Question:

I  am  frty  yrs. old and have asthma.  I take accolate twice daily and use the inhalers albuterol, flovent, and combivent.   My mother has same symptoms as  I  do, but her Doctor says hers is Emphysema she is sixty yrs old. They have told  her adults dont get asthma,  they get emphysema. My question is whats the difference in the two and why is it treated the same way.

Asthma is an inflammation-induced bronchoconstriction.  Treatment of the bronchospasm with short- and long-acting bronchodilators, and the underlying inflammation with inhaled steroids can quell the inflammation; and permit an asthmatic to lead a near-normal life. Emphysema [which can result from long-untreated asthma] is a permanent loss of elasticity in the aveoli. They are treated the same because many of the same drugs will assist both conditions. Chris Owens – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thank You [Image]

Response:

I  am  frty  yrs. old and have asthma.  I take accolate twice daily and use the inhalers albuterol, flovent, and combivent.   My mother has same symptoms as  I  do, but her Doctor says hers is Emphysema she is  sixty yrs old. They have told  her adults dont get asthma,  they get emphysema. My question is whats the difference in the two and why is it treated the same way.

Adults do get asthma, called adult onset asthma. Emphesema is generally contracted by smokers tho there is a hereditary version. Asthma is generally considered a reversible condition with drugs. Emphesema is only slightly reversible with drugs. Many older patients have a combination of the 2. Asthma and emphesema are not treated exactly the same way, although some drugs are used for both. Accolate would only be used for asthma–it helps about 1/2 to 2/3 who try it, if it doesn’t help it should be stopped. Combivent (albuterol + Atrovent) is primarily intended for emphesema but may benefit some asthmatics. Albuterol is used for both. Flovent is used to treat the inflammation of asthmatic bronchial tubes tho some with emphysema may benefit. Ellis

Response:

Question:

Hello all, I am an OCD sufferer for two+ decades and have had mixed benefits with non SSRI meds and behavioral therapy.  My question to all of you is what SSRI meds have you tried as I am considering them. What has worked for the OCD and depression and what side effects have you experienced? I understand that SSRIs work differently for each person but I am trying for a general consensus. Please include any commentary on Luvox(Fluvoxamine), Prozac (Fluvoxatine), Paxil(paroxetine), Celexa(citalopram), Zoloft(sertraline) and/or any I have missed Thank you very much for your response!  If you wish to respond personally please e-mail loafofspam@(remove-this)aol.com Brett

Response:

Zoloft – ok I’ll do this in a sorta survey form style to make it easier for you. dosage – optimum dosage when ocd was at worst – 75mg, now it has subsided – 25mg is enough. effects – great, really relieved anxiety and I managed to beat my rituals and a lot of my thoughts permanently whilst on it. side effects – grinding teeth, sleepiness, bad dreams, sweating, weight loss and loss of appetite – but they all faded within a few months. additional problems – coming off it was hard – tremors and stuff but I got there eventually…took a quite a few weeks. Overall I think it’s been a great med for me! ~Am~ xxx Gentility <loafofs…@aol.com

wrote in message

news:u07jjodequ7cd7@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hello all, I am an OCD sufferer for two+ decades and have had mixed benefits with non SSRI meds and behavioral therapy.  My question to all of you is what SSRI meds have you tried as I am considering them. What has worked for the OCD and depression and what side effects have you experienced? I understand that SSRIs work differently for each person but I am trying

for

a general consensus. Please include any commentary on Luvox(Fluvoxamine), Prozac (Fluvoxatine), Paxil(paroxetine), Celexa(citalopram), Zoloft(sertraline) and/or any I

have

missed Thank you very much for your response!  If you wish to respond personally please e-mail loafofspam@(remove-this)aol.com Brett

Response:

On Tue, 27 Nov 2001 12:34:15 -0500, "Gentility" <loafofs…@aol.com

wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hello all, I am an OCD sufferer for two+ decades and have had mixed benefits with non SSRI meds and behavioral therapy.  My question to all of you is what SSRI meds have you tried as I am considering them. What has worked for the OCD and depression and what side effects have you experienced? I understand that SSRIs work differently for each person but I am trying for a general consensus. Please include any commentary on Luvox(Fluvoxamine), Prozac (Fluvoxatine), Paxil(paroxetine), Celexa(citalopram), Zoloft(sertraline) and/or any I have missed Thank you very much for your response!  If you wish to respond personally please e-mail loafofspam@(remove-this)aol.com Brett

I’ve been dealing with my OCD for 32 years with mixed results. It’s waxed and waned over the years. A year and a half ago my Dr. put me on Paxil and it has worked wonderfully, both on the OCD and on my anxiety and depression. I seem to be doing well on 20 mg, so no change in dosage is anticipated. The effects of Paxil on the OCD may be somewhat less than on the anxiety and depression, but it makes handling the OCD far easier without them. I had the usual side effects for a couple of weeks – fatigue, shakiness, feeling really spacy – which disappeared after a few weeks. Now I just have a bit of fatigue, but an acceptable level. When I went off it once I weaned off it with only some minor discomfort. I’m back on it now, and glad to be. Idj (back to lurking)

Response:

Hello… Paxil has worked wonders for me, although it has made me gain some weight steadily over a couple of years. But the only side effect I really notice is sexual disfunction (lack of interest, etc.). Luvox was horrible for me, I slept 18+ hours a day, felt horrible, etc. But everything is different for everyone. I’d also recommend anti-psychotics, such as Risperdal or Zyprexa. Both worked great for my obsessive thoughts. Shana shaynuh…@aol.com Visit the web site created for alt.support.ocd! http://members.aol.com/shaynuh512/page1.html I’m so sick of this roller coaster ride…I want my ticket back!!!

Response:

Question:

I can use a pick fairly well but I get more feeling by using my thumb and fingers. Would using the pick be that more useful?

I prefer using a pick for strumming chords and lead lines, but using the thumb and fingers for many chord arpeggios and other patterns requiring a lot of string skipping. Lucas B.

Response:

I can use a pick fairly well but I get more feeling by using my thumb and fingers. Would using the pick be that more useful?

I use both, sometimes concurrently.  No reason to limit yourself; they are both useful depending on context. -pk

Response:

you should use your fingers and your pick for different things the sound it’s note the same! use whatever suits best! strangest picking i’ve ever seen. a guy holdind a pick with the thumb and the index (not strange) to play what the thumb would normaly play. the other fingers would play the first three stings!

Response:

I find that i play better with my fingers, but i like the sound of the pick much better.

Response:

Use a thumb pick! Dunlop has all kinds…you can grab it like a regular pick if you must or let go of it and user your fingers. This sounds strange but I really like it.  It takes a while to get use to but after a while if feels strange wasting all your energy pinching a pick between your index and thumb…uuuugggggg!!! http://www.mp3.com/skyfishermen Scott Reinson I can use a pick fairly well but I get more feeling by using my thumb and fingers. Would using the pick be that more useful?

Response:

I can use a pick fairly well but I get more feeling by using my thumb and fingers. Would using the pick be that more useful? I prefer using a pick for strumming chords and lead lines, but using the thumb and fingers for many chord arpeggios and other patterns requiring a lot of string skipping.

Agreed. I fingerpick on acoustic almost exclusively, and I only use a pick on electric (but that’s mainly because I have Benign Essential Tremor and it would be way too sloppy if I fingerpicked on the electric). But a pick makes for much better soloing (aside from bluegrass and stuff like that). And you can’t solo as fast fingerstyle. Sven

Response:

I can use a pick fairly well but I get more feeling by using my thumb and fingers. Would using the pick be that more useful?

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve posted on here several times over the last few months.  I’m having a hard time feeling a ‘part off.’  No one is really reaching out to me. That’s not a criticism people, just a feeling.  I could use some support.  I’m tied of being the sarcastic know-it-all. Aware1, Arethusa, vegboy, Robert Mass, Kramer, Dreamcatcher, Jill, Mary Beth, Chirmia, to name a few.  I’ ve talked to you in the past.  I could use just a ‘Hello’ from you know. Thanks… i read all your posts.  i don’t know why.  your name, maybe. it’s a good, strong name.  i’ve never thought of you as a sarcastic know-it-all.  i don’t really know where you get that idea. anyway, hello, John.  i hope you have a lovely christmas.  :) denise

God, I sound like I’m whining, don’t I?  Thanks Denise.  I appreciate the compliment very much. — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve posted on here several times over the last few months.  I’m having a hard time feeling a ‘part off.’  No one is really reaching out to me. <Mary Beth reaches out her arm as far as she can That’s not a criticism people, just a feeling.  I could use some support.  I’m tied of being the sarcastic know-it-all. No-one knows it all. If they did, they would be boring. So, what’s up? How can I support you? Would you like to talk about something? Mary Beth

Hi Mary Beth.  I think I love you most of all.  You know what I’m really afraid of?  Remember the movie ‘Awakenings?’  I feel very good now, when I’m not taking handfuls of klonopin.  I’m afraid this is a ‘chemical window’ of happiness that will soon close, and I will go back to being the way I was.  I just refuse to live that way, especially since I know what it fees like now to be happy, confident, and not afraid of bridges, people, or just going outside. I won’t accept life as it was before, and that is scary.  I have been through a couple of med changes.  First effexor, which my pdoc and I ran up to 375 mg. a day.  That made me house bound and I had to hospitalized again.  The a got a new Dr and we did Zoloft, wellbutrin, buspar, inostital, kava kava.  I didn’t like the zoloft, so I am back on just 225 mg of effexor and 300 mg of wellbutrin.  I fell much better when I don’t take the klonopin, but my Dr insists I take 1 .5 in the morning and 1 .5 at night.  Fuck him, I just haven’t been taking it, until this weekend, when I binged on it.  I don’t even like the high.  It’s not like the valiums of hold. PS.  I have 1 year sober (again) on 12/14/99.  AD’s are my only hope, as I have had time before. Thanks for asking.  How about you? — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I read you.  You have been seen and heard! I’ve posted on here several times over the last few months.  I’m having a hard time feeling a ‘part off.’  No one is really reaching out to me. That’s not a criticism people, just a feeling.  I could use some support.  I’m tied of being the sarcastic know-it-all. Aware1, Arethusa, vegboy, Robert Mass, Kramer, Dreamcatcher, Jill, Mary Beth, Chirmia, to name a few.  I’ ve talked to you in the past.  I could use just a ‘Hello’ from you know. Thanks… — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Thanks Amy.  Sometimes that’s all it takes. — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Response:

No problem, John. Good to see you. —                     _    bear         _.-’ )                (_ . ‘ __                  __^/` _)                .-’_                   (_.’    ’–.                    /_ /`-._/                   (__/ email: The_bearster_at_aol_dot_com

Response:

Today, I fighting through that benzodiazeoine hangover, but I don’t want anymore.  I think I should throw them away.

Nooo, send them to me, I’ll pay the postage even!!! Thanks for asking.  How are you doing?

You’ve got a lot on your plate right now, John. Good for you for keeping your head above water. Other than a nasty persistent infection, I feel great, too. ) — Toto… I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.

Response:

Hi Mary Beth.  I think I love you most of all.

Wow, you just earned some serious brownie points there. You know what I’m really afraid of?  Remember the movie ‘Awakenings?’  I feel very good now, when I’m not taking handfuls of klonopin.  I’m afraid this is a ‘chemical window’ of happiness that will soon close, and I will go back to being the way I was.

I do understand. The movie "Awakenings" is my favorite movie as I have talked about in other movie threads here. I think it’s because I relate to it to a point. I have good times and times I just "shut down." As for your meds and your choice not to take the Klonopin. That’s YOUR right and if you feel it isn’t helping, don’t take it. Put your foot down and see what your doctor says. I’ve done that more than once myself. PS.  I have 1 year sober (again) on 12/14/99.  AD’s are my only hope, as I have had time before. Thanks for asking.  How about you?

Congratulations. I am fine, thanks for asking. Mary Beth p’ed and e’d

Response:

Would a hi instead of a hello do, John?  :o) What’s up? How was your day? How are you surviving the holidays? Aware1 — Toto… I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.

Yes, it would.  The last couple of week’s have been great.  I stopped taking the klonopin because I though it was working against the effexor/wellbutrin.  I kept them in the fridge and on Friday night, I just thought it would be fun to take a bunch this weekend.  I barely remember writing all these posts. Today, I fighting through that benzodiazeoine hangover, but I don’t want anymore.  I think I should throw them away. This time last year I was in a hotel room with a gun to my head.  On the 14th, I checked (well, I was baker acted) into a hospital and diagnosed with depression.  That gave me effexor.  I’m convinced it saved my like.  I have been feeling great.  So, why the self-destrucive binge on the klonopin? My parents are both in a nursing home in Indiana.  I had to put both of there there last November. I write computer software.  I am a genius.  Wily coyote, super genius. I’m good at work.  The rest of my life is a confusing jumble of emotional chaos. Thanks for asking.  How are you doing? — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello John.  I’m not sure why you feel left out or isolated, but I can understand those feelings. Hope you’re feeling better soon. best wishes, —                     _    bear         _.-’ )                (_ . ‘ __                  __^/` _)                .-’_                   (_.’    ’–.                    /_ /`-._/                   (__/ email: The_bearster_at_aol_dot_com That was nice.  Sort of like a form letter, but a nice effort. — ***** Perhaps you could post a description of what you expect to see in a "reaching out" post. —                     _    bear         _.-’ )                (_ . ‘ __                  __^/` _)                .-’_                   (_.’    ’–.                    /_ /`-._/                   (__/ email: The_bearster_at_aol_dot_com

Thanks Bear.  That was perfectly OK.  Sorry for being a smart-ass. Love your Bear… — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Response:

Hello, I read you.  You have been seen and heard! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve posted on here several times over the last few months.  I’m having a hard time feeling a ‘part off.’  No one is really reaching out to me. That’s not a criticism people, just a feeling.  I could use some support.  I’m tied of being the sarcastic know-it-all. Aware1, Arethusa, vegboy, Robert Mass, Kramer, Dreamcatcher, Jill, Mary Beth, Chirmia, to name a few.  I’ ve talked to you in the past.  I could use just a ‘Hello’ from you know. Thanks… — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Response:

I’ve posted on here several times over the last few months.  I’m having a hard time feeling a ‘part off.’  No one is really reaching out to me.

<Mary Beth reaches out her arm as far as she can That’s not a criticism people, just a feeling.  I could use some support.  I’m tied of being the sarcastic know-it-all.

No-one knows it all. If they did, they would be boring. So, what’s up? How can I support you? Would you like to talk about something? Mary Beth

Response:

Would a hi instead of a hello do, John?  :o) What’s up? How was your day? How are you surviving the holidays? Aware1 — Toto… I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello John.  I’m not sure why you feel left out or isolated, but I can understand those feelings. Hope you’re feeling better soon. best wishes, —                     _    bear         _.-’ )                (_ . ‘ __                  __^/` _)                .-’_                   (_.’    ’–.                    /_ /`-._/                   (__/ email: The_bearster_at_aol_dot_com That was nice.  Sort of like a form letter, but a nice effort. —

***** Perhaps you could post a description of what you expect to see in a "reaching out" post. —                     _    bear         _.-’ )                (_ . ‘ __                  __^/` _)                .-’_                   (_.’    ’–.                    /_ /`-._/                   (__/ email: The_bearster_at_aol_dot_com

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello John.  I’m not sure why you feel left out or isolated, but I can understand those feelings. Hope you’re feeling better soon. best wishes, —                     _    bear         _.-’ )                (_ . ‘ __                  __^/` _)                .-’_                   (_.’    ’–.                    /_ /`-._/                   (__/ email: The_bearster_at_aol_dot_com

That was nice.  Sort of like a form letter, but a nice effort. — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Response:

Hello John.  I’m not sure why you feel left out or isolated, but I can understand those feelings. Hope you’re feeling better soon. best wishes, —                     _    bear         _.-’ )                (_ . ‘ __                  __^/` _)                .-’_                   (_.’    ’–.                    /_ /`-._/                   (__/ email: The_bearster_at_aol_dot_com

Response:

I’ve posted on here several times over the last few months.  I’m having a hard time feeling a ‘part off.’  No one is really reaching out to me. That’s not a criticism people, just a feeling.  I could use some support.  I’m tied of being the sarcastic know-it-all. Aware1, Arethusa, vegboy, Robert Mass, Kramer, Dreamcatcher, Jill, Mary Beth, Chirmia, to name a few.  I’ ve talked to you in the past.  I could use just a ‘Hello’ from you know. Thanks… — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Response:

Question:

Hi Dianne, I have been taking Zoloft for nearly 12 months. I feel that it is helping me, and would not stop its use. I take 100 mg per day. I have no pain, my circulation in my legs are better. My fatigue level has improved, and in general I feel great. You have to allow it to be in your system for about 4 weeks though, before you start feeling the effects.  I have had no side effects with this medication either. Email me if you like and I will explain in details my improvements to you.   Hope I have helped, Heather. In Australia

Response:

I am currently taking Zoloft.  It makes me feel jumpy and nervous.  Haven’t noticed any improvement as far as fatigue though.  Not sleeping well but I am not sure that is from the Zoloft either.  My 2 cents worth. |     /|   —-    —–       |   /  |  |     |  |     |                      ~~~~~~~~BECK~~~~~~~~ |       |  |     |  |     |                   "Faith ends where worry begins" |       |   —-     —-            

Response:

G’day Diane, I’ve been on Zoloft for over a year now, and my parents tell me it’s made me much easier to live with.  The medication does not start working immediately, so you should wait at least a month before you decide it’s not doing any good.  The starting dosage recommended here in Australia is 50mg daily, so I think your doc has sort of ‘gone the hack’ a bit.  I’m on 100mg and doing fine.  Wish you the best of luck, whatever you decide to do. Catch ya later, Pete Johnson Frankston, Victoria, Australia

Response:

Diane, I was taking Zoloft 100 mg per day for the last 3 yrs for depression and just recently stopped taking it, I chose to stop taking it because I hate taking so many meds and thought I would see if I could do without it. I am doing fine. I never had any side efeects from it and it helped a lot, but like everyone said it takes a few weeks to notice a difference. I also take Amantadine for fatigue since March and it helped alot at first but I am finding I am getting tired again in the afternoon. I was also taking Baclofen for spasms but stopped because it was not helping. You didn’t say how long you have been trying Zoloft, but take it for atleast a month before deciding if it works, because it does take time. Be Well! Denise

Response:

On 28 Sep 1998 22:51:26 GMT, schi…@aol.com (SCHIF99) wrote:

Would like to know if anyone is taking Zoloft….Was taking Elavil, but had too many side effects…so doc switched me to Zoloft 200 mg every day…said it should help the fatigue and the pain…I don’t think it’s working that well at all…still have lots of pain,

I have taken prozac and paxil which are similar SSRI’s.  They take about four weeks to kick in.  They really helped depression, but were less reliable for pain.  However, with the depression under control, I was much more able to cope with the pain. Today my most serious pain is in my back from osteoporosis fractures and the arthritis caused by their healing.  No way would I take any more steroid — let alone monthly.   Be sure that you are getting regular bone density scans. Kate

Response:

Diane – I have taken Zoloft for a few years – find it works well – I take it for the depress- ion – I also have lots of pain – all over – along with sciatica – which I see a chiropractor for about twice a week – the pain is all over – yet my neuro says MS doesn’t include pain – had a bad episode a year ago – went on prednisone – it stopped the pain – but zapped me- felt like I had the flu – could barely get out of bed – would like to learn more about your pain – and what meds you have taken along with their results – thanks so much Brenda

Response:

Would like to know if anyone is taking Zoloft….Was taking Elavil, but had too many side effects…so doc switched me to Zoloft 200 mg every day…said it should help the fatigue and the pain…I don’t think it’s working that well at all…still have lots of pain, still take amantadine for fatigue….problem is i’m really not sure if its worth switching to try something else….I do IV solumedrol once a month (1000 mg)…and sort of look forward to that to cover up my pain for a while…but really don’t want to do that forever either!! Would be great to hear from anyone with any zoloft experience….thanks in advance…diane

Response:

I have been taking Zoloft, 25mg (very low dose) for the depression and fatigue.  It works for me but I also have a lot of shoulder and back spasms and pain which I’ve attributed to MS.  I just found this site that asks questions about antidepressants and low and behold back spasms and pain are side effects of Zoloft sometimes!!

Response:

What’s the URL for the site? Dick Stephens – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I have been taking Zoloft, 25mg (very low dose) for the depression and fatigue. It works for me but I also have a lot of shoulder and back spasms and pain which I’ve attributed to MS.  I just found this site that asks questions about antidepressants and low and behold back spasms and pain are side effects of Zoloft sometimes!!

Response:

KFryk wrote:

I have been taking Zoloft, 25mg (very low dose) for the depression and fatigue.  It works for me but I also have a lot of shoulder and back spasms and pain which I’ve attributed to MS.  I just found this site that asks questions about antidepressants and low and behold back spasms and pain are side effects of Zoloft sometimes!!

On the other hand, my Zoloft was increased when I was having severe headaches, due to muscle spasticity in my neck. Lo & behold, the spasticity in my neck & the headaches have stopped! The moral of this story: everyone reacts differently to meds. Lin ~~ You can tune a piano, but you can’t tuna fish ~~ My header never changes…..look carefully & don’t be fooled by forgeries!

Response:

Question:

Ditto to everything Chip and Randee posted.  There is absolutely no evidence to support that any SSRI causes permanent brain damage….in rats or in humans….and they sliced up a lot of rodents to find this out.  SPECT and MRI scans indicate the same for humans….and I’m sure that over the next decade, posthumous studies will produce the same results.  What you should know is that the average age of onset for most Axis I diagnoses is 18-25. More than likely your continued problems are as Philip described synchronous rather than caused by the meds.  We have all been angry about the seeming failure of our body chemistry as expressed by psych symptoms.  However, blaming it on the meds, is a cop-out of taking responsibility for making yourself well…..and posting such accusations here causes a lot of unnecessary worry by people who need their energies to focus on REAL problems.  Get some counseling.   ~Valerie

Response:

I take zoloft and I was crazy before I took it. Panic and the constant thought pattern ruined my life. Zoloft has really helped me. Yes, I had some side effects but nothing like I had on other meds. I will not say neg on xanex but I am sure long term use may also cause you to go crazy. I also have psoriasis and this is not caused by zoloft. Got that before the zoloft or panic. Read up on psoriasis.Psoriasis may aggrivate the zoloft. Some meds do. Good luck on your research but remember many of us need this medication and unless you are 100% sure of what you have found I would be careful before you scare to many people. Joan

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     ***I’m trying to get to the bottom of this *** I am posting this because of this problem and research I am doing on Zoloft… I have also found another person that has te same exact problems that I have because of this anti-depressant.. First of all , I think it causes permanent brain damage.. I also think that a person who starts out on zoloft will need some sort of anti-depressant for the rest of their life because of the damage it does.. Well, I’ll just try to be short here because I dont know how many of you will have the same problem..   When I was 18, I took zoloft.. I felt very weird in the beggining. Like a draining , kind of brain meltdown feeling… And ever since then (6 years without zoloft) I have had a constant numbing feeling on the left side of my head… It makes me feel more prone to stress/anxiety/panic.. Since then I have also developed a social phobia , psoriasis , and psoriatic arthritis….  Even though I was a little depressed when I was 18, I never knew that this crazyness was going to happen.. It made my condition much worse.. Now i’m stuck with taking xanax for the rest of my life….Anybody else expierence simaler symptoms?? We should sue these damn companies for this garbage.

I’d say it’s doubtful that your complaints are the result of having taken Zoloft. There seems to be a *synchronicity* here but not necessarily a *causal* relationship. It might be the original anxiety for all I know (or can conclude from the sparse data you provided). Does Xanax work for these symptoms as you say that you’re taking it? If it works (at what dose?) it’s obviously a better med for you than Zoloft was. Some of us (including me) will have to be on meds for the rest of our lives. I’d rather not be on meds but it’s the only way for me to have a life. You may be just like me… Philip

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    ***I’m trying to get to the bottom of this *** I am posting this because of this problem and research I am doing on Zoloft… I have also found another person that has te same exact problems that I have because of this anti-depressant.. First of all , I think it causes permanent brain damage.. I also think that a person who starts out on zoloft will need some sort of anti-depressant for the rest of their life because of the damage it does..

 Well, I’ll just try to be short here because I dont know how many of you will have the same problem..   When I was 18, I took zoloft.. I felt very weird in the beggining. Like a draining , kind of brain meltdown feeling… And ever since then (6 years without zoloft) I have had a constant numbing feeling on the left side of my head… It makes me feel more prone to stress/anxiety/panic.. Since then I have also developed a social phobia , psoriasis , and psoriatic arthritis….  Even though I was a little depressed when I was 18, I never knew that this crazyness was going to happen.. It made my condition much worse.. Now i’m stuck with taking xanax for the rest of my life….Anybody else expierence simaler symptoms?? We should sue these damn companies for this garbage.

Mike you can spend the rest of your life trying to figure out why you have this disorder. I seriously doubt that Zoloft is the cause. You were put on Zoloft for a reason, what was that reason? Depression and anxiety are closely related. My disorder started when I was 18, one day I was fine and the next day I was different. Mike you can try to find the reason for your disorder, and try to place blame. You are going to make yourself nuts trying to find the cause. Even if you do find the cause, it won`t help you much. Unless you accept your disorder and own it, you are not going to move on and get better. There are many people that have never been on anti-depressants, that have depression, anxiety, panic, social phobia and psoriasis. How do you explain that Mike? Take all this energy that you are using to blame Zoloft into getting better instead. Jackie

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Would it be safe to say…that Zoloft is a powerful drug?For me the answer is YES. Did Zoloft increase my Anxiety?…yes for me it did! The first month or so were the weirdest (kind of a slight mania….depersonalization ) it pretty much went away.(.except for Anxiety) the longer I stayed on it! I can see how it can help people, I think it helped me with a uplifting state of mind; but it didn’t seem to be worth the price of continuing if I still had to deal Tension and Anxiety. I have discontinued Zoloft for about 2 weeks and I can’t tell much difference; except I can tell I’m not quite as know) I wanted them all to work wonders for me…but they created there own little draw-backs. I’ve given Zoloft 2 trys. I can see why somebody posted about the effects of this drug…I’ve read many places and from ASAP posters on the things I went through…I know that I’m not alone. BUT I know this drug has worked wonders for many other people. Anyway just sharing…not an expert(Obviously) Oh by the way if anybody can offer me a better alternative drug….I’m all EARS! Thanks Much       Wild & Crazy                                                            P.S. my other 2 drugs are Trazodone and Zanax( I really like the Zanax!) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     ***I’m trying to get to the bottom of this *** I am posting this because of this problem and research I am doing on Zoloft… I have also found another person that has te same exact problems that I have because of this anti-depressant.. First of all , I think it causes permanent brain damage.. I also think that a person who starts out on zoloft will need some sort of anti-depressant for the rest of their life because of the damage it does.. Well, I’ll just try to be short here because I dont know how many of you will have the same problem..   When I was 18, I took zoloft.. I felt very weird in the beggining. Like a draining , kind of brain meltdown feeling… And ever since then (6 years without zoloft) I have had a constant numbing feeling on the left side of my head… It makes me feel more prone to stress/anxiety/panic.. Since then I have also developed a social phobia , psoriasis , and psoriatic arthritis….  Even though I was a little depressed when I was 18, I never knew that this crazyness was going to happen.. It made my condition much worse.. Now i’m stuck with taking xanax for the rest of my life….Anybody else expierence simaler symptoms?? We should sue these damn companies for this garbage. My wife has been on Imiprimine, Luvox, and Zoloft.  The imiprimine helped her depression but the side effects were almost bad enough that the depression was better.  The Luvox had very mild side effects, but it didn’t do much for her depression.  Zoloft has been effective with her depression and with very mild side effects.  I see no evidence of brain dammage. I was on prozac (an SSRI, the same family as Zoloft) for 2 weeks.  It gave me tinnitus and halucinations.  I won’t take an SSRI again.  These are very rare side effects for Prozac, but I’m not the first to get them.  However, just because SSRIs are a bad choice for me, doesn’t mean that huge numbers of users haven’t been helped by them.  Xanax is what helps me, and I may have to take it the rest of my life, but there’s enough research to suggest that there’s a good chance that I won’t. If Zoloft really does cause brain dammage, I think it would of turned up prior to now.  I agree with the prior posts that say you have an anxiety/panc disorder that just happend to manifest itself after you went off the Zoloft. I would also say that you at least have a chance that it’s not permenant. Good Luck,  Mark Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     ***I’m trying to get to the bottom of this *** I am posting this because of this problem and research I am doing on Zoloft… I have also found another person that has te same exact problems that I have because of this anti-depressant.. First of all , I think it causes permanent brain damage.. I also think that a person who starts out on zoloft will need some sort of anti-depressant for the rest of their life because of the damage it does.. Well, I’ll just try to be short here because I dont know how many of you will have the same problem..   When I was 18, I took zoloft.. I felt very weird in the beggining. Like a draining , kind of brain meltdown feeling… And ever since then (6 years without zoloft) I have had a constant numbing feeling on the left side of my head… It makes me feel more prone to stress/anxiety/panic.. Since then I have also developed a social phobia , psoriasis , and psoriatic arthritis….  Even though I was a little depressed when I was 18, I never knew that this crazyness was going to happen.. It made my condition much worse.. Now i’m stuck with taking xanax for the rest of my life….Anybody else expierence simaler symptoms?? We should sue these damn companies for this garbage.

My wife has been on Imiprimine, Luvox, and Zoloft.  The imiprimine helped her depression but the side effects were almost bad enough that the depression was better.  The Luvox had very mild side effects, but it didn’t do much for her depression.  Zoloft has been effective with her depression and with very mild side effects.  I see no evidence of brain dammage. I was on prozac (an SSRI, the same family as Zoloft) for 2 weeks.  It gave me tinnitus and halucinations.  I won’t take an SSRI again.  These are very rare side effects for Prozac, but I’m not the first to get them.  However, just because SSRIs are a bad choice for me, doesn’t mean that huge numbers of users haven’t been helped by them.  Xanax is what helps me, and I may have to take it the rest of my life, but there’s enough research to suggest that there’s a good chance that I won’t. If Zoloft really does cause brain dammage, I think it would of turned up prior to now.  I agree with the prior posts that say you have an anxiety/panc disorder that just happend to manifest itself after you went off the Zoloft. I would also say that you at least have a chance that it’s not permenant. Good Luck,   Mark Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am posting this because of this problem and research I am doing on Zoloft… I have also found another person that has te same exact problems that I have because of this anti-depressant.. First of all , I think it causes permanent brain damage.. I also think that a person who starts out on zoloft will need some sort of anti-depressant for the rest of their life because of the damage it does.. Well, I’ll just try to be short here because I dont know how many of you will have the same problem..  When I was 18, I took zoloft.. I felt very weird in the beggining. Like a draining , kind of brain meltdown feeling… And ever since then (6 years without zoloft) I have had a constant numbing feeling on the left side of my head… It makes me feel more prone to stress/anxiety/panic.. Since then I have also developed a social phobia , psoriasis , and psoriatic arthritis….  Even though I was a little depressed when I was 18, I never knew that this crazyness was going to happen.. It made my condition much worse.. Now i’m stuck with taking xanax for the rest of my life….Anybody else expierence simaler symptoms?? We should sue these damn companies for this garbage.

You may be confusing cause and effect here. There are many people on this NG who take or have taken Zoloft as well as many other AD’s. The symptoms that you describe could mean that you are still have problems with depression. I’m not saying outright that you are wrong, however, there is no current evidence to support your claim, either from the med reaearch or, more importantly, anecodotes posted to the NG’s. Is it possible than somehow in your mind that it might be easier to believe your symptoms were induced by your use of Zoloft than to acknowledge that you have an ongoing problem with Panic and/or depression? Keep us up to date if you find any research on the topic. Regards, JaneB

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   These kind of messages really make me mad.Keep your opinions to yourself. Its not enough that I have to take this but then there are people like you who have to make it worse for me.Zoloft is really helping me and I definatly have no brain damage and i’m not depressed.So when you have real proof then post it!!!! Randee

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     ***I’m trying to get to the bottom of this *** I am posting this because of this problem and research I am doing on Zoloft… I have also found another person that has te same exact problems that I have because of this anti-depressant.. First of all , I think it causes permanent brain damage.. I also think that a person who starts out on zoloft will need some sort of anti-depressant for the rest of their life because of the damage it does.. Well, I’ll just try to be short here because I dont know how many of you will have the same problem..   When I was 18, I took zoloft.. I felt very weird in the beggining. Like a draining , kind of brain meltdown feeling… And ever since then (6 years without zoloft) I have had a constant numbing feeling on the left side of my head… It makes me feel more prone to stress/anxiety/panic.. Since then I have also developed a social phobia , psoriasis , and psoriatic arthritis….  Even though I was a little depressed when I was 18, I never knew that this crazyness was going to happen.. It made my condition much worse.. Now i’m stuck with taking xanax for the rest of my life….Anybody else expierence simaler symptoms?? We should sue these damn companies for this garbage.

  I don’t know about this either…I have had fewer side-effects on Zoloft than I’ve had on any other med but aspirin and ibuprofen (no kidding)…Antibiotics give me flu-like symptoms, antihistimines knock me on my ass and cause dizziness…The list goes on…I have had almost NIL side-effects on Zoloft…Not only that, but like others have said, I was drained and sick WELL before I took Zoloft…If I still am when I get off, I can only assume I still need it, not that it caused it…   Finally, all the research I have read recently is starting to suggest just the opposite of what you say…That depression and anxiety (specifically cortisol and other hormones that are overstimulated in depressed and anxious folks) CAUSES brain damage…Long time depressives have smaller brains in some places  (I cannot remember the specific region at 12:20 PM! ) that control emotions…This seems to be reversible, but that is inconclusive…Also, research shows that taking medications and getting therapy immediately is the best way to prevent this effect and reduce or eliminate further epsiodes… Best, — Charles Phipps

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I’d be interested in whatever you find out about zoloft. I have been on it since March 99. Only 50mg. Haven’t seen a lot of improvement, but I thought it was to treat depression. I went to the Pdoc complaining of anxiety,panic and lack of sleep. Although, he did give me xanax as well for that. You may be right in your claim about zoloft, but I have not heard this before about the medicine.

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Hi, New Jersey! Haven’t  I seen you before down on the boardwalk in Atlantic City , and over there at the Trump Plaza? You look familiar.  : ) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -New Jersey writes: I’m trying to get to the bottom of this. I am posting this because of this problem and research I am doing on Zoloft… I have also found another person that has te same exact problems that I have because of this anti-depressant.. First of all , I think it causes permanent brain damage.. I also think that a person who starts out on zoloft will need some sort of anti-depressant for the rest of their life because of the damage it does.. Well, I’ll just try to be short here because I dont know how many of you will have the same problem.. When I was 18, I took zoloft.. I felt very weird in the beggining. Like a draining , kind of brain meltdown feeling… And ever since then (6 years without zoloft) I have had a constant numbing feeling on the left side of my head… It makes me feel more prone to stress/anxiety/panic.. Since then I have also developed a social phobia , psoriasis , and psoriatic arthritis…. Even though I was a little depressed when I was 18, I never knew that this crazyness was going to happen.. It made my condition much worse.. Now i’m stuck with taking xanax for the rest of my life….Anybody else expierence simaler symptoms?? We should sue these damn companies for this garbage.

NJ, I’ve been on Zoloft for the last 6 years, and so far, no brain damage, just less depression and anxiety. And I’ve been very pleased with this med. And I have never even heard that it causes brain damage. And untill someone shows me proof, I won’t believe it. Just because you met someone that claims his problems are due to brain damage caused by Zoloft doesn’t mean it’s true. It sounds like you were depressed enough at 18 to be treated with Zoloft. I don’t know how long you took it. It seems you now have anxieties, phobias, numbness on your face.  All of these are part of an anxiety disorder. Some, like you,  get depressed first, and later on get the anxiety symptoms. Others have the anxiety symptoms first and may get depressed later on. I had depression in my late teens, and onset of panic disorder  and phobias at age 22. And I had alot of strange feelings all over my body and thought I had disease. But I didn’t. It sounds like you have the same problems we  have here at ASAP. And they’re not due to brain damage from meds. So, are you ever going to go back down to Atlantic City, again?  : ) Take care, Chip

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    ***I’m trying to get to the bottom of this *** I am posting this because of this problem and research I am doing on Zoloft… I have also found another person that has te same exact problems that I have because of this anti-depressant.. First of all , I think it causes permanent brain damage.. I also think that a person who starts out on zoloft will need some sort of anti-depressant for the rest of their life because of the damage it does.. Well, I’ll just try to be short here because I dont know how many of you will have the same problem..   When I was 18, I took zoloft.. I felt very weird in the beggining. Like a draining , kind of brain meltdown feeling… And ever since then (6 years without zoloft) I have had a constant numbing feeling on the left side of my head… It makes me feel more prone to stress/anxiety/panic.. Since then I have also developed a social phobia , psoriasis , and psoriatic arthritis….  Even though I was a little depressed when I was 18, I never knew that this crazyness was going to happen.. It made my condition much worse.. Now i’m stuck with taking xanax for the rest of my life….Anybody else expierence simaler symptoms?? We should sue these damn companies for this garbage.

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Question:

I have a few questions about Prozac.  My doc is considering switching me from Paxil to Prozac because the Paxil doesn’t seem to be working that well (I’m still panicking, nervous, and now depressed).  But I’m not sure I want to take Prozac.  I’ve heard some bad things about it like it’s harder to stop taking than other SSRI’s.  That if you take it, you basically can never come off of it.  He gave me some information to read about Prozac, but of course it’s published by the makers of Prozac. A biased source if I ever heard one. I guess what I’m asking for is your experiences with Prozac…good ones and bad ones.  Paxil is the first SSRI I’ve been on and I know it’s rare that the first one works right, but I’m scared of the Prozac.  Any help or advice you can lend would be appreciated! Cathi

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a few questions about Prozac.  My doc is considering switching me from Paxil to Prozac because the Paxil doesn’t seem to be working that well (I’m still panicking, nervous, and now depressed).  But I’m not sure I want to take Prozac.  I’ve heard some bad things about it like it’s harder to stop taking than other SSRI’s.  That if you take it, you basically can never come off of it.  He gave me some information to read about Prozac, but of course it’s published by the makers of Prozac. A biased source if I ever heard one. I guess what I’m asking for is your experiences with Prozac…good ones and bad ones.  Paxil is the first SSRI I’ve been on and I know it’s rare that the first one works right, but I’m scared of the Prozac.  Any help or advice you can lend would be appreciated! Cathi

Hi Cathi, I’ve never taken prozac before, but I can tell you if you make the switch, you shouldn’t have any problems switching immediately to prozac from the paxil.  It might help you to avoid any "withdrawl" effects.  I switched one day from paxil to celexa and never had the withdrawl from paxil that people have talked about. Bye, Maria

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This is just a personal opinion, I think anti-depressents are useless for panic attacks, my daughter took Seroxat ( paxil) for six weeks and it made not a jot of difference. The only med that really works for panic/anxiety are benzodiazaphines. In my own experience, Xanax is excellent and valium has a great value also. for my constant insomnia, i use Zopiclone which is an hypnotic and works like a benzo. Regards, Ian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a few questions about Prozac.  My doc is considering switching me from Paxil to Prozac because the Paxil doesn’t seem to be working that well (I’m still panicking, nervous, and now depressed).  But I’m not sure I want to take Prozac.  I’ve heard some bad things about it like it’s harder to stop taking than other SSRI’s.  That if you take it, you basically can never come off of it.  He gave me some information to read about Prozac, but of course it’s published by the makers of Prozac. A biased source if I ever heard one. I guess what I’m asking for is your experiences with Prozac…good ones and bad ones.  Paxil is the first SSRI I’ve been on and I know it’s rare that the first one works right, but I’m scared of the Prozac.  Any help or advice you can lend would be appreciated! Cathi

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Hey Cathi: I am taking Prozac, for anxiety, and depression. I have been taking it for 3 weeks now, and I seem to be doing pretty well. I also take buspar. I have not heard that it is hard to come off of, or that I will never be able to not take it. I have tried Zoloft, but I couldn’t take it long enough to see if it works. How long did you take the Paxil? Are you taking anything else? You might want to see if your Dr. will give you buspar for the anxiety, or Xanax. Write me if you have anymore questions. Chawk – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a few questions about Prozac.  My doc is considering switching me from Paxil to Prozac because the Paxil doesn’t seem to be working that well (I’m still panicking, nervous, and now depressed).  But I’m not sure I want to take Prozac.  I’ve heard some bad things about it like it’s harder to stop taking than other SSRI’s.  That if you take it, you basically can never come off of it.  He gave me some information to read about Prozac, but of course it’s published by the makers of Prozac. A biased source if I ever heard one. I guess what I’m asking for is your experiences with Prozac…good ones and bad ones.  Paxil is the first SSRI I’ve been on and I know it’s rare that the first one works right, but I’m scared of the Prozac.  Any help or advice you can lend would be appreciated! Cathi

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hi cathi…i am on 20 mg of prozac a day with 1 mg of klonopin in the am and 1mg of k in the pm…i have tried paxil (bad side effects for me) buspar didn’t do a thing either…i also tried imipramine and that was not for me as well…i have been on the prozac for 4 weeks now and am doing well…don’t be afraid everyone is so different….i heard horror stories about prozac too,but i need help and i needed to find out for myself and i think that is what u should do too…good luck….colleen…..remember everyone is different

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Hi Cathi, My doc switched me after the weaning on period from Paxil 30 to Zoloft 50mg and then later to Zoloft 100mg (we may be going higher a I am in the therapeutic dose range. The switch was easy. As Maria said, the side effects must have been done away with when I started the Paxil and felt tired for awhile. Paxil works very well IMO for anxiety and OCD, but I needed a bit more of a kick in the behind, so we’re doing Zoloft now. I have had 0 side effects and all this (the above has been done in 6 weeks). Paxil did not give me the motivation I’ve been lacking for quite some time but the doc feels the Zoloft might. When he said it would "give you a lift in your spirits" I thought "Oh God, I’m gonna become a Prozac user that went berserk" like I had heard in the media but that is far from the case. I’m happy.. My focus is on one thing now, my brain does not feel so scattered and the ruminating has left. goodbye to that!! I hope what you’re trying works for you. Miriam

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my understanding is that prozac has a longer half life and therefore is easier to wean off than paxil

Response:

I have a few questions about Prozac.  My doc is considering switching me from Paxil to Prozac because the Paxil doesn’t seem to be working that well (I’m still panicking, nervous, and now depressed).  But I’m not sure I want to take Prozac.  I’ve heard some bad things about it like it’s harder to stop taking than other SSRI’s.  That if you take it, you basically can never come off of it.  He gave me some information to read about Prozac, but of course it’s published by the makers of Prozac. A biased source if I ever heard one.

Actually it’s the other way around. Paxil is associated with a withdrawal problem (not with everybody) while Prozac is actually used to avoid Paxil withdrawal by gradually substituting Prozac for Paxil until Prozac has taken over which then can stopped within days. It’s *impossible* to tell how Prozac will affect you as our reactions are so personal. As a rule Paxil is more sedating and Prozac is more stimulating. Paxil is many times more potent than Prozac but Prozac has shown effective for many PD-ers, even at very low doses (like 10 mgs). I personally had great experiences with Prozac. After the initial period with all the side effects etc.etc. (which you won’t have because you will be switching SSRI’s and not just strating one) I had three blissful weeks of *no anxiety at all*. This may have been a placebo effect as PA’s came back but I still could live almost normally on a Prozac/Tranxene combo. After a few months I started to get irritable and had problems keeping my anger from other participants in serious meetings <g. I thought this wasn’t me and so I stopped Prozac. But this is eccentric as Prozac is actually sometimes used for anger management! I guess what I’m asking for is your experiences with Prozac…good ones and bad ones.  Paxil is the first SSRI I’ve been on and I know it’s rare that the first one works right, but I’m scared of the Prozac.  Any help or advice you can lend would be appreciated!

There is *no* reason to be more scared of Prozac than of Paxil. In fact, the success stories about Paxil notwithstanding, I wouldn’t touch the stuff. YMMV as they say. Cathi

Philip

Response:

This is just a personal opinion, I think anti-depressents are useless for panic attacks, my daughter took Seroxat ( paxil) for six weeks and it made not a jot of difference. The only med that really works for panic/anxiety are benzodiazaphines. In my own experience, Xanax is excellent and valium has a great value also. for my constant insomnia, i use Zopiclone which is an hypnotic and works like a benzo. Regards, Ian

Your personal opinion is not sustained by the facts. While benzos are first choice meds for PAD, so are AD’s. I use both in a combo. It may have to do with the question which neurotransmitters are dominant in your PD, serotonin (and/or norepinephrine) or GABA. If the former, an AD should do the job, if the latter a benzo would be preferable. I know I’m simplifying: many neurotransmitters are active in the human body and when you interfere with one, you’re interfering with the whole system. So it’s, roughly speaking, a matter of trial and error which med (or which combo) at which dose works best. It is to be expected that research in the near future will lead to a more refined diagnosis and consequently to the development of more effective meds. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a few questions about Prozac.  My doc is considering switching me from Paxil to Prozac because the Paxil doesn’t seem to be working that well (I’m still panicking, nervous, and now depressed).  But I’m not sure I want to take Prozac.  I’ve heard some bad things about it like it’s harder to stop taking than other SSRI’s.  That if you take it, you basically can never come off of it.  He gave me some information to read about Prozac, but of course it’s published by the makers of Prozac. A biased source if I ever heard one. I guess what I’m asking for is your experiences with Prozac…good ones and bad ones.  Paxil is the first SSRI I’ve been on and I know it’s rare that the first one works right, but I’m scared of the Prozac.  Any help or advice you can lend would be appreciated! Cathi

Response:

Hi, Cathi, I took Prozac for four years. I just switched from Prozac to Effexor XR. No problem switching over. I just worried about making the switch & I could have saved myself the worry.  Best Wishes   Linda

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a few questions about Prozac.  My doc is considering switching me from Paxil to Prozac because the Paxil doesn’t seem to be working that well (I’m still panicking, nervous, and now depressed).  But I’m not sure I want to take Prozac.  I’ve heard some bad things about it like it’s harder to stop taking than other SSRI’s.  That if you take it, you basically can never come off of it.  He gave me some information to read about Prozac, but of course it’s published by the makers of Prozac. A biased source if I ever heard one. I guess what I’m asking for is your experiences with Prozac…good ones and bad ones.  Paxil is the first SSRI I’ve been on and I know it’s rare that the first one works right, but I’m scared of the Prozac.  Any help or advice you can lend would be appreciated! Cathi

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    I agree Philip! Prozac helped me immensely with panic and anxiety. Now I’m on Effexor and it too helps!    Linda  :))

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is just a personal opinion, I think anti-depressents are useless for panic attacks, my daughter took Seroxat ( paxil) for six weeks and it made not a jot of difference. The only med that really works for panic/anxiety are benzodiazaphines. In my own experience, Xanax is excellent and valium has a great value also. for my constant insomnia, i use Zopiclone which is an hypnotic and works like a benzo. Regards, Ian Your personal opinion is not sustained by the facts. While benzos are first choice meds for PAD, so are AD’s. I use both in a combo. It may have to do with the question which neurotransmitters are dominant in your PD, serotonin (and/or norepinephrine) or GABA. If the former, an AD should do the job, if the latter a benzo would be preferable. I know I’m simplifying: many neurotransmitters are active in the human body and when you interfere with one, you’re interfering with the whole system. So it’s, roughly speaking, a matter of trial and error which med (or which combo) at which dose works best. It is to be expected that research in the near future will lead to a more refined diagnosis and consequently to the development of more effective meds. Philip I have a few questions about Prozac.  My doc is considering switching me from Paxil to Prozac because the Paxil doesn’t seem to be working that well (I’m still panicking, nervous, and now depressed).  But I’m not sure I want to take Prozac.  I’ve heard some bad things about it like it’s harder to stop taking than other SSRI’s.  That if you take it, you basically can never come off of it.  He gave me some information to read about Prozac, but of course it’s published by the makers of Prozac. A biased source if I ever heard one. I guess what I’m asking for is your experiences with Prozac…good ones and bad ones.  Paxil is the first SSRI I’ve been on and I know it’s rare that the first one works right, but I’m scared of the Prozac.  Any help or advice you can lend would be appreciated! Cathi

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all. Two days ago I went back to my gp for a checkup. He’s the one who dignosed my anxiety, panic and depression problems. Well when I last saw him a month ago he had upped my Zoloft to 100 mgs a day from 75. Well on Wednesday he re-evaluted me and found my depression back in the severe range and my anxiety level up yet again. So he upped my Zoloft to 150 mgs. All I can say now is, boy do I feel jumpy. But back to the original reason for my post ( I did say question not history lesson ). Should I be taking all 150 mgs of Zoloft at once? Or should I split it up somehow? I now take it all in the morning when I get up, because when I first started on it 18 months ago, it kept me awake if I took it at night but it was a much lower dose at the time, 25 mgs.  And my gp didn’t tell me. Actually it didn’t occur to me while I was there. And I don’t like calling back with what is probably a really stupid question. Is there anyone else out there who takes that much Zoloft? And if so could you help me?

Dear Mary, I think the reason for your jumpiness is the Zoloft increase. If you can tolerate it, stick with it,  it will dissipate with time. If you are finding this feeling too uncomfortable, you can decrease the dose to 125mgs, or even 112.5mgs. Most people increase their Zoloft dose in 12.5mg or 25mg increments. Increasing the dose by 50mgs might have been to much for you,but only you can make that call. If you decide to decrease your dose, please notify your doctor. Also, a benzo such as Xanax or Klonopin would help with this jumpy feeling. Most people take their Zoloft in one dose. I have heard of people splitting their dose though. SSRI`s can interfere with sleep,  again most people take them in the AM. There are always exceptions to the rules, some people take their AD`s at night and sleep well. If you had problems in the past with taking 200mgs of Zoloft, so don`t worry about the dose you are on. Good luck with the increase Jackie "Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired."

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I take Zoloft 150 mg every AM. No need to split the dose. If something makes you sleepy, take it at bedtime. If it makes you jumpy or nervous, take it in the AM. I’m talking about meds here, not food. Chip I wish i could take a nap after lunch

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Hi Mary! Zoloft. After many months, she is right on track with her dosage. I am sure if you E mailed her, she would have a good answer for you! Her name is Brenda. Good Luck! Steph

Mary Writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi all. Two days ago I went back to my gp for a checkup. He’s the one who dignosed my anxiety, panic and depression problems. Well when I last saw him a month ago he had upped my Zoloft to 100 mgs a day from 75. Well on Wednesday he re-evaluted me and found my depression back in the severe range and my anxiety level up yet again. So he upped my Zoloft to 150 mgs. All I can say now is, boy do I feel jumpy. But back to the original reason for my post ( I did say question not history lesson ). Should I be taking all 150 mgs of Zoloft at once? Or should I split it up somehow? I now take it all in the morning when I get up, because when I first started on it 18 months ago, it kept me awake if I took it at night but it was a much lower dose at the time, 25 mgs.  And my gp didn’t tell me. Actually it didn’t occur to me while I was there. And I don’t like calling back with what is probably a really stupid question. Is there anyone else out there who takes that much Zoloft? And if so could you help me? Blessed be, Mary — Today is a gift, that’s why we call it the present.

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Hi all. Two days ago I went back to my gp for a checkup. He’s the one who dignosed my anxiety, panic and depression problems. Well when I last saw him a month ago he had upped my Zoloft to 100 mgs a day from 75. Well on Wednesday he re-evaluted me and found my depression back in the severe range and my anxiety level up yet again. So he upped my Zoloft to 150 mgs. All I can say now is, boy do I feel jumpy. But back to the original reason for my post ( I did say question not history lesson ). Should I be taking all 150 mgs of Zoloft at once? Or should I split it up somehow? I now take it all in the morning when I get up, because when I first started on it 18 months ago, it kept me awake if I took it at night but it was a much lower dose at the time, 25 mgs.  And my gp didn’t tell me. Actually it didn’t occur to me while I was there. And I don’t like calling back with what is probably a really stupid question. Is there anyone else out there who takes that much Zoloft? And if so could you help me? Blessed be, Mary — Today is a gift, that’s why we call it the present.

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(JacandGil) writes: I suffer from dry mouth too, and the Paxil is causing it. I know that you are further North than me, but here on LI, the pollen is horrendous. Everything has green dust on it, and I feel it in my mouth and throat, and I think it is aggravating my already dry mouth. I find I am drinking so much lately. I  try to drink alot of water, any other kind of fluid doesn`t seem to relieve the dryness. Take care.

I think that Jackie is right: allergies can make dry mouth much worse. (Green dust? That sounds *yucko!*) I’ve gotten hooked on those bottled waters. I’m sure that in a blind taste test I couldn’t distinguish them from nasty Cambridge tap water, but they make me feel good anyway. :-} -elizabeth

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Hi All, As you may recall, I increased my imipramine dosage from 75mg/day to 100 mg/day about six weeks ago. I experienced an increase of having a dry mouth but that faded to my "usual" dry mouth feeling after a week or so. Now it is back in full force this past week and worse than ever. This makes me extremely anxious because I feel as if my throat is blocked.  I know it is not because of hot days because it has been fairly cool here so I’m not losing moisture through perspiration (or "glowing" as my mom would say). Anyone have any ideas why this might flare up again? Truthfully, I’m at the point of maybe switching meds if it doesn’t ease up soon. Charley (still fighting the battle but feeling battle-weary these days)

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Hi All, As you may recall, I increased my imipramine dosage from 75mg/day to 100 mg/day about six weeks ago. I experienced an increase of having a dry mouth but that faded to my "usual" dry mouth feeling after a week or so. Now it is back in full force this past week and worse than ever. This makes me extremely anxious because I feel as if my throat is blocked.  I know it is not because of hot days because it has been fairly cool here so I’m not losing moisture through perspiration (or "glowing" as my mom would say). Anyone have any ideas why this might flare up again? Truthfully, I’m at the point of maybe switching meds if it doesn’t ease up soon. Charley (still fighting the battle but feeling battle-weary these days)

Hi Charley, I suffer from dry mouth too, and the Paxil is causing it. I know that you are further North than me, but here on LI, the pollen is horrendous. Everything has  green dust on it, and I feel it in my mouth and throat, and I think it is aggravating my already dry mouth. I find I am drinking so much lately. I  try to drink alot of water, any other kind of fluid doesn`t seem to relieve the dryness. Take care. Jackie "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, not touched. but are felt in the heart."

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – snipped Welcome to anx/pan Robb! Opps Rony made a boo boo : Welcome to ASAP snipped Rony. Thats what happens when you get addicted to #anx/pan Rony, it takes over your life to the extent that everywhere seems like its #anx/pan. Some fiendish plot of Jon’s to take over the world I suspect!!!! <VBG Ian Gosh! i really should get out more )

Ian, I think we should ALL get out more. Karen

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Welcome to ASAP Robb. You will find a lot of supportive  and experienced people here to help you through this. Hello All,    My name is Robb and I am new to this group. I am a 26 year old male who has just recently been diagnosed with panic disorder. About a month ago I was sitting at work listening to some music and writing code (I am a Webmaster for a marketing firm) when all of a sudden I went numb. My heart started pounding so hard it hurt, I got nauseated, dizzy, and started shaking. The worst part was my mind lost its sense of reality. At that exact point in time, all I could remember is wanting "out". I do believe that was a strong suicidal flash.

This may have been a panic attack, as they can cause all of the symptoms listed above. The feelings can certainly be overwhelming.    From reading the rest of the posts in here, I can see I’m not alone. This syndrome has bothered me because in life, I’m the one people go to when everything falls apart. I’ve always been the solid one, the one who is in control all the time. The PA’s have changed all that. Now I fear doing many of the things that I used to enjoy because I might have an attack.    I hate to complain about my medical insurance since my company pays for it 100%, but it is an HMO, so I still haven’t been to see a psychologist. I have been to counseling and have seen my physician who has me on Xanax and Zoloft. The only thing the Xanax does for me is make me groggy, but many times that’s enough. I have no idea if the Zoloft is doing anything. I hope when I see the psychologist next month he will be able to determine the correct medication to help this along.

You may want to see a psychiatrist specializing in anxiety disorders, being you are already on medication. How long have you been taking Xanax and Zoloft, and what doses? The grogginess may soon wear off, your body needs to adjust to the med. It does sound like Xanax is already helping, give both meds some time to work fully.  I HATE drugs, especially anything that makes me feel disconnected, but in contrast to the panic attacks, I’ll deal with them for the time being.    Ok, this will be enough for my first posting. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you out there who’s stories I’ve read. Although the severity of these attacks have lessened over the past month, they still bother me. However, I find it comforting to know that I am not "going crazy" and that this is truly problem with physical roots as well. Robb

Most of us feel the way you do, we don’t like taking meds. But given the choice between PA’s and taking the meds, it’s an easy choice. You certainly aren’t going crazy, although panic can make it seem that way. Let us know how you progress. Ray Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it – even if I have said it – unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.

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writes – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – snipped Welcome to anx/pan Robb! Opps Rony made a boo boo : Welcome to ASAP snipped Rony. Thats what happens when you get addicted to #anx/pan Rony, it takes over your life to the extent that everywhere seems like its #anx/pan. Some fiendish plot of Jon’s to take over the world I suspect!!!! <VBG Ian

Curses – I am undone — Jon Guite When replying by email, please remove the trailing x from my return address

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I am also a new member. For years ,,I felt very stressed and anxious but no name/diagnosis was really given. Then I married….a wonderful man and we had 2 childred. While in my 30’s he died suddenly (he was same age) of a heart attack. A month to the day later my Mother died suddenly. Two weeks after that,,,my son almost lost his eye,,and had permanent damage as well as severe bleeding from incident. i  had started a new job (was not working prior) A year later I had a major car accident. A few years later I wound up in the hospital for a month with severe asthma and major meds. The doctor (pulmonary specialist) felt that the asthma was worsened from "stuffed symptons" so to speak. He put me on an antidepressant. Then I went off that. A few years later my heart started to race and I felt nervous. The MD prescribed Verapamil which helped a bit. Now,,,,I have a stressful job,,(one I am not fond of anymore. I seem to start worrying over things and can’t stop. Kind of obsessing. I went to Dr and he upped dosage of Verapamil to 240 mg a day,,and gave me a prescription for Lorazepam….1//2 to 1 mg daily  "as needed" I feel good but sometimes drowsy. I need to concentrate on my job. I have an HMO and right now a psychiatrist is not an option. My son is 23,,,and believe he has OCD. BUt he refuses to take medication. SO SORRY for this long post. I don’t have panic per se,,,thank GOd I can go places without panicking,,but have this anxiety a lot but not all the time. i had gone to a pychologist before (with other insurance) In the past several doctors advised me that I had to learn to cope with my stress and of course having gone thru what I did it was normal. I don’t know why I was not diagosed before. I am now 50 and feel that I felt anxious for years when I need not have been. I can’t change the past,,,but am wondering if Lorazepam helps,,should I keep taking it? Worried about long lasting problems. Thanks again,,I guess I must have gen anxiety disorder though dr did not give it a name. Can this be worsened by the events I went thru and why 13 years later,,,are things getting worse? Thanks for listening,,,and again sorry for this long post which I hope you can make sense out of. Best to all  Linda

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – snipped Welcome to anx/pan Robb! Opps Rony made a boo boo : Welcome to ASAP snipped Rony. Thats what happens when you get addicted to #anx/pan Rony, it takes over your life to the extent that everywhere seems like its #anx/pan. Some fiendish plot of Jon’s to take over the world I suspect!!!! <VBG Ian

ROFL!! Hi Ian! Hope you are doing well! Steph

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snipped Thats what happens when you get addicted to #anx/pan Rony, it takes over your life to the extent that everywhere seems like its #anx/pan. Some fiendish plot of Jon’s to take over the world I suspect!!!! <VBG Ian ROFL!! Hi Ian! Hope you are doing well! Steph

Yep, I’m doing okay,  thanks for asking.  :-) Ian

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am also a new member. For years ,,I felt very stressed and anxious but no name/diagnosis was really given. Then I married….a wonderful man and we had 2 childred. While in my 30’s he died suddenly (he was same age) of a heart attack. A month to the day later my Mother died suddenly. Two weeks after that,,,my son almost lost his eye,,and had permanent damage as well as severe bleeding from incident. i  had started a new job (was not working prior) A year later I had a major car accident. A few years later I wound up in the hospital for a month with severe asthma and major meds. The doctor (pulmonary specialist) felt that the asthma was worsened from "stuffed symptons" so to speak. He put me on an antidepressant. Then I went off that. A few years later my heart started to race and I felt nervous. The MD prescribed Verapamil which helped a bit. Now,,,,I have a stressful job,,(one I am not fond of anymore. I seem to start worrying over things and can’t stop. Kind of obsessing. I went to Dr and he upped dosage of Verapamil to 240 mg a day,,and gave me a prescription for Lorazepam….1//2 to 1 mg daily  "as needed" I feel good but sometimes drowsy. I need to concentrate on my job. I have an HMO and right now a psychiatrist is not an option. My son is 23,,,and believe he has OCD. BUt he refuses to take medication. SO SORRY for this long post. I don’t have panic per se,,,thank GOd I can go places without panicking,,but have this anxiety a lot but not all the time. i had gone to a pychologist before (with other insurance) In the past several doctors advised me that I had to learn to cope with my stress and of course having gone thru what I did it was normal. I don’t know why I was not diagosed before. I am now 50 and feel that I felt anxious for years when I need not have been. I can’t change the past,,,but am wondering if Lorazepam helps,,should I keep taking it? Worried about long lasting problems. Thanks again,,I guess I must have gen anxiety disorder though dr did not give it a name. Can this be worsened by the events I went thru and why 13 years later,,,are things getting worse? Thanks for listening,,,and again sorry for this long post which I hope you can make sense out of. Best to all  Linda

Hi Linda and welcome to ASAP! You’ve been through a lot – too much really and I’m sorry about that. An anxiety disorder can manifest itself any time although the risk gets smaller with age after a certain age. But then it seems you’ve been doping with anxiety for years now and yes, there may come a time when taking meds is sensible and that time may well be now. I think you may suffer from GAD with OCD-overtones but nobody – let alone non-professionals like us here – can diagnose someone else over the net. Wouldn’t it be possible to see a psychiatrist specialized in anxiety disorders in a program with gliding scales or something like that? I feel it’s important to be properly diagnosed and then get prescribed the relevant med(s). In the meatime I wonder why you’re taking *Verapramil* fopr anxiety for which it is, as a calcium blocker used for hypertension and certain cardiac problems, not a first choice med at all. A benzo like lorazepam may work. If it doesn’t you might want to try Xanax (alprazolam). You will bezome dependent on benzos when taking them for a longer period but this just means that if and when you decide to stop taking them you’ll have to do a slow taper in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Benzos have been life-savers for many GAD and PD-sufferer. I think the proof is in the pudding. *If it works, it works*. NBut you should see to it that you’re not undermedicated. 1/2 to 1 mgs of lorazepam may be fine to take *as needed* but if you’re experience anxiety all the time you might be better off on a regular dose and as lorazepam (the same goes for Xanax) is a short acting benzo you would need to take it three times a day or so. I hope it will help you, you are entitled to some peace of mind…. Philip

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Hello All,     My name is Robb and I am new to this group. I am a 26 year old male who has just recently been diagnosed with panic disorder. About a month ago I was sitting at work listening to some music and writing code (I am a Webmaster for a marketing firm) when all of a sudden I went numb. My heart started pounding so hard it hurt, I got nauseated, dizzy, and started shaking. The worst part was my mind lost its sense of reality. At that exact point in time, all I could remember is wanting "out". I do believe that was a strong suicidal flash.     From reading the rest of the posts in here, I can see I’m not alone. This syndrome has bothered me because in life, I’m the one people go to when everything falls apart. I’ve always been the solid one, the one who is in control all the time. The PA’s have changed all that. Now I fear doing many of the things that I used to enjoy because I might have an attack.     I hate to complain about my medical insurance since my company pays for it 100%, but it is an HMO, so I still haven’t been to see a psychologist. I have been to counseling and have seen my physician who has me on Xanax and Zoloft. The only thing the Xanax does for me is make me groggy, but many times that’s enough. I have no idea if the Zoloft is doing anything. I hope when I see the psychologist next month he will be able to determine the correct medication to help this along. I HATE drugs, especially anything that makes me feel disconnected, but in contrast to the panic attacks, I’ll deal with them for the time being.     Ok, this will be enough for my first posting. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you out there who’s stories I’ve read. Although the severity of these attacks have lessened over the past month, they still bother me. However, I find it comforting to know that I am not "going crazy" and that this is truly problem with physical roots as well. Robb

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Hi Robb,

Welcome to ASAP.  You have come to a place where you will meet, so to speak, people who are dealing with the same issues as you.  Please feel free to post as often as you feel the need.  There are quite a few well informed people in this NG that are a great help and inspiration to all of us.  Once again, welcome..smile. Mary Kay – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello All,    My name is Robb and I am new to this group. I am a 26 year old male who has just recently been diagnosed with panic disorder. About a month ago I was sitting at work listening to some music and writing code (I am a Webmaster for a marketing firm) when all of a sudden I went numb. My heart started pounding so hard it hurt, I got nauseated, dizzy, and started shaking. The worst part was my mind lost its sense of reality. At that exact point in time, all I could remember is wanting "out". I do believe that was a strong suicidal flash.    From reading the rest of the posts in here, I can see I’m not alone. This syndrome has bothered me because in life, I’m the one people go to when everything falls apart. I’ve always been the solid one, the one who is in control all the time. The PA’s have changed all that. Now I fear doing many of the things that I used to enjoy because I might have an attack.    I hate to complain about my medical insurance since my company pays for it 100%, but it is an HMO, so I still haven’t been to see a psychologist. I have been to counseling and have seen my physician who has me on Xanax and Zoloft. The only thing the Xanax does for me is make me groggy, but many times that’s enough. I have no idea if the Zoloft is doing anything. I hope when I see the psychologist next month he will be able to determine the correct medication to help this along. I HATE drugs, especially anything that makes me feel disconnected, but in contrast to the panic attacks, I’ll deal with them for the time being.    Ok, this will be enough for my first posting. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you out there who’s stories I’ve read. Although the severity of these attacks have lessened over the past month, they still bother me. However, I find it comforting to know that I am not "going crazy" and that this is truly problem with physical roots as well. Robb

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The only thing the Xanax does for me is make me groggy, but many times that’s enough. I have no idea if the Zoloft is doing anything. I hope when I see the psychologist next month he will be able to determine the correct medication to help this along.

Robb, You didn’t mention if your doctor said anything, so I’ll just add that the Zoloft will take several weeks to have any effect.   If it’s a psychologist you’re seeing, but not a psychiatrist, the psychologist will not be able to prescribe drugs but if s/he has experience in panic/anxiety s/he will be aware of what drugs are out there and how they are used and to what effect.  In the meantime, don’t give up on the drugs simply because you are anti-drug.  (Like another poster said, you wouldn’t refuse insulin if you were diabetic would you?)  Give the Zoloft time to have an effect.  Best of luck.

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I get the psychiatrist / psychologist thing messed up all the time. I meant psychiatrist. And I’ve done tons of research through the web about the Zoloft and realize it can take up to 6 weeks to have any effect. Sorry about being dense – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You didn’t mention if your doctor said anything, so I’ll just add that the Zoloft will take several weeks to have any effect. If it’s a psychologist you’re seeing, but not a psychiatrist, the psychologist will not be able to prescribe drugs but if s/he has experience in panic/anxiety s/he will be aware of what drugs are out there and how they are used and to what effect.  In the meantime, don’t give up on the drugs simply because you are anti-drug.  (Like another poster said, you wouldn’t refuse insulin if you were diabetic would you?)  Give the Zoloft time to have an effect.  Best of luck.

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Hello All,    My name is Robb and I am new to this group. I am a 26 year old male who has just recently been diagnosed with panic disorder.

<snip . My heart started pounding so hard it hurt, I got nauseated, dizzy, and started shaking. The worst part was my mind lost its sense of reality.

<snip Sounds like you had a derealization episoide too …. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –    From reading the rest of the posts in here, I can see I’m not alone. This syndrome has bothered me because in life, I’m the one people go to when everything falls apart. I’ve always been the solid one, the one who is in control all the time. The PA’s have changed all that. Now I fear doing many of the things that I used to enjoy because I might have an attack.    I hate to complain about my medical insurance since my company pays for it 100%, but it is an HMO, so I still haven’t been to see a psychologist. I have been to counseling and have seen my physician who has me on Xanax and Zoloft. The only thing the Xanax does for me is make me groggy, but many times that’s enough. I have no idea if the Zoloft is doing anything. I hope when I see the psychologist next month he will be able to determine the correct medication to help this along. I HATE drugs, especially anything that makes me feel disconnected, but in contrast to the panic attacks, I’ll deal with them for the time being.    Ok, this will be enough for my first posting. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you out there who’s stories I’ve read. Although the severity of these attacks have lessened over the past month, they still bother me. However, I find it comforting to know that I am not "going crazy" and that this is truly problem with physical roots as well. Robb

Welcome to anx/pan Robb! give the Zolfot a chance , it can take a while to take effect, so hang in there. And yes your right you are not going crazy!. Please let us know how you get on with the meds, i’m sure you wi ll be feeling some relief before long ) Rony. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello All,    My name is Robb and I am new to this group. I am a 26 year old male who has just recently been diagnosed with panic disorder. <snip . My heart started pounding so hard it hurt, I got nauseated, dizzy, and started shaking. The worst part was my mind lost its sense of reality. <snip Sounds like you had a derealization episoide too ….    From reading the rest of the posts in here, I can see I’m not alone. This syndrome has bothered me because in life, I’m the one people go to when everything falls apart. I’ve always been the solid one, the one who is in control all the time. The PA’s have changed all that. Now I fear doing many of the things that I used to enjoy because I might have an attack.    I hate to complain about my medical insurance since my company pays for it 100%, but it is an HMO, so I still haven’t been to see a psychologist. I have been to counseling and have seen my physician who has me on Xanax and Zoloft. The only thing the Xanax does for me is make me groggy, but many times that’s enough. I have no idea if the Zoloft is doing anything. I hope when I see the psychologist next month he will be able to determine the correct medication to help this along. I HATE drugs, especially anything that makes me feel disconnected, but in contrast to the panic attacks, I’ll deal with them for the time being.    Ok, this will be enough for my first posting. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you out there who’s stories I’ve read. Although the severity of these attacks have lessened over the past month, they still bother me. However, I find it comforting to know that I am not "going crazy" and that this is truly problem with physical roots as well. Robb Welcome to anx/pan Robb!

Opps Rony made a boo boo : Welcome to ASAP give the Zolfot a chance , i

t can take a while to take effect, so hang in there. And yes your right you are not going crazy!. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Please let us know how you get on with the meds, i’m sure you wi ll be feeling some relief before long ) Rony.

Response:

Hi Rob, welcome to ASAP, Your story isn’t all that uncommon, nor is the fact that you are a computer geek  We seem to have a disproportionately high number of comp wizards here (probably some so far undocumented Microsoft bug IMO). And most of us were the bedrock that others clung to in times of crisis. It can be a really weird disorder that way, hitting you where you thought you were strongest!!!!  Go figure!!!   Good luck Ian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –    My name is Robb and I am new to this group. I am a 26 year old male who has just recently been diagnosed with panic disorder. About a month ago I was sitting at work listening to some music and writing code (I am a Webmaster for a marketing firm) when all of a sudden I went numb. My heart started pounding so hard it hurt, I got nauseated, dizzy, and started shaking. The worst part was my mind lost its sense of reality. At that exact point in time, all I could remember is wanting "out". I do believe that was a strong suicidal flash.    From reading the rest of the posts in here, I can see I’m not alone. This syndrome has bothered me because in life, I’m the one people go to when everything falls apart. I’ve always been the solid one, the one who is in control all the time. The PA’s have changed all that. Now I fear doing many of the things that I used to enjoy because I might have an attack.    I hate to complain about my medical insurance since my company pays for it 100%, but it is an HMO, so I still haven’t been to see a psychologist. I have been to counseling and have seen my physician who has me on Xanax and Zoloft. The only thing the Xanax does for me is make me groggy, but many times that’s enough. I have no idea if the Zoloft is doing anything. I hope when I see the psychologist next month he will be able to determine the correct medication to help this along. I HATE drugs, especially anything that makes me feel disconnected, but in contrast to the panic attacks, I’ll deal with them for the time being.    Ok, this will be enough for my first posting. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you out there who’s stories I’ve read. Although the severity of these attacks have lessened over the past month, they still bother me. However, I find it comforting to know that I am not "going crazy" and that this is truly problem with physical roots as well. Robb

Response:

snipped Welcome to anx/pan Robb! Opps Rony made a boo boo : Welcome to ASAP snipped Rony.

Thats what happens when you get addicted to #anx/pan Rony, it takes over your life to the extent that everywhere seems like its #anx/pan. Some fiendish plot of Jon’s to take over the world I suspect!!!! <VBG Ian

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – snipped Welcome to anx/pan Robb! Opps Rony made a boo boo : Welcome to ASAP snipped Rony. Thats what happens when you get addicted to #anx/pan Rony, it takes over your life to the extent that everywhere seems like its #anx/pan. Some fiendish plot of Jon’s to take over the world I suspect!!!! <VBG Ian

Gosh! i really should get out more )

Response:

Question:

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

Question:

      is it addictive?       is it expensive?       is it like valium/librium  or is it better for anxiety?       any bad side effects from the med?       any one taken it for more than a year?        i have to start taking it soon, and just wondered how it        effects other people….          thanks in advance……roman

Response:

I’ve been on Buspar for 3 months. 60 mg/day. It works great for me without any side effects. It is not addictive.I don’t know how expensive it is – I have prescription coverage. It is extremely safe. I think it is used alot in children. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –       is it addictive?       is it expensive?       is it like valium/librium  or is it better for anxiety?       any bad side effects from the med?       any one taken it for more than a year?        i have to start taking it soon, and just wondered how it        effects other people….          thanks in advance……roman

Response:

anyone on BUSPAR

I’ve been on Buspar for a while now. Its non-addictive, moderately expensive. Effects?  I don’t know of any for sure.  I take it in connection with Zoloft. It ammeliorates some of the side effects of Zoloft and helps me get by on a lighter dose. Hope this helps. "All wisdom is plagiarism; only stupidity is original"

Response:

I have just started on Buspar also.  So far I can tell no bad side effects.  Would like to hear of successes.  My doctor was not very positive this would help me.  Let us know. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been on Buspar for 3 months. 60 mg/day. It works great for me without any side effects. It is not addictive.I don’t know how expensive it is – I have prescription coverage. It is extremely safe. I think it is used alot in children.       is it addictive?       is it expensive?       is it like valium/librium  or is it better for anxiety?       any bad side effects from the med?       any one taken it for more than a year?        i have to start taking it soon, and just wondered how it        effects other people….          thanks in advance……roman

Response:

 I just started on a combo of Buspar and Wellbutrin after 2 years on Paxil… I’ll let you know how it goes. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just started on Buspar also.  So far I can tell no bad side effects. Would like to hear of successes.  My doctor was not very positive this would help me.  Let us know. I’ve been on Buspar for 3 months. 60 mg/day. It works great for me without any side effects. It is not addictive.I don’t know how expensive it is – I have prescription coverage. It is extremely safe. I think it is used alot in children.       is it addictive?       is it expensive?       is it like valium/librium  or is it better for anxiety?       any bad side effects from the med?       any one taken it for more than a year?        i have to start taking it soon, and just wondered how it        effects other people….          thanks in advance……roman

Response: