Question:

Is there any correlation between weight gain and certain asthma medicines like Accolate or singulair.  I know prednisone makes you retain water when you are on it, but does it have longterm side effects in this area, even if one is only on it for a brief period of time at a low dosage?

Response:

Hi Stephanie, I have found a correlation (whether there supposed to be one or not!).  I asked my primary care doc’s nurse, (who is asthmatic and goes to my asthma doc) if she experienced wt. gain also and she said yes, pretty much in hips and thighs…all since taking Accolate.  I also noticed a wee bit of fluid retention after I started Flovent. Patrice – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is there any correlation between weight gain and certain asthma medicines like Accolate or singulair.  I know prednisone makes you retain water when you are on it, but does it have longterm side effects in this area, even if one is only on it for a brief period of time at a low dosage?

Response:

Hi Stephanie, I have found a correlation (whether there supposed to be one or not!).

Isn’t this Testimonial evidence?  A correlation is a Statistical property of a data set, it is defined by the ‘r’ value among others.  Be careful or Diane will jump all over you!  : )

Response:

Do you have something better to add? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Stephanie, I have found a correlation (whether there supposed to be one or not!). Isn’t this Testimonial evidence?  A correlation is a Statistical property of a data set, it is defined by the ‘r’ value among others.  Be careful or Diane will jump all over you!  : )

Response:

Ah ha!  The ‘r’ value in my correlation must mean the opposite of front end! ) Patrice – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Stephanie, I have found a correlation (whether there supposed to be one or not!). Isn’t this Testimonial evidence?  A correlation is a Statistical property of a data set, it is defined by the ‘r’ value among others.  Be careful or Diane will jump all over you!  : )

Response:

I have been on prednisone and i am life dependant.  I have a lot of problems with weight gain.  I also took Accolate but got off of it because it did nothing for me.  I am on flovent and see no change in my weight from that.  A lot of medications make you hungry when your dose goes up.  so you have to watch that.  Good Luck * 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 have been on prednisone and i am life dependant.  I have a lot of problems with weight gain.  I also took Accolate but got off of it because it did nothing for me.  I am on flovent and see no change in my weight from that.  A lot of medications make you hungry when your dose goes up.  so you have to watch that

I have had the exact same experience.  I have been dependent on prednisone for about 5 years now, and have had major weight gain.  My doc tells me to eat the way I would if dieting would actually work (low fat, lots of lean meat, fruit and veggies) so that at least I will be healthy.  She has always been very good and understanding with the weight issue.  My hardest part is the frustration. I also tried Accolate and it didnt help much. I also agree about the increase in appetite! It is another part of the frustration.  You are always hungry and you try not to eat because you dont want to gain any MORE weight.  As if having severe asthma wasn’t bad enough! Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

Response:

I am so glad to find someone who is in my position.  I am also a diabetic and I am on a strick diet.  I take insulin 3 timess a day plus check my sugar 4 times a day.  They that diabetics are skinny I think someone forgot to tell me.  I have a great doctor too about my weight.  Do you have any exersizes that you do or can do besides walking.  I can bearly make it up the stairs. Are you on anyother medications?  I have been on prednisone for about 10 years now.  What dosages are you on? * 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 you have any exersizes that you do or can do besides walking.  I can bearly make it up the stairs. Are you on anyother medications?  I have been on prednisone for about 10 years now.  What dosages are you on?

Hiya – Right now I am on 20mg and that seems to be as low as I can go without having an attack.  But recently around Christmas I was very ill with bronchitis (it was starting to turn into pneumonia) and I was on 90mg prednisone, and had to taper down from that. I have been "forcing" myself to move more.  I got a 20 minute Richard Simmons videotape (OK, now stop giggling!).  What my doc suggested is that I go as far as I can until I start to feel uncomfortable, then stop.  When I can – resume again.  Anything is better than nothing.  It took me 5 tries to get through the tape the first time, but VERY slowly, it is starting to become easier. Of course, if you are not OK, you dont do it, you have to know how you feel. My doc has been great about the weight problem, she has helped me try to deal with the frustration of doing the right things and getting no results.  Keep your chin up! Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

Response:

Right now I am on 15mg daily.  I was able to get down to 15mg from 30mg only by taking Methotrexate.  Its a cancer drug but it worked.  I was on it for about 5 years.  When I first went on it I lost my hair because it is a chemo drug and I thru up also. My dooctor is trying to get me down farther but nothing has worked.  So now we are trying cutting 2.5mg every two days.  I can’t start this until I get back from my vacation in April. Right now I am fighting with a cold that is soon going to be bronchitus.  I hate being sick.  I am also being put on the Med. Pump for my diabetes.  Did you get any side effects from the prednisone.  I did I look like I am 8 months preg. and I ended up with diabetes.  I have to take 4 shots a day so they are going to put me on the pump.  What fun!!!! * 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:

Did you get any side effects from the prednisone.  I did I look like I am 8 months preg. and I ended up with diabetes.  

Does the prednisone cause the diabetes?? My 16 yr old daughter is steroid dependent and stays on what seems to be relatively high doses most of the time. Her Dr. isn’t happy about this , but says she has to breathe. However he never mentioned diabetes as a possible effect.

Response:

Did you get any side effects from the prednisone.  I did I look like I am 8 months preg. and I ended up with diabetes.   Does the prednisone cause the diabetes?? My 16 yr old daughter is steroid dependent and stays on what seems to be relatively high doses most of the time. Her Dr. isn’t happy about this , but says she has to breathe. However he never mentioned diabetes as a possible effect.

Diabetes is one possible side effect of long term use of oral steroids. You can look up the side effects in the Physicians Desk Reference [PDR] that most public libraries carry. Link: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/pred.htm click on Adverse Effects Excerpt: "Adverse Effects Endocrine: Menstrual irregularities; Development of Cushingoid state; Secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness, particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery or illness; Suppression of growth in children; Decreased carbohydrate tolerance; Manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus; Increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics" Ellis — Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)

Response:

Right now I am on 15mg daily.  I was able to get down to 15mg from 30mg only by taking Methotrexate.  Its a cancer drug but it worked.  I was on it for about 5 years.  When I first went on it I lost my hair because it is a chemo drug and I thru up also. My dooctor is trying to get me down farther but nothing has worked.  So now we are trying cutting 2.5mg every two days.  I can’t start this until I get back from my vacation in April. Right now I am fighting with a cold that is soon going to be bronchitus.  I hate being sick.  I am also being put on the Med. Pump for my diabetes.  Did you get any side effects from the prednisone.  I did I look like I am 8 months preg. and I ended up with diabetes.  I have to take 4 shots a day so they are going to put me on the pump.  What fun!!!!

