Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Has anyone here noticed that their asthma symptoms have changed since being on Flovent.  I am talking about when you are actually having some asthma trouble.  I notice that my attacks come on slower now and less frequent with Flovent – and I also notice that the symptoms tend to be different.  Before Flovent my asthma symptoms always started with a tightness in my upperchest and a definite Wheezing.  Now I find they seem to start lower down in the chest – feels likea tightness in the lower back actually – and I don’t get wheezing as much as I just feel short of breath.  I wondered if I was along in this sensation.

If it’s helping, I don’t see it. I’ve had three bouts of bronchitis since Sept. Helen

Response:

CarolR hit it right on the head. After being on Flovent for about a year, my symptoms changed from having chest tightness to a feeling only my small airways were slowly closing on me.  Atrovent, by the way, takes care of "that" feeling much better then Albuterol….

Response:

Has anyone here noticed that their asthma symptoms have changed since being on Flovent.  I am talking about when you are actually having some asthma trouble.  I notice that my attacks come on slower now and less frequent with Flovent – and I also notice that the symptoms tend to be different.  Before Flovent my asthma symptoms always started with a tightness in my upperchest and a definite Wheezing.  Now I find they seem to start lower down in the chest – feels likea tightness in the lower back actually – and I don’t get wheezing as much as I just feel short of breath.  I wondered if I was along in this sensation.

I get the tightness and feel short of breath also.  I rarely ever wheeze anymore.  I don’t get the typical asthma attacks.  I almost feel like only my small bronchioles are affected now rather than the large bronchus.  Kinda weird . CarolR

Response:

Has anyone here noticed that their asthma symptoms have changed since being on Flovent.  I am talking about when you are actually having some asthma trouble.  I notice that my attacks come on slower now and less frequent with Flovent – and I also notice that the symptoms tend to be different.  Before Flovent my asthma symptoms always started with a tightness in my upperchest and a definite Wheezing.  Now I find they seem to start lower down in the chest – feels likea tightness in the lower back actually – and I don’t get wheezing as much as I just feel short of breath.  I wondered if I was along in this sensation.

Response:

Question:

I have never been diagnosed with depression.  I have panic disorder.  I am not happy with the side effects of the antidepressant, Effexor XR.  I am not happy about my energy level and lack of emotions.  Even though I’m not happy about these symptoms, I don’t feel depressed.  I feel like the med is not letting me be me.  It’s not an ego thing.  It’s just feel that I need more energy and emotions to get back into the midst of life. Tony

Why not skip the ADs and just take Xanax XR or Klonopin? The only problem is tapering off of Effexor but it can be done, obviously. Philip — The charter is available at:

Question:

Anyone have any experience with Effexor.  I’ve tried Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin.  None of them work well. Thanx!

See earlier comments. Effexor, although some people have good experiences with it, is not a first choice in treating PAD. Philip

Response:

Anyone have any experience with Effexor.  I’ve tried Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin.  None of them work well. Thanx! See earlier comments. Effexor, although some people have good experiences with it, is not a first choice in treating PAD. Philip

Hi…I have been on Effexor (was on) XR for a month. At first, it seemed to lift a bit of my depression and worry, but after, my anxiety became really bad. I seemed to become almost "hypo-manic", and my sleep was WORSE then it ever had been. I could fall asleep fairly easy, but would wake up VERY early, feeling really "hung-over". I really had alot of hope for this drug, but I guess everbody does <g. Well..back to the drawing board…. Peace… James

Response:

Anyone have any experience with Effexor.  I’ve tried Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin.  None of them work well. Thanx!

Response:

Anyone have any experience with Effexor.  I’ve tried Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin. None of them work well. Thanx!

     I was on venlafaxine (Effexor) for about 3 months.  It worked great for my depression and pain, however the only side effect was sexual dysfunction, so I discontinued it for that reason.  Can’t say it worked on any of my anxiety because I’m on clonazepam (Klonopin) for that, but I know it didn’t cause any increase in anxiety either.  My dosage was 75 mg bid (twice daily).  My dose of clonazepam is really low, almost subtherapeutic, 0.5 mg bid. Good Luck, Chris

Response:

hi all my doc suggested today that i go off clonazepam and start taking effexor as she is not happy with me being on clonazepam for indefinitely.  i have tried many SSRI and was as sick as a dog and had anxiety like 24 hours a day for a long time.  what has your experience of effexor been??? also how long does it take to taper off clonazepam??? thanks a lot kim

Does clonazepam work for you? If so, don’t switch meds but doctors. Effexor is not an SSRI but close enough. *If* you should decide to try Effexor do *not* stop clonazepam at the same time as you risk experiencing both Effexor initial side effects (including worsening of anxiety) and clomazepam withdrawal symptoms. Tapering off of clonazepam takes as long as it takes depending on how high the dose is and how you’ve been taking it. Diminishing the dose with one fourth or less every two weeks or so is a good pace as a rule but YMMV. But once again: if clonazepam works well, why fix something that isn’t broken? Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

hi all my doc suggested today that i go off clonazepam and start taking effexor as she is not happy with me being on clonazepam for indefinitely.  i have tried many SSRI and was as sick as a dog and had anxiety like 24 hours a day for a long time.  what has your experience of effexor been??? also how long does it take to taper off clonazepam??? thanks a lot kim

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hi all my doc suggested today that i go off clonazepam and start taking effexor as she is not happy with me being on clonazepam for indefinitely.  i have tried many SSRI and was as sick as a dog and had anxiety like 24 hours a day for a long time.  what has your experience of effexor been??? also how long does it take to taper off clonazepam??? thanks a lot kim

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh this is stoopid medicine your doc is a benzophobe and believes that effexor is less addictive or dependency causing then a benzo-it isn’t. It has to be weaned on and weaned off and is not less toxic a compound then clonazepam. If the Klonopin helps you then why tamper with what works-find another doc if possible effexor is a very good medication in more comprehensive in its ability then ssri’s similar to tca’s-in low doses it works well for loads of people-its main side effect is gastrointestinal and increased levels of anxiety similar to the ssri’s I wouldn’t hesitate to use it if it is indicated or in conjunction with klonopin if needed but your doc’s reasoning for using it is downright wrong LM

Response:

I was put on Effexor and it help me as far as the depression, I started on 150 mg and then my doc put me on Clonazepam (klonapin) .5 mg a day half in the morning and half at night. At the same time he increased my Effexor to 225 mg and to be honest I think the Klonapin is helping better because it takes care of my anxiety to a point and without anxiety I am not depressed…….lol I think Effexor works but I am going to talk my doc into lowering the effexor and increasing the klonapin…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For me it helped less with the panic/anxiety part. Had to supplement it with klonopin. It takes about 2-6 weeks to work. Less sexual side effects for me than paxil — "Oh dear, I think you’ll find reality’s on the blink again." — Marvin The Paranoid Android : hi everyone. I need your help . I was on PAXIL CR for a year for panic : attacks but had to be taken off of it cause it was raising my liver : enzyme level too high. So my doctor changed my medication to EFFEXOR. : Does anyone know anything about this medicine? Any bad side effects to : it? How long will it take for it to work? Well any information would be : helpful and much appreciated. Thanks so much. Tony : : : : : :

Response:

I was put on Effexor and it help me as far as the depression, I started on 150 mg and then my doc put me on Clonazepam (klonapin) .5 mg a day half in the morning and half at night. At the same time he increased my Effexor to 225 mg and to be honest I think the Klonapin is helping better because it takes care of my anxiety to a point and without anxiety I am not depressed…….lol I think Effexor works but I am going to talk my doc into lowering the effexor and increasing the klonapin…

keep in mind that the two meds treat different symptoms of anxiety.  the effexor is good for the obsessive worries, "rumination" as my therapist calls it.  the nagging thoughts in the back of your head that won’t leave you alone.  benzos don’t help much with those, but they relieve the physical symptoms, the fear, the dumping of adrenaline, etc.  i think you have a good combo there (i’m on both as well).  :-) -kelly

Response:

hi everyone. I need your help . I was on PAXIL CR for a year for panic attacks but had to be taken off of it cause it was raising my liver enzyme level too high. So my doctor changed my medication to EFFEXOR. Does anyone know anything about this medicine? Any bad side effects to it? How long will it take for it to work? Well any information would be helpful and much appreciated. Thanks so much. Tony

Response:

For me it helped less with the panic/anxiety part. Had to supplement it with klonopin. It takes about 2-6 weeks to work. Less sexual side effects for me than paxil — "Oh dear, I think you’ll find reality’s on the blink again." — Marvin The Paranoid Android

: hi everyone. I need your help . I was on PAXIL CR for a year for panic : attacks but had to be taken off of it cause it was raising my liver : enzyme level too high. So my doctor changed my medication to EFFEXOR. : Does anyone know anything about this medicine? Any bad side effects to : it? How long will it take for it to work? Well any information would be : helpful and much appreciated. Thanks so much. Tony : : : : : :

Response:

Question:

For those who have had a positive response on Zoloft (for obsessions only), can you describe the benefit/dosage/time until benefit. thanks.

Response:

It helped for obsessions But it caused me other problems (sleep/sexual function) so I am now trying Nardil Steve

Response:

Hello Everyone I would like to find out how Zoloft does with OCD.  You see, I’m on 30 mgs. of Paxil, which my pdoc notices that it isn’t doing too much with my OCD and wants to switch me to Zoloft.  What she wants to do is, starting tonight, take 50 mgs. of Zoloft while taking 30 mgs. of Paxil (my usual dosage) until this Sunday, then switch down to 20 mgs. of Paxil, while still taking the 50 mgs. of Zoloft.  When I go in to counseling next week, the pdoc wants to up the dosage of Zoloft to 100 mgs. and go down on the Paxil to 10 mgs., starting a week from this Sunday. I would like to know if anyone has any experience with Zoloft with OCD.  Any help is appreciated; thanks in advance. Christine

Response:

In article <3AD65C38.5…@epix.net

, Christine Geary <cge…@epix.net wrote: Hello Everyone I would like to know if anyone has any experience with Zoloft with OCD.  Any help is appreciated; thanks in advance.

I started out on Zoloft. It worked fairly well, but, like all SSRIs, there were side effects. When I first started taking it, and ever time my dosage was raised, I’d spend about week where I couldn’t get past 7pm. I’d become so tired that I had to go to bed. I also lost weight while taking it. It was the later that resulted in a persciption change. Zoloft is an SSRI, like Paxil and Prozac. Like the others, how it works depends on who’s taking it. -Terrie

Response:

Thanks for the information; I appreciate it very much. Christine

Response:

1 1/2 years ago i went on zoloft before i had ocd etc.. i went on it because i had a concentration difficulty, but when i was on it i thought i was on the edge of absolute genius and finding the ‘truth’ etc.. went really high, and when coming off it i pretty much fell to pieces..  that was after about 2 weeks. couple months later i went on aurorix and they screwed me up even more.. thats when ocd got really bad.. but zoloft started it all now i’m probably schizophrenic.. but it could just be ocd/major depression, gotta get checked out more anyway, not to scare you off, because it is meant to be one of the safer ones, i think.. they couldn’t really understand why it had the effect it had. i thought i could, but don’t know anymore. the docs almost seem in denial that it had anything to do with what happened. kinda pisses me off – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Christine Geary wrote:

Hello Everyone I would like to find out how Zoloft does with OCD.  You see, I’m on 30 mgs. of Paxil, which my pdoc notices that it isn’t doing too much with my OCD and wants to switch me to Zoloft.  What she wants to do is, starting tonight, take 50 mgs. of Zoloft while taking 30 mgs. of Paxil (my usual dosage) until this Sunday, then switch down to 20 mgs. of Paxil, while still taking the 50 mgs. of Zoloft.  When I go in to counseling next week, the pdoc wants to up the dosage of Zoloft to 100 mgs. and go down on the Paxil to 10 mgs., starting a week from this Sunday. I would like to know if anyone has any experience with Zoloft with OCD.  Any help is appreciated; thanks in advance. Christine

Response:

You do not sound like you a schizophrenic. You sound like you are manic-depressive and SSRI’s have been known to set off episodes of mania in some people. You probably need to take a mood stabilizer with it, such as Lithium, Neurontin, Tegretol, Depakote, etc…… Ida "mahja-urana @yahoo.com

" <"snafuper<erase wrote in message

news:3AD7E72B.C208C04E@yahoo.com…

1 1/2 years ago i went on zoloft before i had ocd etc.. i went on it

because i had a

concentration difficulty, but when i was on it i thought i was on the edge

of absolute

genius and finding the ‘truth’ etc.. went really high, and when coming off

it i pretty much

fell to pieces..  that was after about 2 weeks. couple months later i went on aurorix and they screwed me up even more..

thats when ocd got

really bad.. but zoloft started it all now i’m probably schizophrenic.. but it could just be ocd/major

depression, gotta get – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

checked out more anyway, not to scare you off, because it is meant to be one of the safer

ones, i think..

they couldn’t really understand why it had the effect it had. i thought i

could, but don’t

know anymore. the docs almost seem in denial that it had anything to do

with what happened.

kinda pisses me off Christine Geary wrote: Hello Everyone I would like to find out how Zoloft does with OCD.  You see, I’m on 30

mgs. of Paxil,

which my pdoc notices that it isn’t doing too much with my OCD and wants

to switch me to

Zoloft.  What she wants to do is, starting tonight, take 50 mgs. of

Zoloft while taking

30 mgs. of Paxil (my usual dosage) until this Sunday, then switch down

to 20 mgs. of

Paxil, while still taking the 50 mgs. of Zoloft.  When I go in to

counseling next week, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

the pdoc wants to up the dosage of Zoloft to 100 mgs. and go down on the

Paxil to 10

mgs., starting a week from this Sunday. I would like to know if anyone has any experience with Zoloft with OCD.

Any help is

appreciated; thanks in advance. Christine

Response:

Hello Everyone I would like to find out how Zoloft does with OCD.

Zoloft may help you or may not, it depends on your system blah blah. Every med affects different people, blah blah. They are similar/with different trade names. They have not been thoroughly tested. Your doctor (do you have one?) may be afraid to tell you that. It is not my body and I I don’t care.  

Response:

Thanks for the information; I appreciate it very much. BTW, I’m on Zyprexa for my moods. Christine

Response:

    I’m on Prozac for my OCD, and Depakote for my moods. I’m not manic- depressive but my emotions were pretty wild. Depakote has helped alot. -Kathy in Maine "Christine Geary" <cge…@epix.net

wrote in message

news:3AD896A6.65AC@epix.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Thanks for the information; I appreciate it very much. BTW, I’m on Zyprexa for my moods. Christine

Response:

Hi    I just started taking Zoloft three days ago.  Starting at 25mg/day, just wondering about people’s experience on Zoloft.  I havn’t had any side effects from it yet, it may be still to early. slb02

Response:

I took Zoloft for 2 years. It worked well for me. It gave me a little diahrrhea (not intolerable but just once every day or two, loose stools). After about 2 years, it stopped being effective but it was good for those 2 years. Ida – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -slb02 <sl…@home.com

wrote in message news:382A3595.FDDF727D@home.com… Hi    I just started taking Zoloft three days ago.  Starting at 25mg/day, just wondering about people’s experience on Zoloft.  I havn’t had any side effects from it yet, it may be still to early. slb02

Response:

Zoloft does not help with OCD.  I took it for three months and found not much success.  I switched to Paxil and within 2 to 3 weeks was symtom free-completely.  It works great for pure obsessions.  I do not have any compulsions, so I do not know how it works for that.  The dosage for OCD is 40 to 60 mg.  I was taking 100 mg of Zoloft with no success. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -slb02 wrote:

Hi    I just started taking Zoloft three days ago.  Starting at 25mg/day, just wondering about people’s experience on Zoloft.  I havn’t had any side effects from it yet, it may be still to early. slb02

Response:

everybody is different but it started a balding pattern in me ,  

Response:

Hi there, I found that while Zoloft helped me feel better, it kept me awake for days. However, many people have had great success with Zoloft, so it’s all variable by person.  Besides the insomnia I had very little other side effects, however with Paxil I got those famous sexual side effects and irritability.  Good luck! Take care, Jonathan "There is nothing like a challenge to bring out the best in man."  –Sean Connery

Response:

I was on Zoloft for for 2 yrs and then it eventually pooped out. It did help with the OCD and depression, but it took 4 months to reach the full benefit. Side effects were:  insomnia, lots of weight gain, night sweats & dry mouth. Mary

Response:

I’ve been sleeping okay with it so far, but I’m still only on 25 mg.  How did it help you feel better?  Are you more obsessive or compulsive?  I’m more obsessive. slb – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"Jonathan R." wrote:

Hi there, I found that while Zoloft helped me feel better, it kept me awake for days. However, many people have had great success with Zoloft, so it’s all variable by person.  Besides the insomnia I had very little other side effects, however with Paxil I got those famous sexual side effects and irritability.  Good luck! Take care, Jonathan "There is nothing like a challenge to bring out the best in man."  –Sean Connery

Response:

hi   how much were you taking at 4 months?  Did it help with obsessions?  Are you taking a different med now? is it helping? slb. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -INaFog5716 wrote:

I was on Zoloft for for 2 yrs and then it eventually pooped out. It did help with the OCD and depression, but it took 4 months to reach the full benefit. Side effects were:  insomnia, lots of weight gain, night sweats & dry mouth. Mary

Response:

Thanks…. I hope it helps me, but I will try Paxil if it doesn’t, I am mostly obsessive too. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -donna black wrote:

Zoloft does not help with OCD.  I took it for three months and found not much success.  I switched to Paxil and within 2 to 3 weeks was symtom free-completely.  It works great for pure obsessions.  I do not have any compulsions, so I do not know how it works for that.  The dosage for OCD is 40 to 60 mg.  I was taking 100 mg of Zoloft with no success. slb02 wrote: Hi    I just started taking Zoloft three days ago.  Starting at 25mg/day, just wondering about people’s experience on Zoloft.  I havn’t had any side effects from it yet, it may be still to early. slb02

Response:

On Thu, 11 Nov 1999 22:53:42 -0600, donna black <dbl…@zebra.net

wrote:

Zoloft does not help with OCD.  I took it for three months and found not much success.  I switched to Paxil and within 2 to 3 weeks was symtom free-completely.  It works great for pure obsessions.  I do not have any compulsions, so I do not know how it works for that.  The dosage for OCD is 40 to 60 mg.  I was taking 100 mg of Zoloft with no success.

…Zoloft DOES help with OCD. I have been on it for 14 months now, and my life has improved so much, I can’t believe it.    Everyone is different.  Just because it didn’t work for you, doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. CanadaMan

Response:

On Thu, 11 Nov 1999 03:15:18 GMT, slb02 <sl…@home.com

wrote: Hi   I just started taking Zoloft three days ago.  Starting at 25mg/day, just wondering about people’s experience on Zoloft.  I havn’t had any side effects from it yet, it may be still to early. slb02

Zoloft has been a miracle drug for me. I’ve been taking  it for  6 years. Most of the time I was on 150 mg. 2  years ago I went down to 100 mg.  My side effects have been diarreah and less horniness. Energo Ed

Response:

In article <38374566.6841…@newsread.cioe.com

,

  ene…@fwa.cioe.com (Energo Ed) wrote:

On Thu, 11 Nov 1999 03:15:18 GMT, slb02

<sl…@home.com

wrote: Hi   I just started taking Zoloft three days

ago.  Starting at 25mg/day,

just wondering about people’s experience on

Zoloft.  I havn’t had any

side effects from it yet, it may be still to

early.

slb02 Zoloft has been a miracle drug for me. I’ve

been taking  it for  6

years. Most of the time I was on 150 mg. 2

years ago I went down to

100 mg.  My side effects have been diarreah and

less horniness.

Energo Ed

I’ve been on Zoloft 100mg for about 4 months. One of my side effects has been waking up at night in a cold sweat.  It only happens once a night about 8 hours after I’ve taken the Zoloft. The only other side effect has been delayed ejaculation.  Actually I’ve started to learn how to control that problem and am now able to have muliple orgasms without ejaculating until I want to.  Makes the wife very happy Happy Hank Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.

Response:

In article <38374566.6841…@newsread.cioe.com

,

  ene…@fwa.cioe.com (Energo Ed) wrote:

On Thu, 11 Nov 1999 03:15:18 GMT, slb02

<sl…@home.com

wrote: Hi   I just started taking Zoloft three days

ago.  Starting at 25mg/day,

just wondering about people’s experience on

Zoloft.  I havn’t had any

side effects from it yet, it may be still to

early.

slb02 Zoloft has been a miracle drug for me. I’ve

been taking  it for  6

years. Most of the time I was on 150 mg. 2

years ago I went down to

100 mg.  My side effects have been diarreah and

less horniness.

Energo Ed

I’ve been on Zoloft 100mg for about 4 months. One of my side effects has been waking up at night in a cold sweat.  It only happens once a night about 8 hours after I’ve taken the Zoloft. The only other side effect has been delayed ejaculation.  Actually I’ve started to learn how to control that problem and am now able to have muliple orgasms without ejaculating until I want to.  Makes the wife very happy Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.

Response:

Anyone got any suggestions for postive help in young children? Age 10-12? does it work?  any negative side affects that would not have been there w/o the drug? Thanks—- Lynn BTW I’m new so don’t pick on me……

Response:

LYNN32141 wrote:

Anyone got any suggestions for postive help in young children?

None, I’m afraid. But welcome to the newsgroup!

BTW I’m new so don’t pick on me……

Sshhhhhhhhhh, quiet everybody………..  BOO!!!     Kind regards, Steve

Response:

thanks Scott……  the educating OTHERS  <and I put it in big print

is

probably more the difficult task than just living with her as I do….   Lynn

Response:

hehehe thanks Steve……… <grin

Lynn

Response:

What have people experienced as side effects with Zoloft for OCD and how long did it take to see a response? Thanks!!–Cindy

Response:

Cindy, Although I am not taking Zoloft for OCD I have been on it for almost 6 weeks now and the only side efects I have are drowiness (which usually wears off in the morning as I take it at 6AM) and nervousness, jittery, heightened anxiety, etc.  Start at a low dosage 25mg and increase it gradually after 7-10 days (or more) depending on how you feel.  I was on 25mg for 28 days, then 37.5mg for 6 days and then on to 50mg.  Weaning in on lower dosages may make the side effects more tolerable.  Check with your doctor about weaning on it more slowly. Also, ask him for some Xanax to help control the nervosuness, etc.  As always, YMMV. Gene in New Jersey – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

What have people experienced as side effects with Zoloft for OCD and how long did it take to see a response? Thanks!!–Cindy

Response:

In article <37E9B9B4.5…@slonet.org

, cwebs…@slonet.org wrote: What have people experienced as side effects with Zoloft for OCD and how long did it take to see a response? Thanks!!–Cindy

My biggest side-effects were increased anxiety from tremors (especially for the first several hours after taking it), diarrhea, dry mouth, and several other minor things…All of these got much better or went away within several weeks…I got full-effect from the Zoloft after about 8 weeks…However, I was taking for anxiety…Supposedly, for OCD it may take 12 weeks to see a full-response… Chuck — Charles Phipps

Response:

know what  i experienced with  zoloft, the  fucking  pill activated hair loss and  now it  wont stop falling out!! fuck!!!!!!!!!!

Response:

oh yeah…now I remember you cause of the hair loss thing…that sucks cause of a stupid med…see…all meds bad…it helps one thing to destroy another

Gaze fondly upon today for tomorrow is boundto suck worse

Response:

All meds aren’t bad. It’s true that they usually have some sort of side effect but sometimes the side effects aren’t as bad as the disease. It all depends on the severity of your OCD. Ida Trixie P <naz…@webtv.net

wrote in message

news:29202-37EB0D57-191@newsd-173.iap.bryant.webtv.net… oh yeah…now I remember you cause of the hair loss thing…that sucks cause of a stupid med…see…all meds bad…it helps one thing to destroy another Gaze fondly upon today for tomorrow is bound to suck worse

Response:

Cindy Webster <cwebs…@slonet.org

wrote in message

news:37E9B9B4.54BB@slonet.org…

What have people experienced as side effects with Zoloft for OCD and how long did it take to see a response? Thanks!!–Cindy

Zoloft didn’t help my OCD, and it made my appetite increase.

Response:

Cindy Webster <cwebs…@slonet.org wrote in message news:37E9B9B4.54BB@slonet.org… What have people experienced as side effects with Zoloft for OCD and how long did it take to see a response? Thanks!!–Cindy

Zoloft sucks. I take it more for the panic-stress disorder than I do for the ocd. Kim says it works; says I’m a different person. I’m sure it helps me a little, but I’m thinking the only thing that’ll help me now is seclusion. I need to be separated from everything around me. I feel fine when I’m by myself, but just let one person approach me and I panic inside. I’m always afraid my wife will catch me doing something wrong even though I never do anything. Other than work, I hardly ever leave the yard. My best friend lives around the corner from us, so I occasionally go over there. Most of the time though, he is over here. I have a confession… I quit taking the Zoloft about a week ago. If Kim knows, she hasn’t said anything. I’m just tired of taking pills. It’s bad enough that I have to have 3 injections of insulin every day to stay alive. Why can’t I just wake up, shower, and go about my business like normal people do? — Duane Type1 Diabetic, OCD, PSD Insulin, Diet, Exercise, and a butt load of Zoloft. Jesus Saves! (by shopping wisely and using double coupons)

Response:

Duane wrote:

I have a confession… I quit taking the Zoloft about a week ago.

Hi Duane, Did you do this under medical supervision? If you are feeling more panicky than usual or have any other symptoms then it’s because you stopped taking the Zoloft. Have a look at the thread from Jonathan R. called "Paxil withdrawal and dizziness". Going cold turkey can be very hazardous to your health and it’s important to never just stop taking anti-depressants unless told to do so. Usually, the dose has to be gradually reduced over a long period of time to avoid what’s called "withdrawal syndrome". Regards, Steve

Response:

did you talk to the doc before you stopped the med .. in case of serious withdrawl … if not you should call the doc … and  do not start them again unless you talk to the doc – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -duane wrote:

Cindy Webster <cwebs…@slonet.org wrote in message news:37E9B9B4.54BB@slonet.org… What have people experienced as side effects with Zoloft for OCD and how long did it take to see a response? Thanks!!–Cindy Zoloft sucks. I take it more for the panic-stress disorder than I do for the ocd. Kim says it works; says I’m a different person. I’m sure it helps me a little, but I’m thinking the only thing that’ll help me now is seclusion. I need to be separated from everything around me. I feel fine when I’m by myself, but just let one person approach me and I panic inside. I’m always afraid my wife will catch me doing something wrong even though I never do anything. Other than work, I hardly ever leave the yard. My best friend lives around the corner from us, so I occasionally go over there. Most of the time though, he is over here. I have a confession… I quit taking the Zoloft about a week ago. If Kim knows, she hasn’t said anything. I’m just tired of taking pills. It’s bad enough that I have to have 3 injections of insulin every day to stay alive. Why can’t I just wake up, shower, and go about my business like normal people do? — Duane Type1 Diabetic, OCD, PSD Insulin, Diet, Exercise, and a butt load of Zoloft. Jesus Saves! (by shopping wisely and using double coupons)

Response:

Zoloft SUCKS! Everybody in this NG knows I am a counter. I count EVERYTHING… even my Zoloft dosages. Then I obsess over whether or not I took the right amount… too much or too little. I am in withdrawal. My wife knows. She told me yesterday that she knew. She is totally pissed. And to answer the question, no, I didn’t do this under my Pdoc’s direction. I just did it. I want to be normal and normal people don’t have to take pills to survive. They don’t have to be insulin junkies either. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Stephen George wrote:

Duane wrote: I have a confession… I quit taking the Zoloft about a week ago. Hi Duane, Did you do this under medical supervision? If you are feeling more panicky than usual or have any other symptoms then it’s because you stopped taking the Zoloft. Have a look at the thread from Jonathan R. called "Paxil withdrawal and dizziness". Going cold turkey can be very hazardous to your health and it’s important to never just stop taking anti-depressants unless told to do so. Usually, the dose has to be gradually reduced over a long period of time to avoid what’s called "withdrawal syndrome". Regards, Steve

— Duane Type1 Diabetic, OCD, PSD Insulin (but not for long… gonna quit that too), Diet, Exercise, and no Zoloft whatsoever. Jesus Saves! (by shopping wisely and using double coupons)

Response:

Duane wrote:

Zoloft SUCKS! Everybody in this NG knows I am a counter. I count EVERYTHING… even my Zoloft dosages. Then I obsess over whether or not I took the right amount… too much or too little. I am in

withdrawal.

My wife knows. She told me yesterday that she knew. She is totally pissed.

I’m not surprised!

And to answer the question, no, I didn’t do this under my Pdoc’s direction. I just did it. I want to be normal and normal people don’t have to take pills to survive. They don’t have to be insulin junkies either.

My mother takes drugs (for Colitis) to stay alive. Has done for 35 years. Are you saying that she’s not normal? Millions of people take billions of pills, some of them to survive. Sounds pretty smart and normal to me!

Duane Type1 Diabetic, OCD, PSD Insulin (but not for long… gonna quit that too), Diet, Exercise, and no Zoloft whatsoever.

Come on Duane! GET REAL!!!!!! I live in England – how the fu*k can I afford to travel to your funeral??? Maybe I could just about afford to send some nice flowers… Like I said – GET REAL!!!!!! Do it before your wife calls your shrink and he kicks your ass – hard!!! Kind regards, Steve

Response:

Hi Duane sounds like your fed up with all your shit…Just  for my curiosity what other meds have the doc tried with you … From what I have read and heard meds and o.c.d. and t.s. are trial and error.. the average would would 3-6 months trial ..because they increase and decrease dosages gradually ..for good reasons… then off for I think is 2 weeks dry then the next med …there is also, as all of you know combos which work well together….     I heard somewhere that the pharmaceutical industry is working on drugs which are "designer pills"  oppose to the general targeting would be more fine tuned for specific brain function… the drawback, like any thing else in this world is that enough paying customers have to be ready on the sidelines to pay big bucks..     Duane I know this is asking a lot ..but  try if at all possible to be patient as you go through all your days …I’ll quote my son ..".Dad I would rather be on my pills and get real fat than having all these f****** evil thoughts about you" he still hasn’t told me what theses thoughts are …2 years ago he said that he has gone from 34 to 44 waist …. I know how much this hurts him .. after losing all the weight from 40 to 34 the years prior. Anyway  off  topic sorry Duane    Good luck sir ..will be thinking about you and your family. Ray M. ..a little ray of sunshine.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -duane wrote:

Zoloft SUCKS! Everybody in this NG knows I am a counter. I count EVERYTHING… even my Zoloft dosages. Then I obsess over whether or not I took the right amount… too much or too little. I am in withdrawal. My wife knows. She told me yesterday that she knew. She is totally pissed. And to answer the question, no, I didn’t do this under my Pdoc’s direction. I just did it. I want to be normal and normal people don’t have to take pills to survive. They don’t have to be insulin junkies either. Stephen George wrote: Duane wrote: I have a confession… I quit taking the Zoloft about a week ago. Hi Duane, Did you do this under medical supervision? If you are feeling more panicky than usual or have any other symptoms then it’s because you stopped taking the Zoloft. Have a look at the thread from Jonathan R. called "Paxil withdrawal and dizziness". Going cold turkey can be very hazardous to your health and it’s important to never just stop taking anti-depressants unless told to do so. Usually, the dose has to be gradually reduced over a long period of time to avoid what’s called "withdrawal syndrome". Regards, Steve — Duane Type1 Diabetic, OCD, PSD Insulin (but not for long… gonna quit that too), Diet, Exercise, and no Zoloft whatsoever. Jesus Saves! (by shopping wisely and using double coupons)

Response:

Duane, you sound so freaking disgusted! I know just how you feel. About once or twice a year, I will get totally fed up with my meds (usually due to the side-effects) and I will either reduce them or change them. I hate having a diminished sex life, being tired all the time, constipated, whatever (depending on the drug). For the most part, I have accepted that I will probably have to be on some sort of anti-depressant for the REST OF MY LIFE!!!! It really pisses me off. Because OCD is a mental illness, I feel weak that I can’t control this on my own. My doctor makes me feel a little better by reminding me I wouldn’t be so critical of someone who had to take antihypertensives for high blood pressure and he is right. But I am tougher on myself than I am on other people. I want to be normal, too! And when the medicines are working well, I get a little taste of normal life and I think I can do it on my own but I can’t. Maybe some of the other people on this group can do it, but I have been fighting this stupid disease long enough to know that I am not one of them. I need medications to function. I hope you can find a drug that agrees with you a little better. Keep looking. Ida duane <d_har…@tyler.net

wrote in message

news:37F80F6E.38E918CD@tyler.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Zoloft SUCKS! Everybody in this NG knows I am a counter. I count EVERYTHING… even my Zoloft dosages. Then I obsess over whether or not I took the right amount… too much or too little. I am in withdrawal. My wife knows. She told me yesterday that she knew. She is totally pissed. And to answer the question, no, I didn’t do this under my Pdoc’s direction. I just did it. I want to be normal and normal people don’t have to take pills to survive. They don’t have to be insulin junkies either. Stephen George wrote: Duane wrote: I have a confession… I quit taking the Zoloft about a week ago. Hi Duane, Did you do this under medical supervision? If you are feeling more panicky than usual or have any other symptoms then it’s because you stopped taking the Zoloft. Have a look at the thread from Jonathan R. called "Paxil withdrawal and dizziness". Going cold turkey can be very hazardous to your health and it’s important to never just stop taking anti-depressants unless told to do so. Usually, the dose has to be gradually reduced over a long period of time to avoid what’s called "withdrawal syndrome". Regards, Steve — Duane Type1 Diabetic, OCD, PSD Insulin (but not for long… gonna quit that too), Diet, Exercise, and no Zoloft whatsoever. Jesus Saves! (by shopping wisely and using double coupons)

Response:

Hi peeps, long time no speak! Has anyone else found that the effects of Zoloft have worn off on them? It used to be the best for me! But suddenly it just doesn’t have as much impact even at higher doses! Any suggestions? Am going to see a psychiatrist and get another med, any ideas? What was that offshoot of celexa everyone was talking about recently called? Thanks, Hope everyone is well! (At least a bit better than me!) Love Am. xxx

Response:

Yes, the same thing happened to me. It worked well for about 1 or 2 years and all of a sudden, it did not work anymore. I switched to Paxil & stayed on that one for years. NK "Pola_Pink" <pola_pin…@no.spam.hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:QMgJa.621$Ev4.36453@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi peeps, long time no speak! Has anyone else found that the effects of Zoloft have worn off on them? It used to be the best for me! But suddenly it just doesn’t have as much impact even at higher doses! Any suggestions? Am going to see a psychiatrist and get another med, any ideas? What was that offshoot of celexa everyone was talking about recently called? Thanks, Hope everyone is well! (At least a bit better than me!) Love Am. xxx

Response:

I’ve been on it for almost 10 years. It is still the miracle drug for me. Monty On Sun, 22 Jun 2003 21:50:45 +1000, "Pola_Pink" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<pola_pin…@no.spam.hotmail.com

wrote: Hi peeps, long time no speak! Has anyone else found that the effects of Zoloft have worn off on them? It used to be the best for me! But suddenly it just doesn’t have as much impact even at higher doses! Any suggestions? Am going to see a psychiatrist and get another med, any ideas? What was that offshoot of celexa everyone was talking about recently called? Thanks, Hope everyone is well! (At least a bit better than me!) Love Am. xxx

Response:

Lexapro? Seems to be working for my brother’s obsessions. He’s not as stressed as he once was. "Pola_Pink" <pola_pin…@no.spam.hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:QMgJa.621$Ev4.36453@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi peeps, long time no speak! Has anyone else found that the effects of Zoloft have worn off on them? It used to be the best for me! But suddenly it just doesn’t have as much impact even at higher doses! Any suggestions? Am going to see a psychiatrist and get another med, any ideas? What was that offshoot of celexa everyone was talking about recently called? Thanks, Hope everyone is well! (At least a bit better than me!) Love Am. xxx

Response:

kd <k…@kf.com

wrote: Lexapro? Seems to be working for my brother’s obsessions. He’s not as stressed as he once was.

Is this another SSRI, or in another class? I’m starting to think maybe the SSRIs aren’t for me because of some nasty side-effects, tho it’s too early to tell. I’d be curious if there was something else out there a bit different that might work for ocd & gad. Thanks for any info. bill __ alien…@earthlink.net

Response:

Yes. I do believe Lexapro is in the same family as Celexa NK "williamd" <alien…@earthlink.net

wrote in message

news:1fx10cs.yfgpnwosq0owN%alienmac@earthlink.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

kd <k…@kf.com wrote: Lexapro? Seems to be working for my brother’s obsessions. He’s not as stressed as he once was. Is this another SSRI, or in another class? I’m starting to think maybe the SSRIs aren’t for me because of some nasty side-effects, tho it’s too early to tell. I’d be curious if there was something else out there a bit different that might work for ocd & gad. Thanks for any info. bill __ alien…@earthlink.net

Response:

Oh, it is. What I read was the Celexa was not a pure form of the medicine so they made this (lexapro) to be a more potent form. This allows them to regulate the amount better so you can be eased into the medicine’s effects. "No Kidding!" <nokidd…@ria.net(NOSPAMPLEASE)

wrote in message

news:bdavrm$8af$1@slb9.atl.mindspring.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Yes. I do believe Lexapro is in the same family as Celexa > NK > "williamd" <alien…@earthlink.net

wrote in message

> news:1fx10cs.yfgpnwosq0owN%alienmac@earthlink.net… > > kd <k…@kf.com> wrote: > > > Lexapro? Seems to be working for my brother’s obsessions. He’s not as > > > stressed as he once was. > > Is this another SSRI, or in another class? I’m starting to think maybe > > the SSRIs aren’t for me because of some nasty side-effects, tho it’s too > > early to tell. I’d be curious if there was something else out there a > > bit different that might work for ocd & gad. Thanks for any info. > > bill > > __ > > alien…@earthlink.net

Response:

zoloft didn’t work well for me, and now i’m trying paxil. everyone is different i guess, so it’s trial and error before finding the one that’s right for you TB "Pola_Pink" <pola_pin…@no.spam.hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:QMgJa.621$Ev4.36453@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi peeps, long time no speak! Has anyone else found that the effects of Zoloft have worn off on them? It used to be the best for me! But suddenly it just doesn’t have as much impact even at higher doses! Any suggestions? Am going to see a psychiatrist and get another med, any ideas? What was that offshoot of celexa everyone was talking about recently called? Thanks, Hope everyone is well! (At least a bit better than me!) Love Am. xxx

Response:

. Now it seems that every one I try–even the Luvox–makes me have no desire to eat. My question is, has anyone experienced this before, and does it go away with time.

Yes, I have/do experience this. I’ve been on 100 mg of Zoloft for 2 years. I cut down to 50 for awhile then went back to 100 and when I did I felt a major loss in appetite.  I still only eat 2 meals a day and sometimes am not interested in eating dinner at all.  I do however have the dreaded "carb" cravings.  

Response:

Hi Chris. Glad to see you back. Are you *sure* it’s the meds that are causing you to lose your appetite (instead of depression or some other cause)? If your appetite returns without being on the meds, than I guess so…… When I got depressed, one of my biggest symptoms was lack of appetite, although certains meds did not help in this area. The old tricylics (I took Pamalor) are great appetite stimulants. Prozac & Celexa did not help my appetite at all. Good drug if you’re depressed and overweight. NK "Chris" <ezra…@excite.com

wrote in message

news:3F043FBD.8070708@excite.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi guys, haven’t been here for a while… I’ve tried a few different meds over the last few months: Celexa, Effexor, Luvox (which I had taken a few years ago with no problems), and now I’m on Zoloft, 50 mg. With each of the drugs I have tried since this past January, all of the have caused me to completely lose my appetite. I was put on Luvox in 98 and had no problem and was on it for two years. Then I stopped the meds. altogether and also had no problem. Now it seems that every one I try–even the Luvox–makes me have no desire to eat. My question is, has anyone experienced this before, and does it go away with time. I’ve only been on this for about a week. Any feedback would be great. Thanks. Chris

Response:

Hi guys, haven’t been here for a while… I’ve tried a few different meds over the last few months: Celexa, Effexor, Luvox (which I had taken a few years ago with no problems), and now I’m on Zoloft, 50 mg. With each of the drugs I have tried since this past January, all of the have caused me to completely lose my appetite. I was put on Luvox in 98 and had no problem and was on it for two years. Then I stopped the meds. altogether and also had no problem. Now it seems that every one I try–even the Luvox–makes me have no desire to eat. My question is, has anyone experienced this before, and does it go away with time. I’ve only been on this for about a week. Any feedback would be great. Thanks. Chris

Response:

Question:

They say that St John’s Wort can cause a bad reaction when taken with some medications, has anyone any idea what this means?  I mean, are we talking sick and headaches or something more serious? I can’t go to my doctor without calling him STOOOOPID after my Paxil experience and the psychiatrist at the hospital refuses to tell me because he hasn’t seen me for so long. Do I dare just risk it? Michelle

Response:

Take it. There can be some interactions yes. But a) they aren’t likely and b) they are likely to be mild if they happen. Interactions aren’t widely known or studied cos SJW isn’t a prescription med in lots of places and theres not much money in doing it. But you won’t die for sure. Personally i wouldn’t bother taking it cos prescription meds are better. If you had a bad run in with paxil i’d suggest trying something else.

Response:

"Quantum Sleep" <post-your-repl…@thanks.net

wrote in message

news:a8dpqs$a3k$1@newsg1.svr.pol.co.uk…

Take it. There can be some interactions yes. But a) they aren’t likely and b) they are likely to be mild if they happen. Interactions aren’t widely known or studied cos SJW isn’t a prescription med in lots of places and theres not much money in doing it. But you won’t die for sure. Personally

i

wouldn’t bother taking it cos prescription meds are better. If you had a

bad

run in with paxil i’d suggest trying something else.

I had a bad run in with Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft. What else is there for depression/anxiety? I would like to get hold of Xanax or Valium but they are not allowed in this country.  I could get hold of them on the Internet, but I mean should I?  I have an addictive nature and I can see me taking more and more and more until I wake up one day dead of an overdose seeing as I drink like a fish into the bargain. In some countries St John’s Wort is prescribed OVER AND ABOVE stuff like Prozac.  I’ve seen some good reports on it. Michelle

Response:

"Contact One" <no.cont…@nowhere.com

a

Question:

I am not sure why I am telling all of you this, I guess I am ready to have some of you know you are not alone in this misery, it may manifest itself in different ways but we are all in a place that isn’t funny…my rants or laughter at most craziness in my life is just a way for me to cope with all the crap that has happened.

Thankyou Cherly I am not sure why you posted this but I am glad you did.  I have posted some off my hell here and revealed a bit more on anx/pan.  One day I hope to be able to reveal all off me but I am not ready for that yet.  A big milestone for me was putting my pic on the ASAP gallery. I love your posts and your very naturalness, your pure humanity. Simon

Response:

guarding angel. Love Cathy — P.H.O.B.I.A. People Helping Others Become Independent Again Off-line Self Help Support Group, NJ http://community.nj.com/cc/phobia Anxiety Treatment Options http://www.members.tripod.com/~PhobiaGroup/index.html

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It started when they put a big fat tube in my abdominal cavityfor peritoneal dialysis…then when things got bad(I got very very ill) they put a nice catheter in my upper chest and told me not to get that wet(infection) so taking a shower was not an option…For some reason, don’t ask my why,I became so germophobic with all of these tubes hanging out of me and recent surgery on my left arm(to make an access for hemodialysis) just rendered me simple.  I made my step dad take out the shower doors and then we put up a curtain and I would hand shower with the thing open freezing my ass off but that is how I did it.  It took me HOURS to get into the shower, I had to pop pain pills after awhile to escape the fear and quirks I was developing.  I finally would have such a "icky" phobia I could barely touch Christa, Ted, any human or any surface..I would just have others help out while I sat and rocked in my chair.  It was a hell I will never go back to I don’t care what I have to take or do.  Finally I made myself just get in there and that took a long time to conquer, the removal of all tubes was of course, another breakthrough.  While I was doing this I was digging at my head, tearing my head up just to feel something.  I had so many sores on my head I had to let my hair grow long as I couldn’t even brush it. Only Margrove and a couple of others knows this.  He helped me get over through it and it’s nice to have my hair short and my head free of pain.  It hurt me so much I would get migraines  I would wake up with blood everywhere…my poor husband was just at a loss.  So when some idiot tells me I should kick the benzo or SSRI thing I just want to take him back to the time I sat in a chair every day for a fucking year with bloody nails, dirty body and depression that was leading to suicide and make him or her sit with me. I wish more than anything I could have done it myself or without meds, but I couldn’t.  But yes, you are not alone with the shower thing… I am so happy to be as far as I am. I am thankful to God that I can run my hands through my hair and not feel potholes of blood. I am not sure why I am telling all of you this, I guess I am ready to have some of you know you are not alone in this misery, it may manifest itself in different ways but we are all in a place that isn’t funny…my rants or laughter at most craziness in my life is just a way for me to cope with all the crap that has happened. Cheryl love, you *have* come a very long way indeed…..you’re a real survivor and such a sweet and witty and lovable person. It’s a joy to know you. Our learned friend Margrove – sometimes it *must* be said – is a true marvel. He helped so many here both in public and in private email… we had *professionals* here before but never like this, engaging into ASAP dynamics and giving so much without ever being patronizing and you can even have fun with him. I’ll stop here because otherwise he might get too big for his boots <g but I think we all should realize what a true *treasure* we have for a friend…. Philip — TC3 ~~snipped~~ I would spend six hours trying to get into my shower and probably spend the rest of my life in this condo without ever leaving. Ahhhh, so I am NOT strange to hate the shower now!!  I feel much better knowing it isn’t just me! R Til Later…. ~~R "What makes us discontented with our condition is the absurdly exaggerated idea we have of the happiness of others"   -Proverbs

Response:

Oh Cheryl honey, I never knew things were that bad for you.  I commend you on your openness and courage.  These anti-benzo people have no idea how they are effecting us.  Right now I am tapering off Effexor XR with the help of a Benzo, if I didn’t have my Xanax I would be in the ER every night. Love Ya Cathy — P.H.O.B.I.A. People Helping Others Become Independent Again Off-line Self Help Support Group, NJ http://community.nj.com/cc/phobia Anxiety Treatment Options http://www.members.tripod.com/~PhobiaGroup/index.html

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It started when they put a big fat tube in my abdominal cavityfor peritoneal dialysis…then when things got bad(I got very very ill) they put a nice catheter in my upper chest and told me not to get that wet(infection) so taking a shower was not an option…For some reason, don’t ask my why,I became so germophobic with all of these tubes hanging out of me and recent surgery on my left arm(to make an access for hemodialysis) just rendered me simple.  I made my step dad take out the shower doors and then we put up a curtain and I would hand shower with the thing open freezing my ass off but that is how I did it.  It took me HOURS to get into the shower, I had to pop pain pills after awhile to escape the fear and quirks I was developing.  I finally would have such a "icky" phobia I could barely touch Christa, Ted, any human or any surface..I would just have others help out while I sat and rocked in my chair.  It was a hell I will never go back to I don’t care what I have to take or do.  Finally I made myself just get in there and that took a long time to conquer, the removal of all tubes was of course, another breakthrough.  While I was doing this I was digging at my head, tearing my head up just to feel something.  I had so many sores on my head I had to let my hair grow long as I couldn’t even brush it. Only Margrove and a couple of others knows this.  He helped me get over through it and it’s nice to have my hair short and my head free of pain.  It hurt me so much I would get migraines  I would wake up with blood everywhere…my poor husband was just at a loss.  So when some idiot tells me I should kick the benzo or SSRI thing I just want to take him back to the time I sat in a chair every day for a fucking year with bloody nails, dirty body and depression that was leading to suicide and make him or her sit with me. I wish more than anything I could have done it myself or without meds, but I couldn’t.  But yes, you are not alone with the shower thing… I am so happy to be as far as I am. I am thankful to God that I can run my hands through my hair and not feel potholes of blood. I am not sure why I am telling all of you this, I guess I am ready to have some of you know you are not alone in this misery, it may manifest itself in different ways but we are all in a place that isn’t funny…my rants or laughter at most craziness in my life is just a way for me to cope with all the crap that has happened. — TC3 ~~snipped~~ I would spend six hours trying to get into my shower and probably spend the rest of my life in this condo without ever leaving. Ahhhh, so I am NOT strange to hate the shower now!!  I feel much better knowing it isn’t just me! R Til Later…. ~~R "What makes us discontented with our condition is the absurdly exaggerated idea we have of the happiness of others"   -Proverbs

Response:

Hi, Dot, Squid – YUK!  but I have always said whatever it would take to overcome pd would be something I would do – even if it meant squid…  You know what I mean. smiles, elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – {{{{{Dot}}}}}} Could you imagine ingesting squid when the PA hit? GAG. Thank you Dot, coming from you makes this special.  And you know what, all of you could do what I did, it took a lot of praying, yakking away on here and of course, bugging Margrove to death.  :o) Love Cheryl — TC3 If squid with Grey Poupon(sp) on rice cakes cured this misery, I would eat it three times a day. IF Snickers was a cure…oh my…I won’t even go there!  I think we are all unique, some can do this without meds, some of us can’t, I can’t. If I go off at this point I will end up doing a destructive behavior that was difficult to stop, I would spend six hours trying to get into my shower and probably spend the rest of my life in this condo without ever leaving.  Fuck that(excuse my dirty mouth) I will stick to my meds until *I* know it’s time to try to fly alone.  That may not be ever so I am willing to deal with THAT later.  I have been through too much in the physical sense too and with that came issues of dying and other life threatening scenes, if ativan and remeron keep me from living and not dwelling on dying  then so be it.  And yes, laughter is the very best medicine and VERY addicting…  :o) — TC3 sorry to make light, just trying to make you all laugh a bit. We are all so differently made, unique in many ways, isn’t that the fun part of the human race?  Again, many different kinds of people with varied pasts and experiences.. .many differently types of treatments, therapies, and meds.  Hmmm. . . . — David (swirling_eddies) Very well spoken, Cheryl.  Dealing with your physical problems in addition to PD would be more than I could take, I’m afraid.  We are so lucky to live at a time when there are good meds (and good transplants)! I don’t know about the squid though… Love, Dot Before you buy.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It started when they put a big fat tube in my abdominal cavityfor peritoneal dialysis…then when things got bad(I got very very ill) they put a nice catheter in my upper chest and told me not to get that wet(infection) so taking a shower was not an option…For some reason, don’t ask my why,I became so germophobic with all of these tubes hanging out of me and recent surgery on my left arm(to make an access for hemodialysis) just rendered me simple.  I made my step dad take out the shower doors and then we put up a curtain and I would hand shower with the thing open freezing my ass off but that is how I did it.  It took me HOURS to get into the shower, I had to pop pain pills after awhile to escape the fear and quirks I was developing.  I finally would have such a "icky" phobia I could barely touch Christa, Ted, any human or any surface..I would just have others help out while I sat and rocked in my chair.  It was a hell I will never go back to I don’t care what I have to take or do.  Finally I made myself just get in there and that took a long time to conquer, the removal of all tubes was of course, another breakthrough.  While I was doing this I was digging at my head, tearing my head up just to feel something.  I had so many sores on my head I had to let my hair grow long as I couldn’t even brush it.  Only Margrove and a couple of others knows this.  He helped me get over through it and it’s nice to have my hair short and my head free of pain.  It hurt me so much I would get migraines  I would wake up with blood everywhere…my poor husband was just at a loss.  So when some idiot tells me I should kick the benzo or SSRI thing I just want to take him back to the time I sat in a chair every day for a fucking year with bloody nails, dirty body and depression that was leading to suicide and make him or her sit with me. I wish more than anything I could have done it myself or without meds, but I couldn’t.  But yes, you are not alone with the shower thing… I am so happy to be as far as I am. I am thankful to God that I can run my hands through my hair and not feel potholes of blood. I am not sure why I am telling all of you this, I guess I am ready to have some of you know you are not alone in this misery, it may manifest itself in different ways but we are all in a place that isn’t funny…my rants or laughter at most craziness in my life is just a way for me to cope with all the crap that has happened.

Cheryl love, you *have* come a very long way indeed…..you’re a real survivor and such a sweet and witty and lovable person. It’s a joy to know you. Our learned friend Margrove – sometimes it *must* be said – is a true marvel. He helped so many here both in public and in private email… we had *professionals* here before but never like this, engaging into ASAP dynamics and giving so much without ever being patronizing and you can even have fun with him. I’ll stop here because otherwise he might get too big for his boots <g but I think we all should realize what a true *treasure* we have for a friend…. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — TC3 ~~snipped~~ I would spend six hours trying to get into my shower and probably spend the rest of my life in this condo without ever leaving. Ahhhh, so I am NOT strange to hate the shower now!!  I feel much better knowing it isn’t just me! R Til Later…. ~~R "What makes us discontented with our condition is the absurdly exaggerated idea we have of the happiness of others"   -Proverbs

Response:

Rita, From what I understand you start with a small dose – perhaps 1 Milky Way a day for 2 or 3 days then up the dose until you are feeling human again (Cheryl, Snickers can be used in place of the Milky Way)…  Unfortunately, you must do this for the rest of your life if you like it or not! smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Eddie, oops, David…you said "get on chocolate."  Is that some sort of new med?  How long does it take to work and are there any side- effects?  What is the starting dose and will I become addicted to it? Inquiring minds want to know. Love, Rita sorry to make light, just trying to make you all laugh a bit. We are all so differently made, unique in many ways, isn’t that the fun part of the human race?  Again, many different kinds of people with varied pasts and experiences.. .many differently types of treatments, therapies, and meds.  Hmmm. . . . — David (swirling_eddies) Before you buy.

Response:

Cheryl, Your post is very sad but I appreciate the honesty and trust you have shared with us.  I am sorry you had to deal with such a difficult and ugly period in your life.  I totally agree, if it weren’t for meds I might as well not be here…  Life is easier to live with the meds but deep down inside of me everyday I wish I didn’t have to take them but it is a small price to pay for some happiness.  You have beenthrough SO much and I am proud of how you have handled everything life has sent your way. smiles, elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It started when they put a big fat tube in my abdominal cavityfor peritoneal dialysis…then when things got bad(I got very very ill) they put a nice catheter in my upper chest and told me not to get that wet(infection) so taking a shower was not an option…For some reason, don’t ask my why,I became so germophobic with all of these tubes hanging out of me and recent surgery on my left arm(to make an access for hemodialysis) just rendered me simple.  I made my step dad take out the shower doors and then we put up a curtain and I would hand shower with the thing open freezing my ass off but that is how I did it.  It took me HOURS to get into the shower, I had to pop pain pills after awhile to escape the fear and quirks I was developing.  I finally would have such a "icky" phobia I could barely touch Christa, Ted, any human or any surface..I would just have others help out while I sat and rocked in my chair.  It was a hell I will never go back to I don’t care what I have to take or do.  Finally I made myself just get in there and that took a long time to conquer, the removal of all tubes was of course, another breakthrough.  While I was doing this I was digging at my head, tearing my head up just to feel something.  I had so many sores on my head I had to let my hair grow long as I couldn’t even brush it. Only Margrove and a couple of others knows this.  He helped me get over through it and it’s nice to have my hair short and my head free of pain.  It hurt me so much I would get migraines  I would wake up with blood everywhere…my poor husband was just at a loss.  So when some idiot tells me I should kick the benzo or SSRI thing I just want to take him back to the time I sat in a chair every day for a fucking year with bloody nails, dirty body and depression that was leading to suicide and make him or her sit with me. I wish more than anything I could have done it myself or without meds, but I couldn’t.  But yes, you are not alone with the shower thing… I am so happy to be as far as I am. I am thankful to God that I can run my hands through my hair and not feel potholes of blood. I am not sure why I am telling all of you this, I guess I am ready to have some of you know you are not alone in this misery, it may manifest itself in different ways but we are all in a place that isn’t funny…my rants or laughter at most craziness in my life is just a way for me to cope with all the crap that has happened. — TC3 ~~snipped~~ I would spend six hours trying to get into my shower and probably spend the rest of my life in this condo without ever leaving. Ahhhh, so I am NOT strange to hate the shower now!!  I feel much better knowing it isn’t just me! R Til Later…. ~~R "What makes us discontented with our condition is the absurdly exaggerated idea we have of the happiness of others"   -Proverbs

Response:

– TC3

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – | If squid with Grey Poupon(sp) on rice cakes cured | this misery, I would eat it three times a day. | IF Snickers was a cure…oh my…I won’t even | go there!  I think we are all unique, some can | do this without meds, some of us can’t, I can’t. | If I go off at this point I will end up doing a destructive | behavior that was difficult to stop, I would spend | six hours trying to get into my shower and probably | spend the rest of my life in this condo without ever | leaving.  Fuck that(excuse my dirty mouth) I will | stick to my meds until *I* know it’s time to | try to fly alone.  That may not be ever so I am | willing to deal with THAT later.  I have been | through too much in the physical sense too and | with that came issues of dying and other life | threatening scenes, if ativan and remeron keep | me from living and not dwelling on dying  then | so be it.  And yes, laughter is the very best medicine | and VERY addicting…  :o) | | — | TC3 Cheryl:

No squid? LOL  I hate it myself… I choose to take the benzo’s because they are giving me a vacation from the terror inside and giving my pdoc time to address the causative issues.

Exactly!  I am not seeing anyone right now…but I think the whole being sick thing and my daughter being sick thing was my triggers for this problem…. Don’t worry about the dirty mouth, I am sure your teeth are clean, and sometimes, that’s the only way to get the point across.

I brush frequently and floss like a maniac.  Happy Harry Drug stores(in Del) have this floss that lasts for like twenty years and the box is the SAME size as the normal stuff…and I floss constantly~ My mom is always saying, "you are such a nice funny girl, do you have to say fuck all of the time?" I can’t help it.  It’s like saying "the" or "of"  you know? Damn. Hell. Shit. Poop. Kaka. Dirt. Mud. Manure. Peepee. Air Pollution. Rat shit, damnit, crap.

Reminds me of a George Carlin cheer we use to say in nursing school, Rat shit bat shit dirty old twat(I wince here) 69 assholes tied in a knot hurray lizard shit FUCK~ All of the above are only apart of how I feel about this disorder and the pain it has caused millions.

Ugh, I hate this more than I hated dialysis, believe me. Rock on girl!

Like a rolling stone, You too ~~~~ Keep the fun on ASAP, it keeps our sanity.  Love Cheryl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – David

Response:

Chocolate is addicting…… )) Love Cathy — P.H.O.B.I.A. People Helping Others Become Independent Again Off-line Self Help Support Group, NJ http://community.nj.com/cc/phobia Anxiety Treatment Options http://www.members.tripod.com/~PhobiaGroup/index.html – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – sorry to make light, just trying to make you all laugh a bit. We are all so differently made, unique in many ways, isn’t that the fun part of the human race?  Again, many different kinds of people with varied pasts and experiences.. .many differently types of treatments, therapies, and meds.  Hmmm. . . . — David (swirling_eddies)

Response:

I just went to the store for milk and got two big ones…(Snickers that is! )  Love Cheryl — TC3

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – | Dear Eddie, oops, David…you said "get on chocolate."  Is that some | sort of new med?  How long does it take to work and are there any side- | effects?  What is the starting dose and will I become addicted to it? | Inquiring minds want to know. | | Love, | Rita | | Dear Silver, I mean Rita: The great thing about chocolate is that you never are addicted in any way, although it might affect your shape and form depending on what dosage you take. The other great thing about chocolate is that there are so many varieties and combinations, just about everyone can be satisfied.  Furthermore, all medical evidence from years of study of chocolate lovers tell us that it not only increases the amount of endorphins in our body, but is an aphrodisiac as well. Finally, chocolate has no side effects, no nausea (unless you eat too much), no dizziness (unless taken with wine after great sex), no disorientation (unless you are trying to unwrap a Hershey’s Kiss on the highway), does not cause sleeplessness (unless you take with a Coke while watching a horror movie and you realize you just ate the whole one pound bag of kisses in fear), and is generally prescribed by doctors, chiropractors, religious leaders, philosophers, educators, and everyone else, with the exception of dentists, of whom we all hate and fear anyway because they usually know NOTHING of panic disorder to begin with thereby nullifying their inclusion into our group of those who see the vital and necessary place the chocolate plays in our lives. Ahhhh, Toblerone. . .Snickers. . .Kisses. . . .Crunch. . .Chocolate Sheet Cake. . . Chocolate Meringue Pie. . .Chocolate Covered Cherries. . . Cherry Covered Chocolate. .  Cereal. . . Chocolate Cover Xanax. . . The lust, I mean list goes on and on. David ps:  the only drawback. . .weight and see

Response:

OH Rita, one big fat Snickers oughta do it!! Cheryl  xo — TC3

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Eddie, oops, David…you said "get on chocolate."  Is that some sort of new med?  How long does it take to work and are there any side- effects?  What is the starting dose and will I become addicted to it? Inquiring minds want to know. Love, Rita sorry to make light, just trying to make you all laugh a bit. We are all so differently made, unique in many ways, isn’t that the fun part of the human race?  Again, many different kinds of people with varied pasts and experiences.. .many differently types of treatments, therapies, and meds.  Hmmm. . . . — David (swirling_eddies) Before you buy.

Response:

Seeing him in person was quite a treat…I never laughed so hard. — TC3 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I love George Carlin.  He is the Gary Larson of comics. David

Response:

{{{{{Dot}}}}}} Could you imagine ingesting squid when the PA hit? GAG. Thank you Dot, coming from you makes this special.  And you know what, all of you could do what I did, it took a lot of praying, yakking away on here and of course, bugging Margrove to death.  :o) Love Cheryl — TC3

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If squid with Grey Poupon(sp) on rice cakes cured this misery, I would eat it three times a day. IF Snickers was a cure…oh my…I won’t even go there!  I think we are all unique, some can do this without meds, some of us can’t, I can’t. If I go off at this point I will end up doing a destructive behavior that was difficult to stop, I would spend six hours trying to get into my shower and probably spend the rest of my life in this condo without ever leaving.  Fuck that(excuse my dirty mouth) I will stick to my meds until *I* know it’s time to try to fly alone.  That may not be ever so I am willing to deal with THAT later.  I have been through too much in the physical sense too and with that came issues of dying and other life threatening scenes, if ativan and remeron keep me from living and not dwelling on dying  then so be it.  And yes, laughter is the very best medicine and VERY addicting…  :o) — TC3 sorry to make light, just trying to make you all laugh a bit. We are all so differently made, unique in many ways, isn’t that the fun part of the human race?  Again, many different kinds of people with varied pasts and experiences.. .many differently types of treatments, therapies, and meds.  Hmmm. . . . — David (swirling_eddies) Very well spoken, Cheryl.  Dealing with your physical problems in addition to PD would be more than I could take, I’m afraid.  We are so lucky to live at a time when there are good meds (and good transplants)! I don’t know about the squid though… Love, Dot Before you buy.

Response:

It started when they put a big fat tube in my abdominal cavityfor peritoneal dialysis…then when things got bad(I got very very ill) they put a nice catheter in my upper chest and told me not to get that wet(infection) so taking a shower was not an option…For some reason, don’t ask my why,I became so germophobic with all of these tubes hanging out of me and recent surgery on my left arm(to make an access for hemodialysis) just rendered me simple.  I made my step dad take out the shower doors and then we put up a curtain and I would hand shower with the thing open freezing my ass off but that is how I did it.  It took me HOURS to get into the shower, I had to pop pain pills after awhile to escape the fear and quirks I was developing.  I finally would have such a "icky" phobia I could barely touch Christa, Ted, any human or any surface..I would just have others help out while I sat and rocked in my chair.  It was a hell I will never go back to I don’t care what I have to take or do.  Finally I made myself just get in there and that took a long time to conquer, the removal of all tubes was of course, another breakthrough.  While I was doing this I was digging at my head, tearing my head up just to feel something.  I had so many sores on my head I had to let my hair grow long as I couldn’t even brush it.  Only Margrove and a couple of others knows this.  He helped me get over through it and it’s nice to have my hair short and my head free of pain.  It hurt me so much I would get migraines  I would wake up with blood everywhere…my poor husband was just at a loss.  So when some idiot tells me I should kick the benzo or SSRI thing I just want to take him back to the time I sat in a chair every day for a fucking year with bloody nails, dirty body and depression that was leading to suicide and make him or her sit with me. I wish more than anything I could have done it myself or without meds, but I couldn’t.  But yes, you are not alone with the shower thing… I am so happy to be as far as I am. I am thankful to God that I can run my hands through my hair and not feel potholes of blood. I am not sure why I am telling all of you this, I guess I am ready to have some of you know you are not alone in this misery, it may manifest itself in different ways but we are all in a place that isn’t funny…my rants or laughter at most craziness in my life is just a way for me to cope with all the crap that has happened. — TC3

~~snipped~~ I would spend six hours trying to get into my shower and probably spend the rest of my life in this condo without ever leaving. Ahhhh, so I am NOT strange to hate the shower now!!  I feel much better knowing it isn’t just me! R Til Later…. ~~R "What makes us discontented with our condition is the absurdly exaggerated

idea we have of the happiness of others"   -Proverbs

Response:

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL….this is too good not to print up.  You are so special and I love your sense of humor.  This is definitely going in my Favorites File. Love, Rita

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – | Dear Eddie, oops, David…you said "get on chocolate."  Is that some | sort of new med?  How long does it take to work and are there any side- | effects?  What is the starting dose and will I become addicted to it? | Inquiring minds want to know. | | Love, | Rita | | Dear Silver, I mean Rita: The great thing about chocolate is that you never are addicted in any way, although it might affect your shape and form depending on what dosage you take. The other great thing about chocolate is that there are so many varieties and combinations, just about everyone can be satisfied.  Furthermore, all medical evidence from years of study of chocolate lovers tell us that it not only increases the amount of endorphins in our body, but is an aphrodisiac as well. Finally, chocolate has no side effects, no nausea (unless you eat too much), no dizziness (unless taken with wine after great sex), no

disorientation (unless – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – you are trying to unwrap a Hershey’s Kiss on the highway), does not cause sleeplessness (unless you take with a Coke while watching a horror movie and you realize you just ate the whole one pound bag of kisses in fear), and is generally prescribed by doctors, chiropractors, religious leaders, philosophers, educators, and everyone else, with the exception of dentists, of whom we all hate and fear anyway because they usually know NOTHING of panic disorder to begin with thereby nullifying their inclusion into our group of those who see the vital and necessary place the chocolate plays in our lives. Ahhhh, Toblerone. . .Snickers. . .Kisses. . . .Crunch. . .Chocolate Sheet Cake. . . Chocolate Meringue Pie. . .Chocolate Covered Cherries. . . Cherry Covered Chocolate. .  Cereal. . . Chocolate Cover Xanax. . . The lust, I mean list goes on and on. David ps:  the only drawback. . .weight and see

Before you buy.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – | Dear Eddie, oops, David…you said "get on chocolate."  Is that some | sort of new med?  How long does it take to work and are there any side- | effects?  What is the starting dose and will I become addicted to it? | Inquiring minds want to know. | | Love, | Rita | | Dear Silver, I mean Rita: The great thing about chocolate is that you never are addicted in any way,

OH YEA!!!!  LOL Di

Response:

| Dear Eddie, oops, David…you said "get on chocolate."  Is that some | sort of new med?  How long does it take to work and are there any side- | effects?  What is the starting dose and will I become addicted to it? | Inquiring minds want to know. | | Love, | Rita | | Dear Silver, I mean Rita: The great thing about chocolate is that you never are addicted in any way, although it might affect your shape and form depending on what dosage you take. The other great thing about chocolate is that there are so many varieties and combinations, just about everyone can be satisfied.  Furthermore, all medical evidence from years of study of chocolate lovers tell us that it not only increases the amount of endorphins in our body, but is an aphrodisiac as well. Finally, chocolate has no side effects, no nausea (unless you eat too much), no dizziness (unless taken with wine after great sex), no disorientation (unless you are trying to unwrap a Hershey’s Kiss on the highway), does not cause sleeplessness (unless you take with a Coke while watching a horror movie and you realize you just ate the whole one pound bag of kisses in fear), and is generally prescribed by doctors, chiropractors, religious leaders, philosophers, educators, and everyone else, with the exception of dentists, of whom we all hate and fear anyway because they usually know NOTHING of panic disorder to begin with thereby nullifying their inclusion into our group of those who see the vital and necessary place the chocolate plays in our lives. Ahhhh, Toblerone. . .Snickers. . .Kisses. . . .Crunch. . .Chocolate Sheet Cake. . . Chocolate Meringue Pie. . .Chocolate Covered Cherries. . . Cherry Covered Chocolate. .  Cereal. . . Chocolate Cover Xanax. . . The lust, I mean list goes on and on. David ps:  the only drawback. . .weight and see

Response:

~~snipped~~ I would spend six hours trying to get into my shower and probably spend the rest of my life in this condo without ever leaving.  

Ahhhh, so I am NOT strange to hate the shower now!!  I feel much better knowing it isn’t just me! R Til Later…. ~~R "What makes us discontented with our condition is the absurdly exaggerated idea we have of the happiness of others"   -Proverbs

Response:

I love George Carlin.  He is the Gary Larson of comics. David

Response:

sorry to make light, just trying to make you all laugh a bit. We are all so differently made, unique in many ways, isn’t that the fun part of the human race?  Again, many different kinds of people with varied pasts and experiences.. .many differently types of treatments, therapies, and meds.  Hmmm. . . . — David (swirling_eddies)

Yea, what a bunch!!!  Just kidding.  This is a great bunch we have here. Hugs, Di

Response:

Dear Eddie, oops, David…you said "get on chocolate."  Is that some sort of new med?  How long does it take to work and are there any side- effects?  What is the starting dose and will I become addicted to it? Inquiring minds want to know. Love, Rita sorry to make light, just trying to make you all laugh a bit. We are all so differently made, unique in many ways, isn’t that the fun part of the human race?  Again, many different kinds of people with varied pasts and experiences.. .many differently types of treatments, therapies, and meds.  Hmmm. . . . — David (swirling_eddies)

Before you buy.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If squid with Grey Poupon(sp) on rice cakes cured this misery, I would eat it three times a day. IF Snickers was a cure…oh my…I won’t even go there!  I think we are all unique, some can do this without meds, some of us can’t, I can’t. If I go off at this point I will end up doing a destructive behavior that was difficult to stop, I would spend six hours trying to get into my shower and probably spend the rest of my life in this condo without ever leaving.  Fuck that(excuse my dirty mouth) I will stick to my meds until *I* know it’s time to try to fly alone.  That may not be ever so I am willing to deal with THAT later.  I have been through too much in the physical sense too and with that came issues of dying and other life threatening scenes, if ativan and remeron keep me from living and not dwelling on dying  then so be it.  And yes, laughter is the very best medicine and VERY addicting…  :o) — TC3 sorry to make light, just trying to make you all laugh a bit. We are all so differently made, unique in many ways, isn’t that the fun part of the human race?  Again, many different kinds of people with varied pasts and experiences.. .many differently types of treatments, therapies, and meds.  Hmmm. . . . — David (swirling_eddies)

Very well spoken, Cheryl.  Dealing with your physical problems in addition to PD would be more than I could take, I’m afraid.  We are so lucky to live at a time when there are good meds (and good transplants)! I don’t know about the squid though… Love, Dot Before you buy.

Response:

| If squid with Grey Poupon(sp) on rice cakes cured | this misery, I would eat it three times a day. | IF Snickers was a cure…oh my…I won’t even | go there!  I think we are all unique, some can | do this without meds, some of us can’t, I can’t. | If I go off at this point I will end up doing a destructive | behavior that was difficult to stop, I would spend | six hours trying to get into my shower and probably | spend the rest of my life in this condo without ever | leaving.  Fuck that(excuse my dirty mouth) I will | stick to my meds until *I* know it’s time to | try to fly alone.  That may not be ever so I am | willing to deal with THAT later.  I have been | through too much in the physical sense too and | with that came issues of dying and other life | threatening scenes, if ativan and remeron keep | me from living and not dwelling on dying  then | so be it.  And yes, laughter is the very best medicine | and VERY addicting…  :o) | | — | TC3 Cheryl: I choose to take the benzo’s because they are giving me a vacation from the terror inside and giving my pdoc time to address the causative issues. Don’t worry about the dirty mouth, I am sure your teeth are clean, and sometimes, that’s the only way to get the point across. Damn. Hell. Shit. Poop. Kaka. Dirt. Mud. Manure. Peepee. Air Pollution. Rat shit, damnit, crap. All of the above are only apart of how I feel about this disorder and the pain it has caused millions. Rock on girl! David

Response:

If squid with Grey Poupon(sp) on rice cakes cured this misery, I would eat it three times a day. IF Snickers was a cure…oh my…I won’t even go there!  I think we are all unique, some can do this without meds, some of us can’t, I can’t. If I go off at this point I will end up doing a destructive behavior that was difficult to stop, I would spend six hours trying to get into my shower and probably spend the rest of my life in this condo without ever leaving.  Fuck that(excuse my dirty mouth) I will stick to my meds until *I* know it’s time to try to fly alone.  That may not be ever so I am willing to deal with THAT later.  I have been through too much in the physical sense too and with that came issues of dying and other life threatening scenes, if ativan and remeron keep me from living and not dwelling on dying  then so be it.  And yes, laughter is the very best medicine and VERY addicting…  :o) — TC3 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – sorry to make light, just trying to make you all laugh a bit. We are all so differently made, unique in many ways, isn’t that the fun part of the human race?  Again, many different kinds of people with varied pasts and experiences.. .many differently types of treatments, therapies, and meds.  Hmmm. . . . — David (swirling_eddies)

Response:

sorry to make light, just trying to make you all laugh a bit. We are all so differently made, unique in many ways, isn’t that the fun part of the human race?  Again, many different kinds of people with varied pasts and experiences.. .many differently types of treatments, therapies, and meds.  Hmmm. . . . — David (swirling_eddies)

Response:

Question:

if you have a brookstone store in your area, you may want to check them out. i don’t remember catching the site soma suggested, but what about this one? http://www.brookstoneonline.com/ you may be able to find the location of the store nearest you that way too….and if they don’t have one in stock they can call around for you–part of the perk of going to an overly expensive store. Julie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Interesting suggestions Julie.  Personally I can sleep in any temperature — warm, cold, in-between, but I can’t stand to get out of bed if it’s cold!  (I personally believe that all mammals, including humans, should hibernate in the winter.  *g*)  We tend to keep the temperature in our house relatively constant. As for the compressed air cans with horns, that’s pretty much what my current alarm clock sounds like!  (I had one in college in my dorm that you could actually hear all the way down the hall.)  I usually need them that loud to wake me up, but I’ve gotten to the point (in my old age) where the noise really is starting to annoy me.  I’m looking for a more "gentle" way to wake up that will still be effective.  Music won’t do it for me unless it’s blasting (and that’s not very gentle either). The dawn simulator alarm clocks are terribly expensive … and apparently hard to come by this time of year!  The site soma referred to is sold out til 12/1.  I found some other sites that carry them — the company that manufactures them sells them for "only" $99.00, but they’re sold out indefinitely.  Obviously this is the wrong time of year to be looking!  I’m thinking that it might be worth a try though — they do have a 30-day money back guarantee if they don’t work. i too get the same way come the cold winter months….the one thing hubby and i have come up with believe it or not works really well for some strange reason. since both of us like to sleep with the air temp in the home quite chilly–about 65F or so and have a prob sleeping when it’s warm–above 72F, what we decided to do (also since he has no problems at getting up at the crack of dawn–read:5:00 amish) was keep the temp low at night, and since he gets up so much earlier than i do, he just cranks up the heat to about 72ish when he gets out of bed.  since it doesn’t take all that long for the place to warm up, and i can’t sleep when it’s too warm (i’m repeating myself, i know)…i am usually up by 6:30 at the latest….besides nothing beats coming out of the shower to a nice warm environment.  after i’ve recharged my body temp in the shower, i turn the heat back down.  it works really well, and since neither of us really want to actually shell out the $100 or so for the sunrise alarm clock…..well, you see where this is going. another thing i’ve done in the past, and still do, is use an alarm clock that plays tapes.  it’s really nice because i put on the music i like and actually want to listen to instead of talk on the usual morning shows.  granted my problem is that the morning show i used to listen to was cancelled and they are now in richmond virginia–anyone in richmond who listens to bender & jackie knows what i’m talking about. maybe those are some options you haven’t looked into? if all else fails, what about those cans of compressed air that have the horns on them? they’ll scare you awake…all you need is someone to use it for you in the am. Julie I actually looked at getting one of those last year, as they are supposed to be good for people with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I don’t think I actually have SAD, though I do find I tend to be much more fatigued, less enthusiastic, and less inclined to get out of bed as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder.  I’ve always had a horrible time getting out of bed in the morning, and have had to buy alarm clocks with incredibly loud alarms (can you say "air raid siren"?).  I’m at the point where those alarms are getting really annoying to wake up to though, and am looking for something a bit more gentle. Thanks for the info … I’d been wondering how well they actually work. While this technically is not on-topic, it sort of is.   I’ve mentioned on the list a few times that it’s really difficult for me to get up early to exercise when it’s dark outside.   I found the solution, so I thought I’d post about it for other people who may have the same difficulty. It’s called the Soleil Sun Alarm Clock.   It has a little built in lamp, and if you set it for 6:00 a.m., it will start fading from low to high light, just like sunrise.   It has a little beeper thing that goes off at the time you set the clock for, but believe it or not, you usually wake up before the beeper goes off.   It’s pretty darned cool!!! Here is where I bought mine from (no this isn’t a spam, I don’t sell the things, I just really like mine….) http://www.sadlight.com/ss-soleilsunmain.htm BTW, I know it’s expensive, but if you have a committment to exercising every day and early in the morning is the only time slot open, and if you can’t wake up while it’s dark, then it’s really worth the expenditure….. Live well, — soma 180/17?/135 — KC "Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow." Plato. — KC "Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow." Plato.

Response:

i tried using a grow light for plants since it is supposed to emulate sunlight. it actually works pretty well, and keeps me warm too (added bonus).  just a thought for you Julie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I totally know what you mean with the air raid sirens.   I’m a pretty light sleeper in the morning, but that doesn’t stop me from rolling over and falling back to sleep if it’s still dark.   It’s just annoying to wake up to a buzzer or a beeper, or worse yet, the radio.   It makes my heart pound and I start shaking before I even get out of bed.   (I have a severe essential tremor in my hands.) So waking up to the light works much better for me.  :-)   I also wondered how they worked and went out on a limb when I bought it, which is why I thought I’d post about it.   Might as well save someone else the anguish of shelling out that much dough for an alarm clock without knowing if it will work. I found the clock while doing searches on SAD, because I knew what I wanted, I just couldn’t remember what it was called.    I don’t have SAD either, but like you, I do find that my energy level decreases a lot in the fall and winter because it’s so dark.   Plus I work in a windowless room all day long!   Bleh!   Maybe next I’ll get some high-intensity light bulbs for a lamp on my desk!  :-) Live well, — soma 180/17?/135 Y2K 60/2000 I actually looked at getting one of those last year, as they are supposed to be good for people with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I don’t think I actually have SAD, though I do find I tend to be much more fatigued, less enthusiastic, and less inclined to get out of bed as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder.  I’ve always had a horrible time getting out of bed in the morning, and have had to buy alarm clocks with incredibly loud alarms (can you say "air raid siren"?).  I’m at the point where those alarms are getting really annoying to wake up to though, and am looking for something a bit more gentle. Thanks for the info … I’d been wondering how well they actually work.

Response:

I won’t ask what kind of plants Julie <wink Betty i tried using a grow light for plants since it is supposed to emulate sunlight. it actually works pretty well, and keeps me warm too (added bonus).  just a thought for you Julie

Stroll to Goal Barmaid remove the bs to email 255 low fat-cal/249 Atkins/240/150 or Size 9 whichever comes first! On Atkins since 8/22/99

Response:

hehe, tropical….and no funny sharp looking leaves…..cactus actually. (although technically the poker things are sharp funny looking leaves, but not the kind you mean) J – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I won’t ask what kind of plants Julie <wink Betty i tried using a grow light for plants since it is supposed to emulate sunlight. it actually works pretty well, and keeps me warm too (added bonus).  just a thought for you Julie Stroll to Goal Barmaid remove the bs to email 255 low fat-cal/249 Atkins/240/150 or Size 9 whichever comes first! On Atkins since 8/22/99

Response:

I won’t ask what kind of plants Julie <wink Betty

I’m glad to see I’m not the only one whose mind went there.  I knew I could always count on you Betty! Ismile 138/119/115 (for now) Y2K: 250 minutes aerobic; 80 minutes weight lifting; 330 minutes total Don’t exchange what you want most for what you want at the moment.

Response:

I figured she might be growing some "natural herbs" to calm her nerves these days Betty I’m glad to see I’m not the only one whose mind went there.  I knew I could always count on you Betty! Ismile 138/119/115 (for now) Y2K: 250 minutes aerobic; 80 minutes weight lifting; 330 minutes total Don’t exchange what you want most for what you want at the moment.

Stroll to Goal Barmaid remove the bs to email 255 low fat-cal/249 Atkins/240/150 or Size 9 whichever comes first! On Atkins since 8/22/99

Response:

But think of what it would do to your appetite, Betty, my love! Jacqueline 180/148/140 It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I could use a few my self-heaven forbid they should legalize it so those who suffer pain would get some relief!! Betty I think I need some of them "natural herbs" ….    :) IS Manager:  Delete the "not.at." to reply 138/130/120 Y2K Areobics 60 minutes …  I’m trying, just can’t find the time or motivation Stroll to Goal Barmaid remove the bs to email 255 low fat-cal/249 Atkins/240/150 or Size 9 whichever comes first! On Atkins since 8/22/99

Response:

I’m with the legalization thing. I sprained both my ankles and left foot simultaneously once, to the point of hemmorhage. I am not sure I could have got through the first few days but for a friend’s gift of some good Hawaiian stuff. When needed it is highly effective. Cynthia – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I could use a few my self-heaven forbid they should legalize it so those who suffer pain would get some relief!! Betty

Response:

tsk tsk tsk, besides those herbs do nothing for me anyway.  BTDT, useless…. Julie (smiling innocently, nope, not that innocently) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I figured she might be growing some "natural herbs" to calm her nerves these days Betty I’m glad to see I’m not the only one whose mind went there.  I knew I could always count on you Betty! Ismile 138/119/115 (for now) Y2K: 250 minutes aerobic; 80 minutes weight lifting; 330 minutes total Don’t exchange what you want most for what you want at the moment. Stroll to Goal Barmaid remove the bs to email 255 low fat-cal/249 Atkins/240/150 or Size 9 whichever comes first! On Atkins since 8/22/99

Response:

I could use a few my self-heaven forbid they should legalize it so those who suffer pain would get some relief!!   Betty I think I need some of them "natural herbs" ….    :) IS Manager:  Delete the "not.at." to reply 138/130/120 Y2K Areobics 60 minutes …  I’m trying, just can’t find the time or motivation

Stroll to Goal Barmaid remove the bs to email 255 low fat-cal/249 Atkins/240/150 or Size 9 whichever comes first! On Atkins since 8/22/99

Response:

I figured she might be growing some "natural herbs" to calm her nerves these days Betty I think I need some of them "natural herbs" ….    :) IS Manager:  Delete the "not.at." to reply 138/130/120 Y2K Areobics 60 minutes …  I’m trying, just can’t find the time or motivation

Response:

i tried using a grow light for plants since it is supposed to emulate sunlight. it actually works pretty well, and keeps me warm too (added bonus).  just a thought for you

There are full spectrum lights. Ott Lights, and Vitalight are 2 brand names. If you are dealing with SAD, these are the lights you should use. Marianne

Response:

Yes, it might actually give me one Betty But think of what it would do to your appetite, Betty, my love! Jacqueline 180/148/140

Stroll to Goal Barmaid remove the bs to email 255 low fat-cal/249 Atkins/240/150 or Size 9 whichever comes first! On Atkins since 8/22/99

Response:

Interesting suggestions Julie.  Personally I can sleep in any temperature — warm, cold, in-between, but I can’t stand to get out of bed if it’s cold!  (I personally believe that all mammals, including humans, should hibernate in the winter.  *g*)  We tend to keep the temperature in our house relatively constant. As for the compressed air cans with horns, that’s pretty much what my current alarm clock sounds like!  (I had one in college in my dorm that you could actually hear all the way down the hall.)  I usually need them that loud to wake me up, but I’ve gotten to the point (in my old age) where the noise really is starting to annoy me.  I’m looking for a more "gentle" way to wake up that will still be effective.  Music won’t do it for me unless it’s blasting (and that’s not very gentle either). The dawn simulator alarm clocks are terribly expensive … and apparently hard to come by this time of year!  The site soma referred to is sold out til 12/1.  I found some other sites that carry them — the company that manufactures them sells them for "only" $99.00, but they’re sold out indefinitely.  Obviously this is the wrong time of year to be looking!  I’m thinking that it might be worth a try though — they do have a 30-day money back guarantee if they don’t work. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i too get the same way come the cold winter months….the one thing hubby and i have come up with believe it or not works really well for some strange reason. since both of us like to sleep with the air temp in the home quite chilly–about 65F or so and have a prob sleeping when it’s warm–above 72F, what we decided to do (also since he has no problems at getting up at the crack of dawn–read:5:00 amish) was keep the temp low at night, and since he gets up so much earlier than i do, he just cranks up the heat to about 72ish when he gets out of bed.  since it doesn’t take all that long for the place to warm up, and i can’t sleep when it’s too warm (i’m repeating myself, i know)…i am usually up by 6:30 at the latest….besides nothing beats coming out of the shower to a nice warm environment.  after i’ve recharged my body temp in the shower, i turn the heat back down.  it works really well, and since neither of us really want to actually shell out the $100 or so for the sunrise alarm clock…..well, you see where this is going. another thing i’ve done in the past, and still do, is use an alarm clock that plays tapes.  it’s really nice because i put on the music i like and actually want to listen to instead of talk on the usual morning shows.  granted my problem is that the morning show i used to listen to was cancelled and they are now in richmond virginia–anyone in richmond who listens to bender & jackie knows what i’m talking about. maybe those are some options you haven’t looked into? if all else fails, what about those cans of compressed air that have the horns on them? they’ll scare you awake…all you need is someone to use it for you in the am. Julie I actually looked at getting one of those last year, as they are supposed to be good for people with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I don’t think I actually have SAD, though I do find I tend to be much more fatigued, less enthusiastic, and less inclined to get out of bed as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder.  I’ve always had a horrible time getting out of bed in the morning, and have had to buy alarm clocks with incredibly loud alarms (can you say "air raid siren"?).  I’m at the point where those alarms are getting really annoying to wake up to though, and am looking for something a bit more gentle. Thanks for the info … I’d been wondering how well they actually work. While this technically is not on-topic, it sort of is.   I’ve mentioned on the list a few times that it’s really difficult for me to get up early to exercise when it’s dark outside.   I found the solution, so I thought I’d post about it for other people who may have the same difficulty. It’s called the Soleil Sun Alarm Clock.   It has a little built in lamp, and if you set it for 6:00 a.m., it will start fading from low to high light, just like sunrise.   It has a little beeper thing that goes off at the time you set the clock for, but believe it or not, you usually wake up before the beeper goes off.   It’s pretty darned cool!!! Here is where I bought mine from (no this isn’t a spam, I don’t sell the things, I just really like mine….) http://www.sadlight.com/ss-soleilsunmain.htm BTW, I know it’s expensive, but if you have a committment to exercising every day and early in the morning is the only time slot open, and if you can’t wake up while it’s dark, then it’s really worth the expenditure….. Live well, — soma 180/17?/135 — KC "Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow." Plato.

– KC "Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow."   Plato.

Response:

I totally know what you mean with the air raid sirens.   I’m a pretty light sleeper in the morning, but that doesn’t stop me from rolling over and falling back to sleep if it’s still dark.   It’s just annoying to wake up to a buzzer or a beeper, or worse yet, the radio.   It makes my heart pound and I start shaking before I even get out of bed.   (I have a severe essential tremor in my hands.) So waking up to the light works much better for me.  :-)   I also wondered how they worked and went out on a limb when I bought it, which is why I thought I’d post about it.   Might as well save someone else the anguish of shelling out that much dough for an alarm clock without knowing if it will work. I found the clock while doing searches on SAD, because I knew what I wanted, I just couldn’t remember what it was called.    I don’t have SAD either, but like you, I do find that my energy level decreases a lot in the fall and winter because it’s so dark.   Plus I work in a windowless room all day long!   Bleh!   Maybe next I’ll get some high-intensity light bulbs for a lamp on my desk!  :-) Live well, — soma 180/17?/135 Y2K 60/2000 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I actually looked at getting one of those last year, as they are supposed to be good for people with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I don’t think I actually have SAD, though I do find I tend to be much more fatigued, less enthusiastic, and less inclined to get out of bed as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder.  I’ve always had a horrible time getting out of bed in the morning, and have had to buy alarm clocks with incredibly loud alarms (can you say "air raid siren"?).  I’m at the point where those alarms are getting really annoying to wake up to though, and am looking for something a bit more gentle. Thanks for the info … I’d been wondering how well they actually work.

Response:

i too get the same way come the cold winter months….the one thing hubby and i have come up with believe it or not works really well for some strange reason. since both of us like to sleep with the air temp in the home quite chilly–about 65F or so and have a prob sleeping when it’s warm–above 72F, what we decided to do (also since he has no problems at getting up at the crack of dawn–read:5:00 amish) was keep the temp low at night, and since he gets up so much earlier than i do, he just cranks up the heat to about 72ish when he gets out of bed.  since it doesn’t take all that long for the place to warm up, and i can’t sleep when it’s too warm (i’m repeating myself, i know)…i am usually up by 6:30 at the latest….besides nothing beats coming out of the shower to a nice warm environment.  after i’ve recharged my body temp in the shower, i turn the heat back down.  it works really well, and since neither of us really want to actually shell out the $100 or so for the sunrise alarm clock…..well, you see where this is going. another thing i’ve done in the past, and still do, is use an alarm clock that plays tapes.  it’s really nice because i put on the music i like and actually want to listen to instead of talk on the usual morning shows.  granted my problem is that the morning show i used to listen to was cancelled and they are now in richmond virginia–anyone in richmond who listens to bender & jackie knows what i’m talking about. maybe those are some options you haven’t looked into? if all else fails, what about those cans of compressed air that have the horns on them? they’ll scare you awake…all you need is someone to use it for you in the am. Julie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I actually looked at getting one of those last year, as they are supposed to be good for people with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I don’t think I actually have SAD, though I do find I tend to be much more fatigued, less enthusiastic, and less inclined to get out of bed as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder.  I’ve always had a horrible time getting out of bed in the morning, and have had to buy alarm clocks with incredibly loud alarms (can you say "air raid siren"?).  I’m at the point where those alarms are getting really annoying to wake up to though, and am looking for something a bit more gentle. Thanks for the info … I’d been wondering how well they actually work. While this technically is not on-topic, it sort of is.   I’ve mentioned on the list a few times that it’s really difficult for me to get up early to exercise when it’s dark outside.   I found the solution, so I thought I’d post about it for other people who may have the same difficulty. It’s called the Soleil Sun Alarm Clock.   It has a little built in lamp, and if you set it for 6:00 a.m., it will start fading from low to high light, just like sunrise.   It has a little beeper thing that goes off at the time you set the clock for, but believe it or not, you usually wake up before the beeper goes off.   It’s pretty darned cool!!! Here is where I bought mine from (no this isn’t a spam, I don’t sell the things, I just really like mine….) http://www.sadlight.com/ss-soleilsunmain.htm BTW, I know it’s expensive, but if you have a committment to exercising every day and early in the morning is the only time slot open, and if you can’t wake up while it’s dark, then it’s really worth the expenditure….. Live well, — soma 180/17?/135 — KC "Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow." Plato.

Response:

I actually looked at getting one of those last year, as they are supposed to be good for people with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I don’t think I actually have SAD, though I do find I tend to be much more fatigued, less enthusiastic, and less inclined to get out of bed as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder.  I’ve always had a horrible time getting out of bed in the morning, and have had to buy alarm clocks with incredibly loud alarms (can you say "air raid siren"?).  I’m at the point where those alarms are getting really annoying to wake up to though, and am looking for something a bit more gentle. Thanks for the info … I’d been wondering how well they actually work. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While this technically is not on-topic, it sort of is.   I’ve mentioned on the list a few times that it’s really difficult for me to get up early to exercise when it’s dark outside.   I found the solution, so I thought I’d post about it for other people who may have the same difficulty. It’s called the Soleil Sun Alarm Clock.   It has a little built in lamp, and if you set it for 6:00 a.m., it will start fading from low to high light, just like sunrise.   It has a little beeper thing that goes off at the time you set the clock for, but believe it or not, you usually wake up before the beeper goes off.   It’s pretty darned cool!!! Here is where I bought mine from (no this isn’t a spam, I don’t sell the things, I just really like mine….) http://www.sadlight.com/ss-soleilsunmain.htm BTW, I know it’s expensive, but if you have a committment to exercising every day and early in the morning is the only time slot open, and if you can’t wake up while it’s dark, then it’s really worth the expenditure….. Live well, — soma 180/17?/135

– KC "Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow."   Plato.

Response:

thanks for the recommendation! might do a couple of my children some good!  :) rosie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While this technically is not on-topic, it sort of is.   I’ve mentioned on the list a few times that it’s really difficult for me to get up early to exercise when it’s dark outside.   I found the solution, so I thought I’d post about it for other people who may have the same difficulty. It’s called the Soleil Sun Alarm Clock.   It has a little built in lamp, and if you set it for 6:00 a.m., it will start fading from low to high light, just like sunrise.   It has a little beeper thing that goes off at the time you set the clock for, but believe it or not, you usually wake up before the beeper goes off.   It’s pretty darned cool!!! Here is where I bought mine from (no this isn’t a spam, I don’t sell the things, I just really like mine….) http://www.sadlight.com/ss-soleilsunmain.htm BTW, I know it’s expensive, but if you have a committment to exercising every day and early in the morning is the only time slot open, and if you can’t wake up while it’s dark, then it’s really worth the expenditure….. Live well, — soma 180/17?/135

Response:

i’ve been looking into getting one of those.  they sell it at brookstone i think or sharper image….it looks really cool. Julie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While this technically is not on-topic, it sort of is.   I’ve mentioned on the list a few times that it’s really difficult for me to get up early to exercise when it’s dark outside.   I found the solution, so I thought I’d post about it for other people who may have the same difficulty. It’s called the Soleil Sun Alarm Clock.   It has a little built in lamp, and if you set it for 6:00 a.m., it will start fading from low to high light, just like sunrise.   It has a little beeper thing that goes off at the time you set the clock for, but believe it or not, you usually wake up before the beeper goes off.   It’s pretty darned cool!!! Here is where I bought mine from (no this isn’t a spam, I don’t sell the things, I just really like mine….) http://www.sadlight.com/ss-soleilsunmain.htm BTW, I know it’s expensive, but if you have a committment to exercising every day and early in the morning is the only time slot open, and if you can’t wake up while it’s dark, then it’s really worth the expenditure….. Live well, — soma 180/17?/135

Response:

I’m one of those people who can’t get out of bed for work, never mind exercise… I have my alarm clock across the room so that when I finally wake up 10 minutes after it started going off, I can switch on the light on my way back.  At least when I do that I don’t hit snooze ten thousand times. Only one thousand times and then I’m so annoyed by the light I get up. This clock sounds like a good idea.  Christmas is coming — Mom? Jennifer in Vancouver Y2K – 100 down; 1900 to go 140/122.5/110 "I’ll make it to the moon if I have to crawl" — Scar Tissue; Red Hot Chili Peppers [seeking Bonnie Sharon Porter] * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

While this technically is not on-topic, it sort of is.   I’ve mentioned on the list a few times that it’s really difficult for me to get up early to exercise when it’s dark outside.   I found the solution, so I thought I’d post about it for other people who may have the same difficulty. It’s called the Soleil Sun Alarm Clock.   It has a little built in lamp, and if you set it for 6:00 a.m., it will start fading from low to high light, just like sunrise.   It has a little beeper thing that goes off at the time you set the clock for, but believe it or not, you usually wake up before the beeper goes off.   It’s pretty darned cool!!! Here is where I bought mine from (no this isn’t a spam, I don’t sell the things, I just really like mine….) http://www.sadlight.com/ss-soleilsunmain.htm BTW, I know it’s expensive, but if you have a committment to exercising every day and early in the morning is the only time slot open, and if you can’t wake up while it’s dark, then it’s really worth the expenditure….. Live well, — soma 180/17?/135

Response:

Question:

Hi Sophie, When I went on Zoloft for the first time, two years ago, I didn’t have any side-effects at all!! I had another doctor at that time. Now, the new doctor gave me the 50mg. I told her I remembered starting with a lower dose last time, but she said, no, 50 mg are the normal starting dose.

To bad we couldn`t make her take 50mgs of Zoloft and see if she likes it<EG!! Since my memory is generally very bad these days, I didn’t want to insist. Later, when the side-effects got so bad, I asked her again if I shouldn’t have started with a lower dose… she said no again.

I hate hearing this!! So many people are afraid to take anti-depressants because of bad experiences like this. You should have started at  12.5mgs or 25mgs, and weaned slowly. I also asked her if I couldn’t go up to the 100 mg a little slower then just doubling the dose. She said that wouldn’t have any effect at all. –

Well, the other day I went through my drawers and discovered a lonely left-over Zoloft tablet from two years ago, 25mg… Well, this teaches me to trust my own mind, however impaired it may be through depression and AD.. and not to believe everything my doc tells me. Thanks for your information!

Your welcome. I feel bad that you had to go through something like this. I am glad you realize that the fault lays with your doctor and not the Zoloft. Take care and good luck. Jackie "Am I right side up or upside down? Is this real or am I dreaming?"

Response:

Hi Jackie, When I went on Zoloft for the first time, two years ago, I didn’t have any side-effects at all!! I had another doctor at that time. Now, the new doctor gave me the 50mg.

Is she a GP or a psychiatrist? I told her I remembered starting with a lower dose last time, but she said, no, 50 mg are the normal starting dose.

12,5 mgs sounds more like it. Since my memory is generally very bad these days, I didn’t want to insist. Later, when the side-effects got so bad, I asked her again if I shouldn’t have started with a lower dose… she said no again.

Sweet, caring doc you have there…. I also asked her if I couldn’t go up to the 100 mg a little slower then just doubling the dose. She said that wouldn’t have any effect at all. –

Good grief….she doesn’t know the first thing about oanic and medication. Well, the other day I went through my drawers and discovered a lonely left-over Zoloft tablet from two years ago, 25mg… Well, this teaches me to trust my own mind, however impaired it may be through depression and AD.. and not to believe everything my doc tells me. Thanks for your information!

Sack the doc! Sophie

Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Sophie, You don`t have to go right to 100mgs….you could wean slowly to that dose, that is up to you though. You could go to 75mgs, or even 62.5mgs by cutting the tablet, you would stay at that dose for a week then either increase in 25mg increments, or 12.5mg increments until you reached the 100mgs. For many people a slow weaning process helps to minimize the side-effects. Alot of the side-effects you describe are normal, even the increase in anxiety, perhaps you didn`t wean to 50mgs, you just started at 50mgs? That could explain the hard time you had. Increase in anxiety can be helped by getting a script for a benzo, nausea can be helped by taking the Zoloft on a full stomach. Insomnia can be helped by taking the Zoloft in the AM. Fatigue should dissipate over time. Good luck. Jackie Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Hi Jackie, When I went on Zoloft for the first time, two years ago, I didn’t have any side-effects at all!! I had another doctor at that time. Now, the new doctor gave me the 50mg. I told her I remembered starting with a lower dose last time, but she said, no, 50 mg are the normal starting dose. Since my memory is generally very bad these days, I didn’t want to insist. Later, when the side-effects got so bad, I asked her again if I shouldn’t have started with a lower dose… she said no again. I also asked her if I couldn’t go up to the 100 mg a little slower then just doubling the dose. She said that wouldn’t have any effect at all. – Well, the other day I went through my drawers and discovered a lonely left-over Zoloft tablet from two years ago, 25mg… Well, this teaches me to trust my own mind, however impaired it may be through depression and AD.. and not to believe everything my doc tells me. Thanks for your information! Sophie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Sophie, You don`t have to go right to 100mgs….you could wean slowly to that dose, that is up to you though. You could go to 75mgs, or even 62.5mgs by cutting the tablet, you would stay at that dose for a week then either increase in 25mg increments, or 12.5mg increments until you reached the 100mgs. For many people a slow weaning process helps to minimize the side-effects. Alot of the side-effects you describe are normal, even the increase in anxiety, perhaps you didn`t wean to 50mgs, you just started at 50mgs? That could explain the hard time you had. Increase in anxiety can be helped by getting a script for a benzo, nausea can be helped by taking the Zoloft on a full stomach. Insomnia can be helped by taking the Zoloft in the AM. Fatigue should dissipate over time. Good luck. Jackie

Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

writes – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi all, I have a question about Zoloft and Valerian. I just moved, I left my boyfriend of 4 years and moved in with two roommates. They are absolutely sweet and all the changes in my life are for the better, but still I find my anxiety skyrocketing!! It is as bad a I never thought it would be… I am on 50 mg of Zoloft and I don’t really want to increase the dose (I don’t even know if it would help at all, since it works mainly against depression, not the anxiety itself, if I understand this correctly?), so I thought I’d try some Valerian to get me through the day and help me sleep. Do any of you have any information on SSRIs and Valerian? I seem to recall somebody saying one shouldn’t mix them… but on the other hand I always thought Valerian is a relatively harmless herb… some feedback would be greatly appreciated, Sophie Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

I tried Valerian some time ago, and I can’t say that I was very impressed personally.  If you use the herb form to make an infusion, it makes your kitchen smell like something died in there, and of course it gives you no way of knowing what kind of dose you are taking.  I also tried the tablet form, and found that it made me feel like hell the next day.  As always, YMMV . — Jon Guite When replying by email, please remove the trailing x from my return address

Response:

Thanks for your kind replies….. actually, it is a side-effect problem. When I started on Zoloft I was sick for over a week – not only did my anxiety increase, but I was tired at the same time, insomnia and most of all nausea.. I lost quite a bit of weight, which was nice, still I am not too keen on repeating this experience… but what you say sounds convincing, so I think I’ll try the 100 mg. Maybe it’ll work as well for me as for you… thanks again!! Sophie

Hi Sophie, You don`t have to go right to 100mgs….you could wean slowly to that dose, that is up to you though. You could go to 75mgs, or even 62.5mgs by cutting the tablet, you would stay at that dose for a week then either increase in 25mg increments, or 12.5mg increments until you reached the 100mgs. For many people a slow weaning process helps to minimize the side-effects. Alot of the side-effects you describe are normal, even the increase in anxiety, perhaps you didn`t wean to 50mgs, you just started at 50mgs? That could explain the hard time you had. Increase in anxiety can be helped by getting a script for a benzo, nausea can be helped by taking the Zoloft on a full stomach. Insomnia can be helped by taking the Zoloft in the AM. Fatigue should dissipate over time. Good luck. Jackie

Response:

I have a question about Zoloft and Valerian. I just moved, I left my boyfriend of 4 years and moved in with two roommates. They are absolutely sweet and all the changes in my life are for the better, but still I find my anxiety skyrocketing!! It is as bad a I never thought it would be… I am on 50 mg of Zoloft and I don’t really want to increase the dose (I don’t even know if it would help at all, since it works mainly against depression, not the anxiety itself, if I understand this correctly?), so I thought I’d try some Valerian to get me through the day and help me sleep. Do any of you have any information on SSRIs and Valerian? I seem to recall somebody saying one shouldn’t mix them… but on the other hand I always thought Valerian is a relatively harmless herb… some feedback would be greatly appreciated,

Hi Sophie, You have had some major life changes recently no wonder you anxiety is still skyrocketing. I am not sure about mixing Zoloft and Valerian, I would call your doctor and ask, many times herbs and meds don`t mix. I think your best bet is to increase the Zoloft, you can go as high as 200mgs, 50mgs might not be enough. Zoloft is effective for anxiety disorders as well as depression. You might be pleasantly surprised at what a increase might do for you. You could also ask your doctor for a benzo for your anxiety, many people take both a AD and a benzo. Take care. Jackie "Am I right side up or upside down? Is this real or am I dreaming?"

Response:

Thanks for your kind replies….. actually, it is a side-effect problem. When I started on Zoloft I was sick for over a week – not only did my anxiety increase, but I was tired at the same time, insomnia and most of all nausea.. I lost quite a bit of weight, which was nice, still I am not too keen on repeating this experience… but what you say sounds convincing, so I think I’ll try the 100 mg. Maybe it’ll work as well for me as for you… thanks again!! Sophie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sophie –   Actually, unless you have a particulary side-effect problem, I would highly recommend upping your Zoloft dose…My anxiety was not affected at all at 50 mg, but at 100 mg – it is almost entirely gone!  Like night and day…And you can take up to 200 mg/day if it’s needed…   It took some time, but it was worth it…Anyway, Zoloft is recommended for panic and anxiety, so give it a try…I think you’d be better off taking one med anyway (not really sure why you don’t want to increase the dose unless it’s a side-effect thing) than mixing meds…   Hope this helps…Not sure about Valerian…I took some Kava and it helped a little, but you shouldn’t take it with Xanax (which I also started taking with the Zoloft)…Valerian was also suggested to me as far as herbs…Not sure of any interactions here…   Email me anytime if you want…You sound like you are in the same boat as me with a series of life changes leading to terrible anxiety…I am much better with 100 mg Zoloft…I think you could be too… Best, — Charles Phipps

Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Hi all, I have a question about Zoloft and Valerian. I just moved, I left my boyfriend of 4 years and moved in with two roommates. They are absolutely sweet and all the changes in my life are for the better, but still I find my anxiety skyrocketing!! It is as bad a I never thought it would be… I am on 50 mg of Zoloft and I don’t really want to increase the dose (I don’t even know if it would help at all, since it works mainly against depression, not the anxiety itself, if I understand this correctly?), so I thought I’d try some Valerian to get me through the day and help me sleep. Do any of you have any information on SSRIs and Valerian? I seem to recall somebody saying one shouldn’t mix them… but on the other hand I always thought Valerian is a relatively harmless herb… some feedback would be greatly appreciated, Sophie Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I have a question about Zoloft and Valerian. I just moved, I left my boyfriend of 4 years and moved in with two roommates. They are absolutely sweet and all the changes in my life are for the better, but still I find my anxiety skyrocketing!! It is as bad a I never thought it would be… I am on 50 mg of Zoloft and I don’t really want to increase the dose (I don’t even know if it would help at all, since it works mainly against depression, not the anxiety itself, if I understand this correctly?), so I thought I’d try some Valerian to get me through the day and help me sleep. Do any of you have any information on SSRIs and Valerian? I seem to recall somebody saying one shouldn’t mix them… but on the other hand I always thought Valerian is a relatively harmless herb… some feedback would be greatly appreciated, Sophie

Sophie –   Actually, unless you have a particulary side-effect problem, I would highly recommend upping your Zoloft dose…My anxiety was not affected at all at 50 mg, but at 100 mg – it is almost entirely gone!  Like night and day…And you can take up to 200 mg/day if it’s needed…   It took some time, but it was worth it…Anyway, Zoloft is recommended for panic and anxiety, so give it a try…I think you’d be better off taking one med anyway (not really sure why you don’t want to increase the dose unless it’s a side-effect thing) than mixing meds…   Hope this helps…Not sure about Valerian…I took some Kava and it helped a little, but you shouldn’t take it with Xanax (which I also started taking with the Zoloft)…Valerian was also suggested to me as far as herbs…Not sure of any interactions here…   Email me anytime if you want…You sound like you are in the same boat as me with a series of life changes leading to terrible anxiety…I am much better with 100 mg Zoloft…I think you could be too… Best, — Charles Phipps

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Question:

Hi Julie, I often find it odd that anti-depressants are so useful for anxiety reduction. But my pdoc told me that properties in anti-depressants are as effective for anxiety disorders as well. So if it owrks…I’ll take it! Social anxiety could be treated more effectively with Behavior therapy. Experiencing fearful situations, having success in incremental steps in social surrondings while on the prozac could be a good course to take. Start small and work in progressive steps towards whatever goal you have set for yourself. Just be realistic…if you set the bar too high and don’t make it, you’ll feel more defeated and may not progress to your liking. Whatever you decide to do, just be yourself and treat yourself with the respect you’d like to have. So often to feel better, we have to start with the addressing way in which we treat ourselves…from there its easy. Peace, John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey, I’ve had somewhat minor anxiety or panic attacks for years.  I finally got some help from a dr. last year.  I am taking Prozac and have felt so much better. I still have some social anxiety at times.  I don’t know why. Does Prozac help in that way?  I don’t ever feel that I am Depressed…just anxious or worried. Any one  know what I’m talking about? Give me some feedback!  :)

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I have had anxiety for 11 years without any depression.  Some of the meds that work for depression also work for anxiety.  If you are feeling better with the Prozac, this is a good thing.   Take care, Liz Hey, I’ve had somewhat minor anxiety or panic attacks for years.  I finally got some help from a dr. last year.  I am taking Prozac and have felt so much better. I still have some social anxiety at times.  I don’t know why. Does Prozac help in that way?  I don’t ever feel that I am Depressed…just anxious or worried. Any one  know what I’m talking about? Give me some feedback!  :)

–          Your mind is a garden,        your thoughts are the seeds. the harvest can be either flowers or weeds.             – Author Unknown

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Hey, I’ve had somewhat minor anxiety or panic attacks for years.  I finally got some help from a dr. last year.  I am taking Prozac and have felt so much better. I still have some social anxiety at times.  I don’t know why. Does Prozac help in that way?  I don’t ever feel that I am Depressed…just anxious or worried. Any one  know what I’m talking about? Give me some feedback!  :)

Dear Julie, Welcome to ASAP!! It sounds like the Prozac has really helped you. The best thing for Social Anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy. Take care Jackie

Response:

Thanks, Liz!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have had anxiety for 11 years without any depression.  Some of the meds that work for depression also work for anxiety.  If you are feeling better with the Prozac, this is a good thing. Take care, Liz Hey, I’ve had somewhat minor anxiety or panic attacks for years.  I finally got some help from a dr. last year.  I am taking Prozac and have felt so much better. I still have some social anxiety at times.  I don’t know why. Does Prozac help in that way?  I don’t ever feel that I am Depressed…just anxious or worried. Any one  know what I’m talking about? Give me some feedback!  :) —          Your mind is a garden,        your thoughts are the seeds. the harvest can be either flowers or weeds.             – Author Unknown

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Hey, I’ve had somewhat minor anxiety or panic attacks for years.  I finally got some help from a dr. last year.  I am taking Prozac and have felt so much better. I still have some social anxiety at times.  I don’t know why. Does Prozac help in that way?  I don’t ever feel that I am Depressed…just anxious or worried. Any one  know what I’m talking about? Give me some feedback!  :)

Response:

Hey, I’ve had somewhat minor anxiety or panic attacks for years.  I finally got some help from a dr. last year.  I am taking Prozac and have felt so much better. I still have some social anxiety at times.  I don’t know why. Does Prozac help in that way?  I don’t ever feel that I am Depressed…just anxious or worried. Any one  know what I’m talking about? Give me some feedback!  :)

IMO the thing to do is start Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which will in all probabilty help a lot witht he social anxiety. Philip

Response:

My 11 year old son was prescribed porzac for his anxiety. He started at 10 mgs., but was still feeling anxiety so now he is up to 20 mgs. He has been on the medication for a total of 6 weeks and is tolerating it well. It seems to take to edgfe off of his anxious feelings. It didn’t happen overnight, and he still may not benefit from the full effects yet. He is not 100 % OK, but it DOES take time. Be patient!! Good Luck. If anyone out there has had experience with prozac and a child, please let me know.

Response:

 hi, I am a reporter for The Associated Press, and am looking for people who are currently in therapy and are anxious about the economy. I’d like to talk to them for an article I’m writing on the stress Americans are feeling due to the changing economy. Anyone I talk to won’t be quoted without their permission.  I prefer to talk by telephone, (212-621-1555), but am happy to communicate first by e-mail. I need to talk by WED, OCT. 28, however.  I hope someone could come forward to share their experiences.  Sincerely, Maggie Jackson My 11 year old son was prescribed porzac for his anxiety. He started at 10 mgs., but was still feeling anxiety so now he is up to 20 mgs. He has been on the medication for a total of 6 weeks and is tolerating it well. It seems to take to edgfe off of his anxious feelings. It didn’t happen overnight, and he still may not benefit from the full effects yet. He is not 100 % OK, but it DOES take time. Be patient!! Good Luck. If anyone out there has had experience with prozac and a child, please let me know.

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Hi John and thanks for writing..i do have one side affect from prozac and that is really bad headaches and some nausea

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    Hi everyone..My name is Kelle im 21 and i suffer from anxiety attacks     and slight depression..i have been prescribed Prozac 20mgs from my     psychiatrist..im on it 2 weeks and dont feel a difference..i heard these     medications take about 4-6 weeks to work..if anyone had any good     experiences with prozac and depression or anxiety please let me know     I will say that if you have been on Prozac for only 2 weeks, it is too early to judge whether you may benefit or not.  I did not have much luck with prozac with regards to anxiety, but I also couldn’t bare the side effects it caused me.  You didn’t mention that you were suffering from any side effects, so that in itself is positive.  That alone will allow you to continue taking the medicine with hopes of benefiting from it.  If after 6 weeks, you don’t show *any* improvement with your anxiety/depression, you probably will want to switch medications.  At that point there are many people in this newsgroup who could offer plenty of good, sound advice.     good luck….     John L.

Response:

Hi everyone..My name is Kelle im 21 and i suffer from anxiety attacks and slight depression..i have been prescribed Prozac 20mgs from my psychiatrist..im on it 2 weeks and dont feel a difference..i heard these medications take about 4-6 weeks to work..if anyone had any good experiences with prozac and depression or anxiety please let me know

Response:

You are right two weeks of prozac is far too soon to tell anything.  My own experience with prozac is that it was ineffective in controlling anxiety or anxiety attacks, klonopin works much better for me.  You might investigate that or other benzodiazapenes either in addition to or instead of prozac, for one thing you will get much faster results.  peter

Response:

Note: Someone e-mailed me concerned that I was giving Prozac free advertising, hmmm ok…am I? Yes, I am telling you all take Prozac or die…relax people. Also, what follows is only my opinion, do NOT take it as truth or let it sway YOUR opinion of Prozac or any other anti-depressants. OK, Prozac has been called the "miracle drug". Hey, it’s not only used to treat Depression anymore! Now it has been approved for the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bulimia and PMS. Hmmm, what will Prozac "cure" next? I’ve seen people on up to 80 mg. of Prozac, AND it did CRAP for them. Now they have all these new anti depressants, like Effexor, Paxil, Zoloft and Luvox. Still none have become such a "pop culture" icon as Prozac! I mean, Prozac is on tee-shirts, in tons of books, you name it. Still the strangest Prozac use, in my opinion, was when my friend’s Dalmation was on Prozac. The vet prescribed it because the dog was hyper. After that the dog bugged out more & started biting people, until they had to put him to sleep. Hmmm, should we take a clue from that? Hey, check out these "possible" Prozac side effects (taken from an actual med info sheet given with prescription): Loss of appetite, rash, headache, anxiety, rapid pulse, loss of coordination, trouble breathing, trouble urinating, dizziness/drowsiness. OK, well that’s fun……. The newest ad from those wacky Prozac people follows. Aww, how cutesy, I guess they think that this will make everyone want Prozac, those masterminds. If you take Prozac you will see the cute little birdies outside your window too! Well, thought I’d share my thoughts, so that they don’t eat me alive. You can now say, "Thanks for sharing", like all the wackos in AA would say. Don’t even get me started on the topic of "AA". Well, maybe another day, if enough people would like to hear. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Thank You for sharing!  (((hugs)))

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Doea anyone know if there is an effect on arthritis if you are in that time of your life when estrogen levels are behaving like the latest roller coaster from hell.  I know I read somewhere that this could impact one’s immune system and arthritis and Ijsut wondered if going on the birth control pill might even it out.  I am not yet menopausal but at 43 I am heading down that road soon. I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for at least 6 months.  I woul like to talk with someone who may have experienced this.  Thanks for your help! Nan

I am on HRT and I am menopausal.  Prior to menopause, my arthritis ebbed and flowed with the level of my estrogen.  As the estrogen dropped, the pain increased.  As you probably know, it’s the drop in estrogen–that brings on a period every month. For me, it also brought on pain. Four months ago, I started HRT. I would take Premarin (estrogen) for 25 days and Provera (progestin) for the last 9 of those 25 days.  Then nothing for 5 days.  As soon as I would start the progestin, I would get a killer flare. The gyn adjusted the Premarin dose (up) and I’ve been great since…no flare, more energy…not such a crab ass. Carol                 Human beings are flawed individuals…the cosmic bakers took us out a little too early.  That’s why we’re as crazy as we are—Jimmy Buffett

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 I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for  at least 6 months.

I didn’t know this,is it standard procedure? Shel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Doea anyone know if there is an effect on arthritis if you are in that time of  your life when estrogen levels are behaving like the latest roller coaster  from hell.  I know I read somewhere that this could impact one’s immune system  and arthritis and Ijsut wondered if going on the birth control pill might even  it out.  I am not yet menopausal but at 43 I am heading down that road soon.  I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for  at least 6 months.  I woul like to talk with someone who may have experienced  this.  Thanks for your help! Nan

Response:

Doea anyone know if there is an effect on arthritis if you are in that time of  your life when estrogen levels are behaving like the latest roller coaster  from hell.  I know I read somewhere that this could impact one’s immune system  and arthritis and Ijsut wondered if going on the birth control pill might even  it out.  I am not yet menopausal but at 43 I am heading down that road soon.  I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for  at least 6 months.  I woul like to talk with someone who may have experienced  this.  Thanks for your help!

Well, I’m perimenopausal, I have severe RA, and yep, fluctuations in hormone levels *do* have an effect.  In my case, I’ve always had a worsening of my symptoms during the pre-menstrual period, when estro- gen levels spike.  These days, I’m experiencing out-of-cycle spikes, with the same worsening in joint pain, swelling, and length of morn- ing stiffness. I’ve discussed the problem with both my RD and my gyn, but there’s been no mention of using birth-control pills to level out the effect. Actually, I wouldn’t use them if they did have this effect; I still remember vividly the surge in well-being I experienced when I stop- ped using Lo-Ovral years ago (this was a low-dose combination pill). My gyn has recommended evening primrose oil, on the basis of what other patients have told him — he believes it to be safe, and did not think it would conflict with my other medications.  I’ve done some checking on the web and I believe this is probably true, but I’m waiting to check with my RD before I start.  According to the abstracts available through Medline, trials of evening primrose oil both for RA and for menopausal flushing have shown no significant benefit, but neither did they report any significant difficulties. Stacy Scott

Response:

Hi Nan and group, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Doea anyone know if there is an effect on arthritis if you are in that time of your life when estrogen levels are behaving like the latest roller coaster from hell.  I know I read somewhere that this could impact one’s immune system and arthritis and Ijsut wondered if going on the birth control pill might even it out.  I am not yet menopausal but at 43 I am heading down that road soon. I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for at least 6 months.  I woul like to talk with someone who may have experienced this.  Thanks for your help! Nan

      I’m not perimenopausal but I did think that there might have been a  connection between my overall increase in disease activity in the last year,  year and a half and my going off the pill.  My gyn/RD said it would be worth a  shot, so I’m back on the pill now for about 4-5 months.  Can’t say there’s  been any noticable change as yet and I’ve also added sulfasalzine to the mix  in the last month, so I’m hedging my bets, I guess.        I’m sure if you did a search on Medline, you’d get some info.  A friend  sent me the following abstract after hearing of my decision to get back on the  pill and I’m sure there’s lots more. Best wishes, Denise Sex hormones and rheumatoid arthritis: cause or effect relationships in a complex pathophysiology? Abstract: Sex hormones are believed to contribute to the risk of rheumatoid  arthritis (RA) because of the disease’s female preponderance, especially during the child-bearing  years, and because of the dramatic improvements seen during pregnancy. Available controlled data on serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) in  RA patients not treated with glucocorticoids are summarized. Hypotheses of sex hormone  contributions to RA are tested by judgemental criteria for the causes or determinants of disease.  Available data support hypoandrogenicity in RA patients, especially among premenopausal females and  males. Limited prospective studies in women and therapeutic trials of testosterone therapy in  men further support a role of sex hormones in RA. Interactions of sex hormones and glucocorticoids  are also believed to be important and deserve priority in future research. Author: Masi AT Address: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOM-P) 61605,  USA. Abbreviated Journal Title: Clin Exp Rheumatol Date Of Publication: 1995 Mar-Apr Journal Volume: 13 Page Numbers: 227 through 240 Number of References: 105 Country of Publication: ITALY Language of Article: Eng Issue/Part/Supplement: 2 ISSN: 0392-856X MESH Headings: Animal Arthritis, Rheumatoid (Central Concept) Disease Models, Animal Female Gout Human Immunity Male Pregnancy Risk Factors Sex Hormones (Central Concept) Steroids Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t Chemical Abstract Service Registry Number: 0 (Sex Hormones) 0 (Steroids) Article ID: 95385254

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Before I developed the RA I was the study coordinator for PMS and Preimenapause  studies at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center.  I agree, nono of  our data supports more than a placebo response from eveing primrose oil.  It  has some diaretic properties, so some women troubled with fluid retention may  experience some relief of that symptom only.   If you are taking an SSRI (Prozac, Zoloft, etc.) you may find that increasing  your dose during the premenstrual time decreases your symptoms.  Our research  showed strong evidence that PMS and preimenapausal symptoms could be reduced  by mid-cycle dosing, or mid-cycle increase.  I have seen good results during  studies, and I have good results increasing  my own Zoloft dose from 50 mg to  100mg pre-menstrually.  Good results meaning no increase in RD symptoms at  that time — not a reduction in overall symptoms. We were just doing some DHEA studies when I left, and I think that it an  interesting idea.  Be careful with DHEA from health food stores.  As DHEA is  not yet FDA approved except for research proposes as a medicine, it is not  regulated by the FDA for safety or efficacy.  Health Food store preparations  are regulated as a food, and purity and dose may vary widely. Donah Zack Crawford

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