Question:

I rinse with 1/2 peroxide and water this doesn’t cure the thrush but it will get rid of the symptoms. The best thing is to use Nystatin to get rid of the thrush forever! Thrush makes my asthma worse. Take Care Pam

Response:

I rinse with 1/2 peroxide and water this doesn’t cure the thrush but it will get rid of the symptoms. The best thing is to use Nystatin to get rid of the thrush forever! Thrush makes my asthma worse. Take Care Pam

If I’ve got the symptoms, I use an anti-fungal mouthwash such as Oraldene (Hexetidene) or Betadine (Povidone Iodine) for more serious cases. If I act quickly, these usually sort it out, so I haven’t had to resort to Nystatin/Diflucan etc. Chris — Chris King                    | Information provided here should NOT be used http://www.csking.demon.co.uk | practitioner.

Response:

I know thrush can be a side effect of inhaled steroids, but can it trigger asthma as well.  I think I have a little right now and it seems as if my inhalers aren’t doing much. Also, is there any over-the-counter treatment for thrush?  In the past, my pulmonologist was so upset that I would get some thrush while using a spacer and rinsing after Flovent that he wanted to take me off Flovent (220, 2 puffs BID).  His reaction seemed a little severe to me, so sure would like to try to deal with this without involving him.   Thanks. Susan — Bob LeBailly Northwestern University

Response:

Gentian Violet.  You have to ask for it but it is OTC. Kavelina – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know thrush can be a side effect of inhaled steroids, but can it trigger asthma as well.  I think I have a little right now and it seems as if my inhalers aren’t doing much. Also, is there any over-the-counter treatment for thrush?  In the past, my pulmonologist was so upset that I would get some thrush while using a spacer and rinsing after Flovent that he wanted to take me off Flovent (220, 2 puffs BID).  His reaction seemed a little severe to me, so sure would like to try to deal with this without involving him. Thanks. Susan — Bob LeBailly Northwestern University

Response:

Question:

I have had surgery 3 times since 1984 to remove nasal polyps.  These procedures always seem to increase my airflow and help my breathing.  However, my sense of smell still comes and mostly goes.  I am wondering if the nasal irrigation procedure I am reading about in this NG – specifically, the one with the water pik will help me regain my sense of smell? The only thing that has worked in the past is when I was prescribed an anti-biotic.  This always seems to return my sense of smell, for as much as 30 days, then I can’t smell again.  Sometimes, for no apparent reason, my sense of smell returns and I am the happiest man in the world.  My whole attitude improves 100% those few days a year I cam smell.   I know whatever body part is responsible for letting me smell works fine.  I think my problem is that air the air I breathe in is obstructed and can’t reach the receptors that let me smell.  My ENT tells me that is no big deal, but I find the lack of smelling is quite debilitating. If anyone has had similar problems or solutions please contact me. Thanks in advance Ron

Response:

Ron, I have had 3 sinus surgeries to remove polyps and currently have no sense of smell either.  It improves slightly for a short time after the surgery, but after a few months it is totally gone.  Although I try not to think about it, it certainly compromises my quality of life and affects my mood.  If I were in a burning building the only way I would know is to see the smoke. The only time I get any sensation of smell is after a course of oral steroids such as Medrol and this only lasts for a short time. My ENT tells me that the problem is the same as you describe, congestion blocking the air flow to the area near the olfactory nerve.  He tells me this area is so close to the brain stem that it is too dangerous to perform surgery there. I share your frustration and unfortunately do not have a solution, but hopefully someone out there does. Alan

Response:

Hi Ron, Brother! Does your tale sound familiar! That sense of absolute elation! I can smell! It’s so joyful, and then, it’s gone. I have been without smell (or health insurance) for the last couple of years, and I was just in despair, terrible depression. No smell at all except at random intervals–usually after hiking in very clean outdoor environments, and sometimes in very steamy kitchens. I’ve had to seek therapy and get antidepressants. Just because losing smell doesn’t "handicap" you in a noticable way, doesn’t mean it isn’t debilitating you. Loss of a sense is a tremendous loss and it has real emotional effects. Smell is so strongly associated with emotions, and with sensuality and pleasure–taste, enjoyment of food and flowers and nature, all that good delicious yummy stuff. When you lose it, you really are suffering. But I never cut myself enough slack about it, tried to say it wasn’t the worst thing that could happen, which probably only made me more depressed. The last straw for me came when I became seriously sick from a gas leak and didn’t know what was going on or why I was feeling so sick until I found visual evidence of a problem anyone else could have smelled in a second. Anyway, I am now recuperating from my first (and I hope only) sinus surgery to remove polyps, straighten out a very deviated septum and clean up a mess in my frontal sinuses. (OUCH! How long does this last?)  My ENT has been very straightforward about the polyps possibly recurring and he wants to try Singulair on an ongoing basis (see earlier posts about this drug) to control recurrance. Polyps are caused by chronic inflammation and the singulair helps turn off that hyper-immune response. He’s pretty optimistic that it can work in combination with self care and keeping environmental allergies under control. He’s also optimistic that it will restore my sense of smell fully, because as you suspect about yourself, polyps were blocking the airways to the olfactory nerves. I’m optimistic because, in preparation for the surgery, he started me on the Singulair, and a short course of steriods. Within four days I was smelling things as the polyps shrank. Wheeeeee! They kicked in about the same time the anti-depressants did. I’m not exaggerating when I say I feel like I have come back from the dead. Even my boyfriend smells good. I irrigation alone couldn’t work for me. The polyps were so huge I could not get water to pass up my nostrils so I never got very far with it. You know, I have envied my cats so much the last two years! They live in a world of smell and obviously get so much pleasure from it. I see them sitting outside, eyes closed, heads tilted back and their little noses twitching…. I want to sit out on the patio with them and sniff the night air. I hope this all works and that you find a way too. Zamboni? Hockey fan? I’m missing hockey a lot since leaving Chicago. Best, Liz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Zamboni88 wrote:

I have had surgery 3 times since 1984 to remove nasal polyps.  These procedures always seem to increase my airflow and help my breathing.  However, my sense of smell still comes and mostly goes.  I am wondering if the nasal irrigation procedure I am reading about in this NG – specifically, the one with the water pik will help me regain my sense of smell? The only thing that has worked in the past is when I was prescribed an anti-biotic.  This always seems to return my sense of smell, for as much as 30 days, then I can’t smell again.  Sometimes, for no apparent reason, my sense of smell returns and I am the happiest man in the world.  My whole attitude improves 100% those few days a year I cam smell. I know whatever body part is responsible for letting me smell works fine.  I think my problem is that air the air I breathe in is obstructed and can’t reach the receptors that let me smell.  My ENT tells me that is no big deal, but I find the lack of smelling is quite debilitating. If anyone has had similar problems or solutions please contact me. Thanks in advance Ron

Response:

You know, one other thought. If your ENT thinks it’s no big deal you can’t smell, fire the jerk and find another. It IS a big deal. That so-called specialist isn’t very understanding about how serious a loss of your humanity you are suffering. It _is_ depressing! It _is_ a loss! Demand that he take it seriously! If he doesn’t, check out the phone book. I didn’t give myself permission to take it seriously until I nearly got gassed to death. It’s not crippling me, I can still see, hear, walk, all that stupid stuff I kept saying to myself. No wonder I was so depressed! Don’t do to youself what I did. Good luck, Ron. Liz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Zamboni88 wrote:

I have had surgery 3 times since 1984 to remove nasal polyps.  These procedures always seem to increase my airflow and help my breathing.  However, my sense of smell still comes and mostly goes.  I am wondering if the nasal irrigation procedure I am reading about in this NG – specifically, the one with the water pik will help me regain my sense of smell? The only thing that has worked in the past is when I was prescribed an anti-biotic.  This always seems to return my sense of smell, for as much as 30 days, then I can’t smell again.  Sometimes, for no apparent reason, my sense of smell returns and I am the happiest man in the world.  My whole attitude improves 100% those few days a year I cam smell. I know whatever body part is responsible for letting me smell works fine.  I think my problem is that air the air I breathe in is obstructed and can’t reach the receptors that let me smell.  My ENT tells me that is no big deal, but I find the lack of smelling is quite debilitating. If anyone has had similar problems or solutions please contact me. Thanks in advance Ron

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All! I posted this question before, but I don’t think it made it so I’ll try again. Sorry if it’s a duplication, but I’m rather desparate for an answer. I have cough evident asthma. At this time of year, the coughing can tend to get a bit much (especially as I earn my living playing the flute). I was wondering if cough supressants are safe for occasional use, or if I should try to ride it out until  my Pulmicort gets things under control. If it is okay to use them, is there a specific kind I should look for? (I live in Canada, if that makes a big difference.) Thanks in advance.< I would say NO.  It was this treatment with hydrocodone that put me in the hospital with plugs in my lungs.  To suppress the cough means you stop the action of keeping the mucous out of your lungs, a very dangerous thing. Sue M.

Hi All,      My Doctor has treated my cough with hydrocodine when it was determined to be from bronchitis and not prouducing any mucous. The continuous coughing without bringing anything up caused me a lot of pain. Just another side of the story. Mike C.

Response:

Oh, and good luck.

Response:

Hi All!

I posted this question before, but I don’t think it made it so I’ll try again. Sorry if it’s a duplication, but I’m rather desparate for an answer. I have cough evident asthma. At this time of year, the coughing can tend to get a bit much (especially as I earn my living playing the flute). I was wondering if cough supressants are safe for occasional use, or if I should try to ride it out until  my Pulmicort gets things under control. If it is okay to use them, is there a specific kind I should look for? (I live in Canada, if that makes a big difference.) Thanks in advance.< I would say NO.  It was this treatment with hydrocodone that put me in the hospital with plugs in my lungs.  To suppress the cough means you stop the action of keeping the mucous out of your lungs, a very dangerous thing. Sue M.

Response:

Don’t know a much technically, but I occasionally use Tussey-Organdin, and it seems to help greatly.

Response:

Over here on the East Coast the pollen count is still quite low, oh to be in lotus land like you. On the more serious side, we used cough medicine (Triaminic) for my young son’s asthma early in his condition and it helped.  I tried it recently when his asthma coughing was much worse and it didn’t even touch it, our **G.P.’s** question when asked was whether it was an antihistamine or not, since antihistamine would impact the underlying problem whether in cough medicine form or separate. It seems the proper cough medicine will give some relief which is good by itself, but, as noted in Wing Lee’s posting, if it’s only suppressing the cough you still have the mucous build up in the lungs.  From that point my wife (who is also asthmatic) and I think that **regular** use of cough suppressant in itself is probably not getting to the route cause. For my son I think he wasn’t moving the mucous, therefore it built up, and finally his coughing kicked in just as hard, but possibly with worse underlying lung function. I believe this type of problem is the reason for the warning for asthmatics on cough medicine bottles (at least the ones I’ve read), i.e.: a) if needed routinely you need may need to consider other management options, and b) the **possibility** of masking more serious attacks.   Once in a while, its probably O.K. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All! I posted this question before, but I don’t think it made it so I’ll try again. Sorry if it’s a duplication, but I’m rather desparate for an answer. I have cough evident asthma. At this time of year, the coughing can tend to get a bit much (especially as I earn my living playing the flute). I was wondering if cough supressants are safe for occasional use, or if I should try to ride it out until  my Pulmicort gets things under control. If it is okay to use them, is there a specific kind I should look for? (I live in Canada, if that makes a big difference.) Thanks in advance.

Response:

Hi   I’ve used Benylin and Delsym for my coughs with no problem along with taking my Pulmicort and Ventolin.I would use it only at night to get some uninterrupted sleep. It is not recommended that asthmatics use cough syrups because they will mask an uncontrolled attack.I would check with your doc with doubling your dose of Pulmicort to get the asthma under control then tapering down to a maintenance dose.I find that the Pulmicort usually kicks in within 2 days, sometimes longer if I’ve let it go a little too long.If it doesn’t kick in and the cough worsens you may be on your way to needing some extra meds. Roseanne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All! I posted this question before, but I don’t think it made it so I’ll try again. Sorry if it’s a duplication, but I’m rather desparate for an answer. I have cough evident asthma. At this time of year, the coughing can tend to get a bit much (especially as I earn my living playing the flute). I was wondering if cough supressants are safe for occasional use, or if I should try to ride it out until  my Pulmicort gets things under control. If it is okay to use them, is there a specific kind I should look for? (I live in Canada, if that makes a big difference.) Thanks in advance.

Response:

Hi All! I posted this question before, but I don’t think it made it so I’ll try again. Sorry if it’s a duplication, but I’m rather desparate for an answer. I have cough evident asthma. At this time of year, the coughing can tend to get a bit much (especially as I earn my living playing the flute). I was wondering if cough supressants are safe for occasional use, or if I should try to ride it out until  my Pulmicort gets things under control. If it is okay to use them, is there a specific kind I should look for? (I live in Canada, if that makes a big difference.) Thanks in advance.

Response:

Question:

Paul, perhaps try some Paxil instead of prozac. If you are Bipolar, try some Lamictal <sp which has some anti-depressant properties. This is what helps my seasonal depression to some degree. (this has not been a good year for me, since my Mother passed away January 2003) Hugs, Ralph

It does? My pdoc gave me some. I’m taking Paxil currently. I feel like depression is often at the core of my problems. MorphGrrl

Response:

Yes, Lamictal is a mood stableizer with some anti-depressant properties. You will discover that my Bipolar Disorder takes the unenviable configuration of  98% depression, 1% "normal" (whatever that is?), and 1% mixed states, irritable depression, also known as "Rotten Ralph" <grin.

I tend to get euphoric at times and learned how bring it out in some way. But it still is much depression even if slightly now. I did better in sales today at work so that made me happier. Before I went to work I was a teeny bit ho hum in a sense, but looking at sites that made me laugh a little, helped my mood. Remembering it’s Valentine’s day makes my mood go in a roller coaster. Over all it’s not a bad dip because of the meds, but annoying in a sense. I’m the serial hugger, today. Hugs, Ralph

Ahhhhh, thanks Ralph! MorphGrrl

Response:

Every so often I go into deep drepressive cycles. I don’t want to be depressed. I live on Wellbutrin, Xanax, and Seroquel for sleeping at night. However, I can’t shake it. It’s like drowning or being smothered by a wet blanket. I manage to work, but I engage in self destructive behavior. Certain external things must trigger the depresssion, but it’s also got to be chemical.  The last time this stuff happened was the end of August, beginning of September. I ended up overdosing on xanax and spent a couple of days in the hospital detoxing. It was a very stressful and not very helpful experience. People on this board were very helpful in suggesting strongly help. Some of the earlier stressful things are moot.  The psychiatrist said he thought I had something like a post traumatic stress syndrome, whatever that exactly means. I’ve had life-long depression; and I finally found, I think a therapist who can deal with all of the abuse issues, if I can make it until some problems are solved, if they are solveable.  I’m one of those rare middle aged males who feel better when they’ve cut themselves.  There are some days when I feel that I can’t turn myself off and I get little sleep for days and then the deep depression returns.  The doctor insists I’m not bi-polar.     Should I suggest upping the Wellbutrin dosage from 300 mg to 400?   This stuff can be dangerous. I’ve already taken tricyclics, trazodone, prozac, effexor (horrible to quit), and even large amounts of lithium (which I"ve overdosed on twice, so maybe taking it isn’t a great idea)   as a  mood stabilizer plus some klonopin and other meds over the years. The Wellbutrin helped at first. However, after a year or so of it the effects seem to be less effective.     I guess what I really want to know is can one put Humpty Dumpty back together again?  Maybe some of us are really too damaged goods. I’m really depressed with unexplained cyring fits yet. I’m so tired of  this routine. I undermine good things and compliments just make me more depressed.     I only write to this board when I’m in a crisis, which doesn’t make me a very helpful person. However, if someone could offer some hope, I’d appreciate it.  People were exceptionally helpful last September.  Maybe just writing to this address makes me feel better. I even took up excercising. I seem to be doing everything right, but I still feel so depressed; and cutting myself with razor blades, even if I’m just nicking myself and drawing blood, can’t be a good omen. I do feel better though.  If  I sound confused I am; and, I’m tired. Can a person live indefinitely on Wellbutrin, Xanax, and Seroquel?  It doesn’t sound like a constructive way of life.     Thanks for any suggestions,        Paul

Response:

Question:

simion wrote:

I know the feeling. I get the willies when I visit my family. Can hardly hold a cup of tea.

Good one.

Response:

In message <Cjg9b.8108$4j3.7…@bignews6.bellsouth.net

, Smoove B

<to…@bellsouth.net

writes I have tremors also, but my doc diagnosed them as familial tremors.

I know the feeling. I get the willies when I visit my family. Can hardly hold a cup of tea. But also, being chronically tense, as many obsessional people are, can cause the muscles to tremble. That’s my experience anyway. — simon

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

From: "Mike" mikea…@nobody.net This is something that has bothered me ever since I was a teenager.  I’ve never been able to figure it out, so I thought I would post about it here. Anyway, I have this problem with tremors, and fine motor problems in general.  I first noticed it as a teenager, when lying on my side on the bed, propping my head up with my hand and arm so I could read my homework assignment.  I noticed that I couldn’t move my arm or hand smoothly without causing tremors in the muscles being used for that motion.  Subsequently I learned that this is made much worse when the muscles in question have been stressed (such as propping my head up, or carrying a heavy shopping bag.) Also, the more "strength" I put into the motion, the more exacerbated the tremors. As an example, imagine the motion involved with twisting the throttle on a motorcycle.  That movement induces tremors in my hand, particularly if I tense those muscles, or if they’re tired. Also, I’ve always had some fine motor control problems in other ways – my movements seem more "jerky" than other people.  Course, maybe I’m just obsessing over it (I have OCD, after all.) It doesn’t appear that anyone has ever noticed these symptoms, so I don’t want to exaggerate them.  It doesn’t really affect me, other than just making me curious as to the cause. I’ve done some reading in the past, and my symptoms don’t match Parkinson’s or other similar diseases.  The closest match I can find is the diagnosis of "Essential Tremor", which really isn’t a "true" diagnosis at all, but just a catch-all for tremors without any other obvious cause. Just curious if anyone knows if this type of thing is more common among those with OCD and/or Tourette’s?  I.e., could the same chemical imbalances related to these disorders also have an impact on fine motor control? Thanks, Mike

Hi Mike. Curious question to me ! My son is the one in the family with TS – tics only (and is now 22). But ET, Essential Tremor, runs in my family. My father has it, my sister, my brother, and me. All to different degrees. My dad and sister have very shaky hands. People have asked me if my sister has Parkinson’s due to her shaky hands. My brother and I have it very mild where you just see a paper shake if I am holding it up with  unsupported arms. My sister is now in a study with a neurologist who is doing research to see if there is a connection between ET and Parkinson’s. In fact, I was going to call him and see if he treats TS patients, as well. He is so wonderful! He dxed my father with hydrosephalus (sp?), water on the brain, when all other doctors threw up their arms and gave up. So no answers for you, but seems plausible about your theory. Jan

Response:

This is something that has bothered me ever since I was a teenager.  I’ve never been able to figure it out, so I thought I would post about it here. Anyway, I have this problem with tremors, and fine motor problems in general.  I first noticed it as a teenager, when lying on my side on the bed, propping my head up with my hand and arm so I could read my homework assignment.  I noticed that I couldn’t move my arm or hand smoothly without causing tremors in the muscles being used for that motion.  Subsequently I learned that this is made much worse when the muscles in question have been stressed (such as propping my head up, or carrying a heavy shopping bag.) Also, the more "strength" I put into the motion, the more exacerbated the tremors. As an example, imagine the motion involved with twisting the throttle on a motorcycle.  That movement induces tremors in my hand, particularly if I tense those muscles, or if they’re tired. Also, I’ve always had some fine motor control problems in other ways – my movements seem more "jerky" than other people.  Course, maybe I’m just obsessing over it (I have OCD, after all.) It doesn’t appear that anyone has ever noticed these symptoms, so I don’t want to exaggerate them.  It doesn’t really affect me, other than just making me curious as to the cause. I’ve done some reading in the past, and my symptoms don’t match Parkinson’s or other similar diseases.  The closest match I can find is the diagnosis of "Essential Tremor", which really isn’t a "true" diagnosis at all, but just a catch-all for tremors without any other obvious cause. Just curious if anyone knows if this type of thing is more common among those with OCD and/or Tourette’s?  I.e., could the same chemical imbalances related to these disorders also have an impact on fine motor control? Thanks, Mike

Response:

I have tremors also, but my doc diagnosed them as familial tremors. Brandon "Mike" <mikea…@nobody.net

wrote in message

news:uVOdnb4R7tgonP-iU-KYvg@giganews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

This is something that has bothered me ever since I was a teenager.  I’ve never been able to figure it out, so I thought I would post about it here. Anyway, I have this problem with tremors, and fine motor problems in general.  I first noticed it as a teenager, when lying on my side on the bed, propping my head up with my hand and arm so I could read my homework assignment.  I noticed that I couldn’t move my arm or hand smoothly

without

causing tremors in the muscles being used for that motion.  Subsequently I learned that this is made much worse when the muscles in question have

been

stressed (such as propping my head up, or carrying a heavy shopping bag.) Also, the more "strength" I put into the motion, the more exacerbated the tremors. As an example, imagine the motion involved with twisting the throttle on a motorcycle.  That movement induces tremors in my hand, particularly if I tense those muscles, or if they’re tired. Also, I’ve always had some fine motor control problems in other ways – my movements seem more "jerky" than other people.  Course, maybe I’m just obsessing over it (I have OCD, after all.) It doesn’t appear that anyone has ever noticed these symptoms, so I don’t want to exaggerate them.  It doesn’t really affect me, other than just making me curious as to the cause. I’ve done some reading in the past, and my symptoms don’t match

Parkinson’s

or other similar diseases.  The closest match I can find is the diagnosis

of

"Essential Tremor", which really isn’t a "true" diagnosis at all, but just

a

catch-all for tremors without any other obvious cause. Just curious if anyone knows if this type of thing is more common among those with OCD and/or Tourette’s?  I.e., could the same chemical

imbalances

related to these disorders also have an impact on fine motor control? Thanks, Mike

Response:

Question:

nope

Response:

Geoff, Thanks for the medical backing.  I’ve made similar statements to my GI about pain relief; it’s nice to have a bit more knowledge to back it up.  So far I’ve not had problems with pain relief, i.e. getting the right scripts, but you never know when that can change.  mgbio CD Class of ‘99 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About 6 years ago I had open heart surgery, fortunately my IBD went into remission (any connection I wonder?) until I recovered. After the acute pain phase  I was prescribed M-or-phi-ne Sulphate, these were coated, slow release tablets. I had no problems of any kind, no I add-ict-ion, no withdrawal, In fact I still have some unused. I have been tols by several doctors that provided there is a reason for taking medication, eg PAIN, addiction is not a problem. The brain associates the medication only with pain relief, so no pain to relieve, no association, so no craving. I’ve found this to be true. I take di-hydrocedeine when necessary, which I am told is metabilised to M-or–ph-ine in the body and am certainly not addicted. Geoff   I do not want to have people come into this conversation to harass. bother, and preach, it is a question for pain management. I had to put this first line in to keep the ones out that don’t belong, and search for key words. I am going to break up this work, M-eth-a-done. Has anyone used this for pain management? My doctor is giving me the option of trying it with morp-hine (again-hyphenated to keep the searches out of here). Thanx. Please no preaching, only experiences for pain management, preferably for those with chronic pain, and intestinal disease. stevenscott —-

Response:

About 6 years ago I had open heart surgery, fortunately my IBD went into remission (any connection I wonder?) until I recovered. After the acute pain phase  I was prescribed M-or-phi-ne Sulphate, these were coated, slow release tablets. I had no problems of any kind, no I add-ict-ion, no withdrawal, In fact I still have some unused. I have been tols by several doctors that provided there is a reason for taking medication, eg PAIN, addiction is not a problem. The brain associates the medication only with pain relief, so no pain to relieve, no association, so no craving. I’ve found this to be true. I take di-hydrocedeine when necessary, which I am told is metabilised to M-or–ph-ine in the body and am certainly not addicted. Geoff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   I do not want to have people come into this conversation to harass. bother, and preach, it is a question for pain management. I had to put this first line in to keep the ones out that don’t belong, and search for key words. I am going to break up this work, M-eth-a-done. Has anyone used this for pain management? My doctor is giving me the option of trying it with morp-hine (again-hyphenated to keep the searches out of here). Thanx. Please no preaching, only experiences for pain management, preferably for those with chronic pain, and intestinal disease. stevenscott —-

Response:

eMi, I’m on the "stronger" type of med that you talk about in your "p.s.".   It has worked for me for 5 years now, and at the same dose no less.  I see an anaesthesiologist in a pain management clinic.  They have been wonderful to me and sooo helpful.  I have my life back after being in constant pain for 32 years!  I can even ride my horse more often than not ) Linda ~~~~~~~

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was on Duragesic patches and Oxycontin b4 my surgery…I found they worked great…..made the pain bearable and I was able to function without being too loopy…..they deliver a time released dose of med and you stay comfortable for the time rather than the up and down sort of pain with the other drugs.            eMi P.S. there is also a stronger time released type of morphine related to the oxycontin …I highly suggest you talk to the pharmacist…that is where I learned about the latest pain management meds.

Response:

methadone is used to treat  heroin addecits  thats the  most iv’e heard a bout it  good luck

Response:

Did you get any irriatation from the glue used on the patch? Mike I was on Duragesic patches and Oxycontin b4 my surgery…I found they worked great…..made the pain bearable and I was able to function without being too loopy…..they deliver a time released dose of med and you stay comfortable for the time rather than the up and down sort of pain with the other drugs.           eMi P.S. there is also a stronger time released type of morphine related to the oxycontin …I highly suggest you talk to the pharmacist…that is where I learned about the latest pain management meds.

