Question:

I posted earlier that it’s starting to seem that albuterol is either not working, or, is actually starting to tighten me up, rather than loosen me up (paradoxical reaction?).  I seem to be tight all the time (have been checked for heart and other lung issues, but, nothing shows up). I finally convinced my doctor to try me on another MDI, so, he gave me Alupent.  I’ve tried it twice today (first time 2 puffs, second time, 8 hours later, three puffs, and don’t really see that it does anything–my pulse isn’t even going up, and, I don’t have any kind of nervous feeling. Any others have experiences with this? TIA!

Response:

Yep, I have asthma–all my life, and I’m 50.  I’m using Flovent and Serevent, too.  My doctor wanted to try me on MaxAir, rather than Alupent, but, the Pharmacy doesn’t stock it.  I’ve used the Alupent several times, and, it doesn’t really seem to do…anything–not even making my heart race. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I posted earlier that it’s starting to seem that albuterol is either not working, or, is actually starting to tighten me up, rather than loosen me up (paradoxical reaction?).  I seem to be tight all the time (have been checked for heart and other lung issues, but, nothing shows up). I finally convinced my doctor to try me on another MDI, so, he gave me Alupent.  I’ve tried it twice today (first time 2 puffs, second time, 8 hours later, three puffs, and don’t really see that it does anything–my pulse isn’t even going up, and, I don’t have any kind of nervous feeling. Any others have experiences with this? TIA! Alupent is generaly not considered as good a beta2-agonist bronchodilator for asthma, as albuterol. Alupent is not listed as a preferred drug in the latest asthma guidelines. There are other beta2 agonists that are listed, like terbutaline & pirbuterol. It sounds like you may need a steroid inhaler for long term maintenance; like Pulmicort or Flovent. Have you had PFTs [pulmonary function tests] to demonstrate you have asthma? Ellis

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Question:

i did literature search using Medline this afternoon, in between the patients ! But i did not find any article on "flovent and acne" or "flovent and rash" or "flovent and skin" good luck with aerobid. yatin j patel md http://md4lungs.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – –WebTV-Mail-24826-3781 Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit Thanks for your response. My doctor put me on Aerobid about two weeks ago. So far I seem to be doing alright on it. Then again, I have been on an antibiotic, as well as O2. I finish it tonight. We shall see. However, I still have the red bumps. Perhaps they will clear up with time. I must tell you that I have COPD. Scaring on my left lung since childhood,bronchitis, and asthma. I became sick four years ago. Had to be hospitalized for a week, and was sent home with the O2. I was on it for about two months. Had to go back on two weeks ago. I checked out your website. I will be visiting often. We all use the same treatments and medications. –WebTV-Mail-24826-3781 Content-Description: signature Content-Disposition: Inline Content-Type: Text/HTML; Charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit <html<clock</clock</html –WebTV-Mail-24826-3781–

– Yatin J Patel MD http://md4lungs.com If you have asthma, this is your home. Join Dr. Patel every wednesday 7 PM Indiana Time for online chats. Before you buy.

Response:

Thanks for your response. My doctor put me on Aerobid about two weeks ago. So far I seem to be doing alright on it. Then again, I have been on an antibiotic, as well as O2. I finish it tonight. We shall see. However, I  still have the red bumps. Perhaps they will clear up with time. I must tell you that I have COPD. Scaring on my left lung since childhood,bronchitis, and asthma. I became sick four years ago. Had to be hospitalized for a week, and was sent home with the O2. I was on it for about two months. Had to go back on two weeks ago. I checked out your website. I will be visiting often. We all use the same treatments and medications.

Response:

have you tried other steroid inhalers like aerobid or pulmicort? yatin j patel md – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – –WebTV-Mail-14553-2611 Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit I do use a spacer. I do not have red bumps around my mouth, I have acne on my face, (not around my mouth) and red bumps on my arms and legs. When I am on this medication for very long periods my neck also turns red. When it first happened my pulmonary doctor sent me to a dermatologist, he said it was from sun and weather. When I went off it I cleared up. I know this is going to sound crazy, but when I first go off Flovent I can breathe better. Unfortunately I have to go back on it. I would like to know if any one using inhaled steroids has been diagnosed with hypohyroidism. I was diagnosed with it about six months after starting Flovent. It may or may not be a factor, but I can’t see inhaling anything can be good for my thyroid. My doc says no. After all they know best. If I sound fed up, it’s because I am. They just don’t listen. I’m scared. Any ideas? Thanks….. –WebTV-Mail-14553-2611 Content-Description: signature Content-Disposition: Inline Content-Type: Text/HTML; Charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit <html<clock</clock</html –WebTV-Mail-14553-2611–

– Yatin J Patel MD http://md4lungs.com If you have asthma, this is your home. Join Dr. Patel every wednesday 7 PM Indiana Time for online chats. Before you buy.

Response:

I’m also very, very fair-skinned. Blonde hair, lashes, brows. I have never had zits, but I did have "follicle infections" due to a hormone imbalance … but that was 25 years ago! My doctor at that time told me to wash my face, rubbing the sores til they bled, and then apply Polysporin ointment. Even with the ointment, it took a month or more for each sore to heal. Birth control pills helped the hormone problem and the sores (of course, if you’re male…. ignore this advice). This time it’s not hormones. I do use a spacer. I got desperate over the weekend and I used Victoria Principal’s blemish buster on each sore. They’re about 50% improved overnight. I’m also overweight, but I blame that on developing asthma 2 years ago and not being able to exercise as often as I want/need. I thought about seeing a dermatologist, but what’s the use of being on tetracycline when I’m still on Flovent? I’m on a 4-week tapering program. My allergist wants me off Servent BEFORE going off Flovent. So next week I stop the Serevent, and then 2 weeks later (if I survive), I try going off Flovent … no inhalers. But I’m on a double-dose of Claritin (2 a day). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I have been lurking for months, afraid to post. Your post on Flovent prompted me to take the plunge. I have had the same problem. Was on Flovent for three years. Have had acne, and small red raised bumps on my legs and arms. Every time I go off the Flovent I clear up. My pulmonary doctor changed me to another steroid, Aerobid. However, I am afraid it is not any better. I hate the steroids. I am 40lbs. over my normal weight. I don’t even recognize myself. I was also told it was non-related. I have very fair skin, this may have something to do with it. I feel some doctors are not educated on the side affects of some of these drugs. That’s why we have to educate ourselves. Just wanted you to know you are not alone.

Response:

Hello, I am so glad you posted.  This is a support newsgroup…please don’t be afraid to be involved.  I will admit it gets pretty intense at times, but most folks here are in the same boat.  We have asthma and we use this newsgroup as a method to exchange information and to share experiences, plus gain some support if we happen to be having a hard time with our illness or meds.  There is no one person here that has all the answers, but all are willing to try and help.  Glad to see you here! I also gained weight after starting meds….I don’t know why.  I have always been a thin kind of girl, but not now.  :o(  I work out whenever I have the breath and do pretty well most times.  To me it’s a real battle and hits in the old self esteem area pretty hard.  I just keep doing the best I can. Take care, Patrice

Hi, I have been lurking for months, afraid to post. Your post on Flovent prompted me to take the plunge. I have had the same problem. Was on Flovent for three years. Have had acne, and small red raised bumps on my legs and arms. Every time I go off the Flovent I clear up. My pulmonary doctor changed me to another steroid, Aerobid. However, I am afraid it is not any better. I hate the steroids. I am 40lbs. over my normal weight. I don’t even recognize myself. I was also told it was non-related. I have very fair skin, this may have something to do with it. I feel some doctors are not educated on the side affects of some of these drugs. That’s why we have to educate ourselves. Just wanted you to know you are not alone.

Response:

I do use a spacer. I do not have red bumps around my mouth, I have acne on my face, (not around my mouth) and red bumps on my arms and legs. When I am on this medication for very long periods my neck also turns red. When it first happened my pulmonary doctor sent me to a dermatologist, he said it was from sun and weather. When I went off it I cleared up. I know this is going to sound crazy, but when I first go off Flovent I can breathe better. Unfortunately I have to go back on it. I would like to know if any one using inhaled steroids has been diagnosed with hypohyroidism. I was diagnosed with it about six months after starting Flovent. It may or may not be a factor, but I can’t see inhaling anything can be good for my thyroid. My doc says no. After all they know best. If I sound fed up, it’s because I am. They just don’t listen. I’m scared. Any ideas? Thanks…..

Response:

Hi, I have been lurking for months, afraid to post. Your post on Flovent prompted me to take the plunge. I have had the same problem. Was on Flovent for three years. Have had acne, and small red raised bumps on my legs and arms. Every time I go off the Flovent I clear up. My pulmonary doctor changed me to another steroid, Aerobid. However, I am afraid it is not any better. I hate the steroids. I am 40lbs. over my normal weight. I don’t even recognize myself. I was also told it was non-related. I have very fair skin, this may have something to do with it. I feel some doctors are not educated on the side affects of some of these drugs. That’s why we have to educate ourselves. Just wanted you to know you are not alone.

Response:

Using flovent inhaler without a spacer would increase the oral deposition of the medicine. This may predispose one to those bumps on the skin around the lips. In article Nope, not on prednisone, and I don’t have a history of acne. In fact, I’ve always been complimented on my porcelain skin. That’s why this is a horrific experience for me. are you on prednisone also? because i take flovent and serevent, and only get the redness and welts when i’m on the prednisone also…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you have a history of acne? PErhaps you have developed it and it is totally unrelated to the asthma. Two doctors tell me that the dozens of pimples/sores on my face are not related to Flovent, yet the Flovent insert mentions follicle infections as a rare side effect. It cleared up when I was on antibiotics for a sinus infection but it came right back. I went off Flovent for 2 weeks and saw minor improvement, but my asthma doc said I could not be on Serevent without being on Flovent, so I had to go back on Flovent. He wants me to wean off both eventually, if possible. In the meantime, I’m using an antibiotic ointment called MetroGel on my face, but it only controls the severity of the welts; it doesn’t make it go away. Anybody have a similar experience? Any hope?

– Yatin J Patel MD http://md4lungs.com If you have asthma, this is your home. Join Dr. Patel every wednesday 7 PM Indiana Time for online chats. Before you buy.

Response:

are you on prednisone also? because i take flovent and serevent, and only get the redness and welts when i’m on the prednisone also…

Response:

Nope, not on prednisone, and I don’t have a history of acne. In fact, I’ve always been complimented on my porcelain skin. That’s why this is a horrific experience for me. are you on prednisone also? because i take flovent and serevent, and only get the redness and welts when i’m on the prednisone also… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Do you have a history of acne?  PErhaps you have developed it and it is totally unrelated to the asthma. Two doctors tell me that the dozens of pimples/sores on my face are not related to Flovent, yet the Flovent insert mentions follicle infections as a rare side effect. It cleared up when I was on antibiotics for a sinus infection but it came right back. I went off Flovent for 2 weeks and saw minor improvement, but my asthma doc said I could not be on Serevent without being on Flovent, so I had to go back on Flovent. He wants me to wean off both eventually, if possible. In the meantime, I’m using an antibiotic ointment called MetroGel on my face, but it only controls the severity of the welts; it doesn’t make it go away. Anybody have a similar experience? Any hope?

Response:

Do you have a history of acne?  PErhaps you have developed it and it is totally unrelated to the asthma. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Two doctors tell me that the dozens of pimples/sores on my face are not related to Flovent, yet the Flovent insert mentions follicle infections as a rare side effect. It cleared up when I was on antibiotics for a sinus infection but it came right back. I went off Flovent for 2 weeks and saw minor improvement, but my asthma doc said I could not be on Serevent without being on Flovent, so I had to go back on Flovent. He wants me to wean off both eventually, if possible. In the meantime, I’m using an antibiotic ointment called MetroGel on my face, but it only controls the severity of the welts; it doesn’t make it go away. Anybody have a similar experience? Any hope?

Response:

Two doctors tell me that the dozens of pimples/sores on my face are not related to Flovent, yet the Flovent insert mentions follicle infections as a rare side effect. It cleared up when I was on antibiotics for a sinus infection but it came right back. I went off Flovent for 2 weeks and saw minor improvement, but my asthma doc said I could not be on Serevent without being on Flovent, so I had to go back on Flovent. He wants me to wean off both eventually, if possible. In the meantime, I’m using an antibiotic ointment called MetroGel on my face, but it only controls the severity of the welts; it doesn’t make it go away. Anybody have a similar experience? Any hope?

Response:

Question:

Hi  i always rinse and brush. But i also take        acidophilus,and plain yogurt as it contains live cultures  .it really help and it cut down on fungas . Pricilla.

Response:

I am still trying to figure out how to get rid of the sore throat I have had for the past three years. I would love to get rid of the discomfort, but I have pretty much accepted that I am stuck with it. I have a problem with post nasal drip. I would certainly be open to suggestions for a remedy. Pam

Response:

Brush your teeth after each use – You, your throat, and Dentist will all be happier! Tim Washington State

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Readers: I know that someone has probably already asked this first question, so hopefully you won’t get too bored and will be kind enough to answer if you can.  :-) Are any of you using flovent and finding that you have a problem with sore throats?  I know that this medication can cause yeast infections (if I remember correctly, anyway).  I used to use the aerosol version (the "puffer" version), but my throat was so bad with that stuff that I started using the diskus version.  I rinse regularly, but obviously it isn’t enough.  I figure I probably just don’t have the lung power to suck all that stuff down, and so some of it just sits there and does mean things.  :-)  Does anyone know of some nice home remedy to deal with the soreness?  It’s starting to get sore again, and I don’t want to go off the medication since things have been getting worse lately (and not to mention the fact that people keep giving me heck for going off the medication). I’ve got another question just out of curiosity.  Has anyone had a chest xray done, and then been told that you have granulomas and calcification?  I was told that I have that in my lungs, and that it’s something that can happen to people who have had asthma for a long time (I’ve had problems for most of my life).  I thought it was strange – I thought people only got stuff like that from having things like TB, pneumonia, and whatever else I don’t know about.  I guess asthma is one of the things I didn’t know about.  So now I’m curious to see if other long time asthma sufferers have the same kind of thing going on. Thanks for reading! Vicky

Response:

Brush your teeth after each use – You, your throat, and Dentist will all be happier!

Interesting suggestion.  Now that I think about it, I always brush my teeth first and then use the inhaler.  (don’t know why)  Maybe I’ll start reversing the procedure to see if that helps.  Thanks! Vicky

Response:

That is what I do. — CBI, M.D.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Brush your teeth after each use – You, your throat, and Dentist will all be happier! Interesting suggestion.  Now that I think about it, I always brush my teeth first and then use the inhaler.  (don’t know why)  Maybe I’ll start reversing the procedure to see if that helps.  Thanks! Vicky

Response:

My mom started using Flovent and Serevent last week because she was coughing and wheezing something AWFUL. The inhalers really helped with that. Now she’s hoarse, VERY hoarse. I read that that’s a common side effect of Flovent. While it certainly beats  not being able to take a breath without coughing, etc., it’s still uncomfortable for her. Are there some natural things she could try that DOESN’T involve any more medication? I already told her to rinse her mouth after she finishes the inhaler sessions. (This doesn’t eradicate the good effects of them, does it?) Susan

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I had sore throat and hoarseness (even though I did the mouth rinsing) until I read a posting in this group to always use a spacer.  Soon after I started doing that consistently, the problem disappeared.

Response:

I use Flovent 110. I do not  use the puffer supplied with the Flovent; I use a spacer instead.  Also I rinse my mouth thoroughly after use.  Consequently I never experienced either a sore throat or a yeast infection. Israel Weber

Response:

I use Flovent 110. I do not  use the puffer supplied with the Flovent; I use a spacer instead.  Also I rinse my mouth thoroughly after use.  Consequently I never experienced either a sore throat or a yeast infection. Israel Weber

Wow, those of you who don’t get sore throats are very lucky.  I rinse as much as possible,  and I still get sore throats.  I’ve got a bit of a useless immune system, though, so maybe that makes a difference. Anyway, I just bought some unpasteurized yogurt, so we’ll see if that helps.  It at least feels very soothing!  I have read and also heard from some people that this kind of yogurt helps restore proper balance to certain types of naturally occuring things (such as yeast).  I’m trying to avoid drugging myself for the sore throats because this is an ongoing problem, and the last thing I want is drug resistant yeast infections. Vicky

Response:

You didn’t mention if you were using an extender (Aerochamber) with the aerosol version of Flovent.  I had persistent hoarseness & sore throat until I started using an extender.  Personally, I’ve  found that the diskus versions are harder to use–the powder clings to the nasopharynx instead of going into the airways.  You still need to rinse thoroughly with an extender to prevent thrush… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Readers: I know that someone has probably already asked this first question, so hopefully you won’t get too bored and will be kind enough to answer if you can.  :-) Are any of you using flovent and finding that you have a problem with sore throats?  I know that this medication can cause yeast infections (if I remember correctly, anyway).  I used to use the aerosol version (the "puffer" version), but my throat was so bad with that stuff that I started using the diskus version.  I rinse regularly, but obviously it isn’t enough.  I figure I probably just don’t have the lung power to suck all that stuff down, and so some of it just sits there and does mean things.  :-)  Does anyone know of some nice home remedy to deal with the soreness?  It’s starting to get sore again, and I don’t want to go off the medication since things have been getting worse lately (and not to mention the fact that people keep giving me heck for going off the medication). I’ve got another question just out of curiosity.  Has anyone had a chest xray done, and then been told that you have granulomas and calcification?  I was told that I have that in my lungs, and that it’s something that can happen to people who have had asthma for a long time (I’ve had problems for most of my life).  I thought it was strange – I thought people only got stuff like that from having things like TB, pneumonia, and whatever else I don’t know about.  I guess asthma is one of the things I didn’t know about.  So now I’m curious to see if other long time asthma sufferers have the same kind of thing going on. Thanks for reading! Vicky For me, the yeast infection manifested itself as a sore throat. I just thought I had a particularly persistent sore throat. A specialist looked as part of a unrelated exam and told me it was a yeast infection and perscribed stuff for it ( cleared up a case of athletes foot too). I’d get it checked out. Jerry Freedman,Jr — Creation took 6 days because God didn’t have an installed base Before you buy.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Readers: I know that someone has probably already asked this first question, so hopefully you won’t get too bored and will be kind enough to answer if you can.  :-) Are any of you using flovent and finding that you have a problem with sore throats?  I know that this medication can cause yeast infections (if I remember correctly, anyway).  I used to use the aerosol version (the "puffer" version), but my throat was so bad with that stuff that I started using the diskus version.  I rinse regularly, but obviously it isn’t enough.  I figure I probably just don’t have the lung power to suck all that stuff down, and so some of it just sits there and does mean things.  :-)  Does anyone know of some nice home remedy to deal with the soreness?  It’s starting to get sore again, and I don’t want to go off the medication since things have been getting worse lately (and not to mention the fact that people keep giving me heck for going off the medication). I’ve got another question just out of curiosity.  Has anyone had a chest xray done, and then been told that you have granulomas and calcification?  I was told that I have that in my lungs, and that it’s something that can happen to people who have had asthma for a long time (I’ve had problems for most of my life).  I thought it was strange – I thought people only got stuff like that from having things like TB, pneumonia, and whatever else I don’t know about.  I guess asthma is one of the things I didn’t know about.  So now I’m curious to see if other long time asthma sufferers have the same kind of thing going on. Thanks for reading! Vicky

For me, the yeast infection manifested itself as a sore throat. I just thought I had a particularly persistent sore throat. A specialist looked as part of a unrelated exam and told me it was a yeast infection and perscribed stuff for it ( cleared up a case of athletes foot too). I’d get it checked out. Jerry Freedman,Jr — Creation took 6 days because God didn’t have an installed base Before you buy.

Response:

Dear Readers: I know that someone has probably already asked this first question, so hopefully you won’t get too bored and will be kind enough to answer if you can.  :-) Are any of you using flovent and finding that you have a problem with sore throats?  I know that this medication can cause yeast infections (if I remember correctly, anyway).  I used to use the aerosol version (the "puffer" version), but my throat was so bad with that stuff that I started using the diskus version.  I rinse regularly, but obviously it isn’t enough.  I figure I probably just don’t have the lung power to suck all that stuff down, and so some of it just sits there and does mean things.  :-)  Does anyone know of some nice home remedy to deal with the soreness?  It’s starting to get sore again, and I don’t want to go off the medication since things have been getting worse lately (and not to mention the fact that people keep giving me heck for going off the medication). I’ve got another question just out of curiosity.  Has anyone had a chest xray done, and then been told that you have granulomas and calcification?  I was told that I have that in my lungs, and that it’s something that can happen to people who have had asthma for a long time (I’ve had problems for most of my life).  I thought it was strange – I thought people only got stuff like that from having things like TB, pneumonia, and whatever else I don’t know about.  I guess asthma is one of the things I didn’t know about.  So now I’m curious to see if other long time asthma sufferers have the same kind of thing going on. Thanks for reading! Vicky

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Question:

Prozac May Soon Have a Generic Brand (washingtonpost.com)        By Katrina Hull       Associated Press Writer       Monday, July 30, 2001; 5:48 PM       INDIANAPOLIS

Question:

I have read posts from people who talk about having strange dreams while taking Singulair I seem to remember something about visual disturbances and Atrovent, and

I had weird dreams from singulair and am making an appointment with an eye doctor as I am having visual problems with atrovent I think. The reason being,I went off of atrovent for one week and my eye problems cleared up. The first day after returning to atrovent my visual problems started back.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have read posts from people who talk about having strange dreams while taking Singulair I seem to remember something about visual disturbances and Atrovent, and I had weird dreams from singulair and am making an appointment with an eye doctor as I am having visual problems with atrovent I think. The reason being,I went off of atrovent for one week and my eye problems cleared up. The first day after returning to atrovent my visual problems started back.

Just a thought…Have you checked your blood pressure recently? You need to tell the Dr who prescribed it of your visual problems and the possability of it being caused by the Atrovent….vision problems could be a sign of a more serious problem. Jacquie

Response:

I have a 7-year-old-son who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, which is basically a mild form of autism. He talked late and had other developmental delays as well. He also had pretty severe problems with asthma from ages 2-1/2 to 6, and has taken a lot of medications over the last 4-1/2 years. His asthma is much better now, although we still occasionally need albuterol. I don’t think the asthma meds caused his developmental problems but I am wondering if they could have aggravated them. The signs were there before he was a year old, although we didn’t recognize them at the time. However, he seemed to get more fearful and less sociable between the ages of 2 and 3. He became very obsessive and started having major tantrums when he was about 4-1/2. At various times he has taken: Intal via nebulizer, Atrovent nebulizer, Nasarel (flunisolide) used as an inhaled steroid (placed in the nebulizer along with the Atrovent, rather than as a nasal spray,) Serevent inhaler (only a for a short time before he stopped sleeping) Flovent in various strengths, and Singulair. of course, he also took plenty of albuterol via nebulizer and inhaler, and  many oral prednisone bursts. I remember the hyperactivity and irritability from albuterol and prednisone far too well. I have read posts from people who talk about having strange dreams while taking Singulair. I seem to remember something about visual disturbances and Atrovent, and possible problems with vertigo and Intal. I realize these are not common side effects. But considering my son could not tell me how he was feeling when he was younger, I have to wonder if these things were happening. He has what is describe as "sensory defensiveness"—a hypersensitivity to certain textures and unexpected touch. He also dislike certain kinds of movement and is fearful of falling. I have been told this could reflect balance problems and affect gross motor development. What did it do to him while he was growing up if he felt ready to fall most of the time, or things suddenly looked different, or if he felt unable to sit still? If Singulair can cause strange dreams, what else could it have done to his brain? Does this sound familiar to anyone? Any other parents out there whose kids have asthma and developmental delays? Jean in NC

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After this I tried Celexa, Effexor and Zoloft.  Each helped for a week or two and then the irritability and aggression began to steadily increase until it became urgent that I stop the drug. Hi Louise, I had feelings and thoughts of aggression for a few weeks after starting to raise the Zoloft dose to high levels. What I did was take a little bit of Benadryl, about a few grains from a broken store-brand capsule, to settle the agitation.  Eventually after a few days of the Benadryl the agitation stopped and never came back again. I also started raising the dose very gradually. I have a family history of bipolar (called manic depressive back then), and my pdoc concluded that I should NEVER take any more SSRIs because I have the biological tendency to become manic from them. Are you sure you are manic on them permanently? Some of us get manic on them for a while, but only for a while. I was euphorically hypomanic from Zoloft for four months, with some jitters thrown in.  Eventually all that left. How long were you on any of the SSRIs? So, does anyone know whether the Klonopin would prevent the irritable, agitated and aggressive symptoms that I always get after a few weeks on an SSRI?  Would it be worth trying an SSRI now that I am solidly on Klonopin or is it likely that the same thing will happen? Well, I took Benadryl for a few days to calm down the agitation. It wasn’t much–just a few grains once or twice a day–not enough to make one sleepy. It worked for me.  It is used to help those who go through akathisia/ agressiveness when having starting SSRIs.  It may or may not work for you.

I was never on an SSRI for more than a month or two because my I and my pdoc and my therapist became fearful that my anger and irritation were so intense that I would lose control and they felt I should get off of them. I guess I was wondering whether the Klonopin would be like the Benedryl. Louise — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ::Two people I was very close to have passed away in the last ::6 months and another is moving far away in about 6 weeks. ::The moving has thrown me over the line and I am becoming ::more and chronically depressed, hopeless and it’s getting ::real hard to function in the mornings. <gently snipped Dear Louise, Sorry about all the loss in your life. (((((Louise))))) You seem so sensitive to lots of medication. Have you thought about getting some therapy to help deal with your feelings of loss? It could help you a lot. Healing thoughts being sent your way. Jackie ~*~If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude~*~  ~~ Maya Angelou quote

I’m sorry, I should have said that I am in therapy.  In fact, in January, my therapist of 10 years suddenly had a stroke and died – that is one of the "losses". I have started with someone else….but it’s not the same and I don’t know if it ever will be. Louise — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::I’m sorry, I should have said that I am in therapy.  In ::fact, in January, my therapist of 10 years suddenly had a ::stroke and died – that is one of the "losses". I’m so sorry (((((Louise))))) Jackie ~*~Life is not the way it’s supposed to be. It’s the way it    is. The way you deal with it is what makes the difference~*~   ~~ Virginia Satir   — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Over the last 10+ years, I’ve tried several SSRIs to treat a chronic low level, lifelong depression.  I have also suffered from a lot of anxiety and panic attacks and have usually been thought to have an "agitated depression" when I’ve sought psychiatric help. The only ADs that ever helped were the ones that put me to sleep and made me just able to function, but not "live", because I’d rather be sleeping, almost no matter what.  That was Luvox.  But when the dose of Luvox was raised, I didn’t become more sleepy, I became more agitated, argumentative and intolerably irritable.  I was on the verge of destruction – myself and others. After this I tried Celexa, Effexor and Zoloft.  Each helped for a week or two and then the irritability and aggression began to steadily increase until it became urgent that I stop the drug. I have a family history of bipolar (called manic depressive back then), and my pdoc concluded that I should NEVER take any more SSRIs because I have the biological tendency to become manic from them. I used Lamictal for several years with minimal success.  I need to take lots of benzos to counter the panic attacks and eventually began getting them in a variety of ways because the pdoc didn’t want me to take them every day (ativan mostly). Then I stopped the lamictal and felt better, as I suspected I would.  I was off all medication except for ativan prn for about 8 months. Then, last May (06), there were some serious changes in my life and I became extremely anxious.  I went to see a new pdoc who suggested that we focus on the panic attacks and the anxiety and see what happens.  I am now taking 2mg Klonopin daily and it has definitely helped to level me out and yet, to leave me able to feel and think clearly and have good judgment.  It has provided a lot of relief with minimal side effects.  I don’t really care that it might be addictive. Two people I was very close to have passed away in the last 6 months and another is moving far away in about 6 weeks. The moving has thrown me over the line and I am becoming more and chronically depressed, hopeless and it’s getting real hard to function in the mornings. Seroquel was suggested but I refused it because of its potential to cause diabetes.  This is a disease I dread and I will not take a drug that makes it happen to some people and they don’t know why! So, does anyone know whether the Klonopin would prevent the irritable, agitated and aggressive symptoms that I always get after a few weeks on an SSRI?  Would it be worth trying an SSRI now that I am solidly on Klonopin or is it likely that the same thing will happen? Thanks for reading this long post and for any experiences and/or suggestions you have. Louise — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Over the last 10+ years, I’ve tried several SSRIs to treat a chronic low level, lifelong depression.  I have also suffered from a lot of anxiety and panic attacks and have usually been thought to have an "agitated depression" when I’ve sought psychiatric help. The only ADs that ever helped were the ones that put me to sleep and made me just able to function, but not "live", because I’d rather be sleeping, almost no matter what.  That was Luvox.  But when the dose of Luvox was raised, I didn’t become more sleepy, I became more agitated, argumentative and intolerably irritable.  I was on the verge of destruction – myself and others. After this I tried Celexa, Effexor and Zoloft.  Each helped for a week or two and then the irritability and aggression began to steadily increase until it became urgent that I stop the drug. I have a family history of bipolar (called manic depressive back then), and my pdoc concluded that I should NEVER take any more SSRIs because I have the biological tendency to become manic from them. I used Lamictal for several years with minimal success.  I need to take lots of benzos to counter the panic attacks and eventually began getting them in a variety of ways because the pdoc didn’t want me to take them every day (ativan mostly). Then I stopped the lamictal and felt better, as I suspected I would.  I was off all medication except for ativan prn for about 8 months. Then, last May (06), there were some serious changes in my life and I became extremely anxious.  I went to see a new pdoc who suggested that we focus on the panic attacks and the anxiety and see what happens.  I am now taking 2mg Klonopin daily and it has definitely helped to level me out and yet, to leave me able to feel and think clearly and have good judgment.  It has provided a lot of relief with minimal side effects.  I don’t really care that it might be addictive. Two people I was very close to have passed away in the last 6 months and another is moving far away in about 6 weeks. The moving has thrown me over the line and I am becoming more and chronically depressed, hopeless and it’s getting real hard to function in the mornings. Seroquel was suggested but I refused it because of its potential to cause diabetes.  This is a disease I dread and I will not take a drug that makes it happen to some people and they don’t know why! So, does anyone know whether the Klonopin would prevent the irritable, agitated and aggressive symptoms that I always get after a few weeks on an SSRI?

Klonopin isn’t a mood stabilizer, so my guess is that it wouldn’t prevent a mood swing to hypomania/mania. Our resident psychiatrist Margrove might be able to suggest a good med combo. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is used for depression in bipolars cause it is thought it is less likely than other antidepressants to result in a mood swing . Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Two people I was very close to have passed away in the last ::6 months and another is moving far away in about 6 weeks. ::The moving has thrown me over the line and I am becoming ::more and chronically depressed, hopeless and it’s getting ::real hard to function in the mornings. <gently snipped Dear Louise, Sorry about all the loss in your life. (((((Louise))))) You seem so sensitive to lots of medication. Have you thought about getting some therapy to help deal with your feelings of loss? It could help you a lot. Healing thoughts being sent your way. Jackie ~*~If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude~*~  ~~ Maya Angelou quote — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

After this I tried Celexa, Effexor and Zoloft.  Each helped for a week or two and then the irritability and aggression began to steadily increase until it became urgent that I stop the drug.

Hi Louise, I had feelings and thoughts of aggression for a few weeks after starting to raise the Zoloft dose to high levels. What I did was take a little bit of Benadryl, about a few grains from a broken store-brand capsule, to settle the agitation.  Eventually after a few days of the Benadryl the agitation stopped and never came back again. I also started raising the dose very gradually. I have a family history of bipolar (called manic depressive back then), and my pdoc concluded that I should NEVER take any more SSRIs because I have the biological tendency to become manic from them.

Are you sure you are manic on them permanently? Some of us get manic on them for a while, but only for a while. I was euphorically hypomanic from Zoloft for four months, with some jitters thrown in.  Eventually all that left. How long were you on any of the SSRIs? So, does anyone know whether the Klonopin would prevent the irritable, agitated and aggressive symptoms that I always get after a few weeks on an SSRI?  Would it be worth trying an SSRI now that I am solidly on Klonopin or is it likely that the same thing will happen?

Well, I took Benadryl for a few days to calm down the agitation. It wasn’t much–just a few grains once or twice a day–not enough to make one sleepy. It worked for me.  It is used to help those who go through akathisia/ agressiveness when having starting SSRIs.  It may or may not work for you. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Question:

<Gale.Schu…@risperdal.causes.mania

wrote in message

news:cv50ducnc4u11fr799r6265i8vu3k60t76@4ax.com…

Effexor Withdrawal Causing Crackling Sounds in the Brain Antidepressants  "Thank God for this website." I had a nervous breakdown six years ago and after being on other

anti-depressants without

a problem, my psychiatrist felt that Effexor had less of an effect on the

heart, and so

switched me to Effexor. I have tried unsuccessfully to quit on many

occasions, even though

I only take 37.5 mgs per day. The extreme lethargy I feel when I have

tried to quit, the

tingling in various parts of my body, the weird dreams and most

troublesome of all, the

crackling, electric sounds in my head have caused me too much distress to

ever be

successful.

Hi, I think that you have to think about all these  side effect problems. Maybe they are not side-effect, maybe they are only telling you that you are stressed, and you need to fix your problems, otherwise the side-problems will be forever with you B

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"barbapic" <barba…@ntlworld.com

wrote in message <news:go%z8.821$8n2.364518@news2-win.server.ntlworld.com… <Gale.Schu…@risperdal.causes.mania wrote in message news:cv50ducnc4u11fr799r6265i8vu3k60t76@4ax.com… Effexor Withdrawal Causing Crackling Sounds in the Brain Antidepressants  "Thank God for this website." I had a nervous breakdown six years ago and after being on other  anti-depressants without a problem, my psychiatrist felt that Effexor had less of an effect on the  heart, and so switched me to Effexor. I have tried unsuccessfully to quit on many  occasions, even though I only take 37.5 mgs per day. The extreme lethargy I feel when I have  tried to quit, the tingling in various parts of my body, the weird dreams and most  troublesome of all, the crackling, electric sounds in my head have caused me too much distress to  ever be successful. Hi, I think that you have to think about all these  side effect problems. Maybe they are not side-effect, maybe they are only telling you that you are stressed, and you need to fix your problems, otherwise the side-problems will be forever with you B

I thought cross-posting to and from different kind of newsgroups was not the reason why they started alt.support.schizofrenia. Btw, is it not forbidden in the FAQ ? Berty

Response:

Question:

My pdoc tells me that mood stabilizers help with manic stages more than depression, and that anti-depressants are needed for the down times of bipolar. Hope that helps! Can SSRI’s such as Prozac and Effexor help with moodyness and a bit of bi- polar? Mood stabilizers help with moods sure, but what about helping the depression?

Before you buy.

Response:

Can SSRI’s such as Prozac and Effexor help with moodyness and a bit of bi- polar? Mood stabilizers help with moods sure, but what about helping the depression?

Response:

Question:

Wait and take the next one when you are suppose. If you missed one dosage it won’t hurt you. You may want to get a pill box and then if you think you have missed a dosage you can look and tell if it missing. Hope your day goes well. K. HAVE A WONDERFULLY FUN FILLED DAY!!!!

Response:

I usually cant remember whether I took my meds or not so I went out and bought one of those cute pill reminder box. Mine is plastic and about 4 in. long and a thumbnail wide.It has 7 little compartments with each one having a snap top and the letter of the week on top. They come in many sizes depending on how many pills a day you have to take. I fill mine once a week. If I am about to run out of a med I see it coming a week in advance. Also if you suffer from OCD it really helps you KNOW that you took that pill, so you wont obsess on that. Or if you just have 10 million things on your plate and cant remeber much of anything anymore, lol, it helps. Chow love Brenda

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have to respond to this having made this mistake myself not long ago. DO NOT take the extra dose!!! I did that and overdosed myself. You will be better off waiting until your next scheduled dose and just going from there. Your body will not miss the zoloft if you’ve been on it awhile. Just don’t make a habit of it, ok? Mary That’s good advice. What happened when you overdosed, Mary? Philip (just curious)

Well Philip, I took 250 mgs instead of 150. I spent the whole day sitting on the couch wondering how I could have been so stupid. I also spent the day on the couch because every muscle in my body was vibrating and I had very little motor control. But I wasn’t depressed. How could I be with that much of an ad in my system? I pormised myself never to do it again. (I was sleepy when I took my meds that morning and couldn’t remember taking the one pill, so I took another) I went to the store the next day and bought myself a pill organizer that holds all your meds for every day of the week. Now I take the correct dose everyday while feeling like an alzheimer’s patient because at the age of 31, I can’t remember to take my meds correctly. Mary – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  Well, I have been here and lurking…I try to respond privately when I feel I can help…To be honest, the only reason I haven’t been responding on the newsgroup is because I found deja.com…When I discovered all my messages, I felt my privacy was invaded a bit much…Anyway, I now have a question that needs the newsgroup and can’t be dealt with privately, so here it is… Hi Chuck, I’m sorry I can’t be of much help with Zoloft but I do have a solution for this problem.  There are 2 options. If your reader allows it (Agent does) you can have the line "x-no-archive: yes" (without quotes) added to your header. If you can’t find out how to do this, the other option is to make that same line (x-no-archive: yes) the *very first* line of your post.  I took some sleeping meds last night, and this morning I woke up late and don’t recall if I took my Zoloft in the morning (as I usually do)…I fear I have missed it…I have been doing excellent on Zoloft Ok now, you are not sure, you *fear* you’ve forgotten. I would say, don’t try to catch up the dose. AFAIK, it’s not good to ever try to catch up a forgotten AD dose. Just lleave it for what it is and take your regular dose tomorrow morning. I doubt you’ll have a major setback, maybe you’ll be a little uncomfortable but that’s all I would expect. I’ve forgotten my paxil dose several times but it never caused any problems for me. Bye! Inky (^_-)

Response:

I’d quote but the beginning of this thread is gone (yes I’m on AOL)… If it helps you any, try putting your morning meds (for me it’s an SSRI and a hormone) in a container (I use the top of the Nyquil bottle…hey it’s free) and keep that by the bed. Make it a practice to leave your BOTTLE in the living room and only put your morning meds in there before you go to bed (like a routine). I’ve found I can get them in my system faster, which helps me get to sleep earlier that night, in case I just wake up early, take the meds and feel like going back to sleep instead of getting up completely. Keep a small glass of water and the cup and turn the med cup upside down when you’ve taken them. Sometimes my OCD comes in handy  This method sure beats looking at the label and counting and subtracting, blah blah….BTDT and found this helps. All the best. Miriam

Response:

i use a pill box to keep meds straight.before i go to bed i put the next day meds in the pill box,also my husband takes heart meds.he keeps them in a box.when he takes one he turns the bottle up side down.no more guessing or mistakes .let me share something else with you.at times it is hard to swoller pills.use a straw taking pills .you can’t believe how much easier it is. hope some of this helps. good luck. fanny

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That’s good advice. What happened when you overdosed, Mary? Philip (just curious) Well Philip, I took 250 mgs instead of 150. I spent the whole day sitting on the couch wondering how I could have been so stupid. I also spent the day on the couch because every muscle in my body was vibrating and I had very little motor control. But I wasn’t depressed. How could I be with that much of an ad in my system? I pormised myself never to do it again. (I was sleepy when I took my meds that morning and couldn’t remember taking the one pill, so I took another) I went to the store the next day and bought myself a pill organizer that holds all your meds for every day of the week. Now I take the correct dose everyday while feeling like an alzheimer’s patient because at the age of 31, I can’t remember to take my meds correctly. Mary

I thought it would be somewhat like this. Overdosing on a TCA is worse…. I think in 31 years I have missed a dose twice…and the *idea* brings on panic with me (with a benzo it’s different, I notice that very soon and that’s not just psychological). Many  people need pill organizers or a similar system. We may well all  have Alzheimer’s at ASAP, if that would be the criterion ) Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  Well, I have been here and lurking…I try to respond privately when I feel I can help…To be honest, the only reason I haven’t been responding on the newsgroup is because I found deja.com…When I discovered all my messages, I felt my privacy was invaded a bit much…Anyway, I now have a question that needs the newsgroup and can’t be dealt with privately, so here it is… Hi Chuck, I’m sorry I can’t be of much help with Zoloft but I do have a solution for this problem.  There are 2 options. If your reader allows it (Agent does) you can have the line "x-no-archive: yes" (without quotes) added to your header. If you can’t find out how to do this, the other option is to make that same line (x-no-archive: yes) the *very first* line of your post.  I took some sleeping meds last night, and this morning I woke up late and don’t recall if I took my Zoloft in the morning (as I usually do)…I fear I have missed it…I have been doing excellent on Zoloft Ok now, you are not sure, you *fear* you’ve forgotten. I would say, don’t try to catch up the dose. AFAIK, it’s not good to ever try to catch up a forgotten AD dose. Just lleave it for what it is and take your regular dose tomorrow morning. I doubt you’ll have a major setback, maybe you’ll be a little uncomfortable but that’s all I would expect. I’ve forgotten my paxil dose several times but it never caused any problems for me. Bye! Inky (^_-)

Response:

Chuck, I’m one day late on this question, but I’ll give you some advice for the future. Keep a record of whenever you take meds. I have a calender next to my pill bottles and indicate whenever I have taken a med. I started doing this because sometimes I forget what I’ve taken, especially if it’s first thing in the morning and I’m still half asleep. I do lots of crazy stuff in the morning, like making coffee without adding the water. Or putting my shirt on backwards. Or missing the toilet when I pee. In fact, sometimes I sit down to pee. (that way there’s a better chance of hitting the target) One lady at ASAP said she didn’t know why her husband sat down in the AM to pee. She thought he was doing strange things. I didn’t say anything at the time, to keep her in suspence I suppose, or maybe just to keep her on her toes. Chip p.s. missing one day of Zoloft won’t hurt. To all –

Question:

  I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.  I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

Response:

I tend to do that a lot too, but when I take a xanax before bed, I never wake up before I’m supposed to, and I have many very clear dreams that I always remember.  It’s a huge difference.  YMMV. -deb

Response:

You just explained me to a TEE, unfortunately. I am on the Trazodone for day #3 now, and Zoloft for 3 years. I thought the Trazadone would be alot easier on me than it is. I am EXHAUSTED! I dont know whether my body is just making up for all the sleep deprivation all of this time or what, but I cannot wake-up all this weekend. I feel like I have been weighted down with bricks…I am questioning which is the lesser of two evils: staying up all night, having nightmares and twilight sleep when I can sleep, or this damned Trazadone. I am ready to call it quits to everything! Geesh! I find myself angry with everyone right now. I keep thinking my counsellor is good, helpful, knowledgeable… Okay, so why cant I seem to get better? Two and a half years ago of Zoloft I was about 90% panic free. Now, I am upping dosages, taking more meds, feeling like I am crazy, taking my frustration out on anyone within shouting distance (Including the jerk who had the AUDACITY to steal my parking spot!). I feel like I am on this constant spiral downward lately, and no matter how much I want to believe I am going to be on the "up" side, it doesnt happen. I had one small success recently, and even that isnt enough to help me. I am depressed, I cry at the drop of a hat… Tonight was so bad any slightest noise went straight for my spine and reverbarated (SP?) the whole way. Hard to have peace and quiet with little ones running aorund…My kids jokingly call me the grump now. It isnt funny any more. I dont enjoy anything, I dont want to go anywhere, I sit and cry, and that is all… Why bother going out? RIght now it is better to hide, which is scary- been there, done that– told myself I would never go down to that level again. My husband was always my biggest support person and now even he is losing his patience with me,… I dont understand how other people seem to handle this. Whats worse, the depression, the panic, the combonation of the two?… I am sick of hearing myself moan groan and complain. I find myself always apologising for being such a broken record….Good Lord, how much is my family supposed to take of me?? I dont know the answer to your question about stronger meds. I wanted to try something like Xanax or Ativan, but I was told no, they were too habit forming… What are we to do?? I havent a clue! When you find an answer, be sure to let me in on the secret, wont you???? Wishing you the best of luck!! — Miriam The Complainer    (These opinions are mine and mine alone… YMMV) It’s hard to make a comeback when you haven’t been anywhere.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.     I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

Response:

  I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.  I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

I think, if it were me, I’d go back to my doctor and have a complete review of my treatment. You don’t say whether it has been effective for your anxiety but, assuming it has been, there must be more effective sleeping aids s/he could give you. This ‘racing mind syndrome’ is something I suffer from too and it’s a swine, I know. I do find that a benzo knocks it right out, but I’m not sure whether I’d be willing to use one to do that on a very regular basis. Then again, sleep does seem to be quite dependent on patterns and habits so might it be that if you could re-establish a new sleeping pattern with occasional use of a benzo, that might help? Just a thought, FWIW — Gary Cooper

Response:

I know how you feel.  I had the same problem for two months.  I have two pieces of advice for you. 1. set up a normal sleep time and stick to it. go to bed and wake at the same time every day.  I found this a real pain, since I would sometimes find myself lying in bed somewhere between asleep and wide awake for a couple of hours.  2.  Keep your house as cool as possible, this one really helps me.  It sucks when you get the electric bill, but I find the extra money worth it.  I believe the book that I read said between 60 and 70.  I keep mine at 70, at night. I am not saying that you still wont wake up to go to the bathroom (when you gotta go you gotta go!). What I am saying you should get a little more consistent about falling back to sleep. of course YMMV and IMO. This took me about a month or so, but it really helped. Good luck d – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.     I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

Response:

  I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.  I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

Used to have this problem until I started taking Klonopin (3mgs per day) and Xanax (.25 to 1 mg. per day) Now, I sleep very well. I rarely wake up before I am "supposed to". I alos no longer have nocturnal panic attacks, which had plagued me since I was 16 (38 now). The other benefit is that I was diagnosed withfibromyalgia a few years back. The symptoms are worse with interrupted sleep. I no longer have symptoms since being on the meds. I also have no side-effects from the meds. Best Wishes, Jen

Response:

I’m afraid I can’t offer much advice but I can empathize with your experience. I sometimes wake up in the middle night with my stress meter fully pegged. It doesn’t sound like much, but I have found that if I concentrate on asking myself why I would need to feel so stressed I am able to eventually ease back down. josh   I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off. — Gary Cooper

Response:

In article <   I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.     I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

This person’s an idiot-"I DONT DO DRUGS" – of course you do!-ZOLOFT/coffee and who knows how many wines/beers a week they consume, much less cigarettes!!!

Response: