Question:

Hi – need some advice please I am on Flovent 220 2 puffs 2x day – and it has helped me quite a bit but, I’ve had a cold for the past week and it is a bad one!  It settled into my chest – resulting in bronchitis type symptoms.  I am wheezing all the time now, but I am not out of breath, (suprisingly) nor is my phlegm yellow as I understand it probably should be with a bronchitis infection.

Felt the same way in February. Finally called the doc. Went in and had chest x-ray. Had a touch of pneumonia. Couldn’t believe it. I really waited too long to see the doc. (about a week)  She prescribed a Z-pack. Felt better in 3 days but took the whole dosage.

Response:

Felt the same way in February. Finally called the doc. Went in and had chest x-ray. Had a touch of pneumonia. Couldn’t believe it. I really waited too long to see the doc. (about a week)  She prescribed a Z-pack. Felt better in 3 days but took the whole dosage.

What is a Z-pack? Feeling a little scared now. Have a doctor appt. on Thursday. Indya Before you buy.

Response:

Felt the same way in February. Finally called the doc. Went in and had chest x-ray. Had a touch of pneumonia. Couldn’t believe it. I really waited too long to see the doc. (about a week)  She prescribed a Z-pack. Felt better in 3 days but took the whole dosage. What is a Z-pack? Feeling a little scared now. Have a doctor appt. on Thursday. Indya

It is a form of antibiotic. Forget what the Z stands for. But a long name. Pack because – it is a pack of pills. Can’t remember how many days. Maybe 3-4.    (It was not a Medrol pack – which one takes for 7 days — and you start out with a certain number of pills – like 6-7 and each day the dose decreases.  If the Z pack hadn’t helped me — I was to start on a Medrol pack. I’m sure there are any number of people who could explain it better than this.  But hope this helps.

Response:

Z-pack is another name for Zithromax or Azithromycin (the generic).  As the name implies, it is in the erythromycin family of drugs, a macrolide that interferes with bacterial reproduction.  The regimen is usually: 2 tabs the first day, then 1 tab for 4 more days.  It supposedly maintains a titer for up to 12-14 days.  For those with sensitivity to corn starch, it should be mentioned that this is one of the inactive ingredients in Zithromax capsules, but to my knowledge is not present in the capsule-shaped tabs. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Felt the same way in February. Finally called the doc. Went in and had chest x-ray. Had a touch of pneumonia. Couldn’t believe it. I really waited too long to see the doc. (about a week)  She prescribed a Z-pack. Felt better in 3 days but took the whole dosage. What is a Z-pack? Feeling a little scared now. Have a doctor appt. on Thursday. Indya It is a form of antibiotic. Forget what the Z stands for. But a long name. Pack because – it is a pack of pills. Can’t remember how many days. Maybe 3-4.    (It was not a Medrol pack – which one takes for 7 days — and you start out with a certain number of pills – like 6-7 and each day the dose decreases.  If the Z pack hadn’t helped me — I was to start on a Medrol pack. I’m sure there are any number of people who could explain it better than this.  But hope this helps.

Response:

Thanks to you and Gaetz for explaining. Indya – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Z-pack is another name for Zithromax or Azithromycin (the generic). As the name implies, it is in the erythromycin family of drugs, a macrolide that interferes with bacterial reproduction.  The regimen is usually: 2 tabs the first day, then 1 tab for 4 more days.  It supposedly maintains a titer for up to 12-14 days.  For those with sensitivity to corn starch, it should be mentioned that this is one of the inactive ingredients in Zithromax capsules, but to my knowledge is not present in the capsule-shaped tabs. Felt the same way in February. Finally called the doc. Went in and had chest x-ray. Had a touch of pneumonia. Couldn’t believe it. I really waited too long to see the doc. (about a week)  She prescribed a Z-pack. Felt better in 3 days but took the whole dosage. What is a Z-pack? Feeling a little scared now. Have a doctor appt. on Thursday. Indya It is a form of antibiotic. Forget what the Z stands for. But a long name. Pack because – it is a pack of pills. Can’t remember how many days. Maybe 3-4.    (It was not a Medrol pack – which one takes for 7 days — and you start out with a certain number of pills – like 6-7 and each day the dose decreases.  If the Z pack hadn’t helped me — I was to start on a Medrol pack. I’m sure there are any number of people who could explain it better than this.  But hope this helps.

Before you buy.

Response:

Hi – need some advice please I am on Flovent 220 2 puffs 2x day – and it has helped me quite a bit but, I’ve had a cold for the past week and it is a bad one!  It settled into my chest – resulting in bronchitis type symptoms.  I am wheezing all the time now, but I am not out of breath, (suprisingly) nor is my phlegm yellow as I understand it probably should be with a bronchitis infection. My doctor is on vacation and I can’t get in to see him until late next week.  So, is there something I should know about the effects of Flovent with a chest cold; such as is Flovent as steroid at this point doing me more harm than good?  Anything else I should do to help myself out here? Also, I suppose it would be helpful if I mentioned that I am also currently taking Prilosec (acid reflux), Lotrel (blood pressure), and Allegra (allergies).  Could any of these medications be the problem? Would really appreciate any suggestions/advice. Thank you – Indya Morinec Before you buy.

Response:

Hi – need some advice please I am on Flovent 220 2 puffs 2x day – and it has helped me quite a bit but, I’ve had a cold for the past week and it is a bad one!  It settled into my chest – resulting in bronchitis type symptoms.  I am wheezing all the time now, but I am not out of breath, (suprisingly) nor is my phlegm yellow as I understand it probably should be with a bronchitis infection. My doctor is on vacation and I can’t get in to see him until late next week.

Hi Indya, If you are sick and have wheezing going on all the time, I sure wouldn’t wait until my regular doctor got back from vacation to get medical attention.  Even if your phlegm isn’t yellow, there is still an abnormal process going on that needs attention!! Best wishes, Patrice

Response:

Hi – need some advice please I am on Flovent 220 2 puffs 2x day – and it has helped me quite a bit

This is a high dose. How do you know you need this much? If you do decide to cut down, do it very slowly – say by 25%,  and give it at least 2 weeks to see what happens. Also a good idea to have prednisone on hand and know how to use it. (obgligatory disclaimer – conslt your MD) but, I’ve had a cold for the past week and it is a bad one!  It settled into my chest – resulting in bronchitis type symptoms.  I am wheezing all the time now, but I am not out of breath, (suprisingly) nor is my phlegm yellow as I understand it probably should be with a bronchitis infection.

As your statement shows, phlegm does not need to be yellow in a chest infection! My doctor is on vacation and I can’t get in to see him until late next week.  So, is there something I should know about the effects of Flovent with a chest cold; such as is Flovent as steroid at this point doing me more harm than good?

Bingo! – local immune suppression –  But- you CAN’T QUIT THE FLOVENT OR YOU ARE LIKELY TO END UP IN THE ER or worse. Anything else I should do to help myself out here?

Henceforth, you have to choice but to take great care to avoid exposure to contagious persons. Meanwhile, get your chest infection diagnosed immediately, to see if anitbiotics could help. Also, I suppose it would be helpful if I mentioned that I am also currently taking Prilosec (acid reflux), Lotrel (blood pressure), and Allegra (allergies).  Could any of these medications be the problem? Would really appreciate any suggestions/advice. Thank you – Indya Morinec Before you buy.

Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

As a recently diagnosed asthmatic, who is happy that the medications work for her, I am wondering about the cost of the inhalers.  I am using Proventil and Flovent.  What is the approximate cost of a canister of these medications, and is there any place that is preferable to order them from? I generally get my medications from AARP as I do a lot of traveling (no choice) and they can mail them to me where ever I am…  but the cost of these meds has me a bit frightened.  Not being able to breathe has me a bit frightened, too, at times! Mary

Response:

I don’t know the cost of Proventil as I use generic albuterol.  Flovent is about 75 USD per canister.  I use two canisters a month when I’m taking 4 puffs x2 day.  That’s a lot of money, yes, but I sorta have this thing about breathing, I like it.   I’m lucky in that I have prescription coverage that allows me to mail order my medications in 90 day supplies for only a co-pay of 20.00 for name brand drugs or 7.00 for generic.  It’s just the Walgreen’s down in Florida that they use and Walgreen’s bills my insurance company. Yeah, it can get expensive.  My doc and I sat down and figured up what it would cost me out of pocket for all the meds I take each month.  It would cover the payment on a new Porche.  <sigh Loki – who loves fast cars… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As a recently diagnosed asthmatic, who is happy that the medications work for her, I am wondering about the cost of the inhalers.  I am using Proventil and Flovent.  What is the approximate cost of a canister of these medications, and is there any place that is preferable to order them from? I generally get my medications from AARP as I do a lot of traveling (no choice) and they can mail them to me where ever I am…  but the cost of these meds has me a bit frightened.  Not being able to breathe has me a bit frightened, too, at times! Mary

Response:

Mary Lu, can you use Express Scripts? They are at 1-800-696-3760.  They are another "mail" pharmacy, and I’ve found them very reasonable.  Admittedly, I am getting the prices set for my HMO, and am being sent several refills at once (only maintenance meds qualify, but your drugs WOULD be maintenance), but I only pay about $5/pop for Ventolin. Be sure to ask your doctor to specify the generic, which at least can be done for the Proventil. I’ll bet if you call them, they’ll give you a price over the phone. Kiwi Carlisle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As a recently diagnosed asthmatic, who is happy that the medications work for her, I am wondering about the cost of the inhalers.  I am using Proventil and Flovent.  What is the approximate cost of a canister of these medications, and is there any place that is preferable to order them from? I generally get my medications from AARP as I do a lot of traveling (no choice) and they can mail them to me where ever I am…  but the cost of these meds has me a bit frightened.  Not being able to breathe has me a bit frightened, too, at times! Mary

Response:

My last canister of Flovent 110 retailed for $54.98.  I don’t think where you get them matters too much, unless your insurance cares.  :) janet – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As a recently diagnosed asthmatic, who is happy that the medications work for her, I am wondering about the cost of the inhalers.  I am using Proventil and Flovent.  What is the approximate cost of a canister of these medications, and is there any place that is preferable to order them from? I generally get my medications from AARP as I do a lot of traveling (no choice) and they can mail them to me where ever I am…  but the cost of these meds has me a bit frightened.  Not being able to breathe has me a bit frightened, too, at times! Mary

Response:

Question:

 He has already been to his peditrician twice since his loss of appetite started. He sees his allergist next week for a regular scheduled appointment and I plan on talking to him about it then.  The Dilantin was prescribed by a neurologist after he had a seizure. The Singulair was prescribed by the allergist, and he knows about the Dilantin. I tell all the doctors he sees about the all the meds he is on. That includes the dentist and the eye doctor.  My reason for posting was to get different opinions from a variety of people. I have found this is often helpfull in obtaining answers. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -no advice is intended in this reply, I am merely providing information. QUstions like yours should definitely be referred to your sons doc .. his pediatrician as well as his allergist/pulmonologist. Appetite loss is NOT reported as a common adverse effect of anti-leukotrienes.  Diarrhea and nausea are listed just abouyt at the 3% "reportable" level.  These same side effects occur with Dilantin and are more common. Did the same doc prescribe the Dilantin and the Singulair? Dilantin is NOT on any common are path for asthma that this researcher is aware of.

Response:

I have been on SINGULAIR for the past month and have noticed no loss of appitite.  Actually I find myself more hungry–that’s probably due to the fact that I’m the the height of track season not the SINGULAIR.  I was taking ACCOLATE, but trying not to eat two hours before or two hours after taking it was a real drag.  Not only is my eating schedule a lot more flexible, but my peak flow is on averege better now that I am on SINGULAR instead of ACCOLATE.

Response:

 My 8 year old son started on Singulair about 3 weeks ago. In the middle of March he started on Dilantin. I noticed no change in his appetite until the Singulair was started. A few days after he started it he would hardly eat at all. Now he will only eat in the mornings and afternoons if I make him. He says he is just not hungry. He does eat a full meal at dinner time. But one meal a day is not good for a growing boy. At least not over a long period of time. My thoughts are it may be the Singulair. But then again maybe it is the Dilantin. His first check of Dilantin level was fine. The peditrician had tests done again today for the Dilantin plus a liver and CBC test. I’ll get those results tomorrow. I’m wondering if any others of you who have started Singulair have noticed a loss of appetite?

Loss of appetite is one of the possible listed effects of Dilantin, per the US Pharmacopeia. Perhaps he needs a lower dose of Dilantin. Here’s a link: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/phenyt.htm phenytoin sodium (Dilantin) Excerpt: "Adverse Reactions: Gastrointestinal System: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, toxic hepatitis  and liver damage." Info on Singulair ar www.singulair.com But I think the problem is the Dilantin. (I assume he is taking the child dose of Singulair). Ellis

Response:

 My 8 year old son started on Singulair about 3 weeks ago. In the middle of March he started on Dilantin. I noticed no change in his appetite until the Singulair was started. A few days after he started it he would hardly eat at all. Now he will only eat in the mornings and afternoons if I make him. He says he is just not hungry. He does eat a full meal at dinner time. But one meal a day is not good for a growing boy. At least not over a long period of time. My thoughts are it may be the Singulair. But then again maybe it is the Dilantin. His first check of Dilantin level was fine. The peditrician had tests done again today for the Dilantin plus a liver and CBC test. I’ll get those results tomorrow. I’m wondering if any others of you who have started Singulair have noticed a loss of appetite?  Sorry this is kind of rambling but I wanted to get it out and I’m listening to my son talk well I type. We are discussing what we are going to do for Cub Scouts tonight.  Thanks

Response:

Question:

My very casual and not even remotely statistically valid impression is that on the (entirely reasonable) basis of package and company warnings, most doctors are probably under the impression that these side effects are relatively uncommon, affecting perhaps of the order of 10% to 30%. This in turn is probably representative of how many people in trials were prepared to speak up and discuss the resultant effects (which, for a single, depressed person, might not be something you really want to discuss with a stranger). On the other hand, casual late night discussions in IRC (it’s always late night for someone, somewhere, so we have these sorts of discussions at any hour!) would suggest that if such side effects aren’t universal, they’re certainly the rule rather than the exception. It’s difficult to imagine how you go about researching the prevelance of anorgasmia in SSRI patients (there, I said it!) without outright asking the single ones if wanking has become a waste of time and effort…. I’ve heard it suggested that SSRIs work by suppressing libido, thus removing the single most potent basis for depression, feeling lonely and single. OK, we were joking, but thats an indication of how common this stuff is. As for me? Well I’d love to test if there has been any adverse sexual effect from my effexor, but noone has offered to help me investigate, (which also raises the question of what is adverse and who it’s adverse for) and I would never do such a thing on my own! Graham For any Aussies present, my GP used to be Dr Feelgood, which made discussing this sort of stuff a good deal easier; I used to tell her they’d perfected the male contraceptive, it was an SSRI. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A new study found that patient complaints of sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants are almost two times greater than believed by physicians, according to a report presented at the American Psychiatric Association’s annual meeting. Researchers studied 6,297 patients enrolled at 1,101 primary care offices throughout the U.S. and evaluated 10 different new generation antidepressants. Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norephinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are associated with a higher rate of sexual dysfunction, newer antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nefazodone have shown a lower incidence of the problem. "The SSRIs are known to cause sexual dysfunction as a side effect, but until now, there hasn’t been a study to look at all the new generation antidepressants to see how they compare," said Dr. Anita Clayton, associate professor and vice chair of the Department of Psychiatric Medicine at the University of Virginia and lead investigator of the study. "Physicians and patients are generally reluctant to talk about sexual problems. Therefore, physicians often underestimate the prevalence of antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction and the impact on patients, as shown in this study." Wellbutrin SR (bupropion HCI) Sustained-Release was associated with the lowest rate of sexual dysfunction (25 percent) after Wellbutrin (bupropion HCI) (22 percent), compared with an average of 40 percent with the SSRIs venlafaxine (Effexor) and mirtazapine (Remeron). The prevalence rate of sexual dysfunction ranged from 7 percent of patients receiving Wellbutrin SR to 23 to 30 percent for patients receiving the other antidepressants, including fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and venlafaxine XR. This article is brought to you by the "Depression Week" online newsletter. This newletter presents the latest news and views on developments in Depression, it is one of a family of specialized medical newsletters brought to you by Medical Week, LLC. http://www.depressionweek.org/

– Some of my colleagues think that the chemicals we are experimenting with could potentially cause brain damage, however I think that fish crunchy bits of salami my new red hippie noodle. Naked pool frogs?

Response:

A new study found that patient complaints of sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants are almost two times greater than believed by physicians, according to a report presented at the American Psychiatric Association’s annual meeting. Researchers studied 6,297 patients enrolled at 1,101 primary care offices throughout the U.S. and evaluated 10 different new generation antidepressants. Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norephinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are associated with a higher rate of sexual dysfunction, newer antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nefazodone have shown a lower incidence of the problem. "The SSRIs are known to cause sexual dysfunction as a side effect, but until now, there hasn’t been a study to look at all the new generation antidepressants to see how they compare," said Dr. Anita Clayton, associate professor and vice chair of the Department of Psychiatric Medicine at the University of Virginia and lead investigator of the study. "Physicians and patients are generally reluctant to talk about sexual problems. Therefore, physicians often underestimate the prevalence of antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction and the impact on patients, as shown in this study." Wellbutrin SR (bupropion HCI) Sustained-Release was associated with the lowest rate of sexual dysfunction (25 percent) after Wellbutrin (bupropion HCI) (22 percent), compared with an average of 40 percent with the SSRIs venlafaxine (Effexor) and mirtazapine (Remeron). The prevalence rate of sexual dysfunction ranged from 7 percent of patients receiving Wellbutrin SR to 23 to 30 percent for patients receiving the other antidepressants, including fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and venlafaxine XR. This article is brought to you by the "Depression Week" online newsletter. This newletter presents the latest news and views on developments in Depression, it is one of a family of specialized medical newsletters brought to you by Medical Week, LLC. http://www.depressionweek.org/

Response:

Question:

I can hardly keep my thoughts together today…..I’m not going in to work again today. ….and, when I called in, she tried to make me feel guilty.   It’s almost like my hormones override these medications.  I become overly sensitive, irritable, paranoid, fearful, anxious, restless…..just to name a few symptoms.  I know that stupid depo shot is still in my system.  I can feel it. I don’t have anything to grip on to, and this is a horrible feeling.  Maybe that’s why that show Greed kept my heart pounding last night.   I know this will go away in a few days, but what do I do in the meantime? I haven’t done a "pity party" post for awhile, so I guess it was overdue.     My doc is out of town AGAIN for the weekend….. I feel like Sharyn today…..I just want to cry. ( Maria

Response:

Thanks Chip, I really like these articles…. For anyone interested, or that has PMS problems…   I took the other half of my celexa pill the other day, (because of feeling horrible, and PMS) and noticed quite immediate effects….as I was laying down for a nap, I realized she had given me 40 mg. tabs, which I break in half so they last me 2 months, or so that I can increase to 40 if I want to.  So, it turns out I’ve been taking double my usual dosage these past couple days.  (It never occurred to me, because I always broke my paxil in half). Well, the funny part is when I did this once before, not during PMS…..I was so tired, I could barely walk. This time, I feel great…..no PMS symptoms!! Today I feel very calm….and, even spent the day at the mall with some friends, (which usually makes me cranky being around crowds for long periods of time). I wasn’t a bit irritated…and, before the extra celexa I was a wreck. Now, I’m curious to see the effect it will have on me after my period….if it will be too high of a dose.   I really like this 40 mg. right now. Just an interesting self observation of my situation…. Bye, Maria    

Response:

: : Valerie Davis Raskin, MD, wrote a very good book titled, : "When Words Are Not Enough; The Women’s Prescription for : Depression and Anxiety." The book is not too expensive : and written for the general public, so you may want to : buy a copy via Amazon or some other book shop. It covers : a lot of issues that are important to women who suffer : from anxiety and depression. : : Thankyou for that information Arthur. I remember it being one of the trivia : questions, but I didn’t know what it was about. : Maria I had originally bought the book for my mother. However, she didn’t read it at first (being very psychoanalysis oriented) so I borrowed it for a while. The book is very practical; with chapters on sex, pregnancy, menstral cycles, etc. It addresses medication questions that I often see posted here in ASAP and has some nice tables on medications. I’m tempted to buy a copy for my own little anxiety-panic library. Which reminds me, mom still has my copy of Sheehan. I ought to start distributing library cards (grin). Best Wishes, Arthur

Response:

Biological Therapies in Psychiatry Alan J. Gelenberg, M.D. Treating PMS While most women experience some physical and emotional changes premenstrually, a minority are clinically impaired by the premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For ages, unproven and largely ineffectual remedies were promulgated. In recent years, however, greater methodologic rigor has enhanced clinical research on this condition. Better still, the advent of the serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants has shown that medication can alleviate PMS symptoms and reverse dysfunction. Several recent reviews present evidence and knowledgeable opinions on treating PMS. Dr Walter Brown notes that SSRIs have a much more rapid onset of action when used to treat PMS than when the same drugs are used to treat depression. (1) PMS symptoms improve almost immediately, while depressive symptoms typically take several weeks to lift. This author also observes that while serotonergic, noradrenergic, and other agents appear equal in efficacy when treating depression, only highly serotonergic antidepressants are effective for PMS. Further evidence for the role of serotonin in PMS is that tryptophan, the essential amino acid that serves as a dietary precursor for serotonin, and fenfluramine (Pondimin and Redux), which stimulates serotonin neurotransmission, also appear effective against PMS. Moreover, women with PMS show abnormalities in blood serotonin. What about other antidepressants? Yonkers and Brown write about an ongoing, multicenter trial of venlafaxine (Effexor) for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). (2) Venlafaxine can be started at 25 mg bid to manage side effects and then increased by 25 to 37.5 mg/day each cycle until remission is achieved. Investigators hope venlafaxine’s rapid onset of action will be beneficial in this type of intermittent disorder. An open trial suggested that nefazodone (Serzone) may be effective against PMDD or premenstrual exacerbation (PME) of a preexisting mood disorder when administered in daily doses of 200 to 500 mg throughout the menstrual cycle. Anxiolytic agents too might have a role to play. Limited data suggest possible efficacy for buspirone (Buspar). Yonkers and Brown also use alprazolam (Xanax) for women with mild PMS symptoms of limited duration. They recommend a starting dose of 0.25 mg bid or tid, increased as needed. In many studies of drugs to treat PMS, agents are administered daily throughout the month. But some women appear to benefit from taking a drug only during the premenstrual week or starting with the first symptom and ending with the beginning of menses. For example, clomipramine (Anafranil) is efficacious when administered only in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Although there are no systematic data on the long-term use of drugs for premenstrual disorders, Yonkers and Brown state that symptom relief appears to be maintained. What else can be done to combat PMS symptoms? Pearlstein cites recommendations to increase complex carbohydrate consumption. (3) When combined with more frequent meals, this strategy might enhance cerebral uptake of tryptophan, thereby making more serotonin available. Some women find exercise alleviates symptoms. Other nonpharmacologic strategies include cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation training. When symptoms of PMS, PMDD, or PME rise to the level of clinical significance, serotonergic antidepressants often can bring relief, with dosage and timing individualized for each patient. Recommendations for diet, exercise, and other nonpharmacologic strategies — as alternatives or additions to drug treatment — also can be considered based on preferences and circumstances. (1) Brown WA: PMS: A quiet breakthrough. Psychiatr Ann 1996; 26: 569-570. (2) Yonkers KA, Brown WA: Pharmacologic treatments for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Psychiatr Ann 1996; 26: 586-589. (3) Pearlstein T: Nonpharmacologic treatment of premenstrual syndrome. Psychiatr Ann 1996; 26: 590-594.

Response:

Thanks Chip, I’m actually saving this in my files.   BTW, I do feel much better today, and will from now on increase my celexa dose during PMS.  I’ve actually learned a lot over the  last couple of days.  I apologize if I snapped anyone’s head off in the meantime.   Bye, Maria   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Int Clin Psychopharmacol 1999 May;14 Suppl 2:S27-33 Serotonin reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoria. Eriksson E Department of Pharmacology, Goteborg University, Sweden. Premenstrual dysphoria (PMD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, afflicting approximately 5% of all women of fertile age. The cardinal symptoms are irritability and anger. In addition, sadness, tension and carbohydrate craving are common complaints. The symptoms surface regularly between ovulation and menstruation, and disappear completely within a few days after the onset of the bleeding; in patients with remaining symptoms during the follicular phase, alternative diagnoses should be considered. In a large number of recent trials, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (clomipramine, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline) have been shown to reduce the symptoms of PMD much more effectively than placebo; in contrast, non-serotonergic antidepressants (maprotiline, bupropion) appear to be ineffective. Interestingly, the onset of action of clomipramine and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is much shorter when used for PMD than when used for depression, panic disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Consequently, patients with PMD can restrict the medication to the luteal phase of the cycle. In a recent placebo-controlled trial, intermittent administration of the SSRI citalopram was shown to reduce the symptoms of PMD significantly better than placebo, but also better than continuous administration of the drug. A reasonable interpretation of the latter, unexpected finding is that continuous medication may be associated with a certain development of tolerance than can be avoided by intermittent drug administration. The observation that the symptoms of PMD may be effectively reduced by SSRIs is of considerable clinical importance since previously no effective treatment for this common condition – apart from those disrupting ovarian cyclicity – has been available. It is also of theoretical importance because it constitutes one of the first pharmacological observations supporting the concept that serotonin may dampen irritability and anger in humans. PMID: 10471170, UI: 99397771

Response:

Int Clin Psychopharmacol 1999 May;14 Suppl 2:S27-33 Serotonin reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoria. Eriksson E Department of Pharmacology, Goteborg University, Sweden. Premenstrual dysphoria (PMD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, afflicting approximately 5% of all women of fertile age. The cardinal symptoms are irritability and anger. In addition, sadness, tension and carbohydrate craving are common complaints. The symptoms surface regularly between ovulation and menstruation, and disappear completely within a few days after the onset of the bleeding; in patients with remaining symptoms during the follicular phase, alternative diagnoses should be considered. In a large number of recent trials, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (clomipramine, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline) have been shown to reduce the symptoms of PMD much more effectively than placebo; in contrast, non-serotonergic antidepressants (maprotiline, bupropion) appear to be ineffective. Interestingly, the onset of action of clomipramine and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is much shorter when used for PMD than when used for depression, panic disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Consequently, patients with PMD can restrict the medication to the luteal phase of the cycle. In a recent placebo-controlled trial, intermittent administration of the SSRI citalopram was shown to reduce the symptoms of PMD significantly better than placebo, but also better than continuous administration of the drug. A reasonable interpretation of the latter, unexpected finding is that continuous medication may be associated with a certain development of tolerance than can be avoided by intermittent drug administration. The observation that the symptoms of PMD may be effectively reduced by SSRIs is of considerable clinical importance since previously no effective treatment for this common condition – apart from those disrupting ovarian cyclicity – has been available. It is also of theoretical importance because it constitutes one of the first pharmacological observations supporting the concept that serotonin may dampen irritability and anger in humans. PMID: 10471170, UI: 99397771

Response:

its been documented that ssri’s and benzo’s blood plasma levels change when women ovulate and vice versa when they don’t-since you are changing your bodies ability to ovulate the plasma levels may drop somewhat-you may want to ask your doc to augment some benzo or ad meds with your next shot-medroxyprogesterone acetate is a known sensitizer of depression-you can just try and pamper yourself until the effects slough off LM

Margrove, you hit the nail on the head again.  I took extra celexa today, thinking at least it will do "something."    (I don’t think she’s gonna go for increasing my benzos, and I don’t want to ask her to), but I had a really nice nap, and feel better.   That is a very very very good idea.  I think I will increase my celexa during this time of the month.   It was a one time shot (depression is putting it mildly, I was thinking of ways to end my life).  It is still in my system, and I can feel the effects during this time of the month.   Thanks, Maria

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Maria, Being male, I can’t personally relate to PMS, but the hormonal character of panic disorder has given me some appreciation of the subject. Valerie Davis Raskin, MD, wrote a very good book titled, "When Words Are Not Enough; The Women’s Prescription for Depression and Anxiety." The book is not too expensive and written for the general public, so you may want to buy a copy via Amazon or some other book shop. It covers a lot of issues that are important to women who suffer from anxiety and depression. Best Wishes, Arthur

Thankyou for that information Arthur. I remember it being one of the trivia questions, but I didn’t know what it was about. Maria

Response:

its been documented that ssri’s and benzo’s blood plasma levels change when women ovulate and vice versa when they don’t-since you are changing your bodies ability to ovulate the plasma levels may drop somewhat-you may want to ask your doc to augment some benzo or ad meds with your next shot-medroxyprogesterone acetate is a known sensitizer of depression-you can just try and pamper yourself until the effects slough off LM

Response:

Maria – YIKES…..deprovera.  I’ve heard enough nightmare stories from my two daughters and my soon-to-be daughter-in-law.  All three have had unpleasant reactions to it and some very unpleasant effects getting off.

Hi Cindy,   For the first time since I got this shot, I feel that "someone understands." My face actually lit up while reading this. (not that they had to go through the horrid mess, but that I’m not alone).   It was a one time shot…..that was enough…it just about killed me.  (literally). Thankyou for the information!! Maria – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I can hardly keep my thoughts together today…..I’m not going in to work again today. ….and, when I called in, she tried to make me feel guilty.   It’s almost like my hormones override these medications.  I become overly sensitive, irritable, paranoid, fearful, anxious, restless…..just to name a few symptoms.  I know that stupid depo shot is still in my system.  I can feel it. I don’t have anything to grip on to, and this is a horrible feeling.  Maybe that’s why that show Greed kept my heart pounding last night.   I know this will go away in a few days, but what do I do in the meantime? I haven’t done a "pity party" post for awhile, so I guess it was overdue. My doc is out of town AGAIN for the weekend….. I feel like Sharyn today…..I just want to cry. ( Maria Maria – YIKES…..deprovera.  I’ve heard enough nightmare stories from my two daughters and my soon-to-be daughter-in-law.  All three have had unpleasant reactions to it and some very unpleasant effects getting off. It might be of some comfort to know that your emotional reaction to the provera in depovera is typical.  Also know that symptoms of normalizing can go on for 18mo to two years.  The progesterone in depovera is a chemically synthesized progestin, not natural hormone and SOME people are terribly sensitive to it. The good news is that although it’s EXTREMELY uncomfortable, kind of like your skin wants to walk off your body and your brain wants to escape, it DOES eventually go away. Some months you may find your own production of hormones will fluctuate and some months may be worse than others.   Other chemically synthesized birth control hormones can have the same effect and even when stopped it can take up to and longer than a year to normalize your natural horomes.   So you aren’t going crazy, it’s just the hormones talking and it WILL go away. for more information about what you, in your particular situation, can do to help yourself get right sooner…a book I highly recommend (easy read too)…. "Hormonal Health" Michael Colgan, MD. Hope this helps KC Cindy

Response:

: I can hardly keep my thoughts together today…..I’m not going in to work again : today. ….and, when I called in, she tried to make me feel guilty.   It’s : almost like my hormones override these medications.  I become overly sensitive, : irritable, paranoid, fearful, anxious, restless…..just to name a few : symptoms.  I know that stupid depo shot is still in my system.  I can feel it. : : I don’t have anything to grip on to, and this is a horrible feeling.  Maybe : that’s why that show Greed kept my heart pounding last night.   : I know this will go away in a few days, but what do I do in the meantime? : I haven’t done a "pity party" post for awhile, so I guess it was overdue.     : My doc is out of town AGAIN for the weekend….. : I feel like Sharyn today…..I just want to cry. : ( : Maria Hi Maria, Being male, I can’t personally relate to PMS, but the hormonal character of panic disorder has given me some appreciation of the subject. Valerie Davis Raskin, MD, wrote a very good book titled, "When Words Are Not Enough; The Women’s Prescription for Depression and Anxiety." The book is not too expensive and written for the general public, so you may want to buy a copy via Amazon or some other book shop. It covers a lot of issues that are important to women who suffer from anxiety and depression. Best Wishes, Arthur

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I can hardly keep my thoughts together today…..I’m not going in to work again today. ….and, when I called in, she tried to make me feel guilty.   It’s almost like my hormones override these medications.  I become overly sensitive, irritable, paranoid, fearful, anxious, restless…..just to name a few symptoms.  I know that stupid depo shot is still in my system.  I can feel it. I don’t have anything to grip on to, and this is a horrible feeling.  Maybe that’s why that show Greed kept my heart pounding last night.   I know this will go away in a few days, but what do I do in the meantime? I haven’t done a "pity party" post for awhile, so I guess it was overdue. My doc is out of town AGAIN for the weekend….. I feel like Sharyn today…..I just want to cry. ( Maria

Maria – YIKES…..deprovera.  I’ve heard enough nightmare stories from my two daughters and my soon-to-be daughter-in-law.  All three have had unpleasant reactions to it and some very unpleasant effects getting off. It might be of some comfort to know that your emotional reaction to the provera in depovera is typical.  Also know that symptoms of normalizing can go on for 18mo to two years.  The progesterone in depovera is a chemically synthesized progestin, not natural hormone and SOME people are terribly sensitive to it. The good news is that although it’s EXTREMELY uncomfortable, kind of like your skin wants to walk off your body and your brain wants to escape, it DOES eventually go away. Some months you may find your own production of hormones will fluctuate and some months may be worse than others.   Other chemically synthesized birth control hormones can have the same effect and even when stopped it can take up to and longer than a year to normalize your natural horomes.   So you aren’t going crazy, it’s just the hormones talking and it WILL go away. for more information about what you, in your particular situation, can do to help yourself get right sooner…a book I highly recommend (easy read too)…. "Hormonal Health" Michael Colgan, MD. Hope this helps KC Cindy

Response:

Question:

Hi Jim,     When I lived in the City I saw an excellent pdoc. Her name is Dr. Lauren Gorman, she was at Central Park West. Just wanted to mention a positive Pdoc in the Crazy Crazy City … hummingbrd

Response:

there are  many great doctors in NYC…VERY inexpensive is this place: http://www.nyspi.cpmc.columbia.edu/ Located as part of Columbia,they  offer the newest ideas and most openminded help! Offen for free! ALSO: when I lived on Wooster in  TriBeCa, I often had to work hard to feel clean,bright,special…one of my favorite things to do was the Met. of Art another was to pack a beautiful lunch and  take the ferry to  Statue of Liberty Park…a national Park that over looks a beautiful skyline and ocean scenery,take no alcohol,maybe peaceful tapes and ood food!!Ellis Island gets more crowds, the land around the statue is a delite!maryg Hi Jim,     When I lived in the City I saw an excellent pdoc. Her name is Dr. Lauren Gorman, she was at Central Park West. Just wanted to mention a positive Pdoc in the Crazy Crazy City … hummingbrd

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

Response:

Hi Jim, So it’s Saturday morning and I have a talk therapy appointment at 11. Went to the hospital yesterday to see my psychiatrist, and toughed out the (very) brief meeting with him, not wanting to appear too needy. I’ve been feeling very very crazy & suicidal all week and on Wednesday we upped my Effexor dose to 300mg per day.

Are you still taking Depakote? I had prepared a long logical argument with graphs to convince him that the antidepressant side effects were actually causing more depression than they were treating, but he wanted to try more instead of less (I suggested sliding down from 225mg to 150mg). OK. One of my past bad habits has been becoming so upset & mistrustful of my mental health caregivers that I just bail out. I’m trying to trust this young guy (I’ve been taking SSRIs longer than he’s prescribing them). I think this 300mg dose is starting to undercut the good effects of the Depakote (1250mg).

It may be….I guess only time will tell. Has he considered the possibility of adding a 2nd adjunct MS to the Depakote? But then I had to deal with the billing process and the Medicaid office and the damn back & forth (I’m broke & have no money so the clinic will offer me a sliding scale, but because I need meds I applied for Medicaid, but because I applied for Medicaid the clinic won’t offer me a sliding scale and I won’t find out for 2 weeks whether I’ve been approved for Medicaid und so weiter). It was real bad, very Stanislaw Lem.

The bureaucratic run around is so frustrating….and IMO unnecessary. This is a stressor you definitely don’t need (nor does anyone for that matter)!! I feel like I’m failing, like I’ve failed, like there is nothing ahead of me but decline. I’ve applied for SS Disability but have been denied once and the case is up for review. I haven’t paid rent yet this month, and although my sister has offered financial support, I can’t bring myself to actually avail myself of her help.

Please accept her offer. She wants to help and you can use assistance right now. When I first checked out this newsgroup, I saw a very long and angry rant about (text in quotes roughly from memory) "whiners who expect a handout…should get up off their butts and go out and work for a living…" or something to that effect.

Some of us can, and some cannot…through no fault of our own. I have an internal Republican who also says that kind of stuff to me all day long. He’s also an adamant Social Darwinist who tells me that if I don’t have money I’m worthless and that I should just get off the planet.

You are NOT worthless Jim. Just try to let that thought go!!! I dunno. My history is pretty checkered, but I did manage to keep various jobs for about 27 years. My last job was a vice-presidency. I would really like to get back to work sometime soon, but I feel so sick all the time now…this has been the worst 5 years of my life. SSD would provide a little cushion so I could eat better, not worry so much about turning into one of the myriad homeless, and get back on my feet and put myself back into the world.

I do hope you recieve it soon. Most of the time I think suicide is my only option. I’m so tired of all the pain I live with and I can’t imagine things ever getting any better. Maybe I am just a drain on the resources of others and getting out of everyone’s way would be for the best. If only I could just stop my heart….

I share similar sentiments Jim. I’m so tired of the "med go round." It is neverending. I am filled with hoplessness too <sigh. Mostly what I’m doing is just enduring. Plodding through another miserable day. No suicide, just torture. I have no other tools…. Sorry for the long rant.

Please never apologize for sharing your feelings with us. That is why we exist here. You are a worthwhile person…please  try not to succumb to the negative tapes in your head. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Jim)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Yours,

Response:

So it’s Saturday morning and I have a talk therapy appointment at 11. Went to the hospital yesterday to see my psychiatrist, and toughed out the (very) brief meeting with him, not wanting to appear too needy. I’ve been feeling very very crazy & suicidal all week and on Wednesday we upped my Effexor dose to 300mg per day. I had prepared a long logical argument with graphs to convince him that the antidepressant side effects were actually causing more depression than they were treating, but he wanted to try more instead of less (I suggested sliding down from 225mg to 150mg). OK. One of my past bad habits has been becoming so upset & mistrustful of my mental health caregivers that I just bail out. I’m trying to trust this young guy (I’ve been taking SSRIs longer than he’s prescribing them). I think this 300mg dose is starting to undercut the good effects of the Depakote (1250mg). But then I had to deal with the billing process and the Medicaid office and the damn back & forth (I’m broke & have no money so the clinic will offer me a sliding scale, but because I need meds I applied for Medicaid, but because I applied for Medicaid the clinic won’t offer me a sliding scale and I won’t find out for 2 weeks whether I’ve been approved for Medicaid und so weiter). It was real bad, very Stanislaw Lem. I feel like I’m failing, like I’ve failed, like there is nothing ahead of me but decline. I’ve applied for SS Disability but have been denied once and the case is up for review. I haven’t paid rent yet this month, and although my sister has offered financial support, I can’t bring myself to actually avail myself of her help. When I first checked out this newsgroup, I saw a very long and angry rant about (text in quotes roughly from memory) "whiners who expect a handout…should get up off their butts and go out and work for a living…" or something to that effect. I have an internal Republican who also says that kind of stuff to me all day long. He’s also an adamant Social Darwinist who tells me that if I don’t have money I’m worthless and that I should just get off the planet. I dunno. My history is pretty checkered, but I did manage to keep various jobs for about 27 years. My last job was a vice-presidency. I would really like to get back to work sometime soon, but I feel so sick all the time now…this has been the worst 5 years of my life. SSD would provide a little cushion so I could eat better, not worry so much about turning into one of the myriad homeless, and get back on my feet and put myself back into the world. Most of the time I think suicide is my only option. I’m so tired of all the pain I live with and I can’t imagine things ever getting any better. Maybe I am just a drain on the resources of others and getting out of everyone’s way would be for the best. If only I could just stop my heart…. Mostly what I’m doing is just enduring. Plodding through another miserable day. No suicide, just torture. I have no other tools…. Sorry for the long rant. Jim

Response:

Question:

I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days.  My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time. If any of you can help us, I would appreciate it.   Thanks. Penzack

Response:

My understanding from everything I have read and talked to others is fogginess in the head is common and can take up to 2 weeks for the body to adjust to it. The appetite is probably the Ritalin.  That is a normal side effect.  My son has this too, but the Clonadine he takes at nite works well and I let him eat alot then.  He is 7 lbs. underweight. Regina … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time. If any of you can help us, I would appreciate it. Thanks. Penzack

Response:

Hi Penzack: I’ve been on Wellbutrin, and Dexedrine spansule ( long acting ) for six months, and haven’t encountered the side-effects you describe. Wellbutrin takes seven days to build up the blood levels to be effective. One possibility, might be simple anxiety ( that sounds sick ) but anxiety has a way of producing physical symptoms. The wellbutrin has actually helped me to reduce my anxiety. Let me know if I can be of more help. Regards, David. I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and

night)

Response:

Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time.

I didn’t take Wellbutrin, my son did.  All I can tell you is it takes time to build up in your system.  The psych said up to four weeks. Mark settled down after a few weeks.  We did find, however, after long term use (two years) Wellbutrin seemed to bring out an argumentative, agressive streak in him.  We had to take him off of it.  He’s the dreamy, inattentive ADHD type, with some depression (although that has thankfully begun to lift, I think with maturity.  He’s beginning to gain some control over his own life, and he’s happier for it.  He’s 18 now) — Ann Illegitimi non Carborundum annbal*at*thecia*dot*net

Response:

Different people have different responses.  It often takes Wellbutrin a while to show any significant benefit–I’ve been on it 4 months now and I’m still seeing changes. I _wish_ Wellbutrin suppressed _my_ appetite.  On Ritalin, before it quit working for me, I managed to lose something like 30 pounds.  Since I’ve been on Wellbutrin I’ve gained that back and maybe a wee bit more. — — –John Reply to jclarke at eye bee em dot net

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days.  My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time. If any of you can help us, I would appreciate it. Thanks. Penzack

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days.  My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away? Thanks. Penzack

Hi, Just wanted to mention here that I am using Wellbutrin SR for smoking cessation.  I was to take 2 pills a day, but had to cut back to 1, as I was getting dizzy spells, and could not sleep at night.  As for my appetite, I am just the opposite, I am gaining too much weight. As for the glazed look, I felt dopey, not tired, but all in all it has helped me in my quest to stop smoking.

Response:

You might want to check out this web page "http://www.mayohealth.org/usp/html/202098b.htm".  It’s a clinical trial overview of the drug.   I’ve been taking wellbutrin for only about 3 to 4 weeks.  When my dose was initially doubled up to 300 mg per day (in 2 doses) boy, did I get some un-nerving side-effects!  Heavy dissiness that would come in waves, feeling quite ‘out of it’, yet being more interactive with others.  Strange huh?  I also noticed that I was having trouble maintaining my tolerance level, ("snapping out" more easily) I believe that this was caused also by the cesasion of paxil over the last couple of weeks as well (withdraw simptoms).   I was also having a great deal of trouble sleeping through the night — 12 to 7, became 2 – 4.   I was very concerned about the side effects, especially the waves of dissiness.  They seemed almost like a rush that would make my nerves tingle and my eyes want to roll back in my head.  After discussing them with my doctor she cut me back to 1/2 doses. I am going to continue with the medication because of its reputation of becoming more effective with less noticeable side-effects as time goes on. If you are concerned by all means talk to your doctor, perhaps he/she may be able to suggest something to help him through this tough time.  I hope that your son (as well as myself) soon start to notice the more positive effects of Wellbutrin. Hang in there.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -You might want to check out this web page "http://www.mayohealth.org/usp/html/202098b.htm".  It’s a clinical trial overview of the drug.   I’ve been taking wellbutrin for only about 3 to 4 weeks.  When my dose was initially doubled up to 300 mg per day (in 2 doses) boy, did I get some un-nerving side-effects!  Heavy dissiness that would come in waves, feeling quite ‘out of it’, yet being more interactive with others.  Strange huh?  I also noticed that I was having trouble maintaining my tolerance level, ("snapping out" more easily) I believe that this was caused also by the cesasion of paxil over the last couple of weeks as well (withdraw simptoms). I was also having a great deal of trouble sleeping through the night — 12 to 7, became 2 – 4.   I was very concerned about the side effects, especially the waves of dissiness. They seemed almost like a rush that would make my nerves tingle and my eyes want to roll back in my head.  After discussing them with my doctor she cut me back to 1/2 doses. I am going to continue with the medication because of its reputation of becoming more effective with less noticeable side-effects as time goes on. If you are concerned by all means talk to your doctor, perhaps he/she may be able to suggest something to help him through this tough time.  I hope that your son (as well as myself) soon start to notice the more positive effects of Wellbutrin. Hang in there.

I am not against Wellbutrin, please don’t take this post that way. I just want to point out that Wellbutrin, like ANY medication or herbal supplement should be tested on you in low doses before you make a decision on whether it is for you. I nearly had a heart attack on 5mg of Wellbutrin.. because of an allergic reaction. My sister stopped eating altogether when they put her on it. Please, everyone, be safe. ~Wendy

Response:

out: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days.  My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away? Thanks. Penzack Hi, Just wanted to mention here that I am using Wellbutrin SR for smoking cessation.  I was to take 2 pills a day, but had to cut back to 1, as I was getting dizzy spells, and could not sleep at night.  As for my appetite, I am just the opposite, I am gaining too much weight. As for the glazed look, I felt dopey, not tired, but all in all it has helped me in my quest to stop smoking.

Wellbutrin was the first drug that I took for treatment of my ADD and depression. It worked pretty well in the short time that I took it – it really helped my concentration, and I liked the appetite suppression aspect of it since I’m overweight, but my body just couldn’t tolerate it. I got dizzy, sleepy yet hyper at the same time, nervous, shaky, headachey, and just a feeling of sickness and toxicity – a bad taste in my mouth. I put up with it for a while, tried cutting back the dosage, but it only kept getting worse. I think my body just wasn’t excreting it well. Wellbutrin is in a class by itself. It’s not like any other drug. From what I understand, it’s not a reuptake inhibitor, and they are unsure as to what exactly the action is that it takes to make seratonin, norepenephrin and dopamine more available. Although it’s classed as an antidepressant, it actually acts like a stimulant on the CNS. Personally I don’t do too well on stimulants. Low doses of caffiene and dexedrine, ritalin, etc, don’t have much effect. Higher doses start to have a beneficial, calming effect, helping my concentration, etc, but then after a time I start to get sick, dizzy, nervous, headachey, etc etc, and the symptoms get progressively worse, as if it’s building up in my body and not being excreted, and making me sick. But in general I think I have a pretty sensitive system. In all the drugs I’ve tried since (Nortriptaline, Prozac, Effexor) I’ve only ever needed the lowest dose of the drug for effectiveness. I know people who take Wellbutrin and do great on it. I have a young cousin who takes it for ADD and it has had no negative side effects. My ex-husband takes it for alcohol addiction, and he said the only side effect was the loss of appetite. I would say that if the bad side effects, the dizziness and such continue, and you don’t seem to be getting any positive effects, then talk to your doctor about switching to something else. There are many other drugs out there you can try if Wellbutrin doesn’t work. wherever, at primenet dot com wherever you are…there you go.

Response:

I have a 7yr old child who is on Ritalin, Clonidine and Wellbutrin 150mg SR once daily.  It will take up to 4 weeks before your body starts to effectively absorb the medication and then you will start to see results. it is a slow progress, you can’t expect to notice a difference in just a few days.  Just don’t give up.

s.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My 7 yr old was put on Wellbutrin 100mg a day.  We have seen great improvement.  He was taking Effexor for a while and I never did see the change.  With the Wellbutrin, it took probably 1-2 weeks to see a difference.  My son was talking about suicide and how everyone hated him and he couldn’t do anything right.  On the Wellbutrin, I haven’t heard hardly any depressive comments.  It’s been great.  But if you stick with it a while and you can’t tell a difference, try something else.  It’s my opinion that medications effect everyone differently. I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days. My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time. If any of you can help us, I would appreciate it. Thanks. Penzack

Response:

My 7 yr old was put on Wellbutrin 100mg a day.  We have seen great improvement.  He was taking Effexor for a while and I never did see the change.  With the Wellbutrin, it took probably 1-2 weeks to see a difference.  My son was talking about suicide and how everyone hated him and he couldn’t do anything right.  On the Wellbutrin, I haven’t heard hardly any depressive comments.  It’s been great.  But if you stick with it a while and you can’t tell a difference, try something else.  It’s my opinion that medications effect everyone differently. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days.  My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time. If any of you can help us, I would appreciate it.   Thanks. Penzack

Response:

Question:

: Does anyone know the side effects from Prozak? I have been taking 20mg : daily for a couple of months, and have had a mild headache ever since. It’s : kind of like someone is pushing on my head from above! : Jim — Jim, All AD’s usually have some side-effects but they vary according to the person. I took one dose of 20 mg. of Prozac and had an extreme anxiety attack in the middle of the night. Prozac is an SSRI which is one of the newest drugs available and theoretically has fewer side effects than the older tri-cyclics. They don’t seem to have the tendency to sedate or cause dry-mouth and constipation like the older drugs, but I have had some side effects from Zoloft and Serzone which are fairly new as well. Basically any thing that you notice after being on the drug and didn’t have before could be a side-effect. Quite often the side-effects will go away or dissipate over time, sometimes not. Give it 4-6 weeks if it is not severe headache and then decide if it has helped. If not, you should hav e your doctor try another one. Good Luck! Lise,  Guelph, ON Canada

Response:

Does anyone know the side effects of Prozak. I have been on 20mg a day for a couple of months and have had a strange heavy feeling 24 hours a day! Kind of a very mild dull headache. This was similar to the very reason (Symptom) that I was originally given the Prozak for. Any ideas would be great! Please reply by e-mail Jim

I have the same prescription which includes Xanax.  No side effects, except when I take too much alcohol (beer).  Then I get anxious or close to panic.  I was also on 60 mg of Prosac for years and the only side effect was need to sleep and no libido and that was a fair trade-off as far as I was concerned. —

Response:

Does anyone know the side effects from Prozak? I have been taking 20mg daily for a couple of months, and have had a mild headache ever since. It’s kind of like someone is pushing on my head from above! Jim

 I was on Prozac for about 9 months to one year, it was my first AD and I had a hard time with it. I would have a few night mares and would be sexually uninterested if that is what the word would be. It took away my libido and gave me diarea, both of which were uncomfortable for me. I am no longer taking any medications but this summer I want to try to get back on something. I was also taking 20mg, 10 in the mourning and 10 at night. Then I was moved to just 10 a day, in the morning. Later I switched to wellbutrin and then to zoloft. None of these medications worked the way I wished they would have but I am still going to try again. Shane

Response:

Does anyone know the side effects of Prozak. I have been on 20mg a day for a couple of months and have had a strange heavy feeling 24 hours a day! Kind of a very mild dull headache. This was similar to the very reason (Symptom) that I was originally given the Prozak for. Any ideas would be great! Please reply by e-mail Jim

Response:

Question:

Hello All! Dear Participant I am a student at a university in Colorado Springs Colorado.  I am required to complete a research project. This project is close to my heart since I have been divorced twice, both times it was not my choice.  This research involves no-fault divorce and its effect on the family.

Dennis’ survey is available in online/browser format at: http://www.10mb.com/jbarchuk/opinion/ Under the category ‘Family’. Have a day! — jim barchuk http://www.10mb.com/jbarchuk/

Response:

I <<<think this was a typo…. =15. Divorce eliminates dad relationships reducing stress in the parents =allowing them to better their economical status. = =       ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD Or was it? David

Response:

Dear Participant I am a student at a university in Colorado Springs Colorado.  I am required to complete a research project. This project is close to my heart since I have been divorced twice, both times it was not my choice.  This research involves no-fault divorce and its effect on the family. All data for the project is held in strict confidence.  Your name and other identification are not requested.  The results will not be sold, formally published or used for comercial profit.  However the completed project will be bound and placed in the University’s library. By completing the questionnaire youare giving consent for this information to be used in my research. Dennis N. Rosas I am going to post results in this new group, however if you would like one sent to you check here______ and I will e-mail you a copy.   Male_____               Age_____ Female_____             Have you ever been divorced_____ Please answer the following questions by indicating the response that most closely resembles your thought on the statement that is given.  Please return questionnaire by returning them to Dennis N. Rosas.  Thank you for your participation in this project.  I will post result in this new group on or about 19 May 1997. Use the following guide to respond to the statements: SA – Strongly Agree A- Agree U – Uncertain D – Disagree SD – Strongly Disagree 1.  No-fault divorce has increased problems with today’s youths.         ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD 2.  No-fault divorce negatively effects the emotional well being of teenagers.         ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD 3.  Young adults who come from a divorced home have trouble in future relationships.         ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD 4.  Because society accepts divorce and the breakdown in the family, divorce is more acceptable            now.         ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD 5.  No-fault divorce has placed more children at risk of behavioral disorders.         ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD 6.  Societies mores have nothing to do with the divorce rate.         ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD 7.  Adolescents who come from a broken home understand what it takes to have a good        relationship.         ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD 8.  No-fault divorce eliminates bad relationships preventing undue stress on adolescents.         ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD 9.  Breakdown of society has led to increased pressure on the family unit increasing divorce rates.         ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD 10.  No-fault divorce allows bad marriages to end quickly eliminating stress in the family unit that         could cause negative affects.         ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD 11.  The effect of divorce on teenagers causes increases in failed relationships as adults.         ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD 12.  Quick and easy divorces have little effect on future relationships of young adults.         ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD 13.  Divorce causes undue economical stress on all parties involved.         ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD 14.  Societies view on divorce has nothing to do with the divorce rate.         ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD 15. Divorce eliminates dad relationships reducing stress in the parents allowing them to better             their economical status.         ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD 16.  No-fault divorce has had no effect on raising children.         ___SA      ___A     ___U      ___D      ___SD

Response:

Question:

What’s the difference?  Is there anyone with experience with both?

Response:

What’s the difference?  Is there anyone with experience with both?

Big difference!  Prozac started it all and many other (paxil, zoloft, effexor, luvox) followed.  The basis is the same, but for more info I would suggest doing a search on any one in particular or investing in a drug book for lay people or checking out a PDR.  There are many here that have been on both, perhaps if you specify what it is you wantr to know…. Gwen

Response:

What’s the difference?  Is there anyone with experience with both?

  Years ago my pDoc was reluctant to put me on Prozac.  I was already on Imipramine with Ativan for GAD and Prozac was known to cause anxiety.  However since depression was also a major problem for me, he finally put me on Prozac.  Worked great for me for a couple of years.  It did make me more anxious, but greatly helped my depression and panic.  Eventually I switched to Paxil because the anxiety got to be too much.  Paxil did have less of an anxiety effect on me and also helped panic and depression.  Paxil has a shorter half-life and this can make withdrawl from it more difficult (it did for me).    A search of this NG (and alt.support.depression) should provide all sorts of experiences with both. Depends on your needs as to which is best and of course YMMV.    Of course the Web has lots of info too, like these: http://www.gold.net/users/ad88/sideedi.htm http://www.MedsiteNavigator.com/drugs/drugs.html    (Prozac=Fluoxetine,Paxil=Paroxetine) Cheers, Bill

Response:

:       What is a therapeutic dose of PAXIL. That depends on you and your doctor.  SmithKline makes 10 mg (new), 20 mg, and 30 mg tablets I believe. Some of

these have scores in the middle, some don’t.  I believe the 20 mg does. One possible advantage of Paxil is faster onset of action.  Prozac usually takes weeks, Paxil is faster.  It took me about 20 minutes.  I take 20 mg.  Initial side-effects that wore off: jitters, uneven feelings.   Prolonged side-effects: inability to sleep without klonopin or Excedrin PM, libido decreasing from little to almost zilch.  Frankly, I like that, as I am going through a divorce.  My wife doesn’t want me, and I don’t want anyone else.  I would take it for that reason alone.  It makes building a network of friends easier (no ulterior motives!).  I had previously had some panic/anxiety symptoms and have had none since I started, although I do have times when I am down.

Response:

<much really good stuff snipped In my opinion (panic disorder for 27 years), what is important is for each of us to have a doctor who understands that each of us is fighting a problem that has a biological core and many psychological side effects.  

I think you’ve really encapsulated it well there, Tom. It seems to me that the worst doctor one can have is the type who has *one* cure which s/he applies universally and if it doesn’t work, the patient is at fault. The testimonies on ASAP alone bear witness to just how many different solutions there are. — Gary Cooper

Response:

My doctor is moving me from prozac to paxil; she is under the impression that paxil has an advantage over prozac in handling anxiety. I am not good at search the literature; can anyone confirm or deny my doctor’s impression (for one thing, I dread the change-over period). Kristin —                     Kristin Rachael Hayward                 http://130.111.120.13/~hayward

Hello All!! Happy Holidays! My personal experience has been that Paxil is much more effective against panic disorder than Prozac.  I also know many others who have benefitted from Prozac re panic attacks. I tried Prozac for a short while, and it actually <<induced panic attacks, even though I started out with a gradual, upward tapering dosage.  I have friends who felt very shaky and energized while starting Paxil, but I never experiened that set of side effects either. I think the lesson to be learned is that each of us has his/her own biochemistry and (to quote Dr. George Sheehan) "each of us is an experiment of one".  We all respond differently and need to be treated as such.  For me, Paxil has been an excellent anti-panic med and Prozac was a dismal failure.  For the next person, however, the reverse could be true.  I believe that the SSRI’s and the benzos (and the tricyclics-imipramine, etc) all have a place in treating panic disorder. In my opinion (panic disorder for 27 years), what is important is for each of us to have a doctor who understands that each of us is fighting a problem that has a biological core and many psychological side effects.   I wish all of you the best in 1997 Regards, Tom — *****TRG Technologies*****                                       Tom Getts-Principal Consultant                             Web Pages                      Database Services (specialty: Oracle) General Internet Consulting    Scientific Consulting http://www.trg-tech.com                                                                    

Response:

:       What is a therapeutic dose of PAXIL. I believe the standard therapeutic dosage for Paxil is 40mg, but you may end up on a higher or lower dosage depending on what is effective with tollerable side effects. I’m pretty comfortable at 30mg right now and may not have to move up to 40mg.                                         Best Wishes,                                         Arthur

Arthur Thanks I had a feeling 10 and 20 were low Did you get any REAL benefit at 10 or 20 (rather what did you feel happening ????) ie… No regular anxiety or just no PA ???? thanks …. John

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : : Arthur : : Thanks I had a feeling 10 and 20 were low : : Did you get any REAL benefit at 10 or 20 (rather what did you feel : happening ????) ie… No regular anxiety or just no PA ???? Well, I still have some anxiety problems at 30mg, but the PAs have stopped (I’m still celebrating that one!!!). Basically, I experienced increasing relief from the biologically caused anxiety as my dosage increased, but you can’t just get rid of all your anxiety with increased dosage. It’s natural to have some residue of psychological anxiety after experiencing severe anxiety or panic attacks, and this is best adressed with some form of psychotherapy. And let’s not forget, some degree of anxiety is simply part of a healthy mental state. The medications are a very important tool, but some of the work we just have to do ourselves.                                         Best Wishes,                                         Arthur

Thanks         I’ll keep in touch and let you now how its going John

Response:

[snip Anyone have the address to Noodle's page?  I can never remember it. But, it has a lot of info about anxiety there! Good luck! JLS --

[snip] The URL is http://www.algy.com/anxiety/anxiety.html Best wishes, Hirsch address in header has been changed to avoid junk mail

Response:

: : Arthur : : Thanks I had a feeling 10 and 20 were low : : Did you get any REAL benefit at 10 or 20 (rather what did you feel : happening ????) ie… No regular anxiety or just no PA ???? Well, I still have some anxiety problems at 30mg, but the PAs have stopped (I’m still celebrating that one!!!). Basically, I experienced increasing relief from the biologically caused anxiety as my dosage increased, but you can’t just get rid of all your anxiety with increased dosage. It’s natural to have some residue of psychological anxiety after experiencing severe anxiety or panic attacks, and this is best adressed with some form of psychotherapy. And let’s not forget, some degree of anxiety is simply part of a healthy mental state. The medications are a very important tool, but some of the work we just have to do ourselves.                                         Best Wishes,                                         Arthur

Response:

:       What is a therapeutic dose of PAXIL. I believe the standard therapeutic dosage for Paxil is 40mg, but you may end up on a higher or lower dosage depending on what is effective with tollerable side effects. I’m pretty comfortable at 30mg right now and may not have to move up to 40mg.                                         Best Wishes,                                         Arthur

Response:

My doctor is moving me from prozac to paxil; she is under the impression that paxil has an advantage over prozac in handling anxiety. I am not good at search the literature; can anyone confirm or deny my doctor’s impression (for one thing, I dread the change-over period). Kristin —                     Kristin Rachael Hayward                 http://130.111.120.13/~hayward

Kristin, I am on Paxil for anxiety, because I get really wound up, and the Dr. said it would take the edge off and calm me down.  My SO, who is bi-polar, is on Prozac, because he needs to be boosted up (He could sleep for days).  I feel better on Paxil, but it was the first med I have been on in years.  YOu can check the Anxiety Web Page to get more info. Anyone have the address to Noodle’s page?  I can never remember it. But, it has a lot of info about anxiety there! Good luck! JLS — "I’ve been searching for the Daughter of the Devil Himself, I’ve been searching for an Angel in White, I’ve been looking for a woman who’s a little of both, and I can feel her, but she’s no where in sight…"       Funny, I thought I heard someone was calling my name… http://www.winternet.com/~zodiac

Response:

: My doctor is moving me from prozac to paxil; she is under the impression that : paxil has an advantage over prozac in handling anxiety. : : I am not good at search the literature; can anyone confirm or deny : my doctor’s impression (for one thing, I dread the change-over period). Hi Kristin, I think the most important question here is whether or not the prozac has significantly helped you? If you seem to be doing well on the prozac, then I don’t see much reason to change. However, if the prozac isn’t helping enough or if the prozac has unreliable affects, then paxil is certainly worth a try. I take paxil, but a close friend of mine takes prozac for anxiety. As long as the prozac works well for him, I wouldn’t encourage him to change. As far as I know, the only reason to prefer paxil over prozac is that, in general, people respond more reliably to paxil. Prozac may be harder to predict, but when it works for someone it seems to work as well as paxil.                                         Best Wishes,                                         Arthur

Response:

My doctor is moving me from prozac to paxil; she is under the impression that paxil has an advantage over prozac in handling anxiety. I am not good at search the literature; can anyone confirm or deny my doctor’s impression (for one thing, I dread the change-over period). Kristin —                    Kristin Rachael Hayward                http://130.111.120.13/~hayward

Technically, Paxil has been approved by the FDA for anxiety treatment, while Prozac has not. Practically, both are used, and the responses to meds vary greatly from person to person.  The question you need to ask about the Prozac is:  Is it working??  If the Prozac has relieved your anxiety, why change??  OTOH, if you are still having problems with anxiety even after giving Prozac a chance to work, then Paxil is a reasonable alternative.  There is no one right med for anxiety, and finding the one that works best for you often involves trial and error. Please bear in mind that any of the SRI meds  (which include Prozac and PAxil) will take several weeks before they will have any effect on anxiety.  Also, it is worth noting that one of the possible side effects of these meds is an _increase_  in anxiety in the early stages.  You can get around this, if it’s a problem, by starting at a very low dose, and then working up to the therapeutic dose.  Also, a short-term prescription for a benzodiazepine can also help reduce anxiety in starting an SRI. Hope this helps, Hirsch address in header has been changed to avoid junk mail

Response:

Please bear in mind that any of the SRI meds  (which include Prozac and PAxil) will take several weeks before they will have any effect on anxiety.  Also, it is worth noting that one of the possible side effects of these meds is an _increase_  in anxiety in the early stages.  You can get around this, if it’s a problem, by starting at a very low dose, and then working up to the therapeutic dose.  Also, a short-term prescription for a benzodiazepine can also help reduce anxiety in starting an SRI. Hope this helps, Hirsch address in header has been changed to avoid junk mail

PMJI,         What is a therapeutic dose of PAXIL.  I had a major PA ( had to get out of the car and calm down ) on a trip to new York one Sunday a month and a half ago and after that incident the next week was hell even had problems driving alone, then went to see a Psychiatrist he prescribed the PAXIL. after that could drive alone a little better.  I started at 10mg for a month and felt a only slightly better. On Sunday I moved up to 20mgs and then On Christmas eve I had to drive the family and our au-pare 45 mins away and although I had pins and needles in my hands and mild anxiesty i finished the trip up with no major problems,  once there no problemns and on the way home only  slight anxiety. ( better I think???) now I am wondering what to expect and what is the dose….. Thanks John A quiet sufferer for 15 years……

Response:

My doctor is moving me from prozac to paxil; she is under the impression that paxil has an advantage over prozac in handling anxiety. I am not good at search the literature; can anyone confirm or deny my doctor’s impression (for one thing, I dread the change-over period). Kristin —                     Kristin Rachael Hayward                 http://130.111.120.13/~hayward

Response:

My doctor is moving me from prozac to paxil; she is under the impression that paxil has an advantage over prozac in handling anxiety. I am not good at search the literature; can anyone confirm or deny my doctor’s impression (for one thing, I dread the change-over period).

If I recall, Paxil has US approval for anxiety problems – but I’m not sure whether that means it’s any better as such. As I understand it, it just means the manufacturer has bothered to get it approved for that purpose. Anecdotally, I have heard it claimed that it is better for this use than Prozac, but I’m not aware of any studies that prove that. If Prozac hasn’t been ‘doing the trick’, it’s a popular alternative though. Good luck with it! — Gary Cooper

Response: