Question:

Those spacers are good. . .but the neatest thing I have seen is a product called MDI Tutor.  It is tiny [barely adds any size to the inhaler] and helps you use your inhaler properly.

Response:

My Aerochamber makes a whistleing sound when I inhale too fast.  Is that what you’re talking about? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those spacers are good. . .but the neatest thing I have seen is a product called MDI Tutor.  It is tiny [barely adds any size to the inhaler] and helps you use your inhaler properly.

Response:

Please email your mailing address.  I will send you a complete package of information on what has finally given me drug free relief after thirty years of suffering!!!

Response:

I can’t imagine taking inhalers anymore without the Aerochamber.  It cuts out that hoarse throat, and just all around seems to be more efficient at getting the medicine where its supposed to go.  Before it would land on my upper pallette (sp?) and leave a spot of medicine there.  Now I don’t have to pay so much attention to how I’m taking it except for expelling my breath before. Sue M.

I agree with you … Aerochambers are great. There’s a really good one out there called an OptiHaler, made by Healthscan Products. I don’t know if you’ve tried it but I personally like to use it a little better than those clear AeroChamber ones. The OptiHaler is more compact so it’s easier to carry around, and I like how it functions. You can store your medication inside it, too. It’s hard to find though at the pharmacies.                                              http://www.europa.com/~bjknotts/

Response:

I can’t imagine taking inhalers anymore without the Aerochamber.  It cuts out that hoarse throat, and just all around seems to be more efficient at getting the medicine where its supposed to go.  Before it would land on my upper pallette (sp?) and leave a spot of medicine there.  Now I don’t have to pay so much attention to how I’m taking it except for expelling my breath before. Sue M.

Response:

What is an aerochamber? Kathy Anderson fellow-sufferer

Response:

What is an aerochamber? Kathy Anderson fellow-sufferer

See the alt.support.asthma FAQ – I wrote a bit on Aerochambers in the FAQ. Briefly, it is a holding chamber that makes inhalers easier and more efficient to use: you spray your medication into it and then inhale the medication from it, at your own comfortable rate. Certainly worth having, since the inhalation speed required for matching the inhaler’s spray speed is difficult for many to achieve (especially during a flare), and since, without one, those who take inhaled steroids are more likely to get thrush. — Mark Feblowitz,   GTE Laboratories Inc., 40 Sylvan Rd.  Waltham, MA 02254

Response:

 When I posted my first note about a month ago I got a lot of wonderful advice from people and many asked for an update after I saw the doctor. Here it is!  I went to the doctor today and by the time I left I was so elated! What a relief to finally get professional help, I feel so relaxed. He put me on Methylprednisolone tabs for 6 days and I also have Flovent and Serevent that I take two puffs of twice a day. I got Albuterol for when/if I have any problems. He also gave me an AeroChamber and a peak flow meter. Now I’m cooking with gas!  :)  Thanks for all the concern. Tammy

Response:

Question:

Hi all, For those of you who use a spacer when taking oral sprays (as I do) do you take your spacer with you when you travel and if so, how do you pack it/take it with you? Mind’s rather bulky. I own what my family refers to as ‘the suitcase’.  It’s a BIG purse [actually an athletic bag].  Just inside the legal limit for carry-on for the airlines.  Amazing how much stuff you can get in there.  :) Chris Owens

I’m laughing! The last time the whole family flew somewhere, I carried all meds in a huge athletic bag. When a security guard stopped me to look through the bag, I just kinda threw it at him and said, "Whatever. It’s all medicine. Knock yourself out." I ignored him and tried to corral the kids. He unzipped it and took a single look. He rolled his eyes and said, "Man, I’m not going through all that. Go ahead." Mary

Response:

I use the Aerogear by the Aerochamber people.  It has an Aerochamber and a Truzone pfm all in a fanny pack.  It is very convenient and also holds about 3 MDI’s.  I can let you know where to get one if you are interested.

Response:

I use the Pulmicort Inhaler (budesonide) this comes with a small spacer.  It measures about an inch square and 3 inches long, expanding to twice its length when used. I find it better than the normal inhaler as it does not effect my throat as the other bectotide did. Steve

Your email address indicates you are in the UK. In the US, Pulmicort is only available as a Turbuhaler (DPI) No spacer is used since it is breath actuated. The best spacer is probably the AeroChamber, a medium size valved device with whistle. For those who want a small spacer for travel, the OptiHaler is very compact, the MDI may be carried in the device. Ellis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, For those of you who use a spacer when taking oral sprays (as I do) do you take your spacer with you when you travel and if so, how do you pack it/take it with you? Mind’s rather bulky. Thanks for any suggestions. Margaret

Response:

I use the Ellipse spacer; both my Serevent and Flovent fit right into it. That and my peak flow both fit into a small handbag quite easily. Great for carry-on to airplanes! C-ko "ambition makes you look very ugly kicking squealing gucci little piggy why don’t you remember my name you runt?" paranoid android — radiohead

Response:

Hi all, For those of you who use a spacer when taking oral sprays (as I do) do you take your spacer with you when you travel and if so, how do you pack it/take it with you? Mind’s rather bulky.

I own what my family refers to as ‘the suitcase’.  It’s a BIG purse [actually an athletic bag].  Just inside the legal limit for carry-on for the airlines.  Amazing how much stuff you can get in there.  :) Chris Owens

Response:

Hi all, For those of you who use a spacer when taking oral sprays (as I do) do you take your spacer with you when you travel and if so, how do you pack it/take it with you? Mind’s rather bulky. I own what my family refers to as ‘the suitcase’.  It’s a BIG purse [actually an athletic bag].  Just inside the legal limit for carry-on for the airlines.  Amazing how much stuff you can get in there.  :) Chris Owens

 It’s best to carry your spacer, becuase then you can avoid and oral yeast infection.

Response:

When I travel, I pack all my meds, my spacer, and my peak flow meter in an insulated lunch box.  The insulated part was for if they had to sit in the trunk of my car for several hours, like when I’m going home for Christmas break.  So far, I’ve never had any trouble with the inhalers getting too hot or cold, and everything is in one place. janet – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, For those of you who use a spacer when taking oral sprays (as I do) do you take your spacer with you when you travel and if so, how do you pack it/take it with you? Mind’s rather bulky. Thanks for any suggestions. Margaret

Response:

Hi I use the Pulmicort Inhaler (budesonide) this comes with a small spacer.  It measures about an inch square and 3 inches long, expanding to twice its length when used. I find it better than the normal inhaler as it does not effect my throat as the other bectotide did. Steve – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, For those of you who use a spacer when taking oral sprays (as I do) do you take your spacer with you when you travel and if so, how do you pack it/take it with you? Mind’s rather bulky. Thanks for any suggestions. Margaret

Response:

Hi all, For those of you who use a spacer when taking oral sprays (as I do) do you take your spacer with you when you travel and if so, how do you pack it/take it with you? Mind’s rather bulky. Thanks for any suggestions. Margaret

Response:

Hi all, For those of you who use a spacer when taking oral sprays (as I do) do you take your spacer with you when you travel and if so, how do you pack it/take it with you? Mind’s rather bulky. Thanks for any suggestions. Margaret

I have a really nifty spacer. Its no bigger than a ventolin inhaler itself. I can’t get them commercially but they get left as promotional samples at my drugstore. They are made by Boehringer Ingelheim ( in Connecticut ) and are called Inhalation Aids Jerry Freedman,Jr

Response:

:Hi all, :For those of you who use a spacer when taking oral sprays (as I do) do you :take your spacer with you when you travel and if so, how do you pack :it/take it with you? Mind’s rather bulky. I do use one and always take mine with me when I travel. mine comes apart into two sections that fit together (like this!)  / /   / /    / a) In that shape they fit into the pocket of a rucksack (30-40L) and sundries likes the inhalers and/or a PFL can fir into the holow. b) It is also a convenient shape for putting into a suitace, and socks can fill the hollow. :Thanks for any suggestions. :Margaret : : : Barry Landy                        Computer Laboratory:+44 1223 334600 University of Cambridge Computing Service New Museums Site                   Email: Remove "nospam" from above Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QG

Response:

Question:

Can anyone help me find out what wrong? In the past month, my lungs have worsened.  My peak flow used to be around 375, but now I can’t get it any higher than 325.  My chest feels tight constantly–it didn’t before.  I sometimes feel intense pain in my chest–I had never felt that before about a month ago.  I need to use my albuterol inhaler about 8 times per week and my neb about 4 times a week–much more meds are needed than ever before.  I’ve been tested and tested for allergies,  but I’m really not allergic to anything.  My doctor says my asthma’s no worse than before.  What’s causing this?

It sounds like your asthma is worse than before. "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."    General Colin Powell

Response:

Can anyone help me find out what wrong? In the past month, my lungs have worsened.  My peak flow used to be around 375, but now I can’t get it any higher than 325.  My chest feels tight constantly–it didn’t before.  I sometimes feel intense pain in my chest–I had never felt that before about a month ago.  I need to use my albuterol inhaler about 8 times per week and my neb about 4 times a week–much more meds are needed than ever before.  I’ve been tested and tested for allergies,  but I’m really not allergic to anything.  My doctor says my asthma’s no worse than before.  What’s causing this? -Lannieta

Since your peak flow is down and symptoms have increased, this indicates your asthma has worsened. Apparently you have nonallergic asthma. It sounds like you need to increase your inhaled steroid or/and switch to one of the newer stronger ones; Pulmicort or Flovent. Current asthma guidelines are to use an Action Plan approved by your doctor to adjust medications. See: http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/updates/patient.htm Patient Asthma Action Plans Ellis

Response:

Can anyone help me find out what wrong? In the past month, my lungs have worsened.  My peak flow used to be around 375, but now I can’t get it any higher than 325.  My chest feels tight constantly–it didn’t before.  I sometimes feel intense pain in my chest–I had never felt that before about a month ago.  I need to use my albuterol inhaler about 8 times per week and my neb about 4 times a week–much more meds are needed than ever before.  I’ve been tested and tested for allergies,  but I’m really not allergic to anything.  My doctor says my asthma’s no worse than before.  What’s causing this? -Lannieta

Response:

Last time I visited my doctor (6 days ago), he LOWERED my Azmacort (one of the older inhaled steroids).  I’m allergic to Pulmicort an Flovent (Flovent almost killed me), so I can’t take them. -Lannieta

Response:

Last time I visited my doctor (6 days ago), he LOWERED my Azmacort (one of the older inhaled steroids).  I’m allergic to Pulmicort an Flovent (Flovent almost killed me), so I can’t take them. -Lannieta

Azmacort is triamcinolone, a rather weak steroid inhaler. It seems to have more side effects than other steroids. I had facial edema from Azmacort, had to switch to Beclovent/Vanceril [beclomethasone]. What are your ‘allergic’ symptoms to Pulmicort and Flovent? Expecially Flovent? Ellis

Response:

Pulmicort reduced my peak flow to about 225 (my average then was about 375) and caused difficulty breathing enough to have an emergency visit to my regular asthma doc.  The Flovent caused me to stop breathing just after taking it–a friend had to call an ambulance and I stayed in the hospital for a day. -Lannieta

Response:

Question:

Hi jenwolf, I don’t know what your situation is, but if you don’t have insurance or lost your insurance coverage most states have an insurance pool available to residents that can’t get private insurance due to chronic illness, birth defects or the like.  I would call your State Insurance Office and see what kind of coverage is available including prescription drugs (this is not through welfare and there is a cost).  I have had to go through this a million times because my youngest child was born with a life long birth defect and no one other than group insurance will touch him…recently ditto for myself and my other son with asthma.  Really raises the blood pressure at times, for sure. Best wishes, Patrice – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – can someone please tell me if there is any help anywhere for this. i have about a month left. please don’t suggest welfare, they have turned me away already. someone mailed me a link to http://www.themedicineprogram.com/ but I’m a lot skeptical about something like this when it’s being done out of a p.o. box and requiring at least $5 up front. please don’t suggest getting samples from my doctor. I take several nebulizer solutions plus singulair and theophyline

Response:

Hello Jenwolf     I just checked this other site and it has some very good info for free so take a look. http://www.needymeds.com/index.html Thanks Lane Lewis

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – can someone please tell me if there is any help anywhere for this. i have about a month left. please don’t suggest welfare, they have turned me away already. someone mailed me a link to http://www.themedicineprogram.com/ but I’m a lot skeptical about something like this when it’s being done out of a p.o. box and requiring at least $5 up front. please don’t suggest getting samples from my doctor. I take several nebulizer solutions plus singulair and theophyline

Response:

Hello Jenwolf     I just checked this other site and it has some very good info for free so take a look. http://www.needymeds.com/index.html

Yes, that one was much more helpful. The thing that bothers me is that some of these companies have an income limit. One said not over $1200/month for a family of 2. Our income is just *slightly* over that right now. What these individual companies don’t seem to realize is that the drug they manufacture is not the only drug I need. The cost for all of them approaches $1000. That’s nearly *all* of our income just for medications. There’s no way we can afford it. Some other people suggested I check into a state insurance pool. Michigan has no such thing. Just some laws about covering people with pre-existing conditions, but that only pertains to employers offering employees insurance through insurance companies within the state. The law has a huge loophole in that they can offer insurance through an out-of-state company which doesn’t have to follow Michigan law or they can offer a private insurance which is not regulated by the state. I found only one insurance company that would sell a policy to a private individual, but they don’t offer prescription coverage to individuals at all. I only got lucky that my husband’s other employer seems to have paid the premium that I am covered under even though they didn’t have to since he’s laid off. So, at least I will be able to get another 3 month supply of everything for about $50. This still doesn’t solve the problem, it just puts a band-aid on it. What we need is a *federal* pool. Or I need to move to SC or CO.

Response:

This insurance program is sometimes listed under wierd things in the blue pages. Try your state insurance commissioner’s office. Also, there are patient advocacy groups that sometimes have all this information together. Under Michigan State Government on the web, I found this page which has a way to access consumer information services of the Michigan State Insurance Bureau: http://www.cis.state.mi.us/ins/  Good luck. Linda

Thank you for the link. I managed to find the number to the state health insurance bureau and called them. For about $200/month I can get health insurance that covers a lot of things: office visits, lab work, x-rays, dental, optical, hospitalization etc … but not prescriptions. They suggested I call the welfare people. When I told them I’d already been turned away by the welfare people, they said "sorry, can’t help ya" Now I know why so many sick people in Michigan kill themselves.

Response:

Links for free drugs for the needy: http://www.themedicineprogram.com/ The Medicine Program "MEDICINE at NO COST!

Medicine at no cost, just be sure you send $5 per medicine requested to this p.o. box and, oh btw, there’s no guarantee. Sounds like a scam to me. The others I haven’t looked at. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – http://www.needymeds.com/index.html  Free Meds http://www.aaaai.org/professional/physicianreference/drugassistance.stm Prescription Assistance

Response:

Hello Jenwolf     Send them the money. They will send you the forms for the free meds. This is legit but there are no guarantees that you will qualify and only some meds such as accolate are available. The drug companies themselves put on these programs for the needy but not all of them do so this service will tell you which ones do and do not. You could try contacting them directly but I’m not sure they would respond. Didn’t you post this about six months ago it’s what got me interested in this and thanks to the person who first posted the link. Thanks :O) Lane Lewis

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – can someone please tell me if there is any help anywhere for this. i have about a month left. please don’t suggest welfare, they have turned me away already. someone mailed me a link to http://www.themedicineprogram.com/ but I’m a lot skeptical about something like this when it’s being done out of a p.o. box and requiring at least $5 up front. please don’t suggest getting samples from my doctor. I take several nebulizer solutions plus singulair and theophyline

Response:

Links for free drugs for the needy: http://www.themedicineprogram.com/ The Medicine Program "MEDICINE at NO COST! http://www.needymeds.com/index.html  Free Meds http://www.aaaai.org/professional/physicianreference/drugassistance.stm Prescription Assistance

Response:

can someone please tell me if there is any help anywhere for this. i have about a month left. please don’t suggest welfare, they have turned me away already. someone mailed me a link to http://www.themedicineprogram.com/ but I’m a lot skeptical about something like this when it’s being done out of a p.o. box and requiring at least $5 up front. please don’t suggest getting samples from my doctor. I take several nebulizer solutions plus singulair and theophyline

Response:

Hi jenwolf, I don’t know what your situation is, but if you don’t have insurance or lost your insurance coverage most states have an insurance pool available to residents that can’t get private insurance due to chronic illness, birth defects or the like.  I would call your State Insurance Office

I’ve heard of this for auto insurance, but not medical. State Insurance Office. I don’t even know that Michigan has one. I can try to find out. What state are you in?

Response:

I’m in South Carolina.  Look in your blue pages under State Insurance Department.  I live in one of the most backward states in the US, so that gives me hope that your state has comparable benefits.  (I know there are SC residents that lurk on this ng, so please don’t flame me for this comment.)

Hmmm, all I can find is listed under community services – insurance complaints – insurance information hotline. I suppose I could call them and complain about being excluded from every medical insurance on the planet just because I have asthma and depression and need about $1000 worth of medication every month. But there’s no listing under the state section. Shrug. Interesting that they also list the suicide prevention hotline under insurance complaints. ‘Course lack of adequate medical care is probably the number 1 reason people in Michigan kill themselves. Not very encouraging, that.

Response:

This insurance program is sometimes listed under wierd things in the blue pages. Try your state insurance commissioner’s office. Also, there are patient advocacy groups that sometimes have all this information together. Under Michigan State Government on the web, I found this page which has a way to access consumer information services of the Michigan State Insurance Bureau: http://www.cis.state.mi.us/ins/  Good luck. Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m in South Carolina.  Look in your blue pages under State Insurance Department.  I live in one of the most backward states in the US, so that gives me hope that your state has comparable benefits.  (I know there are SC residents that lurk on this ng, so please don’t flame me for this comment.) Hmmm, all I can find is listed under community services – insurance complaints – insurance information hotline. I suppose I could call them and complain about being excluded from every medical insurance on the planet just because I have asthma and depression and need about $1000 worth of medication every month. But there’s no listing under the state section. Shrug. Interesting that they also list the suicide prevention hotline under insurance complaints. ‘Course lack of adequate medical care is probably the number 1 reason people in Michigan kill themselves. Not very encouraging, that.

Response:

I’m in South Carolina.  Look in your blue pages under State Insurance Department.  I live in one of the most backward states in the US, so that gives me hope that your state has comparable benefits.  (I know there are SC residents that lurk on this ng, so please don’t flame me for this comment.) Good luck, Patrice – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi jenwolf, I don’t know what your situation is, but if you don’t have insurance or lost your insurance coverage most states have an insurance pool available to residents that can’t get private insurance due to chronic illness, birth defects or the like.  I would call your State Insurance Office I’ve heard of this for auto insurance, but not medical. State Insurance Office. I don’t even know that Michigan has one. I can try to find out. What state are you in?

Response:

Question:

Hi everyone, i’ve suffered headaches off and on my whole life, but over the past 8 days, I have had a severe morning headache every single morning.  It is more in the back of my head, my neck muscles are very sore and my jaw and bottom molars are sore as well. I take two excedrin migraine and the headache is completely gone within an hour, if I don’t take the excedrin, then well the headache stays with me for most of the day until after lunch.  Also my eyes are very light sensitive with these headaches. I had been on zoloft 50mg for about 8 months and two months ago I stopped taking it, I slowly weaned myself off of it.  I’m thinking these headaches could be from the zoloft withdrawal?  I also feel that I may be grinding my teeth at night but i’m not sure.  Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Response:

I had been on zoloft 50mg for about 8 months and two months ago I stopped taking it, I slowly weaned myself off of it. I’m thinking these headaches could be from the zoloft withdrawal? I also feel that I may be grinding my teeth at night but i’m not sure. Any thoughts?

IMHO, it may well be the grinding of your teeth, as well as not taking zoloft anymore.  Doctors say that anti-depressants are not addictive as benzo’s, but they are so wrong.  I  weaned myself off prozac very slowly, and I felt ok for  a few months.  Then all of a sudden, I developed dizzy spells, felt very sad and awful.  So…I took the prozac again, and bingo, the dizziness went away, my crying fits stopped, and felt better (but still have that same underlying feelings of sadness and feelings of despair , guilt, etc.  Try taking the zoloft again in small doses, and see if the headaches stop.  Then you know it was the brain yelling out for the zoloft.  The brain does not forget these little pills we take, and lets us know that it wants it again.  Of course, I could be entirely wrong about this.  Maybe your headaches are caused by tension.  Maybe this, or maybe that.  Good luck and be well.   Art Decco… nyc, usa

Response:

Question:

i have to agree they all tell me that zoloft isn’t addicting either, but screw them all i go off it for 2 days and then have to start it again they say hardly any of the newer drugs are addicting, well i say, that they should try them themselves and then they will see

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Zoloft Withdrawal–The Darkest Period of my Life Antidepressants  "I had all the classic symptoms of a junkie coming off of heroine." My name is Virginia and I just finished seeing a segment on 2020 regarding withdrawal symptoms after getting off of an antidepressant. THANK GOD!!! There are other people out there that have experienced the same symptoms I have experienced! Every doctor in the past, (3), I have told about my withdrawal symptoms have told me that it’s not possible or that they’ve never heard of anyone having these

symptoms months after – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – attempting to get off Zoloft. I even got very upset at one of the doctor’s and told him that the symptoms I was experiencing were "real" and that I was not crazy! To make a long story short– The six months I was off the Zoloft was the darkest period of my life. I had all the classic symptoms of a junkie coming off of heroine. For three weeks straight, I had dry heaves, nausea, dizziness, panic attacks so severe I thought I was having a heart attack, cold sweats, a weird sound in my head, like breaking glass every time I’d blink my eyes, the disconnection of your brains ability to catch up with your vision when you look sharply to the left or right (almost like the old slide projectors that take a second and then click to the next picture), severe paranoia, and continual suicidal thoughts. If it were not for my husband taking time of from work to watch over me, I would not be here today! Unfortunately, I lost my job, and ended up having to get back on the Zoloft in order to live a so-called "normal life". And I can honestly say, it was like a miracle how quickly my nausea and dry heaves went away. I only wish that the first doctor I saw would have informed me about the possibility of becoming addicted to this drug, and given me the choice of alternative treatment or a life long commitment to Zoloft. Now the only symptoms I have are dry mouth and a stiff jaw…Oh, and paranoia about ever losing my health insurance. Virginia — Psychiatry is to Science as Astrology is to Astronomy

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i have to agree they all tell me that zoloft isn’t addicting either, but screw them all i go off it for 2 days and then have to start it again they say hardly any of the newer drugs are addicting, well i say, that they should try them themselves and then they will see Zoloft Withdrawal–The Darkest Period of my Life Antidepressants  "I had all the classic symptoms of a junkie coming off of heroine."

Well, in my experience, if you taper off of the drug, much the same as you slowly build up to a dose perscribed by your pdoc, you will experience less side effects.  The reason why it seems like you are addicted is because your nervous system has become dependant on the drug, and if you were to just stop it, you will experience severe side effects for several months afterwards, which happened to me a few years ago.  However, it’s not anywhere near as severe of an *addiction* as heroine or alcohol. Frost

Response:

i have to agree they all tell me that zoloft isn’t addicting either, but screw them all i go off it for 2 days and then have to start it again they say hardly any of the newer drugs are addicting, well i say, that they should try them themselves and then they will see

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Zoloft Withdrawal–The Darkest Period of my Life Antidepressants  "I had all the classic symptoms of a junkie coming off of heroine." My name is Virginia and I just finished seeing a segment on 2020 regarding withdrawal symptoms after getting off of an antidepressant. THANK GOD!!! There are other people out there that have experienced the same symptoms I have experienced! Every doctor in the past, (3), I have told about my withdrawal symptoms have told me that it’s not possible or that they’ve never heard of anyone having these

symptoms months after – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – attempting to get off Zoloft. I even got very upset at one of the doctor’s and told him that the symptoms I was experiencing were "real" and that I was not crazy! To make a long story short– The six months I was off the Zoloft was the darkest period of my life. I had all the classic symptoms of a junkie coming off of heroine. For three weeks straight, I had dry heaves, nausea, dizziness, panic attacks so severe I thought I was having a heart attack, cold sweats, a weird sound in my head, like breaking glass every time I’d blink my eyes, the disconnection of your brains ability to catch up with your vision when you look sharply to the left or right (almost like the old slide projectors that take a second and then click to the next picture), severe paranoia, and continual suicidal thoughts. If it were not for my husband taking time of from work to watch over me, I would not be here today! Unfortunately, I lost my job, and ended up having to get back on the Zoloft in order to live a so-called "normal life". And I can honestly say, it was like a miracle how quickly my nausea and dry heaves went away. I only wish that the first doctor I saw would have informed me about the possibility of becoming addicted to this drug, and given me the choice of alternative treatment or a life long commitment to Zoloft. Now the only symptoms I have are dry mouth and a stiff jaw…Oh, and paranoia about ever losing my health insurance. Virginia — Psychiatry is to Science as Astrology is to Astronomy

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i have to agree they all tell me that zoloft isn’t addicting either, but screw them all i go off it for 2 days and then have to start it again they say hardly any of the newer drugs are addicting, well i say, that they should try them themselves and then they will see Zoloft Withdrawal–The Darkest Period of my Life Antidepressants  "I had all the classic symptoms of a junkie coming off of heroine."

Well, in my experience, if you taper off of the drug, much the same as you slowly build up to a dose perscribed by your pdoc, you will experience less side effects.  The reason why it seems like you are addicted is because your nervous system has become dependant on the drug, and if you were to just stop it, you will experience severe side effects for several months afterwards, which happened to me a few years ago.  However, it’s not anywhere near as severe of an *addiction* as heroine or alcohol. Frost

Response:

Question:

Folks,           I’ve been on the Paxil for about five weeks now,  feeling better but really experiencing the sexual side effects of the Paxil. I have heard that Serzone gives you all the benefits of Paxil and No sexual side effects.          Can anyone respond both pro and con for switching to Serzone. I’d like to get my drive/libido back. Also if you have made the switch from Paxil how did you do it, were you weaned off the Paxil slowly or just a cold turkey switch to the serzone. Thanks in advance for any and all responses. — Dan ICQ 108553906

Response:

         I’ve been on the Paxil for about five weeks now,  feeling better but really experiencing the sexual side effects of the Paxil. I have heard that Serzone gives you all the benefits of Paxil and No sexual side effects.         Can anyone respond both pro and con for switching to Serzone. I’d like to get my drive/libido back. Also if you have made the switch from Paxil how did you do it, were you weaned off the Paxil slowly or just a cold turkey switch to the serzone.

My doctor switched me from paxil to serzone just before new year’s. No weaning — quit paxil one day, started serzone the next. I can definitely attest to the fact that serzone doesn’t depress libido the way paxil did. However, I’m not as certain that the serzone is as effective as paxil was in controlling anxiety. I *do* know that I’m prepared to stick with the serzone….. — Tom

Response:

I have had no sexual side effects as a result of taking Serzone. It has also gotten rid of my insomnia. I took Paxil for one day and it freaked me out!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –          I’ve been on the Paxil for about five weeks now,  feeling better but really experiencing the sexual side effects of the Paxil. I have heard that Serzone gives you all the benefits of Paxil and No sexual side effects.         Can anyone respond both pro and con for switching to Serzone. I’d like to get my drive/libido back. Also if you have made the switch from Paxil how did you do it, were you weaned off the Paxil slowly or just a cold turkey switch to the serzone. My doctor switched me from paxil to serzone just before new year’s. No weaning — quit paxil one day, started serzone the next. I can definitely attest to the fact that serzone doesn’t depress libido the way paxil did. However, I’m not as certain that the serzone is as effective as paxil was in controlling anxiety. I *do* know that I’m prepared to stick with the serzone….. — Tom

Response:

Danny, I didn’t go from Paxil to Serzone but did go Zoloft-Wellbutrin-Serzone, which I now have been on for about five months.  With the Wellbutrin I ramped off, and then began the "starter pack" of Serzone.  But even the lowest dosage I found intolerable at first – it upset my stomach and made me feel like I had drank ten cups of coffee.  I had to break the beginning pills in half to make it comfortable and move up from there.  Once you’re on it it’s fine, but it’s bumpy getting there. As far as libido or sexual side effects there were none . . . . at first. However (and this could just be me, obviously) at about the four month mark I did start to have problems, similar to what the Zoloft was doing.  It disperses my concentration to the point where it’s very difficult to "finish" in bed.  I don’t know why it took this long to kick in, but it did. I’m currently at 150mg twice a day, and at one point my doc tried to increase it to 400 total.  That DIDN’T work, made me feel like a zombie and totally screwed with my physical coordination, so I went back to 300.  But I’m seriously thinking of ramping off it entirely, not just because of the sexual problem but other side effects as well.  I’ll call my doc and talk about it. Good luck to you, however, and don’t take my experience as a negative for trying Serzone.  I’ve noticed on the other meds many times I have an unusual reaction which just proves we all react differently to some degree. Wayne

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Folks,           I’ve been on the Paxil for about five weeks now,  feeling better but really experiencing the sexual side effects of the Paxil. I have heard that Serzone gives you all the benefits of Paxil and No sexual side effects.          Can anyone respond both pro and con for switching to Serzone. I’d like to get my drive/libido back. Also if you have made the switch from Paxil how did you do it, were you weaned off the Paxil slowly or just a cold turkey switch to the serzone. Thanks in advance for any and all responses. — Dan ICQ 108553906

Response:

Question:

i am so fucking angry, restless, anxious and pissed off. i think this mood has to do with the fact that i havent been able to refill my meds because i had to switch insurance bullshit. anyway, i’m fucking pissed and i feel like ripping my fucking head off. i hate people. i hate myself for fearing people. okay , i’m done ranting. i think i’m gonna go…like…whatever *LiZ* staring…@aol.com http://welcome.to/mysleep

Response:

What meds did you change?  You are taking no meds? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

i am so fucking angry, restless, anxious and pissed off. i think this mood has to do with the fact that i havent been able to refill my meds because i had to switch insurance bullshit. anyway, i’m fucking pissed and i feel like ripping my fucking head off. i hate people. i hate myself for fearing people. okay , i’m done ranting. i think i’m gonna go…like…whatever *LiZ* staring…@aol.com http://welcome.to/mysleep

*************************************************** Grachman, The

Response:

On 26 Aug 1999 02:47:17 GMT, glass…@aol.communist (LiZ) wrote:

i am so fucking angry, restless, anxious and pissed off.

try saying this "GRRRR!"

i think this mood has to do with the fact that i havent been able to refill my meds because i had to switch insurance bullshit.

Bummer, are you going to be able to get them refilled soon, or at least start new meds?

anyway, i’m fucking pissed and i feel like ripping my fucking head off. i hate people. i hate myself for fearing people.

(( you shouldnt feel like that, its not your fault. the best you can do is work at getting better ya know?

okay , i’m done ranting. i think i’m gonna go…like…whatever *LiZ* staring…@aol.com http://welcome.to/mysleep

Nick Wilde nwilde at punkass dot com ————————- Get paid to surf the web AND chat on IRC http://members.xoom.com/nickwilde_/html/getpaid.html

Response:

From: glass…@aol.communist  (LiZ) i think this mood has to do with the fact that i havent been able to refill my meds because i had to switch insurance bullshit.

Liz, you’re probably right about the med thing…call your p-doc and explain that you’ve been off your meds and ask if s/he might be able to supply you with some sample packets to hold you over, tell them *exactly* how you are feeling…I bet they will come up with something! meanwhile double up on the Xanax! Pam

Response:

Sounds like my worst nightmare. I can relate to that a little bit. I missed one Effexor dose and the next day I was like a frikken junky walking into the pharmacy, shaking and extremely pale looking, with my script. If I had to take another day of that I would have been close to voluntary lock-up. Hope ya get them soon babe. For the time being just sit somewhere quiet, close your eyes and think of the number 1 over and over again Or as Pam says numb your head with Bzo’s. Personally the latter seems like a much more attractive option — Russ "Better living through Chemistry" MzPami <mzp…@aol.com

wrote in message

news:19990826175744.28280.00000029@ng-fl1.aol.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

From: glass…@aol.communist  (LiZ) i think this mood has to do with the fact that i havent been able to

refill

my meds because i had to switch insurance bullshit. Liz, you’re probably right about the med thing…call your p-doc and

explain

that you’ve been off your meds and ask if s/he might be able to supply you

with

some sample packets to hold you over, tell them *exactly* how you are feeling…I bet they will come up with something! meanwhile double up on the Xanax! Pam

Response:

Hi Liz

i am so fucking angry, restless, anxious and pissed off.

Congratulations. Me too.

i think this mood has to do with the fact that i havent been able to

refill my

meds because i had to switch insurance bullshit. anyway, i’m fucking pissed and i feel like ripping my fucking head off.

Don’t do it. Maybe you have a nice head.

i hate people.

I don’t hate (all) people: they hate me.

i hate myself for fearing people.

Same here… — Ciao! |  /| | / |ark  ../   /os FIDO 2:284/5.7 E-mail mccm….@hccnet.nl URL http://home.hccnet.nl/mccm.vos ICQ 326628 (PGP key available)

Response:

Question:

SOUNDS LIKE LUPUS TO ME

Response:

Wow, what kind of dr.’s are you seeing?  The ANA is not a definite deciding issue of Lupus, but the butterfly rash, that is major…I also have rash’s, they call mine vasculitis, never had the butterfly tho… Linda

Response:

Is it possible to have Lupus yet have a negative test result?  

Response:

On Thu, 4 Jun 1998 23:40:43 -0600, btl…@webtv.net (Tracey Lowe) wrote:

Is it possible to have Lupus yet have a negative test result?  

Hi Tracey, Yes it is possible.  There are several tests to help diagnose Lupus. None of them are entirely conclusive.  The ANA test can be low or negative even when one has lupus.  The dsDNA test, when it is present, is highly specific for Lupus, however it is only positive in a portion of the Lupus population.  In "mild" cases or in remission, any of these tests can be negative or very low.  Most docs will not give a diagnosis of SLE if these test are low even if one has many of the more telling symptoms.  However, it’s important that if you or your doc suspect connective tissue disease that these tests be repeated at least once a year – more if the patient begins to note an increase of symptoms or severity. In a person previously diagnosed with SLE, drug treatments or just the luck of remission, can cause negative test results and this sometimes confuses both doctor and patient. It is also possible that errors are made in the testing procedure. Again, this indicates a need to be retested in the future. kc

Response:

Tracey Lowe <btl…@webtv.net

wrote in article

<6l80cr$on…@newsd-123.bryant.webtv.net

… Is it possible to have Lupus yet have a negative test result?  

I didn’t know there was a lupus specific test that could be done.  I thought that there were a list of symptoms and tests results that are used for diagnosis criteria.  What test are you referring to that was negative? Judith

Response:

Tracey, you can have a negative ANA test and have lupus and you can have a posiive ANA and not have lupus.  Lupus is typically diagnosed by a combination of symptoms that have been determined by the American Arthritis Foundaton.  So your doctor looks at your overall condition to make a diagnosis. Symptoms they look for are joint pain, sensitivity to sunlight, malar (butterfly) rash on your face, discoid lesions, mouth sores, low grade fever, possible organ involvement…    :(  sorry, that’s all I can think of right now.  Many of us have what we fondly call brain fog and after a full day at work, just can’t seem to think. Hang in there, Margaret

Response:

Thanks for your response.  I develop a large butterfly rash on my face and will get spots on my upper body (some on my legs, If I had shorts on) within 5 min. of being in the sun without sunblock.  I have had knee and ankle joint pains for 15 years however, my rhumatoid test is negative.  I have had 5 biopsies and blood work done 3 times.  The docs I have went to cannot tell me what I have.  Lupus has been the guess however my test all have a negative ANA.  So they just keep testing. The rashes have been going on for 6 years now and are getting larger and more sun sensitive every year, and they take a week or more to disapear. I hope to find out what it is soon!!!   :]  Does this sound farmilliar to anyone?

Response:

I too have the rash, and I never ever go in the sun without loads of protection! To do this is only asking for trouble, in more ways then one. I was diagnosed at 26 and am now 47. As time goes by I get more and more sun sensative. I have to wear sunglasses all year round, and the same with sunscreen. Please be careful. God Bless and Good Health……….Kathy Tracey Lowe wrote in message <6li2fl$90…@newsd-123.bryant.webtv.net

…

Thanks for your response.  I develop a large butterfly rash on my face and will get spots on my upper body (some on my legs, If I had shorts on) within 5 min. of being in the sun without sunblock.  I have had knee and ankle joint pains for 15 years however, my rhumatoid test is negative.  I have had 5 biopsies and blood work done 3 times.  The docs I have went to cannot tell me what I have.  Lupus has been the guess however my test all have a negative ANA.  So they just keep testing. The rashes have been going on for 6 years now and are getting larger and more sun sensitive every year, and they take a week or more to disapear. I hope to find out what it is soon!!!   :]  Does this sound farmilliar to anyone?

Response:

Question:

: Does anyone know the side effects from Prozak? I have been taking 20mg : daily for a couple of months, and have had a mild headache ever since. It’s : kind of like someone is pushing on my head from above! : Jim — Jim, All AD’s usually have some side-effects but they vary according to the person. I took one dose of 20 mg. of Prozac and had an extreme anxiety attack in the middle of the night. Prozac is an SSRI which is one of the newest drugs available and theoretically has fewer side effects than the older tri-cyclics. They don’t seem to have the tendency to sedate or cause dry-mouth and constipation like the older drugs, but I have had some side effects from Zoloft and Serzone which are fairly new as well. Basically any thing that you notice after being on the drug and didn’t have before could be a side-effect. Quite often the side-effects will go away or dissipate over time, sometimes not. Give it 4-6 weeks if it is not severe headache and then decide if it has helped. If not, you should hav e your doctor try another one. Good Luck! Lise,  Guelph, ON Canada

Response:

Does anyone know the side effects of Prozak. I have been on 20mg a day for a couple of months and have had a strange heavy feeling 24 hours a day! Kind of a very mild dull headache. This was similar to the very reason (Symptom) that I was originally given the Prozak for. Any ideas would be great! Please reply by e-mail Jim

I have the same prescription which includes Xanax.  No side effects, except when I take too much alcohol (beer).  Then I get anxious or close to panic.  I was also on 60 mg of Prosac for years and the only side effect was need to sleep and no libido and that was a fair trade-off as far as I was concerned. —

Response:

Does anyone know the side effects from Prozak? I have been taking 20mg daily for a couple of months, and have had a mild headache ever since. It’s kind of like someone is pushing on my head from above! Jim

 I was on Prozac for about 9 months to one year, it was my first AD and I had a hard time with it. I would have a few night mares and would be sexually uninterested if that is what the word would be. It took away my libido and gave me diarea, both of which were uncomfortable for me. I am no longer taking any medications but this summer I want to try to get back on something. I was also taking 20mg, 10 in the mourning and 10 at night. Then I was moved to just 10 a day, in the morning. Later I switched to wellbutrin and then to zoloft. None of these medications worked the way I wished they would have but I am still going to try again. Shane

Response:

Does anyone know the side effects of Prozak. I have been on 20mg a day for a couple of months and have had a strange heavy feeling 24 hours a day! Kind of a very mild dull headache. This was similar to the very reason (Symptom) that I was originally given the Prozak for. Any ideas would be great! Please reply by e-mail Jim

Response: