Question:

What are your thoughts on very dry skin, crack on fingers and heels, very dry scalp. Bruising easily.  ON Flovent 110, Atrovent, Serevent and Proventil as needed. Also Claritan D.  Am feeling much better and will soon decrease to eventual ceasing of Atrovent.   Thank you for your help. jane

Response:

What are your thoughts on very dry skin, crack on fingers and heels, very dry scalp. Bruising easily.  ON Flovent 110, Atrovent, Serevent and Proventil as needed. Also Claritan D…..

my skin still seems okay but my finger nails are very dry and brittle. I don’t think it is the meds. The decongestant in claritin may be dehydrating you a bit though – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

If you are able to use the MDI with spacer well then the neb machines are just a hassle, expense, and source of infection.

Source of infection…???  Please elaborate.

Response:

If they are not well maintained some can harbor molds. If you are allergic to them it can be a problem. It was probably a little inaccurate of me to imply that you will get an actual lung infection as I don’t think this is common. Forgive me it was late. — Good Luck, CBI, M.D. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you are able to use the MDI with spacer well then the neb machines are just a hassle, expense, and source of infection. Source of infection…???  Please elaborate.

Response:

If I read your post right I think you are asking what a nebulizer is and if you may benefit from it. If not …. Sorry. A nebulizer is a machine that takes the medicine and makes a mist out of it. It takes about 10 minutes to take a single treatment. The "nebs" do deliver more drug to the lower respiratory tree (lungs). The question is; does this make a difference, or ; do you need the extra amount of drug. The answer is probably not. Studies that looked at relative dose have found that 2.5 mg of albuterol nebulized is about equal to ten puffs of the MDI with spacer. Studies looking at effect and outcome find three or four puffs with spacer to be equally effective as nebs. I put this apparent discrepancy together by theorizing that the extra drug above four puffs doesn’t add much. If you are able to use the MDI with spacer well then the neb machines are just a hassle, expense, and source of infection. People in extreme distress cannot use the MDI well and need a neb. — Good Luck, CBI, M.D.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I take Flovent 110, two puffs twice a day.  That usually controls my symptons. I also take allergy shots.  When my asathma  acts up, I also take an inhaled albuterol.  In the past the doctor has prescribed a couple of prednisone bursts when that did not work, and that brought everything under control.  Not real frequent — my last burst was 14 months ago.  Should I be using a nebulizer when the inhaled meds don’t seem to knock it out?  What exactly is a nebulizer and what are the pros and cons.  In the past my asthma seems to have been triggered by cold or flu viruses or cold temperatures, but I think this spring I am getting my first allergy one — everything is blooming here in Iowa, the spring flowers are glorious,  the flowering trees are glorious and the air is full of pollen.  Any thoughts or comments?  I will see my allergist shortly — he left town for two weeks. Kathy from Iowa

Response:

To my doctor the cons of having an at home nebulizer outway the pros.  Using a nebulizer gives you the same medication as an inhaled albuterol inhaler.  This is the same medicne that they usually give me when I need to visit the ER.  The thing about using albuterol in high doses is that it really speeds up your heart rate, something that you might want monitered by the ER staff.  Seccondly at the ER they add extra oxygen to their nebulizers.  This may not help your astma symptoms much, but it is really nice to get some oxygen after having an 80% blood oxygen level when you come in the door.  The third advantage of going to the ER instead of having an at home nebulizer is that in the ER they can give you intravenus steroids.  Although I hate to get them because of the side effects, this works a lot faster than calling your doctor and having him prescribe you a prednisone burst. To me going to the ER at 3:00 in the morning is a real pain.  I live 11 miles from the hospital, which is about a 25 minute drive.  Once you get there they treat you like an idoit, make you put on a gown, start drawing blood, and then after they hook you up to a blood oxygen monitor finaly realize that you are having a severe astma attack start giving you nebulizer treatments.   All of this is annoying, but  when my breathing is so bad that my albuterol inhaler isn’t working I am glad to have the doctors close at hand.

Response:

I take Flovent 110, two puffs twice a day.  That usually controls my symptons. I also take allergy shots.  When my asathma  acts up, I also take an inhaled albuterol.  In the past the doctor has prescribed a couple of prednisone bursts when that did not work, and that brought everything under control.  Not real frequent — my last burst was 14 months ago.  Should I be using a nebulizer when the inhaled meds don’t seem to knock it out?  What exactly is a nebulizer and what are the pros and cons.  In the past my asthma seems to have been triggered by cold or flu viruses or cold temperatures, but I think this spring I am getting my first allergy one — everything is blooming here in Iowa, the spring flowers are glorious,  the flowering trees are glorious and the air is full of pollen.  Any thoughts or comments?  I will see my allergist shortly — he left town for two weeks. Kathy from Iowa

Response:

I take Flovent 110, two puffs twice a day.  That usually controls my symptons. I also take allergy shots.  When my asathma  acts up, I also take an inhaled albuterol.  In the past the doctor has prescribed a couple of prednisone bursts when that did not work, and that brought everything under control.  Not real frequent — my last burst was 14 months ago.  Should I be using a nebulizer when the inhaled meds don’t seem to knock it out?  What exactly is a nebulizer and what are the pros and cons.  In the past my asthma seems to have been triggered by cold or flu viruses or cold temperatures, but I think this spring I am getting my first allergy one — everything is blooming here in Iowa, the spring flowers are glorious,  the flowering trees are glorious and the air is full of pollen.  Any thoughts or comments?  I will see my allergist shortly — he left town for two weeks.

What you and your doctor need to do is sit down and work out a detailed treatment plan on when and how to use your rescue medications, when to call the ER, etc.  This is often tied to a PFM, with certain actions being taken when your flows drop below certain levels. Chris Owens

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I take Flovent 110, two puffs twice a day.  That usually controls my symptons. I also take allergy shots.  When my asathma  acts up, I also take an inhaled albuterol.  In the past the doctor has prescribed a couple of prednisone bursts when that did not work, and that brought everything under control.  Not real frequent — my last burst was 14 months ago.  Should I be using a nebulizer when the inhaled meds don’t seem to knock it out?  What exactly is a nebulizer and what are the pros and cons.  In the past my asthma seems to have been triggered by cold or flu viruses or cold temperatures, but I think this spring I am getting my first allergy one — everything is blooming here in Iowa, the spring flowers are glorious,  the flowering trees are glorious and the air is full of pollen.  Any thoughts or comments?  I will see my allergist shortly — he left town for two weeks. Kathy from Iowa

Hi Kathy, My family , all of us have asthma. My husband has had it all his life, but when he was younger they called it everything but asthma. My son has had asthma since he was 2. I was diagnosed last fall with asthma. We have a nebulizer and all of us have benefitted from it too. We also have a portable nebulizer that runs off a battery. We tend to use the nebulizer when we don’t seem to be getting much relief from the regular inhaler. If you use the nebulizer it delivers the medication to your lungs alot better than an inhaler will. Also we double the flovent and that sometimes helps. There are times when prednisone is also to be used. I would not be with out a nebulizer at all. My son does complain that it takes longer, but the benefits are worth it. Good luck. Susanne Loud

Response:

Question:

Hello, 1981 Cadillac DeVille – The power antenna has issues. In fact, the motor just whirs continuously when plugged in. (The antenna was broken off this one.) I went to a salvage yard and found another one with an antenna, but this has the same problem as the original (motors engages, won’t shut off.) Are these rebuildable? It looks like it can come apart, and I’m assuming the wire that moves the antenna up and down is broken on the new(er) one. If I can take 2 and make one then I would be happy, but am not sure if I’m wasting my time. Auto parts stores have generic ones that don’t fit most vehicles. The factory one is much simpler to re/re. (Much easier than I thought it would be.) I haven’t tried the dealer yet, as most parts from my year have been discontinued. Thanks, Daniel

Response:

Some power antennas can be repaired. Many have a slender toothed rod or strip inside. The motor catches the teeth in the strip and runs the antenna up and down. You may be able to build one good antenna from the two.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, 1981 Cadillac DeVille – The power antenna has issues. In fact, the motor just whirs continuously when plugged in. (The antenna was broken off this one.) I went to a salvage yard and found another one with an antenna, but this has the same problem as the original (motors engages, won’t shut off.) Are these rebuildable? It looks like it can come apart, and I’m assuming the wire that moves the antenna up and down is broken on the new(er) one. If I can take 2 and make one then I would be happy, but am not sure if I’m wasting my time. Auto parts stores have generic ones that don’t fit most vehicles. The factory one is much simpler to re/re. (Much easier than I thought it would be.) I haven’t tried the dealer yet, as most parts from my year have been discontinued. Thanks, Daniel

Response:

GM sells a mast repair kit for most of their antennas.  I think I paid about $20 last time I had to buy one, as opposed to about $100 for an entire new antenna assembly.  You just have to remove and disassemble the antenna and install the new plastic "wire" that raises and lowers the mast. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, 1981 Cadillac DeVille – The power antenna has issues. In fact, the motor just whirs continuously when plugged in. (The antenna was broken off this one.) I went to a salvage yard and found another one with an antenna, but this has the same problem as the original (motors engages, won’t shut off.) Are these rebuildable? It looks like it can come apart, and I’m assuming the wire that moves the antenna up and down is broken on the new(er) one. If I can take 2 and make one then I would be happy, but am not sure if I’m wasting my time. Auto parts stores have generic ones that don’t fit most vehicles. The factory one is much simpler to re/re. (Much easier than I thought it would be.) I haven’t tried the dealer yet, as most parts from my year have been discontinued. Thanks, Daniel

Response:

GM sells a mast repair kit for most of their antennas.  I think I paid about $20 last time I had to buy one, as opposed to about $100 for an entire new antenna assembly.  You just have to remove and disassemble the antenna and install the new plastic "wire" that raises and lowers the mast. Mike

I just went through this with my girlfriends Buick.  Autozone listed a power antenna direct replacement for this one for about $50. NAPA had an adaptor which allows ordinary antennae to be installed and connected to the unusual power antenna connector.  I used the ordinary antenna. NAPA also had the mast repair kits to fix the old units.

Response:

There is a limit switch on the internal mechanism that senses the position of the staff, this is probably bent or broken, very common on those units, short of a new ass’y, you would need a couple of old ones to use all the parts to make one good one, they don’t have to be from a Cadillac, only the mt. bkts are different.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, 1981 Cadillac DeVille – The power antenna has issues. In fact, the motor just whirs continuously when plugged in. (The antenna was broken off this one.) I went to a salvage yard and found another one with an antenna, but this has the same problem as the original (motors engages, won’t shut off.) Are these rebuildable? It looks like it can come apart, and I’m assuming the wire that moves the antenna up and down is broken on the new(er) one. If I can take 2 and make one then I would be happy, but am not sure if I’m wasting my time. Auto parts stores have generic ones that don’t fit most vehicles. The factory one is much simpler to re/re. (Much easier than I thought it would be.) I haven’t tried the dealer yet, as most parts from my year have been discontinued. Thanks, Daniel

—–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Well, The dealer doesn’t stock the mast repair kits anymore, and all they have is a "universal" kit as well. $220!! What a pain. I’ll try NAPA tomorrow and see if they have anything. Most auto parts places around here just have the universal fits. Hopefully NAPA has a *repair* kit. Thanks for all the replies, Daniel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There is a limit switch on the internal mechanism that senses the position of the staff, this is probably bent or broken, very common on those units, short of a new ass’y, you would need a couple of old ones to use all the parts to make one good one, they don’t have to be from a Cadillac, only the mt. bkts are different. Hello, 1981 Cadillac DeVille – The power antenna has issues. In fact, the motor just whirs continuously when plugged in. (The antenna was broken off this one.) I went to a salvage yard and found another one with an antenna, but this has the same problem as the original (motors engages, won’t shut off.) Are these rebuildable? It looks like it can come apart, and I’m assuming the wire that moves the antenna up and down is broken on the new(er) one. If I can take 2 and make one then I would be happy, but am not sure if I’m wasting my time. Auto parts stores have generic ones that don’t fit most vehicles. The factory one is much simpler to re/re. (Much easier than I thought it would be.) I haven’t tried the dealer yet, as most parts from my year have been discontinued. Thanks, Daniel —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Hello, 1981 Cadillac DeVille – The power antenna has issues. In fact, the motor just whirs continuously when plugged in. (The antenna was broken off this one.) I went to a salvage yard and found another one with an antenna, but this has the same problem as the original (motors engages, won’t shut off.)

In my Honda, I had the same problem… It was a really wet day, and when I shut off my radio, the antenna comes down and once it’s fully retracted, the motor keeps on going. and it wouldn’t stop. I had to remove the fuse b/c it was really loud! anyways, I took it apart, and there was a relay with 3 wires connected to it. +, -. Blue Radio Wire. Most likely, your relay is broken or cracked and water is shorting it. depending on how skillful you are, you can goto a electronics store and buy the same part. you will have to do some soddering.

Response:

Broken cord assemblies are the common cause for this problem in GM automobiles. Don’t overlook calling an AC-Delco distributor if there is one near your location.  They stock many parts, and that is where I was last able to get the nylon cord assembly, about two years ago.  I did find the number in the GM catalog though, I wish I still had it so I could give it to you. The local company here is Rowerdink.  www.rowerdink.com Worth a try, if you are still looking.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, 1981 Cadillac DeVille – The power antenna has issues. In fact, the motor just whirs continuously when plugged in. (The antenna was broken off this one.) I went to a salvage yard and found another one with an antenna, but this has the same problem as the original (motors engages, won’t shut off.) In my Honda, I had the same problem… It was a really wet day, and when I shut off my radio, the antenna comes down and once it’s fully retracted, the motor keeps on going. and it wouldn’t stop. I had to remove the fuse b/c it was really loud! anyways, I took it apart, and there was a relay with 3 wires connected to it. +, -. Blue Radio Wire. Most likely, your relay is broken or cracked and water is shorting it. depending on how skillful you are, you can goto a electronics store and buy the same part. you will have to do some soddering.

Response:

These units are probably the same thru several years if you can find one from a wrecked 79-83 Caddie or any GM car for that matter that used the power unit. Roy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, 1981 Cadillac DeVille – The power antenna has issues. In fact, the motor just whirs continuously when plugged in. (The antenna was broken off this one.) I went to a salvage yard and found another one with an antenna, but this has the same problem as the original (motors engages, won’t shut off.) In my Honda, I had the same problem… It was a really wet day, and when I shut off my radio, the antenna comes down and once it’s fully retracted, the motor keeps on going. and it wouldn’t stop. I had to remove the fuse b/c it was really loud! anyways, I took it apart, and there was a relay with 3 wires connected to it. +, -. Blue Radio Wire. Most likely, your relay is broken or cracked and water is shorting it. depending on how skillful you are, you can goto a electronics store and buy the same part. you will have to do some soddering.

Response:

I’m a used auto dealer and these things are a real pain.  I have gone to the junk yard and removed a manual mast antenna from a GM car and installed it in place of the power one.  If you are careful you can get one that mounts up nearly exactly to the original and your problems are over.  Usually on late model Caddys I do replace the entire assembly though…just because it’s a Caddy.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, 1981 Cadillac DeVille – The power antenna has issues. In fact, the motor just whirs continuously when plugged in. (The antenna was broken off this one.) I went to a salvage yard and found another one with an antenna, but this has the same problem as the original (motors engages, won’t shut off.) Are these rebuildable? It looks like it can come apart, and I’m assuming the wire that moves the antenna up and down is broken on the new(er) one. If I can take 2 and make one then I would be happy, but am not sure if I’m wasting my time. Auto parts stores have generic ones that don’t fit most vehicles. The factory one is much simpler to re/re. (Much easier than I thought it would be.) I haven’t tried the dealer yet, as most parts from my year have been discontinued. Thanks, Daniel

Response:

Hey thanks! They have a few in stock. All I gotta do is wait till payday and see how much shipping costs to Canada. The dealers around here can’t get them anymore. Daniel

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Broken cord assemblies are the common cause for this problem in GM automobiles. Don’t overlook calling an AC-Delco distributor if there is one near your location.  They stock many parts, and that is where I was last able to get the nylon cord assembly, about two years ago.  I did find the number in the GM catalog though, I wish I still had it so I could give it to you. The local company here is Rowerdink.  www.rowerdink.com Worth a try, if you are still looking. Hello, 1981 Cadillac DeVille – The power antenna has issues. In fact, the motor just whirs continuously when plugged in. (The antenna was broken off this one.) I went to a salvage yard and found another one with an antenna, but this has the same problem as the original (motors engages, won’t shut off.) In my Honda, I had the same problem… It was a really wet day, and when I shut off my radio, the antenna comes down and once it’s fully retracted, the motor keeps on going. and it wouldn’t stop. I had to remove the fuse b/c it was really loud! anyways, I took it apart, and there was a relay with 3 wires connected to it. +, -. Blue Radio Wire. Most likely, your relay is broken or cracked and water is shorting it. depending on how skillful you are, you can goto a electronics store and buy the same part. you will have to do some soddering.

Response:

I had similar problem in my ‘87 DeVille.  The fix is more of a PITA than I care for, so my solution was to extend the antenna and pull the fuse….. Watching the antenna go up/down was as impressive as it use to be anyway….LOL Cheap ‘fix’…. Dave S

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:

LEASE STOP NAGGING ALL THE TIME, IT’S GETTING ON MY NERVES! : hilip (indeed, it’s that time of the month again bloating, water retention and boobs that feel like they are being twisted in a vise. Probably breaking out with a few pimples as well? ) Jackie ~*~Would you respect my mind more if it bounced gently when I walked?~*~ — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

((((((((((((Tony))))))))))))) Don’t be sorry for being absent.  (I know I do the same thing…so slap me) I hope you feel better…because that is what’s most important (I can give advice, but can’t take it…so slap me again)  :-) Hang in there, hun…and I hope you’re feeling ALL better soon. Hugs, Gigglz

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I feel like I’m finally making progress against this sinus infection but today my anxiety has been rising. a) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling withdrawal. b) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling "inflamed". c) Getting better finally and getting my energy back. d) Getting better and now realizing that my Effexor dose     is too high. I’ll let you know how I feel in the morning. Sorry for being absent today. Tony — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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

Response:

LEASE STOP NAGGING ALL THE TIME, IT’S GETTING ON MY NERVES! : hilip (indeed, it’s that time of the month again bloating, water retention and boobs that feel like they are being twisted in a vise. Probably breaking out with a few pimples as well? )

LOL! So glad to meet someone who *understands*… P. Jackie ~*~Would you respect my mind more if it bounced gently when I walked?~*~ — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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

Response:

PLEASE STOP NAGGING ALL THE TIME, IT’S GETTING ON MY NERVES!

Yes, dear. I understand. Right. Ah-huh. Sorry. Would it help if I whipped myself?  Or jumped off the roof onto my head? What?   OK, I’ll just keep my mouth shut. Chip   ~holding both hands over BIG mouth~ — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

PLEASE STOP NAGGING ALL THE TIME, IT’S GETTING ON MY NERVES! Yes, dear. I understand. Right. Ah-huh. Sorry. Would it help if I whipped myself?  Or jumped off the roof onto my head?

We won’t know until you try P(MS) — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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

Response:

(((Tony))) Hope you figure out what is happening and feel better soon. Take care, Liz

*I feel like I’m finally making progress against this sinus *infection but today my anxiety has been rising. * * *a) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling withdrawal. *b) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling "inflamed". *c) Getting better finally and getting my energy back. *d) Getting better and now realizing that my Effexor dose *    is too high. * *I’ll let you know how I feel in the morning. * *Sorry for being absent today. * *Tony * *– *The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm * — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

PLEASE STOP NAGGING ALL THE TIME, IT’S GETTING ON MY NERVES! Yes, dear. I understand. Right. Ah-huh. Sorry. Would it help if I whipped myself?  Or jumped off the roof onto my head? We won’t know until you try P(MS)

Good one, P. Chip  :^) — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Philip, Chocolate…run for chocolate…lol! smiles, Elise

Oh dear, I *love* chocolate, it’s the single best thing ever invented. Unfortunately I have to *lose* weight, not gain any…. P. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry you are feeling anxious and irritable today. Are you sure you aren`t PMS`ing? I think all the men on ASAP-M have PMS along with the women. It’s very contagious! Chip  :^) PLEASE STOP NAGGING ALL THE TIME, IT’S GETTING ON MY NERVES! Philip (indeed, it’s that time of the month again — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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

Response:

I feel like I’m finally making progress against this sinus infection but today my anxiety has been rising. a) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling withdrawal. b) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling "inflamed". c) Getting better finally and getting my energy back. d) Getting better and now realizing that my Effexor dose     is too high. I’ll let you know how I feel in the morning. Sorry for being absent today. Tony — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Tony, Good to hear your sinus problem is starting to get better but the rising anxiety doesn’t sound good.   have no idea of why your anxiety is rising but hope it dissipates and you are feeling lots better today. Please let us know how you are doing today… smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I feel like I’m finally making progress against this sinus infection but today my anxiety has been rising. a) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling withdrawal. b) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling "inflamed". c) Getting better finally and getting my energy back. d) Getting better and now realizing that my Effexor dose     is too high. I’ll let you know how I feel in the morning. Sorry for being absent today. Tony — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I feel like I’m finally making progress against this sinus infection but today my anxiety has been rising. a) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling withdrawal. b) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling "inflamed". c) Getting better finally and getting my energy back. d) Getting better and now realizing that my Effexor dose     is too high. I’ll let you know how I feel in the morning. Sorry for being absent today. Tony

I go for C Hope you feel better tomorrow ! Your friend Anna — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hope you soon feel better, Tony!! MikeH

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I feel like I’m finally making progress against this sinus infection but today my anxiety has been rising. a) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling withdrawal. b) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling "inflamed". c) Getting better finally and getting my energy back. d) Getting better and now realizing that my Effexor dose     is too high. I’ll let you know how I feel in the morning. Sorry for being absent today. Tony

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

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I feel like I’m finally making progress against this sinus infection but today my anxiety has been rising. a) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling withdrawal. b) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling "inflamed". c) Getting better finally and getting my energy back. d) Getting better and now realizing that my Effexor dose     is too high. I’ll let you know how I feel in the morning. Sorry for being absent today. Tony I go for C Hope you feel better tomorrow ! Your friend Anna

I slept on the question and now I know that I’m still sick.  The Medrol had me feeling pretty good while I was on the high dose but now I need to take ibuprofen to relax my nervous system. I need a vacation from this sickness I’m going bananas!!! Your friend, Tony — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Tony, Good to hear your sinus problem is starting to get better but the rising anxiety doesn’t sound good.   have no idea of why your anxiety is rising but hope it dissipates and you are feeling lots better today. Please let us know how you are doing today… smiles, Elise

I’m still sick and my nervous system feels sick. I am coming out of the brain fog and maybe that is making me more aware of how sick my body feels. I took some ibuprofen last night and that helped.  I’ll do it again this morning. Thanks, Tony — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Sorry you are feeling anxious and irritable today. Are you sure you aren`t PMS`ing? I think all the men on ASAP-M have PMS along with the women. It’s very contagious! Chip  :^)

PLEASE STOP NAGGING ALL THE TIME, IT’S GETTING ON MY NERVES! Philip (indeed, it’s that time of the month again — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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

Response:

Philip, Chocolate…run for chocolate…lol! smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry you are feeling anxious and irritable today. Are you sure you aren`t PMS`ing? I think all the men on ASAP-M have PMS along with the women. It’s very contagious! Chip  :^) PLEASE STOP NAGGING ALL THE TIME, IT’S GETTING ON MY NERVES! Philip (indeed, it’s that time of the month again — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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

Response:

:I think all the men on ASAP-M have PMS I`m glad you said that and not me :along with the women. I NEVER, EVER, have PMS.  <HISS ~~~ :It’s very contagious! I know, we catch everything from you guys<g! Jackie ~*~Would you respect my mind more if it bounced gently when I walked?~*~ — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I know, we catch everything from you guys<g!

Ha ha!  <clap clap clap   ER, I mean:  <applause xo Anne — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

: :a) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling withdrawal. :b) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling "inflamed". :c) Getting better finally and getting my energy back. :d) Getting better and now realizing that my Effexor dose :    is too high. Sorry you are feeling anxious and irritable today. Are you sure you aren`t PMS`ing? It`s probably a combination of the above that is reeking havoc with you. Rest assured that this is just a temporary feeling. I suggest you lay on the couch all day and pig out on chocolate. That always makes me feel better :I’ll let you know how I feel in the morning. : :Sorry for being absent today. I hope you feel better soon. Don`t worry about being absent, it`s more important to take care of "you". {{{{{Tony}}}}} Jackie ~*~Would you respect my mind more if it bounced gently when I walked?~*~ — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

glad your sinus infection better hopefully it just a small adjustment till you feel better all around Jim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I feel like I’m finally making progress against this sinus infection but today my anxiety has been rising. a) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling withdrawal. b) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling "inflamed". c) Getting better finally and getting my energy back. d) Getting better and now realizing that my Effexor dose     is too high. I’ll let you know how I feel in the morning. Sorry for being absent today. Tony — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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

Response:

Sorry you are feeling anxious and irritable today. Are you sure you aren`t PMS`ing?

I think all the men on ASAP-M have PMS along with the women. It’s very contagious! Chip  :^) — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I feel like I’m finally making progress against this sinus infection but today my anxiety has been rising. a) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling withdrawal. b) Tapering off the Medrol and feeling "inflamed". c) Getting better finally and getting my energy back. d) Getting better and now realizing that my Effexor dose     is too high. I’ll let you know how I feel in the morning. Sorry for being absent today. Tony

So Tony, how are you feeling today?  I have it today.  Pretty bad too.  The nervous jitters and all.  I hope you are feeling better. BTW, the weather is gorgeous here today.  Mid 60’s sunshine and the beaches are gorgeous (water is around 53 degrees however) Take care, friend, Vicki — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Question:

Hanging on by my nails.  Moved to Georgia.  My ex and Maria came too to try to keep family together for her.  I am assistant to a professor and go back out for teaching this season (next month) if can get energy up . . . could not handle effexor withdrawal so I put myself back on this weekend.  I need my zyprexa, but can’t have it.  Side effects put me in this damn wheel chair.  Not a single friend here.  I know Aware here, but not together enough to ask to meet yet.  Hard time doing my work — any work — really feel scared and hopeless and I am so aware that in the end the sick must have willpower or they can simply end up on a curb with dirty matted hair . . . very scared. Rosena  

Response:

Hanging on by my nails.  Moved to Georgia.  My ex and Maria came too to try to keep family together for her.  I am assistant to a professor and go back out for teaching this season (next month) if can get energy up . . . could not handle effexor withdrawal so I put myself back on this weekend.  I need my zyprexa, but can’t have it.  Side effects put me in this damn wheel chair.  Not a single friend here.  I know Aware here, but not together enough to ask to meet yet.  Hard time doing my work — any work — really feel scared and hopeless and I am so aware that in the end the sick must have willpower or they can simply end up on a curb with dirty matted hair . . . very scared. Rosena  

hi rosena.  i’m in sc.  met aware once,  she is nice.  mabey we could have an atlanta meet? dennis Death Be Not Proud by John Donne: Death be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for, thou art not so,

Response:

Hanging on by my nails.  Moved to Georgia.  My ex and Maria came too to try to keep family together for her.  I am assistant to a professor and go back out for teaching this season (next month) if can get energy up . . . could not handle effexor withdrawal so I put myself back on this weekend.  I need my zyprexa, but can’t have it.  Side effects put me in this damn wheel chair. Not a single friend here.  I know Aware here, but not together enough to ask to meet yet.  Hard time doing my work — any work — really feel scared and hopeless and I am so aware that in the end the sick must have willpower or they can simply end up on a curb with dirty matted hair . . . very scared. Rosena  

Hello ) Sorry you’re having it so tough at the moment – but good luck with the new job! Whiskery Hugs {{{{{Rosena}}}}} — —  Whiskers

Response:

i am slowly going insane being invisible

But you’re NOT, you’re probably lonely. My therp reminds me all the time: "Social isolation is considered severe punishment in prison."

Response:

i am slowly going insane being invisible

Honey, I wasn’t even here yesterday.  But I am now, and you’re not invisible. ***** Melissa "The wood is tired, and the wood is old. But we’ll make it fine if the weather holds. But if the weather holds, then we’ll have missed the point. That’s where I need to go." –Indigo Girls

Response:

i am slowly going insane being invisible

Response:

i am slowly going insane being invisible

I can see you. Mary Beth

Response:

Well met, Adam. Boy ARE you in the right place. Birds of a feather and all that. I hate the insomnia. It sucks the most because I know next comes the deep depression.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, i am new to this group, and from what i have read so far i will fit in just cosy. I have now been up for 47 hours, and although i am real tired as soon as my head hits the pillow i wake up again. The thought s in my head just dont stop.. You are useless, whats the point, nobody wants you… you cant even committ suicide without screwing up….so i sit here in front of my pc moping, waching the weekend drift by, not seeing anyone, not talking to any one. Occasionaly speaking on icq to an aquaintance, but then they rush off and do stuff constructive in their busy lives, and i sit and clean out my hard drive. Tomorrow is Monday, and i return to work. carry out the day and return to my pc….God I am so sad… what is the point??

Response:

Welcome to the jungle! Welcome to the jungle! It’s gonna bring you down. huh!     Guns and Roses Sorry just being dramatic.  :^) Gloria

Response:

Well, i am new to this group, and from what i have read so far i will fit in just cosy. I have now been up for 47 hours, and although i am real tired as soon as my head hits the pillow i wake up again. The thought s in my head just dont stop.. You are useless, whats the point, nobody wants you… you cant even committ suicide without screwing up….so i sit here in front of my pc moping, waching the weekend drift by, not seeing anyone, not talking to any one. Occasionaly speaking on icq to an aquaintance, but then they rush off and do stuff constructive in their busy lives, and i sit and clean out my hard drive. Tomorrow is Monday, and i return to work. carry out the day and return to my pc….God I am so sad… what is the point??

Welcome to ASD. Sincerely Stewart — The Metaphor Man  *and*  The Great Defender of the Self (remove the SPAMBLOCK) Please send me an e-mail copy of your posted response.

Response:

Well, i am new to this group, and from what i have read so far i will fit in just cosy. I have now been up for 47 hours, and although i am real tired as soon as my head hits the pillow i wake up again. The thought s in my head just dont stop.. You are useless, whats the point, nobody wants you… you cant even committ suicide without screwing up….so i sit here in front of my pc moping, waching the weekend drift by, not seeing anyone, not talking to any one. Occasionaly speaking on icq to an aquaintance, but then they rush off and do stuff constructive in their busy lives, and i sit and clean out my hard drive. Tomorrow is Monday, and i return to work. carry out the day and return to my pc….God I am so sad… what is the point??

