Just curious which specific portable nebulizer model you found to be the most portable and reliable? Thanks! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Michelle.."Been there, done that, and have the T shirt to prove it.’ I am in the same boat…only I have been messing around since October with this. I have had 4 colds that progressed me to big trouble…turning into bronchitis..pneumonia..and now the latest I have been diagnosed with "vocal cord dysfunction." When I get a attack my vocal cords spasm shut at times cutting off my total airway. So needless to say these docs take no chances with me and I am on a boatload of meds and sky high prednisone. So I can relate to being sick….You know I am on neb treatnents also every 4-6 hours and I have a portable nebulizer…it is great..it works on batteries or electricity. If you checked into something like this you could do your treatment anywhere. The neb kit does not look like a piece of medical equipment. Before I got this I invested into a car cigarette plug thing..to allow my portable nebulizer to run in my car. At least I could do my treatments in the car then. But now the battery neb has me spoiled and has allowed me to gain somemore independence from being sick. I like you just want to get better. Feel free to e mail me if you want to talk.
—Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.—
Just curious which specific portable nebulizer model you found to be the most portable and reliable? Thanks!
I have the Omron. Expensive, but about the size of an electric shaver and can run off ‘AA’ batteries. "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits." Einstein
Hi Michelle.."Been there, done that, and have the T shirt to prove it.’ I am in the same boat…only I have been messing around since October with this. I have had 4 colds that progressed me to big trouble…turning into bronchitis..pneumonia..and now the latest I have been diagnosed with "vocal cord dysfunction." When I get a attack my vocal cords spasm shut at times cutting off my total airway. So needless to say these docs take no chances with me and I am on a boatload of meds and sky high prednisone. So I can relate to being sick….You know I am on neb treatnents also every 4-6 hours and I have a portable nebulizer…it is great..it works on batteries or electricity. If you checked into something like this you could do your treatment anywhere. The neb kit does not look like a piece of medical equipment. Before I got this I invested into a car cigarette plug thing..to allow my portable nebulizer to run in my car. At least I could do my treatments in the car then. But now the battery neb has me spoiled and has allowed me to gain somemore independence from being sick. I like you just want
My 6 year old went threw the same thing a little while ago. He had to take his nebs. every 4 hours and a couple liquids. Did you get a chest xray?It sounds like you have pnemonia.That is what my son had and you have to be put on a stronger antibiotic and it will take time and rest!!!!! Plenty of rest to get better!!!or you may get sicker as he did . You cant keep a six year old down. But hes better now. Hope you feel better!!! and good luck with your Dr.
Michelle, I have the same problem… but only occurs when I am stressed… it usually doesn’t matter weather its mental or physical… it just occurs. By doing my best to ‘calm-down’ usually helps the most… Good luck, Neal – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I have been on a number of medicines for almost three years (Flovent 110, Serevent, MaxAir, Albuterol with nebulizer, Rinocort, Allegra-D, and Zyrtec). I have been feeling okay until about a month ago when I developed a terrible cough. My peak flows have been low (down to 270 in the mornings with 460 being my best). Last month the doc told me I had a respiratory infection and put me on an antibiotic. It is now almost May and I am still coughing. My lungs feel very congested but I can’t cough anything up. Now the doctor is telling me to increase my nebulizer treatment to 5-6 times a day. I am 22 and trying to go to college. I really don’t have time to come home and take these treatments every 4 hours and I don’t feel comfortable taking it in public. Anyway, I am getting frustrated with all of this medicine and not feeling any better. Just wanted to know if anyone else has had a similar experience.
Hi, I am trying to go to college right now and am having a major flare-up. Steroids, antibiotics, Proventil…You know the drill. I was really frusterated. My grades plummeted. I was an A student and now I am barely getting Cs. However, things are looking up. I washed down my room with some help from other people. I got a steam cleaner and cleaned the carpets. Then rinsed them with clear water in the steamer. I wiped down the walls with plain water. I got a dust-mite cover for my mattress, and dust-mite resistant pillows and a hyperallergenic, dust-mite resistant comforter. It took a lot of breath to do all this, and I realize that the last thing that you want to do is move anymore than you haveto. I could not figure out what was triggering my asthma, and frankly still haven’t, but really cleaning my room where I sleep made a big difference. I also got a HEPA air filter. I was willing to try anything to feel better. I do feel better, not perfect, but definitely better. I actually did a lot better on my last computer project!!!! Good luck in school and don’t give up!!!! Lisa R.
Hello. I have been on a number of medicines for almost three years (Flovent 110, Serevent, MaxAir, Albuterol with nebulizer, Rinocort, Allegra-D, and Zyrtec). I have been feeling okay until about a month ago when I developed a terrible cough. My peak flows have been low (down to 270 in the mornings with 460 being my best). Last month the doc told me I had a respiratory infection and put me on an antibiotic. It is now almost May and I am still coughing. My lungs feel very congested but I can’t cough anything up. Now the doctor is telling me to increase my nebulizer treatment to 5-6 times a day. I am 22 and trying to go to college. I really don’t have time to come home and take these treatments every 4 hours and I don’t feel comfortable taking it in public. Anyway, I am getting frustrated with all of this medicine and not feeling any better. Just wanted to know if anyone else has had a similar experience.
Perhaps you need to find out if all of those medicines are really necessary. Talk to your Dr or get another opinion if necessary. I found out the hard way that medicines don’t always work in the same way for everyone. As the consutlant said to me, "One man’s poison is another man’s …". Jo
Hello. I have been on a number of medicines for almost three years (Flovent 110, Serevent, MaxAir, Albuterol with nebulizer, Rinocort, Allegra-D, and Zyrtec). I have been feeling okay until about a month ago when I developed a terrible cough. My peak flows have been low (down to 270 in the mornings with 460 being my best). Last month the doc told me I had a respiratory infection and put me on an antibiotic. It is now almost May and I am still coughing. My lungs feel very congested but I can’t cough anything up. Now the doctor is telling me to increase my nebulizer treatment to 5-6 times a day. I am 22 and trying to go to college. I really don’t have time to come home and take these treatments every 4 hours and I don’t feel comfortable taking it in public. Anyway, I am getting frustrated with all of this medicine and not feeling any better. Just wanted to know if anyone else has had a similar experience.