Leah’s Body Sugaring Recipe Make it yourself and save http://www.for-romance.com/sugar

Response:

They have an 1-800 number to get an info pack. Might be worth a look see. If you do look into it let us know about it. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You mean this: http://www.medtronic.com/neuro/ "Neurological and Spinal Business Overview Our neurological products include neurostimulation systems, drug delivery systems, neurosurgical implant devices, surgical access products, and diagnostic and therapeutic systems for chronic pain and neurologic, urologic, and gastrointestinal disorders. Eight businesses within our division work together to apply our therapies and products to provide comprehensive solutions to significant neurological disorders. Activa

Question:

writes: Valium is derived from, so not surprising that it, too, can be habit-forming. Seems like Anxiety always has a leg up on us at times eh, mate? ~K

Hi K! I didn’t know that!  See, you learn something new every day.  Thanks! Di

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – writes: Valium is derived from, so not surprising that it, too, can be habit-forming. Seems like Anxiety always has a leg up on us at times eh, mate? ~K Hi K! I didn’t know that!  See, you learn something new every day.  Thanks! Di

As I said earlier, it’s not true. There is *no* relation between Valium and Valerian except the first three letters. It’s nice to learn something new every day but it had better be true ) Philip

Response:

Starting to get anxiety again and was wondering how safe valerian is long term?  Last year I weaned off Xanax and Zoloft but the old anxiety is coming back  My anxiety isn’t too bad so I thought I’d try herbal. TIA Garry

Response:

Starting to get anxiety again and was wondering how safe valerian is long term?  Last year I weaned off Xanax and Zoloft but the old anxiety is coming back  My anxiety isn’t too bad so I thought I’d try herbal.

Hi Garry, Here is a link on Valerian, it has alot of info. Take care  Jackie http://herbsforhealth.about.com/library/weekly/aa091197.htm?terms=val…

Response:

Jackie, When I weaned off of valium and the Buspar wasn’t working, I tried Valerian. It made me NUTS!!!!! Oh man it was sooo bad.  I was crabby as hell and quite upset most of the time.  So that was it for the Valerian!  LOL ~K

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Starting to get anxiety again and was wondering how safe valerian is long term?  Last year I weaned off Xanax and Zoloft but the old anxiety is coming back  My anxiety isn’t too bad so I thought I’d try herbal. Hi Garry, Here is a link on Valerian, it has alot of info. Take care  Jackie http://herbsforhealth.about.com/library/weekly/aa091197.htm?terms=val…

Response:

Thanks Jackie & ~K for your replies. I was woken in the middle of the night with a bad PA out of the blue.  Was on Xanax & Z last year and felt heaps better, and well, I guess here we go again!! Had a lot of trouble getting off X, and the side effects of stopping Z were the same as starting.  That’s why I thought maybe I could try something herbal, without the side effects.  I was surprised to see on the site Jackie posted had a warning about valerian becoming habitual.  Guess either way I can’t win.  Bloody anxiety!!!!! Take care Garry

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jackie, When I weaned off of valium and the Buspar wasn’t working, I tried Valerian. It made me NUTS!!!!! Oh man it was sooo bad.  I was crabby as hell and quite upset most of the time.  So that was it for the Valerian!  LOL ~K Starting to get anxiety again and was wondering how safe valerian is long term?  Last year I weaned off Xanax and Zoloft but the old anxiety is coming back  My anxiety isn’t too bad so I thought I’d try herbal. Hi Garry, Here is a link on Valerian, it has alot of info. Take care  Jackie

http://herbsforhealth.about.com/library/weekly/aa091197.htm?terms=val… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Valium is derived from, so not surprising that it, too, can be habit-forming. Seems like Anxiety always has a leg up on us at times eh, mate? ~K

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Jackie & ~K for your replies. I was woken in the middle of the night with a bad PA out of the blue.  Was on Xanax & Z last year and felt heaps better, and well, I guess here we go again!! Had a lot of trouble getting off X, and the side effects of stopping Z were the same as starting.  That’s why I thought maybe I could try something herbal, without the side effects.  I was surprised to see on the site Jackie posted had a warning about valerian becoming habitual.  Guess either way I can’t win.  Bloody anxiety!!!!! Take care Garry Jackie, When I weaned off of valium and the Buspar wasn’t working, I tried Valerian. It made me NUTS!!!!! Oh man it was sooo bad.  I was crabby as hell and quite upset most of the time.  So that was it for the Valerian!  LOL Best of Luck to you in your search for natural anxiety ~K Starting to get anxiety again and was wondering how safe valerian is long term?  Last year I weaned off Xanax and Zoloft but the old anxiety is coming back  My anxiety isn’t too bad so I thought I’d try herbal. Hi Garry, Here is a link on Valerian, it has alot of info. Take care  Jackie http://herbsforhealth.about.com/library/weekly/aa091197.htm?terms=val…

Response:

Valium is derived from, so not surprising that it, too, can be habit-forming.

No no no….this is a wide-spread urban myth. Valium and Valerian only have the first three letters in common (which probably makes for the confusion). Chemically they have absolutely *nothing* to do with each other. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ~K Thanks Jackie & ~K for your replies. I was woken in the middle of the night with a bad PA out of the blue.  Was on Xanax & Z last year and felt heaps better, and well, I guess here we go again!! Had a lot of trouble getting off X, and the side effects of stopping Z were the same as starting.  That’s why I thought maybe I could try something herbal, without the side effects.  I was surprised to see on the site Jackie posted had a warning about valerian becoming habitual.  Guess either way I can’t win.  Bloody anxiety!!!!! Take care Garry Jackie, When I weaned off of valium and the Buspar wasn’t working, I tried Valerian. It made me NUTS!!!!! Oh man it was sooo bad.  I was crabby as hell and quite upset most of the time.  So that was it for the Valerian!  LOL Best of Luck to you in your search for natural anxiety ~K Starting to get anxiety again and was wondering how safe valerian is long term?  Last year I weaned off Xanax and Zoloft but the old anxiety is coming back  My anxiety isn’t too bad so I thought I’d try herbal. Hi Garry, Here is a link on Valerian, it has alot of info. Take care  Jackie http://herbsforhealth.about.com/library/weekly/aa091197.htm?terms=val…

Response:

Thanks Jackie & ~K for your replies. I was woken in the middle of the night with a bad PA out of the blue.  Was on Xanax & Z last year and felt heaps better, and well, I guess here we go again!! Had a lot of trouble getting off X, and the side effects of stopping Z were the same as starting.  That’s why I thought maybe I could try something herbal, without the side effects.  I was surprised to see on the site Jackie posted had a warning about valerian becoming habitual.  Guess either way I can’t win.  Bloody anxiety!!!!! Take care Garry

Hi Garry, Sorry that your anxiety and panic have increased. I hate when I get PA`s in the middle night, they are dreadful. Since being on Paxil, I have only had a few mild ones. I hope you have luck finding something that helps you. Take care Jackie ~*~For when you look long into an abyss the abyss looks into you…….

Response:

Question:

My doc wants me to take Zoloft and gave me a 3 week sample to start. (I haven’t tried them yet). I asked my pharmacist how much it would cost and he said 30 days of 50s would be well over $60.00. I don’t think so, I am on Medicare (a whole $578/mo) and pay for all my drugs.  My husband works but I really want to be able to cover anything I need just in case he ever looses his job or something. I cannot take Elavil, I tried it once (psych dosage) and became a raving bitch and couldn’t make a rational judgement.  My husband asked me after a week to quit taking the stuff, which I was glad to do as the side effects were awful.  The depression I was going through at the time was nothing compared to how horrible I felt on the stuff. So, my PC’s assistant gave me the Zoloft to try.  Is there anything similar that is cheaper? If I asked this before, please forgive me…. my Fibro is making me so forgetful lately that I’m not sure if I wanted to ask this or if I have already. Robin

Response:

My doc wants me to take Zoloft and gave me a 3 week sample to start. (I haven’t tried them yet). I asked my pharmacist how much it would cost and he said 30 days of 50s would be well over $60.00. HI,the older classes off anti depressants..I.E. amatriptline,nortriptoline are available ,via generic….P.S.try calling some discount drug stores don’t expect a big difference in price ,but it all adds up….    All so do you have any supplemental insurance,they don’t cost that much.If money is a real issue you can always join an HMO…….from Bob F.C. ps keep getting those free samples.it can take up to 30days for these drugs to kick in…

Response:

I am one of many who do not have medical insurance to cover the costs of my treatment (herniated c6-c7 disk and rotator cuff injuries).  A recent doctor switch finds me prescribed TRAZODONE (look it up on medicine.net) as an anti-depressant for chronic pain.  I take the 50mg tablets, and the prescription was $10.99 at my nearest drug store (#30).

You’ll have to remember that drugstores vary widely in their prices for even the same prescription — don’t be afraid to shop around. And for my own question — what exactly are anti-depressants supposed to do for pain treatment?  My doctor wasn’t awfully clear on this, but I’m willing to try almost anything at this point.  It’s only been a few days, and I know that it can take several weeks for such medications to begin their work. j.

Response:

Beware of online drug stores….they are not always what they seem. Also, as for the anti-depressants. They are a God send for a lot of Chronic Pain sufferers!  Pain is a cycle…more pain, more depression, more depression, more pain, round and round you can go.  If the doctor has suggested a anti-depressant I would give it a try!  There are several different kinds and if one doesn’t seem to help, try another. You will find one that works!  But…they do have side effects..so read the print out carefully.  Dry mouth is a big time one.  Almost every one has that side effects. But the benefits out-weight the side effects. Dealing with Chronic pain is terrible. There is not a drug made that will take all the pain away!  That is a point we all must learn to accept.  But the proper pain meds and a good anti-depressant will help.  We are all grieving…we grieve for the lost of our lives. The way we thought our lives would be if it wasn’t for the pain and disability. So, IMHO try it and give it at least six weeks!!  That is important…It is a slow acting thing…one day you just wake up and although you may need your pain meds., you feel like the day is brighter…the fog starts to lift and the world gets lighter to carry!  That is worth the cost…BTW if you do not have insurance or if you are on Medicare and have no coverage, there are some drug companies that will provide them, free…talk to your doctors.  Hope you start feeling better soon!  <VBH  Joani – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am one of many who do not have medical insurance to cover the costs of my treatment (herniated c6-c7 disk and rotator cuff injuries).  A recent doctor switch finds me prescribed TRAZODONE (look it up on medicine.net) as an anti-depressant for chronic pain.  I take the 50mg tablets, and the prescription was $10.99 at my nearest drug store (#30). You’ll have to remember that drugstores vary widely in their prices for even the same prescription — don’t be afraid to shop around. And for my own question — what exactly are anti-depressants supposed to do for pain treatment?  My doctor wasn’t awfully clear on this, but I’m willing to try almost anything at this point.  It’s only been a few days, and I know that it can take several weeks for such medications to begin their work. j.

Response:

Jennifer, The use of depressants for chronic and cancer pain is not solely for the purpose of treating depression. The emotional response to chronic pain poorly managed is depression. While the antidepressants are useful for this problem, their primary function is to treat the pain associated with nerve dysfunction (neuropathic pain resulting from trauma, diabetes, chronic inflammation associated with degenerative disc disease, prolapsed disc with pressure on nerve roots, etc.). Increasing the level of serotonin in the brain not only improves mood, but may potentiate the effects of the bodies own pain relievers and may also have a direct pain relieving effect. Common Antidepressants include: Amitryptiline (Elavil), Amoxapine (Ascendin), Desipramine (Norpramin), Imipramine (Tofranil), Trazadone (Deseryl), Bupropion (Wellbutrin), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Nefazodone (Serzone), Paroxetine (Paxil), Sertraline (Zoloft) and Venlafaxine (Effexor), Luvox, Remeron. Jack

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am one of many who do not have medical insurance to cover the costs of my treatment (herniated c6-c7 disk and rotator cuff injuries).  A recent doctor switch finds me prescribed TRAZODONE (look it up on medicine.net) as an anti-depressant for chronic pain.  I take the 50mg tablets, and the prescription was $10.99 at my nearest drug store (#30). You’ll have to remember that drugstores vary widely in their prices for even the same prescription — don’t be afraid to shop around. And for my own question — what exactly are anti-depressants supposed to do for pain treatment?  My doctor wasn’t awfully clear on this, but I’m willing to try almost anything at this point.  It’s only been a few days, and I know that it can take several weeks for such medications to begin their work. j.

Response:

Beware of online drug stores….they are not always what they seem.

     Oh, I’m afraid that I put in the wrong ‘net reference.  It should have been medicinenet.com, which is an informational medical site.  It has a good listing of prescription drugs, and I use it to check out the things I have been prescribed.  It’s rather a good site – for example, it mentioned one potential (and I think serious!) side effect of TRAZODONE that my pharmacist did not — sexual dysfunctions. My drugstore is only a block away — I’d never order medications through the Internet!      Thank you for the kind words of encouragement.  I’ve seen the common thread that when people see you on your good days, they naturally assume that every day is a good day — I share that frustration, and many others stated.  It’s reassuring to find that my experiences are not isolated. jenn

Response:

Question:

if you are taking effexor and are thinkin of going off for whatever reason, or have thought of trying it out, please be advised that the side effects of going off can be horrendous. have watched friends go off other anti-depress. meds to try newer meds and tho they have reactions (either depression before new med kicks in, or side effects of new drug) they have not had the physical reactions we are having. spoilered for talk of physical reactions, just in case it’s too graphic…no splatteroos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 been positive we had bone cancer, or lupus, or mono, or hepatitis and trying to move home at same time has been nearly impossible. didn’t know what was wrong. sleep all the time but not the kind that comes with depression, just horrible bone tired exhaustion. joints aching so much it is hard to move body. at all. stomach all messed up, bloated, shooting pains, no appetite. lots of mental confusion (you can snicker, is ok) but not just normal diss kind. hard to put thoughts together and if we can, can’t retain for more than 2 seconds. zip…gone into the murk. sleep is passing out and then jerking awake from aching body. head aches 24/7. thought we had tumor or stroke coming. seriously. started thinking about wanting to die just to make constant physical hurting go away. this is not us. have always been able to diss. away physical discomfort. no painkiller at dentist (don’t need it), had viral menigitis once and didn’t pay attention to hurting till it was real bad. doc freaked and put on lots of meds and sent to bed (no getting up, no moving fast or lifting, be a loaf of bread he said). this is just to say, physical is never big problem. till this effexor. literature says should go off over period of at least 2 weeks. we have been tapering for 6 weeks and effects are getting worse and worse. wasn’t until last night went to pharminfonet and read threads from ppl who went off, are going off…and found every damn symptom (except sore throat that plagues us still) mentioned by ppl. and they all are saying takes way more than 2 weeks to get off. so angry could absolutely…can’t say what we want to do cause it makes us ashamed but still want to do it. hate this drug and company that lies about horrible effects of quitting. docs are not aware of this and so don’t take it into account when prescribing. also, didn’t want to go to doctor because we knew that we would be ignored as crazy person with psychosomatic symptoms. really, honestly thought we were dying. hatehatehate. don’t need more problems. need less. has been good drug as anti-depress. but couldn’t afford it anymore and wanted to try st.johns wort (hypericum). been in the literature for 2400 years. think that is much better track record for us. hypericum has web page for anyone who is curious. anyway. rant rant. hate wyeth drug co. will avoid buying anything they produce. will prolly write a letter when brain clears. not that they give a shit. but will make us feel little better to scream at them. maybe also copy to fda, just for the heck of it. expect no response but maybe someone will notice… so, don’t know what to say. not telling anyone not to take drug. like we say, been good at what it does. but never want to feel this much physical pain again. badhorriblestupid. cause even if didn’t have to go off drug now, someday hope to not have to take meds and so it would happen sooner or later. and no one says how horrible it can be. just vague corporate lies…scum. all done. sorry about anger. is much huger than what is showing. b., geep, KAT, Susie, Rachel — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

Response:

Thanks for posting about this!  I’ve been taking Effexor for about a year now, and always want to hear what other people’s experiences with it are.  I’ve not been in the position yet to try withdrawal, as so far it’s worked well for me as an anti-d. I hope the nasty withdrawal stuff goes away soon for you… Take good care, Kanga – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – if you are taking effexor and are thinkin of going off for whatever reason, or have thought of trying it out, please be advised that the side effects of going off can be horrendous. have watched friends go off other anti-depress. meds to try newer meds and tho they have reactions (either depression before new med kicks in, or side effects of new drug) they have not had the physical reactions we are having. spoilered for talk of physical reactions, just in case it’s too graphic…no splatteroos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 been positive we had bone cancer, or lupus, or mono, or hepatitis and trying to move home at same time has been nearly impossible. didn’t know what was wrong. sleep all the time but not the kind that comes with depression, just horrible bone tired exhaustion. joints aching so much it is hard to move body. at all. stomach all messed up, bloated, shooting pains, no appetite. lots of mental confusion (you can snicker, is ok) but not just normal diss kind. hard to put thoughts together and if we can, can’t retain for more than 2 seconds. zip…gone into the murk. sleep is passing out and then jerking awake from aching body. head aches 24/7. thought we had tumor or stroke coming. seriously. started thinking about wanting to die just to make constant physical hurting go away. this is not us. have always been able to diss. away physical discomfort. no painkiller at dentist (don’t need it), had viral menigitis once and didn’t pay attention to hurting till it was real bad. doc freaked and put on lots of meds and sent to bed (no getting up, no moving fast or lifting, be a loaf of bread he said). this is just to say, physical is never big problem. till this effexor. literature says should go off over period of at least 2 weeks. we have been tapering for 6 weeks and effects are getting worse and worse. wasn’t until last night went to pharminfonet and read threads from ppl who went off, are going off…and found every damn symptom (except sore throat that plagues us still) mentioned by ppl. and they all are saying takes way more than 2 weeks to get off. so angry could absolutely…can’t say what we want to do cause it makes us ashamed but still want to do it. hate this drug and company that lies about horrible effects of quitting. docs are not aware of this and so don’t take it into account when prescribing. also, didn’t want to go to doctor because we knew that we would be ignored as crazy person with psychosomatic symptoms. really, honestly thought we were dying. hatehatehate. don’t need more problems. need less. has been good drug as anti-depress. but couldn’t afford it anymore and wanted to try st.johns wort (hypericum). been in the literature for 2400 years. think that is much better track record for us. hypericum has web page for anyone who is curious. anyway. rant rant. hate wyeth drug co. will avoid buying anything they produce. will prolly write a letter when brain clears. not that they give a shit. but will make us feel little better to scream at them. maybe also copy to fda, just for the heck of it. expect no response but maybe someone will notice… so, don’t know what to say. not telling anyone not to take drug. like we say, been good at what it does. but never want to feel this much physical pain again. badhorriblestupid. cause even if didn’t have to go off drug now, someday hope to not have to take meds and so it would happen sooner or later. and no one says how horrible it can be. just vague corporate lies…scum. all done. sorry about anger. is much huger than what is showing. b., geep, KAT, Susie, Rachel — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

Response:

thank you veryvery much Pope C. just like figuring out the effexor was causing all this horriblehorrible was huge relief, having the symptoms verified and explained is most empowering. not jus using that word accidentally. it gives me power in the head to know why this is happening and how to compare it with something. better to compare it to real brother, coke drug withdrawal, than to search for as yet unpublished effexor withdrawal symptoms or see it all as similar to dread diseases. we can work better with truth. funny how that works…. we were on drug for almost (i think) two years at 300mg a day which is up at top of dose level. this may be why the crash was so awful. also, 44 years old and ectomorph (is that the skinny body type? if so, thas us) tend to run at higher speeds and crash into feeling things without protection. oh fuzzy brain. does that last make sense. it has always felt like body was not protected by nice cushion and so all physical stuff was sort of heightened, accelerated…something…and then when we finally would notice physical discomfort it was huge and our body totally unprepared.  i think i am babbling. no, no doc to tell us how to go off. just followed what we know of drug withdrawal protocol. 300mg to250 for a week, to 200 for a week, to 150 for a week, and so on, down to taking only fraction (one third down to one quarter) of tablet 3x a day down to twice a day. tried to do it long and slow and careful. think this only prolonged the hurting. once we figured out was the effexor, we just quit. get it out of body now!!! one thing we discovered in last few days is that taking ambien sleeping pill (one at night) has helped make most excruciating symptoms abate for better part of the day. maybe just prolonging the withdrawal this way, but at least we can move around and get simple day to day tasks done without thinking we are dying. maybe this is like your suggestion about painkillers. as well as letters to fda and wyeth, i am going to send letter to dr.sid wolfe at nader founded group called health research group. used to work for organization that housed hrg and think sid will be interested. can i send him copy of your post (minus all identifiers) as it is good foil to my venting about symptoms. gives to hurting (amorphous) a basis in fact. docs like facts. will only do if you say is ok. thank you again for this information. you will never realize how validating and helpful it was. we still feel crappy but at least we know why and how. knowledge really is power. thank you all of Pope C. b. and all of coney s. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : if you are taking effexor and are thinkin of going off for whatever : reason, or have thought of trying it out, please be advised that the : side effects of going off can be horrendous. have watched friends go off : other anti-depress. meds to try newer meds and tho they have reactions : (either depression before new med kicks in, or side effects of new drug) : they have not had the physical reactions we are having. : spoilered for talk of physical reactions, just in case it’s too : graphic…no splatteroos : 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 : 7 : 8 : 9 : 0 : 1 : 2 : 3 : been positive we had bone cancer, or lupus, or mono, or hepatitis and : trying to move home at same time has been nearly impossible. didn’t know : what was wrong. sleep all the time but not the kind that comes with : depression, just horrible bone tired exhaustion. joints aching so much : it is hard to move body. at all. stomach all messed up, bloated, : shooting pains, no appetite. lots of mental confusion (you can snicker, : is ok) but not just normal diss kind. hard to put thoughts together and : if we can, can’t retain for more than 2 seconds. zip…gone into the : murk. sleep is passing out and then jerking awake from aching body. head : aches 24/7. thought we had tumor or stroke coming. seriously. started : thinking about wanting to die just to make constant physical hurting go : away. Woof.  That sounds much worse than the "average" withdrawal from effexor, but they’re usually pretty bad from what I hear.  Basically you are going through the equivalent of "speed" or cocaine withdrawal, cold-turkey.  I researched Effexor for a friend last year. Here’s what’s going on, if it would help to know (I wrote something similar for asar last year):    The SSRIs are called that because they are *Selective* serotonin    reuptake inhibitors.  They don’t affect too much else, at least on    purpose.    Effexor is *not* an SSRI; it’s an SRI, but it’s also a dopamine    reuptake inhibitor.  This means it increases the dopamine levels in    your system, which can boost your mood and is why it’s such an    effective anti-depressant, but it means it’s also capable of    becoming physically addictive in the same way that speed or cocaine    are.  (Those are both dopamine-mimics, in the sense that they    stimulate the dopamine receptors in the brain.) Effectively you’re going through the equivalent of a really bad and prolonged amphetamine or cocaine withdrawal.  Yours seems to be worse than usual.  Maybe it will help to know this, I don’t know. Oh yeah, the SSRIs and SRIs all raise the pain threshold – SSRIs are now being prescribed for cancer victims along with conventional painkillers – so going off the SRI component presumably lowers it. That’s probably making the physical pain worse too. [...] : literature says should go off over period of at least 2 weeks. we have : been tapering for 6 weeks and effects are getting worse and worse. Ugh.  They will wear off eventually but it’s awful that it’s going on so long. : wasn’t until last night went to pharminfonet and read threads from ppl : who went off, are going off…and found every damn symptom (except sore : throat that plagues us still) mentioned by ppl. and they all are saying : takes way more than 2 weeks to get off. Yeah, that’s what I warned my friend last year. : so angry could : absolutely…can’t say what we want to do cause it makes us ashamed but : still want to do it. hate this drug and company that lies about horrible : effects of quitting. docs are not aware of this and so don’t take it : into account when prescribing. The drug industry is all excited about Effexor, because it’s the first in potentially a whole new class of phenethylamine-based SRIs.  We can hope that all of them don’t have this kind of effect.  (Phenethylamines are one of the two major families of chemicals from which most psychedelic drugs are derived: mescaline, MDA, X or "Ecstasy", etc. Most SSRIs are distantly related to the other such family, tryptamines.) Unfortunately too many doctors don’t read anything but the PDR for drug info, even though it’s based entirely on info provided by the drug manufacturers.  (And it tends to be updated more slowly than other sources.) I still use it as a source, but I try to look at other sources if I can, and I always do my own research on any drug I’m taking. Did your doctor taper you down very gradually, like they’re supposed to (if they keep up on the literature) or did they cut down the dosage for you more rapidly from full dosage to almost nothing?  (Either because they didn’t know or because of side-effects that were too dangerous to taper down slowly.) Talk to doctor about withdrawal effects, but if they won’t take you seriously, you might try:   1) asking for conventional painkillers to help you get through it;   2) ask if you can start phasing in another SSRI during the      withdrawal (this might not be safe due to untested interactions);   3) drink lots of coffee during the withdrawal period (seriously –      coffee stimulates dopamine release and might somewhat reduce the      effects.) This is purely my own weird advice, not endorsed by any      doctror. : also, didn’t want to go to doctor because we knew that we would be : ignored as crazy person with psychosomatic symptoms. really, honestly : thought we were dying. hatehatehate. don’t need more problems. need : less. I know what you mean… : anyway. rant rant. hate wyeth drug co. will avoid buying anything they : produce. will prolly write a letter when brain clears. not that they : give a shit. but will make us feel little better to scream at them. : maybe also copy to fda, just for the heck of it. expect no response but : maybe someone will notice… It’s a good idea.  Eventually, with enough letters like that, the FDA may force them to at least add more warnings to the PDR and package inserts, which is pretty much all that a lot of doctors read. : so, don’t know what to say. not telling anyone not to take drug. like we : say, been good at what it does. but never want to feel this much : physical pain again. badhorriblestupid. cause even if didn’t have to go : off drug now, someday hope to not have to take meds and so it would : happen sooner or later. and no one says how horrible it can be. just : vague corporate lies…scum. Yep.  That’s corporate America – or at this point, the world.  Most corporations are severely dysfunctional and in denial. <1/2 g : all done. sorry about anger. is much huger than what is showing. Anger is a feeling.  It’s fine to be angry.  You did not use it as an excuse to behave badly towards anyone, at least that I can see, so there is no need to apologize.  Thank you for

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Response:

Question:

OK folks, We now have a working questionnaire. Fill it out if you like Expect a delay in the initial response. The reports I send you back via e-mail will be better once I have entered a number of questionnaires into our database. Also keep in mind that I am processing the questionnaires myself and have human limitations if hundreds of questionnaires come pouring in. But I do plan to send an individualized report to everyone who sends me a completed questionnaire.                                 Best Wishes,                                 Arthur        A Questionnaire of Symptoms and Treatments             for Anxiety and Panic Disorders Introduction: This is a questionnaire regarding the symptoms and treatments associated with anxiety and panic disorders. If you fill out this questionnaire and send it to confidential database with the responses of others. Based on case by case similarities, a private report will be generated for your specific case which will suggest treatments that other related cases have found helpful. This private report will be sent to you via e-mail so that you and your doctor may explore such treatments at your discretion. There is no fee associated with this service. The only public reports that may be posted in future would regard general observations of the many cases and will not include names or data specific to any one case. Processing of all questionnaires and generation of reports have no professional certification in medicine, psychiatry, or psychology. I am, however, a fellow sufferer of panic disorder and am applying my background in science and computing to help us find relief from chronic anxiety and panic. This effort is driven by the current lack of adequate diagnostics for anxiety and panic disorders. Instructions: If you have ever experienced an anxiety or panic disorder, please fill out this questionnaire. Even if you consider yourself recovered, please fill out this questionnaire as best as you can remember your experiences. Enter your answers to the right of each question or item. Answers do not have to be precise, simply an approximate guess will do. Do not to focus on your worst or last attack, but consider your attacks in general as you answer these questions. When finished, please e-mail (DO NOT POST) your completed completely confidential. General Questions: Please indicate your Sex (M/F). At what Age do you believe your anxiety or panic disorder began? How long ago was your last anxiety or panic attack? (five years ago? three months ago? yesterday?) Currently, do you feel that your life is being more controlled or less controlled by anxiety or panic attacks? (less/same/more) Do you think there is a history of anxiety-panic disorder in your family? (Y/N) The following sentences describe anxiety or panic of different severity. For each sentence, indicate how often you experience such anxiety or panic. 0 = never 1 = several times over several years 2 = several times a year 4 = several times a month 6 = several times a week 8 = several times a day 10 = constantly every day I am nervous, but I can still function. I am very nervous, but I think I can get through the next hour. I am scared, and would like to go home immediately. I am very frightened, and don’t feel comfortable anywhere. I am terrified and feel like I’m about to pass out. I am terrified and feel that I am about to die. I am horrified beyond death-like terror. I am actually "paralyzed" with unimaginable horror. During our anxiety or panic disorder, we may experience a variety of symptoms. These symptoms may occur either during or between attacks. Please rate the severity of which you have experienced each of the following symptoms on a scale of zero to ten. (Blank or 0 = not at all, …, 10 = extremely severe) Fears and Phobias: Agoraphobia (a fear of anxiety or panic attacks that often results in a growing avoidance of things or situations) Fear of Being Alone Fear of Being With People Fear of Closed Spaces (Claustrophobia) Fear of Confrontation Fear of Dark Rooms Fear of Diseases (Hypochondria) Fear of Dying Fear of Fear Fear of Food Poisoning or Contamination Fear of God Fear of Going Insane Fear of Heights (Acrophobia) Fear of Help Not Being Available Fear of Humiliation Fear of Living Fear of Open Spaces Fear of Persecution Fear of Public Places Fear of Public Speaking Fear of Responsibility (Performance Anxiety) Fear of Social Diseases (VD, AIDS, etc.) Fear of Social Situations Fear of Snakes Fear of Specific People Fear of Spiders (Arachniphobia) Fear of Standing in Lines Fear of Traveling Psychological Sensations: Anger Anxiety (In Certain Situations) Anxiety (Generalized, Anytime) Anxiety (School, Work, Career) Anxiety (Family) Anxiety (Friends) Anxiety (Romance) Compulsive or Overly Repetitive Behavior Concentration Difficulty Chronic Nightmares Chronic Worrying Crying Depression Derealisation (Feeling of Unreality) Depersonalisation Dissociation Eating Disorder (Bulimia, Anorexia) Eating Disorder (Compulsive, Binge) Escape into Fantasy Feelings of Guilt Feelings of Persecution (present tense) Hopelessness Housebound Low Self-Esteem Memory Problems (Short Term) Memory Problems (Long Term) Mood Swings Obsessive Thinking Panic Attacks (In Certain Situations) Panic Attacks (Random, Anytime) Recurring Memories of Traumatic Event Self Abuse (Bruising, Cutting, etc.) Suicidal Thoughts Physical Sensations: Headaches Craving for Alcohol Insomnia (Trouble Getting to Sleep) Sleepiness (During Awake Hours) Dizziness or Vertigo Light-headedness Fainting (Actually Passing Out) Temporary Paralysis Easily Startled (Jumpy) Allergies Dry Eyes Watery Eyes Overly Sensitive to Sunlight Visual Disturbances Burning or Pressure Around Eye or Nose Area Overly Sensitive to Odors Sinus Congestion Overly Sensitive to Noise Ringing in Ears Dry Mouth Dehydration (Often Thirsty) Breathing Difficulties (Hyperventilating, etc.) Feeling of Abnormal Heartbeat Chest Pains Appetite Loss Appetite Gain Weight Loss Weight Gain Nausea Intestinal Pains (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Diarrhea Joint Pain Muscular Pain Muscular Tension Muscular Tics, Twitches, or Spasms Weakness in Arms or Legs Overly Sensitive to The Way Things Feel (Tactile) Uncontrollable Shaking or Trembling Unsteadiness Cold, Clammy Skin Cold Extremities (Hands or Feet) Cold Chills Sweating Hot Flashes Numbness in Arms or Legs "Pins and Needles" Sensation Itching Excema and Rashes Fatigue (Tired, Low Energy) Hyperness (Too Much Energy) Erratic Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) Reduced Resistance to Colds or Viruses If you have experience with symptoms not listed here (fears, psychological or physical sensations), please list them below along with a severity from zero to ten. Please rate your experience of each of the following treatments on a scale of -10, …, 0, …, +10. (-10 = very negative reaction to treatment, …, blank or 0 = have not tried or not at all helpful, …, 10 = extremely helpful) Medications and Supplements: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Atenolol Ativan Buspar Buspirone Clonazepam (Rivotril, Klonopin) Colofac (Mebervine) Desipramine DHEA Effexor (venlafaxine) Fluanxol (Flupenthixol) GABA Gammanil (Lofepramine) GLS Gravol Halcion Haloperidol Herbal Suppliments Ibuprofen (Advil) Imipramine Inderal (Propranalol) Kava Kava L-Tryptophan (Tryptan) Lecithin Lectopam Librium Lorazepam Ludiomil Lustral (Setraline hydrochloride) Luvox (fluvoxamine) Magnesium Oxide Melatonin Modulon Motilium Nardil Nortriptyline (Aventyl) Pantothenic Acid Parlodal (Bromocriptine) Parnate Paxil (Paroxetine, Seroxat) Prothiaden (Dothiepin hydrochloride) Prozac (fluoxetine) Serax Serzone (Nefazodone) Thyroid Hormone Valerian Valium Vitamin B Complex Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Wellbutrin Xanax (Alprazolam) Zantac Zoloft (sertraline) Psychological Therapies: Behavioral Therapy Biofeedback Cognitive Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Counseling or Social Work Group Therapy Hypnotic Psychotherapy Hypnotic Suggestion Positive Thoughts Psychotherapy (Gestalt or Psychoanalysis) Support Group Other: Acupuncture Adjusting Lifestyle (School, Work, Career) Adjusting Lifestyle (Family) Adjusting Lifestyle (Friends) Adjusting Lifestyle (Romance) Breathing Exercises Chiropractic Confronting Fears Discovering or Expressing True Self Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Faith, Religion, or Spiritual Pursuits Gardening Physical Exercise Planned or Controlled Diet Playing with Children or Pets Homeopathy Laughter Massage Meditation (Deep Relaxation, Yoga, etc.) Neuro-Linguistic Programming Outdoor Activities Reading Relaxation Training Radionics Therapeutic Touch If you have experience with treatments not listed here (medications, supliments, or any therapy), please list them below along with a rating from -10, …, 0, …, +10.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK folks, We now have a working questionnaire. Fill it out if you like Expect a delay in the initial response. The reports I send you back via e-mail will be better once I have entered a number of questionnaires into our database. Also keep in mind that I am processing the questionnaires myself and have human limitations if hundreds of questionnaires come pouring in. But I do plan to send an individualized report to everyone who sends me a completed questionnaire.                            Best Wishes,                            Arthur       A Questionnaire of Symptoms and Treatments            for Anxiety and Panic Disorders Introduction: This is a questionnaire regarding the symptoms and treatments associated with anxiety and panic disorders. If you fill out this questionnaire and send it to confidential database with the responses of others. Based on case by case similarities, a private report will be generated for your specific case which will suggest treatments that other related cases have found helpful. This private report will be sent to you via e-mail so that you and your doctor may explore such treatments at your discretion. There is no fee associated with this service. The only public reports that may be posted in future would regard general observations of the many cases and will not include names or data specific to any one case. Processing of all questionnaires and generation of reports have no professional certification in medicine, psychiatry, or psychology. I am, however, a fellow sufferer of panic disorder and am applying my background in science and computing to help us find relief from chronic anxiety and panic. This effort is driven by the current lack of adequate diagnostics for anxiety and panic disorders. Instructions: If you have ever experienced an anxiety or panic disorder, please fill out this questionnaire. Even if you consider yourself recovered, please fill out this questionnaire as best as you can remember your experiences. Enter your answers to the right of each question or item. Answers do not have to be precise, simply an approximate guess will do. Do not to focus on your worst or last attack, but consider your attacks in general as you answer these questions. When finished, please e-mail (DO NOT POST) your completed completely confidential. General Questions: Please indicate your Sex (M/F).     F At what Age do you believe your anxiety or panic disorder began?     24 How long ago was your last anxiety or panic attack? (five years ago? three months ago? yesterday?)

3 weeks ago Currently, do you feel that your life is being more controlled or less controlled by anxiety or panic attacks? (less/same/more)

less Do you think there is a history of anxiety-panic disorder in your family? (Y/N)

Y The following sentences describe anxiety or panic of different severity. For each sentence, indicate how often you experience such anxiety or panic. 0 = never 1 = several times over several years 2 = several times a year 4 = several times a month 6 = several times a week 8 = several times a day 10 = constantly every day I am nervous, but I can still function.

2 I am very nervous, but I think I can get through the next hour.

4 I am scared, and would like to go home immediately.

2 I am very frightened, and don’t feel comfortable anywhere.

2 I am terrified and feel like I’m about to pass out.

2 I am terrified and feel that I am about to die.

2 I am horrified beyond death-like terror.

2 I am actually "paralyzed" with unimaginable horror.

2 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – During our anxiety or panic disorder, we may experience a variety of symptoms. These symptoms may occur either during or between attacks. Please rate the severity of which you have experienced each of the following symptoms on a scale of zero to ten. (Blank or 0 = not at all, …, 10 = extremely severe) Fears and Phobias: 0 Agoraphobia (a fear of anxiety or panic attacks that often results in a growing avoidance of things or situations) 2 Fear of Being Alone 9 Fear of Being With People 4 Fear of Closed Spaces (Claustrophobia) 4 Fear of Confrontation 0 Fear of Dark Rooms 0 Fear of Diseases (Hypochondria) 4 Fear of Dying 5 Fear of Fear 5 Fear of Food Poisoning or Contamination 4 Fear of God 4 Fear of Going Insane 6 Fear of Heights (Acrophobia) 2 Fear of Help Not Being Available 8 Fear of Humiliation 2 Fear of Living 5 Fear of Open Spaces 0 Fear of Persecution 0 Fear of Public Places 0 Fear of Public Speaking 5 Fear of Responsibility (Performance Anxiety) 5 Fear of Social Diseases (VD, AIDS, etc.) 0 Fear of Social Situations 0 Fear of Snakes 0 Fear of Specific People 0 Fear of Spiders (Arachniphobia) 4 Fear of Standing in Lines 0 Fear of Traveling 5 Psychological Sensations: Anger 0 Anxiety (In Certain Situations) 5 Anxiety (Generalized, Anytime) 4 Anxiety (School, Work, Career) 5 Anxiety (Family) 5 Anxiety (Friends) 0 Anxiety (Romance) 0 Compulsive or Overly Repetitive Behavior 0 Concentration Difficulty 8 Chronic Nightmares 0 Chronic Worrying 4 Crying 3 Depression 0 Derealisation (Feeling of Unreality) 4 Depersonalisation 2 Dissociation 2 Eating Disorder (Bulimia, Anorexia) 8 Eating Disorder (Compulsive, Binge) 0 Escape into Fantasy 10 Feelings of Guilt 5 Feelings of Persecution (present tense) 0 Hopelessness 4 Housebound 0 Low Self-Esteem 7 Memory Problems (Short Term) 9 Memory Problems (Long Term) 9 Mood Swings 7 Obsessive Thinking 9 Panic Attacks (In Certain Situations) 4 Panic Attacks (Random, Anytime) 8 Recurring Memories of Traumatic Event 0 Self Abuse (Bruising, Cutting, etc.) 0 Suicidal Thoughts 0 Physical Sensations: Headaches 10 Craving for Alcohol 0 Insomnia (Trouble Getting to Sleep) 10 Sleepiness (During Awake Hours) 0 Dizziness or Vertigo 5 Light-headedness 4 Fainting (Actually Passing Out) 5 Temporary Paralysis 0 Easily Startled (Jumpy) 5 Allergies 0 Dry Eyes 0 Watery Eyes 0 Overly Sensitive to Sunlight 0 Visual Disturbances 4 Burning or Pressure Around Eye or Nose Area 5 Overly Sensitive to Odors 0 Sinus Congestion 4 Overly Sensitive to Noise 6 Ringing in Ears 10 Dry Mouth 2 Dehydration (Often Thirsty) 0 Breathing Difficulties (Hyperventilating, etc.) 10 Feeling of Abnormal Heartbeat 8 Chest Pains 10 Appetite Loss 10 Appetite Gain 0 Weight Loss 10 Weight Gain 0 Nausea 7 Intestinal Pains (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) 10 Diarrhea 10 Joint Pain 2 Muscular Pain 2 Muscular Tension 9 Muscular Tics, Twitches, or Spasms 0 Weakness in Arms or Legs 5 Overly Sensitive to The Way Things Feel (Tactile) 0 Uncontrollable Shaking or Trembling 5 Unsteadiness 8 Cold, Clammy Skin 9 Cold Extremities (Hands or Feet) 10 Cold Chills 10 Sweating 10 Hot Flashes 5 Numbness in Arms or Legs 10 "Pins and Needles" Sensation 10 Itching 0 Excema and Rashes 0 Fatigue (Tired, Low Energy) 9 Hyperness (Too Much Energy) 10 Erratic Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) 6 Reduced Resistance to Colds or Viruses 9 If you have experience with symptoms not listed here (fears, psychological or physical sensations), please list them below along with a severity from zero to ten. Please rate your experience of each of the following treatments on a scale of -10, …, 0, …, +10. (-10 = very negative reaction to treatment, …, blank or 0 = have not tried or not at all helpful, …, 10 = extremely helpful) Medications and Supplements: +10 Acetaminophen (Tylenol) -10 Atenolol 0 Ativan +8 Buspar -10 Buspirone 0 Clonazepam (Rivotril, Klonopin) +10 Colofac (Mebervine) 0 Desipramine -10 DHEA 0 Effexor (venlafaxine) 0 Fluanxol (Flupenthixol) 0 GABA 0 Gammanil (Lofepramine) 0 GLS 0 Gravol +7 Halcion -10 Haloperidol 0 Herbal Suppliments -5 Ibuprofen (Advil) -10 Imipramine -10 Inderal (Propranalol) -10 Kava Kava 0 L-Tryptophan (Tryptan) -5 Lecithin 0 Lectopam -5 Librium -10 Lorazepam +8 Ludiomil 0 Lustral (Setraline hydrochloride) 0 Luvox (fluvoxamine) -10 Magnesium Oxide 0 Melatonin 0 Modulon 0 Motilium 0 Nardil -10 Nortriptyline (Aventyl) -10 Pantothenic Acid 0 Parlodal (Bromocriptine) 0 Parnate 0 Paxil (Paroxetine, Seroxat) -10 Prothiaden (Dothiepin hydrochloride) 0 Prozac (fluoxetine) -10 Serax -10 Serzone (Nefazodone) 0 Thyroid Hormone 0 Valerian 0 Valium +6 Vitamin B Complex +1 Vitamin B12 +5 Vitamin C +1 Wellbutrin 0 Xanax (Alprazolam) +1 Zantac +1 Zoloft (sertraline) 0 Psychological Therapies: Behavioral Therapy +10 Biofeedback 0 Cognitive Therapy +10 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy +10 Counseling or Social Work -2 Group Therapy +10 Hypnotic Psychotherapy 0 Hypnotic Suggestion 0 Positive Thoughts +8 Psychotherapy (Gestalt or Psychoanalysis) 0 Support Group +10 Other: Acupuncture 0 Adjusting Lifestyle (School, Work, Career) +5 Adjusting Lifestyle (Family) +5 Adjusting Lifestyle (Friends) +5 Adjusting Lifestyle (Romance) +8 Breathing Exercises +5 Chiropractic 0 Confronting Fears +8 Discovering or Expressing True Self +10 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) 0 Faith, Religion, or Spiritual Pursuits 0 Gardening 0 Physical Exercise 0 Planned or Controlled Diet +5 Playing with Children or

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Response: