid.  But I can handle both of those SE.

Oh god!  I thought it was just me!  I’ve never sweated very much before, but now I sweat buckets.  I was folding laundry (only three baskets) and I looked like I had been working out for an hour afterwards.  I’m talking dripping off my nose soaked hair kind of sweaty here. I wish I had the vivid dreams.  I haven’t had a good one in a very long time.  :-/ Monica Tittle   Bad habits are hard to break.  Especially if you like them.                                   –Found inside a fortune cookie

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serzone had it’s ups n downs , sex was finally possible again , but the toilet trips were a little much , i got bum burn

% Sorry you had trouble with the serzone. For me it has been a godsend – a way to be able to live, productively, work, be active in my church, and quell most of the suic*de thoughts that I was having. As for no caffeine – ACK – i’d never survive! Kym The Tintinnabulation of the bells, Bells, BELLS! Remove "blech" to e-mail me

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Response:

% Sorry you had trouble with the serzone. For me it has been a godsend – a way to be able to live, productively, work, be active in my church, and quell most of the suic*de thoughts that I was having. As for no caffeine – ACK – i’d never survive! Kym The Tintinnabulation of the bells, Bells, BELLS! Remove "blech" to e-mail me

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Question:

Does anyone here have any experience taking Effexor for ADHD?  My doctor just prescribed it.  I am taking 75mg per day.  I was taking Zoloft for depression, and he thought the Effexor would help with both the depression and the ADHD. Thanks, Phil Zerr

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Does anyone here have any experience taking Effexor for ADHD?  My doctor just prescribed it.  I am taking 75mg per day.  I was taking Zoloft for depression, and he thought the Effexor would help with both the depression and the ADHD. Thanks, Phil Zerr

About 1 month ago the same question was asked.  If this thread is not available to you check dejanews.com and search for threads on effexor.

More later George

Response:

Hi.  yes i take zoloft and effexor along with some other meds for depression and hypomania.  they all work well.  i just have to remember to take the darn med’s daily.  otherwise all i can say is try it and see how it goes.  i have a complaint about my meds.  i am also an artist.  i can’t stand the flat line feeling (no mania)  i don’t feel energetic, creative, and grandiose with ideas (laugh).  i can’t sit still and study for my prof. exam.  i am so restless. not because the meds don’t work but because i don’t take my meds ON TIME or DAILY. it’s like i get too busy.  crazy huh?  Don’t feel bad, we’ll all find our balance… soon i hope.

Response:

Hi.  yes i take zoloft and effexor along with some other meds for depression and hypomania.  they all work well.  i just have to remember to take the darn med’s daily.  otherwise all i can say is try it and see how it goes.  i have a complaint about my meds.  i am also an artist.  i can’t stand the flat line feeling (no mania)  i don’t feel energetic, creative, and grandiose with ideas (laugh).  i can’t sit still and study for my prof. exam.  i am so restless. not because the meds don’t work but because i don’t take my meds ON TIME or DAILY. it’s like i get too busy.  crazy huh?  Don’t feel bad, we’ll all find our balance… soon i hope.

You keep forgetting because of the flat feeling.  You don’t like it. From my experience, the SSRIs – zoloft – may cause this feeling.  I recently tried an SSRI that is new to the U.S. – Celexa  - which made me feel like sleeping all day.  I guess it reduced my impulsivity, but it increased my inattention.  Paxil was also useless for me for several similar reasons.  The Effexor seemed to be very helpful without the flat feeling, but I developed such miserable urinary tract irritation that I could not sleep.  Fortunately, for you, this side effect is uncommon.   In summary, my experience is that Effexor, which is not a SSRI,  is more effective in ADD treatmant than SSRIs.  However, for some people SSRIs are effective and often SSRIs are used in conjunction with other drugs to treat ADD.  I would suggest that overmedication with SSRI’s is not good for an artist.  It’s ok for an artist to be a little hypomanic.  It’s far better than losing one’s creativity.  Just don’t be tempted to be manic.  Talk about a rebound effect… You should discuss your problem with meds. with your doc. so that you will take your medication as prescribed rather than self-medicate.  Perhaps less Zoloft and more Effexor would work better.  Perhaps your overall dose is too high.  Your failure to follow dosing instructions could be showing that your ADD symptoms are not being well treated, also.   I certainly can not tell you, but you should think about these possibilities. George

Response:

I just started taking effexor for depression.  I quit taking paxil and last year I was on zoloft.  I am not sure how I feel about it yet.  Would enjoy talking with you about it.

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