Some quick comments; *Be sure to drink a lot of water, 6-8 glasses or so a day, to help liquify the mucus in your lungs so you can cough it up. Guafensin may help, available OTC. Some cough medicine has it. *Antihistamines tend to dry up secrections, may make it harder to cough up; same thing for pseudoephedrine the decongestant in Allegra-D. You’re not taking both Zyrtec and Allegra-D are you? I would question the use of antihistamines at this time. The alternative treatment for nasal problems is nasal sprays; like Nasalcrom (OTC), or steroid nasal sprays like Rhinocort, Flonase. *5-6 nebulizer treatments a day sounds excessive. Each typical 2.5 mg treatment is equivalent to 10 puffs of albuterol by MDI inhaler, like Ventolin; so you are getting up to 50-60 pf/day of albuterol. WOW. Most asthmatics get all the albuterol they need from a Ventolin MDI, even for exacerbations, according to the Expert Panel Report 2. Albuterol probably won’t help treat the lung congestion, it’s a bronchodilator. How much Flovent 110 are you using. You may need to go the stronger version, Flovent 220 (or increase the Flovent 110) Steroid inhalers like Flovent or Pulmicort are what treat the inflammation and help control mucus. Postural drainage can be used to aid in coughing up phlegm; head has to be lower than rest of body. I had these same symptoms one time from acute bronchitis, a viral infection (antibiotics don’t help if viral, according to doctor). I recommend a 2nd opinion from another doctor, preferably a specialist; like a pulmonologist, allergist, or ENT. Ellis
Hello. I have been on a number of medicines for almost three years (Flovent 110, Serevent, MaxAir, Albuterol with nebulizer, Rinocort, Allegra-D, and Zyrtec). I have been feeling okay until about a month ago when I developed a terrible cough. My peak flows have been low (down to 270 in the mornings with 460 being my best). Last month the doc told me I had a respiratory infection and put me on an antibiotic. It is now almost May and I am still coughing. My lungs feel very congested but I can’t cough anything up. Now the doctor is telling me to increase my nebulizer treatment to 5-6 times a day. I am 22 and trying to go to college. I really don’t have time to come home and take these treatments every 4 hours and I don’t feel comfortable taking it in public. Anyway, I am getting frustrated with all of this medicine and not feeling any better. Just wanted to know if anyone else has had a similar experience.
$240 for a "trial" package? You guys gotta be kidding! Is anybody who subscribes to this group stupid enough to send these assholes money? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, We are writing to announce that Johnny Powers has joined as a partner with William Lee, and we now have both the 20mg Lilly Icos original Cialis and the 20mg Chinese manufactured generic Cialis available. business. Lee did not save his emails offline, so he has no record of your order. However, as his partner, Johnny Powers will honor every commitment that William Lee made. If you have an order of the generic 20mg Chinese Cialis pending, just write to us with the banking and the order details, and we will get the package mailed off to you. So, this is what we have now Real (Lilly Icos) 20mg Cialis Tablets Available for Sale in Quantity 1.)Small trial sample $15 USD per pill. 16 pills for $15 each, that would be $240 for a 16 pill personal use supply. (16 pills = 4 blister packs) 2.)Personal use supply $10 USD per pill. 60 pills for $10 each, that would be $600 for a nice 60 pill personal use supply. (60 pills = 15 blister packs) 3.)Large Lot sales $5 USD per pill. We are willing to really deeply discount to sell in large lots. We are willing to sell 1,000 pill lots for $5 each, that would be $5,000 for a 1,000 pills. (1,000 pills = 250 blister packs) Now, We Also Have Generic Chinese Cialis 20mg Pills Available at the following prices: 100 pills for $99-USD (0.99 per pill) 200 pills for $180-USD (0.90 per pill) 300 pills for $245-USD (0.817 per pill) These prices for both the Generic and the Lilly Pharmaceuticals Cialis include shipping to any destination via parcel post. We have had no problems with any countrys customs. We place industry standard labeling and customs declarations on the package, and we have our doctors letter inside the package. Please write for ordering instructions Security Issues, we will not allow ourselves to be run out the business, the way that my friend William Lee was treated by Yahoo. Whenever we correspond, I will always send a bcc copy to my Hotmail Save that Hotmail address. Email to us at Hotmail should hushmail ever fail. Should hushmail roll-over for the net nannies and shut down this account, we will still have your order information at hotmail, and saved offline on our laptops, and we will not loose or otherwise fail to honor any commitments that we make
There’s a sucker born every minute..
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – $240 for a "trial" package? You guys gotta be kidding! Is anybody who subscribes to this group stupid enough to send these assholes money? Hello, We are writing to announce that Johnny Powers has joined as a partner with William Lee, and we now have both the 20mg Lilly Icos original Cialis and the 20mg Chinese manufactured generic Cialis available. business. Lee did not save his emails offline, so he has no record of your order. However, as his partner, Johnny Powers will honor every commitment that William Lee made. If you have an order of the generic 20mg Chinese Cialis pending, just write to us with the banking and the order details, and we will get the package mailed off to you. So, this is what we have now Real (Lilly Icos) 20mg Cialis Tablets Available for Sale in Quantity 1.)Small trial sample $15 USD per pill. 16 pills for $15 each, that would be $240 for a 16 pill personal use supply. (16 pills = 4 blister packs) 2.)Personal use supply $10 USD per pill. 60 pills for $10 each, that would be $600 for a nice 60 pill personal use supply. (60 pills = 15 blister packs) 3.)Large Lot sales $5 USD per pill. We are willing to really deeply discount to sell in large lots. We are willing to sell 1,000 pill lots for $5 each, that would be $5,000 for a 1,000 pills. (1,000 pills = 250 blister packs) Now, We Also Have Generic Chinese Cialis 20mg Pills Available at the following prices: 100 pills for $99-USD (0.99 per pill) 200 pills for $180-USD (0.90 per pill) 300 pills for $245-USD (0.817 per pill) These prices for both the Generic and the Lilly Pharmaceuticals Cialis include shipping to any destination via parcel post. We have had no problems with any countrys customs. We place industry standard labeling and customs declarations on the package, and we have our doctors letter inside the package. Please write for ordering instructions Security Issues, we will not allow ourselves to be run out the business, the way that my friend William Lee was treated by Yahoo. Whenever we correspond, I will always send a bcc copy to my Hotmail Save that Hotmail address. Email to us at Hotmail should hushmail ever fail. Should hushmail roll-over for the net nannies and shut down this account, we will still have your order information at hotmail, and saved offline on our laptops, and we will not loose or otherwise fail to honor any commitments that we make
Hello, We are writing to announce that Johnny Powers has joined as a partner with William Lee, and we now have both the 20mg Lilly Icos original Cialis and the 20mg Chinese manufactured generic Cialis available. business. Lee did not save his emails offline, so he has no record of your order. However, as his partner, Johnny Powers will honor every commitment that William Lee made. If you have an order of the generic 20mg Chinese Cialis pending, just write to us with the banking and the order details, and we will get the package mailed off to you. So, this is what we have now Real (Lilly Icos) 20mg Cialis Tablets Available for Sale in Quantity 1.)Small trial sample $15 USD per pill. 16 pills for $15 each, that would be $240 for a 16 pill personal use supply. (16 pills = 4 blister packs) 2.)Personal use supply $10 USD per pill. 60 pills for $10 each, that would be $600 for a nice 60 pill personal use supply. (60 pills = 15 blister packs) 3.)Large Lot sales $5 USD per pill. We are willing to really deeply discount to sell in large lots. We are willing to sell 1,000 pill lots for $5 each, that would be $5,000 for a 1,000 pills. (1,000 pills = 250 blister packs) Now, We Also Have Generic Chinese Cialis 20mg Pills Available at the following prices: 100 pills for $99-USD (0.99 per pill) 200 pills for $180-USD (0.90 per pill) 300 pills for $245-USD (0.817 per pill) These prices for both the Generic and the Lilly Pharmaceuticals Cialis include shipping to any destination via parcel post. We have had no problems with any countrys customs. We place industry standard labeling and customs declarations on the package, and we have our doctors letter inside the package. Please write for ordering instructions Security Issues, we will not allow ourselves to be run out the business, the way that my friend William Lee was treated by Yahoo. Whenever we correspond, I will always send a bcc copy to my Hotmail Save that Hotmail address. Email to us at Hotmail should hushmail ever fail. Should hushmail roll-over for the net nannies and shut down this account, we will still have your order information at hotmail, and saved offline on our laptops, and we will not loose or otherwise fail to honor any commitments that we make
I do not take that medication but I did used to have tingling in my extremities. They said that when I was having a problem breathing that I would get scared and start to hyperventilate. This causes the tingling in the legs, feet, arms, hands and face. This may be your problem but I would seriously talk to you doctor about it. Shannon
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve noticed on this newsgroup that many Singulair users have muscle cramps as a side effect of taking that medication. But, has any noticed numbness or tingling in the arms or legs while taking Singulair. I’ve had tingling and numbness in my left foot for about the past month. Is this a serious side effect of Singulair and should I stop taking it? Thanks! Dot
Hello Dot, I took Singulair for about 45 days. The doctor finally switched me to Accolate because of tingling in my arms and legs, and a general feeling of disorientation. Accolate does not have that adverse effect on me. One thing interesting I just noted on the information sheet with my Flovent prescription, is to report immediately to the doctor any toxic side effects, such as tingling or numbness in extremities. Best of luck, Patrice – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve noticed on this newsgroup that many Singulair users have muscle cramps as a side effect of taking that medication. But, has any noticed numbness or tingling in the arms or legs while taking Singulair. I’ve had tingling and numbness in my left foot for about the past month. Is this a serious side effect of Singulair and should I stop taking it? Thanks! Dot
I’ve noticed on this newsgroup that many Singulair users have muscle cramps as a side effect of taking that medication. But, has any noticed numbness or tingling in the arms or legs while taking Singulair. I’ve had tingling and numbness in my left foot for about the past month. Is this a serious side effect of Singulair and should I stop taking it?
Please talk to your doctor. Tingling and numbness can have a lot of sources, some of them quite serious. IAC, do not stop taking medications without talking to your doctor about it first. Chris Owens
Hi! Tingling and numbness could be caused my other things, such as Myopathy or Neuropathy. It does not necessarily mean it is coming directly from the Singulair? Are you taking other medications? Muscle cramps sometimes come from using steroidal medications. Are you using any lotions or creams? Sincerely, Sandy
I’ve noticed on this newsgroup that many Singulair users have muscle cramps as a side effect of taking that medication. But, has any noticed numbness or tingling in the arms or legs while taking Singulair. I’ve had tingling and numbness in my left foot for about the past month. Is this a serious side effect of Singulair and should I stop taking it? Thanks! Dot
That is so excellent, every step in the right direction is a huge step forward! ok…went to see my ob/gyn yesterday for a checkup…and i finally broke down and told him i was suffering with depression…i was so embarrassed…started crying and everything…but he gave me some sample of this drug called Effexor…(spelled right?) i haven’t started taking it yet, guess i’m a little nervous of the side effects, if it has any. and he also gave me a couple of 800 numbers to call to see about therapy…too nervous to call them yet. but just wanted everyone to know, i’m on my way to getting "there" hopefully will be "happy" again… Toni
– "Anything is hard to find, when you will not open your eyes."
Effexor XR was a good med for me. We’re going to try Zoloft. Effexor XR was fine but I still had some deep depressions. G
Good to see you working in the solution. Now if I could just KEEP my head out of the problem more often. G
Good for you, Toni! I’ve been through therapy too, and I know you will find it worth it. Howard
ok…went to see my ob/gyn yesterday for a checkup…and i finally broke down and told him i was suffering with depression…i was so embarrassed…started crying and everything…but he gave me some sample of this drug called Effexor…(spelled right?) i haven’t started taking it yet, guess i’m a little nervous of the side effects, if it has any. and he also gave me a couple of 800 numbers to call to see about therapy…too nervous to call them yet. but just wanted everyone to know, i’m on my way to getting "there" hopefully will be "happy" again… Toni
Sam I was on Zoloft for 6 years. It gave me back my life. Don’t be afraid of it. You only hear the negatives , never the success stories. Be well. Bob
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I guess I would do well to tell you a little bit about myself… -snipped the background- So I’ve been going to my doctor and seeing a psychologist. My GP has been trying to get me on medication for months. I take 2mg of Xanax to help me sleep (rather unsuccessfuly) and the Zoloft now. My psychologist resigned and moved interstate so I had to go to another one…it was hideous. So unpleasant. We argued for an hour. He said that I wasn’t depressed I was just very lazy and that perhaps I wasn’t as good as I think I am. I was shattered. So upset. This was about a month or so ago. I have been refusing to see one ever since. My GP wants me to see a psychiatrist but now I’m frightened of such negative judgements, I’m refusing to go. Does Zoloft only work in conjunction with therapy? Finding a good therapist that is a good match for you can often be more difficult and emotion/time consuming than finding a useful medication. And for some people all they need is the medication. Everyone is different. But one thing is for sure, medication doesn’t work as well in conjunction with a *shitty* therapist!!! Don’t give up on getting good help. Rely on your gut. If one therapist is a jerk, just remember that they are only human. Look for another one. Good luck. Maybe keep us posted (so to speak) on your efforts?? Sincerely Stewart PS. Your GP *can* prescribe zoloft for you, tho he/she *may* not want to do so, and may prefer to defer to a specialist for that. If you really want to try an antidepressant and you really don’t want to talk with a psychiatrist to get it, you can find another GP who might be more willing to prescribe it for you. Most GP’s hand out zoloft like it was candy (not that I personally think that is such a good thing, but it’s there….) — The Metaphor Man *and* The Great Defender of the Self (remove the SPAMBLOCK) Please send me an e-mail copy of your posted response.
Well, first of all finding a therapist who "fits" is important. From my own experience, I was severely depressed for for years and saw a therapist for three of those four years. We did absolutely no ‘therapy’ because I was too depressed to actually talk, but he cared about me, helped me have flashes where I almost believed I wasn’t evil – the depression was making me think so. I think I would have died if it weren’t for my therapists support. Angela
I guess I would do well to tell you a little bit about myself…
-snipped the background- So I’ve been going to my doctor and seeing a psychologist. My GP has been trying to get me on medication for months. I take 2mg of Xanax to help me sleep (rather unsuccessfuly) and the Zoloft now. My psychologist resigned and moved interstate so I had to go to another one…it was hideous. So unpleasant. We argued for an hour. He said that I wasn’t depressed I was just very lazy and that perhaps I wasn’t as good as I think I am. I was shattered. So upset. This was about a month or so ago. I have been refusing to see one ever since. My GP wants me to see a psychiatrist but now I’m frightened of such negative judgements, I’m refusing to go. Does Zoloft only work in conjunction with therapy?
Finding a good therapist that is a good match for you can often be more difficult and emotion/time consuming than finding a useful medication. And for some people all they need is the medication. Everyone is different. But one thing is for sure, medication doesn’t work as well in conjunction with a *shitty* therapist!!! Don’t give up on getting good help. Rely on your gut. If one therapist is a jerk, just remember that they are only human. Look for another one. Good luck. Maybe keep us posted (so to speak) on your efforts?? Sincerely Stewart PS. Your GP *can* prescribe zoloft for you, tho he/she *may* not want to do so, and may prefer to defer to a specialist for that. If you really want to try an antidepressant and you really don’t want to talk with a psychiatrist to get it, you can find another GP who might be more willing to prescribe it for you. Most GP’s hand out zoloft like it was candy (not that I personally think that is such a good thing, but it’s there….) — The Metaphor Man *and* The Great Defender of the Self (remove the SPAMBLOCK) Please send me an e-mail copy of your posted response.
Hi Stewart, Thanks for taking the time to write to me. I do appreciate it a whole lot. I guess I would do well to tell you a little bit about myself… I am a 19yo university student. I began uni. this year, enrolled in Arts/Music. I play classical piano. I’ve been very successful at it and was given the best teacher imaginable. he only accepted three students in the entire country. At the time I was over the moon, but very soon expectation kicked in. Success equals demise. Every time I find success, the expectations associated with it make me push myself away from it. I lasted a semester, withdrew from the Music component. People actually screamed at me. It was a hard decision. Music has always been what I do. I went to a specialist secondary school for music and dance students so it’s been my life for a long time. So that left me in Arts. I was studying Philosophy and Literature. I stopped going about 2 months ago and have failed the lot. Everything. Expectations! Always told how well I’m going to do, so I lash back against it. I’ve failed the lot. Everything. Anyway, so i’ve had a lot of time on my hands… and have been doing a lot of accompanying. Opera is my love. I am working with 4 fantastic singers at the moment. Only been doing it for a couple of months and already the expectations are kicking in. I’ve been too successful again. This really really bothers me. Positive comments from important people left, right and centre. Invited to play in front of 15 000 people on X-mas eve. And I’m not even studying music!!! So now that I’m succeeding at it, I’m losing interest….along with everything else *sigh*. I think perhaps I’m scared of success. If you are successful at something, failing at it becomes so much worse. So I’ve been going to my doctor and seeing a psychologist. My GP has been trying to get me on medication for months. I take 2mg of Xanax to help me sleep (rather unsuccessfuly) and the Zoloft now. My psychologist resigned and moved interstate so I had to go to another one…it was hideous. So unpleasant. We argued for an hour. He said that I wasn’t depressed I was just very lazy and that perhaps I wasn’t as good as I think I am. I was shattered. So upset. This was about a month or so ago. I have been refusing to see one ever since. My GP wants me to see a psychiatrist but now I’m frightened of such negative judgements, I’m refusing to go. Does Zoloft only work in conjunction with therapy? Hope to hear from you soon. Keep well and try to be happy. Sam
Hi everyone, Sam here again. I tried and tried to get myself through depression without drugs…but finally admitted defeat on Wednesday. I’m now taking Zoloft, 50mg for a week then up to 100mg. I’ve been rather alarmed at the negative response I’ve been reading online about the drug. I’m sure you’re all bored to tears by the topic, but could we please discuss Zoloft for my benefit??? I would really appreciate it *ingratiating smile* Thanks Sam
Sam, I was one of the people that was posting about negative side effects from Zoloft. But, the side effects I was having (it gave me really bad agitation and anxiety and screwed up my thinking even more than it was screwed up from the depression alone), are actually very rare side-effects for Zoloft. Many people have had good results from this drug, and it’s actually one of the drugs that causes the least amount of side effects in most people. So, I would try it, and see if it works for YOU. If it doesn’t, you can always try something else. Good luck! persephone — "It
Hello: I am an ultradian rapid cycler who happens to be hypomanic now. In the next five minutes???? Feel free to reply or email so that we can share experiences. Darren. — — — "Nullum illgetium prandium!" ICQ# 31191600
Hello: I am an ultradian rapid cycler who happens to be hypomanic now. In the next five minutes???? Feel free to reply or email so that we can share experiences. Darren. — — — "Nullum illgetium prandium!" ICQ# 31191600
Is this possible? My therapist said I was scientifically unable to swing that fast. I am no longer seeing that therapist (or anybody else right now) and would like some information. Lady V
I am a rapid cycler, and after a year of trying different meds, I am on a cocktail that works: 1000mgs of Tegretol daily, 6mgs of Risperadal, 1mg of Klonopin, and 10mgs of Prozac, prozac every other day. I am an extreme rapid cycler (can cycle in the same hour!) and have been through enough this past year. I am also seasonal. Fall depression, spring mania. I have finally found some peace. Good luck to you. Veronica
I am a rapid cycler, and after a year of trying different meds, I am on a cocktail that works: 1000mgs of Tegretol daily, 6mgs of Risperadal, 1mg of Klonopin, and 10mgs of Prozac, prozac every other day. I am an extreme rapid cycler (can cycle in the same hour!) and have been through enough this past year. I am also seasonal. Fall depression, spring mania. I have finally found some peace. Good luck to you. Veronica
Great news on success stories is always encouraging. We have lots of rapids here (gee, advanced level water rapids just came to mind as similar), I get the feeling that most who are, would prefer not to be…..my feeling is that rapid is better for me than anything horrible that would last months. Also, since so rapid and breakthru hypomanic every few days (at least) I can’t complain about the SSRI’s bad affect on sex life. The hypomania push is stronger than the drug side effect of long long long long (why even bother) plateau to orgasm. best regards from julie
yep i sure am ….. is it any wonder that my favorite toy is Bouncing Tigger …boing boing boing….
Oh, Ralph! LOVE you! Some BP vanity plates…. I M NUTZ HI LO UP DOWN KING worm FUN E FARM
—Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.—
Not a good idea, keep letting them play with the meds. I work hard at ‘tuning into" my rapid cycling when it happens. Sometimes I can, sometimes I can’t. I have also had great success by eliminating stress where I can. Cheers! Alan P.S. I absolutely HATE it when I am in mixed states and up for 15 minutes, then down for 15. Your meds must be at least limiting the range you have to deal with. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – They work for a while 3-4months and than they fail – a very vicious cycle. Been really depressed past few weeks – kind of dead just watching life pass me by. If i wasn’t the single Mom of a 14yr old I throw in the bag. Sometimes I feel like saying the hell with all the meds – since I cycle anyway when I am on them maybe I should just strap in and take the ride drugless. I don’t know sorry for venting.
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello: I am an ultradian rapid cycler who happens to be hypomanic now. In the next five minutes???? Feel free to reply or email so that we can share experiences. Darren. — — — "Nullum illgetium prandium!" ICQ# 31191600 Is this possible? My therapist said I was scientifically unable to swing that fast. I am no longer seeing that therapist (or anybody else right now) and would like some information. Lady V
My mood can swing from normal to deeply depressed or significantly hypo (or the other way) in less than an hour. But it more often takes about 12 hours. I am fascinated by this. How rapid is rapid? jackie Web page at http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/close/xhq10/mem.htm I’ve been Jay H, Canarybird, Empty Cage, Serin, Phoenix, even Crow. Let’s see if I can stick with this one for a while.
I’ve been through a variety of meds, too effexor, wellbutrin, depakote. prozac, all with only temporary success. the only mood stabilizer the doc is interested in trying is depakote, and that only helps with the super highs Rapid cycling is a pain because i’m never quite sure how long any given mood is going to last. It could be weeks or months. Just to let you know you’re not alone. — 
I was rapid cycling. Lithium stopped it. i take lithium and prozac, but i dont think the prozac is working yet.. it’s supposed to take 2-3 weeks or something. Anyway, i dont think that i’ll always be rapid cycling, it was the onset of my illness, and i read somewhere that females (more than males) are more prone to rapid cycling, and that it can occur at the beginning of an illness. ok,im done molly – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diaganosed with rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.
Hi: I’m a rapid cycler myself. I’m also an aerobics instructor (well that’s what they say I am:). I agree exercise does help, but I’m still having problems. Of course I haven’t exactly been good about taking my meds so I’m probably not a good example. I too have even worse symptoms during PMS (which I now have). My prob is that the meds I’m taking (Depakote and Paxil) make extremely (yawn) lethargic. I just now started taking my Depakote again (after taking myself off of it) so we’ll see how it goes. I seem to be even worse with no meds whatsover after a while so I’m trying to hang in there and let it work. If you ever need to vent, please feel free to write, I could use some friends, especially during times like these. Cat (who has no idea what to use for coreagraphy for her next aerobics class:) Has exercise helped? I’m attempting to quit smoking (notice the attempting), and I can tell you that as a rapid cycler myself, exercise has been my salvation. My pdoc and I disagree on what the result of the meds should be. He wants no mood swings, I want to actually be awake. Anyway, and then there is pms week, which I think serves as a reminder to me of why I’m on meds. So, when too much stress, I still freak out, but in spurts. Anyway, exercising helps that, to relieve my stress. Alex
—Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.—
Some BP vanity plates…. I M NUTZ HI LO UP DOWN KING worm FUN E FARM
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey Katnip! Me three!!! My car license is up for renewal on my birthday – July 1st, Canada Day. I grew up thinking that the fireworks and celebration were for me! What a letdown when I found out the truth. Anyway, I’m thinking of getting vanity plates that read "URC BP2". It would be kind of like the secret handshake among Masons, don’t you think? Anybody have any other suggestions for Bipolar plates? My SO wants me to get BPBEAR cause she calls me her big Bipolar Bear. Awwwwww! This is a really tough time of the year for us RC’s. Hang in there. Peace, GaryO Hi: I’m a rapid cycler myself. I’m also an aerobics instructor (well that’s what they say I am:). I agree exercise does help, but I’m still having problems. Of course I haven’t exactly been good about taking my meds so I’m probably not a good example. I too have even worse symptoms during PMS (which I now have). My prob is that the meds I’m taking (Depakote and Paxil) make extremely (yawn) lethargic. I just now started taking my Depakote again (after taking myself off of it) so we’ll see how it goes. I seem to be even worse with no meds whatsover after a while so I’m trying to hang in there and let it work. If you ever need to vent, please feel free to write, I could use some friends, especially during times like these. Cat (who has no idea what to use for coreagraphy for her next aerobics class:) Has exercise helped? I’m attempting to quit smoking (notice the attempting), and I can tell you that as a rapid cycler myself, exercise has been my salvation. My pdoc and I disagree on what the result of the meds should be. He wants no mood swings, I want to actually be awake. Anyway, and then there is pms week, which I think serves as a reminder to me of why I’m on meds. So, when too much stress, I still freak out, but in spurts. Anyway, exercising helps that, to relieve my stress. Alex —Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.—
You bet. I’m thinking of changing my nick to Bouncing Ball. jackie Web page at http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/close/xhq10/mem.htm I’ve been Jay H, Canarybird, Empty Cage, Serin, Phoenix, even Crow. Let’s see if I can stick with this one for a while.
Just my opinion… from Oct of 98 to to May of 99 hardly seems like enough time to have given all of those meds enough chance to work their magic..??? peace – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diaganosed with rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.
—Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.—
yes and i am sick of it, nothing helps lny
Hey there !! I am a rapid cycler..ultra rapid that is… anyway, I am on lamictal and it is a total life saver, you may want to try it. I feel good mentally and physically now… I been on the whole gamut too, those meds did me no good either. Also, lamictal is supposed to work very well for rapid cyclers. I know that in the past there were a few people that posted to me when I first started on it and they said they were on it and that they were doing wonderfully, I didnt get any negative responses. I dont cycle anymore but I sure do have my moments, you know those moments you could cause more damage in a house than a tornado could? :) But I am able to control myself a lot better than I used to, it is as though I have some semblance of reason when I get those feelings. Anna
I too have been working with this "moody personality" as it was origionally called for four years. I have been thru almost as many treatments as you. Sept 98′ I was finally diagnosed with Bipolar II. And as recently as Tuesday as dysphoric mania to boot. My husband and children are struggling to understand it, but I can’t seem to describe it accurately. I feel for you because if anyone has to go thru what I do on a DAILY basis, I wish them luck.
Have you read "An unquiet mind?" Good book, if you get past how "great" she is (maybe I was just in a bad mood). My parents read it, and were like, you felt that way (or feel). Hang in there! Alex
As a relative "newbie" here, what is "rapid cycling"? What makes that different from "normal" cycling if there is such a thing? … I take it that "rapid cycling" doesn’t involve the tour de france vs. a slow bicycle ride around the block Thanks, — Kevin White, Software Engineer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diaganosed with rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.
Hi LADYREB, I was diaganosed with rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace.
Unfortunately that is common for some of us <sigh. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.
Having been there…persistence and patience, which is sometimes difficult for me (understatement), I have to force myself to put one foot in front of the other (literally that can be a challenge since I have Multiple Sclerosis 
Yours,
His goal is not realistic. To have no mood swings at all, you must be drugged into oblivion. A better goal is to have <manageable mood swings. I guess that is harder for the doctor to manage. Stand firm on this one! And good luck quitting the smokes. I just started Wellbutrin, I hope that will help me. Keith – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My pdoc and I disagree on what the result of the meds should be. He wants no mood swings, I want to actually be awake.
I was diaganosed with rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.
They work for a while 3-4months and than they fail – a very vicious cycle. Been really depressed past few weeks – kind of dead just watching life pass me by. If i wasn’t the single Mom of a 14yr old I throw in the bag. Sometimes I feel like saying the hell with all the meds – since I cycle anyway when I am on them maybe I should just strap in and take the ride drugless. I don’t know sorry for venting.
Has exercise helped? I’m attempting to quit smoking (notice the attempting), and I can tell you that as a rapid cycler myself, exercise has been my salvation. My pdoc and I disagree on what the result of the meds should be. He wants no mood swings, I want to actually be awake. Anyway, and then there is pms week, which I think serves as a reminder to me of why I’m on meds. So, when too much stress, I still freak out, but in spurts. Anyway, exercising helps that, to relieve my stress. Alex
You haven’t tried Neurontin or Lamictal, both of which have a good reputation with rapid cycling. There are some more that you haven’t tried, but I recommend you ask about N&L first. Keith – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I was diaganosed with rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.
It was recently suggested to my uncle by his doctor that he should take Zoloft for depression along with the 2mg./per day of Xanax that he’s taken since Feb. 1998. None of the other anti-depressants he’s taken have helped him. In that they have cancelled out the effect of the Xanax, which in his case, does reduce the sound. It then takes him a day or two to get the Xanax to be effective again. He was told that Xanax and Zoloft work well together. Have any of you had any experience with these drugs in a combo form? And also, what is an average dosage of Zoloft? He realizes that the anti-depressants won’t help the tinnitus, but he needs something for depression. He’s tried prozac, klonopin & wellbuturin to no avail. Thanks
acj…@aol.com (ACJ942) wrote:
It was recently suggested to my uncle by his doctor that he should take Zoloft for depression along with the 2mg./per day of Xanax that he’s taken since Feb. 1998. None of the other anti-depressants he’s taken have helped him. In that they have cancelled out the effect of the Xanax, which in his case, does reduce the sound. It then takes him a day or two to get the Xanax to be effective again. He was told that Xanax and Zoloft work well together. Have any of you had any experience with these drugs in a combo form? And also, what is an average dosage of Zoloft? He realizes that the anti-depressants won’t help the tinnitus, but he needs something for depression. He’s tried prozac, klonopin & wellbuturin to no avail. Thanks
……….. Each person’s individual response to psychopharmacological therapy for depression depends upon innumerable factors. In general, though, the combination of an SSRI and a benzodiazepine is a very rational and often every effective approach. Prozac/Xanax or Zoloft/Xanax are pretty classic combinations in this regard; I use them often as part of the treatment of tinnitus-related depression, though you are absolutely correct in that Zoloft does not impact the tinnitus directly at all (and in my mind it is questionable whether or not Xanax does). The starting dose of Zoloft is usually 50mg/day. stephen nagler Stephen M. Nagler, MD, FACS Director Southeastern Comprehensive Tinnitus Clinic Atlanta, Georgia (404) 531-3979 www.tinn.com
x-no archive : yes Hi Cheryl – I am the OTHER Cheryl – Hi ASED! I haven’t been on the Board much lately, but I am the Old doll, the redhead, the former Binge eater – just didn’t want to confuse anyone – maybe one of us could change our name on the Board – what do you think ? I just don’t want anyone to be confused with two of us here !! With love and support to you all – Cheryl.
there is a new drug that was approved in this country (US) in July called Celexa. my pdoc just told me about it because i was having bad side effects from effexor. i’ve only been reading about it on the intenet…it’s still so new. look it up under any search engine. i can’t remember how it works but it is classified as an antidepressant. cheers, cheryl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone heard of this medication? Not sure if it is Selexa, or Xelexa, my doc said it is common in Europe, and is thinking of having me try it, as I can’t seem to increase my dose of Paxil over 10mg, for the bingeing, and depression, and he said it isn’t a therapeutic dose. Just wondering if anyone ever heard of it, and what the experiences were with it. Suzy
Maybe you are thinking of "Zyprexa," or "Olanzapine," which is fairly new in the USA. It is an antipsychotic which is being used sometimes to alleviate "delusional thinking" (body dysmorphia) and other aspects of EDs. –Connie clixpix
Has anyone heard of this medication? Not sure if it is Selexa, or Xelexa, my doc said it is common in Europe, and is thinking of having me try it, as I can’t seem to increase my dose of Paxil over 10mg, for the bingeing, and depression, and he said it isn’t a therapeutic dose. Just wondering if anyone ever heard of it, and what the experiences were with it. Suzy
I have never had a problem with trembling, even at the height of panic…Since I started on Zoloft, I am definitly doing better with the panic, but notice I have a slight tremor in my left arm/hand..sometimes I feel as if my legs are shaking too..Is this a possible side effect of Zoloft? Thanks Laura
Laura, yes zoloft can cause tremors but there is nothing to get worried about it is a possible side effect. If would ease your anxiety talk to your Dr. about it.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Doea anyone know if there is an effect on arthritis if you are in that time of your life when estrogen levels are behaving like the latest roller coaster from hell. I know I read somewhere that this could impact one’s immune system and arthritis and Ijsut wondered if going on the birth control pill might even it out. I am not yet menopausal but at 43 I am heading down that road soon. I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for at least 6 months. I woul like to talk with someone who may have experienced this. Thanks for your help! Nan
I am on HRT and I am menopausal. Prior to menopause, my arthritis ebbed and flowed with the level of my estrogen. As the estrogen dropped, the pain increased. As you probably know, it’s the drop in estrogen–that brings on a period every month. For me, it also brought on pain. Four months ago, I started HRT. I would take Premarin (estrogen) for 25 days and Provera (progestin) for the last 9 of those 25 days. Then nothing for 5 days. As soon as I would start the progestin, I would get a killer flare. The gyn adjusted the Premarin dose (up) and I’ve been great since…no flare, more energy…not such a crab ass. Carol Human beings are flawed individuals…the cosmic bakers took us out a little too early. That’s why we’re as crazy as we are—Jimmy Buffett
I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for at least 6 months.
I didn’t know this,is it standard procedure? Shel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Doea anyone know if there is an effect on arthritis if you are in that time of your life when estrogen levels are behaving like the latest roller coaster from hell. I know I read somewhere that this could impact one’s immune system and arthritis and Ijsut wondered if going on the birth control pill might even it out. I am not yet menopausal but at 43 I am heading down that road soon. I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for at least 6 months. I woul like to talk with someone who may have experienced this. Thanks for your help! Nan
Doea anyone know if there is an effect on arthritis if you are in that time of your life when estrogen levels are behaving like the latest roller coaster from hell. I know I read somewhere that this could impact one’s immune system and arthritis and Ijsut wondered if going on the birth control pill might even it out. I am not yet menopausal but at 43 I am heading down that road soon. I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for at least 6 months. I woul like to talk with someone who may have experienced this. Thanks for your help!
Well, I’m perimenopausal, I have severe RA, and yep, fluctuations in hormone levels *do* have an effect. In my case, I’ve always had a worsening of my symptoms during the pre-menstrual period, when estro- gen levels spike. These days, I’m experiencing out-of-cycle spikes, with the same worsening in joint pain, swelling, and length of morn- ing stiffness. I’ve discussed the problem with both my RD and my gyn, but there’s been no mention of using birth-control pills to level out the effect. Actually, I wouldn’t use them if they did have this effect; I still remember vividly the surge in well-being I experienced when I stop- ped using Lo-Ovral years ago (this was a low-dose combination pill). My gyn has recommended evening primrose oil, on the basis of what other patients have told him — he believes it to be safe, and did not think it would conflict with my other medications. I’ve done some checking on the web and I believe this is probably true, but I’m waiting to check with my RD before I start. According to the abstracts available through Medline, trials of evening primrose oil both for RA and for menopausal flushing have shown no significant benefit, but neither did they report any significant difficulties. Stacy Scott
Hi Nan and group, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Doea anyone know if there is an effect on arthritis if you are in that time of your life when estrogen levels are behaving like the latest roller coaster from hell. I know I read somewhere that this could impact one’s immune system and arthritis and Ijsut wondered if going on the birth control pill might even it out. I am not yet menopausal but at 43 I am heading down that road soon. I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for at least 6 months. I woul like to talk with someone who may have experienced this. Thanks for your help! Nan
I’m not perimenopausal but I did think that there might have been a connection between my overall increase in disease activity in the last year, year and a half and my going off the pill. My gyn/RD said it would be worth a shot, so I’m back on the pill now for about 4-5 months. Can’t say there’s been any noticable change as yet and I’ve also added sulfasalzine to the mix in the last month, so I’m hedging my bets, I guess. I’m sure if you did a search on Medline, you’d get some info. A friend sent me the following abstract after hearing of my decision to get back on the pill and I’m sure there’s lots more. Best wishes, Denise Sex hormones and rheumatoid arthritis: cause or effect relationships in a complex pathophysiology? Abstract: Sex hormones are believed to contribute to the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because of the disease’s female preponderance, especially during the child-bearing years, and because of the dramatic improvements seen during pregnancy. Available controlled data on serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) in RA patients not treated with glucocorticoids are summarized. Hypotheses of sex hormone contributions to RA are tested by judgemental criteria for the causes or determinants of disease. Available data support hypoandrogenicity in RA patients, especially among premenopausal females and males. Limited prospective studies in women and therapeutic trials of testosterone therapy in men further support a role of sex hormones in RA. Interactions of sex hormones and glucocorticoids are also believed to be important and deserve priority in future research. Author: Masi AT Address: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOM-P) 61605, USA. Abbreviated Journal Title: Clin Exp Rheumatol Date Of Publication: 1995 Mar-Apr Journal Volume: 13 Page Numbers: 227 through 240 Number of References: 105 Country of Publication: ITALY Language of Article: Eng Issue/Part/Supplement: 2 ISSN: 0392-856X MESH Headings: Animal Arthritis, Rheumatoid (Central Concept) Disease Models, Animal Female Gout Human Immunity Male Pregnancy Risk Factors Sex Hormones (Central Concept) Steroids Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t Chemical Abstract Service Registry Number: 0 (Sex Hormones) 0 (Steroids) Article ID: 95385254
Before I developed the RA I was the study coordinator for PMS and Preimenapause studies at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. I agree, nono of our data supports more than a placebo response from eveing primrose oil. It has some diaretic properties, so some women troubled with fluid retention may experience some relief of that symptom only. If you are taking an SSRI (Prozac, Zoloft, etc.) you may find that increasing your dose during the premenstrual time decreases your symptoms. Our research showed strong evidence that PMS and preimenapausal symptoms could be reduced by mid-cycle dosing, or mid-cycle increase. I have seen good results during studies, and I have good results increasing my own Zoloft dose from 50 mg to 100mg pre-menstrually. Good results meaning no increase in RD symptoms at that time — not a reduction in overall symptoms. We were just doing some DHEA studies when I left, and I think that it an interesting idea. Be careful with DHEA from health food stores. As DHEA is not yet FDA approved except for research proposes as a medicine, it is not regulated by the FDA for safety or efficacy. Health Food store preparations are regulated as a food, and purity and dose may vary widely. Donah Zack Crawford