Response:

Welcome to ASD.  I am in the minority concerning sleep habits.  When I go into "the pit," I become hypersomniac.  A couple years ago, I went through a stretch in which I slept 14-15 hours per day.  Of course, the waking hours were living hell.  Plus, that much sleep (fitful sleep, I might add) is disorienting. It seems to have the end effect of no sleep at all.  Anyway, I hope you get some sleep.  Keep posting. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, i am new to this group, and from what i have read so far i will fit in just cosy. I have now been up for 47 hours, and although i am real tired as soon as my head hits the pillow i wake up again. The thought s in my head just dont stop.. You are useless, whats the point, nobody wants you… you cant even committ suicide without screwing up….so i sit here in front of my pc moping, waching the weekend drift by, not seeing anyone, not talking to any one. Occasionaly speaking on icq to an aquaintance, but then they rush off and do stuff constructive in their busy lives, and i sit and clean out my hard drive. Tomorrow is Monday, and i return to work. carry out the day and return to my pc….God I am so sad… what is the point??

Before you buy.

Response:

Thank you all for the greetings, i dozed off at the keyboard. Lillith I am there. I am alienating the friends i have, and i dont mean to

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well met, Adam. Boy ARE you in the right place. Birds of a feather and all that. I hate the insomnia. It sucks the most because I know next comes the deep depression.

Response:

Question:

Hello Jeff, Seroxat and Paxil are two names for the same drug. The name Seroxat is used in the UK and Paxil, I believe, is what it’s called in the US. Sorry about the confusion. Before the cross posters arrived, quite suddenly it appeared, this was a great group. I started posting on 13th of December last and found that the group helped me greatly over the overwhelmingly miserable period during Christmas and the New Year. What I’m leading up to is that reading the post here and better still posting messages is highly therapeutic and is what I would recommend that you do but sadly the group no longer functions the way it did. Cormac’s suggestion is a good one if you can find a support group. I’m certain there are many such groups in the US but a lot depends on the nature of the support group and the particular way you interact with such a group. We are all different and I can go to a support group here in Dublin but I’m not at all happy with the way it’s run. The fella who set up the group effectively controls the group and I object strongly to this but am afraid to say anything to the psychologist in the hospital where the support group is based about the situation as I see it. The fella who runs the support group and the psychologist are great friends and if I said anything I can almost hear the psychologist ask me now why do I feel this way and I’m sure I would get nowhere and end up banging my head off the wall. Be wary in support groups. You will meet all types and I know from personal experience you may meet folks there who will use you if the conditions are right for that. That is exactly what happened to me. A long time member of the group homed in on me and ended up bullying me in a most insidious way. So, Jeff, beware in the support group setting. As the student who was treating me using CBT told me as she told me I could join the support I would meet all types in the support group. I thought what a strange thing to say. Are we not all on each other’s side I asked myself. The frightening answer is no. Peter Nolan. To email please remove x from xpeter…@gofree.indigo.ie

Response:

Hello Jeff, I’m attempting to send the message below a second time. It never made it first time round. — Peter Nolan. To email please remove x from xpeter…@gofree.indigo.ie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hello Jeff, Seroxat and Paxil are two names for the same drug. The name Seroxat is

used

in the UK and Paxil, I believe, is what it’s called in the US. Sorry about the confusion. Before the cross posters arrived, quite suddenly it appeared, this was a great group. I started posting on 13th of December last and found that the group helped me greatly over the overwhelmingly miserable period during Christmas and the New Year. What I’m leading up to is that reading the

post

here and better still posting messages is highly therapeutic and is what I would recommend that you do but sadly the group no longer functions the

way

it did. Cormac’s suggestion is a good one if you can find a support group. I’m certain there are many such groups in the US but a lot depends on the

nature

of the support group and the particular way you interact with such a

group.

We are all different and I can go to a support group here in Dublin but

I’m

not at all happy with the way it’s run. The fella who set up the group effectively controls the group and I object strongly to this but am afraid to say anything to the psychologist in the hospital where the support

group

is based about the situation as I see it. The fella who runs the support group and the psychologist are great friends and if I said anything I can almost hear the psychologist ask me now why do I feel this way and I’m

sure

I would get nowhere and end up banging my head off the wall. Be wary in support groups. You will meet all types and I know from

personal

experience you may meet folks there who will use you if the conditions are right for that. That is exactly what happened to me. A long time member of the group homed in on me and ended up bullying me in a most insidious way. So, Jeff, beware in the support group setting. As the student who was treating me using CBT told me as she told me I could join the support I would meet all types in the support group. I thought what a strange thing

to

say. Are we not all on each other’s side I asked myself. The frightening answer is no. Peter Nolan. To email please remove x from xpeter…@gofree.indigo.ie

Response:

Check the website  www.socialanxietyinstitute.org I find it extremly helpful. Consider joining a support group – mentioned in the web site. Jeff <jeff9…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:7eb49709.0204152150.287da20e@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I’m not sure anyone will see this or respond, but at minimum this posting will let me organize my thoughts and try to explain my situation. I’m male, 31 years old, and have lived with debilitating social anxiety for as long as I can remember, long before there were slick TV commercials for marginally effective pharmaceuticals to treat the disorder. I saw my first psychiatrist when I was 18, who told me I was a nice guy and would have a great life, just stop worrying so much.  By the time I was 24 I finally worked up the courage to talk to a doctor about my depression and social anxiety, and went through the usual suspects with less than impressive results: Zoloft, Serzone, Effexor, Moclobemide.  Then I contracted mono (great, what were the chances of that for a 27 year old virgin).  That completely knocked me out for several months.  Through my doctor, I finally got a referral to a good psychiatrist who diagnosed me with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and depression.  He put me on Parnate and Klonopin, and I was pleasantly surprised, because I actually felt better than I’d ever felt in my entire life.  I looked forward to my day… the pounding heart and sweaty palms went away, I didn’t think everyone was staring at me, and I could go out to social functions without getting incredibly nervous. The dietary restrictions for Parnate were a minor inconvenience. So were the sleep disturbances/minor insomnia.  My life became almost normal.  I went out with friends.  I know, I know, you aren’t supposed to feel better just from meds… it takes lots of CBT and hard work.  My experience, even with good therapists says that is not true.  I’ve read the books, and understand all the distortions and negative thought patterns that pass through my mind.  But being aware of them, and being able to get them under control are two separate things.  I just have this brain chemistry that kicks in so strongly that the power of thought is not enough. One year later, after relocating to the US, I mentioned the insomnia to my doctor and she said it was caused by depression, and tripled the dose of Parnate, and also suggested ECT, which I declined.  I didn’t sleep properly for days, and got extremely sick with a bacterial infection, probably because I was so tired and my immune system went on a vacation.  It scared me so much that I took myself off Parnate and Klonopin (tapered) without consulting my doctor, who I no longer trusted. This was the worst decision of my life (and I’ve made a lot of bad decisions).  After a few weeks, I quickly realized my error after I started returning to my old ways of hiding out in my apartment avoiding everyone.  Since then, I’ve been dragged through unsuccessful courses of Prozac, Effexor (yuck) and Wellbutrin (double yuck).  I can tolerate side effects, but generally expect to feel better rather than worse.  That all ended about two years ago, when I gave up on meds and doctors who have a kneejerk reaction of try Paxil… try Effexor… or whatever drug-du-jour is being peddled. So I’ve put myself in a terrible position.  The only thing that ever worked for me was a MAOI, and nobody wants to prescribe that.  Or a scheduled drug like Klonopin.  Probably now I’m profiled as exhibiting drug-seeking behavior.  But that seems odd since I have old unused prescriptions for both of the above sitting in the back of my medicine cabinet, as well as random assortments of various drugs sufficient to kill a horse. So, two years of being med-free, practicing meditation daily, and lots of aerobic exercise have not helped, and I am a complete isolated hopeless nervous mess.  When I went to my doctor last week for a sinus infection, I mentioned that I used to be on Parnate, and she said she couldn’t believe anyone prescribed that anymore, and proceeded to explain how great SSRIs are.  I just shut up, went home and took my antibiotics. I don’t know what to do.  Money is not an issue.  I just want to somehow get out of this mess.  I don’t look forward to anything… I can barely go out to buy groceries.  It really hurts me at work.  I may skip an old friend’s wedding because I don’t think I can handle it.  Not sure what to do.  I think good psychiatrists are hard to find- I can’t imagine anyone wanting to take on a case like mine. It seems like there is really no way out of this.  I’m just so tired of life being a constant struggle with getting nervous talking to anyone… I’m getting way too old for this. I’m not suicidal, but wouldn’t be terribly upset if I were run over by a truck tomorrow.  Yes, touching, I know. If you’ve made it this far, I apologize for my rambling. If you can think of any way to get out of this mess, let me know.  I can’t even think of a first step that isn’t destined for failure. Jeff psychiatrist I feel trapped in my apartment now and need help, but can’t figure out how to proceed.  My last attempt was several

Response:

Thanks Peter, Doug, and kicken for your thoughtful responses. I am going to get in touch with my doctor back in Canada, to see if he can help me out with some sort of letter of introduction. I had been a patient of his for several years, so there’s a good possibility he can help out.  Even the doctor in the US who tripled my dose of Parnate may be able to help out, and at least attest to the fact that I was doing okay.  I’m also going to write/phone local psychiatrists to determine if one of them has experience prescribing Parnate. Failing that, Peter mentioned a Seroxat/Paxil combo that I have not tried before, which sounds like it may be worth a try, though I am skeptical because of lack of success with anything other than a MAOI. The worst part is that the disease itself is a real hindrance to finding treatment, because my behavior is just so avoidant. Also, I always feel that it’s not taken seriously, like any of the more popular/trendy psychological disorders.  After all, I’m no threat to anyone, and I’m not experiencing any specific crisis.  At least now I have some concrete ideas on how to proceed – thanks all for the ideas on how to get out of this rut.   Jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -gd…@aug.com (Doug) wrote in message <news:3cbd5389.2725248@news.aug.com

… Jeff, At this point, it sounds like a plan would be to get back on the Parnate and Klonopin which you said you gave up on.  What are the possibilities of writing the doctor again who originally prescribed the Parnate and the Klonopin?  I believe s/he’s in another country now? so this may be impossible.  If you could and sent your posted letter with your cover letter, you might have a fairly good chance of at least getting a letter of introduction for another doctor.  This may be impractical, but what about trying to see the U.S. doctor who tripled the Parnate dose.  I mean there are at least 2 doctors who weren’t averse to prescribing Parnate and Klonopin for you.   The 2nd doctor could be a definite maybe.  Even if you can’t see this doctor because of distance, could you write a letter to her explaining what you’re going thru and request her to write a letter of introduction "To Whom It May Concern" (some unknown doctor as yet) that explains what you’ve tried, what worked and what her recommendation is. I did this when I relocated to another state in the U.S. several months ago and the introductory letter did help.  I’ve been able to continue taking the same meds, but I’m under a little tighter control right now than I was previously.  That could be changed by seeking out a new shrink or by possibly asking my new family GP if he’d be willing to take over the prescriptions. If none of the above is practical, you can write your own letter of introduction, using most, if not all of what you wrote in this post and make an appt. with a new psychiatrist.  Your post is very explicit so I’d include it too.  Good luck. Doug

Response:

Hi Jeff, I’m also 31 and have social phobia and depression probably my whole life. I’ve been on almost every med and combo and other treatments and Parnate is the only one to give some relief also. I do get frustrated at times about some side-effects and that it might not be working enough, then I go off and see how much worse I get and go back on. I would try finding a Dr. in your area that has experience prescribing MAOI’s. It’s rule of thumb to go back to what has helped in the past. I hope you find a good Dr. willing to give it to you and hope you feel better. I’ve been on and off of Parnate for almost a decade. I hope to get better to all the time. Take care B jeff9…@hotmail.com (Jeff) wrote in message

<news:7eb49709.0204152150.287da20e@posting.google.com

…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I’m not sure anyone will see this or respond, but at minimum this posting will let me organize my thoughts and try to explain my situation. I’m male, 31 years old, and have lived with debilitating social anxiety for as long as I can remember, long before there were slick TV commercials for marginally effective pharmaceuticals to treat the disorder. I saw my first psychiatrist when I was 18, who told me I was a nice guy and would have a great life, just stop worrying so much.  By the time I was 24 I finally worked up the courage to talk to a doctor about my depression and social anxiety, and went through the usual suspects with less than impressive results: Zoloft, Serzone, Effexor, Moclobemide.  Then I contracted mono (great, what were the chances of that for a 27 year old virgin).  That completely knocked me out for several months.  Through my doctor, I finally got a referral to a good psychiatrist who diagnosed me with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and depression.  He put me on Parnate and Klonopin, and I was pleasantly surprised, because I actually felt better than I’d ever felt in my entire life.  I looked forward to my day… the pounding heart and sweaty palms went away, I didn’t think everyone was staring at me, and I could go out to social functions without getting incredibly nervous. The dietary restrictions for Parnate were a minor inconvenience. So were the sleep disturbances/minor insomnia.  My life became almost normal.  I went out with friends.  I know, I know, you aren’t supposed to feel better just from meds… it takes lots of CBT and hard work.  My experience, even with good therapists says that is not true.  I’ve read the books, and understand all the distortions and negative thought patterns that pass through my mind.  But being aware of them, and being able to get them under control are two separate things.  I just have this brain chemistry that kicks in so strongly that the power of thought is not enough. One year later, after relocating to the US, I mentioned the insomnia to my doctor and she said it was caused by depression, and tripled the dose of Parnate, and also suggested ECT, which I declined.  I didn’t sleep properly for days, and got extremely sick with a bacterial infection, probably because I was so tired and my immune system went on a vacation.  It scared me so much that I took myself off Parnate and Klonopin (tapered) without consulting my doctor, who I no longer trusted. This was the worst decision of my life (and I’ve made a lot of bad decisions).  After a few weeks, I quickly realized my error after I started returning to my old ways of hiding out in my apartment avoiding everyone.  Since then, I’ve been dragged through unsuccessful courses of Prozac, Effexor (yuck) and Wellbutrin (double yuck).  I can tolerate side effects, but generally expect to feel better rather than worse.  That all ended about two years ago, when I gave up on meds and doctors who have a kneejerk reaction of try Paxil… try Effexor… or whatever drug-du-jour is being peddled. So I’ve put myself in a terrible position.  The only thing that ever worked for me was a MAOI, and nobody wants to prescribe that.  Or a scheduled drug like Klonopin.  Probably now I’m profiled as exhibiting drug-seeking behavior.  But that seems odd since I have old unused prescriptions for both of the above sitting in the back of my medicine cabinet, as well as random assortments of various drugs sufficient to kill a horse. So, two years of being med-free, practicing meditation daily, and lots of aerobic exercise have not helped, and I am a complete isolated hopeless nervous mess.  When I went to my doctor last week for a sinus infection, I mentioned that I used to be on Parnate, and she said she couldn’t believe anyone prescribed that anymore, and proceeded to explain how great SSRIs are.  I just shut up, went home and took my antibiotics. I don’t know what to do.  Money is not an issue.  I just want to somehow get out of this mess.  I don’t look forward to anything… I can barely go out to buy groceries.  It really hurts me at work.  I may skip an old friend’s wedding because I don’t think I can handle it.  Not sure what to do.  I think good psychiatrists are hard to find- I can’t imagine anyone wanting to take on a case like mine. It seems like there is really no way out of this.  I’m just so tired of life being a constant struggle with getting nervous talking to anyone… I’m getting way too old for this. I’m not suicidal, but wouldn’t be terribly upset if I were run over by a truck tomorrow.  Yes, touching, I know. If you’ve made it this far, I apologize for my rambling. If you can think of any way to get out of this mess, let me know.  I can’t even think of a first step that isn’t destined for failure. Jeff psychiatrist I feel trapped in my apartment now and need help, but can’t figure out how to proceed.  My last attempt was several

Response:

Jeff, At this point, it sounds like a plan would be to get back on the Parnate and Klonopin which you said you gave up on.  What are the possibilities of writing the doctor again who originally prescribed the Parnate and the Klonopin?  I believe s/he’s in another country now? so this may be impossible.  If you could and sent your posted letter with your cover letter, you might have a fairly good chance of at least getting a letter of introduction for another doctor.  This may be impractical, but what about trying to see the U.S. doctor who tripled the Parnate dose.  I mean there are at least 2 doctors who weren’t averse to prescribing Parnate and Klonopin for you.   The 2nd doctor could be a definite maybe.  Even if you can’t see this doctor because of distance, could you write a letter to her explaining what you’re going thru and request her to write a letter of introduction "To Whom It May Concern" (some unknown doctor as yet) that explains what you’ve tried, what worked and what her recommendation is. I did this when I relocated to another state in the U.S. several months ago and the introductory letter did help.  I’ve been able to continue taking the same meds, but I’m under a little tighter control right now than I was previously.  That could be changed by seeking out a new shrink or by possibly asking my new family GP if he’d be willing to take over the prescriptions. If none of the above is practical, you can write your own letter of introduction, using most, if not all of what you wrote in this post and make an appt. with a new psychiatrist.  Your post is very explicit so I’d include it too.  Good luck. Doug On 15 Apr 2002 22:50:24 -0700, jeff9…@hotmail.com (Jeff) wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I’m not sure anyone will see this or respond, but at minimum this posting will let me organize my thoughts and try to explain my situation. I’m male, 31 years old, and have lived with debilitating social anxiety for as long as I can remember, long before there were slick TV commercials for marginally effective pharmaceuticals to treat the disorder. I saw my first psychiatrist when I was 18, who told me I was a nice guy and would have a great life, just stop worrying so much.  By the time I was 24 I finally worked up the courage to talk to a doctor about my depression and social anxiety, and went through the usual suspects with less than impressive results: Zoloft, Serzone, Effexor, Moclobemide.  Then I contracted mono (great, what were the chances of that for a 27 year old virgin).  That completely knocked me out for several months.  Through my doctor, I finally got a referral to a good psychiatrist who diagnosed me with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and depression.  He put me on Parnate and Klonopin, and I was pleasantly surprised, because I actually felt better than I’d ever felt in my entire life.  I looked forward to my day… the pounding heart and sweaty palms went away, I didn’t think everyone was staring at me, and I could go out to social functions without getting incredibly nervous. The dietary restrictions for Parnate were a minor inconvenience. So were the sleep disturbances/minor insomnia.  My life became almost normal.  I went out with friends.  I know, I know, you aren’t supposed to feel better just from meds… it takes lots of CBT and hard work.  My experience, even with good therapists says that is not true.  I’ve read the books, and understand all the distortions and negative thought patterns that pass through my mind.  But being aware of them, and being able to get them under control are two separate things.  I just have this brain chemistry that kicks in so strongly that the power of thought is not enough. One year later, after relocating to the US, I mentioned the insomnia to my doctor and she said it was caused by depression, and tripled the dose of Parnate, and also suggested ECT, which I declined.  I didn’t sleep properly for days, and got extremely sick with a bacterial infection, probably because I was so tired and my immune system went on a vacation.  It scared me so much that I took myself off Parnate and Klonopin (tapered) without consulting my doctor, who I no longer trusted. This was the worst decision of my life (and I’ve made a lot of bad decisions).  After a few weeks, I quickly realized my error after I started returning to my old ways of hiding out in my apartment avoiding everyone.  Since then, I’ve been dragged through unsuccessful courses of Prozac, Effexor (yuck) and Wellbutrin (double yuck).  I can tolerate side effects, but generally expect to feel better rather than worse.  That all ended about two years ago, when I gave up on meds and doctors who have a kneejerk reaction of try Paxil… try Effexor… or whatever drug-du-jour is being peddled. So I’ve put myself in a terrible position.  The only thing that ever worked for me was a MAOI, and nobody wants to prescribe that.  Or a scheduled drug like Klonopin.  Probably now I’m profiled as exhibiting drug-seeking behavior.  But that seems odd since I have old unused prescriptions for both of the above sitting in the back of my medicine cabinet, as well as random assortments of various drugs sufficient to kill a horse. So, two years of being med-free, practicing meditation daily, and lots of aerobic exercise have not helped, and I am a complete isolated hopeless nervous mess.  When I went to my doctor last week for a sinus infection, I mentioned that I used to be on Parnate, and she said she couldn’t believe anyone prescribed that anymore, and proceeded to explain how great SSRIs are.  I just shut up, went home and took my antibiotics. I don’t know what to do.  Money is not an issue.  I just want to somehow get out of this mess.  I don’t look forward to anything… I can barely go out to buy groceries.  It really hurts me at work.  I may skip an old friend’s wedding because I don’t think I can handle it.  Not sure what to do.  I think good psychiatrists are hard to find- I can’t imagine anyone wanting to take on a case like mine. It seems like there is really no way out of this.  I’m just so tired of life being a constant struggle with getting nervous talking to anyone… I’m getting way too old for this. I’m not suicidal, but wouldn’t be terribly upset if I were run over by a truck tomorrow.  Yes, touching, I know. If you’ve made it this far, I apologize for my rambling. If you can think of any way to get out of this mess, let me know.  I can’t even think of a first step that isn’t destined for failure. Jeff psychiatrist I feel trapped in my apartment now and need help, but can’t figure out how to proceed.  My last attempt was several

Response:

I’m not sure anyone will see this or respond, but at minimum this posting will let me organize my thoughts and try to explain my situation. I’m male, 31 years old, and have lived with debilitating social anxiety for as long as I can remember, long before there were slick TV commercials for marginally effective pharmaceuticals to treat the disorder. I saw my first psychiatrist when I was 18, who told me I was a nice guy and would have a great life, just stop worrying so much.  By the time I was 24 I finally worked up the courage to talk to a doctor about my depression and social anxiety, and went through the usual suspects with less than impressive results: Zoloft, Serzone, Effexor, Moclobemide.  Then I contracted mono (great, what were the chances of that for a 27 year old virgin).  That completely knocked me out for several months.  Through my doctor, I finally got a referral to a good psychiatrist who diagnosed me with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and depression.  He put me on Parnate and Klonopin, and I was pleasantly surprised, because I actually felt better than I’d ever felt in my entire life.  I looked forward to my day… the pounding heart and sweaty palms went away, I didn’t think everyone was staring at me, and I could go out to social functions without getting incredibly nervous. The dietary restrictions for Parnate were a minor inconvenience. So were the sleep disturbances/minor insomnia.  My life became almost normal.  I went out with friends.  I know, I know, you aren’t supposed to feel better just from meds… it takes lots of CBT and hard work.  My experience, even with good therapists says that is not true.  I’ve read the books, and understand all the distortions and negative thought patterns that pass through my mind.  But being aware of them, and being able to get them under control are two separate things.  I just have this brain chemistry that kicks in so strongly that the power of thought is not enough. One year later, after relocating to the US, I mentioned the insomnia to my doctor and she said it was caused by depression, and tripled the dose of Parnate, and also suggested ECT, which I declined.  I didn’t sleep properly for days, and got extremely sick with a bacterial infection, probably because I was so tired and my immune system went on a vacation.  It scared me so much that I took myself off Parnate and Klonopin (tapered) without consulting my doctor, who I no longer trusted. This was the worst decision of my life (and I’ve made a lot of bad decisions).  After a few weeks, I quickly realized my error after I started returning to my old ways of hiding out in my apartment avoiding everyone.  Since then, I’ve been dragged through unsuccessful courses of Prozac, Effexor (yuck) and Wellbutrin (double yuck).  I can tolerate side effects, but generally expect to feel better rather than worse.  That all ended about two years ago, when I gave up on meds and doctors who have a kneejerk reaction of try Paxil… try Effexor… or whatever drug-du-jour is being peddled. So I’ve put myself in a terrible position.  The only thing that ever worked for me was a MAOI, and nobody wants to prescribe that.  Or a scheduled drug like Klonopin.  Probably now I’m profiled as exhibiting drug-seeking behavior.  But that seems odd since I have old unused prescriptions for both of the above sitting in the back of my medicine cabinet, as well as random assortments of various drugs sufficient to kill a horse. So, two years of being med-free, practicing meditation daily, and lots of aerobic exercise have not helped, and I am a complete isolated hopeless nervous mess.  When I went to my doctor last week for a sinus infection, I mentioned that I used to be on Parnate, and she said she couldn’t believe anyone prescribed that anymore, and proceeded to explain how great SSRIs are.  I just shut up, went home and took my antibiotics. I don’t know what to do.  Money is not an issue.  I just want to somehow get out of this mess.  I don’t look forward to anything… I can barely go out to buy groceries.  It really hurts me at work.  I may skip an old friend’s wedding because I don’t think I can handle it.  Not sure what to do.  I think good psychiatrists are hard to find- I can’t imagine anyone wanting to take on a case like mine. It seems like there is really no way out of this.  I’m just so tired of life being a constant struggle with getting nervous talking to anyone… I’m getting way too old for this. I’m not suicidal, but wouldn’t be terribly upset if I were run over by a truck tomorrow.  Yes, touching, I know. If you’ve made it this far, I apologize for my rambling. If you can think of any way to get out of this mess, let me know.  I can’t even think of a first step that isn’t destined for failure. Jeff psychiatrist I feel trapped in my apartment now and need help, but can’t figure out how to proceed.  My last attempt was several

Response:

Hello Jeff, I read through your message to the end. I stay away from this group now because of the cross posting. I’m sorry to tell you there are no simple answers for anyone like you or me suffering from Social Phobia. If there were this great newsgroup that has been decimated by cross posters wouldn’t exist. The only thing you can be certain of is that you will continue to suffer unless something great happens to you which it could. For me being able to leave my so called home where I live with my cruel parents would be the breakthrough for me but that can’t happen yet and may never happen. You say money isn’t a problem. In that case as bad as things may seem to be you could be like me living at home with almost no money at all. I’m not being dismissive here. I understand perfectly well that the solution for each of us that would give us the greatest relief is different for all of us and just because you can do what I can’t which is to get away from my parents in no way means that you aren’t suffering as much as I am. My advice to you is to keep trying. You say you are not suicidal and neither am I by the way then you will keep going forever hoping that things will sort themselves out somehow and maybe they will. The root cause of Social Phobia isn’t at all understood and naturally this is a major problem. I think I have a handle on it in my own case and this helps but the psychological battering I take from my parents 24/7 prevents me from making the breakthroughs I could now make if I was out on my own. I’m 48 by the way. Many people in the group(as it used to be) get great relif from drugs like Seroxat/Paxil but there was a post I saw at one point where the subject line was "Paxil is a Monster". So while drugs work for some people and in many cases transform their lives this is not always the case, indeed far from it. Satellites orbit the earth and perform many functions for us like providing us with a great telecommunications system but sadly the drugs available today are so primitive that they can hardly be described as therapeutic although drugs like anti-biotics are first class compounds. The same cannot be said for other drugs as you almost certainly know yourself. All I can say is you will keep going and always looking out for a way out of this savage disorder that annihilates it’s victims. I’m sorry I can’t help you. Have you tried Seroxat/Paxil? Some people in the group swear by it! Drugs would have no effect on me. Peter Nolan. To email please remove x from xpeter…@gofree.indigo.ie

Response:

Question:

Hi, I’ve been on 50mg of Zoloft for 8 weeks which has worked great overall.  My only complaint is a lot of muscle tension.  It’s faded somewhat over these first 2 months, but is it likely to subside even more or am I probably stuck with it? Thanks! Fritz

Response:

Wow, I didn’t get the muscle tension.  I got an upset tummy and the runs for a few weeks and then that went away.  The only lingering side effect I have is lack of sex drive.  Hate it. Hope your tension goes away.  Good luck,  Amanda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’ve been on 50mg of Zoloft for 8 weeks which has worked great overall.  My only complaint is a lot of muscle tension.  It’s faded somewhat over these first 2 months, but is it likely to subside even more or am I probably stuck with it? Thanks! Fritz

Response:

For me zoloft killed my libido seemingly forever…I no longer have ‘the fire’ and i do miss it!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wow, I didn’t get the muscle tension.  I got an upset tummy and the runs for a few weeks and then that went away.  The only lingering side effect I have is lack of sex drive.  Hate it. Hope your tension goes away.  Good luck,  Amanda Hi, I’ve been on 50mg of Zoloft for 8 weeks which has worked great overall.  My only complaint is a lot of muscle tension.  It’s faded somewhat over these first 2 months, but is it likely to subside even more or am I probably stuck with it? Thanks! Fritz

Response:

Wow. I’m glad it wasn’t just me. My doctor warned me about it, but I figured that it was more important to get through every day with a clear head than get a little action once a month. That’s my only side effect, but it’s a doozy! ~Paul For me zoloft killed my libido seemingly forever…I no longer have ‘the fire’ and i do miss it!!

The only lingering side effect – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have is lack of sex drive.  Hate it.

Response:

Question:

I am about to go through a divorce and gosh who would have guessed, I have lost about 30 lbs in a month and a 1/2, I am sad when I think how much I will miss my wife and kids and have lost the desire to do many things I normally like. My Neuro-psychiatrist wants me to start taking Effexor XR for my depression. My question is this, who wouldn’t be depressed going through this? Am I really clinically depressed or just temporarily in this state because of my circumstances?? How do you know?? Thanks

Hey John, I went through separation, divorce and depression a few years ago. At the time I was seeing a counselor/therapist who helped me work through a lot of the situational depression I had. She told me time and again that if I ever felt like it was too much for me to handle on my own I could try meds. At that time I had a lot of reservations about it and I turned her down. It was hard, too. I remember feeling like nothing would ever matter again, and why even bother? Eventually though with her help (and I was *very* fortunate to have found such an excellent therapist for me), I realized that what *did* matter was me. I ended up discovering this whole other person inside myself I’d never known was there. The thing was, I don’t think this new me could have come into being without me having spent a lot of time alone. Time alone which left me lonely and sad and wishing for someone – anyone – to be with. I don’t know if the meds would have helped me get through it better than I did on my own, but in the end I proved to myself that I could do it and in many ways have been happier than ever before. Now, two years later, I’m on Effexor XR after being diagnosed with major depression last year. (I know that sounds odd after just saying I’m happier with me than I’ve ever been, but it snuck up on me.) The depression manifested itself so physically this time though that I figured it had to be a checmical imbalance so I tried meds. I’m not too thrilled with how they’ve worked out for me. It’s been nine months since I tried the first one, and I’ve been on three others since then with only marginal relief. Personally, if I was experiencing the frustration and despair I’ve had recently over all the issues surrounding me and meds at the same time I was going through a divorce I’d probably be a freaking wreck. Add to that some of the horror stories I’ve seen on the web regarding Effexor withdrawal (which I have yet to try – not looking forward to that), and I’m very tempted to urge you not to try meds, or at least try something else before Effexor. Especially knowing your depression is situational. With meds, not only does it sometimes take some time to find the right one, but during that time you may deal with some pretty nasty side effects, too. There’s a good chance that with good counseling you could recover from a situational depression faster than it might take to get relief with meds. Just my 2 cents. Good luck with whatever you decide. It does get easier. Take care. Julia

Response:

I am about to go through a divorce and gosh who would have guessed, I have lost about 30 lbs in a month and a 1/2, I am sad when I think how much I will miss my wife and kids and have lost the desire to do many things I normally like. My Neuro-psychiatrist wants me to start taking Effexor XR for my depression. My question is this, who wouldn’t be depressed going through this? Am I really clinically depressed or just temporarily in this state because of my circumstances?? How do you know?? Thanks

What difference does it make?? If you are throwing up blood, and the doctor says you have an ulcer, and he wants you to take some medication that might help you stop throwing up blood.  What should you do??  How does the doctor really know that you have an ulcer.  What if it’s just a reaction to that really bad meal you had last night. Get the point??  While it may be interesting and even important to think about the causes, ramifications, and validity of being diagnosed clinically depressed.  If you are throwing up blood, wouldn’t it make some sense to try a medication that the doctor thinks might help that kind of thing.  Antidepressant medications are symptomatic treatments.  Like asprin, they reduce fever, they don’t prevent colds or speed one’s recovery from a cold.  And as you perhaps intimate, fever can be a biological mechanism for getting rid of an infection, thus asprin can prevent a fever but prolong a cold, the opposite of making one "better". I mean, it’s entirely up to you.  Some people describe a little post-nasal nose bleed as throwing up blood. I personally don’t think every dip in the road should be responded to with ECT any more then I think it should require medication.  Some people have bad reactions to effexor.  It’s not like taking an asprin.  (Did I just mix my asprin metaphors??)  Sometimes feeling down is the appropriate and needed reaction/feeling that is required for one to process and move through their grief.  Only you know your family history, your history, your current pain, where you would like to be, etcetera. Unh, welcome to ASD.  Home of the non-answer answer.   Sincerely Stewart — The Metaphor Man  *and*  The Great Defender of the Self (remove the SPAMBLOCK) Please send me an e-mail copy of your posted response.

Response:

Hi John, Welcome to ASD.  I am by no stretch of the imagination a "professional". However, I was/am in a similar situation.  I’ve been separated for about a year and a half, with the actual divorce in the works now.  Prior to the separation when things were really bad I was diagnosed with "Situational Depression".  I have been taking meds since then and have been doing fine. I hope to get off the meds once all this is behind me.  Hopefully you too are situational and things will get better with time. Sorry I don’t have any magic words but I wanted you to know that you are not alone. Be Well Tom posted and emailed

Response:

I am about to go through a divorce and gosh who would have guessed, I have lost about 30 lbs in a month and a 1/2, I am sad when I think how much I will miss my wife and kids and have lost the desire to do many things I normally like. My Neuro-psychiatrist wants me to start taking Effexor XR for my depression. My question is this, who wouldn’t be depressed going through this? Am I really clinically depressed or just temporarily in this state because of my circumstances?? How do you know?? Thanks Before you buy.

Response:

I do believe you are going through a phase, i was divorced too, and i remember not wanting to do anything. I never saw a DR. but didn’t feel i needed to. It’s a horse that takes some tome to get over it’s kick – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am about to go through a divorce and gosh who would have guessed, I have lost about 30 lbs in a month and a 1/2, I am sad when I think how much I will miss my wife and kids and have lost the desire to do many things I normally like. My Neuro-psychiatrist wants me to start taking Effexor XR for my depression. My question is this, who wouldn’t be depressed going through this? Am I really clinically depressed or just temporarily in this state because of my circumstances?? How do you know?? Thanks Before you buy.

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Question:

Twice a day won’t work with Neurontin unless you are worried about seizures. It wears off! If you can’t do at least 3x a day I am afraid you may be wasting your money. On 4x a day maybe you could take less. I don’t think Wellbutrin is the AD for you. I suggest something in the Celexa line, or if you could use help getting to sleep, Remeron. Just have your pharmacist give me a call. Keith – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Do you think going higher in dosage would help?  James suggests taking it every 6 hours would help.  I have a hard enough time remembering it twice a day.  At work it is chaos at times and remembering to take the medication would be very difficult.  So far I see no adverse reactions.  I can go higher.  It is costing me 300 a month but I would pay 500 or even 1000 dollars a month if I could enjoy life on a daily basis.  It took away my high highs… now I am left with really some bad bad lows.  But I do cycle out for a few short hours… but mornings are hell.  I take the meds at noon and in the evening.  That isn’t spaced out right though.  Should take the evening dose later but the morning dose wears off.  I don’t know if raising the wellbutrin would help.  Maybe I need to ask for Lamictal.  So tired of this.  Life was so much easier years ago.

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Do you think going higher in dosage would help?  James suggests taking it every 6 hours would help.  I have a hard enough time remembering it twice a day.  At work it is chaos at times and remembering to take the medication would be very difficult.  So far I see no adverse reactions.  I can go higher.  It is costing me 300 a month but I would pay 500 or even 1000 dollars a month if I could enjoy life on a daily basis.  It took away my high highs… now I am left with really some bad bad lows.  But I do cycle out for a few short hours… but mornings are hell.  I take the meds at noon and in the evening.  That isn’t spaced out right though.  Should take the evening dose later but the morning dose wears off.  I don’t know if raising the wellbutrin would help.  Maybe I need to ask for Lamictal.  So tired of this.  Life was so much easier years ago. —   O  ooo   Cindy          O – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am on 2400mg and still cycle….I just have lower lows and lower highs. I don’t feel clearer in thinking…but compared to lithium..whew!  This is MUCH better.  Just wish it would help more with the depressions. There appears to be no known therapeutic blood serum level for gabapentin used in bipolar. Each person will need a different amount. You could go as high as your doctor would allow, but money would be a limiting factor.

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I am on 2400mg and still cycle….I just have lower lows and lower highs.  I don’t feel clearer in thinking…but compared to lithium..whew!  This is MUCH better.  Just wish it would help more with the depressions.

There appears to be no known therapeutic blood serum level for gabapentin used in bipolar. Each person will need a different amount. You could go as high as your doctor would allow, but money would be a limiting factor.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 4800mg is considered high, and the therapeutic range seems to span all dosages, at least for bipolar. Greetings everybody, I have rapid cyclings with sometimes mixed states. I never had any manic episode. I never took any mood stabilizer in my life. I’ve been taking antidepressants and anxiolytics for 10 years now with moderate results. And i lost so many jobs… So Neurontin is my first mood stabilizer. I’ve been taking Neurontin (100 mg x 4 per day) for 2 weeks now. I also take Effexor XR 150 mg per day. My mood is better. I’m not anymore angry and the anxiety is almost gone. My concentration is improved too. It’s great. I’m starting again to live after a long nightmare. However, i still have sometimes cyclings even if they are more rare and lower in intensity. What is the therapeutic range of Neurontin? I want to feel fine but to be honest i’m afraid to be *zombified* by a too much high dose of Neurontin. Suggestions? Thanks in advance. Eric

Eric when I was on this drug, which was way back when it first came out on the market.  I was one of the test people for the drug.  I took 3600mgs. So higher doseages can be tolerated for this drug.  I was on it at least 3 different times for different reasons.  I was taken off 2 times and put back on it 2 other times to make it a total of 3 times.  The other mood stabilizer I was on it with I think was either Depakote or Lithium.  I am almost quite sure it was Depakote.   Betsy

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I am on 2400mg and still cycle….I just have lower lows and lower highs.  I don’t feel clearer in thinking…but compared to lithium..whew!  This is MUCH better.  Just wish it would help more with the depressions. —   O  ooo   Cindy          O – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Neurontin has been extremely helpful to me as an anti-depressant, mood stabilizer for me recently. I am a manic depressive. I’m nearly certain that the therapeutic range is about 400 to 2500 mgs. I am taking 2000mgs or just simply 2gs. By the way, I don’t feel "zombefied". On the contrary I feel very alert and relatively up. Good luck Ephriam Greetings everybody, I have rapid cyclings with sometimes mixed states. I never had any manic episode. I never took any mood stabilizer in my life. I’ve been taking antidepressants and anxiolytics for 10 years now with moderate results. And i lost so many jobs… So Neurontin is my first mood stabilizer. I’ve been taking Neurontin (100 mg x 4 per day) for 2 weeks now. I also take Effexor XR 150 mg per day. My mood is better. I’m not anymore angry and the anxiety is almost gone. My concentration is improved too. It’s great. I’m starting again to live after a long nightmare. However, i still have sometimes cyclings even if they are more rare and lower in intensity. What is the therapeutic range of Neurontin? I want to feel fine but to be honest i’m afraid to be *zombified* by a too much high dose of Neurontin. Suggestions? Thanks in advance. Eric

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Which mood stabizer did you use along with neurontin? —   O  ooo   Cindy          O – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greetings everybody, I have rapid cyclings with sometimes mixed states. I never had any manic episode. I never took any mood stabilizer in my life. I’ve been taking antidepressants and anxiolytics for 10 years now with moderate results. And i lost so many jobs… So Neurontin is my first mood stabilizer. I’ve been taking Neurontin (100 mg x 4 per day) for 2 weeks now. I also take Effexor XR 150 mg per day. My mood is better. I’m not anymore angry and the anxiety is almost gone. My concentration is improved too. It’s great. I’m starting again to live after a long nightmare. However, i still have sometimes cyclings even if they are more rare and lower in intensity. What is the therapeutic range of Neurontin? I want to feel fine but to be honest i’m afraid to be *zombified* by a too much high dose of Neurontin. Suggestions? You can use more than one mood stabilizer. Neurontin should be taken every six hours.  A good therapeutic dose for me was 300 mgs 4 x per day until I added another mood stabilizer.  Once I had polytherapy I was able to lower my dose of Neurontin to 600 to 900 mgs per day. Good luck to you. Julie Thanks in advance. Eric

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Do i still have to take Neurontin 4 times a day if i increase the dosage from 400 to 600 or even 800 mg? What are the side effects of Neurontin at this dosage? Thanks.

Eric: The Neurontin is excreted every six hours.  Eight if you have a slow renal excretion rate. The six hours apart is crucial if it is your only mood stabilizer.  Even if you have increased the dosage. I learned that the hard way and ended up ultra rapidly cycling till I joined the ranks of the James Milton Philosophy It had it’s drawbacks, like setting my alarm for three am just to take a pill.  I did get used to it and it was effective.  I also got tired of it and now take 2 mood stabilizers and only take Neurontin 2x per day. Good Luck! Julie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Eric

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4800mg is considered high, and the therapeutic range seems to span all dosages, at least for bipolar. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greetings everybody, I have rapid cyclings with sometimes mixed states. I never had any manic episode. I never took any mood stabilizer in my life. I’ve been taking antidepressants and anxiolytics for 10 years now with moderate results. And i lost so many jobs… So Neurontin is my first mood stabilizer. I’ve been taking Neurontin (100 mg x 4 per day) for 2 weeks now. I also take Effexor XR 150 mg per day. My mood is better. I’m not anymore angry and the anxiety is almost gone. My concentration is improved too. It’s great. I’m starting again to live after a long nightmare. However, i still have sometimes cyclings even if they are more rare and lower in intensity. What is the therapeutic range of Neurontin? I want to feel fine but to be honest i’m afraid to be *zombified* by a too much high dose of Neurontin. Suggestions? Thanks in advance. Eric

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greetings everybody, I have rapid cyclings with sometimes mixed states. I never had any manic episode. I never took any mood stabilizer in my life. I’ve been taking antidepressants and anxiolytics for 10 years now with moderate results. And i lost so many jobs… So Neurontin is my first mood stabilizer. I’ve been taking Neurontin (100 mg x 4 per day) for 2 weeks now. I also take Effexor XR 150 mg per day. My mood is better. I’m not anymore angry and the anxiety is almost gone. My concentration is improved too. It’s great. I’m starting again to live after a long nightmare. However, i still have sometimes cyclings even if they are more rare and lower in intensity. What is the therapeutic range of Neurontin? I want to feel fine but to be honest i’m afraid to be *zombified* by a too much high dose of Neurontin. Suggestions?

You can use more than one mood stabilizer. Neurontin should be taken every six hours.  A good therapeutic dose for me was 300 mgs 4 x per day until I added another mood stabilizer.  Once I had polytherapy I was able to lower my dose of Neurontin to 600 to 900 mgs per day. Good luck to you. Julie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks in advance. Eric

Response:

Neurontin has been extremely helpful to me as an anti-depressant, mood stabilizer for me recently. I am a manic depressive. I’m nearly certain that the therapeutic range is about 400 to 2500 mgs. I am taking 2000mgs or just simply 2gs. By the way, I don’t feel "zombefied". On the contrary I feel very alert and relatively up. Good luck Ephriam

Do i still have to take Neurontin 4 times a day if i increase the dosage from 400 to 600 or even 800 mg? What are the side effects of Neurontin at this dosage? Thanks. Eric

Response:

Greetings everybody, I have rapid cyclings with sometimes mixed states. I never had any manic episode. I never took any mood stabilizer in my life. I’ve been taking antidepressants and anxiolytics for 10 years now with moderate results. And i lost so many jobs… So Neurontin is my first mood stabilizer. I’ve been taking Neurontin (100 mg x 4 per day) for 2 weeks now. I also take Effexor XR 150 mg per day. My mood is better. I’m not anymore angry and the anxiety is almost gone. My concentration is improved too. It’s great. I’m starting again to live after a long nightmare. However, i still have sometimes cyclings even if they are more rare and lower in intensity. What is the therapeutic range of Neurontin? I want to feel fine but to be honest i’m afraid to be *zombified* by a too much high dose of Neurontin. Suggestions? Thanks in advance. Eric

Response:

Neurontin has been extremely helpful to me as an anti-depressant, mood stabilizer for me recently. I am a manic depressive. I’m nearly certain that the therapeutic range is about 400 to 2500 mgs. I am taking 2000mgs or just simply 2gs. By the way, I don’t feel "zombefied". On the contrary I feel very alert and relatively up. Good luck Ephriam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greetings everybody, I have rapid cyclings with sometimes mixed states. I never had any manic episode. I never took any mood stabilizer in my life. I’ve been taking antidepressants and anxiolytics for 10 years now with moderate results. And i lost so many jobs… So Neurontin is my first mood stabilizer. I’ve been taking Neurontin (100 mg x 4 per day) for 2 weeks now. I also take Effexor XR 150 mg per day. My mood is better. I’m not anymore angry and the anxiety is almost gone. My concentration is improved too. It’s great. I’m starting again to live after a long nightmare. However, i still have sometimes cyclings even if they are more rare and lower in intensity. What is the therapeutic range of Neurontin? I want to feel fine but to be honest i’m afraid to be *zombified* by a too much high dose of Neurontin. Suggestions? Thanks in advance. Eric

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Question:

We solved most of our puppy’s whining and barking problems when she was tiny, by building a small pen – small enough to be moved around the house, but big enough to provide her with a bed, a bowl of water and a litter tray.  That way, she could see us, feel included – she got lots of time out of the pen too being cuddled and things.  At night, the pen was at the side of the bed, and she settled down really quickly.  After a few weeks, and a few accidents, we got her housetrained, threw out the pen and she slept between our feet until she got too big then she moved onto the floor without much trouble.  HTH.

Jon, Thanks for the advice.  I am so looking forward to when she is housebroken. However, I must say, things have already been settling down here alot. Take care, Brad

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writes: Guess what, she went and got into one of the other dogs’ crates, vomited and returned to her own.

Tasha… I think that’s what my children did when they were sick…they came in my room and threw up! Jody

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b.

Maybe an alternative is Paxil.. I was on Zoloft and felt the panic syptom , they raised the dose and I had more trouble.  Paxil seems more along the lines for treatment of panic/depression. Meanwhile, enjoy watching your son and dog grow together. good luck,     MM<<<< Paul, Thanks for your reply.  If I can’t get Zoloft to work any better, I will try Paxil, it is the next step I guess. Brad

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I think that’s what my children did when they were sick…they came in my room and threw up!

LMAO!!!!!  Oh Gawd……I haven’t laughed all weekend!!!!!   But I HATE you for making me laugh this hard at 7am…..I hate laughing before  I’m awake!!!!! LOLOLOL! shaddap. kc – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Hey, I got a puppy too!  And the anxiety that goes with it.  AGH.  And the pee and dog puke, and whining, yapping, ripped up papers….double-AGH.

I was feeling like the only person on the planet that felt like he was going to have a nervous breakdown because I got a cute little puppy. First thing I’d say is that sometimes a side effect of Zoloft is anxiousness. Many people shoot a benzo (Xanax, Klonopin, ATivan) at it until it

subsides. I’m currently afraid of the Ativan my doc gave me, but I may try it again. Your point is a good one though and I believe you are right. You may be just reacting to a normal side effect and sticking it on the fact that you have a puppy.

–Snipped to save space– Try not to fret, sometimes animals pick up on it and will whine and cry worse. If you give in, the puppy has learned if he cries long enough you will come get him.  Make it stick.  Being miserable a couple days now is better than having a pest for a dog for the rest of it’s life.

Thanks for all that advice, I’m not the best dog trainer. You probably know all this stuff already.

No, some, but not all. And I used to breed Yorkies when my 3  kids were babies…..I let them set their own boundaries.  Kids got bit, dogs had hair pulled, there were fights over chewies….

Once again, I thought I was the ONLY person who would EVER dare get a new puppy with a young child at the same time. but unless you got a dog with a weird history or bad lineage they will grow up together like siblings and play and love each other even though there will be an occassional fight.

Well, my family got me an Italian Greyhound from a liniage of champion show dogs – which I have been told are very mild mannered easy to train dogs. But besides the occasional rough-housing, my son loves the dog. As a temporary hedge against anxiety, you might ask your doc if you can get a couple of benzos to smooth over the rough places…..it will even itself out. Hope this helps

This post has helped me more than you will ever know.  I thank you very much because I read it over and over and was able to calm down immensely…At first I wanted us to simply give the dog back to the breeders, but now I’m really adjusting and having fun. Thank you so much, Brad – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -KC Cindy

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, the other day, my family surprised me with a new puppy that I said I wanted a few months ago.  When I first saw her I thought like most people — "Wow she is so cute and adorable, I love her!" and told everyone how pleased I was.  Well, that night(as per the breeders instructions), she slept in bed with me and my wife and needless to say, we all slept in the wet spot. She whined and kept us awake most of the night.  The next night we put her in her kennel and she barked and woke us up and my 15 month old son.  By Saterday night, I was feeling depressed and panicky, kind of like "what have we done? A puppy is a huge responsibility and we have a 15 month old son for Heaven’s sake"

Hi B, Didn’t go the puppy route but did just adopt a 2nd dog about 6 months ago and went thru MONTHS of anxiety and saying what have I done???  No matter pup or 2 year old – bringing anything new into the family is always (in my opinion) going to cause stress.  With a 15 month old, I am sure you can relate to the massive changes.  Give it time and try and enjoy the pup while it is still a pup, they grow up faster than kids, ya know!  :)  It took me til about a month ago to finally feel good about our new addition and for me to stop being on edge all the time.  Think the pooch is glad too as I was on her about everything, expecting her to *know* all the rules like the older dog.  I had to stop and make time to spend with her everyday.  Been a long time since I did the pup thing, but you have the chance to train her and I think your son will like the companion.  Good luck! Gwen

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Hi all, I’ve been posting/lurking here for a couple of months now and had a pretty weird experience the other day that has me anxious as hell and depressed. Well, I had started taking my Zoloft 8 weeks ago again after being off of it for 3 months.  I’m at 50 mg. I was up to 100 mg. five months ago, but this time, the side effects have been pretty bad so I’ve been fighting to stabilize at 50. Anyway, I was finally feeling GREAT a week ago.  I was able to stop taking my sleep aids and I was making it through a good part of the day without even checking my state of mind for "crazy feelings" Well, the other day, my family surprised me with a new puppy that I said I wanted a few months ago.  When I first saw her I thought like most people — "Wow she is so cute and adorable, I love her!" and told everyone how pleased I was.  Well, that night(as per the breeders instructions), she slept in bed with me and my wife and needless to say, we all slept in the wet spot.  She whined and kept us awake most of the night.  The next night we put her in her kennel and she barked and woke us up and my 15 month old son.  By Saterday night, I was feeling depressed and panicky, kind of like "what have we done? A puppy is a huge responsibility and we have a 15 month old son for Heaven’s sake" Saturday, I upped my dosage 25 mg. and noticed a little MORE anxiety setting in.  Sunday and Monday I did the same and by late Monday morning I felt about as bad as I did 6 weeks ago. I worry about the puppy hurting my son, about my son hurting the puppy, about her messing on the floor…And since this whole episode happened, I now worry about if the Zoloft is going to help me when I am at full dosage. I know I am handling my anxiety better now than I was 6 weeks ago at the height of my Panic attacks/depression.  And I know I’m at only half the dosage…It’s just gonna take me awhile before I am able to deal with the side effects and up my dosage to the 100mg. I guess I’d like to here of others who have had similar situations.  It’s like, if I can’t enjoy the simple pleasures of life like a new puppy, what the hell can I enjoy? Thanks, B.

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