Question:

I just switched physicians.  I just got another cold, and I’ve had enough.  The next time I have an appointment with him I’m going to speak to him about switching back to Vanceril.  It’s less convenient (4x/day), but I’d rather not deal with the side effects of Aerobid anymore.  Or the taste of it, for that matter.  :-)

Suggestion:  Pulmicort ™ (brand of budesonide) has been approved by the FDA for use in the United States, although it may not yet be commonly available.  It is quite a bit stronger than Aerobid ™ (brand of flunisolide).  You might try asking your doctor to try you on Pulmicort ™. I’ve been on it for over a year with zero problems. (However, I am adrenally insufficient, and had to have both hips replaced, because of long-term prednisone.  I am currently on hydrocortisone replacement therapy.  Your mileage may vary.)

Response:

I’ve been on Aerobid inhaler (4 puffs in the morning and 4 at night) for two years. I have not suffered an asthma attack since. However, I noticed that often after inhaling Aerobid, I get very nervous, jittery, irritable and begin to tremble. Supposedly, Aerobid, an inhaled steroid, should not

Since stopping with freon propelled inhilators I no longer get the shakes. Also, my asthma is much better to the point that I am convinced that the propellant was aggravating my asthma. I now use Bricanyl and Pulmicort both of which are from ASTRA pharma Inc . in Mississauga, Ontario. These are packaged in "turbuhalers" which are breath activated. That is, by breathing in the medication in powder form is picked up. I will never use inhilators with propellants again.

Response:

(JSterl7511) writes: I’ve been on Aerobid inhaler (4 puffs in the morning and 4 at night) for two years. I have not suffered an asthma attack since. However, I noticed that often after inhaling Aerobid, I get very nervous, jittery, irritable and begin to tremble. Supposedly, Aerobid, an inhaled steroid, should not cause these symptoms which are often associated with injected, oral tablets or other systemic steroids.

False!  While systemic effects are uncommon, they are *not* unheard of. According to the manufacturer’s own package insert that comes with the

Aerobid inhaler: Adverse reactions reported include "nervous system" effects: dizziness, irritability, nervousness, shakiness (incidence 3-9%).  You should ask your doctor or pharmacist for this package insert and read it yourself, or consult the PDR. I use Aerobid inhaler myself–and I’ve had problems too: Ever since I started on Aerobid last year, I’ve had many more colds,

averaging about 1 cold every 8 weeks!  (Before starting Aerobid I used to get only 2-3 colds per year.)  And sure enough, the reported incidence of "cold symptoms" is 15%, and "upper respiratory infection" is 25% !  If this is a side effect of Aerobid, it’s a nasty one for me because those colds all exacerbate my asthma for weeks. I used to be on Vanceril before this.  From my comparison of the package

inserts and other references I’ve consulted, I have concluded that Aerobid seems to have a greater incidence of systemic side effects than Vanceril does. I just switched physicians.  I just got another cold, and I’ve had

enough.  The next time I have an appointment with him I’m going to speak to him about switching back to Vanceril.  It’s less convenient (4x/day), but I’d rather not deal with the side effects of Aerobid anymore.  Or the taste of it, for that matter.  :-) Why does AeroBid list so many side effects [adverse events] in their package insert and the PDR? FACT:  AeroBid was approved by the FDA in 1984, just after the mandate from FDA that ALL adverse events, whether directly associated with the drug or not, be listed. Thus, Vanceril, Beclovent and Azmacort – all approved by FDA prior to the mandate, do not list such occurrences. Flovent (fluticasone), recently approved by FDA, also lists all adverse events in their package insert. Pulmicort (budesonide),  has been submitted to FDA and received an ‘approvable letter’ in June ‘96 but not yet approved, will also list all adverse events. Thus, AeroBid has no greater side effect risk than does Vanceril, Beclovent or Azmacort. The same can be said about Flovent and Pulmicort. A suggestion that may help to reduce or even eliminate systemic related effects of AeroBid (including taste) or any inhaled steroid is to try an AeroChamber. This is a holding chamber (spacer device) that has been shown to reduce the amount of drug that ends up in the mouth and throat by six fold, without impairing the small drug particle availability which actually navigates to the lower airways and provides the topical benefit of inhaled steroid (antiinflammatory) therapy. If you have been on a 2000 mcg (8 puffs daily) dose for 2 years without an asthma attack, try the AeroChamber before changing horses, so to say. Tim Wood

Response:

I’ve been on Aerobid inhaler (4 puffs in the morning and 4 at night) for two years. I have not suffered an asthma attack since. However, I noticed that often after inhaling Aerobid, I get very nervous, jittery, irritable and begin to tremble. Supposedly, Aerobid, an inhaled steroid, should not cause these symptoms which are often associated with injected, oral tablets or other systemic steroids. Anyone else experience these problems with Aerobid? What did you do? Cut down the dosage or move onto another medication. I’d appreciate hearing from someone with similar experience. Thanks. John  Sterling

Response:

I’ve been on Aerobid inhaler (4 puffs in the morning and 4 at night) for two years. I have not suffered an asthma attack since. However, I noticed that often after inhaling Aerobid, I get very nervous, jittery, irritable and begin to tremble. Supposedly, Aerobid, an inhaled steroid, should not cause these symptoms which are often associated with injected, oral tablets or other systemic steroids.

False!  While systemic effects are uncommon, they are *not* unheard of. According to the manufacturer’s own package insert that comes with the Aerobid inhaler: Adverse reactions reported include "nervous system" effects: dizziness, irritability, nervousness, shakiness (incidence 3-9%).  You should ask your doctor or pharmacist for this package insert and read it yourself, or consult the PDR. Anyone else experience these problems with Aerobid? What did you do?

I use Aerobid inhaler myself–and I’ve had problems too: Ever since I started on Aerobid last year, I’ve had many more colds, averaging about 1 cold every 8 weeks!  (Before starting Aerobid I used to get only 2-3 colds per year.)  And sure enough, the reported incidence of "cold symptoms" is 15%, and "upper respiratory infection" is 25% !  If this is a side effect of Aerobid, it’s a nasty one for me because those colds all exacerbate my asthma for weeks. I used to be on Vanceril before this.  From my comparison of the package inserts and other references I’ve consulted, I have concluded that Aerobid seems to have a greater incidence of systemic side effects than Vanceril does. I just switched physicians.  I just got another cold, and I’ve had enough.  The next time I have an appointment with him I’m going to speak to him about switching back to Vanceril.  It’s less convenient (4x/day), but I’d rather not deal with the side effects of Aerobid anymore.  Or the taste of it, for that matter.  :-) — Steven D. Litvintchouk                  "There seems to be no mainframe Disclaimer:  As far as I am aware,       in which we’re living." the opinions expressed herein                 — President Bill Clinton are not those of my employer.

Response:

Question:

Does anyone else find doctor visits nerve wracking and depressing, especially when you have to go because you’re feeling worse?

Oh YES! I think it comes after years of having hope built up and then shattered. I also worry that the doctors are as frustrated with me as *I* am. I worry they will send me to psychiatry. ((((((Elahn One))))))) Debbie <<

Response:

Does anyone else find doctor visits nerve wracking and depressing, especially when you have to go because you’re feeling worse?

Response:

Yes, and also add to that extremely frustrating when you feel that they are saying to themseles, I wish this person would just go away, we are running out of options… Kristen Leigh

Response:

Yes, and also add to that extremely frustrating when you feel that they are saying to themseles, I wish this person would just go away, we are running out of options… Kristen Leigh

Some of you may know my long saga with my HMO and the hospital I work with. I won’t repeat it here, but my primary care doc, who also happens to be the first person to treat my asthma years ago has really turned on me.  I tried a few other primary docs within the group I have to choose from and had such horrid experiences, that I finally went back to my old doc.  He knows I changed around on him and he has been a real pill this last few months even when calling for routine refills on prescriptions. A few months ago, I called to schedule an appointment to discuss taking up scuba diving.  He would not even see me. He just had his nurse call back and say "Absolutely NOT!  No one with asthma should scuba dive."  I have since found out this is an old school of thought and I "might" be able to take it up. Then, I called for a refill on Serevent and Flovent – my asthma meds and just asked if I could try Singulair instead as I had heard it was better for migraine patients.  He said "You heard wrong."  No explanations.   Now I would really like to go in and discuss a trial of Topamax instead of waiting for my insurance change to take effect later this year which will allow me to go to a doctor that I choose.  My migraines are escalating once again and I am absolutely terrified of talking to this guy.  He is the gatekeeper for any referrals I might get.  The only neuro he is allowed to refer me to is a buddy of his that put me on Depakote and kept upping the dose in spite of my saying the tremors were getting bad.  He never once mentioned checking liver function tests.  Finally during a scheduled appointment that he was called away on, another neuro in the group caught the Depakote problem  and took me off it – naturally, she has since left the group and moved out of state – due to difference of opinion. I hate this feeling of knowing my doctor thinks I am a total waste of his time.  He sighs and shakes his head and the last time I was in his office was when he told me I was just depressed and he could not help me.  I have since been told differently by a psychiatrist and counselor I went to because of this doctor visit.  I feel so helpless and I hate it. Red

Response:

Red: I really feel for you.  So sorry you’re having to go through all this. Doctors can be such jerks at times. A necessary evil.  I think they get insecure when we know more than they do. I will say a special prayer for you tonight. Take Care. Love, Caroline.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yes, and also add to that extremely frustrating when you feel that they are saying to themseles, I wish this person would just go away, we are running out of options… Kristen Leigh Some of you may know my long saga with my HMO and the hospital I work with. I won’t repeat it here, but my primary care doc, who also happens to be the first person to treat my asthma years ago has really turned on me.  I tried a few other primary docs within the group I have to choose from and had such horrid experiences, that I finally went back to my old doc.  He knows I changed around on him and he has been a real pill this last few months even when calling for routine refills on prescriptions. A few months ago, I called to schedule an appointment to discuss taking up scuba diving.  He would not even see me. He just had his nurse call back and say "Absolutely NOT!  No one with asthma should scuba dive."  I have since found out this is an old school of thought and I "might" be able to take it up. Then, I called for a refill on Serevent and Flovent – my asthma meds and just asked if I could try Singulair instead as I had heard it was better for migraine patients.  He said "You heard wrong."  No explanations. Now I would really like to go in and discuss a trial of Topamax instead of waiting for my insurance change to take effect later this year which will allow me to go to a doctor that I choose.  My migraines are escalating once again and I am absolutely terrified of talking to this guy.  He is the gatekeeper for any referrals I might get.  The only neuro he is allowed to refer me to is a buddy of his that put me on Depakote and kept upping the dose in spite of my saying the tremors were getting bad.  He never once mentioned checking liver function tests.  Finally during a scheduled appointment that he was called away on, another neuro in the group caught the Depakote problem  and took me off it – naturally, she has since left the group and moved out of state – due to difference of opinion. I hate this feeling of knowing my doctor thinks I am a total waste of his time.  He sighs and shakes his head and the last time I was in his office was when he told me I was just depressed and he could not help me.  I have since been told differently by a psychiatrist and counselor I went to because of this doctor visit.  I feel so helpless and I hate it. Red

Response:

Many a patient is better informed and actually smarter than their doctor(s). They’re probably afraid of being manipulated on some level.

Response:

One of the things that vexes me the most about doctor visits is the lectures they give me when I have to cancel an appt due to a raging (10+) migraine….they always tell me that that’s the best time to come in. They don’t seem to understand that when the pain reaches that level, the thought of being jostled about in a car for 20 minutes, only to wait for over 2 hours in a loud brightly lit room, to see the doc for 15 minutes can exacerbate the pain to the point where I want to cry or scream or collapse and puke my guts out. And considering how stressful and infuriorating doc visits can be, that’s the last thing I need at such a point. Raven "Don’t think of it as dying, think of it as leaving early to avoid the rush."

