Question:

ONe doc told me to put my inhalers in my mouth when i use them…..another told me not…..i would appreciate if others would share what their docs said!!

Response:

My doctor want wants a spacer used.

Response:

ONe doc told me to put my inhalers in my mouth when i use them…..another told me not…..i would appreciate if others would share what their docs said!!

Depending on the type of inhaler you’re using, you might want to consider a "spacer" device. I’m surprised neither doc actually mentioned them ! Chris — Chris King                    | Information provided here should NOT be used http://www.csking.demon.co.uk | practitioner.

Response:

If you do not have a spacer, then out. place the mouthpiece about two to three fingers away from the mouth and proceed. The idea is to slow the delivery of the aerosol so as not to just coat the inside of the mouth… basically what a straight spacer does. With less medication coating the mouth, the more you’re able to take in.

Response:

ONe doc told me to put my inhalers in my mouth when i use them…..another told me not…..i would appreciate if others would share what their docs said!!

Inhalers come with patient instructions so the first thing to do is read them. Different kinds of inhalers may be used differently. Probably the most common inhaler type at the moment is the MDI or metered-dose inhaler. There is more than one correct technique; theoretically spraying a short distance outside the mouth results in better aersolization, but aim is critical and its hard to get the spray going in the right direction. MDI instructions usually show the inhaler being inserted in the mouth since its easier to aim. The best way with an MDI is to use a spacer, like an AeroChamber–this results in good aersolization with minimum side effects due to overspray. The breath-actuated inhalers, like the Autohaler and DPI (dry powder inhaler), like the turbuhaler, require the mouthpace be inserted in the mouth to get proper suction. Also in general spacers can not be used with this type of inhaler. See: http://www.lung.ca/asthma/manage/devices.html  Inhalation Devices (MDI, DPI, Nebulizer) Canada http://www.lung.ca/devices/mdi.html  Proper Use of MDIs Canada http://www.caritas.ab.ca/~ther/respcare/asthma/medicat.html SPACER MED  ADMINISTRATION (MDI) Canada http://www.njc.org/MFhtml/AER_MF.html Using an Aerochamber

Question:

I’ve had bruising and tearing of skin far too easily – even kneading bread in a bowl will cause small hemmorhages where the arms rub! I take Flovent, Serevent and Accolate – now after 3 weeks of 500mg vit. C BID, I think there is some small improvement.  Plan to increase dosage gradually and see if the effect is enhanced.  Will post more – eventually! Jan

Response:

 I have begun to notice a few things that are causing me to be a little nervous.  I am brusing very easily.  I am developing a lot of spider veins in my legs.  I have a cluster of viens on top of the shen bone on my lower leg and I have a vein that has kind of popped out about 4 inches below my knee on that same leg.  I am seeing my Dr. tomorrow, he always tells me flowvent doesn’t get into my system and not to worry about any thing.  Do these symptoms sound like I should be concerned?  I feel great and would hate to give up my flowvent, but I wonder if I wouldn’t be just fine with a smaller dose.  

What does the insert that came with your medication say about side effects and adverse reactions?  There should be a phone number for the manufactuer in the insert, maybe you should call and ask them directly? ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently taking flovent 220, 2 sprays in morning and 2 in the evening. I originally started out taking 4 sprays in am and pm,back in Nov 96. My Dr. slowly reduced me to my current dosage last March.   This has been a miricle drug for me.  The first relief from asthma attacks in over 10 years.  In fact I have not had an attack since the second week of Nov 96, they used to be a daily occurance.   I have begun to notice a few things that are causing me to be a little nervous.  I am brusing very easily.  I am developing a lot of spider veins in my legs.  I have a cluster of viens on top of the shen bone on my lower leg and I have a vein that has kind of popped out about 4 inches below my knee on that same leg.   I am seeing my Dr. tomorrow, he always tells me flowvent doesn’t get into my system and not to worry about any thing.   Do these symptoms sound like I should be concerned?  I feel great and would hate to give up my flowvent, but I wonder if I wouldn’t be just fine with a smaller dose.                          Barbara

You are taking a High Dose of Flovent (880 ug fluticasone/day), per the Expert Panel Report 2. A Low Dose is 88-264 ug/day, a Medium Dose is 264-660 ug/day, a High Dose is 660 ug/day.  The High Dose is prescribed for Severe Asthma. Also recommended in addition to the steroid inhaler is a long-acting bronchodilator; a Serevent inhaler or theophylline SR (Theo-Dur) These tend to be steroid sparing drugs. Other steroid sparing drugs new on the market are Accolate & Zyflo. Then you should have a short-acting bronchodilator like albuterol for rescue. It’s possible you are having the steroid side effect which results in thin delicate skin. It is best to use the minimum dose of steroid to control the symptoms, especially at the medium & high doses. A peak flow meter can be used to help assess the lung function; you want to stay in the green zone, 80% of personal best. Then an Action Plan should be used to increasemeds including steroid inhaler, in the event of an asthma exacerbation.

It may prove easier to taper down if you switch your Flovent to the medium strength inhaler (Flovent 110) Perhaps you could then try 3 puffs twice a day (with doctor’s approval of course). To minimize side effects make sure to use a spacer, like an AeroChamber, with the Flovent. Wash mouth & gargle after inhaling. Then get Serevent or Theo-Dur if you don’t already have it; & a albuterol inhaler for rescue. A book that explains this is ‘The Asthma Sourcebook’, Francis Adams, MD, c96. http://home.earthlink.net/~francisva/news.html Ellis

Response:

Question:

Prozac May Soon Have a Generic Brand (washingtonpost.com)        By Katrina Hull       Associated Press Writer       Monday, July 30, 2001; 5:48 PM       INDIANAPOLIS

Question:

Long story made short… I’m 37 yrs old and was diagnosed w/ asthma 3 yrs ago. After doing much research I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ve had asthma since childhood but was never diagnosed. Since childhood I’ve always had some skin irritation (P) in very small patches on my shins and scalp which was easily cleared  w/ topicals. Since starting on Serevent and Flovent, however, I cannot clear the P and it has actually spread to my forearms, neck, elbows, and calves. I’ve eliminated just about any other factor. Has anybody had a similar experience. Am I crazy in relating the two? My derm thinks so. -B

Response:

