Question:

I take lots of inhalers and have just tried Singulair. How long does it take to start working?

When I was in the worst of the year-long attack I had, I felt the effects of Singulair immediately. Now I wonder whether it’s working at all, but it must be because I get worse if I miss taking it.

Response:

I take lots of inhalers and have just tried Singulair. How long does it take to start working? It doesn’t seem to do anything. It is always hard for me to tell what works since I run into triggers off and on. With that and delayed reactions, it is hard to play detective and tell what is due to what. Thanks for the help.

I found it worked within the first few days.  But it appears to be effect for only 2/3 of the people taking it.  You may be in the 1/3. Check with your allergist.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started it on Tuesday of this week and my experience is it worked almost immediately. My wife said I slept so well…no coughing and no snoring either ( I have sleep apnea….not using my Bi-PAP now because of the 4-5 weeks I’ve had lung problems). She said I hardly moved all night long. YMMV….this is just my experience   Wow! Me too! I had been using my Proventil inhaler regularly along with Serevent. The Dr. put me back on Flovent and added Singulair. I haven’t needed the Proventil even once since then. Since I believe the Flovent takes some time to start working I’m convinced that the Singulair did the job. I’m not 100% better yet – my lungs still hurt when I take a deep breath. But I’m very much improved! Debi

Singulair is practically my god…within 24 hours I felt a *huge* effect. I now use proventil as a rescue inhaler maybe once a week, as opposed to the once/twice/even three times a day I used to have to use it. —  Karen Ingraffea  "I might be a coward; I’m afraid of what I might find out…" -(The Mighty Mighty Bosstones) The Impression That I Get "All things being equal, you lose." -Anon

Response:

I started it on Tuesday of this week and my experience is it worked almost immediately. My wife said I slept so well…no coughing and no snoring either ( I have sleep apnea….not using my Bi-PAP now because of the 4-5 weeks I’ve had lung problems). She said I hardly moved all night long. YMMV….this is just my experience

  Wow! Me too! I had been using my Proventil inhaler regularly along with Serevent. The Dr. put me back on Flovent and added Singulair. I haven’t needed the Proventil even once since then. Since I believe the Flovent takes some time to start working I’m convinced that the Singulair did the job. I’m not 100% better yet – my lungs still hurt when I take a deep breath. But I’m very much improved! Debi

Response:

Your insert should supply this information. If not your pharmacist will tell you.

Response:

I take lots of inhalers and have just tried Singulair. How long does it take to start working? It doesn’t seem to do anything. It is always hard for me to tell what works since I run into triggers off and on. With that and delayed reactions, it is hard to play detective and tell what is due to what. Thanks for the help.

Generally, about 30 days is considered an adequate time to tell if it is or is not working. It’s a terrible responsibility – but somebody has to be the Americans.

Response:

I started it on Tuesday of this week and my experience is it worked almost immediately. My wife said I slept so well…no coughing and no snoring either ( I have sleep apnea….not using my Bi-PAP now because of the 4-5 weeks I’ve had lung problems). She said I hardly moved all night long. YMMV….this is just my experience * 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:

I take lots of inhalers and have just tried Singulair. How long does it take to start working? It doesn’t seem to do anything. It is always hard for me to tell what works since I run into triggers off and on. With that and delayed reactions, it is hard to play detective and tell what is due to what. Thanks for the help. Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

Tami, I don’t know what your office is like but if you have an office or workspace of your own perhaps your employer can install a window/wall air conditioner just for the space you are confined to. Then your area with stay cooler and less humid. I’m pretty certain that he can take some additonal tax write-offs under the ADA accomodations clauses and help both of you in the process. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is anyone else having trouble with the heat and humidity we are experiencing in the midwest this week and last?    I’m missing a lot of work because of the weather, I know my boss is not completely understanding the situation, and he’s getting a little digusted.   I just finished 2 weeks of prednisone, I take theodur, flovent 220, combivent, zyrtec, athsmacort  for my sinuses, and am taking augmenten again for yet another sinus infection.  My place of employment is air conditioned, but as the day goes on, and doors are constantly opened,  my lungs get tight, my face red, chest hurts, headache, you know the routine. coughing, wheezing,  tired.  Time to go home…What else can I do??  Any ideas??  Tami

Response:

Problem for me is the constant change – going from hot humid outside to inside air conditioning and back.  Start having problems after going in and out serveral times.  Believe the sudden change doesn’t help my lungs at all! JEB – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is anyone else having trouble with the heat and humidity we are experiencing in the midwest this week and last?    I’m missing a lot of work because of the weather, I know my boss is not completely understanding the situation, and he’s getting a little digusted.   I just finished 2 weeks of prednisone, I take theodur, flovent 220, combivent, zyrtec, athsmacort  for my sinuses, and am taking augmenten again for yet another sinus infection.  My place of employment is air conditioned, but as the day goes on, and doors are constantly opened,  my lungs get tight, my face red, chest hurts, headache, you know the routine. coughing, wheezing,  tired.  Time to go home…What else can I do??  Any ideas??  Tami

Response:

Heat and humidity make it hard for anyone to breath and for asthmatics it’s worse.  Staying indoors with air-conditioning and drinking a lot of water is a good policy.  I work at home on "bad air" days when the  high humidity and or smog are high. I’m lucky that I can do my work from anywhere with a phone, computer and fax machine.  There are some days when I have to attend meetings etc., and then I take an air conditioned taxi or limo to the office to avoid being outdoors. In some jurisdictions there is legislation requiring reasonable accomodation of disabilities (e.g. Human Rights Codes), for example, installing wheelchair accessible washrooms.  In some cases, depending on the kind of work involved, arrangements for work at home on "bad air" days might be reasonable.  Some employers are happy to make this arrangement (with or without a statutory obligation) rather than have the employee book off sick since it allows for continued productivity.  Another possible accomodation arrangement is taxi fare to the office to avoid being outdoors to and from the office (assuming travel to the office is the problem and the office itself is air conditioned).

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is anyone else having trouble with the heat and humidity we are experiencing in the midwest this week and last?    I’m missing a lot of work because of the weather, I know my boss is not completely understanding the situation, and he’s getting a little digusted.   I just finished 2 weeks of prednisone, I take theodur, flovent 220, combivent, zyrtec, athsmacort  for my sinuses, and am taking augmenten again for yet another sinus infection.  My place of employment is air conditioned, but as the day goes on, and doors are constantly opened,  my lungs get tight, my face red, chest hurts, headache, you know the routine. coughing, wheezing,  tired.  Time to go home…What else can I do??  Any ideas??  Tami

Response:

I am in the Midwest.. Wisconsin actually and the heat is killing me. I work down near the lake and the cooler air is not cool at all. I know how you feel. About work, I know how it goes. People think asthma is just some petty little excuse because we don’t want to work. Those people are ignorant. Luckily my job was a bit understanding when it came to me taking off for doctors. When I can, I work through my lunch. The bad part is that we have forced air conditioning and my asthma is worse at work. I was told to get some green plants but I don’t think that is going to do it. Unfortunately, with asthma, most of the time you don’t have a choice but to take off work. I feel for you but know that you are not alone. Shannon

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The totally bizarre thing about this is that some people seem to think we want to be ill!  When I developed asthma I had the most awful cough. However I found daytime TV boring so went to work.  We had a snotty young receptionist who accused me of deliberately coughing at her down the phone.  Now I realise it was unpleasant for those round me – but thankfully I resisted the urge to punch her face in.  In fact I was iller than I realised (due mostly to sleep deprivation) and the best thing anyone at work could have done was told me to go home and stay home until I was really well enough to work again.  And in my line of business I can work from home, though I’m not sure if we were so clued up on doing so at that time. Is anyone else having trouble with the heat and humidity we are experiencing in the midwest this week and last?    I’m missing a lot of work because of the weather, I know my boss is not completely understanding the situation, and he’s getting a little digusted.   I just finished 2 weeks of prednisone, I take theodur, flovent 220, combivent, zyrtec, athsmacort  for my sinuses, and am taking augmenten again for yet another sinus infection.  My place of employment is air conditioned, but as the day goes on, and doors are constantly opened,  my lungs get tight, my face red, chest hurts, headache, you know the routine. coughing, wheezing,  tired.  Time to go home…What else can I do??  Any ideas??  Tami Would moving your desk help?  Get your doctor to write your boss a letter explaining the problem . . . this is covered by ADA and Workers Comp. Chris Owens — Surfer!

Response:

Is anyone else having trouble with the heat and humidity we are experiencing in the midwest this week and last?    I’m missing a lot of work because of the weather, I know my boss is not completely understanding the situation, and he’s getting a little digusted.   I just finished 2 weeks of prednisone, I take theodur, flovent 220, combivent, zyrtec, athsmacort  for my sinuses, and am taking augmenten again for yet another sinus infection.  My place of employment is air conditioned, but as the day goes on, and doors are constantly opened,  my lungs get tight, my face red, chest hurts, headache, you know the routine. coughing, wheezing,  tired.  Time to go home…What else can I do??  Any ideas??  Tami

Response:

Is anyone else having trouble with the heat and humidity we are experiencing in the midwest this week and last?  

I have had a little more trouble than usual.  When I go outside for very long at all, I come inside feeling like I’m suffocating.  It’s not an attack, just stuffy.   I know my boss is not completely understanding the situation, and he’s getting a little digusted.  

I used to have the same problem when I was working.  I eventually had to sit down with my boss and totally explain the situation to him and make him understand as best as I could.  Things got a little better after that, and my co-workers also understood more. my place of employment is air conditioned, but as the day goes on, and doors are constantly opened,  my lungs get tight, my face red, chest hurts, headache, you know the routine. coughing, wheezing,  tired.

Can you relocate your desk further away from the doors?? What else can I do??  Any ideas??  Tami

I had to end up taking an air purifier to work with me and putting it close to my desk area.  At first people thought it was weird, but eventually they ended up thank me, as their air was cleaned also.  It seems extreme, but I was determined not to let my work environment make me sick. Hope this helps! Take care! Ash http://www.angelfire.com/tn/Ashleigh1976/index.html

Response:

Is anyone else having trouble with the heat and humidity we are experiencing in the midwest this week and last?    I’m missing a lot of work because of the weather, I know my boss is not completely understanding the situation, and he’s getting a little digusted.   I just finished 2 weeks of prednisone, I take theodur, flovent 220, combivent, zyrtec, athsmacort  for my sinuses, and am taking augmenten again for yet another sinus infection.  My place of employment is air conditioned, but as the day goes on, and doors are constantly opened,  my lungs get tight, my face red, chest hurts, headache, you know the routine. coughing, wheezing,  tired.  Time to go home…What else can I do??  Any ideas??  Tami

Would moving your desk help?  Get your doctor to write your boss a letter explaining the problem . . . this is covered by ADA and Workers Comp. Chris Owens

Response:

The totally bizarre thing about this is that some people seem to think we want to be ill!  When I developed asthma I had the most awful cough. However I found daytime TV boring so went to work.  We had a snotty young receptionist who accused me of deliberately coughing at her down the phone.  Now I realise it was unpleasant for those round me – but thankfully I resisted the urge to punch her face in.  In fact I was iller than I realised (due mostly to sleep deprivation) and the best thing anyone at work could have done was told me to go home and stay home until I was really well enough to work again.  And in my line of business I can work from home, though I’m not sure if we were so clued up on doing so at that time. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is anyone else having trouble with the heat and humidity we are experiencing in the midwest this week and last?    I’m missing a lot of work because of the weather, I know my boss is not completely understanding the situation, and he’s getting a little digusted.   I just finished 2 weeks of prednisone, I take theodur, flovent 220, combivent, zyrtec, athsmacort  for my sinuses, and am taking augmenten again for yet another sinus infection.  My place of employment is air conditioned, but as the day goes on, and doors are constantly opened,  my lungs get tight, my face red, chest hurts, headache, you know the routine. coughing, wheezing,  tired.  Time to go home…What else can I do??  Any ideas??  Tami Would moving your desk help?  Get your doctor to write your boss a letter explaining the problem . . . this is covered by ADA and Workers Comp. Chris Owens

– Surfer!

Response:

Hi Blaine…. Check out www.aviationweather.com.  It has the latest surface analysis reports(SA’s) in ICAO format, and also translated (eg…"heavy rain, windy" just underneath something like 33030g45 RA+)… ed s.

Response:

Back when I used to be a Microsoft Flight Simulator junkie, I noticed you could call up the weather on ATIS.  Is their any place on the web that would give you the weather (text) for a particular U.S. Airport.  Also, I would imagine it’s in shorthand, so an interpretation guide might be helpful too Many thanks, Blaine Thompson

Response:

Hi Blaine…. Check out www.aviationweather.com.  It has the latest surface analysis reports(SA’s) in ICAO format, and also translated (eg…"heavy rain, windy" just underneath something like 33030g45 RA+)… ed s.

Response:

Back when I used to be a Microsoft Flight Simulator junkie, I noticed you could call up the weather on ATIS.  Is their any place on the web that would give you the weather (text) for a particular U.S. Airport.  Also, I would imagine it’s in shorthand, so an interpretation guide might be helpful too Many thanks, Blaine Thompson

Response:

Question:

I too have mild, allergy and exercise induced asthma. I started Singulair over a year ago, and have hardly ever had to use any other medicine during that period. I am very happy this way. Erica Steve Freides heeft geschreven in bericht – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I changed a few medications at once a few months back, resulting in a huge improvement in my condition.  I was taking Serevent and Allegra and added Singulair and Flovent. (I didn’t add Flovent but switched from Serevent to Advair.) I know a significant number of people take Advair/Flovent but do not take Singulair.  I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try. Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

The lowest strength of Flovent is 50ug/pf fluticasone, usually prescribed 2 pf twice/day. This could be tapered in half to 1 pf x2; or cut in 1/4 to 1 pf/day.

I have used this method for quite sometime and have had good success.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It makes more sense to just change one drug at a time, so you can see what it’s effect is, independent of the other drugs. It would make sense to go back to Serevent and add Flovent to equal your present dose of Advair. Then taper down the Flovent to the level to control your symptoms and keep peak flows in the Green Zone on your peak flow meter. My Advair is the lowest doseage of Flovent already, so there’s nothing there to taper. The lowest dose strength of Advair is 100ug/pf fluticasone,  usually prescribed twice/day. This could be tapered in half  to 1 pf/day. The lowest strength of Flovent is 50ug/pf fluticasone, usually prescribed 2 pf twice/day. This could be tapered in half to 1 pf x2; or cut in 1/4 to 1 pf/day.

Good points.  I could try my 100/50 Advair only in the mornings, but I like the idea of separating them and trying to lower the Serevent best. -S- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ellis  I’m quite convinced that Singulair has helped me and that I may be able to get by without either Serevent or Flovent. Colin’s suggestion of separating Advair into its components then reducing the Serevent is certainly worth trying as well. I will do a bit of experimenting with what’s in-house here already and report back in a few weeks. -S- The general rule on steroid inhalers is to use the minimum dose to control the problem, especially at Moderate and High dose levels. As a more simplistic approach, you could just try reducing the puffs of Advair. [however this simultaneously reduces the salmeterol and fluticasone]. Note that Advair comes in 3 strengths; if you are not using the lowest strength version you could try switching to that. Note that Singulair only helps about 2/3 who try it; if it doesn’t help it should be dropped. In my case it helps my rhinitis more than the asthma. Ellis Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

It makes more sense to just change one drug at a time, so you can see what it’s effect is, independent of the other drugs. It would make sense to go back to Serevent and add Flovent to equal your present dose of Advair. Then taper down the Flovent to the level to control your symptoms and keep peak flows in the Green Zone on your peak flow meter. My Advair is the lowest doseage of Flovent already, so there’s nothing there to taper.

The lowest dose strength of Advair is 100ug/pf fluticasone,  usually prescribed twice/day. This could be tapered in half  to 1 pf/day. The lowest strength of Flovent is 50ug/pf fluticasone, usually prescribed 2 pf twice/day. This could be tapered in half to 1 pf x2; or cut in 1/4 to 1 pf/day. Ellis  I’m quite convinced that Singulair has helped me and – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – that I may be able to get by without either Serevent or Flovent. Colin’s suggestion of separating Advair into its components then reducing the Serevent is certainly worth trying as well. I will do a bit of experimenting with what’s in-house here already and report back in a few weeks. -S- The general rule on steroid inhalers is to use the minimum dose to control the problem, especially at Moderate and High dose levels. As a more simplistic approach, you could just try reducing the puffs of Advair. [however this simultaneously reduces the salmeterol and fluticasone]. Note that Advair comes in 3 strengths; if you are not using the lowest strength version you could try switching to that. Note that Singulair only helps about 2/3 who try it; if it doesn’t help it should be dropped. In my case it helps my rhinitis more than the asthma. Ellis Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I changed a few medications at once a few months back, resulting in a huge improvement in my condition.  I was taking Serevent and Allegra and added Singulair and Flovent. (I didn’t add Flovent but switched from Serevent to Advair.) I know a significant number of people take Advair/Flovent but do not take Singulair.  I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try. It makes more sense to just change one drug at a time, so you can see what it’s effect is, independent of the other drugs. It would make sense to go back to Serevent and add Flovent to equal your present dose of Advair. Then taper down the Flovent to the level to control your symptoms and keep peak flows in the Green Zone on your peak flow meter.

Thank you and thanks to everyone else who has responded thus far. My Advair is the lowest doseage of Flovent already, so there’s nothing there to taper.  I’m quite convinced that Singulair has helped me and that I may be able to get by without either Serevent or Flovent. Colin’s suggestion of separating Advair into its components then reducing the Serevent is certainly worth trying as well. I will do a bit of experimenting with what’s in-house here already and report back in a few weeks. -S- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The general rule on steroid inhalers is to use the minimum dose to control the problem, especially at Moderate and High dose levels. As a more simplistic approach, you could just try reducing the puffs of Advair. [however this simultaneously reduces the salmeterol and fluticasone]. Note that Advair comes in 3 strengths; if you are not using the lowest strength version you could try switching to that. Note that Singulair only helps about 2/3 who try it; if it doesn’t help it should be dropped. In my case it helps my rhinitis more than the asthma. Ellis Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

It would make sense to go back to Serevent and add Flovent to equal your present dose of Advair. Then taper down the Flovent to the level to control your symptoms and keep peak flows in the Green Zone on your peak flow meter.

IMO, it would make more sense to taper the Serevent since Flovent prevents asthma symptoms and Serevent merely treats those symptoms. — "What Sept. 11 did was remind us that there are times when we must fight for our country, that, indeed, there are things – our liberty, our democracy, our belief in human rights and human dignity – worth fighting for." Newsday.com editorial – 27 May 2002

Response:

I take Advair and singulair with humibid.  This combination works really well for me.  I use proventil hcf for emergencies.  My dr told me that singulair is not a replacement of the inhalers only helps most.  I would recommend you go back to what your dr has told you to take and give it time to see if it works.  If the inhaler isn’t than call your pulmonary and let them know.  I mostly have myself under control with my copd and asthma.  But it take time.  UM MOM Susan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I changed a few medications at once a few months back, resulting in a huge improvement in my condition.  I was taking Serevent and Allegra and added Singulair and Flovent. (I didn’t add Flovent but switched from Serevent to Advair.) I know a significant number of people take Advair/Flovent but do not take Singulair.  I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try. Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

I changed a few medications at once a few months back, resulting in a huge improvement in my condition.  I was taking Serevent and Allegra and added Singulair and Flovent. (I didn’t add Flovent but switched from Serevent to Advair.) I know a significant number of people take Advair/Flovent but do not take Singulair.  I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try.

It makes more sense to just change one drug at a time, so you can see what it’s effect is, independent of the other drugs. It would make sense to go back to Serevent and add Flovent to equal your present dose of Advair. Then taper down the Flovent to the level to control your symptoms and keep peak flows in the Green Zone on your peak flow meter. The general rule on steroid inhalers is to use the minimum dose to control the problem, especially at Moderate and High dose levels. As a more simplistic approach, you could just try reducing the puffs of Advair. [however this simultaneously reduces the salmeterol and fluticasone]. Note that Advair comes in 3 strengths; if you are not using the lowest strength version you could try switching to that. Note that Singulair only helps about 2/3 who try it; if it doesn’t help it should be dropped. In my case it helps my rhinitis more than the asthma. Ellis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

I changed a few medications at once a few months back, resulting in a huge improvement in my condition.  I was taking Serevent and Allegra and added Singulair and Flovent. (I didn’t add Flovent but switched from Serevent to Advair.) I know a significant number of people take Advair/Flovent but do not take Singulair.  I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try. Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try.

Here is my situation: I have had allergic and exercise induced asthma for over 10 years. Even with Albuterol, Severant, or Flovent I could not run more than a mile before having to stop, weeze, and gasp for air.  It was frustrating since I was trying to get back to running as I had done 10 years before, but couldn’t.  My saving medicine was Singulair.  It began to work the first day and has been helping me ever since I started it 2 1/2 years ago.  I got back to running a few weeks after starting Singulair and haven’t stopped since.  I’m 54 and run 4 miles about 4 times per week. Hardly olympic pace, but pretty good for someone my age.  I use my inhaler (Albuterol) about twice a week just to have ‘clear runs’ — I think this is more psychological than physiological, frankly.  I rarely (once every other month?) use my inhaler for any other reason.  I take no other asthma medication. Singulair is worth trying.  Your mileage may vary.  The following statistics come up a lot, but I’m not sure of their accuracy.  Take them as rough values.  About 1/3 of the people trying it are helped a lot (the lucky 1/3 I appear to be in),  1/3 are helped some, 1/3 are not helped at all.  I have zero side effects.  Some people have complained about vivid dreaming in Singulair (I thought I might be experiencing this from time to time, but, if so, I like it — I’m really not sure though).  A few people in this group have complained of headaches or difficulty sleeping.  Maybe others can add to this. Generally, it is free of side effects and for the most part (I’ve only seen one exception in this NG group) it does not lose its effectiveness.   Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  

Same for me, in general. — Lou Pecora   – My views are my own.

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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

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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 –

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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

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- 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

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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 : : : : : :

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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

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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 : : : : : :

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Question:

Hi allemaal; Ik ben toch nog thuis dit weekend, en dat boven alle verwachtingen. Het leek er eerst niet erg op en al helemaal niet toen ik vanmiddag een PA aanval kreeg bij m’n Pdoc op de kamer.  En die was zo ingemeen, het kwam totaal uit het niets. Ik heb Philip nog gebeld deze week en heb ook verteld hoe het er nu voor staat, hij zal jullie het wel laten weten. Volgende week gaat m’n Pdoc de Efexor verhogen, dus het is nog afwachten wat het gaat worden. Ik hoop dat ik wat minder aan PA aanvallen krijg, het maakt je zo moe. En ik ken dan ook beginnen met de CBT, en dat is nu nog niet mogelijk. IK ga nog te vaak op de run, en ik zie het nog niet erg zitten maar misscien komt dat nog. Ik weet wel dat ik het wil proberen, en vooral als jullie achter mij blijven staan. Ik houd van jullie mijn asap family. Liefs Diana.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi allemaal; Ik ben toch nog thuis dit weekend, en dat boven alle verwachtingen. Het leek er eerst niet erg op en al helemaal niet toen ik vanmiddag een PA aanval kreeg bij m’n Pdoc op de kamer.  En die was zo ingemeen, het kwam totaal uit het niets. Ik heb Philip nog gebeld deze week en heb ook verteld hoe het er nu voor staat, hij zal jullie het wel laten weten. Volgende week gaat m’n Pdoc de Efexor verhogen, dus het is nog afwachten wat het gaat worden. Ik hoop dat ik wat minder aan PA aanvallen krijg, het maakt je zo moe. En ik ken dan ook beginnen met de CBT, en dat is nu nog niet mogelijk. IK ga nog te vaak op de run, en ik zie het nog niet erg zitten maar misscien komt dat nog. Ik weet wel dat ik het wil proberen, en vooral als jullie achter mij blijven staan. Ik houd van jullie mijn asap family. Liefs Diana.

TRANSLATION: Hi all; I am at home for the weekend after all, beyond all expectations. I didn’t think I could do it, especially when this afternoon I got a PA in my pdoc’s office. It was a particularly nasty one, completely out of the blue. I called Philip earlier this week and told him how things stand. He will let you know. (Ha! Did that already! PP) Next week the doc will raise the Effexor dose so I have to wait what will happen. I hope I will have fewer PA’s, they make me so tired. I can then start CBT too which is not yet possible now. I still run away too often and I am not feeling well at all but perhaps I will later. I know that I want to try, especially if you are behind me. I love you, my ASAP family! Diana

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[snipped]  I know that I want to try, especially if you are behind me. Yes we are behind you Diana. You sound better. Thanks Philip for translating, – Kinder

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Hi, Diana, It is great to hear from you.  You sound optimistic!  We are here for you and thinking of you all the time…  I am sending you strength to get through this rough time. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi allemaal; Ik ben toch nog thuis dit weekend, en dat boven alle verwachtingen. Het leek er eerst niet erg op en al helemaal niet toen ik vanmiddag een PA aanval kreeg bij m’n Pdoc op de kamer.  En die was zo ingemeen, het kwam totaal uit het niets. Ik heb Philip nog gebeld deze week en heb ook verteld hoe het er nu voor staat, hij zal jullie het wel laten weten. Volgende week gaat m’n Pdoc de Efexor verhogen, dus het is nog afwachten wat het gaat worden. Ik hoop dat ik wat minder aan PA aanvallen krijg, het maakt je zo moe. En ik ken dan ook beginnen met de CBT, en dat is nu nog niet mogelijk. IK ga nog te vaak op de run, en ik zie het nog niet erg zitten maar misscien komt dat nog. Ik weet wel dat ik het wil proberen, en vooral als jullie achter mij blijven staan. Ik houd van jullie mijn asap family. Liefs Diana.

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Hi Diana- Just wanted you to know I was at temple tonight and i thought of you when we said a healing prayer. Be well. les. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi allemaal; Ik ben toch nog thuis dit weekend, en dat boven alle verwachtingen. Het leek er eerst niet erg op en al helemaal niet toen ik vanmiddag een PA aanval kreeg bij m’n Pdoc op de kamer. En die was zo ingemeen, het kwam totaal uit het niets. Ik heb Philip nog gebeld deze week en heb ook verteld hoe het er nu voor staat, hij zal jullie het wel laten weten. Volgende week gaat m’n Pdoc de Efexor verhogen, dus het is nog afwachten wat het gaat worden. Ik hoop dat ik wat minder aan PA aanvallen krijg, het maakt je zo moe. En ik ken dan ook beginnen met de CBT, en dat is nu nog niet mogelijk. IK ga nog te vaak op de run, en ik zie het nog niet erg zitten maar misscien komt dat nog. Ik weet wel dat ik het wil proberen, en vooral als jullie achter mij blijven staan. Ik houd van jullie mijn asap family. Liefs Diana.

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Diana wrote……. Next week the doc will raise the Effexor dose so I have to wait what will happen. I hope I will have fewer PA’s, they make me so tired. I can then start CBT too which is not yet possible now. I still run away too often and I am not feeling well at all but perhaps I will later. I know that I want to try, especially if you are behind me.

Dear Diana, It is always wonderful to hear from you Good luck with the Effexor and remember that ASAP will always be behind you dear!~ {{{{{Diana}}}}} Jackie

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi allemaal; Ik ben toch nog thuis dit weekend, en dat boven alle verwachtingen. Het leek er eerst niet erg op en al helemaal niet toen ik vanmiddag een PA aanval kreeg bij m’n Pdoc op de kamer.  En die was zo ingemeen, het kwam totaal uit het niets. Ik heb Philip nog gebeld deze week en heb ook verteld hoe het er nu voor staat, hij zal jullie het wel laten weten. Volgende week gaat m’n Pdoc de Efexor verhogen, dus het is nog afwachten wat het gaat worden. Ik hoop dat ik wat minder aan PA aanvallen krijg, het maakt je zo moe. En ik ken dan ook beginnen met de CBT, en dat is nu nog niet mogelijk. IK ga nog te vaak op de run, en ik zie het nog niet erg zitten maar misscien komt dat nog. Ik weet wel dat ik het wil proberen, en vooral als jullie achter mij blijven staan. Ik houd van jullie mijn asap family. Liefs Diana.

Dag dag dag Lieve Diana )))))))) Wat fijn dat je toch even naar huis mocht ! Ik hoop toch zo voor je,dat het vlug wat beter gaat. Je ‘klinkt’ een beetje beter. Wij hier staan altijd achter je !!! Zo dan. Je bent heel moedig. Veel grote kussen van Anna

Response:

Hi Diana, Have no doubt…we are all behind you. I hope the  effexor works out for you. {{{{{{ Diana }}}}}} take care Pete – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi all; I am at home for the weekend after all, beyond all expectations. I didn’t think I could do it, especially when this afternoon I got a PA in my pdoc’s office. It was a particularly nasty one, completely out of the blue. I called Philip earlier this week and told him how things stand. He will let you know. (Ha! Did that already! PP) Next week the doc will raise the Effexor dose so I have to wait what will happen. I hope I will have fewer PA’s, they make me so tired. I can then start CBT too which is not yet possible now. I still run away too often and I am not feeling well at all but perhaps I will later. I know that I want to try, especially if you are behind me. I love you, my ASAP family! Diana

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all; I am at home for the weekend after all, beyond all expectations. I didn’t think I could do it, especially when this afternoon I got a PA in my pdoc’s office. It was a particularly nasty one, completely out of the blue. I called Philip earlier this week and told him how things stand. He will let you know. (Ha! Did that already! PP) Next week the doc will raise the Effexor dose so I have to wait what will happen. I hope I will have fewer PA’s, they make me so tired. I can then start CBT too which is not yet possible now. I still run away too often and I am not feeling well at all but perhaps I will later. I know that I want to try, especially if you are behind me. I love you, my ASAP family! Diana

So glad to hear from you, Diana.  I will keep praying that the Effexor will work for you, and that you will feel better soon.  I think of you often. — Take care, Liz To everything there is a season …and to every season, a special beauty.

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Hoi Diana, Wat fijn dat je toch nog thuis bent gekomen dit weekend en ook nog even van je laat horen. Ik hoop ook dat het echt gauw beter met je gaat. Ook ik vind dat je wat beter klinkt. Ik ga voor je duimen dat het snel beter gaat en dat je gauw kan beginnen met de CBT. Aan jouw uithoudingsvermogen zal het in elk geval niet liggen. Blijf volhouden en natuurlijk blijf ook ik achter je staan. Ik wens je alle sterkte doe die je nu zo hard nodig hebt. Liefs, Francis althijs schreef: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi allemaal; Ik ben toch nog thuis dit weekend, en dat boven alle verwachtingen. Het leek er eerst niet erg op en al helemaal niet toen ik vanmiddag een PA aanval kreeg bij m’n Pdoc op de kamer.  En die was zo ingemeen, het kwam totaal uit het niets. Ik heb Philip nog gebeld deze week en heb ook verteld hoe het er nu voor staat, hij zal jullie het wel laten weten. Volgende week gaat m’n Pdoc de Efexor verhogen, dus het is nog afwachten wat het gaat worden. Ik hoop dat ik wat minder aan PA aanvallen krijg, het maakt je zo moe. En ik ken dan ook beginnen met de CBT, en dat is nu nog niet mogelijk. IK ga nog te vaak op de run, en ik zie het nog niet erg zitten maar misscien komt dat nog. Ik weet wel dat ik het wil proberen, en vooral als jullie achter mij blijven staan. Ik houd van jullie mijn asap family. Liefs Diana.

Response:

Diana,     You really do seem much better! We are all behind you and wishing you well. We care, and we do not forget you. Boyd

: :

: : Hi allemaal; : : Ik ben toch nog thuis dit weekend, en dat boven alle verwachtingen. : Het leek er eerst niet erg op en al helemaal niet toen ik vanmiddag een PA : aanval : kreeg bij m’n Pdoc op de kamer. :  En die was zo ingemeen, het kwam totaal uit het niets. : Ik heb Philip nog gebeld deze week en heb ook verteld hoe het er nu voor : staat, : hij zal jullie het wel laten weten. : Volgende week gaat m’n Pdoc de Efexor verhogen, dus het is nog afwachten wat : het gaat worden. Ik hoop dat ik wat minder aan PA aanvallen krijg, het maakt : je zo moe. : En ik ken dan ook beginnen met de CBT, en dat is nu nog niet mogelijk. : IK ga nog te vaak op de run, en ik zie het nog niet erg zitten maar misscien : komt dat nog. : Ik weet wel dat ik het wil proberen, en vooral als jullie achter mij blijven : staan. : : Ik houd van jullie mijn asap family. : : Liefs Diana. : : TRANSLATION: : : Hi all; : I am at home for the weekend after all, beyond all expectations. : I didn’t think I could do it, especially when this afternoon I got a PA in my : pdoc’s office. It was a particularly nasty one, completely out of the blue. : I called Philip earlier this week and told him how things stand. He will let you : know. : (Ha! Did that already! PP) : Next week the doc will raise the Effexor dose so I have to wait what will : happen. I hope I will have fewer PA’s, they make me so tired. : I can then start CBT too which is not yet possible now. : I still run away too often and I am not feeling well at all but perhaps I will : later. : I know that I want to try, especially if you are behind me. : : I love you, my ASAP family! : : Diana :

Response:

Thanks Phillip :  ) Diana, I’m glad to hear the you are home for the weekend. Are you able to sleep at night now ? I know when I was feeling very out of control and having panic attacks every day that I was able to relax by taking Xanax. Next I went to see a psychiatrist for the first time and he prescribed Zoloft and Clonazepam.  I’m still taking these two meds after 5 years and they do prevent me from having bad panic attacks. I always believed I would get better and I think that one’s attitude makes a big difference for any type of sickness. Everyone is cheering you on at ASAP and we want you to get better. You will get to the beach with Phillip this Spring :  ) Take care, Tony

| |

| | Hi allemaal; | | Ik ben toch nog thuis dit weekend, en dat boven alle verwachtingen. | Het leek er eerst niet erg op en al helemaal niet toen ik vanmiddag een PA | aanval | kreeg bij m’n Pdoc op de kamer. |  En die was zo ingemeen, het kwam totaal uit het niets. | Ik heb Philip nog gebeld deze week en heb ook verteld hoe het er nu voor | staat, | hij zal jullie het wel laten weten. | Volgende week gaat m’n Pdoc de Efexor verhogen, dus het is nog afwachten wat | het gaat worden. Ik hoop dat ik wat minder aan PA aanvallen krijg, het maakt | je zo moe. | En ik ken dan ook beginnen met de CBT, en dat is nu nog niet mogelijk. | IK ga nog te vaak op de run, en ik zie het nog niet erg zitten maar misscien | komt dat nog. | Ik weet wel dat ik het wil proberen, en vooral als jullie achter mij blijven | staan. | | Ik houd van jullie mijn asap family. | | Liefs Diana. | | TRANSLATION: | | Hi all; | I am at home for the weekend after all, beyond all expectations. | I didn’t think I could do it, especially when this afternoon I got a PA in my | pdoc’s office. It was a particularly nasty one, completely out of the blue. | I called Philip earlier this week and told him how things stand. He will let you | know. | (Ha! Did that already! PP) | Next week the doc will raise the Effexor dose so I have to wait what will | happen. I hope I will have fewer PA’s, they make me so tired. | I can then start CBT too which is not yet possible now. | I still run away too often and I am not feeling well at all but perhaps I will | later. | I know that I want to try, especially if you are behind me. | | I love you, my ASAP family! | | Diana | |

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Question:

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery… But somebody just ripped off my whole Keywords: line! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Lynd…@bigfoot.com (LyndaNP) wrote:

One of the best ways to learn about medication effects–both positive and negative–is by comparing notes with other patients.  The following index links to forum posts discussing each particular medication.  Read what others have had to say about your medication and share your own experiences. Adapin, Sinequan (doxepin) Anafranil (clomipramine) Buspar (buspirone) Desyrel (trazodone) Celexa (citalopram) Effexor (venlafaxine) Elavil, Endep (amitriptyline) Luvox (fluvoxamine) Nardil (phenelzine) Norpramin, Pertofrane (desipramine) Pamelor (nortryptyline) Parnate (tranylcypromine) Paxil, Seroxat (paroxetine) Prozac (fluoxetine) Remeron (mirtazapine) Serzone  (nefazodone) Surmontil (trimipramine) Tofranil (imipramine) Vestra (reboxetine) Wellbutrin (bupropion) Zoloft (sertraline) — LyndaNP

— "Thou shalt not suffer a witch [poisoner] to live" – Exodus 22:18 "A man or a woman who is a medium or a wizard shall be put to death" – Leviticus 20:27 More more info, visit http://www.drugawareness.org

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No Shit?

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Question:

Well I thought I would come to this NG for some input. My girlfriend and I have been together for three years now. When we met she was abusing volume and was on her last leg, just darn near living in her car but always had here pills. I took her in and was able to stop the pill taking execept for a few incidents. Anyhow this takes us to where we are now. A few weeks ago I noticed that she was acting the same as on volume. I was at my last string when she finally told me she had been to the doctors for anxiety attacks and depression. She claimed that she was diagnosed before we had met.  Her doctor, a few weeks ago prescribed her xanax and zoloft to there maximum dose. Now I have read a few internet sites on anxiety attacks and I have not witnessed one episode.  In fact I have not seen any depression or sadness throughout our relationship. She has told me recently that she can tell when one is coming so she just leaves to her moms to deal with it. So I guess my question is, are pills something that can be abused or should I look farther into the anxiety attacks? Can a family doctor diagnose anxiety and depression? Thanks very much for your input.         Ken

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well I thought I would come to this NG for some input. My girlfriend and I have been together for three years now. When we met she was abusing volume and was on her last leg, just darn near living in her car but always had here pills. I took her in and was able to stop the pill taking execept for a few incidents. Anyhow this takes us to where we are now. A few weeks ago I noticed that she was acting the same as on volume. I was at my last string when she finally told me she had been to the doctors for anxiety attacks and depression. She claimed that she was diagnosed before we had met.  Her doctor, a few weeks ago prescribed her xanax and zoloft to there maximum dose. Now I have read a few internet sites on anxiety attacks and I have not witnessed one episode.  In fact I have not seen any depression or sadness throughout our relationship. She has told me recently that she can tell when one is coming so she just leaves to her moms to deal with it. So I guess my question is, are pills something that can be abused or should I look farther into the anxiety attacks? Can a family doctor diagnose anxiety and depression? Thanks very much for your input.         Ken

Hi Ken! It’s very hard to give you good advice without knowing a lot more about your GF.  Sometimes a family doctor can diagnose anxiety, panic or depression, but your best bet is for her to see a psychiatrist to be diagnosed properly.  I’ve hidden some pretty whopper panic attacks and no one knew I was going through them at the time.  It is possible she’s had and hidden them well.  I’m not a doctor and I wish I could help you more.  Please post other info about your GF if you have any and maybe someone else here can give you more insight.  Sorry! Di

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well I thought I would come to this NG for some input. My girlfriend and I have been together for three years now. When we met she was abusing volume and was on her last leg, just darn near living in her car but always had here pills. I took her in and was able to stop the pill taking execept for a few incidents. Anyhow this takes us to where we are now. A few weeks ago I noticed that she was acting the same as on volume. I was at my last string when she finally told me she had been to the doctors for anxiety attacks and depression. She claimed that she was diagnosed before we had met.  Her doctor, a few weeks ago prescribed her xanax and zoloft to there maximum dose. Now I have read a few internet sites on anxiety attacks and I have not witnessed one episode.  In fact I have not seen any depression or sadness throughout our relationship. She has told me recently that she can tell when one is coming so she just leaves to her moms to deal with it. So I guess my question is, are pills something that can be abused or should I look farther into the anxiety attacks? Can a family doctor diagnose anxiety and depression?

Dear Ken, Welcome to ASAP!!! Yes, a family doctor can diagnosis and treat anxiety and depression. However, it is in anyones best interest to go to a psych doctor to be diagnosed and treated, they know much more about anxiety and depression than a MD. I am not surprised that you haven`t witnessed any panic or depression in your girlfriend. We tend to cover up these disorders quite well. My husband very rarely can tell when I am having a bad time. My mother has told me she cannot believe that I have an anxiety disorder, I can be at her home with high anxiety and yet come across cheerful and calm. However, it takes great stength and energy to give the appearance of calm and control, it actually increases our anxiety and depression in the long run. It is also very hard for many people with an anxiety disorder or depression to confide in another person about their disorder. We fear rejection and judgement, all we want is acceptance and an attempt at understanding us. Perhaps that is why she didn`t tell you right away. Maybe she has been hurt by someone over this in the past. Xanax can be abused, however people who take benzo`s for anxiety disorders usually don`t abuse them. As long as she follows her doctors instructions on how to take the xanax, she should be okay. If she takes the Xanax for an extended period of time she will become dependent on them. What that means is she can never quit Xanax cold turkey, if she does it could make her quite sick. When the time comes to get off Xanax she will need to wean slowly under her doctors care, she may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Same goes with Zoloft, she should never quit cold turkey, but to wean off them under a doctors care. I know you must feel confused by all of this. You must care alot for her for you to post at this newsgroup to learn more about her meds and disorder. The best thing you can do for her is to support her unconditionally, she will do go far with you love and support. Anger and ill spoken words( not saying you have done this) hurt more than people can imagine. She needs to feel safe. Also educate yourself about her meds and disorder, knowledge is power, you will also be able to help her better if you understand the nature of this beast. Here is a link to a great website on anxiety disorders. Make sure you check out the family and friends link on this page, you will find some info and support for the *support* person of an anxiety sufferer. http://panicdisorder.about.com/health/panicdisorder/index.htm?COB=hom… I wish the both of you much luck and take care. Jackie

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well I thought I would come to this NG for some input. My girlfriend and I have been together for three years now. When we met she was abusing volume and was on her last leg, just darn near living in her car but always had here pills. I took her in and was able to stop the pill taking execept for a few incidents. Anyhow this takes us to where we are now. A few weeks ago I noticed that she was acting the same as on volume. I was at my last string when she finally told me she had been to the doctors for anxiety attacks and depression. She claimed that she was diagnosed before we had met.  Her doctor, a few weeks ago prescribed her xanax and zoloft to there maximum dose. Now I have read a few internet sites on anxiety attacks and I have not witnessed one episode.  In fact I have not seen any depression or sadness throughout our relationship. She has told me recently that she can tell when one is coming so she just leaves to her moms to deal with it. So I guess my question is, are pills something that can be abused or should I look farther into the anxiety attacks? Can a family doctor diagnose anxiety and depression? Thanks very much for your input.         Ken My family doctor didnt know shit about panic attacks and prescribing medicine.

 he started me on too much paxil 20mgs and to little xanax.5mgs.  I called him and told him i was still having panic attacks and he told me i could up the xanax and that 20 mgs of paxil was for depression.  so then i went to 30mgs of paxil then 40mgs then 50mgs.  i had to wait 3 months to see a psychiatrist. donny – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Question:

1. Is there an easy way to discontinue Paxil? the withdrawal symptoms are horrible! 2. What is the safest anti-depressant in terms of not causing weight gain?? (I suffered a lot with Effexor and Paxil, think about something else!) Thanks! S. "Some measure their lives by days and years,       Others by heart throbs, passion and tears;  But the surest measure under the sun,       Is what in your lifetime for others you have done."

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1. Is there an easy way to discontinue Paxil? the withdrawal symptoms are horrible! 2. What is the safest anti-depressant in terms of not causing weight gain?? (I suffered a lot with Effexor and Paxil, think about something else!) Thanks! S.

I have come to the conclusion that everyone responds differently to these meds and it’s hard to base what will work for you on something that worked for someone else. I gained weight on paxil, about 20lbs in three months. I stopped the paxil and immediately started prozac.  After about seven months and a little more weight gain, I stopped the prozac because it wasn’t working well enough.  Then I went to zoloft, which also caused a little weight gain, and was not very effective.  Getting off zoloft was awful for me, I had to continue taking it while I started wellbutrine.  This combo was fairly effective, but really made me tired, too tired to exercise. Then I went on effexor, which worked so well for me.  I wasn’t tired, I didn’t gain weight, it worked fast and for over a year.  I just recently had a major crash, and my doctor added celexa and upped the effexor to 375mg.  The celexa stopped the suicidal ideation within three days.  That was great, I don’t know how it will work in the long run, but so far I’m not hungry or extremely tired.  Of course I wasn’t hungry before the celexa so I don’t know if this is still of symptom of the depression or an effect of the med. Good Luck, Kait * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 1. Is there an easy way to discontinue Paxil? the withdrawal symptoms are horrible! 2. What is the safest anti-depressant in terms of not causing weight gain?? (I suffered a lot with Effexor and Paxil, think about something else!) Thanks! S. I have come to the conclusion that everyone responds differently to these meds and it’s hard to base what will work for you on something that worked for someone else. I gained weight on paxil, about 20lbs in three months. I stopped the paxil and immediately started prozac.  After about seven months and a little more weight gain, I stopped the prozac because it wasn’t working well enough.  Then I went to zoloft, which also caused a little weight gain, and was not very effective.  Getting off zoloft was awful for me, I had to continue taking it while I started wellbutrine.  This combo was fairly effective, but really made me tired, too tired to exercise. Then I went on effexor, which worked so well for me.  I wasn’t tired, I didn’t gain weight, it worked fast and for over a year.  I just recently had a major crash, and my doctor added celexa and upped the effexor to 375mg.  The celexa stopped the suicidal ideation within three days.  That was great, I don’t know how it will work in the long run, but so far I’m not hungry or extremely tired.  Of course I wasn’t hungry before the celexa so I don’t know if this is still of symptom of the depression or an effect of the med. Good Luck, Kait

Would you happen to know what Effexor is called in the UK? Brian

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1. Is there an easy way to discontinue Paxil? the withdrawal symptoms are horrible!

Twice almost cold turkey, back on 20 mg again. Couldn’t stand the withdrawal. Third time, chahnged it to Prozac (also 20 mg), and went down with the dose very gradually. Not biting the capsules in half, but simply forgetting about taking it. Once every day, then every other day, now I take it only when the time is rough. Don’t know if it can help you, but this is like, my only experience….. DG

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Would you happen to know what Effexor is called in the UK?

Yes. (Tempting, but I suppose I could answer the question you didn’t ask as well, and say it’s venlafaxine, brand-named Efexor (Yes, only one ‘f’ over here, presumably there’s a effin shortage.).) —          The opinions given above may be mine. They might also            just be what I feel like saying right now, okay?

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2. What is the safest anti-depressant in terms of not causing weight gain?? (I suffered a lot with Effexor and Paxil, think about something else!)

I, too, think that everyone responds very differently. The only med I’ve taken that caused me to gain weight was Celexa, and even then it was minimal. I’ve been on Zoloft, Effexor, Prozac, Serzone, you name it — currently taking a combination that includes Wellbutrin and Luvox. I’ve lost more weight than I’ve gained, actually. … Ask your doc about this, though, b/c I know that some meds are not associated w/weight gain. There’s no reason you should have to suffer from something *else*. Hope you feel better.

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Question:

In _The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs_, Jack Gorman says that it has been reported that Klonopin causes depression.  Anyone have any experience with this side effect?

This all gets so confusing to me as I once was on K alone but can’t say that that caused my depression.  I read alot about this side effect and guess I never paid attention for direct cause and effect. What about those taking it with an SSRI, for depression (the thought being that the SSRI might "insulate" against this potential side effect)?

I take a low dose of PAxil and now Xanax as well and things don’t really feel that much different to me.  I have my good and bad days.  I have never heard of taking an SRI to counteract a benzo – have heard the reverse tho. I certainly wouldn’t take an SRI for that – as there are many other benzos to choose from without this noted side effect. Gwen

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In _The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs_, Jack Gorman says that it has been reported that Klonopin causes depression.  Anyone have any experience with this side effect?  What about those taking it with an SSRI, for depression (the thought being that the SSRI might "insulate" against this potential side effect)? Thanks for your help. Matt

I have heard that Klonopin can aggravate depression in a "small" percentage of people.  People have also reported depression, as a side effect to placebo.  Sometimes as much as 3%.  So without knowing the percentages of reported depression with Klonopin vs. placebo, it is almost the same as having no information at all. I was on an SSRI, before ever taking Klonopin.  I noted less depression after taking it, as my depression was situational.  I was depressed because I was having 3-4 full blown panic attacks per day.  When the PA’s stopped, from taking the Klonopin, my mood improved dramatically. — Kiesha Van Dyke To e-mail, remove ** from address.

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I was on an SSRI, before ever taking Klonopin.  I noted less depression after taking it, as my depression was situational.  I was depressed because I was having 3-4 full blown panic attacks per day.  When the PA’s stopped, from taking the Klonopin, my mood improved dramatically. —

I have to agree with you here, Kiesha.  I didn’t go the SSRI first route – but being out of control on the panic was certainly depressing as hell and I truly believe if the docs had increased the benzos as first choice – I wouldn’t be saddled with Paxil now.  I know from my experience that being free of panic makes me jubillant beyond beleif.  I wish more docs tried THAT route first before jumping on the SSRI bandwagon. Gwen

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In _The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs_, Jack Gorman says that it has been reported that Klonopin causes depression.  Anyone have any experience with this side effect?  What about those taking it with an SSRI, for depression (the thought being that the SSRI might "insulate" against this potential side effect)? Thanks for your help. Matt

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Hi Matt – Well – I think Gorman may be right.  My experience has been that adding an SSRI *has* eliminated the depression I felt when taking Klonopin (4-4.5mg/day) alone. (Added Zoloft).  This is for primary social phobia, secondary mild depression.  I think the Klonopin *may* aggrevate my mild depression some. Zoloft 50mg + K worked well except side effects – VERY tired and sex side effects from Zoloft. Nardil 45mg + K worked well too – less side effects, except add in food restrictions. Luvox + K felt awful. JR

Response:

In _The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs_, Jack Gorman says that it has been reported that Klonopin causes depression.  Anyone have any experience with this side effect?  What about those taking it with an SSRI, for depression (the thought being that the SSRI might "insulate" against this potential side effect)? Thanks for your help. Matt

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Hi Matt – Well – I think Gorman may be right.  My experience has been that adding an SSRI *has* eliminated the depression I felt when taking Klonopin (4-4.5mg/day) alone. (Added Zoloft).  This is for primary social phobia, secondary mild depression.  I think the Klonopin *may* aggrevate my mild depression some. Zoloft 50mg + K worked well except side effects – VERY tired and sex side effects from Zoloft. Nardil 45mg + K worked well too – less side effects, except add in food restrictions. Luvox + K felt awful. JR   JR

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In _The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs_, Jack Gorman says that it has been reported that Klonopin causes depression.  Anyone have any experience with this side effect?  What about those taking it with an SSRI, for depression (the thought being that the SSRI might "insulate" against this potential side effect)? Thanks for your help. Matt

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Question:

John, Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. Amazing tho that may seem.

From the evidence of my eyes and memory, a lot of depressed people don’t. The information is probably news to someone reading it, old hat though it was to you. —          The opinions given above may be mine. They might also            just be what I feel like saying right now, okay?

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers? Well, Zoloft is an antidepressant. Alcohol is a CNS depressant. Your call. Danny

It is possible to have seizures and also strokes when combining alcohol and zoloft. TheDelser

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: OUCH! nothing more to say…;) : I’ve taken Zoloft for 3 years and drank for 3+ years.  Zoloft has helped, and has been therapeutic.  I no longer take Zoloft, but I still have my beers. will

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Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft. Carma – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

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Excellent response. I really wish someone had given me this advice before I got into it. SNIP Many to totally stupid and embarassing  things in public.

That would be me. This may get you taked about but not in a light you would like.

And how. The danger is that you don’t know what will happen.  For damn sure don’t have to plan on driving.  I went into a corn field one night on two Vodka martinis, sound asleep at the wheel.  They check for the level and it was only .15.  But the combination of that and my BP pills knocked my but out.

Okay, are you sure you mean .15? Legally drunk is .10, you know… Just checking. G. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -SNIP

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

Zoloft (sertraline) is an antidepressant; alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, so the expectation would likely be that drinking while depressed would not be helpful to recovery. This is not to say that an occasional sip of alcohol would hurt, but it is always wise to speak with your own physician about these drinking while on psychiatric medications. I no longer drink while taking medications. I used to. Didn’t help at all to drink, in fact made it worse, so I quit. -jim

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

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: Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.       The term "depressant", when used in reference to alcohol, means that it slows you down, NOT that it causes the condition known as "depression". Alcohol *CAN* be dangerous with zoloft; it can make you MUCH drowsier/drunker than you expect, and long term alcohol use *CAN* cause depression (not because it’s a "depressant", but because of other changes that heavy use of alcohol causes in your body)      But light drinking is fairly safe.  The reason you’re told to avoid alcohol on zoloft is because you don’t have carte blanche freedom to drink as much as you want.

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Hi all,  I’d like to mention an additional danger besides the one listed. Zoloft (as do ALL antidepressants) tends to lower the seizure threshold (i.e. make it easier to have a seizure) as does alcohol.  For most people this might not be a problem, but if you’re borderline seizure oriented, or especially overtired, be VERY careful of this combination.  I’d remind people as well, that this being cough/cold season, LIQUID nyquil is 50 proof or 25% alcohol.  Email welcome.  John Abeel — John Abeel, R.P.H. http://www.servtech.com/public/rxman " He who hath no scruples isn’t worth a dram " – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : John, : Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart : enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. : Amazing tho that may seem.      Why, then, didn’t you use the term "depressant" correctly in the following post that you made? : : Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.

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While on ADs, the effects of alcohol on my system are unpredictable. I

The effects of alcohol on bipolar people, on AD or not, is unpredictable. |Home page:http://reality.sgi.com/employees/chokshi_clubfed/ |Silicon Graphics, Inc., voice: (301) 572-1678, fax: (301) 572-8778 |—Mortal, why doth thou live like thou art immortal?

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

Well, Zoloft is an antidepressant. Alcohol is a CNS depressant. Your call. Danny

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: It is possible to have seizures and also strokes when combining alcohol : and zoloft.      Strangely, this is NOT mentioned in any of the literature on zoloft. Care to substantiate this claim, oh ignoble bullshitter?

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John, Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. Amazing tho that may seem. Carma – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.       The term "depressant", when used in reference to alcohol, means that it slows you down, NOT that it causes the condition known as "depression". Alcohol *CAN* be dangerous with zoloft; it can make you MUCH drowsier/drunker than you expect, and long term alcohol use *CAN* cause depression (not because it’s a "depressant", but because of other changes that heavy use of alcohol causes in your body)      But light drinking is fairly safe.  The reason you’re told to avoid alcohol on zoloft is because you don’t have carte blanche freedom to drink as much as you want.

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Well let’s see perhaps it is just I’ve been studying the wrong books but the last time I checked all forms of ETOH were listed as major central nervous system depressants and the formula 1 CNSD + 1 CNSD still looks like too drugged to cogitate properly let alone breath. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : John, : Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart : enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. : Amazing tho that may seem.      Why, then, didn’t you use the term "depressant" correctly in the following post that you made? : : Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.

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: John, : Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart : enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. : Amazing tho that may seem.      Why, then, didn’t you use the term "depressant" correctly in the following post that you made? : : Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.

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OUCH! nothing more to say…;)

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Zoloft affects Serotonin, while alcohol affects GABA transmission and recption.  Unless there’s effects we’re not aware of.

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

You may get drunk a LOT faster. Then again, you may not. Charlie’s Sneaker Pages: http://sneakers.pair.com/ Best Value in Airplanes: http://www.boeing.com/

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