Question:

i notice that when i do NYC races in central park (freddiemac 5K most recently) i become terribly asthmatic after about a mile.  i don’t have this problem in the NJ suburbs where i live and run other races. i am on asthma medications (serevent, flovent and nasonex.) and these do a good job for me. wondering if it’s the air quality in central park. -rei

Response:

wondering if it’s the air quality in central park.

It could very well be. I would think the ground level pollution is higher in NYC (more concentration of cars) than in the suburbs…particularly in the warmer months. For example, I used to have chronic bronchitus when I lived in the city.  When I moved to NJ the problem cleared up. Johanna "forever young" Young

Response:

Question:

Okay so I am on the last part of a prednisone taper.  After three days at the beginning, I was feeling pretty good (other than the side effects from the stuff)… I was off my albuterol and Robitussin and just taking the Flovent and Serevent.  Then Saturday I woke up with a nasty loose congestion in my chest and I have been coughing it up ever since.   To top it all off, my back hurts incredibly and I am dizzy a lot.   My peak flows (which were getting better) seem to be dropping again.  I took my albuterol this afternoon and I thought I was going to pass out. Need some input… Do I just have a cold?  Does it sound like something more?  I am so fuzzy headed I just can’t figure this out… Marina

Response:

: Okay so I am on the last part of a prednisone taper.  After three days : at the beginning, I was feeling pretty good (other than the side effects : from the stuff)… I was off my albuterol and Robitussin and just taking : the Flovent and Serevent.  Then Saturday I woke up with a nasty loose : congestion in my chest and I have been coughing it up ever since.   To : top it all off, my back hurts incredibly and I am dizzy a lot.   My peak : flows (which were getting better) seem to be dropping again.  I took my : albuterol this afternoon and I thought I was going to pass out. : : Need some input… Do I just have a cold?  Does it sound like something : more?  I am so fuzzy headed I just can’t figure this out… Sounds like you need to call your doctor. — Gordon    W5RED

Response:

Okay so I am on the last part of a prednisone taper.  After three days at the beginning, I was feeling pretty good (other than the side effects from the stuff)… I was off my albuterol and Robitussin and just taking the Flovent and Serevent.  Then Saturday I woke up with a nasty loose congestion in my chest and I have been coughing it up ever since.   To top it all off, my back hurts incredibly and I am dizzy a lot.   My peak flows (which were getting better) seem to be dropping again.  I took my albuterol this afternoon and I thought I was going to pass out. Need some input… Do I just have a cold?  Does it sound like something more?  I am so fuzzy headed I just can’t figure this out… Marina

It sounds like Acute Bronchitis. This can take a few weeks to recover from, sometimes 6-8 weeks. See: http://www.njc.org/medfacts/uri.html  URI (Colds) &  Acute Bronchitis http://home.aafp.org/afp/980315ap/hueston.html  Acute Bronchitis AAFP Ellis

Response:

Question:

After reading your post on the allergy group a while back I tried adding a couple ml of hydrogen peroxide to a half bottle of Ocean salt water spray. This worked fine and seemed to really help. However after I ran out of this bottle and mixed up a batch myself, I either added too much hydrogen peroxide or my sinus infection was already well established as the second bottle seemed to irritate my already inflamed sinuses. I’ll try again with a weaker formulation after my sinuses heal. Thanks for the suggestions. — "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism"   Thomas Jefferson "CanDo" <rasm1…@bellsouth.net

wrote in message

news:rcwic.2918$7a5.2178@bignews6.bellsouth.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

After suffering with multiple sinus infections, year after year, for decades, I experimented with flooding my sinuses with a mixture of diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and kosher salt. I kept my forehead down for quite a while, hoping that the anti-infective mixture could get to the infected area(s) within my sinuses and nasal passages.  . It worked! I have been sinus infection free for about 30 months.  . I have fully documented my experience and how I did it at Healthboards.com. There are posts over there by people who have tried my "upside down sinus flooding", and by who don’t think that it is a good idea. I have no connection at all with Healthboards. I consider it to be the best facility for discussing  health problems on the Internet.  . To find out more, select one of the following links:  . Here is the link to a discussion about the "Upside Down Sinus Flooding": . http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=129210  . Here is the link to the detailed documentation of the "Upside Down Sinus Flooding" and also some discussion:  . http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=139765

Response:

NorthShoreCEO wrote:

What is the long term effect of hydrogen peroxide on tissue?  Does anyone know?

If you believe that the decomposition of h2o2 produces free radicals and you believe that free radicals can cause cancer then you may be inclined to believe that cancer could be a long term effect. I certainly wouldn’t take a chance being so close to the brain.

Response:

"knob" <h…@dontemailme.com

wrote in message

news:Ouajc.10$Q5.7@fe39.usenetserver.com…

NorthShoreCEO wrote: What is the long term effect of hydrogen peroxide on tissue?  Does anyone know? If you believe that the decomposition of h2o2 produces free radicals and you believe that free radicals can cause cancer then you may be inclined to believe that cancer could be a long term effect. I certainly wouldn’t take a chance being so close to the brain.

3% Hydrogen Peroxide has been used for decades by millions of people, for cuts and for gargling, to prevent infection and to help remove mucus and phlegm. It is readily available at most super markets, discount stores, retail stores, etc. There are no health warnings on the bottles. If you feel that it is a cancer risk, you should get in touch with the proper authorities and warn them.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -CanDo wrote:

"knob" <h…@dontemailme.com wrote in message news:Ouajc.10$Q5.7@fe39.usenetserver.com… NorthShoreCEO wrote: What is the long term effect of hydrogen peroxide on tissue?  Does anyone know? If you believe that the decomposition of h2o2 produces free radicals and you believe that free radicals can cause cancer then you may be inclined to believe that cancer could be a long term effect. I certainly wouldn’t take a chance being so close to the brain. 3% Hydrogen Peroxide has been used for decades by millions of people, for cuts and for gargling, to prevent infection and to help remove mucus and phlegm. It is readily available at most super markets, discount stores, retail stores, etc. There are no health warnings on the bottles. If you feel that it is a cancer risk, you should get in touch with the proper authorities and warn them.

I didn’t say hydrogen peroxide was a cancer risk.

Response:

"CanDo" <rasm1…@bellsouth.net

wrote in message

news:pE9jc.9861$oN1.256@bignews5.bellsouth.net…

I know that you are looking for more scientific feedback, or feedback from the medical community, but I figured I’d offer my personal experience.

Thanks for sharing your experience.  Yes, I was looking for more scientific feedback, but also for use on longer term use than 30 months.  With all the research I do, I’ve not been able to find anything substantive.

Response:

Hydrogen peroxide can’t be too awfully toxic. I used to got to an alt. med MD who also did IV chelation therapy and I saw many patients in his office do large IV drips of hydrogen peroxide solution and this wasn’t the 3% variety. I think they were doing the IVs to protect their heart. I can’t remember the specific rational because it’s been 10 years or so. I’m sure a Google search would tell you whatever their theory was behind ingesting hydrogen peroxide. I remember some of the patients also drank hydrogen peroxide. — "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism"   Thomas Jefferson "NorthShoreCEO" <NorthShore…@aol.com

wrote in message

news:Mp7jc.39999$w96.2823833@attbi_s54… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

What is the long term effect of hydrogen peroxide on tissue?  Does anyone know?

Response:

Before western culture learned of it, 3,000 years ago the Yoga did rapid in and out sniffing of saline. They did it very rapidly at a low pressure. Which, essentially is what the Hydro Pulse does . This rapid in and out did stimulate cilia and did remove dust and pollen. Try to teach this today ! good luck. Most patients this gentle low pressure means about 70 PSI which will damage the nose. Murray Grossan, M.D. http://www.ent-consult.com

Response:

"Steven Litvintchouk" <sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net

wrote in message

news:pvwic.8554$gH6.6757@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net…

spam2death wrote: I’m currently on my second round of antibiotics in this years edition of my never ending battle against chronic sinus infections. I’m sorry to hear that.  I hope that throwing more and more antibiotics at the problem isn’t the only thing your doctors are doing for you.  The most important thing your doctors should be doine for you, is trying to figure out why you keep getting recurrent sinus infections in the first place.

I’ve had horrible allergies my entire life. I currently treat them with Flonase, Astelin, Nasal Crom, Singulair and whatever else is necessary. I’ve also taken desensitization shots several times and taken enough allergy pills to fill a 55 gallon drum. Once any of my sinuses or eustachen tubes clogs securely, an infection won’t be far behind.  I don’t even remember large portions of junior high because I was so zoned out on various allergy pills or sick with repeated sinus infections. My problem with sinus infections is that I probably wait much too long before beginning antibiotics and the infections are usually well advanced. Augmentin made me have diarreha so I was only on it two days. I’m taking Tequin now. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

What did people do for chronic severe sinus infections prior to the availability

of

antibiotics? IIRC:  nasal irrigation and surgery.  Pretty much what they do now! The first diagnoses of chronic maxillary sinus infections were first made around the 17th century.  And over time, better and better surgical procedures were devised.  (The Caldwell-Luc surgical procedure, for many years the state-of-the-art in sinus surgery, was invented in the late 19th century.) In the 18th century, doctors realized that some sinus infections were caused by dental abscesses and could be helped by extractions of the upper molars.  Nasal irrigation was employed for the first time in the 18th century too. I remember seeing a couple of pictures of the elaborate mechanical apparatuses they used for nasal irrigation, before the invention of electric irrigators.  One of them was a big tank that was fastened high on the wall, way above your head.  You put the hose into your nose, turned the crank, and gravity and siphoning pulled the water down into your nose and thru your nasopharynx. — Steven L.

I use saline nasal spray 4-6 times a day. It seems to help. Having nasal surgery scares the poop out of me as a friend went into the local hospital as an outpatient to clear a minor nasal blockage and immediately came down with incurable MRSA and also strep in his sinuses. He had to have repeated major surgeries to try and cure the infection. The infections and related pain eventually cost him his job and career. I’d probably have to be fighting a malignancy before I’d risk surgery, but if I further lost my ability to breathe, I might change my mind. Thanks for the medical history lessons and suggestions.   spam2death

Response:

spam2death wrote:

I’ve had horrible allergies my entire life. I currently treat them with Flonase, Astelin, Nasal Crom, Singulair and whatever else is necessary. I’ve also taken desensitization shots several times and taken enough allergy pills to fill a 55 gallon drum. Once any of my sinuses or eustachen tubes clogs securely, an infection won’t be far behind.  I don’t even remember large portions of junior high because I was so zoned out on various allergy pills or sick with repeated sinus infections. My problem with sinus infections is that I probably wait much too long before beginning antibiotics and the infections are usually well advanced. Augmentin made me have diarreha so I was only on it two days. I’m taking Tequin now.

Have you seen an ENT?  If so, what did he say?

I use saline nasal spray 4-6 times a day. It seems to help.

You might find that irrigation works better than spray. I use the Grossan irrigator religiously.  It works better for me than any nasal spray.

Having nasal surgery scares the poop out of me as a friend went into the local hospital as an outpatient to clear a minor nasal blockage and immediately came down with incurable MRSA and also strep in his sinuses.

Hmm, this is a new one for me. What the heck is "incurable MRSA?" Was this one of those brand-new strains of MRSA that’s even resistant to vancomycin? Not all hospitals are as careless as the one you describe.  Many of us have had sinus surgery and we didn’t get MRSA.  But we didn’t go to just any surgeon and just any hospital.  We chose carefully. — Steven L.

Response:

"NorthShoreCEO" wrote: "What is the long term effect of hydrogen peroxide on

tissue?  Does anyone know?" <================================

I’ve flooding my sinuses with a mixture of Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and kosher salt for about 30 months, an average of less than twice a month. Total flooding time averages about 15 minutes. After decades of sinus misery, my sinuses have never been better. I’ve also use electro-acupuncture to treat my sinuses, and watch my diet, and I have made changes to my environment, so I can’t attribute my good sinus health to just the flooding. So far, I have not had any bad effects from the contact of the peroxide with my sinuses. I know that you are looking for more scientific feedback, or feedback from the medical community, but I figured I’d offer my personal experience. ===

"Hydrogen peroxide is water with extra oxygen attached. The formula for

water is H2O, and for hydrogen peroxide is H2O2. Another name for hydrogen peroxide would be hydrogen dioxide." <===

Response:

What is the long term effect of hydrogen peroxide on tissue?  Does anyone know?

Response:

"spam2death" wrote: After reading your post on the allergy group a while

back I tried adding a couple ml of hydrogen peroxide to a half bottle of Ocean salt water spray. This worked fine and seemed to really help. However after I ran out of this bottle and mixed up a batch myself, I either added too much hydrogen peroxide or my sinus infection was already well established as the second bottle seemed to irritate my already inflamed sinuses. I’ll try again with a weaker formulation after my sinuses heal.  Thanks for the suggestions." << <=============================

When I’ve used too much peroxide, it has caused my sinuses to swell shut for about three straight days. I am careful not to use more than one part peroxide to 10 parts water. Even that much used to sting my sinuses, but not any more. If the powerful anti-infective mixture of peroxide, baking soda and kosher salt can get to the source of infection, or infected material, then it can fight the infection and help to prevent recurring infections. If it can’t get to the source of the infection, then the benefits are limited. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

— "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism"   Thomas Jefferson "CanDo" <rasm1…@bellsouth.net wrote in message news:rcwic.2918$7a5.2178@bignews6.bellsouth.net… After suffering with multiple sinus infections, year after year, for decades, I experimented with flooding my sinuses with a mixture of

diluted

3% hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and kosher salt. I kept my forehead

down

for quite a while, hoping that the anti-infective mixture could get to

the

infected area(s) within my sinuses and nasal passages.  . It worked! I have been sinus infection free for about 30 months.  . I have fully documented my experience and how I did it at

Healthboards.com.

There are posts over there by people who have tried my "upside down

sinus

flooding", and by who don’t think that it is a good idea. I have no connection at all with Healthboards. I consider it to be the best

facility

for discussing  health problems on the Internet.  . To find out more, select one of the following links:  . Here is the link to a discussion about the "Upside Down Sinus Flooding": . http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=129210  . Here is the link to the detailed documentation of the "Upside Down Sinus Flooding" and also some discussion:  . http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=139765

Response:

I’m currently on my second round of antibiotics in this years edition of my never ending battle against chronic sinus infections. What did people do for chronic severe sinus infections prior to the availability of antibiotics? Anyone have a brief explanation of archaic treatments used for sinus infections used in the years before antibiotics? Any medical historians in the group? thanks,    congested to death but still curious — "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism"   Thomas Jefferson

Response:

After suffering with multiple sinus infections, year after year, for decades, I experimented with flooding my sinuses with a mixture of diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and kosher salt. I kept my forehead down for quite a while, hoping that the anti-infective mixture could get to the infected area(s) within my sinuses and nasal passages.  . It worked! I have been sinus infection free for about 30 months.  . I have fully documented my experience and how I did it at Healthboards.com. There are posts over there by people who have tried my "upside down sinus flooding", and by who don’t think that it is a good idea. I have no connection at all with Healthboards. I consider it to be the best facility for discussing  health problems on the Internet.  . To find out more, select one of the following links:  . Here is the link to a discussion about the "Upside Down Sinus Flooding": . http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=129210  . Here is the link to the detailed documentation of the "Upside Down Sinus Flooding" and also some discussion:  . http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=139765

Response:

spam2death wrote:

I’m currently on my second round of antibiotics in this years edition of my never ending battle against chronic sinus infections.

I’m sorry to hear that.  I hope that throwing more and more antibiotics at the problem isn’t the only thing your doctors are doing for you.  The most important thing your doctors should be doine for you, is trying to figure out why you keep getting recurrent sinus infections in the first place.

What did people do for chronic severe sinus infections prior to the availability of antibiotics?

IIRC:  nasal irrigation and surgery.  Pretty much what they do now! The first diagnoses of chronic maxillary sinus infections were first made around the 17th century.  And over time, better and better surgical procedures were devised.  (The Caldwell-Luc surgical procedure, for many years the state-of-the-art in sinus surgery, was invented in the late 19th century.) In the 18th century, doctors realized that some sinus infections were caused by dental abscesses and could be helped by extractions of the upper molars.  Nasal irrigation was employed for the first time in the 18th century too. I remember seeing a couple of pictures of the elaborate mechanical apparatuses they used for nasal irrigation, before the invention of electric irrigators.  One of them was a big tank that was fastened high on the wall, way above your head.  You put the hose into your nose, turned the crank, and gravity and siphoning pulled the water down into your nose and thru your nasopharynx. — Steven L.

Response:

Question:

Has anyone heard of Zoloft withdrawal lasting longer than a couple of weeks? I was taking 200 to 250 mg Zoloft daily (increased during PMS) and then switched to Celexa. I was frustrated with neither of them helping my depression, so I unwisely abruptly discontinued the medication. My withdrawal symptoms ranged from moderate to severe…initially, I experienced extreme agitation, anxiety, crying, uncharacteristic rage, and formication (sensation that bugs were crawling on me). With the help of my doctor, I restarted a low dose of Celexa (I had been on 20 mg prior to this) and tapered off–but still quicker than I should have because I’m stubborn. The main problems that persisted for a couple of weeks were numbness and tingling in my arms and legs, and then spontaneous pain or muscle spasms in my legs. (Pretty darn painful). That and gastro-intestinal distress. My doctor felt that most of this was actually withdrawal from the Zoloft, not Celexa. She felt that the Celexa had prevented me from going into Zoloft withdrawal, but when I discontinued Celexa, the Zoloft withdrawal kicked in. From what I’ve read about other people’s experiences with Zoloft withdrawal, my symptoms do appear to match theirs. I had been taking Zoloft (at different doses) for about 4 years. I tried other medications during that time, but I was unable to tolerate most of them. I am very sensitive to medications and tend to have side effects with just about everything I take, usually to the point where I don’t want to take anything. Back to the symptoms–after 2-1/2 weeks, these symptoms diminished. 3-1/2 weeks after the initial discontinuation, however, I had a flare-up of gastro-intenstinal distress that lasted a day or two. Then, 4-1/2 weeks after the initial discontinuation (maybe 2 weeks since stopping the mild tapering-off) I experienced the leg pain, numbness, tingling along with severe stomach cramps and such. I did not expect to still be experiencing withdrawal symptoms, so I’m confused. Am I imagining things? Is this something else? Thank you for any help you can provide.

Response:

Question:

Does anyone have experience with taking Celexa vs. Prozac?  Thanks so much.

Response:

Does anyone have experience with taking Celexa vs. Prozac?  Thanks so much.

I tried Prozac once a long time ago, but I had to stop after a few days. Prozac made me extremely anxious. Celexa is the best SSRI I have taken. I just switched from Zoloft to Celexa, and Celexa is equally or more effective as an anti-depressant with fewer and milder side effects than Zoloft, which is already a lot better than Prozac.

Response:

Question:

Hello,     Went to the doctor’s and he has increased my dosage of Paxil from 20 mg to 40 mg. I did not realize there was going to be a yoyo effect from not taking amitriptilene. I am looking forward to a normal night’s sleep (for me 6 or 7 hours) whenever that will occur, I cannot say, but I am trying to optimistic. Many thanks to all for the moral support.

Dear Mike, Please don`t increase your Paxil dose by 20 mgs, that is a huge increase at one time and there is a chance you will experience really uncomfortable side-effects. People with anxiety disorders need to start at a low dose and wean slowly. It is best to increase your dose in 5mg increments. It took me 6 weeks to go from 5 mgs to 20 mgs on Paxil, I can`t imagine a 20mg increase at one time Take care!! Jackie

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello,     Went to the doctor’s and he has increased my dosage of Paxil from 20 mg to 40 mg. I did not realize there was going to be a yoyo effect from not taking amitriptilene. I am looking forward to a normal night’s sleep (for me 6 or 7 hours) whenever that will occur, I cannot say, but I am trying to optimistic. Many thanks to all for the moral support. Dear Mike, Please don`t increase your Paxil dose by 20 mgs, that is a huge increase at one time and there is a chance you will experience really uncomfortable side-effects. People with anxiety disorders need to start at a low dose and wean slowly. It is best to increase your dose in 5mg increments. It took me 6 weeks to go from 5 mgs to 20 mgs on Paxil, I can`t imagine a 20mg increase at one time Take care!! Jackie

Jackie, as usual, is quite right here! Philip

Response:

Mike, I agree with the other replies, don’t initially take the full 20 mgs.  If nothing else, at least cut it in half.  I hope you are able to get some sleep… smiles, elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello,     Went to the doctor’s and he has increased my dosage of Paxil from 20 mg to 40 mg. I did not realize there was going to be a yoyo effect from not taking amitriptilene. I am looking forward to a normal night’s sleep (for me 6 or 7 hours) whenever that will occur, I cannot say, but I am trying to optimistic. Many thanks to all for the moral support. Cheers, Mike Mike, Hope your appt goes well and do let us know how it goes… smiles, elise     Many thanks for the info. I am going to the doctor today. For reasons which I cannot relate here I am not able to take benzos. I feel so tightly wound up, that I cannot relax at all. I have become so jumpy, too. I do not dare drink any coffee, for obvious reasons. When the doctor said that it was all right to just stop taking amitriptilene, I had no idea that I would feel this badly. I have always been tightly wound up, even as a child. It was nice while I did not feel so wound up, until recently. All of this anxiety is making it impossible for me to exercise, (I usually ride a bicycle to and from work) I live in Brooklyn, and I normally ride into Manhattan every day. But, the last 5 months of all this anxiety has made it impossible. I used to ride 30 miles a day. I try to take a walk every evening, just a few miles, to help burn off my nervous energy. I will let you know how I make out at the doctors, and my thanks to those who answered my query, and to those who have had good thoughts for me. Cheers, Mike one supposed to feel like shit, a week and half after not taking Amitriptilene? yes if you abruptly stopped-it takes a week to leave your system -taking both paxil and amitriptyline together is bad medicine imo-they compete quite viruntly for specific receptor sites there are other tca ssri combos that are safer-so you now are feeling the full brunt of the paxil and the abrupt ceasation of the ami-get another doc-btw paxil is less effective in treating ibs then the sedating tca’s even though it may be the most sedating ssri and certainly the most anticholinergic it still doesn’t equate to ami your ami dose was low and buttricing it with a benzo may have provided better relief even now a benzo would do wonders LM

Response:

Hi All,     I have been taking Paxil for about a month and a half, and have a good started taking Paxil, I was taking 75mg of Amitriptilene for a number of months before I started taking Paxil. I was taking Amitriptilene for IBS, but my symptoms had gotten so bad, that the doctor put me on Paxil, and a few weeks later told me it was all right to stop taking the Amitriptilene. There was no tapering down, or anything. Last week, I started waking at night for no reason, and then the symptoms got so bad. I now have a feeling of "impending doom" and I am so fatigued, irritable, etc. Is this normal? Is one supposed to feel like shit, a week and half after not taking Amitriptilene? I would expect some minor discomfort, for a few days, and that is a maybe, but these feelings are horrible. Any ideas? Should I wait a few more days, before caling the doctor? Many thanks in advance. Cheers, Mike

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All,     I have been taking Paxil for about a month and a half, and have a good started taking Paxil, I was taking 75mg of Amitriptilene for a number of months before I started taking Paxil. I was taking Amitriptilene for IBS, but my symptoms had gotten so bad, that the doctor put me on Paxil, and a few weeks later told me it was all right to stop taking the Amitriptilene. There was no tapering down, or anything. Last week, I started waking at night for no reason, and then the symptoms got so bad. I now have a feeling of "impending doom" and I am so fatigued, irritable, etc. Is this normal? Is one supposed to feel like shit, a week and half after not taking Amitriptilene? I would expect some minor discomfort, for a few days, and that is a maybe, but these feelings are horrible. Any ideas? Should I wait a few more days, before caling the doctor? Many thanks in advance. Cheers, Mike

I’d call your doc today, and try to get some relief. Chip

Response:

one supposed to feel like shit, a week and half after not taking Amitriptilene?

yes if you abruptly stopped-it takes a week to leave your system -taking both paxil and amitriptyline together is bad medicine imo-they compete quite viruntly for specific receptor sites there are other tca ssri combos that are safer-so you now are feeling the full brunt of the paxil and the abrupt ceasation of the ami-get another doc-btw paxil is less effective in treating ibs then the sedating tca’s even though it may be the most sedating ssri and certainly the most anticholinergic it still doesn’t equate to ami your ami dose was low and buttricing it with a benzo may have provided better relief even now a benzo would do wonders LM

Response:

    Many thanks for the info. I am going to the doctor today. For reasons which I cannot relate here I am not able to take benzos. I feel so tightly wound up, that I cannot relax at all. I have become so jumpy, too. I do not dare drink any coffee, for obvious reasons. When the doctor said that it was all right to just stop taking amitriptilene, I had no idea that I would feel this badly. I have always been tightly wound up, even as a child. It was nice while I did not feel so wound up, until recently. All of this anxiety is making it impossible for me to exercise, (I usually ride a bicycle to and from work) I live in Brooklyn, and I normally ride into Manhattan every day. But, the last 5 months of all this anxiety has made it impossible. I used to ride 30 miles a day. I try to take a walk every evening, just a few miles, to help burn off my nervous energy. I will let you know how I make out at the doctors, and my thanks to those who answered my query, and to those who have had good thoughts for me. Cheers, Mike

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – one supposed to feel like shit, a week and half after not taking Amitriptilene? yes if you abruptly stopped-it takes a week to leave your system -taking both paxil and amitriptyline together is bad medicine imo-they compete quite viruntly for specific receptor sites there are other tca ssri combos that are safer-so you now are feeling the full brunt of the paxil and the abrupt ceasation of the ami-get another doc-btw paxil is less effective in treating ibs then the sedating tca’s even though it may be the most sedating ssri and certainly the most anticholinergic it still doesn’t equate to ami your ami dose was low and buttricing it with a benzo may have provided better relief even now a benzo would do wonders LM

Response:

Mike, Hope your appt goes well and do let us know how it goes… smiles, elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     Many thanks for the info. I am going to the doctor today. For reasons which I cannot relate here I am not able to take benzos. I feel so tightly wound up, that I cannot relax at all. I have become so jumpy, too. I do not dare drink any coffee, for obvious reasons. When the doctor said that it was all right to just stop taking amitriptilene, I had no idea that I would feel this badly. I have always been tightly wound up, even as a child. It was nice while I did not feel so wound up, until recently. All of this anxiety is making it impossible for me to exercise, (I usually ride a bicycle to and from work) I live in Brooklyn, and I normally ride into Manhattan every day. But, the last 5 months of all this anxiety has made it impossible. I used to ride 30 miles a day. I try to take a walk every evening, just a few miles, to help burn off my nervous energy. I will let you know how I make out at the doctors, and my thanks to those who answered my query, and to those who have had good thoughts for me. Cheers, Mike one supposed to feel like shit, a week and half after not taking Amitriptilene? yes if you abruptly stopped-it takes a week to leave your system -taking both paxil and amitriptyline together is bad medicine imo-they compete quite viruntly for specific receptor sites there are other tca ssri combos that are safer-so you now are feeling the full brunt of the paxil and the abrupt ceasation of the ami-get another doc-btw paxil is less effective in treating ibs then the sedating tca’s even though it may be the most sedating ssri and certainly the most anticholinergic it still doesn’t equate to ami your ami dose was low and buttricing it with a benzo may have provided better relief even now a benzo would do wonders LM

Response:

Hello,     Went to the doctor’s and he has increased my dosage of Paxil from 20 mg to 40 mg. I did not realize there was going to be a yoyo effect from not taking amitriptilene. I am looking forward to a normal night’s sleep (for me 6 or 7 hours) whenever that will occur, I cannot say, but I am trying to optimistic. Many thanks to all for the moral support. Cheers, Mike

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mike, Hope your appt goes well and do let us know how it goes… smiles, elise     Many thanks for the info. I am going to the doctor today. For reasons which I cannot relate here I am not able to take benzos. I feel so tightly wound up, that I cannot relax at all. I have become so jumpy, too. I do not dare drink any coffee, for obvious reasons. When the doctor said that it was all right to just stop taking amitriptilene, I had no idea that I would feel this badly. I have always been tightly wound up, even as a child. It was nice while I did not feel so wound up, until recently. All of this anxiety is making it impossible for me to exercise, (I usually ride a bicycle to and from work) I live in Brooklyn, and I normally ride into Manhattan every day. But, the last 5 months of all this anxiety has made it impossible. I used to ride 30 miles a day. I try to take a walk every evening, just a few miles, to help burn off my nervous energy. I will let you know how I make out at the doctors, and my thanks to those who answered my query, and to those who have had good thoughts for me. Cheers, Mike one supposed to feel like shit, a week and half after not taking Amitriptilene? yes if you abruptly stopped-it takes a week to leave your system -taking both paxil and amitriptyline together is bad medicine imo-they compete quite viruntly for specific receptor sites there are other tca ssri combos that are safer-so you now are feeling the full brunt of the paxil and the abrupt ceasation of the ami-get another doc-btw paxil is less effective in treating ibs then the sedating tca’s even though it may be the most sedating ssri and certainly the most anticholinergic it still doesn’t equate to ami your ami dose was low and buttricing it with a benzo may have provided better relief even now a benzo would do wonders LM

Response:

For reasons which I cannot relate here I am not able to take benzos.

Mike, you already do.  Diazepam (Valium) and other benzodiazepine type chemicals are in every mouthful of food you eat. Ian

Response:

I took Zoloft for 2 days, I had very little sleep and completely horrifying dreams when I did get to sleep. I felt really shaky and nervous as well. I thought I would be nuts in a week if I would have stayed on. It affects people very differently!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone.I’m on my 2nd dose of Zoloft,25 mgs,my first day I had extreme nausea.On the 2nd day my husband took me to the hospital.I completely zoned out.It was very scary.I plan on completing my treatment because over-coming this awful way of life is important to me.What I’m asking is,was this normal? Should I just lower my dosage?Thanks in advance. Hi Julie! I wish I could help you with the Zoloft question.  I just wanted to welcome you to a very caring group!!! Hugs, Di

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Hi everyone.I’m on my 2nd dose of Zoloft,25 mgs,my first day I had extreme nausea.On the 2nd day my husband took me to the hospital.I completely zoned out.It was very scary.I plan on completing my treatment because over-coming this awful way of life is important to me.What I’m asking is,was this normal? Should I just lower my dosage?Thanks in advance. Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

HI Julie, Call your prescribing doctor but I don’t see what it would hurt weaning on at say 12.5 for a few days then upping the dose. Sometimes the side effects are just increased anxiety over taking the med. What do you mean by Zoned out? Hope you are feeling better. Hugs Charla —

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone.I’m on my 2nd dose of Zoloft,25 mgs,my first day I had extreme nausea.On the 2nd day my husband took me to the hospital.I completely zoned out.It was very scary.I plan on completing my treatment because over-coming this awful way of life is important to me.What I’m asking is,was this normal? Should I just lower my dosage?Thanks in advance. Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

Hi everyone.I’m on my 2nd dose of Zoloft,25 mgs,my first day I had extreme nausea.On the 2nd day my husband took me to the hospital.I completely zoned out.It was very scary.I plan on completing my treatment because over-coming this awful way of life is important to me.What I’m asking is,was this normal? Should I just lower my dosage?Thanks in advance.

It’s best to start at 12.5mg with Z if you have anxiety problems.  It’s difficult to know what to say about your side effects, though.  It can cause nausea, but I’m not sure what you mean by "zoned out" though it must have been serious to go to the hospital.  Make sure you describe in detail what happened to your psychiatrist.  If you give the ng better details on the side effects you may get better advice. Best of luck to you, Matt

Response:

Thanks!It really helps to know there are people here who can relate to how I feel.Well after only 3 days my dr. took me off Zoloft.My body couldn’t handle the side-effects.I feel really disappointed because I’ve heard others have good results from this.He said we would try something different in about a week.Any ideas on something that may be better for me? Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

Thanks!It really helps to know there are people here who can relate to how I feel.Well after only 3 days my dr. took me off Zoloft.My body couldn’t handle the side-effects.I feel really disappointed because I’ve heard others have good results from this.He said we would try something different in about a week.Any ideas on something that may be better for me?

There are lots of possibilities. Another SSRI like Celexa would be a possibility. If one SSRI doesn’t work another might. It may be augmented by a benzo like (preferably IMO) Xanax. But if you try Celexa start at *5 mg* and no more. I am not totally convinced that you wouldn’t be able to benefit from Zoloft if it had been administered in the right low dose but Celexa works as well and supposedly has a lower side effect profile. There are many other possibilites: a TCA like imipramine, desipramine etc. preferably in a combo with a benzo, or newer AD’s like especially Effexor. Etc.etc. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

Hi everyone.I’m on my 2nd dose of Zoloft,25 mgs,my first day I had extreme nausea.On the 2nd day my husband took me to the hospital.I completely zoned out.It was very scary.I plan on completing my treatment because over-coming this awful way of life is important to me.What I’m asking is,was this normal? Should I just lower my dosage?Thanks in advance.

Hi Julie! I wish I could help you with the Zoloft question.  I just wanted to welcome you to a very caring group!!! Hugs, Di

Response:

You shouldn’t take Zoloft on an empty stomach.  Actually you shouldn’t take an pills (e.g. vitamins) on an empty stomach unless the pharmacist tells you to do so.

Actually since taking Z (though Z is somewhat unique in this) on a full stomach increases absorption of the med, if she wanted an even smaller effect than 12.5 mg would give her she could try it on an empty stomach. Matt

Response:

In the UK, my doctor said that there is no dosage less than 50mg. And so I had bad stuff hapening to me. Which included nausea, I assume you were not sick tho. I would have carried on but I had to work and so I stopped after two days, the side effects are ment to go away.

In the US we have scored 25mg tablets.  You could get a pill cutter which would would take the 50mg, if scored, down to 12.5mg.  (But I suppose this is a little after the fact.) Matt

Response:

After what I experienced I would be terrified to take 50mgs! I’m hoping to do better on a low dosage. Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

In the UK, my doctor said that there is no dosage less than 50mg. And so I had bad stuff hapening to me. Which included nausea, I assume you were not sick tho. I would have carried on but I had to work and so I stopped after two days, the side effects are ment to go away. — If I could start again. A million milles away I would keep myself. I would find a way. It’s a damn mad world. And It will get madder before it ends. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone.I’m on my 2nd dose of Zoloft,25 mgs,my first day I had extreme nausea.On the 2nd day my husband took me to the hospital.I completely zoned out.It was very scary.I plan on completing my treatment because over-coming this awful way of life is important to me.What I’m asking is,was this normal? Should I just lower my dosage?Thanks in advance. Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

Thanks everyone for the advice.This was really a scary reaction I had.It’s hard to explain what happened.I’m seeing my dr. tomorrow.The hospital gave me benadryl for the reaction,it helped.I’m thinking maybe I started at too high a dose,my body wasn’t ready.I intend to continue my treatment.I will be 40 this month,it seems like I’ve lived most of my life in fear. Maybe with the help of my dr. and people who understand what this is like,I will find a successful treatment.Thanks All! Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

Hi everyone.I’m on my 2nd dose of Zoloft,25 mgs,my first day I had extreme nausea.On the 2nd day my husband took me to the hospital.I completely zoned out.It was very scary.I plan on completing my treatment because over-coming this awful way of life is important to me.What I’m asking is,was this normal? Should I just lower my dosage?Thanks in advance.

Nausea and feeling zoned out are common initial side effects of Zoloft but it seems you had a really bad reaction. It is advisable IMO to start Zoloft at 12,5 mgs, stay there for a week and then raise the dose in increments of 12,5 mgs every week or at whatever pace is comfortable for you. *Starting low & going slow* will minimize the initial side effects. Moreover this could be helped by taking a benzo like Xanax on the side *as needed*, at least during the time you are weaning on Zoloft. You should give Zoloft a 6-8 week trial to be able to properly assess its effect but it’s likely that you will feel better much earlier. What does your doctor say? Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

Julie, Sorry I can’t help you with the zoloft question because I don’t take that, but just wanted to say I hope everything goes well for you and you can get back to a more normal life. smiles, elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone.I’m on my 2nd dose of Zoloft,25 mgs,my first day I had extreme nausea.On the 2nd day my husband took me to the hospital.I completely zoned out.It was very scary.I plan on completing my treatment because over-coming this awful way of life is important to me.What I’m asking is,was this normal? Should I just lower my dosage?Thanks in advance. Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

I don’t know where you live but do you think that it ia normal, to give somebody shock treatment for anxiety and panic??

NO! It is something like a last resort for depression but there is no evidence AFAIK that it works for PAD. No ECT! I don’t think so, maybe for people who  have only depression. but that I am depri is because of the fakt that I have try’d now so many med; and the only one who helpt me was Remeron. But the side effect where so bad that I had to stop.

But we know now that those side effects were from the fillers. You found that out yourself! And soon Remeron will be available in loquid form and your troubles may be over…. they may be over earlier when the Dutonin (Serzone) will start to work…. I am optimistic…. love Diana.

Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is it normal that I feel very depri? When I was in Ireland I had not a very good time, I had than for med; selexa and clonazepam. I felt very depri. Now I am back for 14 days and I have other med; Dutonin( serzone) but I feel more and more depri. I know the new med need it’s time. But this is something that  is for me well known. I had this feeling before and it’s make’s me afraid, not for myself because I wish that I had the opportunitie to……. But for not my family. I am so tired from al this, every 8 weeks other med; sometimes less than 4 weeks. because I have sometimes very bad side effects, and than I have to stop. this is now going on for 18 mounths and I am fed up with all this. I don’t want no more, I had it. Before I went to Ireland I brought all the pills that I had safe’t to my gp. That was not a very good idea from me, so I start over again. the first I have already, I don’t know anymore for this moment what to do.everything that I try is going wrong. WHY, I feel my self worthless that I can get myself under control. Love Diana. Please no answer on my pc. {{{Diana}}} You are *not* worthless. You just feel that way because you are depressed. It is a symptom of depression. Give the Serzone some more time to work. If no med is able to help your depression, there is shock treatment as a last resort. Love, Chip Before you buy.

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Dear Diana, Yes I would say it is very normal to feel depressed and frustrated after 18 months of trying so many different drugs and sometimes feeling worse. This can be a very long road. I am doing the same thing but thankful when the good days DO come, and they will! Sorry you are having such a hard time. I am just sticking with the Klonopin and no more antidepressants. None of them helped me – too many side effects – and life is OK most of the time. I hope the Serzone starts to help you soon. Is it giving you side effects?? Love,

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Is it normal that I feel very depri? When I was in Ireland I had not a very good time, I had than for med; selexa and clonazepam. I felt very depri. Now I am back for 14 days and I have other med; Dutonin( serzone) but I feel more and more depri. I know the new med need it’s time. But this is something that  is for me well known. I had this feeling before and it’s make’s me afraid, not for myself because I wish that I had the opportunitie to……. But for not my family. I am so tired from al this, every 8 weeks other med; sometimes less than 4 weeks. because I have sometimes very bad side effects, and than I have to stop. this is now going on for 18 mounths and I am fed up with all this. I don’t want no more, I had it. Before I went to Ireland I brought all the pills that I had safe’t to my gp. That was not a very good idea from me, so I start over again. the first I have already, I don’t know anymore for this moment what to do.everything that I try is going wrong. WHY, I feel my self worthless that I can get myself under control. Love Diana. Please no answer on my pc.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is it normal that I feel very depri? When I was in Ireland I had not a very good time, I had than for med; selexa and clonazepam. I felt very depri. Now I am back for 14 days and I have other med; Dutonin( serzone) but I feel more and more depri. I know the new med need it’s time. But this is something that  is for me well known. I had this feeling before and it’s make’s me afraid, not for myself because I wish that I had the opportunitie to……. But for not my family. I am so tired from al this, every 8 weeks other med; sometimes less than 4 weeks. because I have sometimes very bad side effects, and than I have to stop. this is now going on for 18 mounths and I am fed up with all this. I don’t want no more, I had it. Before I went to Ireland I brought all the pills that I had safe’t to my gp. That was not a very good idea from me, so I start over again. the first I have already, I don’t know anymore for this moment what to do.everything that I try is going wrong. WHY, I feel my self worthless that I can get myself under control. Love Diana. Please no answer on my pc.

{{{Diana}}} You are *not* worthless. You just feel that way because you are depressed. It is a symptom of depression. Give the Serzone some more time to work. If no med is able to help your depression, there is shock treatment as a last resort. Love, Chip Before you buy.

Response:

I don’t know where you live but do you think that it ia normal, to give somebody shock treatment for anxiety and panic?? I don’t think so, maybe for people who  have only depression. but that I am depri is because of the fakt that I have try’d now so many med; and the only one who helpt me was Remeron. But the side effect where so bad that I had to stop. love Diana. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is it normal that I feel very depri? When I was in Ireland I had not a very good time, I had than for med; selexa and clonazepam. I felt very depri. Now I am back for 14 days and I have other med; Dutonin( serzone) but I feel more and more depri. I know the new med need it’s time. But this is something that  is for me well known. I had this feeling before and it’s make’s me afraid, not for myself because I wish that I had the opportunitie to……. But for not my family. I am so tired from al this, every 8 weeks other med; sometimes less than 4 weeks. because I have sometimes very bad side effects, and than I have to stop. this is now going on for 18 mounths and I am fed up with all this. I don’t want no more, I had it. Before I went to Ireland I brought all the pills that I had safe’t to my gp. That was not a very good idea from me, so I start over again. the first I have already, I don’t know anymore for this moment what to do.everything that I try is going wrong. WHY, I feel my self worthless that I can get myself under control. Love Diana. Please no answer on my pc. {{{Diana}}} You are *not* worthless. You just feel that way because you are depressed. It is a symptom of depression. Give the Serzone some more time to work. If no med is able to help your depression, there is shock treatment as a last resort. Love, Chip Before you buy.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is it normal that I feel very depri? When I was in Ireland I had not a very good time, I had than for med; selexa and clonazepam. I felt very depri. Now I am back for 14 days and I have other med; Dutonin( serzone) but I feel more and more depri. I know the new med need it’s time. But this is something that  is for me well known. I had this feeling before and it’s make’s me afraid, not for myself because I wish that I had the opportunitie to……. But for not my family. I am so tired from al this, every 8 weeks other med; sometimes less than 4 weeks. because I have sometimes very bad side effects, and than I have to stop. this is now going on for 18 mounths and I am fed up with all this. I don’t want no more, I had it. Before I went to Ireland I brought all the pills that I had safe’t to my gp. That was not a very good idea from me, so I start over again. the first I have already, I don’t know anymore for this moment what to do.everything that I try is going wrong. WHY, I feel my self worthless that I can get myself under control. Love Diana. Please no answer on my pc.

Hi Diana! I feel so bad for you!  You are depressed and I’ve been depressed lately.  Just in the last day or two I’ve been feeling a little better.  The doc raised the Desipramine over the weekend and it made me more depressed.  I’m not taking the extra anymore and I feel better.  Please keep calling your doctor to see what else he can do and hang in there.  It has to get better for you and I believe it will!   {{{{{{{Diana}}}}}}} Diane

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <major snippage I’ve been in constant pain for months and they’ve run more tests than I wanted them to, cat scans and ultrasounds in addition to blood tests. They tell me that pain can be from being BP. Are you saying not? brownee Brownee, I’ve had chronic back pain since a teenager, some…er…30 years ago. I even had an operation on a couple of disks back in ‘84, but was still in a lot of pain and used a cane to get around, had a handicapped plate, the whole bit.  When I started on my first antidepressant, I became pain free within three months.  That was 5+ years ago, and I don’t even remember where my cane is now.  So in my case, the pain was certainly related at least to the depressive side of bipolar;  but since I’ve been hypomanic nearly all my life, I’d vote that it’s the BP making me feel the pain.

That makes me think — an occasionally meritorious thing to do IMO — if not carried to excess of course. I wonder if BP-heightened sensitivities could somehow magnify small "normal" aches and pains into what becomes excruciating sensations for us??? It’s like the pain signals are being processed through a mental amplifier before impacting upon the portions of our brains that register pain. Hummm …. So it is all in my head after all. <G Brian

James

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hey mc, same here. recently increased zoloft and all achey all over. also last summer while manic and on no meds i was in terrible pain that i couldn’t explain–neck, back, joints, bones, feet—even my hair hurt. must be that hypersensitivity or maybe the psychic pain manifesting as physical.     best, lny

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Hi Brownee–I have major aches and pains, too. I’ve blamed it on fibromyalgia–or something– for quite some time…… Just read tonight that one of the more obscure side effects of Zoloft ( and the other SSRI’s, I assume ) is major joint aches…..Interesting, since I’ve been alot worse lately and have also recently upped my dose of Z. You might also do a search on Substance P. It’s a neurotransmitter that is related to pain transmission and they’ve also found it to have marvelous AD effects…..They’re making it sound like it’s gonna be the next generation of successful ADs…..and pain relievers.   mc

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <major snippage I’ve been in constant pain for months and they’ve run more tests than I wanted them to, cat scans and ultrasounds in addition to blood tests. They tell me that pain can be from being BP. Are you saying not? brownee Brownee, I’ve had chronic back pain since a teenager, some…er…30 years ago. I even had an operation on a couple of disks back in ‘84, but was still in a lot of pain and used a cane to get around, had a handicapped plate, the whole bit.  When I started on my first antidepressant, I became pain free within three months.  That was 5+ years ago, and I don’t even remember where my cane is now.  So in my case, the pain was certainly related at least to the depressive side of bipolar;  but since I’ve been hypomanic nearly all my life, I’d vote that it’s the BP making me feel the pain.

Hey, thanks for giving me some hope that there will be some relief to this pain. I have a lot of joint pain which they insist is not arthritis and sometimes move so stiffly and awkwardly that I scare the cats. I was not looking forward to that for the rest of my life. That makes me think — an occasionally meritorious thing to do IMO — if not carried to excess of course. I wonder if BP-heightened sensitivities could somehow magnify small "normal" aches and pains into what becomes excruciating sensations for us??? It’s like the pain signals are being processed through a mental amplifier before impacting upon the portions of our brains that register pain. Hummm …. So it is all in my head after all. <G Brian James

That’s kind of what I was thinking throughout the "intrusions" thread. Maybe it’s all the same thing. Maybe we’re just so hypersensitive to everything. On the other hand, when I had surgery to relieve pain, the doctors felt that, based on my behavior, I could wait until the next non-emergency surgery, 2 weeks away. When I woke up, the doctor was there apologizing for making me wait those 2 weeks — what he’d found inside would have made him schedule immediate surgery if he’d known. Maybe we learn to "maintain" in front of the "normals"? Well, speaking of intrusions, today was a nice rainy day in the NW and I didn’t have to leave the house today or even do too much around the house and got to enjoy the peaceful sound of rain on the skylight. No kids shrieking, no bass thrumming, no basketballs thwumping. no dogs barking. Just rain. It was wonderful. brownee

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Question:

Hi Mark,   I am a third year pharmacy student at the University of Illinois.  I read your letter last week about Zoloft side effects, and would like to respond to it.  I don’t know when you started taking Zoloft but what you should know is that in order for the medication to work you have to take it for at leat 3-4 weeks.  Usually physicians will give you another medication to take concurrently with Zoloft to cover you until it will start working. Klonopin is sometimes used for this purpose.  I looked up some links for you, so you could get some extra information about both meds.  If you have some time, look at: http://www.fairlite.com/ocd/medications/zoloft.shtml This link has a list of all side effects of zoloft that were ever reported.  I checked the list and 2.6% of population experience anxiety.  (the entire article is kind of long so please scroll down).  Some other nice links about your medications are: http://www.begin.com/redoak/medications/klonopin.html http://www.pfizer.com/hml/pi’s/zoloftpi.html  Before you stop Zoloft – inform you physician.  Recently, there were many reports about Zoloft withdrawal syndrome.  This means you cannot just stop, you have to decrease the doses day by day, and then stop.  There is a link that explains it: http://www.pharminfo.com/pin_hp.html  I hope the information I suggested will be helpful to you, but I cannot make any guarantees as to its accuracy, completeness, usefulness, or relevance to your particular situation.  There is no substitute for having an ongoing, two-way dialogue with a licensed health professional whom you know and trust. Good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am using Zoloft and feel anxiety and confusion with my other medication Klonopin. Can you help me? I am concerned this is not normal and I dont know what to expect. I am much better but I just don

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The feedback here is that it works for some people, doesn’t work for a lot of others. As I understand it, Meridia is not at all chemically similar to phen/fen and does not work on the system in a similar manner — the only similarity is that it is prescribed for the same condition, obesity. As for so-called "dangerous side effects," that should be "the suspicion that there might be dangerous side effects," not so far proven in any of the studies, but still generating enormous lawsuits. What there are already lawsuits going after Meridia, too? Tell me you’re kidding, please…

When the ambulance chasers salivating with greed invaded this newsgroup right after the recall, they were looking for people to join class actions for either of the two drugs. Inasmuch as I know someone who joined such a suit "just in case" — even though she had experienced no harm from the phen/fen — I can only assume that they got some Redux users, as well. I don’t know that any suits have been filed, but I know they were trying to get them started. — Truly Donovan reply to truly at lunemere dot com

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The feedback here is that it works for some people, doesn’t work for a lot of others. As I understand it, Meridia is not at all chemically similar to phen/fen and does not work on the system in a similar manner — the only similarity is that it is prescribed for the same condition, obesity. As for so-called "dangerous side effects," that should be "the suspicion that there might be dangerous side effects," not so far proven in any of the studies, but still generating enormous lawsuits. What there are already lawsuits going after Meridia, too? Tell me you’re kidding, please… When the ambulance chasers salivating with greed invaded this newsgroup right after the recall, they were looking for people to join class actions for either of the two drugs. Inasmuch as I know someone who joined such a suit "just in case" — even though she had experienced no harm from the phen/fen — I can only assume that they got some Redux users, as well. I don’t know that any suits have been filed, but I know they were trying to get them started.

Oh, so when you were talking about "dangerous side effects" and "enormous lawsuits" above you were talking about fen/Redux, and not Meridia, right? That wasn’t clear to me. As far as I know, the statute of limitations for filing class action suits on behalf of fen/phen "victims" has expired and I know of none that have been filed on time. As to invididual suits, none of them came out in favor of the so-called "victim". To email me, remove the X

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My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.  It is similar to Phen-Fen but without the dangerous side effects.  It works at stabilizing metabolism and reducing hunger.  His current users lose an average of 4 to 10 lbs. per month depending on if they exercise and diet in addtion to the pills.

I was on it for 6 weeks.  Didn’t work worth a damn–in fact, I think I gained a few pounds. My doctor switched me to phentermine, and I’ve been losing approx 10 pounds/month–35 now since May 1. — Steve Dyer

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My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.

My doctor put me on Meridia 4 weeks ago and so far so good!  I’ve lost 15 pounds and found that I feel full without a lot of cravings.  I’m also on  1000 calorie diet and trying to exercise on my treadmill 3-4 times a week.   I’ve been on 10mg but I’ve been feeling hungry and cravings the last few days so they’ve upped my prescription to 15mg which I’ll fill tomorrow. My major side effect was dry mouth, which has abated somewhat.  I had a killer headache on the second day but none since.  My blood pressure and heart rate are monitored regularly and haven’t shown any change, but I have always had low blood pressure so I wasn’t too worried about that possibility.  I was never on Fen/Phen so I can’t compare Meridia to it.  It is definitely nice to feel full without overeating for a change!! Kim 245/230/135 ComputerSmiths Consulting, Inc.                www.compusmiths.com   — Crafting Solutions for Computers

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If you give Meridia a try, I recommend having a complete physical before starting and then monitoring your blood pressure and heart rate carefully – perhaps even daily at first! While individual responses vary, mine was not so good. It suppressed my appetite to almost zero (positive!) but heart rate and blood pressure went up a lot. I felt great for the first two days. Then on day three of taking the medication I became so nauseous and light-headed I almost passed out at work and required medical attention. I was taking the recommended starting dose of 10 mg/day. It took three days for my heart rate to return to normal. The effect on my appetite was so dramatic that I am considering trying again at 5 mg dosage or taking 10 mg only every other day or two. — Katie– I never believe anything until it’s been officially denied. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.  It is similar to Phen-Fen but without the dangerous side effects.  It works at stabilizing metabolism and reducing hunger.  His current users lose an average of 4 to 10 lbs. per month depending on if they exercise and diet in addtion to the pills.

Response:

My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.  It is similar to Phen-Fen but without the dangerous side effects.  It works at stabilizing metabolism and reducing hunger.  His current users lose an average of 4 to 10 lbs. per month depending on if they exercise and diet in addtion to the pills.

The feedback here is that it works for some people, doesn’t work for a lot of others. As I understand it, Meridia is not at all chemically similar to phen/fen and does not work on the system in a similar manner — the only similarity is that it is prescribed for the same condition, obesity. As for so-called "dangerous side effects," that should be "the suspicion that there might be dangerous side effects," not so far proven in any of the studies, but still generating enormous lawsuits. — Truly Donovan reply to truly at lunemere dot com

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The feedback here is that it works for some people, doesn’t work for a lot of others. As I understand it, Meridia is not at all chemically similar to phen/fen and does not work on the system in a similar manner — the only similarity is that it is prescribed for the same condition, obesity. As for so-called "dangerous side effects," that should be "the suspicion that there might be dangerous side effects," not so far proven in any of the studies, but still generating enormous lawsuits.

What there are already lawsuits going after Meridia, too? Tell me you’re kidding, please…

Response:

My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.  It is similar to Phen-Fen but without the dangerous side effects.  It works at stabilizing metabolism and reducing hunger.  His current users lose an average of 4 to 10 lbs. per month depending on if they exercise and diet in addtion to the pills.

I just went off Meridia after two non-effective months.  I had killer PMS while on it too– carbo/salt cravings you wouldn’t believe. My dr attributes this to the weight I already lost– says that my hormones are just working much better now. Well gee thanks hormones. I’ve gained back 7 since they took away the Fen…. and somedays I feel like I’m tottering on the edge of gaining it all back – M.

Response:

My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.  It is similar to Phen-Fen but without the dangerous side effects.  It works at stabilizing metabolism and reducing hunger.  His current users lose an average of 4 to 10 lbs. per month depending on if they exercise and diet in addtion to the pills.

Response:

  As I understand it, Meridia is not at all chemically similar to   phen/fen and does not work on the system in a similar manner Meridia (sibutramine) is a chemically a phenethylamine, just like Dexedrine, phentermine, fenfluramine, and Redux.  Pharmacologically, it does not work the same way as those drugs; it’s mechanism is almost identical to that of the antidepressant drug Effexor (venlafaxine).  Effexor is useless for weight loss (except as an unwanted side effect in a small number of people) and so is Meridia.

Response:

  My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.  It is similar to   Phen-Fen but without the dangerous side effects. There’s one other difference between Meridia and phen/fen: phen/fen worked, and Meridia doesn’t. Meridia wins on one count, however: it’s more expensive than phen/fen was. I predict that Meridia will be gone within a year, not because of some terrible side effect that’s discovered, but because it simply won’t sell. It doesn’t work any better than placebo.

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Meridia (sibutramine) is a chemically a phenethylamine, just like Dexedrine, phentermine, fenfluramine, and Redux.  Pharmacologically, it does not work the same way as those drugs; it’s mechanism is almost identical to that of the antidepressant drug Effexor (venlafaxine).  Effexor is useless for weight loss (except as an unwanted side effect in a small number of people) and so is Meridia.

Although I experienced a minor decrease in appetite while taking prozac, from what I understand more people gain weight on it than actually lose weight.  Do you know whether Effexor has the same reputation for causing weight gain?  If not, perhaps it would be worth a try to see if I’m one of that small number who loses. AB

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I’ve never heard of weight gain with Effexor.  A certain percentage of people experience weight loss with it, but the weight loss isn’t very significant.  I’ve been wondering lately whether Effexor combined with phentermine might be useful.  You could end up with overstimulation, at least theoretically, but it seems like they would potentiate one another. A few years ago, Lilly was going to try to get Prozac indicated for obesity. It does seem to suppress appetite in some people, but the effect is inconsistent, and even when it works, it’s not very dramatic. The world is still waiting for a really effective pharmacotherapy for obesity.  Phen/fen really seemed to have been it for a certain number of people, but I wasn’t one of them. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Meridia (sibutramine) is a chemically a phenethylamine, just like Dexedrine, phentermine, fenfluramine, and Redux.  Pharmacologically, it does not work the same way as those drugs; it’s mechanism is almost identical to that of the antidepressant drug Effexor (venlafaxine).  Effexor is useless for weight loss (except as an unwanted side effect in a small number of people) and so is Meridia. Although I experienced a minor decrease in appetite while taking prozac, from what I understand more people gain weight on it than actually lose weight.  Do you know whether Effexor has the same reputation for causing weight gain?  If not, perhaps it would be worth a try to see if I’m one of that small number who loses. AB

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:   I’ve just begun doing web searches for info on Effexor.  Having found :   anything addressing the combination of the Effexor and Phen yet.  Anyone :   have any info/ideas? : I haven’t found anything anywhere specifically addressing the combination. : A good place to look for information on stuff like this is MedLine, which : you can get to at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/ Okay, thanks. : The chemical name of Effexor is venlafaxine (MedLine refers to drugs by : their chemical names). : I’ve been searching for information on the combination of venlafaxine and : phentermine lately.  If I find anything, I’ll be sure to post it. : One possible concern about this combo would definitely be blood pressure. : Effexor, like Meridia (they’re very similar drugs) can cause a sustained : increase in blood pressure.  Phentermine can increase blood pressure too, : and should be used with caution where there’s already high blood pressure. : Of course, obesity has its own health risks, and on the balance, the risks : of the drug-induced hypertension may be offset by the benefits of weight : loss.  At least, this was the argument that Knoll (makers of Meridia) made : to get their product on the market. Yes, I’m a little worried about this doctor’s attention to health-related side effects – I realized after I left his office that he hadn’t even taken my blood pressure!  I’ve been having my blood pressure read every month or so throughout all med changes (phen/fen, phen/pro, etc.), and it’s always been around 110/70, so I’m not terribly worried, but obviously I’m going to have to be the one staying on top of what side effects to be worried about. It’s hard finding a doc who is informed about the brain/body aspects of obesity, knows the meds, the possible side effects, is open-minded (doesn’t prescribe diet/exercise exclusively), knows how to listen, and is a good overall doctor…  I just recently got med insurance after doing without (stupid, I know; I kept _meaning_ to get an individual plan, but the cost was offputting) for almost 2 years.  So I’m shopping. Julie

Response:

My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.  It is similar to Phen-Fen but without the dangerous side effects. There’s one other difference between Meridia and phen/fen: phen/fen worked, and Meridia doesn’t. Meridia wins on one count, however: it’s more expensive than phen/fen was. I predict that Meridia will be gone within a year, not because of some terrible side effect that’s discovered, but because it simply won’t sell. It doesn’t work any better than placebo.

Placebos work for some people; so does Meridia. If it has to be expensive to have that effect, so be it. — Truly Donovan reply to truly at lunemere dot com

Response:

  I’ve just begun doing web searches for info on Effexor.  Having found   anything addressing the combination of the Effexor and Phen yet.  Anyone   have any info/ideas? I haven’t found anything anywhere specifically addressing the combination. A good place to look for information on stuff like this is MedLine, which you can get to at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/ The chemical name of Effexor is venlafaxine (MedLine refers to drugs by their chemical names). I’ve been searching for information on the combination of venlafaxine and phentermine lately.  If I find anything, I’ll be sure to post it. One possible concern about this combo would definitely be blood pressure. Effexor, like Meridia (they’re very similar drugs) can cause a sustained increase in blood pressure.  Phentermine can increase blood pressure too, and should be used with caution where there’s already high blood pressure. Of course, obesity has its own health risks, and on the balance, the risks of the drug-induced hypertension may be offset by the benefits of weight loss.  At least, this was the argument that Knoll (makers of Meridia) made to get their product on the market.

Response:

: I’ve never heard of weight gain with Effexor.  A certain percentage of : people experience weight loss with it, but the weight loss isn’t very : significant.  I’ve been wondering lately whether Effexor combined with : phentermine might be useful.  You could end up with overstimulation, at : least theoretically, but it seems like they would potentiate one another. Funny you should mention this.  Just yesterday I saw a new doctor, who seems to be developing a subspecialty in treating weight.  I told him my history – success with phen/fen, no success with Meridia or phen/pro or phen/wellbutrin, maintaining with difficulty on phen and 5-HTP.  He said that the only combo he’s been having success with has been phentermine and Effexor, so I’m starting that today.  Currently 30 mgs phentermine, 37.5 Effexor.   I’ve just begun doing web searches for info on Effexor.  Having found anything addressing the combination of the Effexor and Phen yet.  Anyone have any info/ideas? Julie

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I have been getting killer headaches when I take 15 mg, but not when I take 10 mg.  It’s happening consistantly enough that I think it’s related to the dosage.  Otherwise, I’ve been really happy with it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia. My doctor put me on Meridia 4 weeks ago and so far so good!  I’ve lost 15 pounds and found that I feel full without a lot of cravings.  I’m also on  1000 calorie diet and trying to exercise on my treadmill 3-4 times a week.   I’ve been on 10mg but I’ve been feeling hungry and cravings the last few days so they’ve upped my prescription to 15mg which I’ll fill tomorrow. My major side effect was dry mouth, which has abated somewhat.  I had a killer headache on the second day but none since.  My blood pressure and heart rate are monitored regularly and haven’t shown any change, but I have always had low blood pressure so I wasn’t too worried about that possibility.  I was never on Fen/Phen so I can’t compare Meridia to it.  It is definitely nice to feel full without overeating for a change!! Kim 245/230/135 ComputerSmiths Consulting, Inc.                www.compusmiths.com   — Crafting Solutions for Computers

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Do you know whether Effexor has the same reputation for causing weight gain?  If not, perhaps it would be worth a try to see if I’m one of that small number who loses. AB

I gained weiht on both drugs, not as much on Prozac, but quite a bit on Effexor, say 20 pounds over a 6 month period. JaneG

Response:

My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.  It is similar to Phen-Fen but without the dangerous side effects.  It works at stabilizing metabolism and reducing hunger.  His current users lose an average of 4 to 10 lbs. per month depending on if they exercise and diet in addtion to the pills.

If they exercise and diet WITHOUT the pills they’ll lose 4 lbs a month.  It doesn’t sound like it’s worth it.

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Question:

Rabbitt, how do you know you’re in the placebo group?  Were you told or is this based upon the fact that it’s not working for you?  Just curious since it’s not good science to tell people which group they’re in.  It biases the results.   In response to your question, Prozac is the only one I’ve tried.  I got lucky my first time out finding an AD that worked.  I hope the research drug works for you! Nancy S+13 Depression Guide, The Mining Company http://depression.miningco.com/

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Hey howdy, I was wondering if some kind people could tell me their experiences with Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac.  Is one better than the other?  Why?  Are there any side effects?  How quickly do they work? I’m asking because I’m involved in a depression study and I’m taking a research antidepressant.  It appears that I’m in the placebo control group and I’m not feeling any better.  After the study has ended (in about 4 weeks), I’m going to be given the real stuff free of charge for about 3 or 4 months and those are my choices. Any help would be appreciated! Rabbitt

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I tried Prozac first. Had a terrible reaction. Became very anxious, and somewhat manic, and couldn’t sleep. Then Zoloft. Liked it, but for reasons I won’t go into (insurance etc.) switched to Paxil. I hate Paxil. I feel like a friggin’ zombie. Tired ALL THE TIME! Short term memory lapse. Emptiness. I’m hoping to switch back to Zoloft now that my insurance is set. I really felt better with it. Accomplished stuff. Had energy, but not too much. Felt a little less hopeless. Of course, everyone is different, as I’m sure you know. I have anxiety as well as depression, complicated by Benign Essential Tremor. Best of luck. — trevor "ratgirl" pratt "Nobody told me there’d be days like these." John Lennon

|Hey howdy, |

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