I also have a similar background as you. I am 35 years old. I have had asthma since 2. I have had small p patches on my scalp and around my mouth since 15. I have stopped using topicals for my p. Although the spots do go away short term after the treatment, the p would always come back a bit worse after I stop the application. So I have decided the short term clearing is just not worth the potential long term risks for me. As for my asthma, it has gotten much better since my teenager years. It’s now less than 1 attack per year with no maintenance medication. Don’t know if it’s puberty or the fact that I took up karate around the same time. When I do have an asthma attack, from say exposure to doggy dander, I usually just control it with an otc spray. I haven’t thought about any connection between my asthma and p. I will pay more attention to see if my p gets worse after an asthma attack/otc spray. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Long story made short… I’m 37 yrs old and was diagnosed w/ asthma 3 yrs ago. After doing much research I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ve had asthma since childhood but was never diagnosed. Since childhood I’ve always had some skin irritation (P) in very small patches on my shins and scalp which was easily cleared  w/ topicals. Since starting on Serevent and Flovent, however, I cannot clear the P and it has actually spread to my forearms, neck, elbows, and calves. I’ve eliminated just about any other factor. Has anybody had a similar experience. Am I crazy in relating the two? My derm thinks so. -B

Response:

Question:

: You could be having an allergic reaction to the medication.  This is : something you should report to both your doctor and pharmacist (IMO a : pharmacist tends to do a better job of keeping track of the : medications you shouldn’t take than a doctor does). : There should be no direct problem from abruptly stopping Accolate, : however Rule #2 for asthmatics is: Never stop taking a medication : without checking with a doctor (unless this is covered by an ‘Asthma : Action Plan’). Except in this case, there is the potential for not stopping to be life-threatening.  I believe that the rule is if you get an allergic reaction to some medication, especially things like antibiotics, that you stop the medication first and find a doctor next, the speed depending on how serious the reaction is. : You should try to find a walk-in clinic in your area and consult with : a doctor. I agree entirely, except that I think that it would be a good idea to stop taking the medication if you suspect that it is causing an allergic reaction, and then get your hands on a doctor ASAP. Cheers, Kin Hoong

Response:

If you break out in an itchy blotchy rash after each dose then you should clearly stop the drug. There is no danger inherent to stopping Accolate abruptly other than worsening asthma. If you don’t feel that you were responding tot he Accolate than this should not be a problem. Keep taking the Zyrtec, it may be the only thing stopping a more severe reaction. If your asthma worsens contact your doctor immediately. — Good Luck, CBI, M.D. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Folks, I need some information.  Both my pharmacist and physician are unavailable for another two weeks [the health center is closed for the XMas holidays]. I have been taking Accolate for just over 2 weeks now; to be honest, I haven’t noticed a significant change in my asthma that can definitely be attributed to the Accolate as opposed to just getting over the stupid virus that I have had; though being sick means judging how well the underlying asthma *itself* is doing has been a challenge [respiratory infections are an almost guaranteed flare-er of my asthma]. HOWEVER, that is not what concerns me.  Last night for the third time or so that I have taken my dose I have broken out in a blotch rash/hives and been *severely* itchy, especiall on my legs.  Last night I finally clued into the fact that I think the Accolate is what is causing it — it started within a half hour of taking it, and the only thing I had was it and some water; nothing else that I can think of could possible have triggered the reaction.  I could have handled the headache that many people get; this kind of itchiness is intolerable. So, I haven’t taken my dose this morning [I am pretending I forgot ], and I want to stop taking it.  But I need to know if it is safe to stop taking it abruptly or not.  So: IS IT SAFE??  I’ve been on 20mg twice a day since the 11th of December, and have rarely forgotten to take it. FWIW, I am also on Zyrtec [aka Reactine in Canada; and have been for about 5 years] 10mg/d, Pulmicort Turbuhaler 1600mcg/d [haven't come off the increased dose from being sick yet; have been on this dose basically since the week before the US Thanksgiving], and Bricanyl as required [in the last few days, not needed at all].  I have been on deltasone 3X in the last month and a half, most recently a 40mg/d X3d, 20mg/d X3d, 10mg/d X3 days taper regimine [finished under week ago]; I have a burst dose Rx for deltasone [40mg/d X 3 d] if I need to use it, which I am allowed to use. So, folks, is it safe to come off of the Accolate abruptly, and if so/not, what should I look for if anything if I do?  I am assuming my asthma may worsen some, but I think I can manage that ok [I am allowed to flex my medications to a certain degree]. Thanks for your help!! SW.

Response:

HOWEVER, that is not what concerns me.  Last night for the third time or so that I have taken my dose I have broken out in a blotch rash/hives and been *severely* itchy, especiall on my legs.  Last night I finally clued into the fact that I think the Accolate is what is causing it — it started within a half hour of taking it, and the only thing I had was it and some water; nothing else that I can think of could possible have triggered the reaction.  I could have handled the headache that many people get; this kind of itchiness is intolerable.

You could be having an allergic reaction to the medication.  This is something you should report to both your doctor and pharmacist (IMO a pharmacist tends to do a better job of keeping track of the medications you shouldn’t take than a doctor does). There should be no direct problem from abruptly stopping Accolate, however Rule #2 for asthmatics is: Never stop taking a medication without checking with a doctor (unless this is covered by an ‘Asthma Action Plan’). You should try to find a walk-in clinic in your area and consult with a doctor.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Folks, I need some information.  Both my pharmacist and physician are unavailable for another two weeks [the health center is closed for the XMas holidays]. I have been taking Accolate for just over 2 weeks now; to be honest, I haven’t noticed a significant change in my asthma that can definitely be attributed to the Accolate as opposed to just getting over the stupid virus that I have had; though being sick means judging how well the underlying asthma *itself* is doing has been a challenge [respiratory infections are an almost guaranteed flare-er of my asthma]. HOWEVER, that is not what concerns me.  Last night for the third time or so that I have taken my dose I have broken out in a blotch rash/hives and been *severely* itchy, especiall on my legs.  Last night I finally clued into the fact that I think the Accolate is what is causing it — it started within a half hour of taking it, and the only thing I had was it and some water; nothing else that I can think of could possible have triggered the reaction.  I could have handled the headache that many people get; this kind of itchiness is intolerable. So, I haven’t taken my dose this morning [I am pretending I forgot ], and I want to stop taking it.  But I need to know if it is safe to stop taking it abruptly or not.  So: IS IT SAFE??  I’ve been on 20mg twice a day since the 11th of December, and have rarely forgotten to take it. FWIW, I am also on Zyrtec [aka Reactine in Canada; and have been for about 5 years] 10mg/d, Pulmicort Turbuhaler 1600mcg/d [haven't come off the increased dose from being sick yet; have been on this dose basically since the week before the US Thanksgiving], and Bricanyl as required [in the last few days, not needed at all].  I have been on deltasone 3X in the last month and a half, most recently a 40mg/d X3d, 20mg/d X3d, 10mg/d X3 days taper regimine [finished under week ago]; I have a burst dose Rx for deltasone [40mg/d X 3 d] if I need to use it, which I am allowed to use. So, folks, is it safe to come off of the Accolate abruptly, and if so/not, what should I look for if anything if I do?  I am assuming my asthma may worsen some, but I think I can manage that ok [I am allowed to flex my medications to a certain degree]. SW.

First, I’m not a doctor, but a well informed asthmatic taking Singulair (sometimes), inhaled steroids (just switching from Vanceril DS to Pulmicort; etc. Antileukotrienes like Accolate and Singulair don’t help all asthmatics, maybe half or 2/3. Your main preventor drug is your inhaled steroids, Pulmicort; and 1600ug is a very High Dose. My advice would be to try stopping Accolate for a while; any drug that can cause an allergic reaction like you described could be dangerous; and if it doesn’t help why take it.[The nice thing about asthma drugs is you can tell whether or not they are working] You may want to try Accolate again after your exacerbation is under control; or try the better drug Singulair. Here’s the Prescribing Info on Accolate: http://www.accolateinfo.com/ http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/zafirlukast.htm zafirlukast Excerpt: "Contraindications: Zafirlukast is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive  to zafirlukast or any of its inactive ingredients." My personal experience with a similar drug Singulair is initially it increased my personal best peak flow by 10%. Later I noticed I seemed to have signs of fatigue, and it doesn’t seem to help at all during exacerbations. So now I take it about every other day. It seems to work best when my asthma is relatively well controlled. I have recently had to switch to a higher strength steroid inhaler (Pulmicort) I had hoped the antileukotriene would be a steroid sparing drug, but it doesn’t seem to be the case; tho I think it still helps. Ellis

Response:

Folks, I need some information.  Both my pharmacist and physician are unavailable for another two weeks [the health center is closed for the XMas holidays]. I have been taking Accolate for just over 2 weeks now; to be honest, I haven’t noticed a significant change in my asthma that can definitely be attributed to the Accolate as opposed to just getting over the stupid virus that I have had; though being sick means judging how well the underlying asthma *itself* is doing has been a challenge [respiratory infections are an almost guaranteed flare-er of my asthma]. HOWEVER, that is not what concerns me.  Last night for the third time or so that I have taken my dose I have broken out in a blotch rash/hives and been *severely* itchy, especiall on my legs.  Last night I finally clued into the fact that I think the Accolate is what is causing it — it started within a half hour of taking it, and the only thing I had was it and some water; nothing else that I can think of could possible have triggered the reaction.  I could have handled the headache that many people get; this kind of itchiness is intolerable. So, I haven’t taken my dose this morning [I am pretending I forgot ], and I want to stop taking it.  But I need to know if it is safe to stop taking it abruptly or not.  So: IS IT SAFE??  I’ve been on 20mg twice a day since the 11th of December, and have rarely forgotten to take it. FWIW, I am also on Zyrtec [aka Reactine in Canada; and have been for about 5 years] 10mg/d, Pulmicort Turbuhaler 1600mcg/d [haven't come off the increased dose from being sick yet; have been on this dose basically since the week before the US Thanksgiving], and Bricanyl as required [in the last few days, not needed at all].  I have been on deltasone 3X in the last month and a half, most recently a 40mg/d X3d, 20mg/d X3d, 10mg/d X3 days taper regimine [finished under week ago]; I have a burst dose Rx for deltasone [40mg/d X 3 d] if I need to use it, which I am allowed to use. So, folks, is it safe to come off of the Accolate abruptly, and if so/not, what should I look for if anything if I do?  I am assuming my asthma may worsen some, but I think I can manage that ok [I am allowed to flex my medications to a certain degree]. Thanks for your help!! SW.

Response:

Question:

I have been prescribed Zoloft for anti-anxiety/depression,,,,,my psych normal dose? will i be sleepy? I am concerned about forgetting passwords, etc….does that happen? Will I be a zombie? Thanks!

Response:

50 mg Zoloft is what I started at and am now up to 100 mg.  Some meds do tend to make people tired or a little more anxious temporarily but in time the side effects wear off. Of course, YMMV…  Best wishes. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been prescribed Zoloft for anti-anxiety/depression,,,,,my psych or normal dose? will i be sleepy? I am concerned about forgetting passwords, etc….does that happen? Will I be a zombie? Thanks!

Response:

I also started out on 50mg, and after two weeks my psych upped it to 100mg. It seems to be helping, it just takes a few weeks.  Drowsiness is a side-effect, but you shouldn’t be too worried.  I would love to tell you that I don’t get tired from it but I’m not sure, I’m tired a lot but I don’t think it’s from the meds. Good luck, lots of smiles,     Robin

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been prescribed Zoloft for anti-anxiety/depression,,,,,my psych or normal dose? will i be sleepy? I am concerned about forgetting passwords, etc….does that happen? Will I be a zombie? Thanks!

Response:

I have been prescribed Zoloft for anti-anxiety/depression,,,,,my psych normal dose? will i be sleepy? I am concerned about forgetting passwords, etc….does that happen? Will I be a zombie? Thanks!

This is asking for trouble, starting at such a high dose will heigthen your anxiety and add other side effects that are temporary in the vast majority of cases and this might scare you off a potentially helpful med. Your pdoc should know better. The recommended starting dose of Zoloft for anxiety sufferers is 12.5 mg. Stay there for a week or so and then raise the dose in weekly increments of 12.5 mg (or at whatever pace is comfortable for you) until you have reached a therapeutic dose. Having a benzo like Xanax or Ativan to take *as needed* on the side at least during the weaning period will help too. *Start low, go slow* and you will have far fewer initial side effect problems. You should give Zoloift up to eight weeks to kick in – although most people get to feel better much earlier. Philip

Response:

50 mg Zoloft is what I started at and am now up to 100 mg.  Some meds do tend to make people tired or a little more anxious temporarily but in time the side effects wear off. Of course, YMMV…  Best wishes. smiles, Elise

Wow, you managed starting at 50 mg with no problems? Amazing (and very fortunate of course). Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been prescribed Zoloft for anti-anxiety/depression,,,,,my psych or normal dose? will i be sleepy? I am concerned about forgetting passwords, etc….does that happen? Will I be a zombie? Thanks!

Response:

Question:

Amazing.  We switched from DSL to Cable as our internet provider yesterday. I had only seen one reply to my post via DSL, when I logged on using the cable connection, all the rest appeared. Thank you everybody.  For your words of support, and suggestions and for sharing your Serzone experiences.  I dropped my dose down about three days ago from 400mg a day to 300mg.  I have my mind back!  It’s like the fog lifted and I can think again.  I had exceeded a dose that was good for me. That’s all I can assume.  The first couple of days I needed a prn Ativan along toward evening, but didn’t even need that yesterday.  So, I’m feeling hopeful. Again, thank you all so much.  I’m sorry I didn’t respond sooner, but the messages just weren’t there for me to respond to.  Funky DSL. Debbie

Response:

Debbie: My DR put me on Serzone about a month ago (and took me off of it).  I, too, had memory problems (short-term memory), disorientation and confusion.  It was like walking through a thick fog all the time. I can’t offer you the "hang in there" you need, because Serzone didn’t work with me.  All I can offer is the "wait and see" approach or start the med "roulette."  When Prozac quit working for me after 10 years, I, too, was terrified about starting a new med. My first SSRI was Paxil (I was severly depressed at the time) and all I did was sleep .. not a good thing when I really needed to get out of the house and work.  Prozac worked just dandy for me, then in January, I noticed more and more PAs. I rode the Serzone roller coaster (each time the starter kit upped the dose, I got worse, lots of crying, light-headedness, forgetfulness) until I couldn’t even teach, grade, sleep …  The DR switched my to Zoloft, it’s working OK right now, but I’m still wary. The Zoloft dose increases in two days …. who knows what it will do … Do you have a good doctor?  One who listens?  So far, I have a standing appointment with my DR every 2 weeks to see how the new meds are working (always with the option to get in before the 2 week appt). I don’t think I’ve helped you at all, but I hope my experience …. I don’t know … gives you some idea of a path to follow (not that I have a path … ) Let me know how it goes. schel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I’ve been a frequent lurker to your group for over five years.  I’ve gained much understand about my Panic Disorder and wealth of information – for which I am very grateful to all of you. I’ve struggled with my PD for six years.  Fought the beast alone for three years with just PRN Xanax, then three years ago, I began daily medication to combat it.  Serzone 150mg BID.  It literally gave me my life back and the full blown PA’s actually stopped for several years.  Last year we increased my PM dose to 200mg due to increased generalized anxiety.  Three weeks ago, PD returned with a vengeance.  I literally ran sobbing from a dinner theater.  The first major, rock your world PA in almost three years.  I went to the doc because I didn’t recover from this easily.  I was tearful and anxious for several days following.  At my insistence, the dose was increased to 200mg BID.  In addition I have always taken 1mg Ativan at night, with the script written for PRN in addition. It’s been over two weeks now – I just can’t seem to get adjusted to this increase.  I am just exhausted all the time and feel so spaced out and air-headed, not to mention it hasn’t done a thing for my overall anxiety. It is the short term memory loss that really has me bothered.  I have felt this as a nagging concern for well over a year now. That I just couldn’t remember things from one minute to the next.  This med increase just brought it screaming to the front of mind because it is even so much worse right now. I have decided, along with my doc over the phone, to go back to a place where I was successful.  150mg BID with the Ativan at night and PRN. She stresses the need to go ahead and use the Ativan PRN stave off the anxiety. I ramble all of this to begin with, because if feels kind of relieving to share it with others who understand, & to ask:  How serious is this memory loss thing regarding Serzone??  Is it a permanent kind of thing, or just chemically induced when taking the med? The memory issues didn’t get much/any press on the web sites I looked at.  Do you think maybe I just tried to exceed my own therapeutic level when I wanted to increase the med? I would literally be scared to death to try another med.  I think I’m in the running for the poster child for "med phobics" <grin  I just wonder if others have used this long term for PD and if so, encountered any of these sorts of experiences.  I read backward in DejaNews for posts on the subject. I found a good many post about the various reason why others stopped taking it, but not so much from the folks who continued.  I guess I just need a good "hang in there".  I  feel like I’m at the bottom of the world right now. Thank you so much for taking the time to wade through this. Debbie, who remembers better days, and is struggling with the current ones. — Problems are only opportunities in work clothes.                            –Henry Kaiser

Response:

Liz, Thanks so much for the moral boost.  I’m hoping reducing the dose will at least clear up fog I have seemed to be living in.  I’ll have to see what happens with the anxiety piece.  I always try to think positive, so I hope this is the trick.  I appreciate your note, Debbie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Debbie, Welcome, Debbie.  I am so sorry you are having more anxiety and the meds don’t seem to be working right.  I will leave the med questions to the experts, but just wanted to send you strength and hope. Take care, Liz

Response:

struggled with PD for six years. began Serzone 150mg BID. increased PM dose to 200mg due to increased generalized anxiety. three weeks ago, PD returned with a vengeance. dose increased to 200mg BID. take 1mg Ativan at night, PRN. can’t adjust to increase after two weeks on new dose. exhausted all the time, spaced out and air-headed does nothing for overall anxiety short term memory loss has increased back to successful dose of 150mg BID with the Ativan at night and PRN.

IMHO, this was a really good move on your part. I’m glad your pdoc agreed. How serious is this memory loss thing regarding Serzone??

Depends. My Dx is panic disorder w/o depression.  Been on Serzone continuously since Sep 2000. Experienced short term memory loss and inability to focus on details 1 wk after dose went beyond 150mg BID. Is it a permanent kind of thing, or just chemically induced when taking the med?

Went as high as 200mg BID. Almost all background thought processing ceased. Although ruminating/runaway thoughts often triggered symptoms, my mind became TOO quiet. Very disturbing.  Pdoc and I agreed to back-off to 100mg BID which is where I am now. Mind ‘thawed-out’ a day or two later and thought processing returned mostly to normal except for short-term memory ‘brown-out’ periods every so often. Get breakthru symptoms (but no full-blown attacks) about once every two weeks at this dose. Have Xanax PRN, but haven’t had the need in over a month now. The memory issues didn’t get much/any press on the web sites I looked at.  Do you think maybe I just tried to exceed my own therapeutic level when I wanted to increase the med?

IMHO, yes. But ya never know until you try. Start low and move slow is a good rule of thumb. I found a good many post about the various reason why others stopped taking it, but not so much from the folks who continued.  I guess I just need a good "hang in there".

I only have 6mo experience with Serzone, so can’t speak to long term side effects. My pdoc and I have agreed to stop around June/July 2001 and see what happens. However, if you feel like you can function within acceptible limits on your current regimen, my suggestion is to hang in there…  

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I’ve been a frequent lurker to your group for over five years.  I’ve gained much understand about my Panic Disorder and wealth of information – for which I am very grateful to all of you. I’ve struggled with my PD for six years.  Fought the beast alone for three years with just PRN Xanax, then three years ago, I began daily medication to combat it.  Serzone 150mg BID.  It literally gave me my life back and the full blown PA’s actually stopped for several years.  Last year we increased my PM dose to 200mg due to increased generalized anxiety.  Three weeks ago, PD returned with a vengeance.  I literally ran sobbing from a dinner theater.  The first major, rock your world PA in almost three years.  I went to the doc because I didn’t recover from this easily.  I was tearful and anxious for several days following.  At my insistence, the dose was increased to 200mg BID.  In addition I have always taken 1mg Ativan at night, with the script written for PRN in addition. It’s been over two weeks now – I just can’t seem to get adjusted to this increase.  I am just exhausted all the time and feel so spaced out and air-headed, not to mention it hasn’t done a thing for my overall anxiety. It is the short term memory loss that really has me bothered.  I have felt this as a nagging concern for well over a year now. That I just couldn’t remember things from one minute to the next.  This med increase just brought it screaming to the front of mind because it is even so much worse right now. I have decided, along with my doc over the phone, to go back to a place where I was successful.  150mg BID with the Ativan at night and PRN.  She stresses the need to go ahead and use the Ativan PRN stave off the anxiety. I ramble all of this to begin with, because if feels kind of relieving to share it with others who understand, & to ask:  How serious is this memory loss thing regarding Serzone??  Is it a permanent kind of thing, or just chemically induced when taking the med? The memory issues didn’t get much/any press on the web sites I looked at.

The memory loss is temporary, and will go away when (or if) you stop the Serzone. All psychoactive substances can impair cognition (ability to concentrate) and memory. Do you think maybe I just tried to exceed my own therapeutic level when I wanted to increase the

med? Your body couldn’t tolerate the increase, and it told you so. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would literally be scared to death to try another med.  I think I’m in the running for the poster child for "med phobics" <grin  I just wonder if others have used this long term for PD and if so, encountered any of these sorts of experiences.  I read backward in DejaNews for posts on the subject. I found a good many post about the various reason why others stopped taking it, but not so much from the folks who continued.  I guess I just need a good "hang in there".  I  feel like I’m at the bottom of the world right now. Thank you so much for taking the time to wade through this. Debbie, who remembers better days, and is struggling with the current ones.

Since an increase in your anxiety level precipitated the increase in Serzone, I think it advisable to treat the anxiety with a benzo, such as Ativan, taken on a regular (not as needed) basis. Chip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Hi Debbie, Welcome, Debbie.  I am so sorry you are having more anxiety and the meds don’t seem to be working right.  I will leave the med questions to the experts, but just wanted to send you strength and hope.   Take care, Liz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I’ve been a frequent lurker to your group for over five years.  I’ve gained much understand about my Panic Disorder and wealth of information – for which I am very grateful to all of you. I’ve struggled with my PD for six years.  Fought the beast alone for three years with just PRN Xanax, then three years ago, I began daily medication to combat it.  Serzone 150mg BID.  It literally gave me my life back and the full blown PA’s actually stopped for several years.  Last year we increased my PM dose to 200mg due to increased generalized anxiety.  Three weeks ago, PD returned with a vengeance.  I literally ran sobbing from a dinner theater.  The first major, rock your world PA in almost three years.  I went to the doc because I didn’t recover from this easily.  I was tearful and anxious for several days following.  At my insistence, the dose was increased to 200mg BID.  In addition I have always taken 1mg Ativan at night, with the script written for PRN in addition. It’s been over two weeks now – I just can’t seem to get adjusted to this increase.  I am just exhausted all the time and feel so spaced out and air-headed, not to mention it hasn’t done a thing for my overall anxiety. It is the short term memory loss that really has me bothered.  I have felt this as a nagging concern for well over a year now. That I just couldn’t remember things from one minute to the next.  This med increase just brought it screaming to the front of mind because it is even so much worse right now. I have decided, along with my doc over the phone, to go back to a place where I was successful.  150mg BID with the Ativan at night and PRN.  She stresses the need to go ahead and use the Ativan PRN stave off the anxiety. I ramble all of this to begin with, because if feels kind of relieving to share it with others who understand, & to ask:  How serious is this memory loss thing regarding Serzone??  Is it a permanent kind of thing, or just chemically induced when taking the med? The memory issues didn’t get much/any press on the web sites I looked at.  Do you think maybe I just tried to exceed my own therapeutic level when I wanted to increase the med? I would literally be scared to death to try another med.  I think I’m in the running for the poster child for "med phobics" <grin  I just wonder if others have used this long term for PD and if so, encountered any of these sorts of experiences.  I read backward in DejaNews for posts on the subject. I found a good many post about the various reason why others stopped taking it, but not so much from the folks who continued.  I guess I just need a good "hang in there".  I  feel like I’m at the bottom of the world right now. Thank you so much for taking the time to wade through this. Debbie, who remembers better days, and is struggling with the current ones.

– Problems are only opportunities in work clothes.                            –Henry Kaiser

Response:

Well Debbie I am not a med expert.  I am sorry you are having a rough time right now.  It does feel pretty unfair and makes you angry, doesn’t it, that IT came back!  I have spent a lot of time pondering why IT attacked me for the first time almost a year ago and I have not been the same since.  I can’t tell you about your meds, but I would encourage you to take your doc’s advice about using the Ativan as needed.  Don’t cheat yourself out of the needed calming it can bring you during this rough time. Jeannie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello, I’ve been a frequent lurker to your group for over five years.  I’ve gained much understand about my Panic Disorder and wealth of information – for which I am very grateful to all of you. I’ve struggled with my PD for six years.  Fought the beast alone for three years with just PRN Xanax, then three years ago, I began daily medication to combat it.  Serzone 150mg BID.  It literally gave me my life back and the full blown PA’s actually stopped for several years.  Last year we increased my PM dose to 200mg due to increased generalized anxiety.  Three weeks ago, PD returned with a vengeance.  I literally ran sobbing from a dinner theater.  The first major, rock your world PA in almost three years.  I went to the doc because I didn’t recover from this easily.  I was tearful and anxious for several days following.  At my insistence, the dose was increased to 200mg BID.  In addition I have always taken 1mg Ativan at night, with the script written for PRN in addition. It’s been over two weeks now – I just can’t seem to get adjusted to this increase.  I am just exhausted all the time and feel so spaced out and air-headed, not to mention it hasn’t done a thing for my overall anxiety. It is the short term memory loss that really has me bothered.  I have felt this as a nagging concern for well over a year now. That I just couldn’t remember things from one minute to the next.  This med increase just brought it screaming to the front of mind because it is even so much worse right now. I have decided, along with my doc over the phone, to go back to a place where I was successful.  150mg BID with the Ativan at night and PRN.  She stresses the need to go ahead and use the Ativan PRN stave off the anxiety. I ramble all of this to begin with, because if feels kind of relieving to share it with others who understand, & to ask:  How serious is this memory loss thing regarding Serzone??  Is it a permanent kind of thing, or just chemically induced when taking the med? The memory issues didn’t get much/any press on the web sites I looked at.  Do you think maybe I just tried to exceed my own therapeutic level when I wanted to increase the med? I would literally be scared to death to try another med.  I think I’m in the running for the poster child for "med phobics" <grin  I just wonder if others have used this long term for PD and if so, encountered any of these sorts of experiences.  I read backward in DejaNews for posts on the subject. I found a good many post about the various reason why others stopped taking it, but not so much from the folks who continued.  I guess I just need a good "hang in there".  I  feel like I’m at the bottom of the world right now. Thank you so much for taking the time to wade through this. Debbie, who remembers better days, and is struggling with the current ones.

Response:

Hello, I’ve been a frequent lurker to your group for over five years.  I’ve gained much understand about my Panic Disorder and wealth of information – for which I am very grateful to all of you. I’ve struggled with my PD for six years.  Fought the beast alone for three years with just PRN Xanax, then three years ago, I began daily medication to combat it.  Serzone 150mg BID.  It literally gave me my life back and the full blown PA’s actually stopped for several years.  Last year we increased my PM dose to 200mg due to increased generalized anxiety.  Three weeks ago, PD returned with a vengeance.  I literally ran sobbing from a dinner theater.  The first major, rock your world PA in almost three years.  I went to the doc because I didn’t recover from this easily.  I was tearful and anxious for several days following.  At my insistence, the dose was increased to 200mg BID.  In addition I have always taken 1mg Ativan at night, with the script written for PRN in addition. It’s been over two weeks now – I just can’t seem to get adjusted to this increase.  I am just exhausted all the time and feel so spaced out and air-headed, not to mention it hasn’t done a thing for my overall anxiety. It is the short term memory loss that really has me bothered.  I have felt this as a nagging concern for well over a year now. That I just couldn’t remember things from one minute to the next.  This med increase just brought it screaming to the front of mind because it is even so much worse right now. I have decided, along with my doc over the phone, to go back to a place where I was successful.  150mg BID with the Ativan at night and PRN.  She stresses the need to go ahead and use the Ativan PRN stave off the anxiety. I ramble all of this to begin with, because if feels kind of relieving to share it with others who understand, & to ask:  How serious is this memory loss thing regarding Serzone??  Is it a permanent kind of thing, or just chemically induced when taking the med? The memory issues didn’t get much/any press on the web sites I looked at.  Do you think maybe I just tried to exceed my own therapeutic level when I wanted to increase the med? I would literally be scared to death to try another med.  I think I’m in the running for the poster child for "med phobics" <grin  I just wonder if others have used this long term for PD and if so, encountered any of these sorts of experiences.  I read backward in DejaNews for posts on the subject. I found a good many post about the various reason why others stopped taking it, but not so much from the folks who continued.  I guess I just need a good "hang in there".  I  feel like I’m at the bottom of the world right now. Thank you so much for taking the time to wade through this. Debbie, who remembers better days, and is struggling with the current ones.

Response:

Question:

Recently, I overheard some pdocs discussing some research findings that Paxil, and to a lesser degree Zoloft, inhibits fat burning.  Anybody have any info on this?  Philip? – Valerie

Response:

Recently, I overheard some pdocs discussing some research findings that Paxil, and to a lesser degree Zoloft, inhibits fat burning.  Anybody have any info on this?  Philip? – Valerie

It is true that weight gain is associated with these meds but it doesn’t always occur with everybody. Philip

Response:

I am on Zoloft. It makes me kinda tired and also seem to have gained some weight. My problem is that I am overweight already and have high blood pressure. My blood pressure Dr wants me to loose weight and I cannot. I have to go see her in 1 week and she will give me "THE LECTURE". Of course she is thin and does not understand that loosing weight is sooo hard. Especially when I am on so many meds…Zoloft, xanax, risperdal, norvasc(for bp) and 2 other bp meds. It is so hard.

Response:

Question:

I have never experienced any sedation or gotten any "buzz" from Xanax, in fact it actually energizes me without making me "speedy", if that makes sense.

It does make sense, and that happens for me at low doses as well. How much have you taken at a time? I am totally screwed up with sleep and energy due to the fact that I work full time night shift and then watch my highly hyperactive toddler all day until 4 or 5 when my eldest daughter comes home to help. So I am always tired and yet cannot fall asleep..frustrating!

You have my sympathies! I often have trouble falling asleep due to pain, and I have problems with waking up in the middle of the night. I’m convinced this has had a deleterious effect on my mental functioning. :-/ -elizabeth

Response:

I have never experienced any sedation or gotten any "buzz" from Xanax, in fact it actually energizes me without making me "speedy", if that makes sense. It does make sense, and that happens for me at low doses as well. How much have you taken at a time?

  In the middle of an extreme panic attack I have once or twice taken 3 mgs at a time..and have taken 2 mgs at once for slightly less severe but still awful ones..Now though I never take more than 1mg at a time, I dont need to with the other meds, in fact dont take any sometimes cause I just plain old forget. May -elizabeth

– "Believe me! The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously!"      -                Nietzsche

Response:

Hi Diana,     If you have never seen a p-doc yet, who prescribed the meds? 25mg is a good starting dose for zoloft, this should keep the side affects bearable. Zoloft taken daily and xanax whenever needed has worked very well for me, but then again YMMV.  The p-doc you are going to see  should be very caring and understanding towards your feelings. One that could try to understand what it is like to feel the way we do. I know mine does. I wish you the best of luck and hope the zoloft works for you. Please keep us posted. steve

Response:

Hello everyone haven’t posted lately but i am back, I finally made a appt with a psych doc today, my appointment if for next tuesday this is the first time for me, alittle nervous, can anyone give me any suggestions on what to look for with her to make sure she is the right one for me?  been having PA for 9 years now and finally being medicated for it .05mg of xanax and 25mg of zoloft is that a good combo? Thanks, Diana

Response:

The med combo is pretty standard, however that Zoloft dose is probably too low for any therapeutic benefit…although with all of the SSRI’s you must increase the dose gradually…and you can anticipate some increase in symptoms while you are going on any meds.  SSRI’s are more popular these days than TCA’s  because they effect fewer systems (less side effects) and are more site specific.  Xanax is a standard med to be used as needed., usually in combo with another med… however, I’ve been doing a lot of reading about a rebound effect … something I experience always, so I stopped.  In terms of your shrink… a good dr. should educate you about the disorder in addition to writing scripts for meds. Find out what percentage of her practice is anxiety patients.  Also, check out the Anxiety Disorder Assoc. web site for more ideas on getting a good shrink: www.adaa.org  GOOD LUCK!!  Keep us posted on the outcome.

Response:

Steve, thanks for responding my family doc got me started on the meds and referred me to the psych doc.

Response:

Hello everyone haven’t posted lately but i am back, I finally made a appt with a psych doc today, my appointment if for next tuesday this is the first time for me, alittle nervous, can anyone give me any suggestions on what to look for with her to make sure she is the right one for me?  been having PA for 9 years now and finally being medicated for it .05mg of xanax and 25mg of zoloft is that a good combo?

Zoloft (SSRI-antidepresant) and Xanax (benzo) make a good combo although our reactions to meds are very personal. One of the things to find out is whether your pdoc is a *benzophobe* (one who doesn’t prescribe benzos because of the alleged *addcition* problem). If she is, she’s not the right one for you. Also you should feel at ease with her. You should be listened to and treated like a responsible adult. You should be able to work on treatment together rather than the doc just telling you what to do. She should explain what she prescribes and proposes and why and then you should *agree* on what’s the right course to take. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks, Diana

Response:

Hi Diana, The only words of advice I can give are not medicine -related. Don’t go into your appointment believing that your doctor can wave a magic wand, say all the right things and heal you. Yes, you can be healed but you will have to work hard. Also, do a lot of reading and decide what sort of therapy will work for you. (If I have to talk about my childhood one more time, I will scream!) Also, if you don’t feel comfortable with your doctor, say so Finally, if you trust your doctor, follow his/her advice. I know how big a step it is to go to a pdoc….good for you! You’re one step closer to feeling better.  Good luck. Let us know how it goes. Charley – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello everyone haven’t posted lately but i am back, I finally made a appt with a psych doc today, my appointment if for next tuesday this is the first time for me, alittle nervous, can anyone give me any suggestions on what to look for with her to make sure she is the right one for me?  been having PA for 9 years now and finally being medicated for it .05mg of xanax and 25mg of zoloft is that a good combo? Thanks, Diana

Response:

Hey Diana!!  I’m on Zoloft, 100 mgs., and Xanax .25 mgs. as needed.  Be careful with the Zoloft…I didn’t have many side effects but it definitely increased my panic attacks in the beginning.  Hang in there…Zoloft has worked great for me.  I still have a few "muted" PAs but I can handle them much better now.  And the fact that I can drive to and from work and even make it to stores (close to home) by myself is amazing!!  I’m going up to 125 mgs. of Zoloft starting tomorrow on the advice of my pdoc…good luck and keep us all posted. Melissa

Response:

Hi, I take only zoloft 50 mgs. And it works well for me. Except around pms time when anxiety is high anyway. I feel some symtoms but they are very mild. It took 4 weeks to see the difference so give it awhile to work, the longer the better I feel.

Response:

One of the things to find out is whether your pdoc is a *benzophobe* (one who doesn’t prescribe benzos because of the alleged *addcition* problem). If she is, she’s not the right one for you.

I second this…even if I didn’t take benzos, I’d avoid benzophobic doctors just on principle! As everybody has said, Zoloft and Xanax is a good combination for panic disorder. 25mg is a starting dose of Zoloft, not a therapeutic dose; around 50mg, many people start to get some benefit, 100 is often enough, 200 is the high end (though you *can* go higher, this is the "official" recommended maximum). Doses of benzos are pretty individualized – are you taking it "as needed," or on some schedule? When I was using it for panic attacks, I needed 2mg to stop them (I didn’t take it all the time, just when I felt an attack coming on), but that’s just me. I actually don’t know how much other people use for this purpose – anyone? -elizabeth

Response:

Xanax is a standard med to be used as needed., usually in combo with another med… however, I’ve been doing a lot of reading about a rebound effect … something I experience always, so I stopped.

I’ve got a question about this: how many times a day were you taking it? I think that Xanax does not last equally long for everyone, so some people can get by taking twice a day but others need it four times a day. -elizabeth

Response:

Xanax is a standard med to be used as needed., usually in combo with another med… however, I’ve been doing a lot of reading about a rebound effect … something I experience always, so I stopped. I’ve got a question about this: how many times a day were you taking it? I think that Xanax does not last equally long for everyone, so some people can get by taking twice a day but others need it four times a day. -elizabeth

 Personally I had trouble taking it PRN because my pas were often OOB (as in while sleeping or nothing at all) although after enough of them I developed pretty much a state of constant anticipatory anxiety ..I could literally think myself into a panic attack trying to figure out how to avoid them..enter agoraphobia..Anyhow when I finally got Xanax I found if I had a PA it would generally take me 1.5-2 mgs to stop it..and I had little success with twice a day dosage,so I decided to stop the PRN route, as that is almost sure to leave anyone like myself with lots of hours of anxiety, as Xanax lasts 4 to 5 hrs at most for me. I now take it regularly .05 mg to 1 mg every four hours while awake, and if I rememeber..I do skip doses lots of times without even noticing it since my other two meds are helping a good deal too I think. But I can’t imagine twice a day being a very good xanax dosing..I would think 3 times at least given its short action. I have had almost no…nada..zero PAs for 6 weeks or more *knock on wood*, and my anxiety level is low enough to live with..I am sorry I was talked out of Xanax for so long because its tailor made for me and allows me to live, like a ..well not normal..but like a person anyhow ;- May — "Believe me! The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously!"      -                Nietzsche

Response:

Personally I had trouble taking it PRN because my pas were often OOB (as in while sleeping or nothing at all) although after enough of them I developed pretty much a state of constant anticipatory anxiety

I pretty much *exclusively* had OOTB panic attacks; I can only think of one instance in which there’s been an apparent trigger (it was a couple months ago – anxiety about school, actually). However, I experience an aura that predicts panic pretty consistently. I’ve never had one in my sleep, but then again, I don’t sleep much. :-} Anyhow when I finally got Xanax I found if I had a PA it would generally take me 1.5-2 mgs to stop it..and I had little success with twice a day dosage,so I decided to stop the PRN route, as that is almost sure to leave anyone like myself with lots of hours of anxiety, as Xanax lasts 4 to 5 hrs at most for me.

Yowsers. It lasts a lot longer than that for me: if I take a large enough dose to be sedating, I can actually get a full night’s sleep (7-8 hours). Most people do need to take it at least 3 times a day, though. I now take it regularly .05 mg to 1 mg every four hours while awake, and if I rememeber..I do skip doses lots of times without even noticing it since my other two meds are helping a good deal too I think.

Every 4 hours? Wow. Do you wake up in the morning feeling cruddy? When I tried taking Buprenex by itself (without a regular antidepressant), I found that I would get nasty rebound depression if I missed a dose. I think that sort of thing (short-acting) is better if you have an antidepressant (or two to smooth things out. (Now I’m just using the Buprenex as a p.r.n.) -elizabeth

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Personally I had trouble taking it PRN because my pas were often OOB (as in while sleeping or nothing at all) although after enough of them I developed pretty much a state of constant anticipatory anxiety I pretty much *exclusively* had OOTB panic attacks; I can only think of one instance in which there’s been an apparent trigger (it was a couple months ago – anxiety about school, actually). However, I experience an aura that predicts panic pretty consistently. I’ve never had one in my sleep, but then again, I don’t sleep much. :-} Anyhow when I finally got Xanax I found if I had a PA it would generally take me 1.5-2 mgs to stop it..and I had little success with twice a day dosage,so I decided to stop the PRN route, as that is almost sure to leave anyone like myself with lots of hours of anxiety, as Xanax lasts 4 to 5 hrs at most for me. Yowsers. It lasts a lot longer than that for me: if I take a large enough dose to be sedating, I can actually get a full night’s sleep (7-8 hours).

 I have never experienced any sedation or gotten any "buzz" from Xanax, in fact it actually energizes me without making me "speedy", if that makes sense. I had awful drowsiness on Klonopin that never went any and I was not even on a full therapeutic dosage any of the three times I took it. I still do not sleep well and have Ambien that I take on occasion and find somewhat helpful, but If I take it more than two days in a row it seems to lose its effectiveness for me. I am totally screwed up with sleep and energy due to the fact that I work full time night shift and then watch my highly hyperactive toddler all day until 4 or 5 when my eldest daughter comes home to help. So I am always tired and yet cannot fall asleep..frustrating!  Most people do need to take it at least 3 times a day, though. I now take it regularly .05 mg to 1 mg every four hours while awake, and if I rememeber..I do skip doses lots of times without even noticing it since my other two meds are helping a good deal too I think. Every 4 hours? Wow. Do you wake up in the morning feeling cruddy?

I wake up feeling better than I ever have in my life; I no longer sleep through the alarm or take an hour to drag my butt out of it. As I said though (I think) I am also on Pamelor 50mgs and 20mgs of Prozac and I no longer necessarily take xanax every four hours..On days off at home I have forgotten to take any at all even, and then there are days where I know I am going to be better off to take it every 4 hours  before I *need* it after six…I have never had any aura at all for my OOB attacks and over the years I have accumulated a ton of triggers that I am now working on overcoming..the big one so far was not only to ride comfortably in a car but to drive myself..Now that the Pamelor/Prozac is kicking in, I am taking the xanax pretty much prn..I dont generally take more than 2 mgs total on any day now, and as I say I have never felt more competent or alive in my life =) When I tried taking Buprenex by itself (without a regular antidepressant), I found that I would get nasty rebound depression if I missed a dose. I think that sort of thing (short-acting) is better if you have an antidepressant (or two to smooth things out. (Now I’m just using the Buprenex as a p.r.n.) -elizabeth

May — "Believe me! The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously!"      -                Nietzsche

Response:

Question:

Hello All, I’ve been bipolar for years and have anxiety that truly gets in the way. Well last Wed. I saw a therapist for the first time in many years and told her how I felt. Friday I get a call from her saying that my pdoc wants me to go on Celexa asap. I’m a little reluctant as I just got off Serzone a month or so ago. (I never thought I had any luck with A/D’s at all). Does anone take Celexa here? I found out its only been out since July/98. If so e-mail me your results, I would appreciate it. Ihave the bottle sitting here but not sure if I’m going to use it. Please Help!!! Thanks…Mike

Response:

Mike ,     On thursday when I see my Psychiatrist I am going to ask to try Celexa. I have worn out Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Lithium ( not for me at all, made me a zombie) and Luvox. Would love to hear from anyone also , why they took it, how they felt. pcangel

Response:

This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

Response:

I have been on for about a year and it has helped me greatly !!! Little noticable side effects. It takes about a month or so to get the full benefit- so dont give up too soon. I started out taking 1 pink tablet = 20 mg. But now I take 1 and 1/2  = 30 mg daily. good luck

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

Response:

From ~ dawn ~: I have been on for about a year and it has helped me greatly !!! Little noticable side effects. It takes about a month or so to get the full benefit- so dont give up too soon. I started out taking 1 pink tablet = 20 mg. But now I take 1 and 1/2  = 30 mg daily. good luck

I think it’s a great antidepressant, and I’ve taken a lot of them. Doesn’t make me drowsy, but doesn’t make me speedy either. I take 30 mg, too. It’s kind of like a second generation Prozac, with the "kinks" worked out. At least that’s what my therapist says… -kk – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

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This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

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I have been on for about a year and it has helped me greatly !!! Little noticable side effects. It takes about a month or so to get the full benefit- so dont give up too soon. I started out taking 1 pink tablet = 20 mg. But now I take 1 and 1/2  = 30 mg daily. good luck

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

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From ~ dawn ~: I have been on for about a year and it has helped me greatly !!! Little noticable side effects. It takes about a month or so to get the full benefit- so dont give up too soon. I started out taking 1 pink tablet = 20 mg. But now I take 1 and 1/2  = 30 mg daily. good luck

I think it’s a great antidepressant, and I’ve taken a lot of them. Doesn’t make me drowsy, but doesn’t make me speedy either. I take 30 mg, too. It’s kind of like a second generation Prozac, with the "kinks" worked out. At least that’s what my therapist says… -kk – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

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