Question:

I know it’s way too early to tell, but I swear I’m getting relief from Sinulair… I’m a mild asthmatic and finally wenr to the doctors after a cold kept me weezing for an entire week (prior episodes were confined to 1-2x month)…  after an in-office test he prescribed everything – Flo-Vent + Singulair + Albuterol for weezing… I am a borderline health "nut" and avoid drugs if at all possible… I told him I would not take the full regiment to start, but instead would try just the singulair and see how it goes… well it’s been a week and my night’s have been wonderful!   Clear, full breaths with no effort!  Keep in mind, I wasn’t moderate or severe prior to taking the Singulair… but my relief is self-evident nonetheless… We’ll see if it keeps up. Brad

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know it’s way too early to tell, but I swear I’m getting relief from Sinulair… I’m a mild asthmatic and finally wenr to the doctors after a cold kept me weezing for an entire week (prior episodes were confined to 1-2x month)…  after an in-office test he prescribed everything – Flo-Vent + Singulair + Albuterol for weezing… I am a borderline health "nut" and avoid drugs if at all possible… I told him I would not take the full regiment to start, but instead would try just the singulair and see how it goes… well it’s been a week and my night’s have been wonderful!   Clear, full breaths with no effort!  Keep in mind, I wasn’t moderate or severe prior to taking the Singulair… but my relief is self-evident nonetheless… We’ll see if it keeps up. Brad

Glad to see the singulair works for you but as with any drug, keep an Eye on other side effects it may bring. It is a new drug and I have had some things happen that greatly concern me, since starting the singulair. I will not mention what, as i don’t want to influence your judgement. If you have been reading other peoples posting about singullair you probably know what might happen. The drug helped bring up my peak flow readings as well, but I think the other side effects far outway the 20 points higher on my readings. So i am not on the drug any more. Dont forget to look at possible food/allergies etc. that might be causing problems during sleep, also have you had reflux ruled out. No eating after 8pm!!! Take care,, Mountain Mama

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Use a D.O. with caution as they do not have the same training as an M.D Margrove, I’ve heard or read that D.O.’s do have the same basic training as M.D.s, and take the same courses as medical students get in medical school. D.O.s are licensed to practice medicine in the state of California. Have you heard about any bad experiences with D.O.s? What is a D.O.? Philip (foreigner)

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Developed 130 years ago by physician A.T. Still, osteopathic medicine is emerging as one of the fastest growing healthcare professions in the U.S. Osteopathic medicine brings a unique philosophy to traditional medicine. With a strong emphasis on the inter-relationship of the body’s nerves, muscles, bones and organs, doctors of osteopathic medicine, or D.O.s, apply the philosophy of treating the whole person to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness, disease and injury. http://www.osteopathic.org — The charter is available at:

Question:

I was told I have mild case of Gerd earlier this year. I was getting allot of acid reflux. Since then I have been on Protonix and the reflux has stopped, BUT I get a lump feeling in my throat everyday, and sometimes just feel sick to my stomach? Does anyone have these same symptoms or know what they are ? Thanks

Response:

I wish there were more people lurking around here…. I’m not sure, sorry!   try…..www.gerd-support.com/

Response:

I get this same feeling and was told, by my GI MD, that it’s called a "globus sensation," and is caused by acid coming back up the esophagus.  At first, I thought I was going to choke on some food remnants, however, after the cause was explained to me, I now know it’s just part of the reflux problem.  Have you told your MD about this?  I would if I were you, because it’s possible that the Protonix is not working fully for you, and/or your dosage may need to be changed.  I’ve been on Tagamet, Prilosec, Protonix, and Aciphex, and nothing has really worked for me.  Yesterday I went for an EGD (esophagogstroduodenoscopy) and for the first time in one year, I no longer had the "lump in the throat" feeling.  I can only hope it lasts for a long time.  In one week I will know the results of the biopsies taken during the EGD. Hope this helps. Sharon

Response:

I had the camera go down my throat, is that what you had. If so I wonder why you didnt have the lump sensation after having the procedure ?  I dont get the bad reflux like l use to so maybe just a little reflux cause the lump sensation…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I get this same feeling and was told, by my GI MD, that it’s called a "globus sensation," and is caused by acid coming back up the esophagus.  At first, I thought I was going to choke on some food remnants, however, after the cause was explained to me, I now know it’s just part of the reflux problem.  Have you told your MD about this?  I would if I were you, because it’s possible that the Protonix is not working fully for you, and/or your dosage may need to be changed.  I’ve been on Tagamet, Prilosec, Protonix, and Aciphex, and nothing has really worked for me.  Yesterday I went for an EGD (esophagogstroduodenoscopy) and for the first time in one year, I no longer had the "lump in the throat" feeling.  I can only hope it lasts for a long time.  In one week I will know the results of the biopsies taken during the EGD. Hope this helps. Sharon

Response:

Yes, it was the tube and camera.  Actually, I was told by my ENT a while back, during an endoscopic exam, that my esophagus was extremely narrow. Since I had the EGD yesterday, I have noticed that it is easier for me to swallow my daily pills/vitamins, and I attribute that to the procedure. However, my reflux is only a trifle better.  After the procedure, I barely had a sore throat yesterday afternoon and evening, and today I’m right as rain.  I think that during the procedure the doctor must have opened up my esophagus some, and maybe fixed a few other things, because the severe burning/acid reflux did not bother me from dawn to dusk today.  For cripe sakes, I even got reflux from plain Quaker Oats oatmeal!!  Yesterday the GI MD told me to add more fiber to my diet, which may help any digestive problems I may have.  As I stated in my previous email, I won’t know the results of the EGD for one week.  I have to take this one day at a time.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had the camera go down my throat, is that what you had. If so I wonder why you didnt have the lump sensation after having the procedure ?  I dont get the bad reflux like l use to so maybe just a little reflux cause the lump sensation….

Response:

Yes, I have the same symptoms, but my primary doc can’t explain the "lump" in my throat (actually, quite painful with trouble swallowing) that I’m having.  He treated me for GERD for several months, helped the heartburn but not the throat problem, so I’m off to a GI doc next week. Has your doc tried treating you for anxiety?  Mine did (with Xanax and Zoloft), and while it didn’t help me, it’s a common anxiety problem and perhaps a few weeks of trial meds could prove/disprove it for you? HTH, Chip

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was told I have mild case of Gerd earlier this year. I was getting allot of acid reflux. Since then I have been on Protonix and the reflux has stopped, BUT I get a lump feeling in my throat everyday, and sometimes just feel sick to my stomach? Does anyone have these same symptoms or know what they are ? Thanks

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Question:

commonly used slow serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

ROTFL!  What a load of BS … —   -john

Response:

Recent studies have shown SJW to be equally as effective as Zoloft (sertraline) and Prozac (fluoxetine) in mild to moderate depression. It also seems to have a better side-effect profile. See the references below: – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – Equivalence of St John’s wort extract (Ze 117) and fluoxetine: a randomized, controlled study in mild-moderate depression. Schrader E Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2000 Mar;15(2):61-8 Treatment with St John’s wort extract tablets (hypericum Ze 117) and the commonly used slow serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine was compared in patients with mild-moderate depression with entry Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) (21-item) in the range 16-24, in a randomized, double-blind, parallel group comparison in 240 subjects; fluoxetine: 114 (48%), hypericum: 126 (52%). After 6 weeks’ treatment, mean HAM-D at endpoint decreased to 11.54 on hypericum and to 12.20 on fluoxetine (P < 0.09), while mean Clinical Global Impression (CGI) item I (severity) was significantly (P < 0.03) superior on hypericum, as was the responder rate (P = 0.005). Hypericum safety was substantially superior to fluoxetine, with the incidence of adverse events being 23% on fluoxetine and 8% on hypericum. The commonest events on fluoxetine were agitation (8%), GI disturbances (6%), retching (4%), dizziness (4%), tiredness, anxiety/nervousness and erectile dysfunction (3% each), while on hypericum only GI disturbances (5%) had an incidence greater than 2%. We concluded that hypericum and fluoxetine are equipotent with respect to all main parameters used to investigate antidepressants in this population. Although hypericum may be superior in improving the responder rate, the main difference between the two treatments is safety. Hypericum was superior to fluoxetine in overall incidence of side-effects, number of patients with side-effects and the type of side-effect reported. – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – "Comparison of an extract of hypericum (LI 160) and sertraline in the treatment of depression: a double-blind, randomized pilot study." Brenner R, Azbel V, Madhusoodanan S, Pawlowska M Clin Ther 2000 Apr;22(4):411-9 BACKGROUND: Hypericum (St. John’s wort) has been shown to be as efficacious and well tolerated as standard antidepressants in the treatment of depression but has not been compared with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). OBJECTIVE: This study compared hypericum and the SSRI sertraline in the treatment of depression. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized study conducted in a community hospital, 30 male and female outpatients (19 women, 11 men; mean age, 45.5 years) with mild to moderate depression received 600 mg/d of a standardized extract of hypericum (LI 160) or 50 mg/d sertraline for I week, followed by hypericum 900 mg/d or sertraline 75 mg/d for 6 weeks. RESULTS: The severity of symptoms, as assessed by scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Clinical Global Impression scale, was significantly reduced in both treatment groups (P < 0.01). Clinical response (defined as a or =50% reduction in HAM-D scores) was noted in 47% of patients receiving hypericum and 40% of those receiving sertraline. The difference was not statistically significant. Both agents were well tolerated. A post hoc power analysis indicated that failure to reach statistical significance between treatments resulted primarily from an absence of clinical differences rather than the small sample size. CONCLUSION: The hypericum extract was at least as effective as sertraline in the treatment of mild to moderate depression in a small group of outpatients.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The interesting thing with St. John’s Wort, is that it alters the ‘mood/mind’ enough to allow an objective and clear perspective of the Self. And therefore a clear insight into those parts of the Self that causes the depression. Is your intent to clear yourself of the depression?… or clear yourself of the sources of that depression? Translation: SJW is not strong enough to cure many cases of depression by itself, and works best with psychotherapy combination. By extension, an SSRI plus that kind of psychotherapy ought to be better yet? —

com for the reply address.

Response:

I am interested in info. on St. John’s Wort and Kava for OCD and anxiety.

Here is some info. I found on St. John’s Wort and OCD: "Gridrunner: Have you heard of some success using St. John’s Wort or 5-htp to lessen OCD? Dr. Jenike: Yes, there are a few cases where St. John’s Wort has helped OCD. In Germany, there are dozens of studies using SJW for mild to moderate depression, but its use for treating OCD is relatively new. I have tried it in quite a few patients, with not much success. But then again, most of the patients I see now, are on the more severe end of the spectrum." – http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/OCD/site/transcripts/obsession s_ocd.htm See also: http://www.biopsychiatry.com/stjohnocd.htm

Response:

The interesting thing with St. John’s Wort, is that it alters the ‘mood/mind’ enough to allow an objective and clear perspective of the Self. And therefore a clear insight into those parts of the Self that causes the depression. Is your intent to clear yourself of the depression?… or clear yourself of the sources of that depression?

Translation: SJW is not strong enough to cure many cases of depression by itself, and works best with psychotherapy combination. By extension, an SSRI plus that kind of psychotherapy ought to be better yet? —

Response:

Dear R.P.,      I have used Kava for anxiety and it does help though if your anxiety is high it may take a few days for it to really catch up with you.  To be on it is to be mellow but alert at the same time so I think it would help with OCD.                    Rusty

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am interested in info. on St. John’s Wort and Kava for OCD and anxiety. Thank you.

Response:

I am interested in info. on St. John’s Wort and Kava for OCD and anxiety. Thank you.

Response:

I am interested in info. on St. John’s Wort and Kava for OCD and anxiety. Thank you.

I had a lot of luck with Kava Kava for anxiety, but it brought back eczema that had lain dormant for over 6 years (and which I have yet to get rid of). Take care if you have any dermatological problems.

Response:

My psychiatrist said it was useless for OCD. Only good for *mild* depression. Ida

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am interested in info. on St. John’s Wort and Kava for OCD and anxiety. Thank you.

Response:

In article <   "Bill & Ida Kern" < My psychiatrist said it was useless for OCD. Only good for *mild* depression. Ida

The interesting thing with St. John’s Wort, is that it alters the ‘mood/mind’ enough to allow an objective and clear perspective of the Self. And therefore a clear insight into those parts of the Self that causes the depression. Is your intent to clear yourself of the depression?… or clear yourself of the sources of that depression? The Wort (like LSD; magic mushrooms; kava-kava) open-up the psyche for deeper investigation… rather than offer a cure-all. Later Gerrit

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Question:

writes: Valium is derived from, so not surprising that it, too, can be habit-forming. Seems like Anxiety always has a leg up on us at times eh, mate? ~K

Hi K! I didn’t know that!  See, you learn something new every day.  Thanks! Di

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – writes: Valium is derived from, so not surprising that it, too, can be habit-forming. Seems like Anxiety always has a leg up on us at times eh, mate? ~K Hi K! I didn’t know that!  See, you learn something new every day.  Thanks! Di

As I said earlier, it’s not true. There is *no* relation between Valium and Valerian except the first three letters. It’s nice to learn something new every day but it had better be true ) Philip

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Starting to get anxiety again and was wondering how safe valerian is long term?  Last year I weaned off Xanax and Zoloft but the old anxiety is coming back  My anxiety isn’t too bad so I thought I’d try herbal. TIA Garry

Response:

Starting to get anxiety again and was wondering how safe valerian is long term?  Last year I weaned off Xanax and Zoloft but the old anxiety is coming back  My anxiety isn’t too bad so I thought I’d try herbal.

Hi Garry, Here is a link on Valerian, it has alot of info. Take care  Jackie http://herbsforhealth.about.com/library/weekly/aa091197.htm?terms=val…

Response:

Jackie, When I weaned off of valium and the Buspar wasn’t working, I tried Valerian. It made me NUTS!!!!! Oh man it was sooo bad.  I was crabby as hell and quite upset most of the time.  So that was it for the Valerian!  LOL ~K

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Starting to get anxiety again and was wondering how safe valerian is long term?  Last year I weaned off Xanax and Zoloft but the old anxiety is coming back  My anxiety isn’t too bad so I thought I’d try herbal. Hi Garry, Here is a link on Valerian, it has alot of info. Take care  Jackie http://herbsforhealth.about.com/library/weekly/aa091197.htm?terms=val…

Response:

Thanks Jackie & ~K for your replies. I was woken in the middle of the night with a bad PA out of the blue.  Was on Xanax & Z last year and felt heaps better, and well, I guess here we go again!! Had a lot of trouble getting off X, and the side effects of stopping Z were the same as starting.  That’s why I thought maybe I could try something herbal, without the side effects.  I was surprised to see on the site Jackie posted had a warning about valerian becoming habitual.  Guess either way I can’t win.  Bloody anxiety!!!!! Take care Garry

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jackie, When I weaned off of valium and the Buspar wasn’t working, I tried Valerian. It made me NUTS!!!!! Oh man it was sooo bad.  I was crabby as hell and quite upset most of the time.  So that was it for the Valerian!  LOL ~K Starting to get anxiety again and was wondering how safe valerian is long term?  Last year I weaned off Xanax and Zoloft but the old anxiety is coming back  My anxiety isn’t too bad so I thought I’d try herbal. Hi Garry, Here is a link on Valerian, it has alot of info. Take care  Jackie

http://herbsforhealth.about.com/library/weekly/aa091197.htm?terms=val… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Valium is derived from, so not surprising that it, too, can be habit-forming. Seems like Anxiety always has a leg up on us at times eh, mate? ~K

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Jackie & ~K for your replies. I was woken in the middle of the night with a bad PA out of the blue.  Was on Xanax & Z last year and felt heaps better, and well, I guess here we go again!! Had a lot of trouble getting off X, and the side effects of stopping Z were the same as starting.  That’s why I thought maybe I could try something herbal, without the side effects.  I was surprised to see on the site Jackie posted had a warning about valerian becoming habitual.  Guess either way I can’t win.  Bloody anxiety!!!!! Take care Garry Jackie, When I weaned off of valium and the Buspar wasn’t working, I tried Valerian. It made me NUTS!!!!! Oh man it was sooo bad.  I was crabby as hell and quite upset most of the time.  So that was it for the Valerian!  LOL Best of Luck to you in your search for natural anxiety ~K Starting to get anxiety again and was wondering how safe valerian is long term?  Last year I weaned off Xanax and Zoloft but the old anxiety is coming back  My anxiety isn’t too bad so I thought I’d try herbal. Hi Garry, Here is a link on Valerian, it has alot of info. Take care  Jackie http://herbsforhealth.about.com/library/weekly/aa091197.htm?terms=val…

Response:

Valium is derived from, so not surprising that it, too, can be habit-forming.

No no no….this is a wide-spread urban myth. Valium and Valerian only have the first three letters in common (which probably makes for the confusion). Chemically they have absolutely *nothing* to do with each other. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ~K Thanks Jackie & ~K for your replies. I was woken in the middle of the night with a bad PA out of the blue.  Was on Xanax & Z last year and felt heaps better, and well, I guess here we go again!! Had a lot of trouble getting off X, and the side effects of stopping Z were the same as starting.  That’s why I thought maybe I could try something herbal, without the side effects.  I was surprised to see on the site Jackie posted had a warning about valerian becoming habitual.  Guess either way I can’t win.  Bloody anxiety!!!!! Take care Garry Jackie, When I weaned off of valium and the Buspar wasn’t working, I tried Valerian. It made me NUTS!!!!! Oh man it was sooo bad.  I was crabby as hell and quite upset most of the time.  So that was it for the Valerian!  LOL Best of Luck to you in your search for natural anxiety ~K Starting to get anxiety again and was wondering how safe valerian is long term?  Last year I weaned off Xanax and Zoloft but the old anxiety is coming back  My anxiety isn’t too bad so I thought I’d try herbal. Hi Garry, Here is a link on Valerian, it has alot of info. Take care  Jackie http://herbsforhealth.about.com/library/weekly/aa091197.htm?terms=val…

Response:

Thanks Jackie & ~K for your replies. I was woken in the middle of the night with a bad PA out of the blue.  Was on Xanax & Z last year and felt heaps better, and well, I guess here we go again!! Had a lot of trouble getting off X, and the side effects of stopping Z were the same as starting.  That’s why I thought maybe I could try something herbal, without the side effects.  I was surprised to see on the site Jackie posted had a warning about valerian becoming habitual.  Guess either way I can’t win.  Bloody anxiety!!!!! Take care Garry

Hi Garry, Sorry that your anxiety and panic have increased. I hate when I get PA`s in the middle night, they are dreadful. Since being on Paxil, I have only had a few mild ones. I hope you have luck finding something that helps you. Take care Jackie ~*~For when you look long into an abyss the abyss looks into you…….

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Question:

Self-injury with knives and razors. I would cut on myself when I was depressed, before I got on the right medications. I’m ashamed of it, I still have scars, but I have a great therapist that’s helping me understand why I did that. -Emily

Response:

hi Emily. this is interesting! did you see yourself at all becoming tolerant to the stimulants?  If so, did effexor help with this? also, I have anxiety which mostly manifests as stomach pain (nausea/butterflies).  did you get this too?  Did the drug combo you’re on help? thanks!! – Jason Web Page: http://www.JasonsWeb.com "Quantum Physics: The dreams that makes up stuff"

Response:

Our psychiatrist says that Jesse shouldn’t worry about taking Adderall or Ritalin in eves, as once the brain waves are working correctly sleep should come MORE easily.  This isn’t true for all patients, but works for many. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi,   I thought that I would post this and see if anyone else has noticed anything like this. In addition to having ADD, I have clinical depression and severe anxiety. I found that Adderall was like a miracle for my anxiety, because it took away so many of the racing thoughts and ruminations in my head. However, my most difficult time has always been at night. I used to have panic attacks so badly that I would hyperventilate and faint. Well, even though Adderall seems to be the best med. for this, I was told that I couldn’t take it at night, as it might interfere with the onset of sleep. So, my psychiatrist added Xanax for nighttime. Well, even though it seemed to help the anxiety, it actually kept me awake instead of putting me to sleep. It also made me severely depressed and apathetic, to the point where I began to self-injure; something that I hadn’t done for a long, long time. Needless to say, I went right off of it.   Anyway, several weeks ago, my psychiatrist put me on the anti-depressant Effexor, saying that it would help with my ADD and anxiety, as well as the depression. Because it acts on norepinepherine as well as serotonin, it’s a good adjunct to stimulants in ADD/ADHD people. Anyways, it has been amazing! After only a week of taking Effexor XR 75mg/day(in the morning), my nighttime anxiety was nearly gone! I also noticed that I didn’t get nearly as irritable when my Adderall wore off in the evening. I used to hate the dropoff that I noticed with my stimulant, and now I can hardly detect it. It just feels like the Effexor has smoothed out my day. I don’t have the peaks and valleys that I had while I was just on Adderall. I am feeling a lot more even. I just thought I would see if anyone else has had an experience with Effexor and ADD. Ciao!   -Emily

– Colette

Response:

Effexor has helped many people with ADD+anxiety.  I found it helpful until an unusual side effect stopped me from using it. I think I know a little about the razor thing.  When I was in high school I had a problem with an ingrown tow nail.  The school doc did a painful hack job and the toe eventually got worse.  I figured that I could do better without anaesthetic than he did with it. I got out a new razor blade and started cutting carefully.  It was a little bloody, but I felt little pain and a sense of quiet calm.  It was strangely soothing. I cleaned up the problem. The toe got better and I haven’t had any problems with it since. There’s no need to be ashamed.  The cutting was a way of self-treating the anxiety.  Effexor is a much better way.  You are making progress. George Self-injury with knives and razors. I would cut on myself when I was depressed, before I got on the right medications. I’m ashamed of it, I still have scars, but I have a great therapist that’s helping me understand why I did that. -Emily

Before you buy.

Response:

Hi there! This is great feedback to be getting! I was diagnosed with ADD comorbid with depression five years ago, and got every book on the subject I could find. I joined a support group too. Everything was starting to work out. But because I didn’t have insurance at my job, it was also very expensive. The doctor, plus the counselor, plus the liver tests for the Cylert, plus the cost of the Cylert was forcing me to pay nearly $500 a month out of my pocket. I couldn’t afford it anymore so I quit. Well finally, being very depressed and still ADD, I went to see another psychiatrist that works on a sliding scale. She decided I didn’t have ADD at all because "adults don’t have ADD." She told me that when adults think they have ADD it’s really just Bipolar II. So she put me on lithium. I thought she was wrong but gave her the benefit of the doubt. I tried lithium for a couple of months. It did nothing for me at all. So I gave up on it and went to see a psychiatrist who was more expensive. But by this time I had insurance and could afford him. He told me that I was definitely depressed, that the Bipolar II diagnosis was ludicrous, and that he wasn’t sure about the ADD. He wanted to wait a while to see if ADD is really there and not just depression masquerading as ADD. He put me on Effexor. I got to tell you, the stuff is a miracle drug for me! When I’m on the Effexor, I feel like a totally different person. I feel happier, my thinking is less gloomy and dark. I’m less irritable, and more sociable. But without it, I’m deeply depressed. But the ADD symptoms never really went away. I still have the attention-holding and short-term memory problems. I still can’t read a book with out flying off with a million new ideas. I still get easily distracted, even by my own thoughts. And I still have trouble finishing things. The doctor decided that I am indeed ADD, and now he wants to try me out on Adderal. I pick up the prescription this afternoon. Your feedback is invaluable, and thanks. I hope it works as well for me as it has for you. Cliff Pearson Dallas, Texas USA – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi,    I thought that I would post this and see if anyone else has noticed anything like this. In addition to having ADD, I have clinical depression and severe anxiety. I found that Adderall was like a miracle for my anxiety, because it took away so many of the racing thoughts and ruminations in my head. However, my most difficult time has always been at night. I used to have panic attacks so badly that I would hyperventilate and faint. Well, even though Adderall seems to be the best med. for this, I was told that I couldn’t take it at night, as it might interfere with the onset of sleep. So, my psychiatrist added Xanax for nighttime. Well, even though it seemed to help the anxiety, it actually kept me awake instead of putting me to sleep. It also made me severely depressed and apathetic, to the point where I began to self-injure; something that I hadn’t done for a long, long time. Needless to say, I went right off of it.    Anyway, several weeks ago, my psychiatrist put me on the anti-depressant Effexor, saying that it would help with my ADD and anxiety, as well as the depression. Because it acts on norepinepherine as well as serotonin, it’s a good adjunct to stimulants in ADD/ADHD people. Anyways, it has been amazing! After only a week of taking Effexor XR 75mg/day(in the morning), my nighttime anxiety was nearly gone! I also noticed that I didn’t get nearly as irritable when my Adderall wore off in the evening. I used to hate the dropoff that I noticed with my stimulant, and now I can hardly detect it. It just feels like the Effexor has smoothed out my day. I don’t have the peaks and valleys that I had while I was just on Adderall. I am feeling a lot more even. I just thought I would see if anyone else has had an experience with Effexor and ADD. Ciao! -Emily

– Cliff Pearson Dallas Progressive Action League 1920 Abrams Parkway, #354 Dallas, Texas 75214-6218 Hotline: (214) 319-9819 Web: http://www.dallasprogressive.org

Response:

Oh darn!   I was hoping to be able to claim the silly curls on something…….  lol — Annie

| | I have very low blood pressure by nature (must be the curly hair   lol). I | guess with the meds , my BP is normal. | | Nah, it’s not the curly hair, mine’s straight and my normal BP is | 80/58. | | — | Ann

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| Effexor can cause elevated high blood pressure and possible | sedation.  These were the reasons I quit taking it two weeks | ago, and went back to Prozac – for the additional pep, and also | because I stated taking stronger stims which also elevate BP. | | Could either of these be the unusual side effect? | I have very low blood pressure by nature (must be the curly hair   lol).  I guess with the meds , my BP is normal. I talked to my GP about Prozac and she told me that it was normally given to people who are very low energy wise and that I was too peppy for that drug….. oh well…. — Annie

| Effexor can cause elevated high blood pressure and possible | sedation.  These were the reasons I quit taking it two weeks | ago, and went back to Prozac – for the additional pep, and also | because I stated taking stronger stims which also elevate BP. | | Could either of these be the unusual side effect? | | John | | | | | Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. | Up to 100 minutes free! | http://www.keen.com |

Response:

I have very low blood pressure by nature (must be the curly hair   lol).  I guess with the meds , my BP is normal.

Nah, it’s not the curly hair, mine’s straight and my normal BP is 80/58. — Ann

Response:

Effexor has helped many people with ADD+anxiety.  I found it helpful until an unusual side effect stopped me from using it.

<snipped I’m curious as to what was the "unusual side effect" that caused you to stop taking Effexor? (I’m curious only because I too get an unusual [and annoying] side effect from my Effexor [which, btw,  has been added to my Dexedrine, with positive results for my attention deficit]; a side effect that has me wishing there was something equivalent out there that could provide me with the same benefits as Effexor, but without this one distractingly uncomfortable side effect.) Sodah

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I take Effexor for different reasons then you but I’m curious about the side effects you are taking about. I started to take Effexor because of depression due to the M.S..  The one thing I liked about the drug was the lack of side effects.  So I’m real curious to find out about the side effects you have. They might be caused by the combo of the meds your currently on. Take care! — Annie

|

| Effexor has helped many people with ADD+anxiety.  I found it helpful | until an unusual side effect stopped me from using it. | | <snipped | | I’m curious as to what was the "unusual side effect" that caused you to stop | taking Effexor? | | (I’m curious only because I too get an unusual [and annoying] side effect | from my Effexor [which, btw,  has been added to my Dexedrine, with positive | results for my attention deficit]; a side effect that has me wishing there | was something equivalent out there that could provide me with the same | benefits as Effexor, but without this one distractingly uncomfortable side | effect.) | | Sodah | |

Response:

Effexor can cause elevated high blood pressure and possible sedation.  These were the reasons I quit taking it two weeks ago, and went back to Prozac – for the additional pep, and also because I stated taking stronger stims which also elevate BP. Could either of these be the unusual side effect? John Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

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Self injure??  Like what, if I may ask? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi,   I thought that I would post this and see if anyone else has noticed anything like this. In addition to having ADD, I have clinical depression and severe anxiety. I found that Adderall was like a miracle for my anxiety, because it took away so many of the racing thoughts and ruminations in my head. However, my most difficult time has always been at night. I used to have panic attacks so badly that I would hyperventilate and faint. Well, even though Adderall seems to be the best med. for this, I was told that I couldn’t take it at night, as it might interfere with the onset of sleep. So, my psychiatrist added Xanax for nighttime. Well, even though it seemed to help the anxiety, it actually kept me awake instead of putting me to sleep. It also made me severely depressed and apathetic, to the point where I began to self-injure; something that I hadn’t done for a long, long time. Needless to say, I went right off of it.   Anyway, several weeks ago, my psychiatrist put me on the anti-depressant Effexor, saying that it would help with my ADD and anxiety, as well as the depression. Because it acts on norepinepherine as well as serotonin, it’s a good adjunct to stimulants in ADD/ADHD people. Anyways, it has been amazing! After only a week of taking Effexor XR 75mg/day(in the morning), my nighttime anxiety was nearly gone! I also noticed that I didn’t get nearly as irritable when my Adderall wore off in the evening. I used to hate the dropoff that I noticed with my stimulant, and now I can hardly detect it. It just feels like the Effexor has smoothed out my day. I don’t have the peaks and valleys that I had while I was just on Adderall. I am feeling a lot more even. I just thought I would see if anyone else has had an experience with Effexor and ADD. Ciao!   -Emily

– Colette

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Hi,    I thought that I would post this and see if anyone else has noticed anything like this. In addition to having ADD, I have clinical depression and severe anxiety. I found that Adderall was like a miracle for my anxiety, because it took away so many of the racing thoughts and ruminations in my head. However, my most difficult time has always been at night. I used to have panic attacks so badly that I would hyperventilate and faint. Well, even though Adderall seems to be the best med. for this, I was told that I couldn’t take it at night, as it might interfere with the onset of sleep. So, my psychiatrist added Xanax for nighttime. Well, even though it seemed to help the anxiety, it actually kept me awake instead of putting me to sleep. It also made me severely depressed and apathetic, to the point where I began to self-injure; something that I hadn’t done for a long, long time. Needless to say, I went right off of it.    Anyway, several weeks ago, my psychiatrist put me on the anti-depressant Effexor, saying that it would help with my ADD and anxiety, as well as the depression. Because it acts on norepinepherine as well as serotonin, it’s a good adjunct to stimulants in ADD/ADHD people. Anyways, it has been amazing! After only a week of taking Effexor XR 75mg/day(in the morning), my nighttime anxiety was nearly gone! I also noticed that I didn’t get nearly as irritable when my Adderall wore off in the evening. I used to hate the dropoff that I noticed with my stimulant, and now I can hardly detect it. It just feels like the Effexor has smoothed out my day. I don’t have the peaks and valleys that I had while I was just on Adderall. I am feeling a lot more even. I just thought I would see if anyone else has had an experience with Effexor and ADD. Ciao!   -Emily

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Question:

Oh Blue, this is so true…. I was perfectly sane (cough cough cough) much however.  I would give my life for him… With Metta & Blessings,  Jehanne "It is good to have an end to journey toward;   but it is the journey that matters, in the end"             Ursula Le Guin

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says… you know, money tends to run in families. Maybe that’s biological too, like there’s a money gene or something. ..Don’t laugh, that’s the way these researchers think. On the lighter side, did you know that having children tends to run in families? If your parents didn’t have children, chances are you won’t either.

Did you know that insanity is hereditary?  You get it from your children. Bluebird oh, is *that* where it came from?

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you know, money tends to run in families. Maybe that’s biological too, like there’s a money gene or something. ..Don’t laugh, that’s the way these researchers think. On the lighter side, did you know that having children tends to run in families? If your parents didn’t have children, chances are you won’t either.

doh… Leslie — Mom always told me I could be whatever I wanted to be when I grew up, "within reason."  When I asked her what she meant by "within reason," she said, "You ask a lot of questions for a garbage man." – Jack Handey Visit My Website! http://www.flex.net/users/tuesday

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it’s CATCHING!!!!!!!

for *real* well, i don’t suppose i’ve ever actually *driven* someone to depression, but i know it’s *really* hard to live with a depressive person, specially someone who wants to prove how unlovable they are. anna xxx

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Owlgirl, Thanks for confirming something I long suspected!  lol Thanks for the chuckle. Brenda

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you know, money tends to run in families. Maybe that’s biological too, like there’s a money gene or something. ..Don’t laugh, that’s the way these researchers think. On the lighter side, did you know that having children tends to run in families? If your parents didn’t have children, chances are you won’t either.

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you know…both my parents (who, nb, are NOT my biologial parents) have depression and are on medication. Same with my ex-de facto, my uncle and aunt, and 3 close rl friends. I could never relate to it, but now, i’ve finally succumbed myself. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhhhhhh! this can only mean one thing: it’s CATCHING!!!!!!! warn all your friends and family….. owlgirl – who had a shitty aftyernoon, thanx to zoloft withdrawal, but who feels good cos you are all here, and is especially grateful for the posts from Cris/z, Eva Marisa, and kdaly. Thanx.  :)

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Question:

Any side effects would be physical in nature. If things are fairly "whacked"  (and I don’t know exactly what you mean) then it suggests the Zoloft is not  working. Either you need to increase the dose up to the max of 200 mg or  switch to another OCD drug such as Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, or Anafranil. Its  pretty much trial and error. There is no way to know ahead of time which is  most likely to work. Erich

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D iIR r T wrote:

i have been on zoloft for about 7 months and haven’t noticed any physical side effects, but things are fairly wacked and i’m not sure if there are any known mental/emotional side effects… (?)

I’ve also been taking Zoloft for about 7-8 months and have noticed just one side effect … that being fatigue. I’m taking 300mg daily and my OCD symptoms have improved significantly. The major symptom of my OCD is having to go back and "check" if I’ve hit someone while driving … and because of the Zoloft and behaviour therapy, this symptom has pretty much disappeared (thankfully!). However, I can’t seem to get enough sleep …. I now require at least 8 hours to function and even then I’m pretty tired. However, I find this side effect tolerable in comparison to my OCD symptoms. I’ve also found a drastic improvement in regards to my mood swings. Shannon

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Subject: Zoloft: side effects???? From: dii…@aol.com (D iIR  r T) Date: Sun, Oct 26, 1997 01:01 EST Message-id: <19971026060100.BAA12…@ladder02.news.aol.com i have been on zoloft for about 7 months and haven’t noticed any physical side effects, but things are fairly wacked and i’m not sure if there are any known mental/emotional side effects… (?)

I think I know just what you mean.  I tried Zoloft for about three or four  months.  After the first month or so, I would wake up and be in this strange,  surreal state of mind for about 30 minutes or so before I would completely  "awaken".  It felt REALLY weird, and was quite unpleasant.  The Zoloft also  would alter my sleeping in such a way so that I would sometimes be asleep, but  would be somewhat aware of what was happening in my environment; if someone  cut a radio on, for instance, I would be aware of that, but would STILL BE  ASLEEP.  Strange.  The stuff also interfered with my ability to concentrate to  a certain extent, which I also didn’t like. Basically, you’ve just got ask yourself whether or not the medicine is taking  care of the problem(s) it’s supposed to; then ask yourself whether or not the  side effects are worth putting up with.  If your answer to EITHER one of these  questions is "no", you might want to give another SSRI a try.  I personally  went back to Prozac, and am glad I did.  Good luck… -Bill Spruell

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i have been on zoloft for about 7 months and haven’t noticed any physical side  effects, but things are fairly wacked and i’m not sure if there are any known  mental/emotional side effects… (?)

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Question:

Hello, I started taking Zoloft last friday(25mg/day) and I’ve already started feeling more relaxed, but I’m getting some unpleasant side effects. I’m having problems concentrating & sleeping and my head feels heavy and as if an uncomfortable amount of presure was being applied to it. I’ve lowered my dosage to 5mg a day and the problems concentrating has mostly gone and the other problems aren’t as bad but are still there. Can I expect these side effects to go away with time? If so, how long? If they don’t go away, am I likely to have better luck with a different SSRI or to have the same problems? Also, I’m considering taking melatonin to help with sleeping. Does anyone have experience using melatonin with Zoloft? Steve

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I have tried many SSRI’s for my anxiety, and have not found one I am completely happy with yet.  I have consistently been on clonazepam, though, and it works wonderfully.  My doctor says the SSRI’s have different side effects for everyone…your individual brain’s biochemistry will determine how well each one works for you and how many side effects you encounter.  I am currently on Prozac, but it, like all the SSRI’s I have tried, have sexual side effects for me.  But certainly some have been much better than others. Sexual effects aside, Zoloft was by far the worst for me (I couldn’t stop tensing up, grinding my teeth, even on 1/2 of the lowest dosage) while Paxil had the best anxiolytic effects.  So my opinion would be to give it a shot. If the side effects remain, keep trying the other ones until you find one that works for you.

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Hi Steve, I started taking Zoloft last friday(25mg/day) and I’ve already started feeling more relaxed, but I’m getting some unpleasant side effects. I’m having problems concentrating & sleeping and my head feels heavy and as if an uncomfortable amount of presure was being applied to it.

It is very common to have a increase in anxiety while weaning on anti-depressants. I’ve lowered my dosage to 5mg a day and the problems concentrating has mostly gone and the other problems aren’t as bad but are still there. Can I expect these side effects to go away with time?

They should go away with time. It is hard to say how long you will have to put up with these side-effects. Ask your doctor for a scrpt for a benzo, such as Xanax, or Klonopin, it will help with these side-effects.  If so, how long? This varies from  person to person, but hopefully not more than a few weeks. If they don’t go away, am I likely to have better luck with a different SSRI or to have the same problems?

All anti-depressants can cause a increase in anxiety while weaning on them. It really is a normal,  and quite common to experience some side-effects while weaning on Ad`s. You could switch from Zoloft to Paxil, and find you have the same side-effects, or it is much worse on Paxil. No one can tell you how you will react on any medication, it is a matter of you getting on the med and seeing for yourself. Please don`t get discouraged, it does get better. Let me suggest instead of taking 25mgs of Zoloft, go to 12.5mgs, and do all your increases in 12.5mg increments, and stay at each increase for one week. You may find this helps lessen those side-effects you were feeling. We have a poster here that has had great success weaning on Zoloft in this manner. It can`t hurt to try. Unfortunately, sometimes to get better, we have to tolerate side-effects of certain meds, that will eventually help us. Also, I’m considering taking melatonin to help with sleeping. Does anyone have experience using melatonin with Zoloft?

I am not sure about the safety with taking Melatonin and Zoloft, so I can`t comment. If you are having problems with sleep, don`t take the Zoloft in the PM, take it in the AM. You could ask your doctor for a prescription for something to aid your sleep, Ambien from what I hear is good. Another option, and of course ask your doctor, is to take Benadryl, also known as "Diphenhydramine", it is a anti-histamine, but is quite a effective sleep aid. And is okay for long term use. Take care and hang in there, it will get better Jackie

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I just recently started taking Zoloft also and had some side effects, too.  I’ve been on it for about two weeks now and it seems to have gotten better.  I noticed Jackie mentioned to you that Ambien is good for sleep.  I take that also, and it knocks me out.  I started out on 10 mgs. and down to 5 mgs. because I was feeling groggy the next day from it.  I can sometimes now take 2.5 mgs. and still get a good night’s sleep. Karen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I started taking Zoloft last friday(25mg/day) and I’ve already started feeling more relaxed, but I’m getting some unpleasant side effects. I’m having problems concentrating & sleeping and my head feels heavy and as if an uncomfortable amount of presure was being applied to it. I’ve lowered my dosage to 5mg a day and the problems concentrating has mostly gone and the other problems aren’t as bad but are still there. Can I expect these side effects to go away with time? If so, how long? If they don’t go away, am I likely to have better luck with a different SSRI or to have the same problems? Also, I’m considering taking melatonin to help with sleeping. Does anyone have experience using melatonin with Zoloft? Steve

– Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

Hello, I started taking Zoloft last friday(25mg/day) and I’ve already started feeling more relaxed, but I’m getting some unpleasant side effects. I’m having problems concentrating & sleeping and my head feels heavy and as if an uncomfortable amount of presure was being applied to it. I’ve lowered my dosage to 5mg a day and the problems concentrating has mostly gone and the other problems aren’t as bad but are still there.

Hey, how did you do that? Does Zoloft come in tabs of 10 mgs which you cut in two? I wasn’t aware of that. Can I expect these side effects to go away with time? If so, how long?

The lower you start and the slower you raise the dose, the lesser the SE’s. A benzo on the side is also helpful. Yes, these SE’s should go away but it’s difficult to say when. You might experience some every time you up the dose. You should give Zoloft a fair trial of eight weeks on therapeutic dosage. Side effects may well disappear before that time but as you wean on very slowly (which is *good*) it may take a while. If they don’t go away, am I likely to have better luck with a different SSRI or to have the same problems?

If after eight weeks on a therapeutic dose the SE’s haven’t gone away – but there’s no reason now to think they won’t – it might be a good idea to try another SSRI. It’s often done and it’s done quickly as you don’t have to wean off of one first before being able to get on the other one. But this is not the time to think of that. First give Zoloft a fair trial. Also, I’m considering taking melatonin to help with sleeping. Does anyone have experience using melatonin with Zoloft?

Melatonin doesn’t seem the first choice med for insomnia. Do you take your Zoloft in the evening? In that case you might want to try to take it in the morning which might help with your insomnia. If  insomnia is a product or symptom of PD it will get away when PD is treated properly. If you do need a med, try Ambien or Trazodone, I’d say IMO. Steve

Philip

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Hi Steve, I started taking Zoloft last friday(25mg/day) and I’ve already started feeling more relaxed, but I’m getting some unpleasant side effects. I’m having problems concentrating & sleeping and my head feels heavy and as if an uncomfortable amount of presure was being applied to it. It is very common to have a increase in anxiety while weaning on anti-depressants.

Jackie, Thanks for responding, but I think you misread my above post – I’m not feeling anxiety at all on Zoloft – it works great emotionally it just makes me feel physicaly ill.(as described above) Steve

Response:

I started taking Zoloft last friday(25mg/day) and I’ve already started feeling more relaxed, but I’m getting some unpleasant side effects. I’m having problems concentrating & sleeping and my head feels heavy and as if an uncomfortable amount of presure was being applied to it. I’ve lowered my dosage to 5mg a day and the problems concentrating has mostly gone and the other problems aren’t as bad but are still there. Hey, how did you do that? Does Zoloft come in tabs of 10 mgs which you cut in two? I wasn’t aware of that.

The starter pack I got came with some 25mg pills which I quatered. (It wasn’t easy!) Can I expect these side effects to go away with time? If so, how long? The lower you start and the slower you raise the dose, the lesser the SE’s. A benzo on the side is also helpful. Yes, these SE’s should go away but it’s difficult to say when. You might experience some every time you up the dose. You should give Zoloft a fair trial of eight weeks on therapeutic dosage. Side effects may well disappear before that time but as you wean on very slowly (which is *good*) it may take a while.

I don’t understand how a benzo will help with headaches(?) I thought benzo’s only got rid of anxiety – the Zoloft has already done that. Please explain. Steve

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started taking Zoloft last friday(25mg/day) and I’ve already started feeling more relaxed, but I’m getting some unpleasant side effects. I’m having problems concentrating & sleeping and my head feels heavy and as if an uncomfortable amount of presure was being applied to it. I’ve lowered my dosage to 5mg a day and the problems concentrating has mostly gone and the other problems aren’t as bad but are still there. Hey, how did you do that? Does Zoloft come in tabs of 10 mgs which you cut in two? I wasn’t aware of that. The starter pack I got came with some 25mg pills which I quatered. (It wasn’t easy!) Can I expect these side effects to go away with time? If so, how long? The lower you start and the slower you raise the dose, the lesser the SE’s. A benzo on the side is also helpful. Yes, these SE’s should go away but it’s difficult to say when. You might experience some every time you up the dose. You should give Zoloft a fair trial of eight weeks on therapeutic dosage. Side effects may well disappear before that time but as you wean on very slowly (which is *good*) it may take a while. I don’t understand how a benzo will help with headaches(?) I thought benzo’s only got rid of anxiety – the Zoloft has already done that. Please explain. Steve

Ideally a benzo should also help with sleeping and the feeling of pressure in your head. You may not call them that but these are also anxiety symptoms. Philip

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Thanks for responding, but I think you misread my above post – I’m not feeling anxiety at all on Zoloft – it works great emotionally it just makes me feel physicaly ill.(as described above) Steve

Hi Steve, If it is not anxiety it is most definitly a side-effect of the Zoloft. It should pass with time. A benzo might help alleviate some of the symtpoms. Good Luck!! Jackie

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I started taking Zoloft last friday(25mg/day) and I’ve already started feeling more relaxed, but I’m getting some unpleasant side effects. I’m having problems concentrating & sleeping and my head feels heavy and as if an uncomfortable amount of presure was being applied to it.

<snipped Also, I’m considering taking melatonin to help with sleeping. Does anyone have experience using melatonin with Zoloft?

I took Melatonin with Zoloft with my doctors OK, but certainly discuss this with your doctor before deciding to do it. There are certainly other options out there that may be more beneficial for you. Ray

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I don’t understand how a benzo will help with headaches(?) I thought benzo’s only got rid of anxiety – the Zoloft has already done that. Ideally a benzo should also help with sleeping and the feeling of pressure in your head. You may not call them that but these are also anxiety symptoms.

Oh, I see. That’s interesting. I’ve never had those symptoms before taking zoloft. Steve

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I don’t understand how a benzo will help with headaches(?) I thought benzo’s only got rid of anxiety – the Zoloft has already done that. Ideally a benzo should also help with sleeping and the feeling of pressure in your head. You may not call them that but these are also anxiety symptoms. Oh, I see. That’s interesting. I’ve never had those symptoms before taking zoloft. Steve

I was going to ask about this…Since I went to 100 mg, I have had a pressure in my forehead at times…Not a headache, but the kind of feeling you get when you realize that you’ve been tightening your forehead for hours…I know this could be anxiety, but my anxiety has been much better and I haven’t had this before…It’s almost like the Zoloft has the front of my brain in overdrive now…What are the long term affects of these drugs anyway…Do they permanently alter brain chemistry?  I don’t feel different really, but I don’t want to find out when I’m done that I have permanent needs for these things… — Charles Phipps

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello All,    After starting Zoloft (100mg) 10 days ago I have been experiencing some uncomfortable side effects (nervousness, lightheadedness, irritability, etc.).  At this time, the Zoloft seems to be inducing panic attacks, not preventing them.  My doctor had warned me of this and advised me to "weather the storm" and give the meds a few weeks to take effect.  Has anyone experienced similar side effects with Zoloft (or other SSRIs)?  And, if so, how long did it take for these to subside?  I realize that everyone reacts differently to meds, but I’m  looking for some relief in the fact that I am not alone, and other people have shared similar experiences. Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year— Danno

Zoloft does indeed induce panic in the starting stages.  Many doctors realize this, and start the Zoloft at a very low dose, increasing it gradually over a period of months.  The starting dose can be as low as 12.5 mg every other day, working up to the therapeutic dose from there.  Another way of fighting the panic in the early stages of Zoloft is with a short-term prescription for Xanax or another benzodiazepine during the initial high-anxiety period.  If you are having trouble with the Zoloft, please suggest these ideas to your doctor. Hirsch address in header has been changed to avoid junk mail

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Hello All,         After starting Zoloft (100mg) 10 days ago I have been experiencing some uncomfortable side effects (nervousness, lightheadedness, irritability, etc.).  At this time, the Zoloft seems to be inducing panic attacks, not preventing them.  My doctor had warned me of this and advised me to "weather the storm" and give the meds a few weeks to take effect.  Has anyone experienced similar side effects with Zoloft (or other SSRIs)?  And, if so, how long did it take for these to subside?  I realize that everyone reacts differently to meds, but I’m  looking for some relief in the fact that I am not alone, and other people have shared similar experiences. Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year— Danno

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello All,        After starting Zoloft (100mg) 10 days ago I have been experiencing some uncomfortable side effects (nervousness, lightheadedness, irritability, etc.).  At this time, the Zoloft seems to be inducing panic attacks, not preventing them.  My doctor had warned me of this and advised me to "weather the storm" and give the meds a few weeks to take effect.  Has anyone experienced similar side effects with Zoloft (or other SSRIs)?   And, if so, how long did it take for these to subside?  I realize that everyone reacts differently to meds, but I’m  looking for some relief in the fact that I am not alone, and other people have shared similar experiences. Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year— Danno

Hi Danno I just started taking Zoloft also.  My doctor started me out with 50mg and suggested that I take 1/2 for a while until I get used to it.  I experienced some side effects; nausea, diareah, anxiousness; but after a week I was able to increase my dosage to the full 50mg.  It has taken another week at the full dosage to feel O.K.  The side effects seem to be going away.  Now it’s time to see if it will really help me with my PA’s Good Luck, ttfn Kathy

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I have also recently started taking Zoloft and the same has happened to me.  My doctor also gave me the same advice.  At this point I am on 100mg and also taking xanex once a day.  I will continue this and see how it works.  I know how you feel but hang in there.

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Hello to everyone.  I am new to this and am so glad to find support from many others suffering from tinnitus.  It seems that nobody in my family or any of my friends understand just how troublesome tinnitus can be.  I only have T in my left ear and it absolutely drives me crazy!  Sometimes I think that my sinuses cause the T to be worse (like today for instance – I live in Michigan and the humidity is 100% – YUCK!)  Other times I think that my TMJ is causing the T since it is only on the left side of my jaw. And then I wonder if some of the medications that I am taking could be attributing to my T.  I take zoloft and xanax for anxiety.  I know that zoloft can cause tinnitus, but I have been taking it for a year now and I can’t just stop taking it.  I have to taper myself off of the medicine.  I also take two different medications for sinuses (claritin and rutuss) and high blood pressure medicine (atenelol).  Yes, I know, I sound like a real mess!  And I’m only 27 years old!  I just recently went to a health food store and purchased some herbs to try to help some of my problems.  I HATE being dependant on drugs!  Not only that, but most of them don’t even seem to work! The sad thing is, I know that I am grasping at straws to try and find the answer to where my T is coming from.  Some people seem to know exactly when their T started, but I can’t attribute the start of my tinnitus to an illness, taking aspirin, or anything else.   I have read a lot of messages from people who are wondering if xanax is a good medication to take for T.  If I may be blunt – PLEASE do not try xanax if you don’t absolutely have to.  I have been on it for a little over a year for anxiety and my body has become chemically dependant upon it.  My doctor is trying to slowly wean me off of it, but it is VERY DIFFICULT!  Every day I tell myself that this is the day that I am just going to stop taking my xanax!  But every day I end up taking 1 or 2, especially before I go to bed at night!  Anyway, not only is my body chemically dependant on xanax, but it doesn’t help my T AT ALL! Just recently I called the American Tinnitus Association to order the publication of the International Tinnitus Seminar which occured on July 12-15th, 1995.  The seminar was held in Portland and many tinnitus specialists attended, contributing their findings and treatments regarding tinnitus.  The publication costs $25.00 plus Shipping and Handling.   While I was on the phone, I was asked if I would like to subscribe to the American Tinnitus Association.  This includes Tinnitus magazines that come out 4 times a year and all sorts of information, books, an audio tape, and other things that come up throughout the year.  This was also $25.00. I just thought that I would share this information.  It is about 1:20 A.M. and I couldn’t sleep due to a strange pulsing ringing in my ear.  Gee, I wonder what that could be? If anyone would like the address, it is:      American Tinnitus Association      P.O. Box 5      Portland, OR  97207-0005 Or you can call and charge by phone at (503) 248-9985. If anyone else can’t sleep due to ringing in their ears, feel free to e-mail me anytime – I’ll probably be up and I love getting email! Leslie Grobbel

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I too take Xanax and Zoloft.  I too only have T on my left side.  I too had not been bothered by T until about 4 months ago.  It just started….no reason I can think of.  ENT did a work up and said it is due to hearing loss and will probably get worse.  I am not buying his explanation for a few reasons, one of which is that I felt the "brush off" cuz T isn’t that exciting to an ENT.  I am trying Zinc and B12 sublingual.  No noticable difference.  My computer seems to make the T worse and I have taken to wearing earplugs when working on the computer.  My T sort of "comes and goes"….silent (or barely audible) for a few days….loud as heck for a few more.  You are correct about Xanax…very hard to get off once you start and I have been taking it for 3 years, so obviously if it was gonna work for T, it would have.  I plan on just checking in periodically and dealing with this thing best I can. Good Luck Steve

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