Question:

Hi!    I have felt both ways meaning when the doctors have increased/decreased the Prednisone I still have numberous attacks. I have come to the conclusion that I am very sensitive to alot of allergens. Sometimes I am just not sure what to do anymore.  I hope you feel better.   Sandy

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I just tapered off a five day prednizone treatment, now I am off of it and on flovent and albuterol, has anyone felt  more asthma after coming off of pred?

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James Yes. I had to extend the pred treatment to 10 days and taper off more slowly. Norman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just tapered off a five day prednizone treatment, now I am off of it and on flovent and albuterol, has anyone felt  more asthma after coming off of pred?

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Question:

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

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

Response:

Question:

Just out of curiosity, what are the know side-effects (long term) of taking a leukotriene inhibitor.  It seems to me that leukotrienes play a somewhat vital role in the body so I’m curious as to what the dangers are of taking something like Accolate which inhibits them?

Response:

Just out of curiosity, what are the know side-effects (long term) of taking a leukotriene inhibitor.  It seems to me that leukotrienes play a somewhat vital role in the body so I’m curious as to what the dangers are of taking something like Accolate which inhibits them?

I’m sure others will provide more details but anyway— the drugs singulair and accolate are leukotriene receptor antagonists.  That may seem a bit Greek but what they do is to compete with leukotrienes for the leukotriene binding site on the outside cell surface.  If the site is already complexed with singulair or accolate then the leukotriene can not bind and the cascade of events that would have followed does not occur.  There are some structural (chemical) differences in the antagonistic active ingredient of accolate and singulair.  They are not the same molecule although they fulfill the same function, hence two patents and two drugs.  Apparently the ability of the active ingredient to bind to the leukotriene receptor differs between the two.  That’s why singulair is one pill a day and accolate is twice a day.  Also, the leukotriene receptors are not identical in every individual, apparently there is some genetic diversity for their chemical structure.  That’s why some people are helped by one but not the other and why not everyone is helped by either of them (of course there are probably several other reasons also, like the cause of the inflammation that gets labeled asthma) .  From what I’ve seen here and from the package insert (I believe) accolate is degraded by the liver while singulair is not (anybody can step in here if they have a better understanding).  In fact I think I’ll quit before I get beyond my own understanding.  I hope someone corrects me if I have provided an incorrect view of their mechanism.

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Just out of curiosity, what are the know side-effects (long term) of taking a leukotriene inhibitor.  It seems to me that leukotrienes play a somewhat vital role in the body so I’m curious as to what the dangers are of taking something like Accolate which inhibits them?

Well, it’s probably safe to say that no one knows what the long-term side-effects are.  Generally these would be projected from animal studies where high concentrations are fed to the animals, hoping to accelerate any negative effects, and this approach has been reasonably reliable in most cases.  Such studies are in no way a sure thing, however, as has been demonstrated by the recall of several drugs recently. One advantage of leukotriene inhibitors, though, is that the drugs more accurately "target" the problem being treated than do steroids (which are something of a blunderbuss approach).

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Question:

I take azmacort-3 puffs 2x a day, serevent-2 puffs 2x a day and singulair at bedtime.  I also use the  ventolin inhaler as needed(or in the nebulizer–which is not very often).  Does anyone know if any of this medication can cause insomnia? Thanks

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I do not know all your medicines but I am new to singulair and finding it a little agitating, restless making. Fortunately for me another non asthma medicine I take makes me drowsy. I have a feeling that if it doesn’t go away you might look at singulair as the culprit. You know the principle of single subject testing don’t you?  To be sure, you must go off the suspected medicine, have the side effects go away, then go back on again, and have them come back, and go off again (if you can’t stand them) and have them go away. I take azmacort-3 puffs 2x a day, serevent-2 puffs 2x a day and singulair at bedtime.  I also use the  ventolin inhaler as needed(or in the nebulizer–which is not very often).  Does anyone know if any of this medication can cause insomnia? Thanks

Response:

I take azmacort-3 puffs 2x a day, serevent-2 puffs 2x a day and singulair at bedtime.  I also use the  ventolin inhaler as needed(or in the nebulizer–which is not very often).  Does anyone know if any of this medication can cause insomnia? Thanks

Bronchodilators are the asthma meds most likely to cause this symptom. It could be the Serevent. It can take some time to get used to it; I had nightmares when I 1st started taking it, which subsided after a couple of months. Some have to reduce the dose of Serevent. Albuterol could also do this, especially in nebulizer form. Each nebulizer treatment (2.5 gm albuterol) is equivalent to 10 puffs of albuterol by Metered Dose Inhaler. More info at www.rxlist.com type in name of drug. Ellis

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People are so different in how they react. I have never heard that about serevent and never would have suspected it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I take azmacort-3 puffs 2x a day, serevent-2 puffs 2x a day and singulair at bedtime.  I also use the  ventolin inhaler as needed(or in the nebulizer–which is not very often).  Does anyone know if any of this medication can cause insomnia? Thanks Bronchodilators are the asthma meds most likely to cause this symptom. It could be the Serevent. It can take some time to get used to it; I had nightmares when I 1st started taking it, which subsided after a couple of months. Some have to reduce the dose of Serevent. Albuterol could also do this, especially in nebulizer form. Each nebulizer treatment (2.5 gm albuterol) is equivalent to 10 puffs of albuterol by Metered Dose Inhaler. More info at www.rxlist.com type in name of drug. Ellis

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I take azmacort-3 puffs 2x a day, serevent-2 puffs 2x a day and singulair at bedtime.  I also use the  ventolin inhaler as needed(or in the nebulizer–which is not very often).  Does anyone know if any of this medication can cause insomnia? Thanks Yes, definitely…Serevent and/or ventolin. It’s after 1 am, and I am still up having taken the same meds! I’m experimenting with changing the time I take the Serevent…if I solve this problem, I’ll let you know. rec.crafts.textiles.needlework alt.support.asthma

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Thanks.  I had pushed the time later as to taking the singulair, hoping that the effects of it would last longer into the following day.  But I’m assuming that taking singulair, serevent, azmacort and ventolin (if needed) at midnight is just a little to much before bedtime

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yes, definitely…Serevent and/or ventolin. It’s after 1 am, and I am still up having taken the same meds! I’m experimenting with changing the time I take the Serevent…if I solve this problem, I’ll let you know. rec.crafts.textiles.needlework alt.support.asthma

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I too am on Serevent and have had trouble sleeping and also HORRIBLE nightmares for the last month. I’ve been on Serevent for a month!! And I have never had nightmares before in my life. I thought I was going crazy! But thanks to Ellis’s post I now know whats causing them!

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Thanks.  I had pushed the time later as to taking the singulair, hoping that the effects of it would last longer into the following day.  But I’m assuming that taking singulair, serevent, azmacort and ventolin (if needed) at midnight is just a little to much before bedtime Recently I’ve pushed the time I take the Serevent later until just before I hit the sack. Seems I read that it peaks at 4 hours, so I’m trying to see what happens if I get to sleep before it really takes effect.  Well….worth a try I thought. Will let you know.  BTWm prednisome makes sleeping  a problem too. rec.crafts.textiles.needlework alt.support.asthma

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Question:

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

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

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

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

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

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i am slowly going insane being invisible

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

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i am slowly going insane being invisible

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

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i am slowly going insane being invisible

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i am slowly going insane being invisible

I can see you. Mary Beth

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

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

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

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Before you buy.

Response:

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

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

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Question:

Thanks (((((Everyone))))) For such a warm welcome (back) lol. I’m feeling so good this evening! Yay. Kirsten

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone, It’s been a long long time since I’ve been here. Some of you might remeber me. My name is Kirsten (Kadie). I wont give any excuses cause there are none. I just haven’t bothered posting. I wish now that I had because you guys where allways so great to me. I’m doing alright, been better, been worse. I’m still busy with school. I am so behind but trying to keep up. Brad and I split up about a week ago for good and we are friends now. I think I like it better. I still love him and he still loves me but we have to much on our own to deal with and don’t need a realtionship too. I’m doing pretty good with my panic attacks. I’m having them every once in a while like i had one the other night but I’m getting better at controling them. I’m no longer on Celexa. I was on Celexa and Wellbutrin and Dr.C took me off of Wellbutrin because it stopped working and then off od Celexa to and I am now on Effexor. I’m up to 75mg’s daily now and I’m not doing to bad considering I guess. I’m having a bad time with my depression still though and have some other issues (realated to the depression) to deal with. but I think I’m getting there. I’m hoping everyone is doing good? I’m sorry I haven’t been posting and like I said there is no excuses so I’m not going to bother trying to come up with any. I’ll just try and post more often — Kirsten http://violent-minds.org ICQ: 48606790

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:I’m hoping everyone is doing good? I’m sorry I haven’t been posting and like :I said there is no excuses so I’m not going to bother trying to come up with :any. I’ll just try and post more often Dear Kirsten, Welcome back!~  Don`t worry about not posting, people are allowed to come and go as freely as they want, there are no rules here Sorry about your breakup with Brad {{{{{Kirsten}}}}} Jackie ~*~My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue, an everlasting vision of the everchanging view~*~ ~Carole King~

Response:

Hi Kirsten! Good to see you here.  Please don’t apologize.  This is only reserved for me.  <g  Just kidding.  I’m sorry about you and Brad, but glad to see you’re still friends.  I hope Effexor helps with the depression. Love, Di

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone, It’s been a long long time since I’ve been here. Some of you might remeber me. My name is Kirsten (Kadie). I wont give any excuses cause there are none. I just haven’t bothered posting. I wish now that I had because you guys where allways so great to me. I’m doing alright, been better, been worse. I’m still busy with school. I am so behind but trying to keep up. Brad and I split up about a week ago for good and we are friends now. I think I like it better. I still love him and he still loves me but we have to much on our own to deal with and don’t need a realtionship too. I’m doing pretty good with my panic attacks. I’m having them every once in a while like i had one the other night but I’m getting better at controling them. I’m no longer on Celexa. I was on Celexa and Wellbutrin and Dr.C took me off of Wellbutrin because it stopped working and then off od Celexa to and I am now on Effexor. I’m up to 75mg’s daily now and I’m not doing to bad considering I guess. I’m having a bad time with my depression still though and have some other issues (realated to the depression) to deal with. but I think I’m getting there. I’m hoping everyone is doing good? I’m sorry I haven’t been posting and like I said there is no excuses so I’m not going to bother trying to come up with any. I’ll just try and post more often — Kirsten http://violent-minds.org ICQ: 48606790

Response:

Good to see you again, Kirsten. Effexor is a good med for depression. Chip

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone, It’s been a long long time since I’ve been here. Some of you might remeber me. My name is Kirsten (Kadie). I wont give any excuses cause there are none. I just haven’t bothered posting. I wish now that I had because you guys where allways so great to me. I’m doing alright, been better, been worse. I’m still busy with school. I am so behind but trying to keep up. Brad and I split up about a week ago for good and we are friends now. I think I like it better. I still love him and he still loves me but we have to much on our own to deal with and don’t need a realtionship too. I’m doing pretty good with my panic attacks. I’m having them every once in a while like i had one the other night but I’m getting better at controling them. I’m no longer on Celexa. I was on Celexa and Wellbutrin and Dr.C took me off of Wellbutrin because it stopped working and then off od Celexa to and I am now on Effexor. I’m up to 75mg’s daily now and I’m not doing to bad considering I guess. I’m having a bad time with my depression still though and have some other issues (realated to the depression) to deal with. but I think I’m getting there. I’m hoping everyone is doing good? I’m sorry I haven’t been posting and like I said there is no excuses so I’m not going to bother trying to come up with any. I’ll just try and post more often — Kirsten http://violent-minds.org ICQ: 48606790

Response:

Hi Kirsten, You don’t need any excuses for not posting.  Real life is more important for us all.  Glad to have you back! Take care, Liz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone, It’s been a long long time since I’ve been here. Some of you might remeber me. My name is Kirsten (Kadie). I wont give any excuses cause there are none. I just haven’t bothered posting. I wish now that I had because you guys where allways so great to me. I’m doing alright, been better, been worse. I’m still busy with school. I am so behind but trying to keep up. Brad and I split up about a week ago for good and we are friends now. I think I like it better. I still love him and he still loves me but we have to much on our own to deal with and don’t need a realtionship too. I’m doing pretty good with my panic attacks. I’m having them every once in a while like i had one the other night but I’m getting better at controling them. I’m no longer on Celexa. I was on Celexa and Wellbutrin and Dr.C took me off of Wellbutrin because it stopped working and then off od Celexa to and I am now on Effexor. I’m up to 75mg’s daily now and I’m not doing to bad considering I guess. I’m having a bad time with my depression still though and have some other issues (realated to the depression) to deal with. but I think I’m getting there. I’m hoping everyone is doing good? I’m sorry I haven’t been posting and like I said there is no excuses so I’m not going to bother trying to come up with any. I’ll just try and post more often — Kirsten http://violent-minds.org ICQ: 48606790

Response:

Hi, Kirsten, Yes, I remember you.  Glad to know you are doing fairly well.  Sorry to hear about you and Brad but if you are able to remain friends, that’s terrific. Hope the Effexor helps you.  Zoloft really lifted a lot of my depression. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone, It’s been a long long time since I’ve been here. Some of you might remeber me. My name is Kirsten (Kadie). I wont give any excuses cause there are none. I just haven’t bothered posting. I wish now that I had because you guys where allways so great to me. I’m doing alright, been better, been worse. I’m still busy with school. I am so behind but trying to keep up. Brad and I split up about a week ago for good and we are friends now. I think I like it better. I still love him and he still loves me but we have to much on our own to deal with and don’t need a realtionship too. I’m doing pretty good with my panic attacks. I’m having them every once in a while like i had one the other night but I’m getting better at controling them. I’m no longer on Celexa. I was on Celexa and Wellbutrin and Dr.C took me off of Wellbutrin because it stopped working and then off od Celexa to and I am now on Effexor. I’m up to 75mg’s daily now and I’m not doing to bad considering I guess. I’m having a bad time with my depression still though and have some other issues (realated to the depression) to deal with. but I think I’m getting there. I’m hoping everyone is doing good? I’m sorry I haven’t been posting and like I said there is no excuses so I’m not going to bother trying to come up with any. I’ll just try and post more often — Kirsten http://violent-minds.org ICQ: 48606790

Response:

Hi Everyone, It’s been a long long time since I’ve been here. Some of you might remeber me. My name is Kirsten (Kadie). I wont give any excuses cause there are none. I just haven’t bothered posting. I wish now that I had because you guys where allways so great to me. I’m doing alright, been better, been worse. I’m still busy with school. I am so behind but trying to keep up. Brad and I split up about a week ago for good and we are friends now. I think I like it better. I still love him and he still loves me but we have to much on our own to deal with and don’t need a realtionship too. I’m doing pretty good with my panic attacks. I’m having them every once in a while like i had one the other night but I’m getting better at controling them. I’m no longer on Celexa. I was on Celexa and Wellbutrin and Dr.C took me off of Wellbutrin because it stopped working and then off od Celexa to and I am now on Effexor. I’m up to 75mg’s daily now and I’m not doing to bad considering I guess. I’m having a bad time with my depression still though and have some other issues (realated to the depression) to deal with. but I think I’m getting there. I’m hoping everyone is doing good? I’m sorry I haven’t been posting and like I said there is no excuses so I’m not going to bother trying to come up with any. I’ll just try and post more often — Kirsten http://violent-minds.org ICQ: 48606790

Response:

Question:

Hello folks– I’ve been prescribed Effexor XR for just over a month for moderate depression. I started at the lower doses of 37.5 and 75 mg. for two weeks, and I’ve been on the 150 mg. dose (once a day) for nearly 3 weeks.  I’ve had very few of the *customary* side effects and I’m tolerating the 150 mg. dose well, and the medication is really working well at alleviating my depression. However, I think the medication is negatively affecting my harder runs–specifically my recent 5K to 5 mile races, and my tempo/interval workout on Wednesday evenings.  For example, I’ve slowed down about 1:30 for my 5K time (29:15 in mid-November to 30:45 on New Year’s Day), and I’m considerably slower running my interval workout when I take my pill the morning of the workout.  Yesterday I experimented by skipping my pill, and ran my workout great–like before I started on the medication.  However, last nite I had very vivid dreams while sleeping (the second time this has happened), and felt groggy when getting up–which passed after I took my pill after eating breakfast this morning. Does anyone here on the newsgroups know specifically about the cardiovascular effects of anti-depressants?  Will my running/training be compromised for as long as I’m on the medication?  I’ll be mentioning this to my psychiatrist when I see her soon, but I thought I’d ask about it here first.  Since she told me that I could expect to be on medication this time for over a year (this is my 3rd recurrence of depression in 16 years), I’d really like to get this little *wrinkle* straightened out sooner instead of later! Thanks in advance– Jean Barto Newport News, VA — "If you are going through hell, keep going." Winston Churchill

Response:

Hi Jean, Here is some info: Side effects registered for Venlafaxine The FDA has forced safety related drug labelling changes regarding Efexor.

Question:

The, North, &, South, Bipolar, Connection…Meet, me, in, the, middle! You can still get the medical care you need without insurance, and you don’t have to settle for care that doesn’t meet your needs, but you will have to work harder to find it and see that you get it.

God, I hope you’re right. You can use this period while you still have insurance to start making solid plans.

I’m trying. I’ve never been very good at follow-through though :/ The worry is a motivator, but once you start to see how you <will survive it becomes lessor. I know what it is like to have too many questions and not enough answers.

Don’t we all. :/ Thanks for the support.

Response:

I’m sorry I was so hard on you. I did not realize how much you have & are suffering or how frightened you are.

It’s ok, I understand those knee-jerk reactions; do it all the time myself ; I was insensitive myself in my response. Maybe you pushed one of my buttons. You see I have two children, both of whom are now adult & both of whom are healthy.

I’m glad your kids are healthy. I’m not going to have any myself, not only because I don’t want to take the chance of passing this on, but also because I don’t think I could take care of them. I can barely take care of myself. Heck, most of the time I go hungry because shopping is such a horrible experience. If you could get to a major teaching hospital in your area and see someone in the "Mood Disorders Clinic" (Department of Psychiatry), I am confident you would be able to find relief for most of your symptoms.

This is a very small city, there’s only one hospital. I’d have to go to CMH. It is possible that a period of hospitalization would be advisable to allow the pdocs & staff to more quickly find the right combination of meds for *you*.

Um. No. Not only does the mere thought of the hospital scare the crap outa me, but they allow smoking in there (at least in the other place I was in they did) and I am extremely hypersensitive to second hand smoke. Being trapped in there and having to breathe that shit and choking is my worst nightmare. It happened to me the last time and the doctors didn’t care. The other staff didn’t care either. They could have at least kept the exhaust fans on, but the other patients complained that the little bit of wind they generated made them cold. It didn’t even matter that I was choking. From your description of your recent symptoms of tactile and auditory hallucinations, perhaps one of the new "atypical" APs, like Zyprexa, would help. It is also quite useful in combating dysphoric mania, in my experience, which is something you might just be experiencing. Ask your pdoc about it in the context of a comprehensive plan…

I don’t actually have a psychiatrist; just a general practice doctor. I’ve been scared to go to any psychiatrists for at least a decade now … except the interview I just had which was something I had to do, but would rather not discuss. His purpose was just to interview me, he’s not going to be a doctor I will be seeing regularly or who will be prescribing me any medicines. Like I said, I’d have to go to CMH. I might have too much fear to do that, I dunno yet. As for trying other drugs, at this point I’m willing to try just about anything to get this pain out of me.

Response:

I have to agree with Thumper as to the Wellbutrin or any AD. If you are truly bipolar, you pretty well must take a mood stabilizer and this is especially true if you are taking an AD.

I honestly didn’t know this until a couple days ago. I always thought it was the drug causing the problem, but there’s no doubt that I have had very clear-cut episodes of mania that were not drug induced. Those were more in the past, though. The problem the last few years seems to be an ongoing mixed episode that crashes into all out depression every few months. I’m not even experiencing any periods of relative stability; except during the time I was taking dexedrine, but there were (eventually) problems associated with that too. I dunno if there is a drug or combo of drugs out there that will help. Let’s face it, some people just can’t be helped, I’m really starting to believe that I am one of those people. :<

Response:

permanently in the ether: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I feel that, overall, I am doing worse now than in the past. I have: 1. Constant headaches. 2. Constant fatigue. 3. Difficulty concentrating. 4. NO energy. 5. Constant feelings that suicide is only solution (but unable to take that way out because of effect on family). 6. Joint pain in major joints (hips and shoulders). 7. Stomach pain. 8. Cholesterol and Liver Enzyme levels are high. 9. Skin itches all the time (although I have no rash). 10. I have pains in my left chest. 11. Low thyroid and testosterone hormones. 12. I stop breathing at night unless I use a CPAP machine. 13. If I don

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ugh I had a rotten night yesterday. It started out alright – I decided to drop my Serzone and see if maybe that was making me feel so icky lately.  So I never took my morning dose.  Things went fine for most of the day. I had some things to get ready – it was our 3rd year anniversary today and I was waiting for my partner to get home from work. After supper things really went downhill – I started to feel really nauseated and bloated (it wasn’t my less than wonderful cooking either – Mel my partner was fine).  And from there is just lead to just horrible anxiety – by late in the evening I was just pacing back and forth – wondering if I should head to the emergency or not.  I decided to start the Serzone again and took my evening dose and it seemed to settle things down after about an hour or so.  Serzone does help some of the way for me – but I still don’t feel 100% or even 75% well on it – but it does take me to at least a somewhat toerable level of anxiety. I am making an appointment with the pdoc and see what can be done.  I had horrible luck on  a few of the SSRI’s but I have some good things about Celexa (yes I know it is an SSRI too) so maybe I will suggest that and see what the pdoc thinks.  Oh yes I do have Xanax around but for some reason I never take it – I don’t know why – I just cannot seem to make the decision to take it when I really need it.  If under docs orders of course, I started to take Xanax regularly – would it clear up these anxiety symptoms fast – would I notice a marked improvement almost right away ? – or would it take several weeks of usage to make me feel good again ?

Hi, Patrick….. I have been taking the same dose of Xanax for about 15 years now…… 0.5mg three times a day.  If I have a really bad pa, or if I’m facing something very challenging for me, I have my pdoc’s permission to take an extra tablet or two…… What it seems to do *for me* is to keep the panic and anxiety more *at bay*…… I rarely have a full-blown pa anymore…… maybe once a year.  As I remember, the Xanax was rather quick…….I didn’t have to wait weeks for it to help…. While you may likely become *dependent* on it after a long time (meaning you would have to wean off of it very slowly), it is not addictive…… I have never had the urge to take more and more….. as I said, I’m still at the same dosage I began with 15 years ago. I hope this helps a bit…… and I hope you get to feeling better soon, guy! I know it must suck to be feeling puny all the time….. Take care….. MikeH

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ugh I had a rotten night yesterday. It started out alright – I decided to drop my Serzone and see if maybe that was making me feel so icky lately.  So I never took my morning dose.  Things went fine for most of the day. I had some things to get ready – it was our 3rd year anniversary today and I was waiting for my partner to get home from work. After supper things really went downhill – I started to feel really nauseated and bloated (it wasn’t my less than wonderful cooking either – Mel my partner was fine).  And from there is just lead to just horrible anxiety – by late in the evening I was just pacing back and forth – wondering if I should head to the emergency or not.  I decided to start the Serzone again and took my evening dose and it seemed to settle things down after about an hour or so.  Serzone does help some of the way for me – but I still don’t feel 100% or even 75% well on it – but it does take me to at least a somewhat toerable level of anxiety.

Serzone is not a first choice med for PAD although it works for some people. But stopping it suddenly will cause a reaction like yours. All AD’s should be weaned off. I am making an appointment with the pdoc and see what can be done.  I had horrible luck on  a few of the SSRI’s but I have some good things about Celexa (yes I know it is an SSRI too) so maybe I will suggest that and see what the pdoc thinks.  Oh yes I do have Xanax around but for some reason I never take it – I don’t know why – I just cannot seem to make the decision to take it when I really need it.  If under docs orders of course, I started to take Xanax regularly – would it clear up these anxiety symptoms fast – would I notice a marked improvement almost right away ? – or would it take several weeks of usage to make me feel good again ?

Xanax works *immediately*, after 10-40 minutes, that is. It is IMO the best anti-anxiety med around (as a rule). You will get dependent on it which means you will have to stop it by way of a slow taper (like the AD’s) which is easy for some and very difficult for others. Some doctors don’t prescribe benzodiazepines (*benzos*) like Xanax because they confuse *dependence* with *addiction*. This means they haven’t done their homework. Hopefully your doc is not a so-called *benzophobe*. Of the SSRI’s Celexa seems to be the one with the lowest side effect profile. Still, if you had bad experiences with two or three other SSRI’s (after having given them enough time for a fair trial – 6-8 weeks) you might want to ask your doc about a TCA. Don’t mix Serzone and Xanax. It’s a bad combo as Serzone more than doubles the effect of Xanax and generally the two don’t interact well. I am feeling really achy today – and my stomach is still bothering me. Could be a stomach flu I suppose – but I tend to feel achy a lot these days so who can say for sure (I had all the tests done for achy muscles – there is no physical problem there).  I feel like my body was just beaten up.  I am so tired of feeling sick all the time.

Yeah…tell me about it…. this may well be Serzone withdrawal. Philip

Response:

I am feeling really achy today – and my stomach is still bothering me. Could be a stomach flu I suppose – but I tend to feel achy a lot these days so who can say for sure (I had all the tests done for achy muscles – there is no physical problem there).  I feel like my body was just beaten up.  I am so tired of feeling sick all the time. Yeah…tell me about it…. this may well be Serzone withdrawal. Philip

I found Serzone to be the most potent meds I was ever on. I just found that I was taking 300mgs a day and after a couple of months stopped it cold turkey. Bad mistake…don’t stop it without your Drs help. I became very sick and depressed for a couple of weeks. Lorri http://hometown.aol.com/lorr1/myhomepage5indexhtlm.html http://hometown.aol.com/lorr1/myhomepage4index.html

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ugh I had a rotten night yesterday. It started out alright – I decided to drop my Serzone and see if maybe that was making me feel so icky lately.  So I never took my morning dose.  Things went fine for most of the day. I had some things to get ready – it was our 3rd year anniversary today and I was waiting for my partner to get home from work.   After supper things really went downhill – I started to feel really nauseated and bloated (it wasn’t my less than wonderful cooking either – Mel my partner was fine).  And from there is just lead to just horrible anxiety – by late in the evening I was just pacing back and forth – wondering if I should head to the emergency or not.  I decided to start the Serzone again and took my evening dose and it seemed to settle things down after about an hour or so.  Serzone does help some of the way for me – but I still don’t feel 100% or even 75% well on it – but it does take me to at least a somewhat toerable level of anxiety. I am making an appointment with the pdoc and see what can be done.  I had horrible luck on  a few of the SSRI’s but I have some good things about Celexa (yes I know it is an SSRI too) so maybe I will suggest that and see what the pdoc thinks.  Oh yes I do have Xanax around but for some reason I never take it – I don’t know why – I just cannot seem to make the decision to take it when I really need it.  If under docs orders of course, I started to take Xanax regularly – would it clear up these anxiety symptoms fast – would I notice a marked improvement almost right away ? – or would it take several weeks of usage to make me feel good again ? I am feeling really achy today – and my stomach is still bothering me. Could be a stomach flu I suppose – but I tend to feel achy a lot these days so who can say for sure (I had all the tests done for achy muscles – there is no physical problem there).  I feel like my body was just beaten up.  I am so tired of feeling sick all the time.

Hi Patrick! I’m hoping you feel better today! Hugs, Di

Response:

Ugh I had a rotten night yesterday. It started out alright – I decided to drop my Serzone and see if maybe that was making me feel so icky lately.  So I never took my morning dose.  Things went fine for most of the day. I had some things to get ready – it was our 3rd year anniversary today and I was waiting for my partner to get home from work.   After supper things really went downhill – I started to feel really nauseated and bloated (it wasn’t my less than wonderful cooking either – Mel my partner was fine).  And from there is just lead to just horrible anxiety – by late in the evening I was just pacing back and forth – wondering if I should head to the emergency or not.  I decided to start the Serzone again and took my evening dose and it seemed to settle things down after about an hour or so.  Serzone does help some of the way for me – but I still don’t feel 100% or even 75% well on it – but it does take me to at least a somewhat toerable level of anxiety. I am making an appointment with the pdoc and see what can be done.  I had horrible luck on  a few of the SSRI’s but I have some good things about Celexa (yes I know it is an SSRI too) so maybe I will suggest that and see what the pdoc thinks.  Oh yes I do have Xanax around but for some reason I never take it – I don’t know why – I just cannot seem to make the decision to take it when I really need it.  If under docs orders of course, I started to take Xanax regularly – would it clear up these anxiety symptoms fast – would I notice a marked improvement almost right away ? – or would it take several weeks of usage to make me feel good again ? I am feeling really achy today – and my stomach is still bothering me. Could be a stomach flu I suppose – but I tend to feel achy a lot these days so who can say for sure (I had all the tests done for achy muscles – there is no physical problem there).  I feel like my body was just beaten up.  I am so tired of feeling sick all the time.

Response:

I know it is hard to up the xanax, but .25 is an extremly low dose. A few years ago , I  started getting panic attacks, and the doc prescibed .25/3X per day. It did abosolutely nothing, but I was too scared to take more. So after 2 weeks of constant attacks and horrible anxiety, I finally told myself "if I take 2 of these, what do I have to lose, I am going to die anyway and I took a .5 dose and another .5 dose 4 hrs later and boom..it was gone..I felt normal again. The point is  a .25 dose is not a dose for us panic sufferers. Dr’s give a dose like that to a patient who does not have PA or GAD , but just "going thru a roughtime". Talk to your Doc and bump the dose up to .5 3x a day. Believe me , it will help. Then when the zoloft kicks in (and it will) start lowering the xanax and soon you will be xanax free. When I was on zoloft, it hit me hard as well for the 1st 2 months, I was up to 4-5 mgs of xanax a day. But by the 5th month, the zoloft was working great and I was completely off the xanax. Hope this helps – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had a pretty rotten night these last two.  The night before last I hardly slept at all but I managed to get to work and get through the day – barely.  Then last night after work I was doing some work on the computer and I felt strange – I started to perspire profusely, got all shaky, hot flushes up and down my body and felt short of breath  - basically it started to get out of hand – I paced the hallway in our apt here for a bit tried to calm myself but I just felt like I was gonna die.  I took a .25 mg Xanax – still phobic about taking anymore for some reason and it help a small bit but not enough.  I couldn’t do it this morning – I took the day off sick and made an appt to see the pdoc again (see him this Tuesday). I am on Zoloft – first 10 days at 25 mg and today would be my fifth day at 50 mg.  I don’t understand why the drug is hitting me so hard this time since when I was on it before for anxiety problems I seemed to handle it better.  Zoloft worked so well for me the last time I took it – I hope it starts to work soon for me here – it seems that it started to work faster for me the first time I took it – the thing that does concern me is that I am not seeing any positive effects after 15 days – I know 4-6 weeks for effect but shouldn’t I be seeing some improvement by now?

Response:

If you had a positive response to Zoloft before, you will most likely have a positive response again. The first few days of any increase in Zoloft dose often results in increased anxiety as a side effect. Xanax 0.25 mg is a very small dose (at least for me). I used to take 10.0 mg/day. I would suggest you increase your dose of Xanax (i.e. take 0.50 or 0.75 mg as needed) until you stop having PAs and this side effect of the Zoloft dissipates. Good luck, Chip last night   I had a pretty rotten night these last two. The night before last I hardly slept at all but I managed to get to work and get through the day – barely. Then last night after work I was doing some work on the computer and I felt strange – I started to perspire profusely, got all shaky, hot flushes up and down my body and felt short of breath – basically it started to get out of hand – I paced the hallway in our apt here for a bit tried to calm myself but I just felt like I was gonna die. I took a .25 mg Xanax – still phobic about taking anymore for some reason and it help a small bit but not enough. I couldn’t do it this morning – I took the day off sick and made an appt to see the pdoc again (see him this Tuesday). I am on Zoloft – first 10 days at 25 mg and today would be my fifth day at 50 mg. I don’t understand why the drug is hitting me so hard this time since when I was on it before for anxiety problems I seemed to handle it better. Zoloft worked so well for me the last time I took it – I hope it starts to work soon for me here – it seems that it started to work faster for me the first time I took it – the thing that does concern me is that I am not seeing any positive effects after 15 days – I know 4-6 weeks for effect but shouldn’t I be seeing some improvement by now?

Response:

Question:

WebfootVA schreef: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BTW, though you said you take it at night.  Do you eat dinner late or do you take it with a snack?  If I started to eat my dinner at 9pm I would not only have bad indigestion, I’d probably weigh about 10 pounds more than I do now! Hi Iris, I do both.  I used to eat late dinners when I worked until 9pm so I could eat with my husband in the past.  For me, this was never a big deal.  I either eat a very light dinner at 5pm with my kids and a big snack later on, or I just have a late dinner, but I always eat before the meds. I also work out 5-6 times a week in the mornings at the gym as I’ve tended to gain weight with any of the meds in the past and I didn’t want to go that route again.  It also helps a lot with the everyday stress and gives me exposure to the rapid heart rate….rapid breathing symptoms, which I’m hoping will eventually help me prevent relapse once this goes into remission again. take care, Lene Well, I’ll probably have to take it in the morning then, or at least with my dinner around 7pm.  If I eat much later, I feel queasy when I go to bed. I need to start working out again.  I don’t have a weight problem but I am noticing a growing flab problem!  Exercise was my salvation when I had PA’s 10 years ago, but now I’ve developed a bit of a phobia–also, I suspect tied to the rapid heart rate, sweating, etc. BTW, the doc wants me to start out on 25 mg for a week then increase to 50mg where I’ll stay if the drug is successful.  Is 25 mg a low enough dose to start? Should I ask him for a lower dose?  I only weigh about 112, although I have a friend who doesn’t even tip the scales at 100 lbs and she started at 50 mg with no problem. Ever more questions. Iris —

  Iris, I feel your doctor knows about your fear of meds (which I recognize completely) and therefore starts your medication on a very low dose indeed. You should have no problems taking this at any time of the day. And: the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Try it and do it asap because you’ve been torturing yourself for too long now. Just do it! You’ll survive. Just as I did, so many times now (and still fraking out over every new med but having learnt to take it. If I can do it, you certainly can! I wish you knew me better to discover how true this is… Philip Peters

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – WebfootVA schreef: BTW, though you said you take it at night.  Do you eat dinner late or do you take it with a snack?  If I started to eat my dinner at 9pm I would not only have bad indigestion, I’d probably weigh about 10 pounds more than I do now! Hi Iris, I do both.  I used to eat late dinners when I worked until 9pm so I could eat with my husband in the past.  For me, this was never a big deal.  I either eat a very light dinner at 5pm with my kids and a big snack later on, or I just have a late dinner, but I always eat before the meds. I also work out 5-6 times a week in the mornings at the gym as I’ve tended to gain weight with any of the meds in the past and I didn’t want to go that route again.  It also helps a lot with the everyday stress and gives me exposure to the rapid heart rate….rapid breathing symptoms, which I’m hoping will eventually help me prevent relapse once this goes into remission again. take care, Lene Well, I’ll probably have to take it in the morning then, or at least with my dinner around 7pm.  If I eat much later, I feel queasy when I go to bed. I need to start working out again.  I don’t have a weight problem but I am noticing a growing flab problem!  Exercise was my salvation when I had PA’s 10 years ago, but now I’ve developed a bit of a phobia–also, I suspect tied to the rapid heart rate, sweating, etc. BTW, the doc wants me to start out on 25 mg for a week then increase to 50mg where I’ll stay if the drug is successful.  Is 25 mg a low enough dose to start? Should I ask him for a lower dose?  I only weigh about 112, although I have a friend who doesn’t even tip the scales at 100 lbs and she started at 50 mg with no problem. Ever more questions. Iris —   Iris, I feel your doctor knows about your fear of meds (which I recognize completely) and therefore starts your medication on a very low dose indeed. You should have no problems taking this at any time of the day. And: the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Try it and do it asap because you’ve been torturing yourself for too long now. Just do it! You’ll survive. Just as I did, so many times now (and still fraking out over every new med but having learnt to take it. If I can do it, you certainly can! I wish you knew me better to discover how true this is… Philip Peters

Philip: What a nice reply!  I’m going to print it out and tape it to the mirror, ’cause I’ve decided I’m going to start tonight! Iris (hoping to be successful…) —

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BTW, though you said you take it at night.  Do you eat dinner late or do you take it with a snack?  If I started to eat my dinner at 9pm I would not only have bad indigestion, I’d probably weigh about 10 pounds more than I do now! Hi Iris, I do both.  I used to eat late dinners when I worked until 9pm so I could eat with my husband in the past.  For me, this was never a big deal.  I either eat a very light dinner at 5pm with my kids and a big snack later on, or I just have a late dinner, but I always eat before the meds. I also work out 5-6 times a week in the mornings at the gym as I’ve tended to gain weight with any of the meds in the past and I didn’t want to go that route again.  It also helps a lot with the everyday stress and gives me exposure to the rapid heart rate….rapid breathing symptoms, which I’m hoping will eventually help me prevent relapse once this goes into remission again. take care, Lene

Well, I’ll probably have to take it in the morning then, or at least with my dinner around 7pm.  If I eat much later, I feel queasy when I go to bed. I need to start working out again.  I don’t have a weight problem but I am noticing a growing flab problem!  Exercise was my salvation when I had PA’s 10 years ago, but now I’ve developed a bit of a phobia–also, I suspect tied to the rapid heart rate, sweating, etc. BTW, the doc wants me to start out on 25 mg for a week then increase to 50mg where I’ll stay if the drug is successful.  Is 25 mg a low enough dose to start? Should I ask him for a lower dose?  I only weigh about 112, although I have a friend who doesn’t even tip the scales at 100 lbs and she started at 50 mg with no problem. Ever more questions. Iris —

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BTW, though you said you take it at night.  Do you eat dinner late or do you take it with a snack?  If I started to eat my dinner at 9pm I would not only have bad indigestion, I’d probably weigh about 10 pounds more than I do now! Hi Iris,

I do both.  I used to eat late dinners when I worked until 9pm so I could eat with my husband in the past.  For me, this was never a big deal.  I either eat a very light dinner at 5pm with my kids and a big snack later on, or I just have a late dinner, but I always eat before the meds. I also work out 5-6 times a week in the mornings at the gym as I’ve tended to gain weight with any of the meds in the past and I didn’t want to go that route again.  It also helps a lot with the everyday stress and gives me exposure to the rapid heart rate….rapid breathing symptoms, which I’m hoping will eventually help me prevent relapse once this goes into remission again. take care, Lene – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Okay, after taking Zoloft for the first time last night, I felt so wired up today. How long are the side effects going to take? Why do some people have more side effects at first than others? PS make sure you eat with it.  I noticed a BIG difference in severity of side effects depending on whether I had a full stomache or not.

Good advice Lene.  I’m still working on starting my Zoloft (sigh…) and the reason I was leaning toward taking it at breakfast was to lessen the side effect possibility.  I’ve had this reaction with several other drugs. If I take them with food (if it’s an option), I always tolerate them better.  I’m not a scientist, but I think food slows the absorbtion rate, so your body can better adjust. BTW, though you said you take it at night.  Do you eat dinner late or do you take it with a snack?  If I started to eat my dinner at 9pm I would not only have bad indigestion, I’d probably weigh about 10 pounds more than I do now! Iris —

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Okay, after taking Zoloft for the first time last night, I felt so wired up today. How long are the side effects going to take?

<snipped for space I’m not a doctor but I do believe that, while there is a possibility that you are experiencing a reaction to Zoloft, it’s an infinitessimal one. Most likely you have hyped yourself up over it with anticipation. ISTM a little too early for any reaction at all, good or bad… Sad to say, we anxiety types do this all too easily — Gary Cooper

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Okay, after taking Zoloft for the first time last night, I felt so wired up today. How long are the side effects going to take? Why do some people have more side effects at first than others?

Side effects with zoloft at first are extremely common.  I’ve been on it for 10 weeks, My side effects lasted about four weeks.  However, my husband who is also on zoloft for chronic pain management had few side effects and none of the ones that I did.    I found that I had to work a bit with the time I took it, to manage the side effects better at first. Some people are just more sensitive to meds.  Myself included.  I usually have side effects to everything.  Try and keep in mind that that the side effects are a temporary situation and well worth getting through in order to give it a chance and see if this is the answer for you. PS make sure you eat with it.  I noticed a BIG difference in severity of side effects depending on whether I had a full stomache or not. take care Lene – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Okay, after taking Zoloft for the first time last night, I felt so wired up today. How long are the side effects going to take? Why do some people have more side effects at first than others? Is it kind of a Riddlin effect.  Kids who take it and don’t need it tend to react to it differently and get hyped up.  and whereas kids who need the medication the most feel the effect immediately.    mmm.  in that case  is it true that if you’re feeling overanxious when initially using Zoloft   that you’re closer to healthy than you are sick?    just a hopeful thought

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