The usual protocol for tapering steroids is to reduce to 15 mg/day; then go on alternate day therapy at 30 mg every other day; then very slowly reduce the dose down to 5 mg every other day and then go off steroids. Using alternate day therapy is important to stimulate the adrenal gland to start producing cortisone again. Ref: ‘Reversing Asthma’, Richard Firshein DO Ellis — Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)

Response:

Hiya – I am also on methotrexate.  It too has caused me to really thin out my hair and I am very nauseaus (sp?) on the first two days of the week when I take it. My side effects from prednisone have included a dramatic weight gain, and more hair thinning.  My sugar does not go up unless I am on IV solumedrol in the hospital.  Sometimes I have to receive insulin while I am there to control it. But my blood sugar is normally on the very low side, so the orals don’t effect me too much. My doctor also tapers me the way yours does.  She has to be very careful with me, and sometimes we have tapered as slowly as .05mg every 3-4 days.  I have not been able to successfully go down past 20mg without getting sick.  The ONLY time I could was when I was in the test study for mometazone – I was on .05mg of prednisone a day and about to be steroid free, but the study ended and I had to go back up.  Mometazone is supposed to be released in the US by September hopefully.  I dont know if it will work for you (and I sincerely hope it will) but it was a miracle inhaler for me.  I took it in place of Flovent and I was almost steroid free for the first time in 5 years.   If I hadnt told you before, I am 31, and a former professional chef.  I have been on disability for asthma for almost 3 years now – and I am DYING to get back to work. My regimen is: Proventil, Flovent, Serevent, Methotrexate, Prednisone, ClaritinD, and Prilosec (because all the damn meds gives me reflux!). I hope that we can continue to correspond to each other – we have similar lives it seems!! Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

Response:

I am 39 a legal secretary I just started back to work after not working for several years I only work 31/2 hours a day.  Social security says I am cured and cut me off.  I went to see their doctors and I was having a good day my breathing was great and when I took a breathing test I did really good.  Of course by the next day I could barely breath. I am on Theo-dur, prednisone, flovent, ventolin, insulin.  I am now sick and have a very bad cold I have to call the doctor tomorrow. It does sound like our lives are about the same.  Are you married?  Do you have any kids?  I am married I have been for 18 years.  I have 4 kids.  All teenagers.  My husband is great about me not feeling that great.  I usually come home from work and take a nap until the kids come home from school. I hope that we can keep in touch where do you live?  I live in upstate New York. * 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 tried to go off of prednisone by doing exactly how you described but it does not work I always ended in the hospital. So now we are going to try this way first. * 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:

Hiya – I live in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, the border between the north bronx and Manhattan.  Nope, Im not married – first I was working too many hours, then I got too sick to go anywhere.  So I live with my Mom so Im not alone in case I get sick. You really do have to be careful tapering the steroids.  It has been my experience that even .05mg too low and you can have serious problems.  If you are lucky,  and you have a good doc, you know how to tell you are going to have trouble BEFORE you actually have it. I also hope we can continue to correspond!! Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

Response:

right now I am fighting off a major cold.  I have been home sick from work.  I think it is good that you live with someone because we need someone to help us once in a while.  I bet your mother likes having you around.  I know my husband and kids help me out alot when I get really sick.  I have to get better before april 13 because we are taking our kids on a family vacation before two of them go off to college.  My doctors and I are looking into putting me on pump for my diabetes and they say that I will gain weight from that.  do you get people that don’t believe you that your weight gain is from the meds?  I hate that.  How much methotrexate are you on?  Keep smiling and remember nothing lasts forever.  My favorite saying is Take one day at a time.  that is exactly what we have to do. * 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:

Hi,      It would appear I fit in quite well with this group.  I have severe asthma the chronic facial pain resulted from root canal in 1993.  I am 42 and have been on SSDI since last September although I have been unable to work since last March.  I had been employed since 1986 as a manager for an insurance agency – a job I really liked and had worked hard for my promotions. My asthma began to  deteriorate in last January – I was hospitalized four times last year – twice for pneumonia/asthma & twice for severe asthma attacks.  I have been steroid dependent for well over a year, however, I am trying to taper down slowly.  Unfortunately I have gained an excessive amount of weight – I look in the mirror & don’t recognize the person staring back.  Currently my meds are Theo-dur 450 mg x 2, Accolate 20 mg x 2, Serevent 2 puffs x 2, Flovent 2 puffs x 4, Prevacid 30 mg x 2, Albuterol Sulfate .083% nebulizer treatments q 4-6 hrs prn, Oxygen 3.5 lpm (or higher if needed), Allegra D, prednisone 20 – 40 mg tapering down as tolerated, Methadone 70 mg x 2 (for severe chronic facial pain),  valium 5 mg prn (works well to stop the albuterol/theo-dur shakes if needed), and  finally phenergan 25mg suppositories for nausea prn.  Also, I developed lymphedema in both legs so I have just completed a 6 week course of therapy with the compression bandages, massage, and lasix.  There are some days when it is extremely hard to try & maintain a positive attitude. I am fortunate to have a supportive husband, family, and friends.   My pulmonologist had suggested a trial of metotrexate, however, I am somewhat apprehensive to try.  It seems like I already have enough "side effects" from my other meds to add any addtional ones.        I have found it to be very supportive to talk to others with similar problems – please feel free to e-mail back. Deborah Deborah

Response:

My pulmonologist had suggested a trial of metotrexate, however, I am somewhat apprehensive to try.

Hiya – I cant say positively how the methotrexate would react with your meds, but it has really worked for me.   My current regimen is: Proventil Inhaler as needed, Proventil nebulizer as needed, Serevent 2 puff 2xday, Flovent 2puff 2x day, Prednisone – 20mg, Claritin D-24, Prilosec (for reflux), and the methotrexate. With Methotrexate you have to have a liver function test once a month to make sure your liver is OK.  Other than that, and nausea on my first day, I have no other symptoms or side effects.  It has really helped me while I am waiting for Mometasone to be approved by the FDA.  I did the trial study on that and I was totally OFF prednisone for the first time in years. I, too, have had the massive weight gain, and hair loss from the steroids. When people question me on it, I look them square in the eye and say "I’d rather be fat than not breathe".  They usually dont know what to say after that.  :) Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

Response:

With Methotrexate you have to have a liver function test once a month to make sure your liver is OK.  Other than that, and nausea on my first day, I have no other symptoms or side effects.  It has really helped me while I am waiting for Mometasone to be approved by the FDA.  I did the trial study on that and I was totally OFF prednisone for the first time in years.

Hi Nancy,       How does the Methotrexate work to improve your asthma? Also, what is Mometasone?  I have been reading about anti -IgE injections which seem promising in the current trials.  Researchers have indicated this drug stops the asthma attacks in adults & children without major side effects.  The drug has not been approved by the FDA, however, it could be approved within a year or two. (hopefully one year)        I like your response regarding excessive weight gain – still, there are so many people (like friends & previous co-workers) with absolutely no idea as to the side effects of prednisone.  I know the added weight adds an additional strain on my heart & lungs, however, I have determined that with my slow metabolism (from the strong narcotics for facial pain) and the increase in appetite  from prednisone – I would have to "starve" to lose even a few pounds.  As for exercise, I have been reduced to a wheelchair on some days due to SOB.      Thanks for your response – keep in touch.   Take care, Deborah

Response:

Hi Deborah – How does the Methotrexate work to improve your asthma?

To be honest, Im not totally sure.  My doc suggested it, as my other regimen wasn’t working, my pulmonary functions were still pretty low.  I take 7 pills once a week.  I believe that it is a cancer drug and used in chemotherapy.  I think it has to do with anti-inflammatory properties, but again, Im really not sure. Im going to the doc tomorrow, and I will ask her. Also, what is Mometasone?

Mometasone was an inhaled steroid that I was in the test group for.  I used it over last winter and summer and I was totally OFF prednisone for the first time in 3 years.  It is currently waiting for FDA approval.  This was a lifesaver for me.  Flovent helps me somewhat, but even with Flovent AND methotrexate I cant go below 20mg of prednisone without getting an attack. I have been reading about anti -IgE injections which seem promising in the current trials.  Researchers have indicated this drug stops the asthma attacks in adults & children without major side effects.

Sounds very interesting.  I will be asking her about that too.  My doc is very big into research and she usually knows all about this stuff. Believe me, I know how you feel with the weight gain, and not being able to help yourself with it.  It is a vicious circle we run in.  The steroids make you gain weight, the weight makes your asthma worse, which makes you need more steroids, etc etc. Yes, I have run into people, yes including family, who either dont believe or really dont understand that the weight gain is from the steroids.  EVEN when you can see my thinning hair!!  What, Im just unlucky, im fat and losing my hair??? I dont think so! I will share with you what my doctor told me.  She told me to follow an eating plan that I would follow if I WAS able to lose weight.  (I, personally, find Weight Watchers to be the best plan).  Her theory is that you should eat right, low fat, low sugar and even though you wont lose weight NOW, you will when you can go down on the steroids, and you will be keeping yourself HEALTHY (nutrition wise), which is more important. Then, if you DO either get off the steroids or go on a low dose, you will already have great eating habits!  I still go to the WW meetings when I can, and the leader has been really helpful.  She knows the situation and has even talked to my doctor. She knows how frustrated I get, and celebrates the tiniest weight loss with me!! I hope this info has helped you, and I hope you get better!! Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

Response:

Hi guys,    I am just tapering down from 180mg of prednisone.  I just got out of the hospital.  I have to say I even lost weight.  I was put on a 1200 calorie diet, low carb and low fat because of the diabetes, the more I taper the more weight I lose.  I also took Chefck advice and bought an exercise tape and do what I can. some days its only working with the weights other days I just watch.  I know eventually I will end up in a wheelchair because omy bone density is getting worse.  But I am going to go down fighting.  So do not give up. * 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:

Question:

Jim:  Have you ever had a cardiac workup? Bob

Response:

I’ve told her.  She didn’t seem highly concerned.  In fact, she began tapering my other meds.  (My peak flow was up.)  So now what? Aleta – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi!     If your albuterol (which is the same thing as salbuterol) isn’t working – tell your doctor NOW!  When you have a severe attack albuterol and drugs related are the first line of treatment used to get you breathing again.  It is very serious if these types of drugs do not work for you as it gives the emergeny treatment team few options to use to improve your breathing quickly.  Please don’t panic when you read this – there can be many reasons why it doesn’t seem to be working for you such as inhalation techniques, expiration dates, over reliance on rescue medication, etc. but do look into this now. Marion B.Sc.Pharmacy And I use Albuterol, and it’s never let me down, either. Good thing there are medications that always work! So what does it mean when your albuterol inhaler doesn’t do anything?  My asthma is fairly mild, but when I get an attack, I cough and cough.  Sometimes the albuterol stopes it right away, but other times it doesn’t seem to have any effect.  I don’t notice any difference in the coughing between the times that it does work and when it doesn’t (which I would expect if something other than asthma caused the non-responsive cough). Aleta

Response:

Hi!    If your albuterol (which is the same thing as salbuterol)

snip Marion B.Sc.Pharmacy

Hi, "Salbutamol" [not salbuterol]  is the WHO recommended name generally in use outside of the USA for  "Albuterol". See Asthma FAQ medications: ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/medicine/asthma/medications  Colleen

Response:

Hi Colleen! I see I made a spelling error. Thanks for pointing it out, Marion – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi!    If your albuterol (which is the same thing as salbuterol) snip Marion B.Sc.Pharmacy Hi, "Salbutamol" [not salbuterol]  is the WHO recommended name generally in use outside of the USA for  "Albuterol". See Asthma FAQ medications: ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/medicine/asthma/medications  Colleen

Response:

And I use Albuterol, and it’s never let me down, either. Good thing there are medications that always work!

So what does it mean when your albuterol inhaler doesn’t do anything?  My asthma is fairly mild, but when I get an attack, I cough and cough.  Sometimes the albuterol stopes it right away, but other times it doesn’t seem to have any effect.  I don’t notice any difference in the coughing between the times that it does work and when it doesn’t (which I would expect if something other than asthma caused the non-responsive cough). Aleta

Response:

And I use Albuterol, and it’s never let me down, either. Good thing there are medications that always work! So what does it mean when your albuterol inhaler doesn’t do anything?  My asthma is fairly mild, but when I get an attack, I cough and cough.  Sometimes the albuterol stopes it right away, but other times it doesn’t seem to have any effect.  I don’t notice any difference in the coughing between the times that it does work and when it doesn’t (which I would expect if something other than asthma caused the non-responsive cough). Aleta

Not all cough is caused by asthma; you could have a co-existing condition contributing to the cough. See: http://www.ummed.edu/dept/pulmonary/irwin/pitfalls.htm Common Pitfalls in Managing Patients with Chronic Cough "If patients continue to complain of persistently troublesome cough even after an extensive evaluation, reconsider the following pitfalls in management as possible contributing factors: 4.not considering that more than one condition is  simultaneously contributing to the cough;

Response:

Hi!     If your albuterol (which is the same thing as salbuterol) isn’t working – tell your doctor NOW!  When you have a severe attack albuterol and drugs related are the first line of treatment used to get you breathing again.  It is very serious if these types of drugs do not work for you as it gives the emergeny treatment team few options to use to improve your breathing quickly.  Please don’t panic when you read this – there can be many reasons why it doesn’t seem to be working for you such as inhalation techniques, expiration dates, over reliance on rescue medication, etc. but do look into this now. Marion B.Sc.Pharmacy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And I use Albuterol, and it’s never let me down, either. Good thing there are medications that always work! So what does it mean when your albuterol inhaler doesn’t do anything?  My asthma is fairly mild, but when I get an attack, I cough and cough.  Sometimes the albuterol stopes it right away, but other times it doesn’t seem to have any effect.  I don’t notice any difference in the coughing between the times that it does work and when it doesn’t (which I would expect if something other than asthma caused the non-responsive cough). Aleta

Response:

I seem to get a violent chest compressing asthma attack in the last few years once a day or so, that feels like somoene is sitting on my chest and I am about to strangulate. I have life long asthma and it is much worse in the spring and fall, I am on Flovent, and here is my point: Ventolin is amazing! I have used it for 20 years, but it is still amazing the little off blue inhaler buddy has saved my life hundreds of times.

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Question:

We’ve done it, traded in the fifth wheel for a park model.  The dealer says he cannot find a source for a 150 gallon holding tank to put under it.  He used to get them for about $150.  Another dealer we are not enamored of, (where we did not buy the park model) says he can sell us one for $750, which seems completely ridiculous.  There mustbe someplace to get a reasonable price on a 150 gallon holding tank, anybody aware of where that might be? Romeo Raabe in Green Bay, WI

Response:

Check with El Monte Plastics, El Monte, California.  Or look up Northernhydraulics.com as I believe they have generic tanks at a reasonable price.  If that does not work, try Northerntools.com Steve

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We’ve done it, traded in the fifth wheel for a park model.  The dealer says he cannot find a source for a 150 gallon holding tank to put under it.  He used to get them for about $150.  Another dealer we are not enamored of, (where we did not buy the park model) says he can sell us one for $750, which seems completely ridiculous.  There mustbe someplace to get a reasonable price on a 150 gallon holding tank, anybody aware of where that might be? Romeo Raabe in Green Bay, WI

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Question:

Actually, the story is a bit more complicated. He was supposed to start on 10 mg, go to 20 mg (10×2) in a week, then 30 (10×3). The pharmacy goofed and put 18s in the bottle, so he started on 18. He experienced almost immediate positive affects, in terms of behavior in school. But he also was having drowsy spells and stomach aches, and sometimes just seems drugged up – he falls asleep in the car for the first time since he was an infant. Fortunately, we noticed the error before it was time for him to take two, and immediately cut him back to 10. Which brings us to our present circumstances – side effects with 18, insufficient effects with 10. During his time with me this summer, I have chosen to give him 10 – he has more chance for physical exercise, and less requirement to be still and attentive. But I’m more interested in determining a good long-term solution for him, and none has been forthcoming from his physicial or Lilly.

You need to give the drug time, a few weeks, before you will know what staying side effects will be. Drowsiness and stomach aches are common on reuptake inhibitors and often go away with time. You have raised another issue as regards the four hour half life. His physician’s solution to the side-effects was to suggest he take the medication in the evening. I was concerned that he was still being overmedicated, but just sleeping through the symptoms. But I am now further concerned that by giving him the medication in the evening, most of the effect is wasted, thus requiring a higher dosage to maintain the effect. Also, his physician said that it builds up in the blood, but this is also apparently wrong. More info on half-life and other issues at: http://www.mosbysdrugconsult.com/DrugConsult/003578.html

Taking it at night to avoid drowsiness during the day is a good idea and often helps reduce drowsiness – not always, but sometimes. Taking it at night will make no difference to its positive effects. With reuptake inhibitors, the blood half life has little to do with the positive effect. However, it may have a lot to do with side effects. These are nothing like stimulants where you only have an effect while it is in your blood. Reuptake inhibitors can take weeks before the drugs start having the effect you want, and after you quit can take a long time to stop "working" also. Just follow your doctors orders and stop panicking.

Response:

The pharmacy goofed and put 18s in the bottle, so he started on 18. He experienced almost immediate positive affects, in terms of behavior in school. But he also was having drowsy spells and stomach aches, and sometimes just seems drugged up – he falls asleep in the car for the first time since he was an infant. Fortunately, we noticed the error before it was time for him to take two, and immediately cut him back to 10. Which brings us to our present circumstances – side effects with 18, insufficient effects with 10.

In our experience (our son is 10) the side effects you mentioned go away pretty quickly — and were greatly lessened by dosing at night (which we still do). The medication has been very helpful for us. I suggest you go back to 18 and take it at night.  In time, you may be able to switch to morning dosing (we may do this when school starts; right now bedtime is a much more predictable time than morning is.) -Dawn Mom to Henry, 10

Response:

Actually, the story is a bit more complicated. He was supposed to start on 10 mg, go to 20 mg (10×2) in a week, then 30 (10×3). The pharmacy goofed and put 18s in the bottle, so he started on 18. He experienced almost immediate positive affects, in terms of behavior in school. But he also was having drowsy spells and stomach aches, and sometimes just seems drugged up – he falls asleep in the car for the first time since he was an infant. Fortunately, we noticed the error before it was time for him to take two, and immediately cut him back to 10. Which brings us to our present circumstances – side effects with 18, insufficient effects with 10. During his time with me this summer, I have chosen to give him 10 – he has more chance for physical exercise, and less requirement to be still and attentive. But I’m more interested in determining a good long-term solution for him, and none has been forthcoming from his physicial or Lilly. You have raised another issue as regards the four hour half life. His physician’s solution to the side-effects was to suggest he take the medication in the evening. I was concerned that he was still being overmedicated, but just sleeping through the symptoms. But I am now further concerned that by giving him the medication in the evening, most of the effect is wasted, thus requiring a higher dosage to maintain the effect. Also, his physician said that it builds up in the blood, but this is also apparently wrong. More info on half-life and other issues at: http://www.mosbysdrugconsult.com/DrugConsult/003578.html

Response:

Actually, the story is a bit more complicated. He was supposed to start on 10 mg, go to 20 mg (10×2) in a week, then 30 (10×3). The pharmacy goofed and put 18s in the bottle, so he started on 18. He experienced almost immediate positive affects, in terms of behavior in school. But he also was having drowsy spells and stomach aches, and sometimes just seems drugged up – he falls asleep in the car for the first time since he was an infant.

Is he sleeping the night through?  One side effect some people experience with Strattera is that it interrupts their sleep.  I wasn’t able to sleep more than 3 hours at a stretch when I was on it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Fortunately, we noticed the error before it was time for him to take two, and immediately cut him back to 10. Which brings us to our present circumstances – side effects with 18, insufficient effects with 10. During his time with me this summer, I have chosen to give him 10 – he has more chance for physical exercise, and less requirement to be still and attentive. But I’m more interested in determining a good long-term solution for him, and none has been forthcoming from his physicial or Lilly. You have raised another issue as regards the four hour half life. His physician’s solution to the side-effects was to suggest he take the medication in the evening. I was concerned that he was still being overmedicated, but just sleeping through the symptoms. But I am now further concerned that by giving him the medication in the evening, most of the effect is wasted, thus requiring a higher dosage to maintain the effect. Also, his physician said that it builds up in the blood, but this is also apparently wrong. More info on half-life and other issues at: http://www.mosbysdrugconsult.com/DrugConsult/003578.html

– –John Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net (was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

Response:

So far as I know, he is sleeping through the night. The problem we’re having is that when he takes 18 mg, he is often drowsy during the day. The doctor’s solution to this was to switch to giving him the medication at dinner instead of breakfast. This seems foolish to me, though – Strattera levels peak in 1-2 hours, and it has a half-life of 5.2 hours. So by morning, 3/4 of the medication is gone. Seems better to me to give him the medication two hours before school for maximum effect. However, the Lilly support rep said that effects of Strattera persist after blood levels drop – she said they suspect it stays in the brain after it is gone from the blood, but they aren’t sure about this. I am leaning toward morning administration on an empty stomach, and we’ll see how that goes. I just wish there were more authoritative guidance on this.

Response:

My 7 year old son has been using Strattera for about a month, with reportedly good effects. Unfortunately, it seems that 10 mg is not enough for him, but 18 mg produces substantial side-effects. Since there is no such thing as 14 mg, and you can’t break the capsules, does anyone have any experience with daily alternating between 10 and 18 mg?  His physician is making contradictory statements – on the one hand, you must never miss a day on Strattera because it builds up in your blood – but on the other hand, alternating dosages will create huge swings in effect. It seems to me that if it’s a cumulative buildup, there should be very little swinging induced by alternating doses. Lilly says they have no information on this since it wasn’t part of their clinical trial.

Response:

What are the side effects? If he has only been on 18mg for a week, that is probably not long enough to judge the side effects. With these types of drugs, often the initial side effects go away. Maybe not, but I would give it more than two weeks and then start looking at the side effects. The half-life of Strattera is only about 4 hours. So, you wont get any smoothing out of blood levels by alternating doses. You start fresh every day with Strattera. Thats not to say other mechanisms besides blood levels wont smooth out somehow. I dont know. This page is where I found the half-life: http://lists.chadd-mc.org/pipermail/chadd-mc/2002-November/000063.html For me, the nausea side effects from Effexor (which partly inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine like Strattra dose) went away in a few days. The sleepy side effects never went away. I doubt you will know ahead of time if alternating between 10 and 18 would work. Some of the side effects happen immediately, others take time. Going from 10mg to 18, you would be taking almost double the dose every other day. You would NEVER do this with Effexor, for example – because you would be nauseous and have a headache every day. You would go though withdrawal on the half-dose days, and experience the side effects of the increased dose on the double-dose days. At least with Effexor, and other anti-depressants (I cant say about Strattera) its very important to have a steady dose. Any variation only causes more side effects. You probably can open the capsule and remove 22% of the contents. Doctors rarely let you do this because they dont trust you to do it right. And, some of them may mistakenly believe you will disrupt the absorption or time-release functions of the capsule. Anyone with any sense of statistics would see this is not a problem except for specialized capsules like Concerta. But, Strattera is not a time-release capsule anyway. And there would be no change in absorption. Again, I am curious, what are the side effects? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My 7 year old son has been using Strattera for about a month, with reportedly good effects. Unfortunately, it seems that 10 mg is not enough for him, but 18 mg produces substantial side-effects. Since there is no such thing as 14 mg, and you can’t break the capsules, does anyone have any experience with daily alternating between 10 and 18 mg?  His physician is making contradictory statements – on the one hand, you must never miss a day on Strattera because it builds up in your blood – but on the other hand, alternating dosages will create huge swings in effect. It seems to me that if it’s a cumulative buildup, there should be very little swinging induced by alternating doses. Lilly says they have no information on this since it wasn’t part of their clinical trial.

Response:

Question:

I had major side effects with Zoloft. I’m now using Welbutrin and things are better for me.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you read Jonathans post dated 5/25/02 ("Hear me out.") you will have a good idea of what I’ve experienced. Right now my doctor is putting me on Wellbutrin and slowly off of Zoloft. But it is in all probability too late to reverse any adverse side effects. What choice do I have, I would rather be how I am than miserable with depression. I know that I wouldn’t have been able to hold a job and get to where I am without the medication. I am close to 50 years old, and in my present job occupation for 15 years which is the same time I’ve been on Zoloft. Before that I was never able to hold a job for longer than 18 months. Very hard to deal with and raise a family that way. With my present troubles (feeling like the medication isn’t working as effectively as before and new stresses at work) I feel very vulnerable. So far I’ve seen some improvement with the combo of Zoloft and Wellbutrin. I’ve been on 100mg of Zoloft for 15 years. Just be glad that is the only problem you are having. If you don’t mind me asking, what long-term and short-term side-effects ahve you experienced? — Regards, .

Response:

I’ve been on 100mg of Zoloft for 15 years. Just be glad that is the only problem you are having.

If you don’t mind me asking, what long-term and short-term side-effects ahve you experienced? — Regards, .

Response:

If you read Jonathans post dated 5/25/02 ("Hear me out.") you will have a good idea of what I’ve experienced. Right now my doctor is putting me on Wellbutrin and slowly off of Zoloft. But it is in all probability too late to reverse any adverse side effects. What choice do I have, I would rather be how I am than miserable with depression. I know that I wouldn’t have been able to hold a job and get to where I am without the medication. I am close to 50 years old, and in my present job occupation for 15 years which is the same time I’ve been on Zoloft. Before that I was never able to hold a job for longer than 18 months. Very hard to deal with and raise a family that way. With my present troubles (feeling like the medication isn’t working as effectively as before and new stresses at work) I feel very vulnerable. So far I’ve seen some improvement with the combo of Zoloft and Wellbutrin.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been on 100mg of Zoloft for 15 years. Just be glad that is the only problem you are having. If you don’t mind me asking, what long-term and short-term side-effects ahve you experienced? — Regards, .

Response:

I’m taking 200mg per day for 1 yr now.  I’ve noticed that my hands are

shaky and sometimes my arms twitch while in bed.  Is this a normal side-effect of Zoloft?  Anyone else having symptoms like this? I’ve been on 100mg of Zoloft for 15 years. Just be glad that is the only problem you are having.

Response:

For a more serious respone – yes.  My friend is on Zoloft and started having shakiness.  Since she’s on many different drugs we did an extensive search on the web and narrowed down the cause to the Zoloft.  So I yes – it can cause the symptoms you’re having. -Jessica

I’m taking 200mg per day for 1 yr now.  I’ve noticed that my hands are

shaky and sometimes my arms twitch while in bed.  Is this a normal side-effect of Zoloft?  Anyone else having symptoms like this? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Don’t take Zoloft if you have a dog!!!!!

hehe The Dangers of Bread A recent Cincinnati Enquirer headline read, "Smell of baked bread may be health hazard." The article went on to describe the dangers of the smell of baking bread. The main danger, apparently, is that the organic components of this aroma may break down ozone (I’m not making this stuff up). I was horrified. When are we going to do something about bread- induced global warming? Sure, we attack tobacco companies, but when is the government going to go after Big Bread? Well, I’ve done a little research, and what I’ve discovered should make anyone think twice…. More than 98 percent of convicted felons are bread eaters. Fully HALF of all children who grow up in bread-consuming households score below average on standardized tests. In the 18th century, when virtually all bread was baked in the home, the average life expectancy was less than 50 years; infant mortality rates were unacceptably high; many women died in childbirth; and diseases such as typhoid, yellow fever and influenza ravaged whole nations. More than 90 percent of violent crimes are committed within 24 hours of eating bread. Bread is made from a substance called "dough." It has been proven that as little as one pound of dough can be used to suffocate a mouse. The average American eats more bread than that in one month! Primitive tribal societies that have no bread exhibit a low occurrence of cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and osteoporosis. Bread has been proven to be addictive. Subjects deprived of bread and given only water to eat begged for bread after only two days. Bread is often a "gateway" food item, leading the user to "harder" items such as butter, jelly, peanut butter and even cold cuts. Bread has been proven to absorb water. Since the human body is more than 90 percent water, it follows that eating bread could lead to your body being taken over by this absorptive food product, turning you into a soggy, gooey bread-pudding person. Newborn babies can choke on bread. Bread is baked at temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit! That kind of heat can kill an adult in less than one minute. Most American bread eaters are utterly unable to distinguish between significant scientific fact and meaningless statistical babbling. In light of these frightening statistics, we propose the following bread restrictions: No sale of bread to minors. No advertising of bread within 1000 feet of a school. A 300 percent federal tax on all bread to pay for all the societal ills we might associate with bread. No animal or human images, nor any primary colors (which may appeal to children) may be used to promote bread usage. A $4.2 zillion fine on the three biggest bread manufacturers. Please send this e-mail on to everyone you know who cares about this crucial issue. — Regards, .

Response:

I’m taking 200mg per day for 1 yr now.  I’ve noticed that my hands are shaky and sometimes my arms twitch while in bed.  Is this a normal side-effect of Zoloft?  Anyone else having symptoms like this?

Response:

I’m taking 200mg per day for 1 yr now.   I’ve noticed that my hands are shaky and sometimes my arms twitch while in bed.   Is this a normal side-effect of Zoloft?   Anyone else having symptoms like this?

normal. — Regards, .

Response:

I’m taking 200mg per day for 1 yr now.  I’ve noticed that my hands are shaky and sometimes my arms twitch while in bed.  Is this a normal side-effect of Zoloft? Anyone else having symptoms like this?

You’re lucky those are the only symptoms you have.  Zoloft has been known to make people go on shooting sprees (Phil Hartman’s wife).

Response:

You’re lucky those are the only symptoms you have.  Zoloft has been known to make people go on shooting sprees (Phil Hartman’s wife).

What a load of shit. — Regards, .

Response:

Question:

I have tappered down my Effexor dose (with Doctor supervision, over ~ 2 months, from 75 mg XR, once daily) to the lowest I can get, which is 37.5 mg, which I take in the morning.  Suprisinlgy with it’s short half life, I seem to feel no withdrawl effects by the end of the day. However, now my dose is zero, and I think, after 24 hours, I began to feel some withdrawl effects.  It’s best described (by others) as a brain zap (a bit like vertigo).  It seems not an uncommon effect.  I have s light headache, some fatigue, but certianly not incapacitating.  But it does freak me out and I am battling not to take a tablet to make it go away.  I went on AD when I had some health issues.  Freaky things happening to my body don’t help me very much. I have only been Effexor free for 48 h, it does seem to be getting a little worse.  Can anyone suggest how long I need to stick it out  ? One week ?  One month ?  It seems to vary person to person, but a guide would be good. My Doc has no advice on this. Appreciated, RDJ

Response:

You did a good taper-down, but effexor is notoriously hell to wash-out. 10 days to 2 weeks is the norm. This is a stupid suggestion, but I was helped by using Thera-flu (or the generic versions)…you know, those hot lemon-flavored antihistamine thingies? Jim M.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have tappered down my Effexor dose (with Doctor supervision, over ~ 2 months, from 75 mg XR, once daily) to the lowest I can get, which is 37.5 mg, which I take in the morning.  Suprisinlgy with it’s short half life, I seem to feel no withdrawl effects by the end of the day. However, now my dose is zero, and I think, after 24 hours, I began to feel some withdrawl effects.  It’s best described (by others) as a brain zap (a bit like vertigo).  It seems not an uncommon effect.  I have s light headache, some fatigue, but certianly not incapacitating.  But it does freak me out and I am battling not to take a tablet to make it go away.  I went on AD when I had some health issues.  Freaky things happening to my body don’t help me very much. I have only been Effexor free for 48 h, it does seem to be getting a little worse.  Can anyone suggest how long I need to stick it out  ? One week ?  One month ?  It seems to vary person to person, but a guide would be good. My Doc has no advice on this. Appreciated, RDJ

Response:

Thanks for the reply.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t hack the withdrawl and took a tab.  Bad thing is, I felt better within an hour.  I was hoping waht I was feeling was unrelated to withdrawl, maybe juat a vrius or something.  I am now taking 37.5 mg every second day.  By the end of the second day, I start to feel the withdrawl.  I intend to do this for a week or so to get to know what thw withdrawl feels like, so I am less freaked out by it. In Australia, 37.5 mg seems to be the lowest dose available, according to my Doc.  I am not confident of tablet splitting. The lemon things are around.   Do you think it’s the anti-histamnine that does the job ? You did a good taper-down, but effexor is notoriously hell to wash-out. 10 days to 2 weeks is the norm. This is a stupid suggestion, but I was helped by using Thera-flu (or the generic versions)…you know, those hot lemon-flavored antihistamine thingies? Jim M.

[snip]

Response:

6 months or so ago my pdoc tried weaning me off effexor. From 150mg on down…when I hit 37.5 I started withrawal. Dizzy, headache, felt like I was walkin sidewys, brain zaps, nausea. I was put on Wellbuterin. I eventually got  totally off. AAAHHHH I called my pdoc crying just having a fit becase I vomited twice. The depression was awaful. I had forgotten how disgusting depression was. Waves of major depression. I did use some benedryl which did help some. So he put me back on Effexor. I am on lithium, lamictal, effexor, ativan and restoril. In my out of mind state I was crying, "with all the drugs I am on how can this happen??!" just crying a way. First he tried clinical terms….forget it, I barely knew where I was. So he put it to me like this, " You have a car, it has a body, wheels and an engine also a steering wheel. You can have all that but, if you do not have the  key you cannot start the car you aren’t going anywhere. Effexor is one of your keys. If you do not have it with your other meds you do not receive what your brain needs." Good luck with your effexor. When I was put back on I felt so much better. maridee

*

Response:

Question:

Hi all. I’ve been on Paxil for 3.5 years, and, after considering it for a while, recently decided I needed to get off it and switch to something else. The difficulties I was having with the drug were starting to outweigh the benefits, and it hasn’t addressed several of my most distressing  depression symptoms at all. Unfortunately, I’ve been experiencing some rather nasty withdrawal symptoms. At times I’ve felt like I am going through a rather severe depression relapse, and my already annoying problems with mental confusion and lack of concentration have multiplied. I now find it difficult to speak to anyone, since I often totally forget what I was talking about. Driving has even gotten difficult, since I sometimes blank out in the middle if a trip. I lose my temper if someone looks at me wrong, and I cry at the slightest provocation. My doc explained to me that I wasn’t losing it, or on my way back to the psych ward, but experiencing Paxil withdrawal. He put me on 20mg of Prozac, to help alleviate the symptoms, but they’re still effecting me badly. I was even forced to take a couple of weeks off from work. Anyone have any suggestions to help me get through this? Also, I’m still not sure where to go from here. My doc has said we’ll discuss options at my next visit, and I’ve done a lot of research on my own, but I’m still not sure what to do. Some of the options include, switching to Effexor, staying with the Prozac, or going to a different SSRI like Celexa. My main concerns are finding something that will help me think more clearly and concentrate better in addition to keeping up my desire to stay alive, and won’t cause me to gain any more weight. Any ideas and suggestions would be appreciated. Joanne

Response:

Paxil withdrawal support site http://members.tripod.lycos.com/fstreicher/ good luck and best wishes Bob

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all. I’ve been on Paxil for 3.5 years, and, after considering it for a while, recently decided I needed to get off it and switch to something else. The difficulties I was having with the drug were starting to outweigh the benefits, and it hasn’t addressed several of my most distressing depression symptoms at all. Unfortunately, I’ve been experiencing some rather nasty withdrawal symptoms. At times I’ve felt like I am going through a rather severe depression relapse, and my already annoying problems with mental confusion and lack of concentration have multiplied. I now find it difficult to speak to anyone, since I often totally forget what I was talking about. Driving has even gotten difficult, since I sometimes blank out in the middle if a trip. I lose my temper if someone looks at me wrong, and I cry at the slightest provocation. My doc explained to me that I wasn’t losing it, or on my way back to the psych ward, but experiencing Paxil withdrawal. He put me on 20mg of Prozac, to help alleviate the symptoms, but they’re still effecting me badly. I was even forced to take a couple of weeks off from work. Anyone have any suggestions to help me get through this? Also, I’m still not sure where to go from here. My doc has said we’ll discuss options at my next visit, and I’ve done a lot of research on my own, but I’m still not sure what to do. Some of the options include, switching to Effexor, staying with the Prozac, or going to a different SSRI like Celexa. My main concerns are finding something that will help me think more clearly and concentrate better in addition to keeping up my desire to stay alive, and won’t cause me to gain any more weight. Any ideas and suggestions would be appreciated. Joanne

Response:

Question:

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

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

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

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

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

Sack the doc! Sophie

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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   I seriously think my pd doc. is nuts.I just came from seeing him and he told me starting today to up my zoloft from 50mgs to 100mgs.He said I was going too slow thats why I don’t feel better yet You can’t go too slow. Why do these docs act like they have a plane to catch? snipped Philip

A lot of them do have a plane to catch, Philip. To Zurich to visit their money!!!!      <no joke  :-( Ian

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  I seriously think my pd doc. is nuts.

You are probably right, Randee. A lot of shrinks have their own shrinks!!  And you probably know that they have the highest suicide rate of any of the medical specialities (the stats for docs generally are also higher than the general population). I just came from seeing him and he told me starting today to up my zoloft from 50mgs to 100mgs.He said I was going too slow thats why I don’t feel better yet.I think i’m doing just fine and i’m going to stay at 50mgs for now and find a new doc.

generally, an increase from 50 to 100mg is easier than 0 to 50, but the real determining factor should be how you feel about increasing, not how your doc feels. I tried to tell him why I was weening slow and he told me there is no risk or side-effects by upping it so high.

Did you start rolling on the floor laughing?  I would have. So I asked him if he ever took an SSRI. He didn’t like that one bit..lol

ADs when taken by those without a problem seem to have very few effects beyond S.Es, so IMO all doctors should be required to take a short course of one. This would do wonders for their care of patients! At least they are calling my insurance company today and trying to get zoloft approved.That would be a huge help.I’m still in good spirits though.Not many side-effects on 50mgs. I’m hoping to be breathing better soon.                                        Randee

take care ian

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   I seriously think my pd doc. is nuts.I just came from seeing him and he told me starting today to up my zoloft from 50mgs to 100mgs.He said I was going too slow thats why I don’t feel better yet

You can’t go too slow. Why do these docs act like they have a plane to catch? If you’re feeling ready to raise the Zoloft dose, raise it to 75 mgs first, there is no hurry and your own pace is the best pace. For most people 50 mgs won’t do the trick but if you feel OK there is no reason to do anything about it….. .I think i’m doing just fine and i’m going to stay at 50mgs for now and find a new doc. I tried to tell him why I was weening slow and he told me there is no risk or side-effects by upping it so high

Oh yeah…… .So I asked him if he ever took an SSRI. He didn’t like that one bit..lol At least they are calling my insurance company today and trying to get zoloft approved.That would be a huge help.I’m still in good spirits though.Not many side-effects on 50mgs. I’m hoping to be breathing better soon.

Well, so far so good. I admire you for standing up for yourself, it isn’t all that easy…                                         Randee

Philip

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   I seriously think my pd doc. is nuts.I just came from seeing him and he told me starting today to up my zoloft from 50mgs to 100mgs.He said I was going too slow thats why I don’t feel better yet.I think i’m doing just fine and i’m going to stay at 50mgs for now and find a new doc. I tried to tell him why I was weening slow and he told me there is no risk or side-effects by upping it so high.So I asked him if he ever took an SSRI. He didn’t like that one bit..lol At least they are calling my insurance company today and trying to get zoloft approved.That would be a huge help.I’m still in good spirits though.Not many side-effects on 50mgs. I’m hoping to be breathing better soon.                                         Randee

Randee –   In no way am I questioning your personal descision on Zoloft…However, I thought I would share my experience with you…I was at 50 mg for 2 weeks…By then I had few side effects (like you)…However, only my depression seemed better…No effect on anxiety…My doc suggested upping to 100 mg…I said fine since I was having few side effects…Within 5 days my anxiety was markedly improved…I was very glad to have upped my dose…I did have renewed side effects, but these lasted only 2 days (really)…It seemed like going from 50-100 was much easier than 0-50…Anyway, like I said, it is your decision, I just wanted you to know about my experience as it might aid your decision one way or the other… Later and good luck, — Charles Phipps

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   I seriously think my pd doc. is nuts.I just came from seeing him and he told me starting today to up my zoloft from 50mgs to 100mgs.He said I was going too slow thats why I don’t feel better yet.I think i’m doing just fine and i’m going to stay at 50mgs for now and find a new doc. I tried to tell him why I was weening slow and he told me there is no risk or side-effects by upping it so high.So I asked him if he ever took an SSRI. He didn’t like that one bit..lol At least they are calling my insurance company today and trying to get zoloft approved.That would be a huge help.I’m still in good spirits though.Not many side-effects on 50mgs. I’m hoping to be breathing better soon.                                         Randee

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  I seriously think my pd doc. is nuts.I just came from seeing him and he told me starting today to up my zoloft from 50mgs to 100mgs.He said I was going too slow thats why I don’t feel better yet.I think i’m doing just fine and i’m going to stay at 50mgs for now and find a new doc. I tried to tell him why I was weening slow and he told me there is no risk or side-effects by upping it so high.So I asked him if he ever took an SSRI. He didn’t like that one bit..lol At least they are calling my insurance company today and trying to get zoloft approved.That would be a huge help.I’m still in good spirits though.Not many side-effects on 50mgs. I’m hoping to be breathing better soon.

Hi Randee, Your Pdoc is more than nuts, and I agree, time  for a new one. I am so glad that you stood up for yourself and defended your right to wean on Zoloft  your way, which is the right way. It makes me so angry when I hear doctors with attitudes like yours. I can only imagine how many people have been turned off to anti-depressants because they started at too high a dose, and couldn`t handle it and got off the med. Hang in there,  you will be feeling better soon. Take care!! Jackie

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hey–this is my first visit to this newsgroup or any other.  It’s a fairly exciting moment for me, I suppose. I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder about four years ago, during my sophomore year of college.  I was 20 years old and panic consumed my life.  I experimented with both xanax and zoloft in different dosages.  didn’t care for the old drug therapy thing.  I wasn’t sure who I was anymore.  I decided on behavior therapy and some alternative healing methods, which have worked pretty well for me.  Four years later my friends lovingly refer to me as a "new age freak" and I am–for the most part–panic free.  I now recognize approaching attacks before they are unmanageable, and I have my own ways of combating them.         The problem is that many individuals in their early twenties have their first experiences with anxiety and don’t understand what it is that is happening to them.  Maybe they’re away from home for the first time and are afraid to talk to anyone.  When I had my first attack I thought I was losing my mind.  When I finally went to student health services, they tried to tell me that I was just under stress, or "was it that time of the month?" No lie.         Now I am a graduate student at Arizona State University.  I’m working on an article for the campus paper dealing with anxiety disorder and how it particularly effects the lives of college students.  If anyone out there would care to share with me their experiences with anxiety or panic disorder–either your first experience, or an experience you had with a university health service or other doctor–I would love to use you as a source.  We aren’t alone.  It’s important for those who may be afraid and feeling isolated to understand that there is support and help out there in that vicious cosmos–don’t you think?  I need your input–until a year ago I thought maybe I was the only person on the face of the planet that was so screwy! also write to me: 2354 W. University Drive  Apt. 2211                   Mesa, AZ   85201.                                         Thanks a whole bunch–                                         (hope on!)    Teri L.

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hey–this is my first visit to this newsgroup or any other.  It’s a fairly exciting moment for me, I suppose. I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder about four years ago, during my sophomore year of college.  I was 20 years old and panic consumed my life.  I experimented with both xanax and zoloft in different dosages.  didn’t care for the old drug therapy thing.  I wasn’t sure who I was anymore.  I decided on behavior therapy and some alternative healing methods, which have worked pretty well for me…

SNIP, SNIP also write to me: 2354 W. University Drive  Apt. 2211              Mesa, AZ   85201.                                    Thanks a whole bunch–                                    (hope on!)    Teri L.

Teri,  I was wondering what behavior therapy and alternative healing methods did you try.  I am currently taking medication (zoloft) and see a counselor once in a while.  I was considering taking some behavior therapy or other methods to help cope with daily stress. Carter. Carter T. Fields Northwestern University

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Teri, Great article. I will be e-mailing you soon about my experiences. And no, your not crazy! I really believe I became a

counselor because of my disorder. Actually my disorder is the best thing that ever happened to me.      Counselor

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