Response:

Why do they think it’s a good time to go in?  I always feel like my dr is vexed with me because I can’t focus on the question and I give fuzzy answers, and then I can’t remember most of the visit anyway.  Seems like a waste of both of our times.  Oh and there is the lovely "shining of the pen light in your eyes thingy!"  I’m with you Raven. Dawn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One of the things that vexes me the most about doctor visits is the lectures they give me when I have to cancel an appt due to a raging (10+) migraine….they always tell me that that’s the best time to come in. They don’t seem to understand that when the pain reaches that level, the thought of being jostled about in a car for 20 minutes, only to wait for over 2 hours in a loud brightly lit room, to see the doc for 15 minutes can exacerbate the pain to the point where I want to cry or scream or collapse and puke my guts out. And considering how stressful and infuriorating doc visits can be, that’s the last thing I need at such a point. Raven "Don’t think of it as dying, think of it as leaving early to avoid the rush."

Response:

I went to the ER once for a migraine cause it was the worst one I’ve ever had.  They gave me my first Imitrex injection.  I couldn’t take anything else because of the vomiting.  It was horrible.  Riding in the car, motion sickness added to the nausea.  Then when I got to the brightly lit hospital, there were babies crying…loud.  I was filling out paperwork FIRST before I could see the doc and I had to leave in the middle of the paperwork to go puke for the 3rd time!  Then I had to go back and finish the paperwork and I finally saw a doctor.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why do they think it’s a good time to go in?  I always feel like my dr is vexed with me because I can’t focus on the question and I give fuzzy answers, and then I can’t remember most of the visit anyway. Seems like a waste of both of our times.  Oh and there is the lovely "shining of the pen light in your eyes thingy!"  I’m with you Raven. Dawn One of the things that vexes me the most about doctor visits is the lectures they give me when I have to cancel an appt due to a raging (10+) migraine….they always tell me that that’s the best time to come in. They don’t seem to understand that when the pain reaches that level, the thought of being jostled about in a car for 20 minutes, only to wait for over 2 hours in a loud brightly lit room, to see the doc for 15 minutes can exacerbate the pain to the point where I want to cry or scream or collapse and puke my guts out. And considering how stressful and infuriorating doc visits can be, that’s the last thing I need at such a point. Raven "Don’t think of it as dying, think of it as leaving early to avoid the rush."

Response:

Question:

I’m having a root canal done on Friday. I’m going to a dentist that I’ve never seen before and I don’t know the name of the novacaine that doesn’t accelerate the heart. ‘Lil help? Peace, John — The charter is available at:

Question:

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

Response:

love Meryl

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

It does help:) Thanks Bob, love Meryl

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

Question:

would that be memory ‘loss’, or just short term memory is an effect in itself?  or do you mean short term memory is slowed, which would mean one would only remember what one did yesterday when yesterday becomes in my homestate this week: (connecticut))

Bikers? Or do you mean posers on "hawgs?" I don’t care what patch they wear, all I meet these days are suburbanites playing dress-up and gangster games. It’s not lost or anything. Short-term memory just becomes more difficult to access while under the effects of THC. After an hour, everything is back to normal, whatever that may be. — Compute Free <http://debian.org<http://freedos.org<http://openbsd.org Help People  <http://rawa.org<http://tibet.org<http://gadenrelief.org Do Something <http://www.msf.org<http://www.icrc.org/<http://icbl.org Now <http://www.foei.org<http://www.greenpeace.org<http://activist.ca

Response:

Short-term memory is the most easily noted effect for marijuana, but other processes are slowed too, such as reaction time.

would that be memory ‘loss’, or just short term memory is an effect in itself?  or do you mean short term memory is slowed, which would mean one would only remember what one did yesterday when yesterday becomes in my homestate this week: (connecticut)) —Brian

Response:

The wrong link for the Compassion Club listings. It’s with an ‘h’: <http://medicalmarihuana.ca/compassionclubs.html Maybe. Can’t seem to remember right now. hahahahaha — Compute Free <http://debian.org<http://freedos.org<http://openbsd.org Help People  <http://rawa.org<http://tibet.org<http://gadenrelief.org Do Something <http://www.msf.org<http://www.icrc.org/<http://icbl.org Now <http://www.foei.org<http://www.greenpeace.org<http://activist.ca

Response:

I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds?

Some of them. Vertigo, dizzyness and nausea. It can keep you from choking to death on vomit in your sleep. It renders a sense of euphoria. It is considered a euphoriant depressant drug. It’s very good for pain. Being called a "depressant" drug does not mean that it causes depression. A depressant drug slows down some brain processes. Short-term memory is the most easily noted effect for marijuana, but other processes are slowed too, such as reaction time. As for being a drug, it sure looks like a plant to me. Food. I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?)

Only if they’re brownies made with hashish. Pot cake and pot cookies are popular. To eat it, and not have it cost a fortune or use a whole lot, you have to first melt the finely-ground herb in the butter or other fat to be used in the recipe. Then bake it. By melting it into the fat prior to cooking it will emulsify and the active compounds will be more available upon ingestion. Do not cook with hashish – today that is considered a waste, which it is. The quality of both marijuana and hashish has changed a lot in the past twenty years. Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

Look for a Compassion Club in your area. Ask your physician for a prescription for medical marijuana if it is available in your area. In Canada and some US states, you can grow your own or contract for someone to do it for you. A prescription and some licenses are required. There are also medical marijuana suppliers, but they are quite expensive since the marijuana is indoor grown, organically under lab conditions at great expense. The price is similar to black market marijuana. If you grow your own, or contract a grower, it can be done anually and outdoors and can be very cheap. I don’t know which states in the USA it is legal in, but there are a few. There are also ways to get it in Europe and Britian, I don’t know those either. But, just in case it’s useful, here is the Canadian government site for obtaining the forms for the permits and licenses: Health Canada: <http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hecs-sesc/ocma/ Compassion Clubs: <http://medicalmarijuana.ca/compassionclubs.html There are more clubs than what are listed there. Good seeds: <http://www.kindseed.com/ The favourites for medical use are: Jack Herer – Sensi Seeds (way overpriced, but hardy) Chronic – Serious Seeds (medium priced, longtime favourite) Chemo – Jordan Island Seeds (very good price, upcoming challenger) I’d go for the Chemo. It was developed as a medical grade strain, hence the name. — Compute Free <http://debian.org<http://freedos.org<http://openbsd.org Help People  <http://rawa.org<http://tibet.org<http://gadenrelief.org Do Something <http://www.msf.org<http://www.icrc.org/<http://icbl.org Now <http://www.foei.org<http://www.greenpeace.org<http://activist.ca

Response:

snip Instead, I sit here with no way to solve anything,  Just withdrawing, knowing winter is coming, and I’ll still be in this stress mess.  I don’t have the energy I had before my trip to the hospital.  I need some help, and have tried everything, to no avail.  It’s complicated, and somehow there are no answers.   Just a big stress mess that is really taking it’s toll.

Sounds as though that spell in hospital triggered something.  Have you told your doctor what you feel like?   — —  Whiskers

Response:

Pigtail, I’ve got lots of thoughts on this, including someone in your area that might just be eager to help.  Loads of experience (23 years) from having my ill mother with me in my California residence and having to deal with the problem of needing medical benefits for her but the State disqualifying her because she was my dependant, but if she lived in her own place, she would be allowed to have a live in caretaker and still keep her benefits, but if the caretaker was related to her she’d be disqualified, because then they might consider her head of household…..  I’m sure you know this song by now.  It was written by the No Way to Win group of bureaucrats. Let me get my thoughts together, I’m still having trouble concentrating, and I’ll email you direct later today.  Also, you mentioned that your mother is 87.  My mother was 82, but I’m only 43 (the baby).  I need to know your age, simply because, as we both know, the State can be very fixated on your age and what benefits and help they will let you receive all due to that magic number.  Direct email me with it, so that I’ll hear the message come in. Blessings, Cait

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi!  This is Pigtail back again.  Thank you Whiskers (love it) for your reply and help.  Thank you Alan for the great sense of humor in your message, and thanks Tara for welcoming me.  I appreciate all of you.  I have to say that I’m not really comfortable posting personal thoughts, etc., but could use some new friends, and support. I wish I could reach out somehow, and touch each one of you, and make things turn better…like quick for you.  My heart and thoughts are with you anyway.  It is hard to see other’s suffering. This will be too long to write at one time.  I live alone, and have helped the elderly and animals, my entire life.  I do many things for the less fortunate. A year ago, I had some kind of attack….physician said gall bladder, but I didn’t have very good vibes about it.  I had been out stacking bales of hay.  In brief, this became a nightmare from hell.  Before I was rudely interrupted and sent to the hospital, I was packing to move. You know….the entire house torn completely up.  Putting everything in storage, and trying to paint, digging everything out of the yard..(e-gads), etc.  I got out of the hospital in December, cold and raining, and back to the house just like I left it.  In no shape, or mood to do anything but look at it all. Here I sit a year later overwhelmed in trying to figure out how to ever accomplish this.  I can’t even find my good sense of humor….it is gone. I have became angry, stressed to the max, disgusted, and signs of depression lurking around me. Then I decided I would see about helping a couple people in the homeless shelter.  If I could find the right people, it would help us both.  I could give someone a permanant place to live, and maybe we could just get moved.  All of us could be close to homeless if anything went wrong with our income for a few months. I would need someone compatible, etc. and I didn’t know how to go about this too well.  I wanted someone that I could really help, and one who would appreciate it.  I finally decide to leave the house…….and go to the shelter. Well, that did not turn out too good.  They had to be screened, agree to see you, make an appointment, fill out all this information……  But, you can’t do it quite like that, it could mean losing your medical, etc. if you say they are living with you.  There must be another way, but I don’t know what it is. Nothing I try to do works.  I can’t figure out why. I have a whole business in storage.  I should be pouring plaster molds right now for Christmas.  It helps the animals, elderly, and the homeless. I do animal assisted therapy, and this helps support all of the above. Instead, I sit here with no way to solve anything,  Just withdrawing, knowing winter is coming, and I’ll still be in this stress mess.  I don’t have the energy I had before my trip to the hospital.  I need some help, and have tried everything, to no avail.  It’s complicated, and somehow there are no answers.   Just a big stress mess that is really taking it’s toll. Sorry this is so long.  We all have different things to deal with, don’t we?  Thank you for listening.  I’m here if anyone needs or wants to talk.  You can email me also, if you like.  I wish good things to happen to each of you.

— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

The pot is a depressant and will just make matters worse. Tell your doctor about you’re trouble with the meds. He can make changes if he deems it necessary.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

Response:

Hi!  This is Pigtail back again.  Thank you Whiskers (love it) for your reply and help.  Thank you Alan for the great sense of humor in your message, and thanks Tara for welcoming me.  I appreciate all of you.  I have to say that I’m not really comfortable posting personal thoughts, etc., but could use some new friends, and support. I wish I could reach out somehow, and touch each one of you, and make things turn better…like quick for you.  My heart and thoughts are with you anyway.  It is hard to see other’s suffering. This will be too long to write at one time.  I live alone, and have helped the elderly and animals, my entire life.  I do many things for the less fortunate.   A year ago, I had some kind of attack….physician said gall bladder, but I didn’t have very good vibes about it.  I had been out stacking bales of hay.  In brief, this became a nightmare from hell.  Before I was rudely interrupted and sent to the hospital, I was packing to move. You know….the entire house torn completely up.  Putting everything in storage, and trying to paint, digging everything out of the yard..(e-gads), etc.  I got out of the hospital in December, cold and raining, and back to the house just like I left it.  In no shape, or mood to do anything but look at it all. Here I sit a year later overwhelmed in trying to figure out how to ever accomplish this.  I can’t even find my good sense of humor….it is gone. I have became angry, stressed to the max, disgusted, and signs of depression lurking around me.   Then I decided I would see about helping a couple people in the homeless shelter.  If I could find the right people, it would help us both.  I could give someone a permanant place to live, and maybe we could just get moved.  All of us could be close to homeless if anything went wrong with our income for a few months. I would need someone compatible, etc. and I didn’t know how to go about this too well.  I wanted someone that I could really help, and one who would appreciate it.  I finally decide to leave the house…….and go to the shelter. Well, that did not turn out too good.  They had to be screened, agree to see you, make an appointment, fill out all this information……  But, you can’t do it quite like that, it could mean losing your medical, etc. if you say they are living with you.  There must be another way, but I don’t know what it is. Nothing I try to do works.  I can’t figure out why. I have a whole business in storage.  I should be pouring plaster molds right now for Christmas.  It helps the animals, elderly, and the homeless. I do animal assisted therapy, and this helps support all of the above.   Instead, I sit here with no way to solve anything,  Just withdrawing, knowing winter is coming, and I’ll still be in this stress mess.  I don’t have the energy I had before my trip to the hospital.  I need some help, and have tried everything, to no avail.  It’s complicated, and somehow there are no answers.   Just a big stress mess that is really taking it’s toll. Sorry this is so long.  We all have different things to deal with, don’t we?  Thank you for listening.  I’m here if anyone needs or wants to talk.  You can email me also, if you like.  I wish good things to happen to each of you.

Response:

Thanks Tara. Paul in Ontario discoursed thusly: I’ve become one of those people who I use to call

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – is everything. I’m really living my worse night-mare! I thought I could handle anything in my life but mental illness mixed with a chronic disease is a one two punch that has rocked me to my foundation. I feel lower than a snakes belly!!! The important thing to keep in mind, Paul, is it’s *feelings*and not reality. The reality is, anyone who gets hit with that kind of one-two punch is going to feel shaky. It’s not weakness. It’s not failure. It’s a hell of a hit to have to take. So, cut yourself some slack. You didn’t ask for this shit, you don’t deserve this shit, and you’re doing the best you can in the circumstances. That’s the most any of us can do. Tara J. Ballance Montreal, Canada

Response:

Thanks all for responding. I kinda felt I was clutching at straws with the cannabis thoughts, but when you are sick and tired of being sick and tired Endocet pain killers which ultimatley led to my attempt at suicide. is everything. I’m really living my worse night-mare! I thought I could handle anything in my life but mental illness mixed with a chronic disease is a one two punch that has rocked me to my foundation. I feel lower than a snakes belly!!!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Twist- I also suffer from Hepatitis C, and a number of my friends (who do also) SWEAR by marijuana as a great way to relieve the pain and nausea from the Hep itself, as well as the Hep tx. As I’m sure you well know, a number of us are put on antids before beginning tx because of the side effects of the interferon. However, if you are suffering from NATURAL depression, (not drug induced) I’m not sure that I would go that route. Even though it DOES take 2-4 (or longer) weeks to fully realize any relief from a new antid, if the sides are THAT bad, it is unlikely that the relief will outweigh them. I would suggest that you go ahead and tell the doctor that  you simply cannot take the sides, and try something else. Better to do it now, than to go through however long you give it, then find that it doesn’t work. Simply MHO though. Wanda

Response:

Twist- I also suffer from Hepatitis C, and a number of my friends (who do also) SWEAR by marijuana as a great way to relieve the pain and nausea from the Hep itself, as well as the Hep tx. As I’m sure you well know, a number of us are put on antids before beginning tx because of the side effects of the interferon. However, if you are suffering from NATURAL depression, (not drug induced) I’m not sure that I would go that route. Even though it DOES take 2-4 (or longer) weeks to fully realize any relief from a new antid, if the sides are THAT bad, it is unlikely that the relief will outweigh them. I would suggest that you go ahead and tell the doctor that  you simply cannot take the sides, and try something else. Better to do it now, than to go through however long you give it, then find that it doesn’t work. Simply MHO though. Wanda

Response:

I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds?

It definately won’t help with depression, except that it might help you sleep. It is an amazing painkiller though, if the pain is physical. I suffer from severe migraine headaches and marijuana is the only thing I’ve ever known to successfully relieve them (after 10 years of looking). I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?)

I go to an affluent high school rife with drug use and no one I know of bothers with mixing it into food. I’ve been told you need quite a lot of it to do this, which could be expensive? I don’t know how much your medication is though.

Response:

I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

pot is a depressant as is alcohol…stay away from both, hang in there, let the meds have time to work.  I’m waiting on mine to kick in (just started 3 days ago) and its not easy.  I have good and bad moments…you will too-post here, check with your doc, call friends, play with a pet…stay away from self-medication though.

Response:

Yes, I know. But everyone keeps telling me I should wait another 2-4 weeks to see if effexor will work.

If you are getting side-efects that you can’t put up with, then certainly talk to the doctor again.  There are lots of different anti-depressants, and each person reacts differently. Don’t stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first; some things are best ‘tapered off’ gradually. — —  Whiskers

Response:

No, I don’t think taking an illegal depressant will help your depression.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

Yes, I know. But everyone keeps telling me I should wait another 2-4 weeks to see if effexor will work.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this. see a doctor , there are lots of drugs besides effexor

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

see a doctor , there are lots of drugs besides effexor

Response:

I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dan wrote…… I take xanax before going to bed and get to slepp usually within 10 minutes, but I allways awaken about 1.5 to 2 hours later feeling anxious, and sweating terribly. My hands have gone to sleep due to poor circulation. What is the best med for sleep? PLEASE! Dear Dan, There is a good chance that you are undermedicated when it come to Xanax, the should discuss this with your doctor. How long have you been on Zoloft, what is your current dose and do you feel it has helped you any? How is your anxiety during the day? If Zoloft hasn`t helped you much and is causing you to sleep poorly…..perhaps instead of adding yet another med why not switch to another antidepressant? I have gone through stages where my hands are always falling alseep while I am sleeping I have a bad habit of tucking my arms under my head and that is whats makes them fall asleep. Take care Jackie "Our ultimate freedom is the right and power to decide how anybody or anything outside ourselves will affect us." -Stephen Covey

Jackie-I do the same thing you do with my hands under head for sleepling. I assumed it was just poor circulation that caused the numness, Today a doctor told me it is carpel tunnel that is causing them to go to sleep–or probably a pinched nerve.

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I can get ambien here in FLorida a hell of a lot easier than I can get xanax around here.. Ambien, sonata… (guess cause they aren’t in high demand on the street…)

There’s no problem with the availability of Ambien elsewhere, either. It’s zopiclone that can’t generally be obtained in the US, though it is available in Europe. I personally found zopiclone more effective than Ambien, though Ambien is quite good. -David-

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What is the best med for sleep? PLEASE! Ambien (zolpidem) is pretty good, I found. It’s more or less unique. There is also zopiclone, if you can get a script for it (it’s not generally available in the US).

I can get ambien here in FLorida a hell of a lot easier than I can get xanax around here.. Ambien, sonata… (guess cause they aren’t in high demand on the street…) Or you could try a sedating antidepressant like amitriptyline, doxepin, or mirtazapine (Remeron). But these work in a different way for sleeplessness, and may not work for everyone. -David-

when I added remeron to my xanax and zoloft (4mg and 100mg respectively daily) I have had a much easier time sleeping… YMMV. Much Love, Brooke

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I take xanax before going to bed and get to slepp usually within 10 minutes, but I allways awaken about 1.5 to 2 hours later feeling anxious, and sweating terribly. My hands have gone to sleep due to poor circulation. What is the best med for sleep? PLEASE!

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What is the best med for sleep? PLEASE!

Ambien (zolpidem) is pretty good, I found. It’s more or less unique. There is also zopiclone, if you can get a script for it (it’s not generally available in the US). Or you could try a sedating antidepressant like amitriptyline, doxepin, or mirtazapine (Remeron). But these work in a different way for sleeplessness, and may not work for everyone. -David-

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Dan wrote…… I take xanax before going to bed and get to slepp usually within 10 minutes, but I allways awaken about 1.5 to 2 hours later feeling anxious, and sweating terribly. My hands have gone to sleep due to poor circulation. What is the best med for sleep? PLEASE!

Dear Dan, There is a good chance that you are undermedicated when it come to Xanax, the should discuss this with your doctor. How long have you been on Zoloft, what is your current dose and do you feel it has helped you any? How is your anxiety during the day? If Zoloft hasn`t helped you much and is causing you to sleep poorly…..perhaps instead of adding yet another med why not switch to another antidepressant? I have gone through stages where my hands are always falling alseep while I am sleeping I have a bad habit of tucking my arms under my head and that is whats makes them fall asleep. Take care Jackie "Our ultimate freedom is the right and power to decide how anybody or anything outside ourselves will affect us." -Stephen Covey

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Question:

Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? TIA

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Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? TIA

Can I just send you pictures instead? -cg

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? TIA Can I just send you pictures instead? -cg What, no web-cam?

i dunno , i’m not done yet . but it don’t feel empty . —–= 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! =—–

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Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? TIA Can I just send you pictures instead? -cg

What, no web-cam?

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Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.

As a 70 year old man, I am pleased to report (using various methods) that I have this experience approximately 75 times per month. How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? I take about 6 kinds of medication and it has slowed me down considerably as you can see by my number. And I ask you, docz, can you top this?

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I see no one has dared to give a straight answer on this question.  I wonder why? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? TIA

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Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? TIA

  Orion The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.        Walden * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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I would give an answer, but Mary Beth has me handcuffed under her desk, and I can’t reach the number keys.

+ I see no one has dared to give a straight answer on this question.  I + wonder why? +Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you +experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any +medication you have taken affected this rate? + +TIA — For info about this service, see http://www.twwells.com/anon/ or e-mail:

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i want to see the prevalence sexual disinterest side effect of meds for depression. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -x-no-archive: yes ummmm…why do you wanna know. and  why should we wanna answer? (besides – how do you quantify this when  multiples are taken into consideration?) I see no one has dared to give a straight answer on this question.  I wonder why? Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? TIA – Sasha "I must live this chaos"            - Anais Nin

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female. never achieved orgasm but still have hormones…. sex? whenever i want it, usually a fair bit at the moment. do not get me on the subject of sex when i have work to do… — And if I was an angel I could fly over Jordan And I wouldn’t need no Greyhound to save my soul But maybe that’s a good thing because I’ll be home before I know And if I was an angel I’d have a long way to go — Matraca Berg

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? TIA

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lines of text: Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate?

To have sex you must have a partner to do it with.  whether you a partner or not will affect the frequency of your sex much more than any level of depression would. truthseeker (Don’t forget to change header to seekertruth0 at mindspring.com if replying by email.)

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+Please answer honestly. What is your gender and how often do you +experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month. How have any +medication you have taken affected this rate? + +TIA

Well, I’m male, 22 years old, been diagnosed with dysthemia, and i’m on 225mg of Effexor Daily… With regards to sex, well, i’ll just say, i rub my firemans purple helmet till he spits in my eye(!)  one or twice a week, (8 to 10 times a month) or if i’m feeling fruity… I was one Seroxat once, which stopped my fireman sneezing!!!!!! (Not a very pleasant side effect, let me tell you). Oh, one more thing, i’ve also got a blue dick, as i’m a tight fisted wanker!!!!! DepressedNudist Before you buy.

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Sorry to topple you Stan…. but I have approximately (give or take a hundred) 289 & 1/2 orgasms with my g/f – all of course simultaneously with her! per week! This is despite the fact she lives on another continent! We must just be really good at sex!  :) God Im good! As is she! Lee * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

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I would give an answer, but Mary Beth has me handcuffed under her desk, and I can’t reach the number keys.

Shut up or I’ll tighten them again. Mary Beth

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Sorry to topple you Stan…. but I have approximately (give or take a hundred) 289 & 1/2 orgasms with my g/f – all of course simultaneously with her! per week! This is despite the fact she lives on another continent! We must just be really good at sex!  :) God Im good! As is she!

I yield to a champion.:-)) Stan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Lee * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

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very, very easily thank you very much. And no, i don’t need *your* help so stay the hell away from me *plonk* away you go — *** DO NOT ADJUST YOUR MIND; THE FAULT IS WITH REALITY! Adam came first. But then, men always do. God created men because a vibrator couldn’t mow the lawn so you can make me cum — that doesn’t make you jesus

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gnomie said: <<never achieved orgasm Oh, that is so sad. How can you put up with that kind of life?

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Gnomie said: <<never achieved orgasm Oh, that is so sad. How can you put up with that kind of life?

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Question:

Hi Betsy, Stopping Effexor is definately not something you want to do without the assistance of a doctor.  The withdrawal effects can be pretty bad if things aren’t done slowly.  (ie. bad headaches, vision troubles (because seratonin is also used in the visual system) etc.) Please get her to talk to a Doctor about it. Hugs, Kathryn K. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Email replies requested if it seems more appropriate.  My sister asked if I would check with you guys, since I seem to remember a couple of people have taken Effexor.  Has anyone experienced withdrawals from Effexor, and what was it like? Has anyone experienced visual symptoms from missing 2 or 3 days? I told her I’d ask.  I also told her to go to her doctor if she’s thinking about stopping. Thanks for the little indulgence. Betsy

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Hi Betsy, Just an add to my last post, I have been on Effexor for about two years and it has really helped with my depression.  I have had no negative side effects.  (Of course the same meds can affect different people in entirely different ways. Hugs, Kathryn K. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Email replies requested if it seems more appropriate.  My sister asked if I would check with you guys, since I seem to remember a couple of people have taken Effexor.  Has anyone experienced withdrawals from Effexor, and what was it like? Has anyone experienced visual symptoms from missing 2 or 3 days? I told her I’d ask.  I also told her to go to her doctor if she’s thinking about stopping. Thanks for the little indulgence. Betsy

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Email replies requested if it seems more appropriate.  My sister asked if I would check with you guys, since I seem to remember a couple of people have taken Effexor.  Has anyone experienced withdrawals from Effexor, and what was it like? Has anyone experienced visual symptoms from missing 2 or 3 days? I told her I’d ask.  I also told her to go to her doctor if she’s thinking about stopping.

betsy, i am taking 12.5 mg of effexor (1/2 of a tablet) which is a real small dose. as much as i’d love to wean myself away from it i’m having a real difficult time with the withdrawal symptoms. NAUSEA CITY. that i have to keep taking it. i could kill my doctor for ever prescribing effexor to me. the side effects and withdrawal effects are terrible. i definitely think your sister should get some help from the doctor so he can suggest ways to withdraw from it.

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Email replies requested if it seems more appropriate.  My sister asked if I would check with you guys, since I seem to remember a couple of people have taken Effexor.  Has anyone experienced withdrawals from Effexor, and what was it like? Has anyone experienced visual symptoms from missing 2 or 3 days? I told her I’d ask.  I also told her to go to her doctor if she’s thinking about stopping. Thanks for the little indulgence. Betsy

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withdrawal from effexor was hell on earth for me.  i weaned slowly but it still made me incredibly ill.  nausea, slept 24/7, headaches, electrical shock-like body sensations.  i weaned part in the hospital and then tried to do the rest at home.  ended up in a medical ward b/c i couldn’t keep anything down and got horribly dehydrated.  go very slowly and under a doc’s supervision.  not pleasant.

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Question:

Hey Melissa, I agree with everybody else that the "Prozac turns people into axe murderers" thing is a lot of hype. Some people do get worse on antidepressants – it happened to me on Wellbutrin (though a lot of that may have just been the natural course of the illness). But if you were one of these people, you’d know it! In regard to people who became violent/suicidal on antidepressants, they and their relatives claimed that they had no prior history of violence/suicidality, but to the best of my knowledge, closer examination revealed that they did have histories. One other thing – if this helps any, the sleepwalking/axe-murdering (or whatever it was) story involved a person on *Halcion*, not an antidepressant. -elizabeth

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Thanks to all of you for assuaging my fears about zoloft and axe-murderers. Sometimes I need to hear it from others before it "sinks in."  Take care, Melissa

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Quick question.  I’ve been on Zoloft for four weeks now with very desirable results…getting out more, driving alone, etc. But after reading some of the stuff posted about SSRI’s causing people to commit suicide, homicide, or other atrocities, I’m freaked!!  Someone please tell me that I’m not going to sleepwalk and axe murder little kids!  I mean, all that stuff was political *wasn’t* it?? Thanks!  Melissa

Melissa, relax. Most of these claims are a lot of ::insert favourite expletive here::  Some have been spread by a particular organisation that has it’s own ideas about how psychological disorders should be treated (giving them lots a money, in the main) and some lawyers have tried to implicate them as being responsible for their client’s crimes. However, the only one that may be applicable is that some people on SSRIs have committed suicide. So have a lot of people that were not taking SSRIs. The fact is that many, if not most, were taking SSRIs because they were at risk. I’m one of those that cannot handle the effects of SSRIs – I get really wired on them, but I’ve never found that they have lead me to do something I wouldn’t normally contemplate. One the assumption that your cellar isn’t already stacked to the ceiling with the remains of your victims, after 4 weeks your should be reasonably safe!   :-^) Ian BTW-If you suddenly get the urge to commit henious acts apon *Moat Monsters* then up the Zoloft dose and give me a call!   <VVVBEG  

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Quick question.  I’ve been on Zoloft for four weeks now with very desirable results…getting out more, driving alone, etc. But after reading some of the stuff posted about SSRI’s causing people to commit suicide, homicide, or other atrocities, I’m freaked!!  Someone please tell me that I’m not going to sleepwalk and axe murder little kids!  I mean, all that stuff was political *wasn’t* it?? Thanks!  Melissa

Hi Melissa! Don’t worry! You’re definitely *not* going to sleepwalk and axe murder little kids. (There, I said it ) These stories *are* political indeed and if the odd criminal happened to be on an antidepressant that doesn’t mean that the antidepressant was the cause of his acts. Many criminals drink milk, I suppose, but milk won’t cause them to commit murders. In these *stories* it’s always Prozac BTW and never Zoloft, so I think you’re in the clear…;)) And it’s great that Zoloft is agreeing so well with you! Philip

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HI Melissa, If you have been on Zoloft for a few weeks and are doing good, IMO, don’t worry.  I am one of those people who had a bad time with Prozac, but my BAD symptoms developed after only 3 days on it. Cathy When we talk to God we’re praying. When God talks to us we’re schizophrenic. –Lily Tomlin P.H.O.B.I.A. Off-line Panic/Anxiety Support Group Learn about us at http://community.nj.com/cc/phobia

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Quick question.  I’ve been on Zoloft for four weeks now with very desirable results…getting out more, driving alone, etc. But after reading some of the stuff posted about SSRI’s causing people to commit suicide, homicide, or other atrocities, I’m freaked!!  Someone please tell me that I’m not going to sleepwalk and axe murder little kids!  I mean, all that stuff was political *wasn’t* it?? Thanks!  Melissa

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Quick question.  I’ve been on Zoloft for four weeks now with very desirable results…getting out more, driving alone, etc. But after reading some of the stuff posted about SSRI’s causing people to commit suicide, homicide, or other atrocities, I’m freaked!!  Someone please tell me that I’m not going to sleepwalk and axe murder little kids!  I mean, all that stuff was political *wasn’t* it?? Thanks!  Melissa

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Quick question.  I’ve been on Zoloft for four weeks now with very desirable results…getting out more, driving alone, etc. But after reading some of the stuff posted about SSRI’s causing people to commit suicide, homicide, or other atrocities, I’m freaked!!  Someone please tell me that I’m not going to sleepwalk and axe murder little kids!  I mean, all that stuff was political *wasn’t* it??

Hi Melissa, I can quarantee that we will not be hearing about you in the news, because you commited some despicable act<G. I think this all stems from the Prozac rumours. I am sure on very rare occassion, someone on Prozac killed themselves, but can we say for sure that the Prozac made them do it? I don`t think so. And there a few people who had bad reactions on Prozac, but you can have a bad reaction on any med there is. I am a med phobic, and if I felt there was any truth to what you fear, I would never had gone on it. I am fine, and nothing happened to me. And being you have been on Zoloft 4 weeks, the side-effects you have now, are it…..and they should start diminishing. You are going to be fine, stop worrying and enjoy how well you are feeling on the Zoloft…..that is what Zoloft is suppose to do, not make you crazy.  Take Care!! Jackie ~Dreams that come true can be as unsetting as those that don’t.~

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Question:

Individual is a 48 year old male who underwent chemotherapy and concurrent radiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal.  The exquisite pain was treated with high dose oxycontin for the past 12 weeks.  He withdrew it gradually, but is experiencing panic symptoms, acute anxiety of every type and is being treated with Zoloft, Xanax and for nightime, Klonopin.  His symptoms are still not relieved and his fears and he is concerned he may never live normally again although the cancer treatment is completed and that appears done.  Any suggestions as to how to treat this panic and relatied withdrawl from the Oxycontin? Paradocs

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Individual is a 48 year old male who underwent chemotherapy and concurrent radiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal.  The exquisite pain was treated with high dose oxycontin for the past 12 weeks.  He withdrew it gradually, but is experiencing panic symptoms, acute anxiety of every type and is being treated with Zoloft, Xanax and for nightime, Klonopin.  His symptoms are still not relieved and his fears and he is concerned he may never live normally again although the cancer treatment is completed and that appears done.  Any suggestions as to how to treat this panic and relatied withdrawl from the Oxycontin? Paradocs

My first reaction is "why hasn’t this guy been referred to a psychiatrist"!! However, there seem to be two issues here. One the problems (incl. possibly anxiety) being caused by withdrawal from a pain killer, and the anxiety being experience as a result of having been confronted by his immortality. It seems that he is on a standard medication treatment regime for anxiety. It may not be working for several reasons. Most antidepressants, incl. Zoloft, take time to work, usually 4 to 8 weeks, so if he has been taking this med for a lesser time, then patience is needed. And it is very probable that his anxiety has been made worse by Zoloft. Most of the SSRI meds seem to produce this affect in the first few weeks. It can be minimised by starting at a small dose (1/4 the lowest dose tab is a good starting point) and ramping up slowly. However, both the Xanax and Klonopin should be relieving most of his anxiety. Perhaps, the dosage of both needs to be reassessed, docs being notoriously benzo phobic often prescribe doses that are next to useless. And Cognitive Behaviour Therapy may help this person a great deal, both in dealing with the anxiety of "loosing" his protection against the pain, and also in coming to terms with the wider issue of having faced a life threatening illness. Ian

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Hi Paradocs, I want you to know that I did at one time have to be put on pain meds for a period of six months.  My doctor cut my doses gradually and then put me on xanax 1mg five times a day.  I am female, 5′ 8 and did weight about 120 at the time.  The xanax really did the trick for me.  Of course I am still on the xanax because of anxiety and panic, but kicking the pain killers is really a tough thing to do.  All I can say is to hang in there.  I would definatly go back to your doctor and have him boost up your xanax intake.  You can be weined (sorry about the spelling) off the xanax a lot easier then the pain meds.  I am now taking 1mg of xanax three times a day.  I wish you the very best in luck and just remember, We care!! Take Care & God Bless Clandery   (e-mail  www.Clandery.com)

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