Question:

Hi all — I wanted to report my pleasure with my Gurney’s black-stripe sunflowers. The plants are about 6 feet tall and vigorous, but for a change the flowers do not bend down and face the ground.  The flower heads are smaller than some varieties, but hold themselves up very well.  They look just fantastic!  I hope the birds will find and harvest them. KeziaK Northern VA

Response:

I would like to second that sunflower rave. I have generic sunflowers, dont knnow what type, I first planted them about 5 or 6 years ago in a small plot on the edge of my garden about 12 x 12, every year they have re seeded. I look forward to the blue jays that cruise by every fall for a few weeks and feast. Its a sustainable sunflower bed. Except of course for the roundup I spray every spring to clear out the weeds, the 2,4-D I use to clear out the broad leaf stuff, and the insecticides I use 3 or 4 times a year just to be on the safe side. NOT. Hi all — I wanted to report my pleasure with my Gurney’s black-stripe sunflowers. The plants are about 6 feet tall and vigorous, but for a change the flowers do not bend down and face the ground.  The flower heads are smaller than some varieties, but hold themselves up very well.  They look just fantastic!  I hope the birds will find and harvest them. KeziaK Northern VA

– Ken Toews    *            In life effects are certainty while causes                      Stay Hungry, Stay foolish  <<

Response:

Question:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

Question:

Yes, but being a ‘learned scholar’ in one particular area does not mean that your ADVICE will help everyone…which ends up giving out misinformation to patients who are suffering. So instead of expounding on what your career ‘used to be’ and college degree, just try and be compassionate to share what works for you…. it may NOT work for others. The mouthwash DOES NOT do a thing for my thrush….good old mycostatin, and meds does it for me…. I  was a Med/Tech writer editor for 20yrs. but in Radiation Oncology, does that mean I can give advice on curing cancerous lymphomas? I also went to the garage several times, does that make me a mechanic?    LOL Just trying to lighten the mood. thanks

Response:

try using mouth wash( the kind that kills bacteria).  take a swig and hold it in your mouth for as long as you can then spit it out.  this will be a little uncomfortable but it helps

Response:

Dear Carrie,  I had the same problem with the pulmocort and I think you are right about the delivery system.  I rinsed my mouth out faithfully after each use and still had thrush.  I would go off the pulmicort and get the thrush cleared up and go back on it, the thrush would be back within a week.  I finally changed to flovent with the airchamber and have not had any problems.  Pam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use a MDI and aerochamber and I rinse my mouth out with water after using my Flovent inhaler.  Ever since I started doing that, I haven’t gotten thrush since.  I don’t know if you have been doing the same, but it has helped me. Carrie I am very upset and miserable. I have thrush again, due to my inhaler. I am on Pulmicort Turbo inhaler. I don’t know if my theory holds any water, but I wondered if I switched to a different mode of delivery….back to a metered dose inhaler…I might not get this thrush as often. With the aero-chamber and a metered dose inhaler I might be able to get it past my tongue better. I have only been on Azmacort and Pulmi-cort. Does Pulmicort come in a metered dose Inhaler? If not, which one would you recommend? Thanks so much DOn * 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:

do not use a mouth wash that kills bacteria. Thrush is caused by a fungus if you kill the bacteria that normally live in your mouth the naturally occurring fungus will be able to gain a stronger hold on the mucousal surfaces of your mouth and the thrush will become worse.

This information is correct. Antifungal therapy, spacers, mouth rinsing/gargling with water-(try warm water not cold- could solubilize it better), weeker steroid inhalers (I was switched from flovent to  azmacort even though i hohum about it for many reasons)..these are ways to avoid/get rid of thrush. Chilla (the Candida biologist turned science writer)

Response:

I know this information is correct. I’m a microbiologist as well;-)

BTW, hansen’t a gene been identified that produces a susceptibility to yeast infections?  I wonder if (assuming an easy and inexpensive test were available) we could identify if any particular person was more likely to develop thrush? "Keep looking below surface appearances. Don’t shrink from doing so (just) because you might not like what you find."    General Colin Powell

Response:

I know this information is correct. I’m a microbiologist as well;-)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – do not use a mouth wash that kills bacteria. Thrush is caused by a fungus if you kill the bacteria that normally live in your mouth the naturally occurring fungus will be able to gain a stronger hold on the mucousal surfaces of your mouth and the thrush will become worse. This information is correct. Antifungal therapy, spacers, mouth rinsing/gargling with water-(try warm water not cold- could solubilize it better), weeker steroid inhalers (I was switched from flovent to  azmacort even though i hohum about it for many reasons)..these are ways to avoid/get rid of thrush. Chilla (the Candida biologist turned science writer)

Response:

Yes, the mouthwash helped me a bit, temporarily,,,but didnt relieve the horrible pain, peeling, and tenderness of MY thrush; so always end up telling my doc to call in a prescription of "Nystatin" (mycostatin) oral rinse….swish and swallow, boy, does it do the trick for me in two days!!! Just thought this may help those that dont get relef from the home remedies. thanks.

Response:

I am very upset and miserable. I have thrush again, due to my inhaler. I am on Pulmicort Turbo inhaler. I don’t know if my theory holds any water, but I wondered if I switched to a different mode of delivery….back to a metered dose inhaler…I might not get this thrush as often. With the aero-chamber and a metered dose inhaler I might be able to get it past my tongue better. I have only been on Azmacort and Pulmi-cort. Does Pulmicort come in a metered dose Inhaler? If not, which one would you recommend? Thanks so much DOn * 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:

As far as I know, Pulmicort does not come as a MDI, which is why I’m resisting agains my Doc switching me over to it. I believe that Flovent is just as good, but you would have to ask a doc about that. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am very upset and miserable. I have thrush again, due to my inhaler. I am on Pulmicort Turbo inhaler. I don’t know if my theory holds any water, but I wondered if I switched to a different mode of delivery….back to a metered dose inhaler…I might not get this thrush as often. With the aero-chamber and a metered dose inhaler I might be able to get it past my tongue better. I have only been on Azmacort and Pulmi-cort. Does Pulmicort come in a metered dose Inhaler? If not, which one would you recommend? Thanks so much DOn * 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 use a MDI and aerochamber and I rinse my mouth out with water after using my Flovent inhaler.  Ever since I started doing that, I haven’t gotten thrush since.  I don’t know if you have been doing the same, but it has helped me. Carrie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am very upset and miserable. I have thrush again, due to my inhaler. I am on Pulmicort Turbo inhaler. I don’t know if my theory holds any water, but I wondered if I switched to a different mode of delivery….back to a metered dose inhaler…I might not get this thrush as often. With the aero-chamber and a metered dose inhaler I might be able to get it past my tongue better. I have only been on Azmacort and Pulmi-cort. Does Pulmicort come in a metered dose Inhaler? If not, which one would you recommend? Thanks so much DOn * 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:

do not use a mouth wash that kills bacteria. Thrush is caused by a fungus if you kill the bacteria that normally live in your mouth the naturally occurring fungus will be able to gain a stronger hold on the mucousal surfaces of your mouth and the thrush will become worse. For what it’s worth I very rarely have trouble with thrush, despite being permanently on oral steroids as well as very high dose inhaled and when I do get it eating natural yoghurt helps heaps.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – try using mouth wash( the kind that kills bacteria).  take a swig and hold it in your mouth for as long as you can then spit it out.  this will be a little uncomfortable but it helps

Response:

Question:

Top post Rick I have my panic/anxiety under management ATM having used quite a few of the excellent suggestions you posted. I love the way you confronted the issues and constuctively offered opinion, ideas and options that are realistic and based on proven experience. I have extensive experience in dealing with anxiety and still found your post to provide better ways of taking control of anxiety situations. I found this particular part most interesting for me: It turned out to be better to take control of the situation by accepting my symptoms for what they were (simply my body’s physical reaction to being over stressed). Instead of trying to resist the feelings, I take control and using other coping skills (deep breathing, and especially positive self-talk such as ICHI) to minimize their affect until my symptoms have disappeared.

For situational panic I wish I could learn to apply this technique better. I am almost there but still find I use distraction as a way to manage. I am still too afraid to let a panic (derealisation in my case) to ride through me. BTW what is ICHI? Also, I am going to try and find your original post as I’m keen to have a look at your website as I work in web and eLearning design field. I am a novice trying to learn "Authorware" and it is very hard. P.S Like Meryl, I am from Melbourne Australia and if you wish to email me you just need to remove the "no spam" from my hotmail addy. take care, Vanessa [off to search for your first post}

- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - Hi  Michelle, I hope you're feeling better and I am glad that you've found the ASAP newsgroup. You'll find that you are amongst people who know first hand what you are experiencing and I'm sure someone here at ASAP will be able to help you find the answer(s) you seek. Before I offer my advice, I want to first compliment you on your determination to overcome your anxiety "monsters". Rather than choosing the role of the victim of your situation, you have chosen to take control of your problem and find out how to beat it. Not letting your anxiety take control of you takes real courage (which is ironic considering how much we worry in our lives). So again my sincere, heartfelt congratulations! When I first started experiencing my anxiety disorder (over 10 years ago), I pretty much followed the self-help regime that you described in your post so let me start by saying that you have been making excellent choices. I'm sorry that they haven't given you the results you were hoping for. Maybe some of my experiences below will give you insights as to why these skills haven't been helping you, because I am at a loss to understand their ineffectiveness. The coping skills you've been practicing are the ones recommended by many anxiety experts. When my anxiety got out of control, I too started exercising regularly. I also went to a therapist and I practiced self-talk. I listened to relaxation tapes (rather than the meditation route). Like yourself, I even focused on doing something else when the panic attacks kicked in to try and keep my mind distracted to keep me from worrying about the symptoms I was feeling. Also like yourself, my doctor prescribed Paxil for me, but in my case the meds actually helped (despite some unwanted side effects). In response to your post, I would like to offer you (and anyone else reading this post) six suggestions as well as five additional coping skills that I use and find particularly useful. You may have tried some of them and not mentioned them in your post, but hopefully you'll find something worth trying. I prefer to write a lot (because I want to help as many people as I can in dealing with this problem), so feel free to skip the points that don't apply to you. Others may read this post and some of my advice, which isn't applicable to your situation, may help them. (By the way, if you would like to know my story, feel free to read my very first post to ASAP entitled "Hello ASAP from a Newbie" posted on March 20, 2004. You'll find my introduction to the group and hopefully recognize that the advice that follows comes from someone who really understands first hand what a drag anxiety disorder can be for us.) MY SIX SUGGESTIONS Suggestion #1: Seek Out a Local Support Group One thing you didn't list in your post was whether or not you have sought out an anxiety support group in your own city (as opposed to on the Web). If you haven't, I would suggest that you do so. You're sure to get good advice here in cyberspace, but there is something to be said for face-to-face communication and as humans, we need the company of other people - the glowing smiles, the voices of concern (and even the occasional encouraging hug). Joining a real world support group also gives you the opportunity to get out of the house (which can be an added benefit to those suffering from depression or feeling agoraphobic). Family and friends can certainly offer you support, but being amongst people who truly know what you're going through can be extremely beneficial, both emotional and educationally - I know it certainly was for me. If you agree, consider talking to your counsellor or doctor and see if they know of a local support group. Of course, please continue visiting ASAP because you'll find good advice and support here, too. And when you do find your solution, please be sure to share your story here since we do care. Besides, your post perhaps could inspire others. Suggestion #2: Keep Practicing Your Coping Skills, Even If You Feeling Fine You write in your post that you have always been able to identify your trigger. I'm glad to read this because that suggests to me that you are aware that dealing with anxiety disorder can be a lifetime challenge. I made the mistake of thinking that once I beat it the first time, I was "cured". I stopped exercising regularly, I went back to my bad habit of listening to my negative voice and I started drinking more coffee. So my second suggestion may not necessarily be for you but for anyone else who is reading this post. Once you have overcome your anxiety disorder, don't make the mistake that I made and think you've beaten it forever. If you don't learn how to manage your anxiety properly, the panic attacks will return. Suggestion #3: Avoidance Is Not an Effective Coping Skill As I wrote in my previous suggestion, not only was I not managing my anxiety, I was actually putting out the welcome mat for its return. I made the mistake of thinking that avoidance was a coping skill! (I was not being assertive  nor was I confronting the problems I had with co-workers.) By not resolving my difficulties at my workplace, I just added those concerns to my worry pile and eventually the pile grew so large, it collapsed on me. Suggestion #4: Avoid Self Medication - It's Only a Temporary Solution I was avoiding confronting the underlining causes of  my stress by self-medicating. Fortunately I didn't turn to drugs or alcohol (because my father was an alcoholic). My medicine of choice was TV and I used it to tune out life's stresses and block out my negative thinking. Suggestion #5: Watch What Your Telling Yourself I've done a lot of research on anxiety disorder over the years and one truism I've learned is this: What you tell yourself is what you believe. If you tell yourself that you can't overcome your anxiety, then you can't. (After all, why would you lie to yourself?) If you say that you can't ride a bus, won't get into an elevator, etc., you can't and you won't. And worst of all, by not facing your stress triggers, you're subconsciously validating these false assumptions. If it's true that you believe the negative things you tell yourself, it's equally true that you believe the positive things. For example, say you have a problem with elevators. If instead of saying you can't ride on elevators, you start saying that you can. Eventually you will be able to do so. Maybe not right away, but you can do it. You just need to believe it, really want it and with the right coping skills, particularly coping skill #1 visualization (see below) and self-talk, you can accomplish it. I mean, it's riding an elevator, it's not flying to the top of the building. People ride elevators everyday. Those that don't are, truth be known, unable to do so simply because they tell themselves they can't. With any challenge, first clearly define the goal you want to accomplish (e.g., riding in elevators) and then clearly see the reward you'll get from reaching your goal (so you'll do the work needed to overcome the challenge). Next, set the steps you'll need to accomplish your goal. One bit of advice: if you are someone who gets easily discouraged, work in small steps. Begin by listening to relaxation tapes to calm your mind.  It's also important to be exercising regularly so that you'll be physically ready to take on your "challenge". Next (continuing with the elevator example), begin visualizing getting on the elevator, see yourself feeling calm and peaceful. See the experience as a positive, unstressful moment (as it probably was earlier in your life). Repeat the visualization as often as you feel is necessary. Remind yourself the importance of your goal and then go to the elevator. Pick one that's empty. Take a friend along for support if necessary. Be sure that your friend clearly understands your problem and will be supportive. Also be sure that your friend wants you to get better because some friends don't (they may want you to remain helpless because then you'll need to rely on them). Fill your lungs with a deep breath to

... read more »

Response:

that's a really incredible post! One to save, for sure. -regards, z _

- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - Hi  Michelle, I hope you're feeling better and I am glad that you've found the ASAP newsgroup. You'll find that you are amongst people who know first hand what you are experiencing and I'm sure someone here at ASAP will be able to help you find the answer(s) you seek. Before I offer my advice, I want to first compliment you on your determination to overcome your anxiety "monsters". Rather than choosing the role of the victim of your situation, you have chosen to take control of your problem and find out how to beat it. Not letting your anxiety take control of you takes real courage (which is ironic considering how much we worry in our lives). So again my sincere, heartfelt congratulations! When I first started experiencing my anxiety disorder (over 10 years ago), I pretty much followed the self-help regime that you described in your post so let me start by saying that you have been making excellent choices. I'm sorry that they haven't given you the results you were hoping for. Maybe some of my experiences below will give you insights as to why these skills haven't been helping you, because I am at a loss to understand their ineffectiveness. The coping skills you've been practicing are the ones recommended by many anxiety experts. When my anxiety got out of control, I too started exercising regularly. I also went to a therapist and I practiced self-talk. I listened to relaxation tapes (rather than the meditation route). Like yourself, I even focused on doing something else when the panic attacks kicked in to try and keep my mind distracted to keep me from worrying about the symptoms I was feeling. Also like yourself, my doctor prescribed Paxil for me, but in my case the meds actually helped (despite some unwanted side effects). In response to your post, I would like to offer you (and anyone else reading this post) six suggestions as well as five additional coping skills that I use and find particularly useful. You may have tried some of them and not mentioned them in your post, but hopefully you'll find something worth trying. I prefer to write a lot (because I want to help as many people as I can in dealing with this problem), so feel free to skip the points that don't apply to you. Others may read this post and some of my advice, which isn't applicable to your situation, may help them. (By the way, if you would like to know my story, feel free to read my very first post to ASAP entitled "Hello ASAP from a Newbie" posted on March 20, 2004. You'll find my introduction to the group and hopefully recognize that the advice that follows comes from someone who really understands first hand what a drag anxiety disorder can be for us.) MY SIX SUGGESTIONS Suggestion #1: Seek Out a Local Support Group One thing you didn't list in your post was whether or not you have sought out an anxiety support group in your own city (as opposed to on the Web). If you haven't, I would suggest that you do so. You're sure to get good advice here in cyberspace, but there is something to be said for face-to-face communication and as humans, we need the company of other people - the glowing smiles, the voices of concern (and even the occasional encouraging hug). Joining a real world support group also gives you the opportunity to get out of the house (which can be an added benefit to those suffering from depression or feeling agoraphobic). Family and friends can certainly offer you support, but being amongst people who truly know what you're going through can be extremely beneficial, both emotional and educationally - I know it certainly was for me. If you agree, consider talking to your counsellor or doctor and see if they know of a local support group. Of course, please continue visiting ASAP because you'll find good advice and support here, too. And when you do find your solution, please be sure to share your story here since we do care. Besides, your post perhaps could inspire others. Suggestion #2: Keep Practicing Your Coping Skills, Even If You Feeling Fine You write in your post that you have always been able to identify your trigger. I'm glad to read this because that suggests to me that you are aware that dealing with anxiety disorder can be a lifetime challenge. I made the mistake of thinking that once I beat it the first time, I was "cured". I stopped exercising regularly, I went back to my bad habit of listening to my negative voice and I started drinking more coffee. So my second suggestion may not necessarily be for you but for anyone else who is reading this post. Once you have overcome your anxiety disorder, don't make the mistake that I made and think you've beaten it forever. If you don't learn how to manage your anxiety properly, the panic attacks will return. Suggestion #3: Avoidance Is Not an Effective Coping Skill As I wrote in my previous suggestion, not only was I not managing my anxiety, I was actually putting out the welcome mat for its return. I made the mistake of thinking that avoidance was a coping skill! (I was not being assertive  nor was I confronting the problems I had with co-workers.) By not resolving my difficulties at my workplace, I just added those concerns to my worry pile and eventually the pile grew so large, it collapsed on me. Suggestion #4: Avoid Self Medication - It's Only a Temporary Solution I was avoiding confronting the underlining causes of  my stress by self-medicating. Fortunately I didn't turn to drugs or alcohol (because my father was an alcoholic). My medicine of choice was TV and I used it to tune out life's stresses and block out my negative thinking. Suggestion #5: Watch What Your Telling Yourself I've done a lot of research on anxiety disorder over the years and one truism I've learned is this: What you tell yourself is what you believe. If you tell yourself that you can't overcome your anxiety, then you can't. (After all, why would you lie to yourself?) If you say that you can't ride a bus, won't get into an elevator, etc., you can't and you won't. And worst of all, by not facing your stress triggers, you're subconsciously validating these false assumptions. If it's true that you believe the negative things you tell yourself, it's equally true that you believe the positive things. For example, say you have a problem with elevators. If instead of saying you can't ride on elevators, you start saying that you can. Eventually you will be able to do so. Maybe not right away, but you can do it. You just need to believe it, really want it and with the right coping skills, particularly coping skill #1 visualization (see below) and self-talk, you can accomplish it. I mean, it's riding an elevator, it's not flying to the top of the building. People ride elevators everyday. Those that don't are, truth be known, unable to do so simply because they tell themselves they can't. With any challenge, first clearly define the goal you want to accomplish (e.g., riding in elevators) and then clearly see the reward you'll get from reaching your goal (so you'll do the work needed to overcome the challenge). Next, set the steps you'll need to accomplish your goal. One bit of advice: if you are someone who gets easily discouraged, work in small steps. Begin by listening to relaxation tapes to calm your mind.  It's also important to be exercising regularly so that you'll be physically ready to take on your "challenge". Next (continuing with the elevator example), begin visualizing getting on the elevator, see yourself feeling calm and peaceful. See the experience as a positive, unstressful moment (as it probably was earlier in your life). Repeat the visualization as often as you feel is necessary. Remind yourself the importance of your goal and then go to the elevator. Pick one that's empty. Take a friend along for support if necessary. Be sure that your friend clearly understands your problem and will be supportive. Also be sure that your friend wants you to get better because some friends don't (they may want you to remain helpless because then you'll need to rely on them). Fill your lungs with a deep breath to help relax you, use positive self-talk, get on the elevator and press the button. Some people with severe anxiety need to have the added assurance of an "out" before they begin overcoming their challenge. In the case of the elevator, the out would be permission to get exit before the door closes. Maybe, at first, just getting on the elevator will be all you can do. Maybe you'll be able to ride it up only one or two floors. Or maybe you'll ride it to the top and then wonder how this could have ever been a problem for you. Your anxiety may be so strong that you'll turn away and not even make the attempt. All these scenarios could happen. The important thing is that you made the effort to control your anxiety (rather than have it control you.) If you made it to the top, congratulate yourself and use the experience as ammunition to confront your next challenge. If on the other hand, you didn't accomplish your goal, don't focus on your "failure" but rather focus on the courage you showed in making the attempt. Recognize that you have that courage, and just work harder to prepare yourself for the next attempt. Lower your expectations and maybe set a new goal of just getting on the elevator. Get on and then get off. Repeat that until your inner voice tells you that you're ready to take the next step

... read more »

Response:

Hi Michelle - After reading Rick's response, I don't think there's much left to cover! But I felt I should post anyway.  It definitely takes time to find the answers. Different methods work for different people.  So, don't give up! If you don't feel well, work with your doctor in trying different combinations of therapy/meds. Sometimes it really is a trial&error type of situation.  Hang in there. -take care, z [aka rob]

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been a really anxious person all of my life, but have always been able to identify the trigger.  That is until last September.  I often feel like I am off balance, shaky, weak, dizzy, like one more movement and I will colapse.  I tried to take paxil but got brutally sick.  I am now on Effexor 150 mg.  I started it in October.  The problem is that the symptom still come and last all day. I have tried exercise, meditation (but I can’t concentrate), focusing on doing something else, self talk, I’ve talked to a counsellor, and nothing eases the symptoms. They last until I am at the point I am ready to give up before they ease. Does anyone have any ideas of anything I can try.

Response:

I have been a really anxious person all of my life, but have always been able to identify the trigger.  That is until last September.  I often feel like I am off balance, shaky, weak, dizzy, like one more movement and I will colapse.

Sometimes there are no triggers and I’ve had all those symptoms above. Of course it could be the actual anxiety itself causing you worry and well, have more anxiety. That’s the vicious circle. I tried to take paxil but got brutally sick.  I am now on Effexor 150 mg.  I started it in October.  The problem is that the symptom still come and last all day. I have tried exercise, meditation (but I can’t concentrate), focusing on doing something else, self talk, I’ve talked to a counsellor, and nothing eases the symptoms. They last until I am at the point I am ready to give up before they ease. Does anyone have any ideas of anything I can try.

I’ve tried Paxil myself for 3 months to help my anxiety. It made it worse in my case as well. I’m on Xanax to help with my PA’s but still have anxiety daily. I notice you mentioned you just about hit rock bottom before it eases up. Well, that’s what I’ve learned in my case too. So after a certain amount of time I’ve come to realize that fighting those symptoms has this effect. It’s scary but if you just let them happen you’ll see they go away much faster and after a while less often. It took me a while to build up enough courage to not flee situations (whatever that may be in your case) when they occur but I did and glad I did. The worse of my symptom was nearly passing out but this has never happened in the last 8 years dealing with anxiety. Good Luck!

Response:

Boy Rick, This is brilliant. I an saving it. There is too much for me to digest in one reading. Truly inspirational and very practical. Meryl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi  Michelle, I hope you’re feeling better and I am glad that you’ve found the ASAP newsgroup. You’ll find that you are amongst people who know first hand what you are experiencing and I’m sure someone here at ASAP will be able to help you find the answer(s) you seek. Before I offer my advice, I want to first compliment you on your determination to overcome your anxiety "monsters". Rather than choosing the role of the victim of your situation, you have chosen to take control of your problem and find out how to beat it. Not letting your anxiety take control of you takes real courage (which is ironic considering how much we worry in our lives). So again my sincere, heartfelt congratulations! When I first started experiencing my anxiety disorder (over 10 years ago), I pretty much followed the self-help regime that you described in your post so let me start by saying that you have been making excellent choices. I’m sorry that they haven’t given you the results you were hoping for. Maybe some of my experiences below will give you insights as to why these skills haven’t been helping you, because I am at a loss to understand their ineffectiveness. The coping skills you’ve been practicing are the ones recommended by many anxiety experts. When my anxiety got out of control, I too started exercising regularly. I also went to a therapist and I practiced self-talk. I listened to relaxation tapes (rather than the meditation route). Like yourself, I even focused on doing something else when the panic attacks kicked in to try and keep my mind distracted to keep me from worrying about the symptoms I was feeling. Also like yourself, my doctor prescribed Paxil for me, but in my case the meds actually helped (despite some unwanted side effects). In response to your post, I would like to offer you (and anyone else reading this post) six suggestions as well as five additional coping skills that I use and find particularly useful. You may have tried some of them and not mentioned them in your post, but hopefully you’ll find something worth trying. I prefer to write a lot (because I want to help as many people as I can in dealing with this problem), so feel free to skip the points that don’t apply to you. Others may read this post and some of my advice, which isn’t applicable to your situation, may help them. (By the way, if you would like to know my story, feel free to read my very first post to ASAP entitled "Hello ASAP from a Newbie" posted on March 20, 2004. You’ll find my introduction to the group and hopefully recognize that the advice that follows comes from someone who really understands first hand what a drag anxiety disorder can be for us.) MY SIX SUGGESTIONS Suggestion #1: Seek Out a Local Support Group One thing you didn’t list in your post was whether or not you have sought out an anxiety support group in your own city (as opposed to on the Web). If you haven’t, I would suggest that you do so. You’re sure to get good advice here in cyberspace, but there is something to be said for face-to-face communication and as humans, we need the company of other people – the glowing smiles, the voices of concern (and even the occasional encouraging hug). Joining a real world support group also gives you the opportunity to get out of the house (which can be an added benefit to those suffering from depression or feeling agoraphobic). Family and friends can certainly offer you support, but being amongst people who truly know what you’re going through can be extremely beneficial, both emotional and educationally – I know it certainly was for me. If you agree, consider talking to your counsellor or doctor and see if they know of a local support group. Of course, please continue visiting ASAP because you’ll find good advice and support here, too. And when you do find your solution, please be sure to share your story here since we do care. Besides, your post perhaps could inspire others. Suggestion #2: Keep Practicing Your Coping Skills, Even If You Feeling Fine You write in your post that you have always been able to identify your trigger. I’m glad to read this because that suggests to me that you are aware that dealing with anxiety disorder can be a lifetime challenge. I made the mistake of thinking that once I beat it the first time, I was "cured". I stopped exercising regularly, I went back to my bad habit of listening to my negative voice and I started drinking more coffee. So my second suggestion may not necessarily be for you but for anyone else who is reading this post. Once you have overcome your anxiety disorder, don’t make the mistake that I made and think you’ve beaten it forever. If you don’t learn how to manage your anxiety properly, the panic attacks will return. Suggestion #3: Avoidance Is Not an Effective Coping Skill As I wrote in my previous suggestion, not only was I not managing my anxiety, I was actually putting out the welcome mat for its return. I made the mistake of thinking that avoidance was a coping skill! (I was not being assertive  nor was I confronting the problems I had with co-workers.) By not resolving my difficulties at my workplace, I just added those concerns to my worry pile and eventually the pile grew so large, it collapsed on me. Suggestion #4: Avoid Self Medication – It’s Only a Temporary Solution I was avoiding confronting the underlining causes of  my stress by self-medicating. Fortunately I didn’t turn to drugs or alcohol (because my father was an alcoholic). My medicine of choice was TV and I used it to tune out life’s stresses and block out my negative thinking. Suggestion #5: Watch What Your Telling Yourself I’ve done a lot of research on anxiety disorder over the years and one truism I’ve learned is this: What you tell yourself is what you believe. If you tell yourself that you can’t overcome your anxiety, then you can’t. (After all, why would you lie to yourself?) If you say that you can’t ride a bus, won’t get into an elevator, etc., you can’t and you won’t. And worst of all, by not facing your stress triggers, you’re subconsciously validating these false assumptions. If it’s true that you believe the negative things you tell yourself, it’s equally true that you believe the positive things. For example, say you have a problem with elevators. If instead of saying you can’t ride on elevators, you start saying that you can. Eventually you will be able to do so. Maybe not right away, but you can do it. You just need to believe it, really want it and with the right coping skills, particularly coping skill #1 visualization (see below) and self-talk, you can accomplish it. I mean, it’s riding an elevator, it’s not flying to the top of the building. People ride elevators everyday. Those that don’t are, truth be known, unable to do so simply because they tell themselves they can’t. With any challenge, first clearly define the goal you want to accomplish (e.g., riding in elevators) and then clearly see the reward you’ll get from reaching your goal (so you’ll do the work needed to overcome the challenge). Next, set the steps you’ll need to accomplish your goal. One bit of advice: if you are someone who gets easily discouraged, work in small steps. Begin by listening to relaxation tapes to calm your mind.  It’s also important to be exercising regularly so that you’ll be physically ready to take on your "challenge". Next (continuing with the elevator example), begin visualizing getting on the elevator, see yourself feeling calm and peaceful. See the experience as a positive, unstressful moment (as it probably was earlier in your life). Repeat the visualization as often as you feel is necessary. Remind yourself the importance of your goal and then go to the elevator. Pick one that’s empty. Take a friend along for support if necessary. Be sure that your friend clearly understands your problem and will be supportive. Also be sure that your friend wants you to get better because some friends don’t (they may want you to remain helpless because then you’ll need to rely on them). Fill your lungs with a deep breath to help relax you, use positive self-talk, get on the elevator and press the button. Some people with severe anxiety need to have the added assurance of an "out" before they begin overcoming their challenge. In the case of the elevator, the out would be permission to get exit before the door closes. Maybe, at first, just getting on the elevator will be all you can do. Maybe you’ll be able to ride it up only one or two floors. Or maybe you’ll ride it to the top and then wonder how this could have ever been a problem for you. Your anxiety may be so strong that you’ll turn away and not even make the attempt. All these scenarios could happen. The important thing is that you made the effort to control your anxiety (rather than have it control you.) If you made it to the top, congratulate yourself and use the experience as ammunition to confront your next challenge. If on the other hand, you didn’t accomplish your goal, don’t focus on your "failure" but rather focus on the courage you showed in making the attempt. Recognize that you have that courage, and just work harder to prepare yourself for the next attempt. Lower your expectations and maybe set a new goal of just getting on the elevator. Get on and then get off. Repeat that until your inner voice tells you that you’re ready to take the next step (but remember to listen to your true inner voice, not the negative voice that has been lying to you about being unable to do the normal activities that you

… read more »

Response:

I have been a really anxious person all of my life, but have always been able to identify the trigger.  That is until last September.  I often feel like I am off balance, shaky, weak, dizzy, like one more movement and I will colapse.  I tried to take paxil but got brutally sick.  I am now on Effexor 150 mg.  I started it in October.  The problem is that the symptom still come and last all day. I have tried exercise, meditation (but I can’t concentrate), focusing on doing something else, self talk, I’ve talked to a counsellor, and nothing eases the symptoms. They last until I am at the point I am ready to give up before they ease. Does anyone have any ideas of anything I can try.

Response:

Meds are often a hard thing to get right with conditions like ours.  I would suggest you talk to your doctor about switching meds.  I ended up trying a couple before I found the right combo for me, and you will find that is most peoples experience.  Paxil is rather difficult to get on so I would not feel bad about not being able to do it.  Effexor is a good one if it works for you, but in this case it does not seem to be.  There are several other meds out there and experiences going on them varies by individual.  If you feel the initial side effects are a bit much maybe your doc can give you a benzo to get you over the initial period.  For now hang in there, and good Luck! d

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been a really anxious person all of my life, but have always been able to identify the trigger.  That is until last September.  I often feel like I am off balance, shaky, weak, dizzy, like one more movement and I will colapse.  I tried to take paxil but got brutally sick.  I am now on Effexor 150 mg.  I started it in October.  The problem is that the symptom still come and last all day. I have tried exercise, meditation (but I can’t concentrate), focusing on doing something else, self talk, I’ve talked to a counsellor, and nothing eases the symptoms. They last until I am at the point I am ready to give up before they ease. Does anyone have any ideas of anything I can try.

Response:

Hi  Michelle, I hope you’re feeling better and I am glad that you’ve found the ASAP newsgroup. You’ll find that you are amongst people who know first hand what you are experiencing and I’m sure someone here at ASAP will be able to help you find the answer(s) you seek. Before I offer my advice, I want to first compliment you on your determination to overcome your anxiety "monsters". Rather than choosing the role of the victim of your situation, you have chosen to take control of your problem and find out how to beat it. Not letting your anxiety take control of you takes real courage (which is ironic considering how much we worry in our lives). So again my sincere, heartfelt congratulations! When I first started experiencing my anxiety disorder (over 10 years ago), I pretty much followed the self-help regime that you described in your post so let me start by saying that you have been making excellent choices. I’m sorry that they haven’t given you the results you were hoping for. Maybe some of my experiences below will give you insights as to why these skills haven’t been helping you, because I am at a loss to understand their ineffectiveness. The coping skills you’ve been practicing are the ones recommended by many anxiety experts. When my anxiety got out of control, I too started exercising regularly. I also went to a therapist and I practiced self-talk. I listened to relaxation tapes (rather than the meditation route). Like yourself, I even focused on doing something else when the panic attacks kicked in to try and keep my mind distracted to keep me from worrying about the symptoms I was feeling. Also like yourself, my doctor prescribed Paxil for me, but in my case the meds actually helped (despite some unwanted side effects). In response to your post, I would like to offer you (and anyone else reading this post) six suggestions as well as five additional coping skills that I use and find particularly useful. You may have tried some of them and not mentioned them in your post, but hopefully you’ll find something worth trying. I prefer to write a lot (because I want to help as many people as I can in dealing with this problem), so feel free to skip the points that don’t apply to you. Others may read this post and some of my advice, which isn’t applicable to your situation, may help them. (By the way, if you would like to know my story, feel free to read my very first post to ASAP entitled "Hello ASAP from a Newbie" posted on March 20, 2004. You’ll find my introduction to the group and hopefully recognize that the advice that follows comes from someone who really understands first hand what a drag anxiety disorder can be for us.) MY SIX SUGGESTIONS Suggestion #1: Seek Out a Local Support Group One thing you didn’t list in your post was whether or not you have sought out an anxiety support group in your own city (as opposed to on the Web). If you haven’t, I would suggest that you do so. You’re sure to get good advice here in cyberspace, but there is something to be said for face-to-face communication and as humans, we need the company of other people – the glowing smiles, the voices of concern (and even the occasional encouraging hug). Joining a real world support group also gives you the opportunity to get out of the house (which can be an added benefit to those suffering from depression or feeling agoraphobic). Family and friends can certainly offer you support, but being amongst people who truly know what you’re going through can be extremely beneficial, both emotional and educationally – I know it certainly was for me. If you agree, consider talking to your counsellor or doctor and see if they know of a local support group. Of course, please continue visiting ASAP because you’ll find good advice and support here, too. And when you do find your solution, please be sure to share your story here since we do care. Besides, your post perhaps could inspire others. Suggestion #2: Keep Practicing Your Coping Skills, Even If You Feeling Fine You write in your post that you have always been able to identify your trigger. I’m glad to read this because that suggests to me that you are aware that dealing with anxiety disorder can be a lifetime challenge. I made the mistake of thinking that once I beat it the first time, I was "cured". I stopped exercising regularly, I went back to my bad habit of listening to my negative voice and I started drinking more coffee. So my second suggestion may not necessarily be for you but for anyone else who is reading this post. Once you have overcome your anxiety disorder, don’t make the mistake that I made and think you’ve beaten it forever. If you don’t learn how to manage your anxiety properly, the panic attacks will return. Suggestion #3: Avoidance Is Not an Effective Coping Skill As I wrote in my previous suggestion, not only was I not managing my anxiety, I was actually putting out the welcome mat for its return. I made the mistake of thinking that avoidance was a coping skill! (I was not being assertive  nor was I confronting the problems I had with co-workers.) By not resolving my difficulties at my workplace, I just added those concerns to my worry pile and eventually the pile grew so large, it collapsed on me. Suggestion #4: Avoid Self Medication – It’s Only a Temporary Solution I was avoiding confronting the underlining causes of  my stress by self-medicating. Fortunately I didn’t turn to drugs or alcohol (because my father was an alcoholic). My medicine of choice was TV and I used it to tune out life’s stresses and block out my negative thinking. Suggestion #5: Watch What Your Telling Yourself I’ve done a lot of research on anxiety disorder over the years and one truism I’ve learned is this: What you tell yourself is what you believe. If you tell yourself that you can’t overcome your anxiety, then you can’t. (After all, why would you lie to yourself?) If you say that you can’t ride a bus, won’t get into an elevator, etc., you can’t and you won’t. And worst of all, by not facing your stress triggers, you’re subconsciously validating these false assumptions. If it’s true that you believe the negative things you tell yourself, it’s equally true that you believe the positive things. For example, say you have a problem with elevators. If instead of saying you can’t ride on elevators, you start saying that you can. Eventually you will be able to do so. Maybe not right away, but you can do it. You just need to believe it, really want it and with the right coping skills, particularly coping skill #1 visualization (see below) and self-talk, you can accomplish it. I mean, it’s riding an elevator, it’s not flying to the top of the building. People ride elevators everyday. Those that don’t are, truth be known, unable to do so simply because they tell themselves they can’t. With any challenge, first clearly define the goal you want to accomplish (e.g., riding in elevators) and then clearly see the reward you’ll get from reaching your goal (so you’ll do the work needed to overcome the challenge). Next, set the steps you’ll need to accomplish your goal. One bit of advice: if you are someone who gets easily discouraged, work in small steps. Begin by listening to relaxation tapes to calm your mind.  It’s also important to be exercising regularly so that you’ll be physically ready to take on your "challenge". Next (continuing with the elevator example), begin visualizing getting on the elevator, see yourself feeling calm and peaceful. See the experience as a positive, unstressful moment (as it probably was earlier in your life). Repeat the visualization as often as you feel is necessary. Remind yourself the importance of your goal and then go to the elevator. Pick one that’s empty. Take a friend along for support if necessary. Be sure that your friend clearly understands your problem and will be supportive. Also be sure that your friend wants you to get better because some friends don’t (they may want you to remain helpless because then you’ll need to rely on them). Fill your lungs with a deep breath to help relax you, use positive self-talk, get on the elevator and press the button. Some people with severe anxiety need to have the added assurance of an "out" before they begin overcoming their challenge. In the case of the elevator, the out would be permission to get exit before the door closes. Maybe, at first, just getting on the elevator will be all you can do. Maybe you’ll be able to ride it up only one or two floors. Or maybe you’ll ride it to the top and then wonder how this could have ever been a problem for you. Your anxiety may be so strong that you’ll turn away and not even make the attempt. All these scenarios could happen. The important thing is that you made the effort to control your anxiety (rather than have it control you.) If you made it to the top, congratulate yourself and use the experience as ammunition to confront your next challenge. If on the other hand, you didn’t accomplish your goal, don’t focus on your "failure" but rather focus on the courage you showed in making the attempt. Recognize that you have that courage, and just work harder to prepare yourself for the next attempt. Lower your expectations and maybe set a new goal of just getting on the elevator. Get on and then get off. Repeat that until your inner voice tells you that you’re ready to take the next step (but remember to listen to your true inner voice, not the negative voice that has been lying to you about being unable to do the normal activities that you really want to accomplish). Eventually you’ll overcome your challenge. Like everything else in life, it just takes work, practice, and time but most importantly the desire to succeed. Now elevators are probably not a problem for you, Michelle ,but if you are as anxious as you say you are, there’s probably something else you could substitute, such as a trip to the dentist. Whatever it is, … read more »

Response:

Question:

Have you tried effexor instead of prozac, although it’s a prescription drug? According to rxlist.com… "Preclinical studies have shown that venlafaxine [effexor] and its active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV), are potent inhibitors of neuronal serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and weak inhibitors of dopamine reuptake"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve tried lots of antidepressants, and about the only one I can tolerate is Prozac.  However, it’s not very effective. I’ve tried adding lithium and thyroxine, neither of which helped much. Lately there’s been talk here about noradrenergic and dopaminergic effects of antidepressants.  Prozac only works on the serotonin receptors.  Is there any other effective over the counter or other medications that would augment Prozac, that anyone can think of?

Response:

Thanks AMM and CyberMistress. Yes I tried Effexor – and may try it again – but it knocked me out too much for me to know what it was doing to my mood. I’ll try the 100mg of B6 and other B vitamins. Does anyone find that Omega-3 oil really helps with their mood?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – John as you know I been suffering depression pretty bad since I stopped the Paxil and none of the AD’s I tried in the year and 4 months since did good things upon trying.. so I been going without. Well, I been trying the vitamin, minerals fish oils  with mixed success…some alleviation of PMS symptoms but nothing for depression.. The thing is not enough alleviation of PMS  so I was whining to a friend who told me his wife used 100mg of B6  to counteract PMS… What did I have to lose… I increased it to 100mg and I shown a positive response…out of the fog I been in the entire time since I stopped the Paxil…greyness gone…  less irritable,  though more BLACK and WHITE thinking cause I am more sure of myself. Anyway, if the Prozac works fairly well, why not supplement with the OMEGA 3 and b complex vitamins…see if they help… I’ve tried lots of antidepressants, and about the only one I can tolerate is Prozac.  However, it’s not very effective. I’ve tried adding lithium and thyroxine, neither of which helped much. Lately there’s been talk here about noradrenergic and dopaminergic effects of antidepressants.  Prozac only works on the serotonin receptors.  Is there any other effective over the counter or other medications that would augment Prozac, that anyone can think of?

Response:

I’ve tried lots of antidepressants, and about the only one I can tolerate is Prozac.  However, it’s not very effective. I’ve tried adding lithium and thyroxine, neither of which helped much. Lately there’s been talk here about noradrenergic and dopaminergic effects of antidepressants.  Prozac only works on the serotonin receptors.  Is there any other effective over the counter or other medications that would augment Prozac, that anyone can think of?

Response:

 I’ve tried lots of antidepressants, and about the only one I can tolerate is Prozac.  However, it’s not very effective. I’ve tried adding lithium and thyroxine, neither of which helped much. Lately there’s been talk here about noradrenergic and dopaminergic effects of antidepressants.  Prozac only works on the serotonin receptors.  ARE there any other effective over the counter or other medications that would augment Prozac, that anyone can think of?

Response:

Question:

funny you should ask i’m seriously considering asking my doctor if he’d let me experiment with it. as a supplement to paxil that is.  my concern is if there are any possible adverse reactions from cocktailing the two. i’ve been diagnosed with two types of ptsd. ptsd with generalized anxiety disorder and ptsd with clinical depression. so far paxil is all i’m taking. i’ve tried prozac but it didn’t work for the anxiety, only the depression. now i’m very much curious about trying Zoloft. feedback, anyone?

Response:

mbl…@aol.com (mbl581) wrote in message <news:20020511173739.20477.00009196@mb-ma.aol.com

… funny you should ask i’m seriously considering asking my doctor if he’d let me experiment with it. as a supplement to paxil that is.  my concern is if there are any possible adverse reactions from cocktailing the two. i’ve been diagnosed with two types of ptsd. ptsd with generalized anxiety disorder and ptsd with clinical depression.

That’s a new one.  PTSD *is* an anxiety disorder.  The symptoms of GAD are encompassed in PTSD so that someone with PTSD shouldn’t be co-morbidly diagnosised with GAD.  However, depression is a common, seperate, co-morbid diagnosis (90%).

so far paxil is all i’m taking. i’ve tried prozac but it didn’t work for the anxiety, only the depression. now i’m very much curious about trying Zoloft.

Prozac shouldn’t be taken for any anxiety related problems. Few people who take it find that it decreases anxiety. For the rest it worsens anxiety considerably. Mixing the SSRIs may not be the solution. You might want to consider adding a benzo to your SSRI to be taken only when you need it for high anxiety activities. Paxil is also well known to have a limited tolerance lifespan. Many people say it loses effectiveness after 1 – 2 years.  Zoloft doesn’t. All the SSRIs are basicly similiar meds – similar side effects and benefits. Some will help more than others. It’s just a matter of finding which SSRI works with your brain. As always YMMV  .. View the ASTP-FAQ @ http://www.astpfaq.bravepages.com/index.html

Response:

Anyone had any experience w/this drug?  Have any advice about taking it?  side effects?  Pros?  Cons?  Thanks.

Response:

Hi Angry!

Anyone had any experience w/this drug?  Have any advice about taking it?  side effects?  Pros?  Cons?  Thanks.

How about doing a search of Deja News on zoloft.  We have posted innumerable times about Zoloft because it is one of the drugs of choice for PTSD. My advice is to take it only under a psychiatrist’s supervision. Smile and there will be something to smile about! Nancy (in a bad mood and trying to not share too much)

Response:

Thanks very much for your help.  Thanks also for saying hi to me before.  My names Kristiana and I posted with that name at first ’cause I forgot to change it.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -kipco wrote:

Hi Angry! Anyone had any experience w/this drug?  Have any advice about taking it? side effects?  Pros?  Cons?  Thanks. How about doing a search of Deja News on zoloft.  We have posted innumerable times about Zoloft because it is one of the drugs of choice for PTSD. My advice is to take it only under a psychiatrist’s supervision. Smile and there will be something to smile about! Nancy (in a bad mood and trying to not share too much)

Response:

Hi everyone, I finally went to another Dr and I have been put on Zoloft.  Any one use this drug.  Does it really help or just take the edge off the ptsd?  My therpist is glad I’m back on the meds.  The past month has been hell for me. With the 9/11 events.  Then a week later my grandfather passed away.  Then on the weekend my daughter broke out with what looked like chicken pox (It wasnt though).  Had to cancel her birthday party cause she was sick.  Then there was the funeral.  i didn’t go cause of all the problems with flying. Needless to say it was like Hell on earth.  i ended up cutting again.  And after going for 8 months I was so ashamed of what i had done.  i thought i had gotten beyond that, but i guess not.  Oh well thats been my past month. Joanne

Response:

Hi Joanne!

I finally went to another Dr and I have been put on Zoloft.  Any one use this drug.

Yes … remember that your dentist will probably want you to be on Buspar also.  The two together make a huge difference, and you don’t want to end up with a mouth full of problems due to side effects of Zoloft.

Does it really help or just take the edge off the ptsd?  My therpist is glad I’m back on the meds.

I don’t understand the question.  It changed my brain chemistry so that I could ‘get’ the therapeutic help I was being given.

The past month has been hell for me.

Sorry for your pain, but … there was a point to it IME.  I wouldn’t go ‘on drugs’ until one of my symptoms became so overwhelming that was losing my ability to control myself … for about 6 months I was seriously considering stalking a person I know and fighting the urge every day. I guess that each one of us has some kind of mental wake-up call that we need psychiatric-supervised chemical help, rather than trying to white-knuckle it over and over.  Sounds to me like this last month may have been yours. Smile and there will be something to smile about! Nancy

Response:

Hi Joanne! I’ve been on Zoloft fora year or two, and I’m  impressed with it. It actually makes me want to sleep before midnight (!), wake up when others have their breakfast, keeps me generally sleeping with only a *normal*amount of nightmares, and has me feeling… well, like a *normal* person, whatever that is.I’m deeply grateful to life and the pdoc who gave me this: My life isn’t a bowl of roses, but it sure isn’t hell on earth either. I’ve been on a series of other meds before, though I don’t know if the names tell you anything: Nefadar, Tymelyt etc.But this is better,less side-effects, and enourmously more expensive than anything else I’ve ever tried. Good Luck! Lotte "Nancy" <ki…@cris.com

skrev i meddelandet

news:9pv377$la0@dispatch.concentric.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi Joanne! I finally went to another Dr and I have been put on Zoloft.  Any one use this drug. Yes … remember that your dentist will probably want you to be on Buspar also.  The two together make a huge difference, and you don’t want to end

up

with a mouth full of problems due to side effects of Zoloft. Does it really help or just take the edge off the ptsd?  My therpist is glad I’m back on the meds. I don’t understand the question.  It changed my brain chemistry so that I could ‘get’ the therapeutic help I was being given. The past month has been hell for me. Sorry for your pain, but … there was a point to it IME.  I wouldn’t go

‘on

drugs’ until one of my symptoms became so overwhelming that was losing my ability to control myself … for about 6 months I was seriously

considering

stalking a person I know and fighting the urge every day. I guess that each one of us has some kind of mental wake-up call that we need psychiatric-supervised chemical help, rather than trying to white-knuckle it over and over.  Sounds to me like this last month may

have

been yours. Smile and there will be something to smile about! Nancy

Response:

why would the dentist want buspar also? thanks "Nancy" <ki…@cris.com

wrote in message

news:9pv377$la0@dispatch.concentric.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi Joanne! I finally went to another Dr and I have been put on Zoloft.  Any one use this drug. Yes … remember that your dentist will probably want you to be on Buspar also.  The two together make a huge difference, and you don’t want to end

up

with a mouth full of problems due to side effects of Zoloft. Does it really help or just take the edge off the ptsd?  My therpist is glad I’m back on the meds. I don’t understand the question.  It changed my brain chemistry so that I could ‘get’ the therapeutic help I was being given. The past month has been hell for me. Sorry for your pain, but … there was a point to it IME.  I wouldn’t go

‘on

drugs’ until one of my symptoms became so overwhelming that was losing my ability to control myself … for about 6 months I was seriously

considering

stalking a person I know and fighting the urge every day. I guess that each one of us has some kind of mental wake-up call that we need psychiatric-supervised chemical help, rather than trying to white-knuckle it over and over.  Sounds to me like this last month may

have

been yours. Smile and there will be something to smile about! Nancy

Response:

Hi!

why would the dentist want buspar also?

Because there have been tests showing that bruxism (teeth grinding, jaw pain etc) increases with Zoloft and PTSD.  The Dentistry Guide at About.com can direct you to the research. The buspar somehow controls these involuntary reactions, mostly when we are sleeping. Smile and there will be something to smile about! Nancy p.s.  Well, group, I ran out of percosets but have a stash of  something less strong than the Vicodin.  Only needed 2 pain pills today and did get another variety (and its name) harvested, but not replanted … yet.

Response:

"Nancy" <ki…@cris.com

wrote in message

news:9q0h86$d8@dispatch.concentric.net…

Because there have been tests showing that bruxism (teeth grinding, jaw

pain

etc) increases with Zoloft and PTSD.  The Dentistry Guide at About.com can direct you to the research.

Thank you so much for posting this Nancy. I stumbled on the message and finally it has verified what I experienced. My doctor wouldn’t believe me and kept me on Zoloft and a further two SSRI’s, and while I control the problem with the herb kava kava ( a muscle relaxant ) I have to say that it is a pain to have something else on top of the PTSD. Anyway, thanks for the info! BFN, Cary Charles )

Response:

Hi Cary!

Because there have been tests showing that bruxism (teeth grinding, jaw pain etc) increases with Zoloft and PTSD.  The Dentistry Guide at About.com

can

direct you to the research. Thank you so much for posting this Nancy. I stumbled on the message and finally it has verified what I experienced. My doctor wouldn’t believe me and kept me on Zoloft and a further two SSRI’s, and while I control the problem with the herb kava kava ( a muscle relaxant ) I have to say that

it

is a pain to have something else on top of the PTSD.

Well, I was looking at an herbalist recommendation page earlier this week and there was a discussion of kavakava.  If one is taking kava kava, apparently one is not to take buspar also. ???? Anyway, you might want to send some info to your psych … it seems he/she needs an update or two.  Or, perish the thought, you might want to ask your dentist to talk to your psych. I had another woman (the receptionist at my CPA’s office) who was having the same symptoms on zoloft and everyone was working on a TMJ diagnosis.  She talked to her psych (who then looked it up) and got immediate relief with buspar. And, no, I don’t mind taking the Buspar also.  Not only does it give me a ‘hit’  and let me know when I am really in anxiety, but also its dosage can be changed (and has been changed) irrespective of the zoloft dosage to give me relief from different symptoms.  YMMV Smile and there will be something to smile about! Nancy

Response:

Hi Shannon!

hmmm, I do have TMJ flareups and the doc’s are wondering if the fluid in

my

ears is part of it. Zoloft has never been recomended for me. Have had enough of my current pdoc. Told my therapist I needed to move on, medications and treatments are

essential

and I’m getting no where with this guy.

Well, I don’t know the story with other SRIs, only with Zoloft.  If they all have the same mechanism of working in the brain, I wouldn’t be surprised if an anti-anxiety medication wouldn’t help with mouth-clenching. I think that you’d better talk to a professional about this, or go visit the dentist at About.com.  He has a lot of experience (from my mouth among others) with the stuff that goes wrong in a mouth due to PTSD. Smile and there will be something to smile about! Nancy

Response:

"Nancy" <ki…@cris.com

wrote in message

news:9u5dol$clt@dispatch.concentric.net…

Well, I was looking at an herbalist recommendation page earlier this week and there was a discussion of kavakava.  If one is taking kava kava, apparently one is not to take buspar also. ????

Yes. They are only just getting up to date on kava, so they are naturally hesitant. It seems sensible to be cautious as it does have an antidepressant & antianxiety effect, perhaps indicating that it works on the same pathways. Certainly kava intensifies the effects of booze and makes you much sleepier. Also, while kava has been used safely for a long time, it has no track record of being used alongside antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs to speak of. To the best of my knowledge, there is little research in this area, yet it could be of huge importance.

Anyway, you might want to send some info to your psych … it seems he/she needs an update or two.  Or, perish the thought, you might want to ask

your

dentist to talk to your psych.

At the moment I am a bit in shock really as I am still absorbing the fact that I was shamed into staying on drugs that were so bad for me, and which seem to have done permanent damage. Now though, it seems I will be getting help soon from someone a bit more informed, purely to process the trauma and work cognitively, alongside some art therapy to process it all on a psychodynamic level also. And yes, I think I will be presenting that study to my doctor on my next visit.

I had another woman (the receptionist at my CPA’s office) who was having

the

same symptoms on zoloft and everyone was working on a TMJ diagnosis.  She talked to her psych (who then looked it up) and got immediate relief with buspar.

Yes. I will pursue Buspar if things do not even out and kava gets too expensive when the chemical guys jump on board. In the last year, the price has doubled for one brand, in line with increasing popularity! I hear some big names have started plantations of kava with their eyes on big profits. A slightly ominous prospect indeed.

And, no, I don’t mind taking the Buspar also.  Not only does it give me a ‘hit’  and let me know when I am really in anxiety, but also its dosage

can

be changed (and has been changed) irrespective of the zoloft dosage to

give

me relief from different symptoms.  YMMV

Sounds really good. Glad you are getting the help! BFN, Cary )

Response:

"Nancy" <ki…@cris.com

wrote in message

news:9u692p$9co@dispatch.concentric.net…

Well, I don’t know the story with other SRIs, only with Zoloft.  If they

all

have the same mechanism of working in the brain, I wouldn’t be surprised

if

an anti-anxiety medication wouldn’t help with mouth-clenching.

I checked out the study linked from the about.com site and yes, it cites prozac, seroxat and zoloft (lustral) as having caused this problem. I wouldn’t be surprised if others in the SSRI family do too. BFN, Cary

Response:

Question:

Newsgroup: I’m hoping you might have some suggestions for me. I have a friend who has had chronic depression most of her life and has been on almost every antidepressant out there. She’s not bipolar. She recently had four ECT treatments and her pdoc took her off all of her meds for that. She definitely sounded more alert being off her meds, but now he put her back on them and she sounds worse than ever. She takes Effexor XR 450 mg. Remeron 45 mg. Zyprexa 10 mg. and Xanax as needed.  This woman is soooo lethargic, fatigued, unmotivated etc. that she just sits and cries. Every medication she takes causes fatigue.  I know because I went through a similar situation with the Effexor XR.  The fatigue from the meds were making me depressed. Anyway, I am accompanying her to see her pdoc on Monday to see if we can get some answers.  Any input on this situation would be greatly appreciated. Glenda

Response:

Glenda, My first question is—why is your friend on Zyprexa if she is depressed and not bipolar, which I assume means that she has never displayed mania?  Zyprexa is major anti-psychotic or "downer." Robert

Response:

Robert: Neuroleptics are sometimes added to AD regimens as augmentation…it helps with uncontrollable suicidal ideation, for instance. One who is there now. Jim "I never had problems with drugs, I had problems with the police." Keith Richards

Response:

<Posted and Mailed to Glenda Newsgroup: I’m hoping you might have some suggestions for me. I have a friend who has had chronic depression most of her life and has been on almost every antidepressant out there. She’s not bipolar. She recently had four ECT treatments and her pdoc took her off all of her meds for that. She definitely sounded more alert being off her meds, but now he put her back on them and she sounds worse than ever. She takes Effexor XR 450 mg. Remeron 45 mg. Zyprexa 10 mg. and Xanax as needed.

If the diagnosis is severe clinical depression, I fail to see why she is taking an antipsychotic. IMO she is way over medicated! I suggest that she get a second opinion ASAP! The Effexor dose is very high as well. Remeron makes many people very sleepy as does Zyprexa and Xanax. This woman is soooo lethargic, fatigued, unmotivated etc. that she just sits and cries.

Considering what she is taking, that is not terribly surprising! Every medication she takes causes fatigue.  I know because I went through a similar situation with the Effexor XR.  The fatigue from the meds were making me depressed. Anyway, I am accompanying her to see her pdoc on Monday to see if we can get some answers.  Any input on this situation would be greatly appreciated.

I suggest that you tell Dr. Mengle adios! What she is taking would turn Robin Williams into a zombie! Glenda

Most sincerely, James D. Milton Standard Medical Disclaimer Any opinions stated should NOT be considered as medical advice! You should confirm any suggestions made with your physician who is solely responsible for prescribing ALL medications and monitoring the patient’s progress. Make NO changes in your prescribed dosages without the approval of your doctor!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Newsgroup: I’m hoping you might have some suggestions for me. I have a friend who has had chronic depression most of her life and has been on almost every antidepressant out there. She’s not bipolar. She recently had four ECT treatments and her pdoc took her off all of her meds for that. She definitely sounded more alert being off her meds, but now he put her back on them and she sounds worse than ever. She takes Effexor XR 450 mg. Remeron 45 mg. Zyprexa 10 mg. and Xanax as needed.  This woman is soooo lethargic, fatigued, unmotivated etc. that she just sits and cries. Every medication she takes causes fatigue.  I know because I went through a similar situation with the Effexor XR.  The fatigue from the meds were making me depressed. Anyway, I am accompanying her to see her pdoc on Monday to see if we can get some answers.  Any input on this situation would be greatly appreciated. Glenda

She must rattle so much she makes a good musical instrument.A bit like being a semi comatose member of the percussion family being played by a demented psychiatrist.

Response:

Hi Glenda, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m hoping you might have some suggestions for me. I have a friend who has had chronic depression most of her life and has been on almost every antidepressant out there. She’s not bipolar. She recently had four ECT treatments and her pdoc took her off all of her meds for that. She definitely sounded more alert being off her meds, but now he put her back on them and she sounds worse than ever. She takes Effexor XR 450 mg. Remeron 45 mg. Zyprexa 10 mg. and Xanax as needed.  This woman is soooo lethargic, fatigued, unmotivated etc. that she just sits and cries. Every medication she takes causes fatigue.  I know because I went through a similar situation with the Effexor XR.  The fatigue from the meds were making me depressed. Anyway, I am accompanying her to see her pdoc on Monday to see if we can get some answers.  Any input on this situation would be greatly appreciated.

Perhaps she is overmedicated. It is important that her pdoc be informed of her response to the RX meds. Peace, —

Response:

Question:

Hi Everyone- I am new to this newsgroup but not new to the disease of anxiety. My doctor has switched me from Paxil to Zoloft. She weaned me off Paxil and slowly on to Zoloft 50 mg. My problem is the horrible side effects..I know they are to be expected but these are quite bad. I find I cannot eat anything, I am more anxious, I have vivid flashbacks, I cannot sleep and if I do get any sleep I have horrible nightmares! I also have light sensitivity, major headaches and my eyes feel like they are going to pop out of their sockets!! I cannot focus on many tasks at all. Using the PC has become very hard to look at!! Can anyone tell me if this is normal or if they have experienced this? Thanks in advance —Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.—

Response:

Hi Everyone- I am new to this newsgroup but not new to the disease of anxiety. My doctor has switched me from Paxil to Zoloft. She weaned me off Paxil and slowly on to Zoloft 50 mg. My problem is the horrible side effects..I know they are to be expected but these are quite bad. I find I cannot eat anything, I am more anxious, I have vivid flashbacks, I cannot sleep and if I do get any sleep I have horrible nightmares! I also have light sensitivity, major headaches and my eyes feel like they are going to pop out of their sockets!! I cannot focus on many tasks at all. Using the PC has become very hard to look at!! Can anyone tell me if this is normal or if they have experienced this?

I have been on meds for about three weeks, first Celexa and now Zoloft.  I have noticed that I have very wierd dreams, not necessarily nightmares, but very bizarre ones.  I am also taking Ambien for sleep and I thought that was causing the dreams. Karen — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

I had tremendous brain fog on Zoloft.   Everything seemed surreal.  Zoloft decreased my need for benzos, but I was tired all the time.  I really don’t remember all the side effects.  I just know that it didn’t work out for me. Mel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi Everyone- I am new to this newsgroup but not new to the disease of anxiety. My doctor has switched me from Paxil to Zoloft. She weaned me off Paxil and slowly on to Zoloft 50 mg. My problem is the horrible side effects..I know they are to be expected but these are quite bad. I find I cannot eat anything, I am more anxious, I have vivid flashbacks, I cannot sleep and if I do get any sleep I have horrible nightmares! I also have light sensitivity, major headaches and my eyes feel like they are going to pop out of their sockets!! I cannot focus on many tasks at all. Using the PC has become very hard to look at!! Can anyone tell me if this is normal or if they have experienced this? Thanks in advance

Response:

I just got off of Zoloft, but when I went on I was started at 12 1/2mg. and not 50 mg. to start.  That could be your problem.  You need to start slower then 50 mg.  You will probably still have a few side effects, but not like you are having.  Call your doctor and tell him or her.  Good Luck

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone- I am new to this newsgroup but not new to the disease of anxiety. My doctor has switched me from Paxil to Zoloft. She weaned me off Paxil and slowly on to Zoloft 50 mg. My problem is the horrible side effects..I know they are to be expected but these are quite bad. I find I cannot eat anything, I am more anxious, I have vivid flashbacks, I cannot sleep and if I do get any sleep I have horrible nightmares! I also have light sensitivity, major headaches and my eyes feel like they are going to pop out of their sockets!! I cannot focus on many tasks at all. Using the PC has become very hard to look at!! Can anyone tell me if this is normal or if they have experienced this? Thanks in advance —Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.—

 I had an awful time with Zoloft..nightmares, headaches, anxiety beyond the expected time, finally went off it after 8 months or so. If it doesn’t clear up within some weeks,think about changing meds..but you might also try a small amount of a  benzo with it to adjust..it didn’t work for me but I hear that it does all the time for other people. It is always hard to say whether its the wrong med for you or if it’s an adjustment when you are first starting these meds..I personally had an awful time getting past the first weeks I took pamelor years ago, and yet once I did it was the best AD for me with the least  side effects. Good luck May

Response:

I had those side  effects with Paxil. I am currently taking zoloft and it’s working wonders. I find that the ssri’s work differently on different people. Maybe your dcotor will change you back to paxil of put you on prozac. You needent suffer like that.   Dave

Response:

  Hi, I too had a terrible time with Zoloft. I had horrible dreams and would wake up screaming. I talked in my sleep and could nod off in the middle of a conversation! My depression worsened as did anxiety and panic. I also felt like I was dreaming even when I was awake–disassociation I think its called. Things didn’t seem real. A lot of people on this NG seem to have very positive results from Zoloft. It goes to show how different we all are in the ways we react to meds. I’m on 40 mgs. of Prozac now and have been for almost 4 years. It works well for me. I’m sorry you’re having trouble. Maybe its time to call the doctor and let her/him know how you feel.There is bound to be a med out there that will work for you. Maybe Zoloft just isn’t it. Don’t go on feeling like this though. I waited until my next doctor appointment and kept taking the Zoloft. I was sure it would start to work and that it was my fault that it wasn’t. Now I know better! Hope this helps! Best wishes,   Linda

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone- I am new to this newsgroup but not new to the disease of anxiety. My doctor has switched me from Paxil to Zoloft. She weaned me off Paxil and slowly on to Zoloft 50 mg. My problem is the horrible side effects..I know they are to be expected but these are quite bad. I find I cannot eat anything, I am more anxious, I have vivid flashbacks, I cannot sleep and if I do get any sleep I have horrible nightmares! I also have light sensitivity, major headaches and my eyes feel like they are going to pop out of their sockets!! I cannot focus on many tasks at all. Using the PC has become very hard to look at!! Can anyone tell me if this is normal or if they have experienced this? Thanks in advance —Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.—

Response:

Hi Everyone- I am new to this newsgroup but not new to the disease of anxiety. My doctor has switched me from Paxil to Zoloft. She weaned me off Paxil and slowly on to Zoloft 50 mg. My problem is the horrible side effects..I know they are to be expected but these are quite bad. I find I cannot eat anything, I am more anxious, I have vivid flashbacks, I cannot sleep and if I do get any sleep I have horrible nightmares! I also have light sensitivity, major headaches and my eyes feel like they are going to pop out of their sockets!! I cannot focus on many tasks at all. Using the PC has become very hard to look at!! Can anyone tell me if this is normal or if they have experienced this? Thanks in advance

Yes, I have experienced this (and could add some more lovely symptoms) and I guess many of us have. Did you have the same experiences while starting Paxil? Why did you stop Paxil? How *slow* did you wean on Zoloft? It seems advisable to have a benzo on the side. These may be initial Zoloft side effects but if you started at a low dose (12,5 mgs) and weaned on slowly it shouldn’t be so bad IMO. It is possible that Zoloft is not the med for you. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

I started on Zoloft May 3rd and I have not had any side effects at all, not noticabe ones, the only noticable one I have had is I can not have an orgasm..I do not plan to stay on this med for this reason..I was started on Zoloft to control my anger..does anyone know of another AD that is not an SSRI and helps with anger? I am on 50mg every day. Hope…That This Too Shall Pass..

Response:

Question:

Hi everyone, I have not posted to your group in a very long time. I have lost my support group and need your support in dealing with my GAD and life as a fellow sufferer. I have been suffering from GAD for over 3 yr. now and have been under treatment for about 1 and a half years. It’s been a long strange trip indeed Currently I am taking Prozac and Knoplin (misspelled I know) and am having moderate success. I have tried many alternative medicines and pharmaceuticals in dealing with this disease and am anxious to share with the group and get feedback. Feel free to talk to me about anything or get on my ICQ list my ICQ number is 4058408. I would love to share information. Peace, lunarchld

Response:

. Feel free to talk to me about anything or get on my ICQ list my ICQ number is 4058408. I would love to share information.

Hmmmm, never considered our ICQ numbers…….mine is 1569491….anyone else have ICQ numbers to share?? KC

Response:

Hmmmm, never considered our ICQ numbers…….mine is 1569491….anyone else have ICQ numbers to share?? KC What are ICQ numbers? I am really dumb on this one. Yes I would like to share information anyway I can. Lol no disrespect it’s that you blew me away with this one. Warmest Regards Bonnie

Bonnie…..I’ll send you the ICQ program…..just run it while you are already online with AOL…..ICQ is just another communication form……you can see at a glance who is online, send quick messages like IM’s to people with other servers, and chat with people from other servers so you aren’t confined to AOL chat rooms.  And the sound waves are cute! Anyone wanting the little program to run ICQ, drop me your e-mail address and I’ll send the program.  I THINK it’s free…..I’ve had it about 6 months and it was when I logged on. Just send me your e-mail address and I’ll forward the program to you. KC

Response:

. Feel free to talk to me about anything or get on my ICQ list my ICQ number is 4058408. I would love to share information. Hmmmm, never considered our ICQ numbers…….mine is 1569491….anyone else have ICQ numbers to share?? KC

okay, i’m in my ICQ # is 2714295. Just be sure to put ASAP on your request this is a great idea y’all

Response:

. Feel free to talk to me about anything or get on my ICQ list my ICQ number is 4058408. I would love to share information. Hmmmm, never considered our ICQ numbers…….mine is 1569491….anyone else have ICQ numbers to share?? KC

Yeah Cindy, as a matter of fact, I have it written down, somewhere, uuuhhhmmm, where is it??? Oh yes, here it is: 3206250 I have only one problem: I don’t have a clue what I can do with this Now I only hope you don’t come to visit me at night and do spooky things…… bye, Trudy the netherlands Remove "xx" from address when replying.

Response:

as a matter of fact, I have it written down, somewhere, uuuhhhmmm, where is it??? Oh yes, here it is: 3206250

next time you are online Trudy, find the ICQ program and run it. Then "connect"…….you CHOOSE who you want to chat to, or send instant messages to. for instance……if you are online right now reading this…..you might hear a little voice say……"incoming message"…..then you click on receive, and it could be me sending a message to you while I’m online at the same time! I could also initiate a "chat" mode with you…..where a screen comes up and we can talk back and forth in real time.  As I type my message, the letters come up on your screen!!!  And you can answer immediately too! I’m a computer flunky, and if I can figure it out, ANYONE can.  Jus tmake sure you run your program WHILE YOU ARE ALREADY ONLINE WITH YOUR ISP. I’ll add you to my list Trudy and you’ll get a system message! KC Cindy

Response:

Spike, as others, I appreciate all the effort your putting in for me. Thank You Stephanie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jenwolf may be correct. If you think that is the case do this, off-line; reboot, go to dos, type this: netstat -anc:netstat.txt. press enter, type this: exit press enter, that gets things back to windows. Then look in windows and a file called netstat.txt will be there. (notepad) If you know about ports, check it yourself, if not mail the text to me. With your type of connection you have. I don’t think that is the case, however. Still this little thing is good to know. spike If you believe that someone else is posting to usenet and forging your return e-mail address on their posts, then you too can send a copy of the offending post (with complete headers) to their ISP (and to their NNTP-Posting-Host if they are different).  It is a violation of most ISP’s "acceptable use policy" or "terms of service" to forge someone else’s e-mail address. you might also want to check your machine for trojan horses. . .like netbus or subseven. they could be used to *easily* steal passwords and proceed to post or send email in the name of the person stolen from, *from* that person’s account(s). http://jenwolf.virtualave.net/

Response:

Jenwolf may be correct. If you think that is the case do this, off-line; reboot, go to dos, type this: netstat -anc:netstat.txt.

eh? no no no, you need to do netstat while you are *on* line. that way you can see who is connected to you or, if you’re fast enough who is sending you udp packets. as well as what ports are listening. some trojans listen on a certain port(s), which could be seen with an offline netstat, but i’ve never tried it. the easiest way, for someone who is not really in to the technicalities of networking, is to check the registry. hit the start button, then run, type in "regedit" and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARE<MicrosoftWidowsCurrentVersionRun if there are any files there that end with exe, delete them. this will prevent the blasted thing from starting up every time you reboot. (or just exit the registry, use a virus cleaner to rid your system of them, reboot and check the registry again.) note the name of the file and then search the system for it and delete it. unfortunately there are a lot of rat trojans out there, so this may or may not work for all of them. the *best* way to be rid of the damned things is to lowlevel format the drive, most of the newer bios’ have a utility to do this, but it could be risky for certain hard drives. http://jenwolf.virtualave.net/

Response:

Some of these aliases are suspect as being one and the same person.

Half a dozen people in ASAP can vouch for La Chech. She’s one of the nicest people you’d ever want to meet. Karen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Some of these aliases are suspect as being one and the same person.

well, let’s clear up one name…i am not the spammer.  i AM guilty of poor taste and displaying a bad temper…but since i used such poor judgement i have no doubt i am picked as a target…..  unfortunately, it took me about 5 tries with my smart buddy spike just to get the spam proof on my acct, and another 3 or 4 to get the sig line working….. the people in this ng (aar) do know me, and I would hope that even in light of my poor judgement a few might stand up to say that i did not do this aweful thing.  at least i hope so…. — If you can judge a wise man by the color of his skin,  then mister you

Question:

The doctor tells me it takes time for the meds to start to work, but after taking them for about 10 days I still am waiting for results.  

All the anti-depressents, incl. Zoloft, take 4 to 8 weeks to become fully effective. The reason is that they work by adjusting the number of receptors for one or more neurotransmitters and this takes time. As you’ve been on the 50mg. dose for a while now it may be best to stick with it rather than reduce to 25mg. The worst is probably nearly over. Ian    Ian<<atdragoncon<dotnet

Response:

hello there… Me too on Zoloft and Xanax… Increasing to the 200Mg mark in a week I get the shakes every day about an Hour after I take the Zoloft ….I take a Xanax.5Mg at the same time……It helps. I also try to stay active as this helps to keep my mind on the Job at hand.I can get the kids up and go to work and nobody calls 911..LOL Hang in there and let us Know your progress    J

Response:

I have been taking inc.amts (as prescribed by my doctor) of xanax (0.5mg  3 to 4 times a day) and zoloft (50mg a day) for newly diagnosed panic/anxiety disorder.  So far, I  only have brief periods of  lessened anxiety, but alot of jitters and shakiness, and I keep waiting for the next attack to come.  Does anyone have any similar experiences with these meds?  The doctor tells me it takes time for the meds to start to work, but after taking them for about 10 days I still am waiting for results.  I really appreciate any and all feedback.  Thanks again.

Response:

I have been taking inc.amts (as prescribed by my doctor) of xanax (0.5mg  3 to 4 times a day) and zoloft (50mg a day) for newly diagnosed panic/anxiety disorder.  So far, I  only have brief periods of  lessened anxiety, but alot of jitters and shakiness, and I keep waiting for the next attack to come.  Does anyone have any similar experiences with these meds?  The doctor tells me it takes time for the meds to start to work, but after taking them for about 10 days I still am waiting for results.  I really appreciate any and all feedback. Thanks again.

That’s gonna be  starting next week.  I hope I don’t have the jitters.  I’m really scared in that respect.  But if it helps in the long run,lmk. I just hope that I can find a med combo that will make me a confident person again. Foote

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been taking inc.amts (as prescribed by my doctor) of xanax (0.5mg  3 to 4 times a day) and zoloft (50mg a day) for newly diagnosed panic/anxiety disorder.  So far, I  only have brief periods of  lessened anxiety, but alot of jitters and shakiness, and I keep waiting for the next attack to come.  Does anyone have any similar experiences with these meds?  The doctor tells me it takes time for the meds to start to work, but after taking them for about 10 days I still am waiting for results.  I really appreciate any and all feedback. Thanks again. That’s gonna be  starting next week.  I hope I don’t have the jitters.  I’m really scared in that respect.  But if it helps in the long run,lmk. I just hope that I can find a med combo that will make me a confident person again. Foote

Hi there: I just wanted to add, I am a Zoloft/Xanax user too. To be honest, now I don’t want to interfere with what your doc said, but my doc started me off on 25mg, and told me to break the caplet open to halve it if needed, and then, again if needed, build up to 50 mg. So, it IS your body, and you might want to consider breaking your caplet into 25mg to start off with. Now, I take this at bedtime, along with 1mg of Xanax. I take 25mg of benadryl (prn) if I have a hard time getting to sleep. You also might find Zoloft gives you heart-burn, as it did me, and upset stomach. My doc just told me to take pepcid or zantac, which I have done, and it works just great. BTW, Zoloft is available in 25mg capsules, so if you find the 25mg works best for you, stick with it. My problem was I just kep’t on increasing my dose of ZOloft, up to 200mg a day, and I felt like a miserable zombie. Anyways, YMMV, and discuss any results or problems with your doctor. BTW, I would save the extra Xanax for the next day…if you run into some stressors or something, take it once or twice…depending on your day. Just make sure you get that 1mg at bedtime:-) Peace and best wishes.. James (3rd year Zoloft user (major)..hahah:) — "All of us get lost in the darkness… Dreamers learn to stear by the stars.." Neil Peart, Rush, "The Pass"

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