Question:

Pulmicort and Budesonide are the same medicine.  One is the trade / brand name and the other is the generic name, just like Salbutamol  is called Ventolin. The delivery device is called a turbohaler, for the powder.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Jack, Yes I am from the UK and Flixotide is indeed fluticasone administered with the CFC free propellant-HFA 134a, known as the Evohaler (correct spelling). So in the USA it’s known as Flovent, that’s interesting to know, thanks for pointing this out to me. I asked my chemist if the old propellant ones were still available but he said they’re being fased out…..enviromental regulations. I take it this also applies in the United States? I must say, the new evohaler doesn’t give me much confidence, especially when nearing the end of it’s 120 actuations.  The spray is sometimes very weak unlike the older propellant which was very strong and you could actually taste it which I found reasurring. Anyway, I’ll persevere, like my GP suggested but I don’t like the idea of increasing the medication, that to me seems a backward step, afterall I did so well on the 50 micrograms for the past 3 years, I don’t believe my asthma as worsend, just the change in medication. This brings me onto the powder alternative, the ‘Pulmicort’, is this the name of the actual device from which the powder is administered? And what is Budesonide? Thank you to all who replied. BTW, when I visited my GP recently I had my Peak flow checked and after 3 tries I could only get as high as 450, I was quite alarmed when he said the average for a normal male of my age and height is 680. John. < John.  Don’t think I have the answers but want to clairify some items as it’s apparent you’re writing from outside the US, probably from the UK and some important names are different. Flixotide is fluticasone isn’t it?  We call it Flovent.  Available here with propellant or as a powder. If you want to try a powder ’steroid just as good I’m pretty sure you can get the Budesonide (Pulmocort) Turbuhaler Are you sure this Evoinhaler isn’t powder? You sound like someone having a bad time handling a powder ’steroid.  In which case you may want to go back to a propelled  medication whether the old  or new type. (Also in which case your doctor wasn’t listening to your complaint, ‘ cause he should sure as ____ should know whether the medicaton is powder or the new propellant.)

Response:

John.  Don’t think I have the answers but want to clairify some items as it’s apparent you’re writing from outside the US, probably from the UK and some important names are different. Flixotide is fluticasone isn’t it?  We call it Flovent.  Available here with propellant or as a powder. If you want to try a powder ’steroid just as good I’m pretty sure you can get the Budesonide (Pulmocort) Turbuhaler Are you sure this Evoinhaler isn’t powder? You sound like someone having a bad time handling a powder ’steroid.  In which case you may want to go back to a propelled  medication whether the old  or new type. (Also in which case your doctor wasn’t listening to your complaint, ‘ cause he should sure as ____ should know whether the medicaton is powder or the new propellant.)

Response:

Hello Jack, Yes I am from the UK and Flixotide is indeed fluticasone administered with the CFC free propellant-HFA 134a, known as the Evohaler (correct spelling). So in the USA it’s known as Flovent, that’s interesting to know, thanks for pointing this out to me. I asked my chemist if the old propellant ones were still available but he said they’re being fased out…..enviromental regulations. I take it this also applies in the United States? I must say, the new evohaler doesn’t give me much confidence, especially when nearing the end of it’s 120 actuations.  The spray is sometimes very weak unlike the older propellant which was very strong and you could actually taste it which I found reasurring. Anyway, I’ll persevere, like my GP suggested but I don’t like the idea of increasing the medication, that to me seems a backward step, afterall I did so well on the 50 micrograms for the past 3 years, I don’t believe my asthma as worsend, just the change in medication. This brings me onto the powder alternative, the ‘Pulmicort’, is this the name of the actual device from which the powder is administered? And what is Budesonide? Thank you to all who replied. BTW, when I visited my GP recently I had my Peak flow checked and after 3 tries I could only get as high as 450, I was quite alarmed when he said the average for a normal male of my age and height is 680. John. < – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – John.  Don’t think I have the answers but want to clairify some items as it’s apparent you’re writing from outside the US, probably from the UK and some important names are different. Flixotide is fluticasone isn’t it?  We call it Flovent.  Available here with propellant or as a powder. If you want to try a powder ’steroid just as good I’m pretty sure you can get the Budesonide (Pulmocort) Turbuhaler Are you sure this Evoinhaler isn’t powder? You sound like someone having a bad time handling a powder ’steroid.  In which case you may want to go back to a propelled  medication whether the old  or new type. (Also in which case your doctor wasn’t listening to your complaint, ‘ cause he should sure as ____ should know whether the medicaton is powder or the new propellant.)

Response:

I can remember when I couldn’t see across the street on smoggy days. I think that things are actually a lot better, as compared to the 60s for example. Perhaps you are younger, and don’t remember! Boyd — "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity."

Response:

I wonder whether recent environmental degeneration has had an impact on our air quality / pollutants and therefore a knock-on effect to asthma sufferers

This has been examined.  Poor air quality can aggravate existing asthma but will not cause asthma. "Usenet is like a herd of performing elephants with diarrhea — massive, diffucult to redirect, awe-inspiring, entertaining, and a source of mind boggling amounts of excrement when you least expect it." Gene Spafford 1992

Response:

Since I was put on Flixotide 50 (replacing Becotide 100) about three years ago, my ashtma has been very well controlled, so much so I rarely used my Ventolin/Salbutomol, quite a dramatic improvement to say I used to use my ventolin 2/3 times aday for several years. But now my inhaler has changed to a more enviromently friendly ‘Evoinhaler’ and after a couple of days of using the new evoinhaler, my asthma came back to trouble me. The first thing I noticed when using it was that I couldn’t taste the medication, very unreasurring, not knowing if it was administer correctly or not and it doesn’t spray so powerfully as the old type.  Secondly, a little while after use my chest would tighten a little and now I have a dry/barking cough, maybe it’s the different propellent that’s not suiting me? My Doctor said I should persevere, to readjust and if necessary he would increase the medication to 100. I would like to hear of other peoples experiences with this Evoinhaler, maybe you’ve noticed a difference too. Also, is Flixotide available in dry powder form?  I use to use a spinhaler which I found effective. Thanks. BTW this is my first post to a newsgroup, I discovered this newsgroup with the help of a friend. John age 35

Response:

I just got changed from Flovent to pulmicort for the same reason (propellant made my chest tight after use.) works lots better. I think Flovent has changed it’s propellant, too. Boyd — "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity."

Response:

Instead of Beclazone 250, I am using now Seretide 250 (a snazzy little non CFC inhaler) and it has given me alot more control of my asthma.  After nearly two years in & out of hospital I am relieved to have found it & thoroughly recomend it !! Have you noticed an increase in your own asthmatic events over the last few years? I wonder whether recent environmental degeneration has had an impact on our air quality / pollutants and therefore a knock-on effect to asthma sufferers …….

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Since I was put on Flixotide 50 (replacing Becotide 100) about three years ago, my ashtma has been very well controlled, so much so I rarely used my Ventolin/Salbutomol, quite a dramatic improvement to say I used to use my ventolin 2/3 times aday for several years. But now my inhaler has changed to a more enviromently friendly ‘Evoinhaler’ and after a couple of days of using the new evoinhaler, my asthma came back to trouble me. The first thing I noticed when using it was that I couldn’t taste the medication, very unreasurring, not knowing if it was administer correctly or not and it doesn’t spray so powerfully as the old type.  Secondly, a little while after use my chest would tighten a little and now I have a dry/barking cough, maybe it’s the different propellent that’s not suiting me? My Doctor said I should persevere, to readjust and if necessary he would increase the medication to 100. I would like to hear of other peoples experiences with this Evoinhaler, maybe you’ve noticed a difference too. Also, is Flixotide available in dry powder form?  I use to use a spinhaler which I found effective. Thanks. BTW this is my first post to a newsgroup, I discovered this newsgroup with the help of a friend. John age 35

Response:

Question:

Increasing one’s albuterol is not one of the recommended answers to falling peak flows. Inhaled steroids… yes. The overall goal is to use as little of the albuterol as possible. This should have been something that your doctor discussed. I would certainly call your doctor if your peak flows fall below 80%… and I would expect some immediate treatment.

Response:

I have a question. I recently started on Pulmicort and Accolate. For the past week, I have had very few symptoms and haven’t used any albuterol. My peak flow is running from 80% to 85% of peak. This means my peak flow is about 400 most of the time with my max at 500. The question is this, should I use albuterol when I reach the 80% mark? Or should I pass it up since I feel OK? I haven’t been using it on the theory that the least medicine is the best. I’d like to see your opinions on this. I haven’t had a chance to get back to my doctor for a while. Probably won’t see him until April. Thanks, Jim

Response:

Question:

: I feel guilty for receiving support and not giving back so much right now : but maybe I can forgive myself and accept that I’m not doing well and I’m : trying to make a very diffiult decision, ect or not. : : I called my pdoc today and we talked. she answered my questions and I’m : satisfied with her answers so I think I’ll try ect. the ward is full right : now but my pdoc was going to call every day and find out when they have room : for me. probably on sunday she said. : : unreal. can’t understand that I’m talking about myself. : : I’m terrified. ((((((Linda)))))) When I first read this, I wasn’t sure what ect was, but then I looked it up in the group’s FAQ.  Now I do understand. I do hope this treatment works well for you. Jim — Jim Todd Remove "SPAM" to send e-mail

Response:

snip unreal. can’t understand that I’m talking about myself. I’m terrified.

I’m thinking of you. Whiskery Hugs {{{{{Linda}}}}} — —  Whiskers

Response:

Linda, If you’re running out of meds to try, then maybe ECT is an option for you. I once spoke to my pdoc about it, and he said that ECT is very effective, but you have to try to come up with a plan for what to do after the treatments.  ECT works to make things better for a while, and gives you time to plan what your next med will be, but you have to talk with your pdoc about what other meds you can try. Personally I’ve had a great run with Aurorix (moclobemide) but that’s not available in all countries.  I don’t know if it’s available in Europe.  If you can get the Aurorix, I had to push the dose up to 1200 mg to get a lasting effect (which is a pretty high dose). I also had a good run for a while combining Effexor XR with risperidone and later seroquel.  I don’t know if you’ve tried these type of meds (antipsychotics / major tranqualisers) in combination with an SSRI. I know ECT is scary, but I think it might be a good option to give you some time and some relief for a while.  I really hope it works for you. Email me if you want to talk anytime.  Get Bjorn to forward messages to ASD about how you’re doing if you’re in hospital or not feeling up to posting. I (and many others here) care and want to know what’s happening with you. Best of luck, Kylie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I feel guilty for receiving support and not giving back so much right now but maybe I can forgive myself and accept that I’m not doing well and I’m trying to make a very diffiult decision, ect or not. I called my pdoc today and we talked. she answered my questions and I’m satisfied with her answers so I think I’ll try ect. the ward is full right now but my pdoc was going to call every day and find out when they have room for me. probably on sunday she said. unreal. can’t understand that I’m talking about myself. I’m terrified. Linda

Response:

I feel guilty for receiving support and not giving back so much right now but maybe I can forgive myself and accept that I’m not doing well and I’m trying to make a very diffiult decision, ect or not. I called my pdoc today and we talked. she answered my questions and I’m satisfied with her answers so I think I’ll try ect. the ward is full right now but my pdoc was going to call every day and find out when they have room for me. probably on sunday she said. unreal. can’t understand that I’m talking about myself. I’m terrified. Linda

Response:

I feel guilty for receiving support and not giving back so much right now but maybe I can forgive myself and accept that I’m not doing well and I’m trying to make a very diffiult decision, ect or not. I called my pdoc today and we talked. she answered my questions and I’m satisfied with her answers so I think I’ll try ect. the ward is full right now but my pdoc was going to call every day and find out when they have room for me. probably on sunday she said. unreal. can’t understand that I’m talking about myself. I’m terrified.

I can understand that. But I do feel you have made a good decision. Stan Linda

Remove "JUNK" for my valid address.

Response:

Question:

Hi, I’ve been a low-fat type person for a long time.  The last six months I’ve been on Paxil and have gained some weight.  The low fat diet isn’t helping me.  Has anyone on antidepressants had a successful diet experience with low-carb?  Thanks! Thought of the day:         Give a man an inch, and he thinks he’s a ruler.

Response:

Hi Dosbabe! I’ve been on Prosac for over a decade, happily, and have had some good results.  I not one of the fastest losers, but I’ve managed to take off about 50 pounds. The only side effect that I seem to have is an increased thirst and difficulty waking up in the mornings.  My sleep has become very, very deep. Good luck! suzi_cream_cheese 262/213/145

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’ve been a low-fat type person for a long time.  The last six months I’ve been on Paxil and have gained some weight.  The low fat diet isn’t helping me.  Has anyone on antidepressants had a successful diet experience with low-carb?  Thanks! Thought of the day: Give a man an inch, and he thinks he’s a ruler.

Response:

Yeah I’m taking zoloft and doing fine. According to Schwarzbein (TheSchwarzbein Principle), A low carb diet will help balance out the chemical soup inside your head. She claims insulin resistance= high carb diet,  is one of the things that unbalance and deplete serotonin in your brain. Which is the same thing that antidepressants try and balance. Give it a try. After talking with your Doc. first.

Response:

Paxil made me gain 50 pounds quick. I switched to Efexxor and feel much better. Lost the weight too. Jeff

Response:

I agree, Effexor is the greatest–you don’t even know you are taking it unless you miss a dose. hinesrance

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Paxil made me gain 50 pounds quick. I switched to Efexxor and feel much better. Lost the weight too. Jeff

Response:

I agree, Effexor is the greatest–you don’t even know you are taking it unless you miss a dose.

Funny you mention that, because I missed my Effexor dose this morning and am curious as to what the results are going to be. Only been on it for about 2 months so may not be too noticeable. I haven’t noticed any side effects as far as appetite goes. Definetly make me sleepy though Jason Atkins since 10/5/00 240/172 http://geocities.com/calabresejason/lowcarb.html

Response:

Is Effexor one of the older type antidepressants or is it related to the same family as Paxil? Thanks I agree, Effexor is the greatest–you don’t even know you are taking it unless you miss a dose.

Thought of the day:         Count Every Thorn a Flower; Every Sharp Rock a Milestone

Response:

Has anyone on antidepressants had a successful diet experience with low-carb?

I was on Prozac when I first started just over 3 years ago.  It didn’t hinder my losing 60 pounds. I tried Imiprimine last month for help with sleep as I have fibromyalgia.  I couldn’t take it as it made me sweat and also caused terrible sweets cravings. I’ve been on Trazodone for 10 days and am not having any problems so far. Good Luck. TamH in VT

Response:

I agree, Effexor is the greatest–you don’t even know you are taking it unless you miss a dose.

A gal came into my gift shop today and we were talking about diet.  She said that she started on Efflexor a few weeks ago and has lost weight because she’s not craving carbs.  She’s not even really dieting. TamH in VT

Response:

Paxil made me gain 50 pounds quick. I switched to Efexxor and feel much better. Lost the weight too. Jeff

My daughter was also on Paxil and gained weight she didn’t need.  She stopped using Paxil and went to Prozac and has had no problems and lost all the weight she gained.  I’ve been on Prozac since 1989 and haven’t had any problems with it either.  I gained a lot of weight when I stopped smoking (50lbs) and  being sick and inactive for so long.  I would suggest you talk to your Dr. about a different antidepressant.  Paxil has a rep for putting on the pounds. — Liz 362/342/200/135 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -^..^<

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I agree, Effexor is the greatest–you don’t even know you are taking it unless you miss a dose.

Well, I took effexor for 3 days and slept like in a coma.  Could not stay awake.  When I did finally manage to awaken, I walked around like a zombie with a spinning head.  Now, my daugher in law takes it and she only has to take naps everyday after work. — Liz 362/342/200/135 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -^..^< hinesrance Paxil made me gain 50 pounds quick. I switched to Efexxor and feel much better. Lost the weight too. Jeff

Response:

I am on Zoloft and am experiencing continued weight loss. You might see if your doctor would switch you. Ginger in OK

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone on antidepressants had a successful diet experience with low-carb? I was on Prozac when I first started just over 3 years ago.  It didn’t hinder my losing 60 pounds. I tried Imiprimine last month for help with sleep as I have fibromyalgia. I couldn’t take it as it made me sweat and also caused terrible sweets cravings. I’ve been on Trazodone for 10 days and am not having any problems so far. Good Luck. TamH in VT

Response:

ginger, menu and exercise? — read and post daily! rosie "If we could share this world below, if we could learn to love… If we could share this world below, we’d need no world above."

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am on Zoloft and am experiencing continued weight loss. You might see if your doctor would switch you. Ginger in OK Has anyone on antidepressants had a successful diet experience with low-carb? I was on Prozac when I first started just over 3 years ago.  It didn’t hinder my losing 60 pounds. I tried Imiprimine last month for help with sleep as I have fibromyalgia. I couldn’t take it as it made me sweat and also caused terrible sweets cravings. I’ve been on Trazodone for 10 days and am not having any problems so far. Good Luck. TamH in VT

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – what are side withdrawl symptoms from coming off paxil? I am been off it 3 days now and my doc switched me to effexor and I just feel really spacy all day. And my body feels like shocks are going through it

its hard to tell which drug is doing what when you make a slide type conversion like this-but chances are its the washout of paxil-give it some time another week to adjust. LM

Response:

what are side withdrawl symptoms from coming off paxil? I am been off it 3 days now and my doc switched me to effexor and I just feel really spacy all day. And my body feels like shocks are going through it

These could very well be Paxil withdrawal symptoms (which are often described as such) in combination with initial Effexor side effects. It will be a temporary inconvenience hopefully as Effexor will have taken over soon. Philip

Response:

what are side withdrawl symptoms from coming off paxil? I am been off it 3 days now and my doc switched me to effexor and I just feel really spacy all day. And my body feels like shocks are going through it

Quite a few people who are weaning off paxil or quit paxil cold turkey complain of those *shock* like feelings in their body. They are not dangerous and it will pass with time. The spacy feeling could be caused by paxil withdrawals and/or weaning on effexor. Again this should pass with time. Take care. Jackie ~~I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I’m frightened of the old ones~~

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I wonder if it’s the effexor. I am getting electric shocks through my body after I’ve been upped to 150 mg. This shocks start a panic attack. I’ve taken more ativan than I can count lately, and I try to stay away from it. Wanda

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – what are side withdrawl symptoms from coming off paxil? I am been off it 3 days now and my doc switched me to effexor and I just feel really spacy all day. And my body feels like shocks are going through it

Response:

My therapist put me on paxil and it scared me and I stopped taking it because it made me feel like I was loosing control of my muscles, especially in the jaw area.  I was not taking it long enough to really notice any side affects after stopping.  But what has been a big help to me is when I get my anxiety attacks I take hydroxizine.  It makes you pretty drowsy but it takes the edge of the really long anxiety attacks and doesnt make you feel as jittery.  Hang in there and you will find something that works for you.

Response:

what are side withdrawl symptoms from coming off paxil? I am been off it 3 days now and my doc switched me to effexor and I just feel really spacy all day. And my body feels like shocks are going through it

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve posted on here several times over the last few months.  I’m having a hard time feeling a ‘part off.’  No one is really reaching out to me. That’s not a criticism people, just a feeling.  I could use some support.  I’m tied of being the sarcastic know-it-all. Aware1, Arethusa, vegboy, Robert Mass, Kramer, Dreamcatcher, Jill, Mary Beth, Chirmia, to name a few.  I’ ve talked to you in the past.  I could use just a ‘Hello’ from you know. Thanks… i read all your posts.  i don’t know why.  your name, maybe. it’s a good, strong name.  i’ve never thought of you as a sarcastic know-it-all.  i don’t really know where you get that idea. anyway, hello, John.  i hope you have a lovely christmas.  :) denise

God, I sound like I’m whining, don’t I?  Thanks Denise.  I appreciate the compliment very much. — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve posted on here several times over the last few months.  I’m having a hard time feeling a ‘part off.’  No one is really reaching out to me. <Mary Beth reaches out her arm as far as she can That’s not a criticism people, just a feeling.  I could use some support.  I’m tied of being the sarcastic know-it-all. No-one knows it all. If they did, they would be boring. So, what’s up? How can I support you? Would you like to talk about something? Mary Beth

Hi Mary Beth.  I think I love you most of all.  You know what I’m really afraid of?  Remember the movie ‘Awakenings?’  I feel very good now, when I’m not taking handfuls of klonopin.  I’m afraid this is a ‘chemical window’ of happiness that will soon close, and I will go back to being the way I was.  I just refuse to live that way, especially since I know what it fees like now to be happy, confident, and not afraid of bridges, people, or just going outside. I won’t accept life as it was before, and that is scary.  I have been through a couple of med changes.  First effexor, which my pdoc and I ran up to 375 mg. a day.  That made me house bound and I had to hospitalized again.  The a got a new Dr and we did Zoloft, wellbutrin, buspar, inostital, kava kava.  I didn’t like the zoloft, so I am back on just 225 mg of effexor and 300 mg of wellbutrin.  I fell much better when I don’t take the klonopin, but my Dr insists I take 1 .5 in the morning and 1 .5 at night.  Fuck him, I just haven’t been taking it, until this weekend, when I binged on it.  I don’t even like the high.  It’s not like the valiums of hold. PS.  I have 1 year sober (again) on 12/14/99.  AD’s are my only hope, as I have had time before. Thanks for asking.  How about you? — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I read you.  You have been seen and heard! I’ve posted on here several times over the last few months.  I’m having a hard time feeling a ‘part off.’  No one is really reaching out to me. That’s not a criticism people, just a feeling.  I could use some support.  I’m tied of being the sarcastic know-it-all. Aware1, Arethusa, vegboy, Robert Mass, Kramer, Dreamcatcher, Jill, Mary Beth, Chirmia, to name a few.  I’ ve talked to you in the past.  I could use just a ‘Hello’ from you know. Thanks… — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Thanks Amy.  Sometimes that’s all it takes. — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

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No problem, John. Good to see you. —                     _    bear         _.-’ )                (_ . ‘ __                  __^/` _)                .-’_                   (_.’    ’–.                    /_ /`-._/                   (__/ email: The_bearster_at_aol_dot_com

Response:

Today, I fighting through that benzodiazeoine hangover, but I don’t want anymore.  I think I should throw them away.

Nooo, send them to me, I’ll pay the postage even!!! Thanks for asking.  How are you doing?

You’ve got a lot on your plate right now, John. Good for you for keeping your head above water. Other than a nasty persistent infection, I feel great, too. ) — Toto… I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.

Response:

Hi Mary Beth.  I think I love you most of all.

Wow, you just earned some serious brownie points there. You know what I’m really afraid of?  Remember the movie ‘Awakenings?’  I feel very good now, when I’m not taking handfuls of klonopin.  I’m afraid this is a ‘chemical window’ of happiness that will soon close, and I will go back to being the way I was.

I do understand. The movie "Awakenings" is my favorite movie as I have talked about in other movie threads here. I think it’s because I relate to it to a point. I have good times and times I just "shut down." As for your meds and your choice not to take the Klonopin. That’s YOUR right and if you feel it isn’t helping, don’t take it. Put your foot down and see what your doctor says. I’ve done that more than once myself. PS.  I have 1 year sober (again) on 12/14/99.  AD’s are my only hope, as I have had time before. Thanks for asking.  How about you?

Congratulations. I am fine, thanks for asking. Mary Beth p’ed and e’d

Response:

Would a hi instead of a hello do, John?  :o) What’s up? How was your day? How are you surviving the holidays? Aware1 — Toto… I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.

Yes, it would.  The last couple of week’s have been great.  I stopped taking the klonopin because I though it was working against the effexor/wellbutrin.  I kept them in the fridge and on Friday night, I just thought it would be fun to take a bunch this weekend.  I barely remember writing all these posts. Today, I fighting through that benzodiazeoine hangover, but I don’t want anymore.  I think I should throw them away. This time last year I was in a hotel room with a gun to my head.  On the 14th, I checked (well, I was baker acted) into a hospital and diagnosed with depression.  That gave me effexor.  I’m convinced it saved my like.  I have been feeling great.  So, why the self-destrucive binge on the klonopin? My parents are both in a nursing home in Indiana.  I had to put both of there there last November. I write computer software.  I am a genius.  Wily coyote, super genius. I’m good at work.  The rest of my life is a confusing jumble of emotional chaos. Thanks for asking.  How are you doing? — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello John.  I’m not sure why you feel left out or isolated, but I can understand those feelings. Hope you’re feeling better soon. best wishes, —                     _    bear         _.-’ )                (_ . ‘ __                  __^/` _)                .-’_                   (_.’    ’–.                    /_ /`-._/                   (__/ email: The_bearster_at_aol_dot_com That was nice.  Sort of like a form letter, but a nice effort. — ***** Perhaps you could post a description of what you expect to see in a "reaching out" post. —                     _    bear         _.-’ )                (_ . ‘ __                  __^/` _)                .-’_                   (_.’    ’–.                    /_ /`-._/                   (__/ email: The_bearster_at_aol_dot_com

Thanks Bear.  That was perfectly OK.  Sorry for being a smart-ass. Love your Bear… — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Response:

Hello, I read you.  You have been seen and heard! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve posted on here several times over the last few months.  I’m having a hard time feeling a ‘part off.’  No one is really reaching out to me. That’s not a criticism people, just a feeling.  I could use some support.  I’m tied of being the sarcastic know-it-all. Aware1, Arethusa, vegboy, Robert Mass, Kramer, Dreamcatcher, Jill, Mary Beth, Chirmia, to name a few.  I’ ve talked to you in the past.  I could use just a ‘Hello’ from you know. Thanks… — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Response:

I’ve posted on here several times over the last few months.  I’m having a hard time feeling a ‘part off.’  No one is really reaching out to me.

<Mary Beth reaches out her arm as far as she can That’s not a criticism people, just a feeling.  I could use some support.  I’m tied of being the sarcastic know-it-all.

No-one knows it all. If they did, they would be boring. So, what’s up? How can I support you? Would you like to talk about something? Mary Beth

Response:

Would a hi instead of a hello do, John?  :o) What’s up? How was your day? How are you surviving the holidays? Aware1 — Toto… I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello John.  I’m not sure why you feel left out or isolated, but I can understand those feelings. Hope you’re feeling better soon. best wishes, —                     _    bear         _.-’ )                (_ . ‘ __                  __^/` _)                .-’_                   (_.’    ’–.                    /_ /`-._/                   (__/ email: The_bearster_at_aol_dot_com That was nice.  Sort of like a form letter, but a nice effort. —

***** Perhaps you could post a description of what you expect to see in a "reaching out" post. —                     _    bear         _.-’ )                (_ . ‘ __                  __^/` _)                .-’_                   (_.’    ’–.                    /_ /`-._/                   (__/ email: The_bearster_at_aol_dot_com

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello John.  I’m not sure why you feel left out or isolated, but I can understand those feelings. Hope you’re feeling better soon. best wishes, —                     _    bear         _.-’ )                (_ . ‘ __                  __^/` _)                .-’_                   (_.’    ’–.                    /_ /`-._/                   (__/ email: The_bearster_at_aol_dot_com

That was nice.  Sort of like a form letter, but a nice effort. — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Response:

Hello John.  I’m not sure why you feel left out or isolated, but I can understand those feelings. Hope you’re feeling better soon. best wishes, —                     _    bear         _.-’ )                (_ . ‘ __                  __^/` _)                .-’_                   (_.’    ’–.                    /_ /`-._/                   (__/ email: The_bearster_at_aol_dot_com

Response:

I’ve posted on here several times over the last few months.  I’m having a hard time feeling a ‘part off.’  No one is really reaching out to me. That’s not a criticism people, just a feeling.  I could use some support.  I’m tied of being the sarcastic know-it-all. Aware1, Arethusa, vegboy, Robert Mass, Kramer, Dreamcatcher, Jill, Mary Beth, Chirmia, to name a few.  I’ ve talked to you in the past.  I could use just a ‘Hello’ from you know. Thanks… — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Tonight i am going to cut my usual pill in half making my daily dose .25 less then regular..how long should i maintain this before reducing more?? My shrink is on holidays and i finally got up enough courage to try a new med….sheesh shitty timing on my part.. also is it ok to advil for headaches while on these meds? I also take 40mgs a day of propanolol…thanks Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks

Shannon, You shouldn’t wean off Xanax while weaning on Celexa. Xanax helps you avoiding initial Celexa side effects which you’re so afraid of. So you’d better wait till Celexa is working properly. You can take Advil for headaches with your other meds but it might be a good question to consider whether your headache is’t an anxiety symptom too which may disappear when the Celexa will have kicked in (which may take a while, up to eight weeks although beneficial effect may come much earlier). Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – —

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Tonight i am going to cut my usual pill in half making my daily dose .25 less then regular..how long should i maintain this before reducing more?? My shrink is on holidays and i finally got up enough courage to try a new med….sheesh shitty timing on my part.. also is it ok to advil for headaches while on these meds? I also take 40mgs a day of propanolol…thanks Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks

Shannon –   I’ll start with the positive report that I’ve been on Zoloft (another SSRI like Celexa) for 10 weeks with no big problems with side-effects…I have another friend who’s fiancee is on Celexa and loves it!  Also, I’ve been on Xanax and Zoloft the entire time and have taken Advil several times with no problems…   As far as the Xanax weening, take your time…I was taking .25 mg/ 6 times a day…I am now down to three…First things first, I would not reduce your Xanax for at least several weeks so that you have time to adjust to the Celexa and see some results (the AD’s will not do anything for several weeks).  From my doctor’s advice and my own experience I recommend the following to ensure no problems:  Reduce your intake by no more than .25 mg/week…The best thing to do is to stop taking it first at times when you normally feel least anxious (for me the bedtime dose went first)…Also, DON’T feel like you must adhere to your reduced dosage…If you are having breakthrough problems (as per me the last few days), I’ve found you are much better off taking the extra dose that day so that you don’t aggrevate your situation…You should be able to go to your reduced dose as soon as your breakthrough ends… Hope this all helps… — Charles Phipps

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks Shannon –  I’ll start with the positive report that I’ve been on Zoloft (another SSRI like Celexa) for 10 weeks with no big problems with side-effects…I have another friend who’s fiancee is on Celexa and loves it!  Also, I’ve been on Xanax and Zoloft the entire time and have taken Advil several times with no problems…  As far as the Xanax weening, take your time…I was taking .25 mg/ 6 times a day…I am now down to three…First things first, I would not reduce your Xanax for at least several weeks so that you have time to adjust to the Celexa and see some results (the AD’s will not do anything for several weeks).  From my doctor’s advice and my own experience I recommend the following to ensure no problems:  Reduce your intake by no more than .25 mg/week…The best thing to do is to stop taking it first at times when you normally feel least anxious (for me the bedtime dose went first)…Also, DON’T feel like you must adhere to your reduced dosage…If you are having breakthrough problems (as per me the last few days), I’ve found you are much better off taking the extra dose that day so that you don’t aggrevate your situation…You should be able to go to your reduced dose as soon as your breakthrough ends… Hope this all helps… — Charles Phipps

Hi Shannon! I’m only 6 weeks ahead of you! Just Xanax and Celexa-not the other one. I didn’t even discuss weaning for the 1st 4 weeks when everything started kicking in with the Celexa. My doc said I’d probably "know" when it was time and she was right. Now that the Celexa is working, the Xanax actually works like it does for people without panic-I get too sleepy! And like Charles, I’ve had moments or a day when I had to take that extra .25mg after not having it-just try to go with the flow, which will probably be your mood eventually anyway. Just take it a day at a time. BTW, I was on 3mgs a day total of Xanax for almost 3 years-I’m down to 2.25mgs a day and everythings been just fine. Celexa does work well. Try to get back to me when you want to know about any of the less pretty aspects…most were transient and not bad at all. I thought it was helpful to find people who had the same reactions. Otherwise, I think I would have been more paranoid. Let me know. Denise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Tonight i am going to cut my usual pill in half making my daily dose .25 less then regular..how long should i maintain this before reducing more?? My shrink is on holidays and i finally got up enough courage to try a new med….sheesh shitty timing on my part.. also is it ok to advil for headaches while on these meds? I also take 40mgs a day of propanolol…thanks Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks — Shannon the Barbarian ~*Note To Self : Never, ever post to a Newsgroup again without Headgear and Full Body Armor*~

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Tonight i am going to cut my usual pill in half making my daily dose .25 less then regular..how long should i maintain this before reducing more?? My shrink is on holidays and i finally got up enough courage to try a new med….sheesh shitty timing on my part.. also is it ok to advil for headaches while on these meds? I also take 40mgs a day of propanolol…thanks Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks

Hi Shannon, In my opinion this is not the time to be weaning off your Xanax. Most people while weaning on a anti-depressant use a benzo to help them. If you start getting funny physical sensations, you might blame the Celexa when it is really being caused by weaning off Xanax. Who told you that you had to wean off Xanax? I really advise you against decreasing your Xanax dose as of this time. You need to talk to your therapist when he gets back from holiday. I do not recommend taking Advil with the Propanolol. I would call your doctor and discuss this with him. There is a possible interaction if you take the two, and that is a decreased anti-hypertensive effect of the Propanolol. Tylenol should be fine. I think I answered you questions without saying anything bad about the Celexa…..<G!!!! Good luck!! Jackie "Strange as it may seem, my life is based on a true story

Response:

Question:

Hello everyone i have not posted in a while but just wanted to let everyone know that i went for my first psych visit, she started me on 0.5mg of xanax and gave me the zoloft starter kit, she said start with the 25mg and cut them in have so that i will only be taking 12 1/2 mg for 4 days then take 25mg for a week then start on the 50mg. so i dont have many side effects she wants my body to adjust slowley. I  really like her my family doc wanted to start me on 50mg my psych doc says thats to much to start on so thats why she is starting my slowly. Has anyone else started slow like this, I am in a wedding in 3 weeks and i am hoping that i wont have one of my attacks while standing up there for 1 hr. ok well i guess i am done. Talk to everyone soon Diana

Response:

Hello everyone i have not posted in a while but just wanted to let everyone know that i went for my first psych visit, she started me on 0.5mg of xanax and gave me the zoloft starter kit, she said start with the 25mg and cut them in have so that i will only be taking 12 1/2 mg for 4 days then take 25mg for a week then start on the 50mg. so i dont have many side effects she wants my body to adjust slowley. I  really like her my family doc wanted to start me on 50mg my psych doc says thats to much to start on so thats why she is starting my slowly. Has anyone else started slow like this, I am in a wedding in 3 weeks and i am hoping that i wont have one of my attacks while standing up there for 1 hr. ok well i guess i am done. Talk to everyone soon Diana

Hi Diana! I’m glad to hear that you actually found a pdoc who seems to be doing everything right! Starting Zoloft at 12,5 mgs and then weaning on slowly with Xanax on the side is absolutely the best way to avoid or minimize initial side effects. Such docs are rare and as you also like her as a person you’ve been very lucky. About the wedding: maybe Zoloft will not yet be at therapeutic dose after three weeks, but Xanax will keep PA’s at bay. If necessary you could take some more Xanax that day – Xanax works very fast and will take care of an upcoming PA or prevent one from manifesting itself at all within 15-20 minutes for many people -but you should talk this over with your doctor. Philip

Response:

Hello everyone i have not posted in a while but just wanted to let everyone know that i went for my first psych visit, she started me on 0.5mg of xanax and gave me the zoloft starter kit, she said start with the 25mg and cut them in have so that i will only be taking 12 1/2 mg for 4 days then take 25mg for a week then start on the 50mg. so i dont have many side effects she wants my body to adjust slowley. I  really like her my family doc wanted to start me on 50mg my psych doc says thats to much to start on so thats why she is starting my slowly. Has anyone else started slow like this, I am in a wedding in 3 weeks and i am hoping that i wont have one of my attacks while standing up there for 1 hr. ok well i guess i am done. Talk to everyone soon Diana

 That is exactly the right way to start and if you DO experience any increase in anxiety while starting ask your doctor for a temporary amount of a benzo, for example Xanax to help you get past that, and to help you in the period where you are waiting for the real effects of the Paxil. I would surely want a bit for the wedding on hand just in case, as your Paxil wont probably be at full therapeutic levels at that time. Best of Luck! May — "Believe me! The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously!"      -                Nietzsche

Response:

DynaSoft66 wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello everyone i have not posted in a while but just wanted to let everyone know that i went for my first psych visit, she started me on 0.5mg of xanax and gave me the zoloft starter kit, she said start with the 25mg and cut them in have so that i will only be taking 12 1/2 mg for 4 days then take 25mg for a week then start on the 50mg. so i dont have many side effects she wants my body to adjust slowley. I  really like her my family doc wanted to start me on 50mg my psych doc says thats to much to start on so thats why she is starting my slowly. Has anyone else started slow like this, I am in a wedding in 3 weeks and i am hoping that i wont have one of my attacks while standing up there for 1 hr. ok well i guess i am done. Talk to everyone soon Diana

Hi Diana, glad to hear you found a good pdoc, sounds like she is on top of things. You definitely want to start slow to minimize initial side effects, don’t try taking more to rush yourself into being ready for the wedding, this probably won’t help. You may see some improvement in the next three weeks, let’s hope so. Good luck with the Zoloft/Xanax combo. Ray

Response:

Question:

I’ve had Tinnitus for about 2 years now even though I didn’t realize what it was until last week.  I haven’t yet been to a doctor, but will make an appointment soon, although after reading this NG, I’m not sure what good it will do. About two years ago I started taking Zoloft.  If I missed a dose or was late with a dose, I would get a loud buzzing in my head.  In addition to the constant loud buzzing, I would also get very strong ‘jolts’ in my head which also made me very dizzy – but only for the moment that I had the ‘jolts’.  Of course these jolts could happen several times a minute and would happen off and on for hours.  I tried to make sure that I didn’t miss any doses.  I mentioned this to my friend John who was also taking Zoloft and he told me he had the same problem.  We called them ‘brain farts’. I asked the shrink who was prescribing the Zoloft about this and he told me that it was all in my head ( isn’t that what I said ?? ;-} ). He said that Zoloft CAN’T cause that.  Well I knew he was wrong, so I got up on the net ** and read about some other people who experienced the same thing.  After taking Zoloft for about a year, I decided that I wanted off.  So I tapered down and went through really bad episodes of these brain farts.  I’ve been off Zoloft for about a year now and the brain farts are no more, but I still have the (sometimes) very loud buzzing in my head. I’d heard of T before, but didn’t think that’s what was happening to me because T is a ringing in the ears, not a buzzing inside the head which is what I have.  One night last week, as I was *trying* to sleep, it dawned on me again to check the net. **  First I looked up T and found that, I think it was 24% of people with T report that it’s a buzzing in the head not a ringing in one or both ears.  Bingo.  Then I looked up T AND Zoloft and found that T is one of the potential side effects of Zoloft occurring in a study in 1.6% of the people who take it.  Anything over 1% is considered significant.  Bingo #2. I don’t think I’ve had any hearing loss due to the T.  I’ve always had trouble hearing if there’s any background noise, and as my friend John put it, now I come with my own built in background noise! Ok, long story for a simple question for y’all.  I have Kaiser Health, which in my opinion sucks.  I have to see a GP before pursuing anything else.  Once I get through that, what should I be asking for? What type of specialist should I insist on seeing about this? bill ps remove the first ‘x’ in the email address to send email ** don’t ya just love the net?

Response:

xbtr…@concentric.net (Bill Truax) wrote:

Ok, long story for a simple question for y’all.  I have Kaiser Health, which in my opinion sucks.  I have to see a GP before pursuing anything else.  Once I get through that, what should I be asking for? What type of specialist should I insist on seeing about this?

…………………………. Here’s what I would do. Join the American Tinnitus Association, and talk with other folks who have had tinnitus.  Find out what approaches have been successful for them.  When you find an approach and a facility which in your judgement are most compatible with your needs, I will absolutely assure you that it will not be part of the Kaiser plan.  So then speak with the office manager at the facility you have chosen, express your interest in paying cash for the service, and request information about the uniqueness (and success rate) of that particular program, which you then will present to the client services representative of your Kaiser plan to see if an appeal will result possibly in partial or complete remuneration to you! By your own analysis, your health care plan "sucks."  That does not necessarily mean that your health care must follow suit, but typically it will cost you!  Remember, Kaiser is cut rate coverage (again the colorful word "sucks" comes to mind), and in the end … in life you generally get what you pay for!  Hence, the national trend actually AWAY from HMO’s! Best of luck. nagler Stephen M. Nagler, MD, FACS Director Southeastern Comprehensive Tinnitus Clinic Atlanta, Georgia http://www.tinn.com (404) 531-3979

Response:

Welcome, Bill. Pull up a chair and make yourself at home. Bruce Seattle

Response:

Thanks for the info.  I’ll keep it in mind when I get around to seeing someone about this.  At this point, this has been going on for 2 years, and it hasn’t driven me nuts yet, although before I realized what it was, I thought I was going nuts a few times.  I never mentioned it to a single person until last week when I figured out what it was.  Just knowing what it is can be a big help. I’ll be sure to let you all know if anything happens with the doctors. Thanks again, bill btr…@concentric.net – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Stephen Nagler wrote: xbtr…@concentric.net (Bill Truax) wrote:

Ok, long story for a simple question for y’all.  I have Kaiser Health, which in my opinion sucks.  I have to see a GP before pursuing anything else.  Once I get through that, what should I be asking for? What type of specialist should I insist on seeing about this? …………………………. Here’s what I would do. Join the American Tinnitus Association, and talk with other folks who have had tinnitus.  Find out what approaches have been successful for them.  When you find an approach and a facility which in your judgement are most compatible with your needs, I will absolutely assure you that it will not be part of the Kaiser plan.  So then speak with the office manager at the facility you have chosen, express your interest in paying cash for the service, and request information about the uniqueness (and success rate) of that particular program, which you then will present to the client services representative of your Kaiser plan to see if an appeal will result possibly in partial or complete remuneration to you! By your own analysis, your health care plan "sucks."  That does not necessarily mean that your health care must follow suit, but typically it will cost you!  Remember, Kaiser is cut rate coverage (again the colorful word "sucks" comes to mind), and in the end … in life you generally get what you pay for!  Hence, the national trend actually AWAY from HMO’s! Best of luck. nagler Stephen M. Nagler, MD, FACS Director Southeastern Comprehensive Tinnitus Clinic Atlanta, Georgia http://www.tinn.com (404) 531-3979

Response:

Thanks, it’s appreciated.  I may be the silent guest at the table for a while, since at this point I have more to learn than contribute, but I am here. bill btr…@concentric.net – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Bruce F. Meyers wrote:

Welcome, Bill. Pull up a chair and make yourself at home. Bruce Seattle

Response:

Question:

(I crossposted this to alt.eating-disord–those people might prefer to skip to the bottom) The way *I* got checked for sleeping disorders was in the Sleeping Disorders unit at our University Hospital (since we have a college of medicine, we are fortunate enought to have all these latest, greatest, forward-thinking research physicians).  I would suggest a) checking for a doctor or clinic in your area or as far as you’re willing to travel; and b) discussing it further with your primary care physician.  If he still doesn’t refer you, you might consider the cost of one visit–and discuss it thoroughly with the doctor or secretary on the phone FIRST, before you just go in and blah blah.  It might even help to have the doctors who HAVE seen you forward your charts FIRST. The first thing he did was put me on Zoloft. (like Prozac, or any other antidepressant)  THE VERY FIRST NIGHT, I slept through.  I still have trouble FALLING to sleep, but once asleep, I don’t wake more than once or twice until morning.  He is still going to get me into the sleep disorder lab one night to check apnea; I will let you all know what happens. Incidentally, the other side-effects of zoloft were a jackpot to me:  I am much calmer, lessened appetite, smoke less, and can even concentrate better. Donna

Response:

I have been cured of sleep apnea by the use of a machine that helps me sleep. my life has transformed and i will tell my story to anyone interested. — "The rule which forbids ending a sentence with a preposition is the kind of nonsense up with which I will not put."         -Winston Churchill

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