Question:

Get to your doctor and get started on any number of presriptions by Dec/Jan if your allergies flare up in Feb/Mar. I’ve had similar issues without outdoor exercise,

Whoops. Read: "I’ve had similar issues with outdoor exercise,…" — Shalom, Peace, Salaam George Grattan

Response:

I had similar problems, especially when I lived in the midwest.  It got so bad that I couldn’t run more than a quarter mile before I had the equivalent of an Asthma attack.  OTC medicine like Clor-Trimeton worked pretty well for me.  When that didn’t do the trick, I stepped up to Claritin. Recently, I was training for the Ironman, and had similar issues develop. The doctor presribed Flovent (very expensive, very effective). I’d be careful about taking prednisone, though.  The stuff effects different people different ways.  I had a serious battle with Poison oak about 6 months ago, where that was prescribed.  Though I didn’t think this was possible, I averaged 3 hours of sleep a night for three weeks. The stuff had me amped like I’d never been amped before.  I recall doing 8 mile runs at 3 in the morning, slightly above what is usually my lactate threshold, and not even being tired afterward.  It is a banned substance for racing, however, so if you want to feel a drug-free sense of accomplishment, I’d steer clear. Zac

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi. Started training for my first marathon in May. Slated to run it in January. Am really starting to get into it. I’m dreading one thing, though. I have all intentions of continuing to run year round, but in Feb/Mar, I always come down with the crummiest allergic reaction to oak pollen, which is everywhere in my home of Central Florida during spring. It’s not so much the normal itchy and runny nose and eyes I’m worried about; it’s more the chest-cold-type symptoms I get when I’m breathing hard for extended periods during that time. Any advice? I’d hate to have to do the treadmill thing for a month or six weeks. Thanks.

Response:

Hi. Started training for my first marathon in May. Slated to run it in January. Am really starting to get into it. I’m dreading one thing, though. I have all intentions of continuing to run year round, but in Feb/Mar, I always come down with the crummiest allergic reaction to oak pollen, which is everywhere in my home of Central Florida during spring. It’s not so much the normal itchy and runny nose and eyes I’m worried about; it’s more the chest-cold-type symptoms I get when I’m breathing hard for extended periods during that time. Any advice? I’d hate to have to do the treadmill thing for a month or six weeks. Thanks.

Get to your doctor and get started on any number of presriptions by Dec/Jan if your allergies flare up in Feb/Mar. I’ve had similar issues without outdoor exercise, and have finally gotten them under control by a combined regimen of nasal inhalers (Rhinocort), mouth inhalers (Flovent) and, as needed, something like Allegra. You can absolutely diminish or avoid these symptoms altogether, but you’ve got to start taking the stuff early on to let it build up and do its work. There are, of course, some reasons to be concerned about long-term inhaled steroid use, but you should talk these through with your doctor. Good luck! — Shalom, Peace, Salaam George Grattan

Response:

it’s more the chest-cold-type symptoms I get when I’m breathing hard for extended periods during that time. Any advice?

Been there, done that.  My doctor gives me prescriptions for:  (1) an Albuterol inhaler; and (2) Prednisone tablets.  Also, sometimes Guaifenesin, either presecription as "Guaifenesin LA" or non-prescription as Robitussin (NOT "DM").  I must warn you, though, that you will lose weight with the Albuterol inhaler, as it ups your heart rate and gives your hands a sometimes irritating tremor. these 3 things will prevent a respiratory fluid build-up by helping you cough it out as it develops.  Good luck.  You CAN run through this; I do.  Remember that coughing is your friend, not your enemy, when you have this condition. –KLM

Response:

Hi. Started training for my first marathon in May. Slated to run it in January. Am really starting to get into it. I’m dreading one thing, though. I have all intentions of continuing to run year round, but in Feb/Mar, I always come down with the crummiest allergic reaction to oak pollen, which is everywhere in my home of Central Florida during spring. It’s not so much the normal itchy and runny nose and eyes I’m worried about; it’s more the chest-cold-type symptoms I get when I’m breathing hard for extended periods during that time. Any advice? I’d hate to have to do the treadmill thing for a month or six weeks. Thanks.

Response:

Question:

I stopped taking my asthma medications altogether 2 weeks ago, the reason being is because I would simply just forget to take my inhalers, I know it wa a foolish thing to do but i didnt want to go through the same terrible side effects all over again. But since I stopped taking them, Ive felt very jittery like my heart is racing, and I have pain in my chest which wakes me up at night. Not only that but I wake up sometimes with slight bruising that seems to fade away as soon as I start moving my limbs. If I cut myself or bump my leg, I will bruise very easily. Iwant to take my medicine but Im scared of the side effects, is it possible that IF you stop taking your medicine very abruptly, you can get a chest infection or get sick?? I whole heartedly appreciate your responses. Im trying to find a new doctor also because I one I have isnt a nice person. CORAL

Response:

Hi Sue, I was taking Serevent and Flovent two puffs each twice daily, I just  came from the Emergency room and the doctors checked me out. I had a physical and had my heart monitored. The doctor on call said that my heart palps were under 100 which is good and I seem to be in relatively good health, I wasnt weazing or having an attack. He also said that my type of asthma is not severe enough to be put on a permanent flovent/serevent regimend. Which is probably why I am feeling jittery along with the pain. His motto is if its not broke dont fix it and I whole heartedly agree with him. I dont have attacks unless Im exposed to something Im allergic to like dander or peanuts.  I was finally happy to know that it was the medicine that was causing these feelings. And Now Im just going to carry the proventil with me on an as need basis. And FIND A NEW DOCTOR. CORAL

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I stopped taking my asthma medications altogether 2 weeks ago, the reason being is because I would simply just forget to take my inhalers, I know it wa a foolish thing to do but i didnt want to go through the same terrible side effects all over again. But since I stopped taking them, Ive felt very jittery like my heart is racing, and I have pain in my chest which wakes me up at night. Not only that but I wake up sometimes with slight bruising that seems to fade away as soon as I start moving my limbs. If I cut myself or bump my leg, I will bruise very easily. Iwant to take my medicine but Im scared of the side effects, is it possible that IF you stop taking your medicine very abruptly, you can get a chest infection or get sick?? I whole heartedly appreciate your responses. Im trying to find a new doctor also because I one I have isnt a nice person. CORAL

 What medications were you taking?  Was one of them an oral steroid? Your symptoms are not good, you need to be checked out ASAP by a doctor. Sue Official Secretary of OSGSL Dogs think they’re human Cats think they’re God

Response:

Hi Sue, I was taking Serevent and Flovent two puffs each twice daily, I just  came from the Emergency room and the doctors checked me out. I had a physical and had my heart monitored. The doctor on call said that my heart palps were under 100 which is good and I seem to be in relatively good health, I wasnt weazing or having an attack. He also said that my type of asthma is not severe enough to be put on a permanent flovent/serevent regimend. Which is probably why I am feeling jittery along with the pain. His motto is if its not broke dont fix it and I whole heartedly agree with him. I dont have attacks unless Im exposed to something Im allergic to like dander or peanuts.  I was finally happy to know that it was the medicine that was causing these feelings. And Now Im just going to carry the proventil with me on an as need basis. And FIND A NEW DOCTOR.

Did they do a pulmonary function test?  IMHO, they can’t determine how serious your asthma is without it.  Make sure you keep the proventil with you at all times and use it the second you feel tight.  And DO see a good doctor.  Ask around, someone should be able to recommend one.  If you don’t like that doctor, don’t be afraid to change.  I had two different family doctors before I found the best one in the area.  And he has done wonders for my asthma. Sue CORAL

Official Secretary of OSGSL Dogs think they’re human Cats think they’re God

Response:

Question:

I am on a clinical study and just found out that I have been taking exemestane for the last year instead of tamoxfin. I was sure I was taking Tamoxfin. I had hot flashes so bad I thought that you could time them like labor pains. They told me that the pills are really expensive and that they will pay for them for the next 4 years. The Dr.s upped the effexor to 150 mg and now I only have 5-8 hot flashes a day. I do have 2 bone density test a year. dx 8/02  lumpectomy 9/03 chemo and rads. Nancy

Response:

I am on a clinical study and just found out that I have been taking exemestane for the last year instead of tamoxfin. I was sure I was taking Tamoxfin. I had hot flashes so bad I thought that you could time them like labor pains. They told me that the pills are really expensive and that they will pay for them for the next 4 years. The Dr.s upped the effexor to 150 mg and now I only have 5-8 hot flashes a day. I do have 2 bone density test a year. dx 8/02  lumpectomy 9/03 chemo and rads. Nancy

Are you getting Zometa?  If not you should probably ask about it.  Helps keep your bones strong. – Tony — Tony Lima                        /"   ASCII ribbon campaign                                   /   against HTML mail                                   X    and postings                                  /

Response:

At my Dec blood work it came back where I had to much calcium, then came more test. so far everthing is ok. My Blood work from Monday 3/9/04 the liver test had some concern so I need to have that redone next week. I will ask at that time about Zometa. Thanks Nancy

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Question:

I didn’t respond to Zoloft or Luvox. I’m waiting to see if Prozac helps. I hope. James

Response:

Wellbutrin doesn’t do anything for OCD.  If it did, I would be on it now.  Wellbutrin works on dopamine, and we need something that works on serotonin. There is a novel way to treat OCD, and that’s Zyprexa.  I found it worked for my OCD very well, and it also calmed me down so I could think straight.  Everybody else on this newsgroup will find Zyprexa foreign or the wrong choice for OCD–but they’re not psychiatrists.  Good psychiatrists will know about this treatment, for Zyprexa works on serotonin in a roundabout way. Perhaps you can try a tricyclic antidepressant.  The one with the least side-effects is desipramine.  Tricyclics tend to have the same side-effect profile as Paxil. Have you ever considered an MAOI, like Nardil or Parnate?  These drugs have as much efficacy as any other drug, but with unique precautions. Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.

Response:

I also think you’re missing out by not taking the Effexor.  It has the least side-effects of any drug I have ever taken.  Withdrawal:  Not everyone gets it, and even if they do, there are remedies for it: From: "Chris" Date: Fri, 28 Jul 1995 14:05:30 +0000 Subject: Diphenhydramine for venlafaxine discontinuation reactions As a patient I found that Benadryl helped me get through the very uncomfortable withdrawals from Effexor. I only took it for a month. I was very surprised at the intensity of the withdrawal. The worst withdrawal effect for me was a sense of my nerves jangling when I moved my eyes and continuous indigestion, sort of a migraine-like feeling without the headache. When the Benedryl finally started to make me sleepy I switched to Dimetapp. The withdrawal took almost six weeks to get through, but I am now drug-free with tolerable levels of [chronic neck and back] pain [which was being treated with the Effexor]. From: "George Nasra" <nas…@penn.com

Date: Mon, 9 Oct 1995 09:33:07 -0400 Subject: Venlafaxine discontinuation reactions I was tapering a patient off Effexor a few weeks ago and he had what I considered a severe withdrawal reaction with nausea and vomiting and flu-like symptoms although he was already started on fluoxetine. A slower tapering worked better. Date: Sun, 22 Oct 1995 20:46:43 -0700 (PDT) From: Judith Lipton <jlip…@forest.net

Subject: Venlafaxine discontinuation reactions Of particular note with venlaxafine is the severe withdrawal syndrome that may occur with dose reduction. Date: Wed, 11 Oct 1995 18:14:23 -0700 (PDT) From: Ivan Goldberg <psy…@psycom.net

Subject: Venlafaxine discontinuation reactions On Wed, 11 Oct 1995, Charles S Berlin wrote:

     In my experience with Effexor [the] main drawback is that      – like Xanax — it seems easy to get on, but very hard to      get off. Many of my patients on this med start to have some      withdrawal symptoms after missing even a few doses, or      when tapering down. From: "D. Fegg" Date: Tue, 9 Jan 1996 22:12:14 -0500 Subject: Diphenhydramine for venlafaxine discontinuation reactions I want to reply/confirm regarding a listing for Effexor withdrawl symptoms that Benadryl is a great help getting through some of the rougher symptoms — whoda thunkit?! I tapered off my Effexor from 150 mg/day to 75 mg/day for a few wks, then to 37.5 mg/day for 2 wks, and then off. For the first 48 hrs, I had no symptoms, but then I was socked with the "electrical shock" phenomena someone else mentioned — with any movement at all. There were also concentration difficulties and gastrointestinal upset and just general crumminess. About 4 days into this, I read the post about Benadryl and got some, with quick reduction in a lot of the symptoms — enough so that I could return to work. It didn’t eliminate all of the problems, but it did a good job. I took it for about two weeks and then was over virtually all problems. My doctor was not familiar enough with this medication to have advice regarding the type/length of withdrawl symptoms, so I passed on the above info and hope it will help someone else. By the way, I am one of those people who do miss the great dreams I had on Effexor — very detailed vivid and downright interesting dreams — oh well. Date: Thu, 1 Feb 1996 16:00:29 -0800 From: kerr…@ix.netcom.com (Kerri D. Carter ) Subject: Venlafaxine discontinuation reactions A female patient in her 50s is currently taking Effexor tid in addition to blood pressure medication. She recently had a routine surgery for nasal passage blockage and discontinued her Effexor for approximately 3 days. She states that she experienced ringing in her ears and throbbing in her head that she associates with the absence of the Effexor — and this has been sufficiently severe for her to seriously question continuing to take it. This patient is typically very treatment receptive and compliant. This patient experienced this on one other occasion, when first taking the medication, and decided to continue after reassurance from her doctor of its benefits. The patient has had an excellent response to Effexor. Subject: Venlafaxine discontinuation reactions Date: Thu, 1 Feb 1996 21:02:45 -0500 (EST) From: "Jeffrey R. Stenzel" <jsten…@polar.Bowdoin.EDU

I have a patient that suffered the symptoms you describe. Both times she discontinued venlafaxine (dose <= 37.5 mg) she described tinnitus and a vertiginous-like experience that lasted up to a week. Both times the symptoms completely resolved. BTW, she liked everything about the antidepressant except decreased libido and anorgasmia, hence the reason for the switches. Date: Sat, 3 Feb 1996 13:08:32 -0800 From: Ivan Goldberg <Psy…@psycom.net

Subject: Fluoxetine for antidepressant discontinuation reactions When a patient is having a severe discontinuation syndrome following the too rapid discontinuation of paroxetine (Paxil) or venlafaxine (Effexor), the treatment I prefer is fluoxetine (Prozac) 20 mg. q.o.d. until the reaction disappears. It is seldom necessary to give more than 2 or 3 doses, and because of the long t-1/2 of fluoxetine, no additional doses are necessary. From: RMRi…@aol.com (Roberta M. Richardson, M.D.) Date: Sun, 4 Feb 1996 15:27:49 -0500 Subject: Fluoxetine for antidepressant discontinuation reactions Dr. Sheldon Preskorn has also suggested using fluoxetine to treat paroxetine withdrawal, and I have used it successfully for both paroxetine and venlafaxine withdrawal. As per Dr. Preskorn’s advice, I give the fluoxetine for several consecutive days, then stop it and let the natural taper occur. Date: Sun, 4 Feb 1996 16:46:21 -0500 Subject: Fluoxetine for antidepressant discontinuation reactions From: cwolf…@pipeline.com (Cyrus Wolfman) I have found the use of fluoxetine a better approach in treating the so-called "discontinuation" symptoms on withdrawing SSRIs with short half-lives. In the past, I had raised the SSRI dose back up and simply reduced it more slowly, often with the symptoms reappearing on the more gradual withdrawal. Now, I lower the dose a second time, as in the past, but if the symptoms appear, I switch to fluoxetine 20 mg per day. As soon as the symptoms remit (in two or three days) I stop the fluoxetine. So far, no problems. Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.

Response:

Hello all…  I went to the doctors today and told him outright, that there is NO-WAY I am going to take these Efexor XL tabs he put me on. Jesus, have any of you read all the crap it can do to you, """type in Efexor withdrawal"" into any search engine, and have a read,,there’s thousands of them. I would come of meds altogether before I let any drug mess me up like that. Anyway to the point, I have been on Prozac for about 7 years on and off (never had any withdrawals from this at all, ever) for the last 3 and a half years I’ve been taking 20Mg daily and for the last 6 months I take 40Mg daily, Now my doc and me feel that they are starting to lose their potency and rather than increase them again we have decided to try another drug. First he put me on Paxil, as soon as I started taking it I got the feeling that I had a lump or something else stuck in my throat, also the back of my mouth felt a burning sensation, I’d get this for about five hours after taking the drug then it would pass. I told him I could do without side effects like that, thank you. Next he put me on Efexor XL, I came home and started browsing on here and the web, some of what I read you would not believe, so, it was in the bin for the Efexor. Back to my trusty old Prozac, Now this morning, he say’s what would you like to try today (sarcastic sod) he’s brilliant really. He say’s this time I should give either Luxor or Zoloft a go and to let him know tomorrow which one I would like. (meaning of course, after I have done my research on here) So there you have it, which one do you  think is the best.. ( I told my doc, that if he doesn’t get it right this time to just give me a signed prescription book and I will sort myself out.) :) I look forward to your replies Oh yes!!!!! before I forget, do you know that the doc’s in the UK cannot give welbrutin for depression or as an additional drug with an SSRI. It’s only licensed here for something to do with giving up smoking (weird isn’t it) Also that Efexor*-XL MP/SR is not available in the states,(not licensed) although they reckon the half-life of this new brand of Efexor is almost tenfold that of the regular Efexor thus combating withdrawal effects, I still not going to take them though.:) Smurf

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Question:

they often times don`t know how to treat anxiety disorders effectively. Benzos, also known as tranqulizers, are one of the most effective meds for anxiety and are least likely to cause sexual dysfunction.

in addition the tricyclic antidepressants work better more often for migraine type headaches, neuralgia and pain then the ssri types you have taken and have much less sexually disruptive side effects-drugs like tofranil or elavil, pamelor and sinequan are ones to ask your doc about LM

Response:

:Hi, :My doctor has diagnosed me with General Anxiety Disorder. She has been :trying to treat me for 5 months now. I have been on Zoloft, Wellbutrin, :Lexapro and now Effexor. All of which ruined my sex life! The only time :I was ok was when I was just on the Wellbutrin but then I needed the ther for the anxiety. My doctor started me on these types of pills :cause I was having headaches that she believes is caused from stress and :anxiety. My question to all of you is….Is there an anxiety pill that :does not have sexual side affects? Is there a pill that is helping :anyone in that department? I go back to the doctor on Wednesday to see :what she is gonna do with me now. I’m so tired of going once a month. :The headaches are better tho. I would appreciate any help. Thanks! :Christi Dear Christi, It sounds like your MD, not a psych doctor, is treating your anxiety disorder? If that`s the case, I suggest you find a psych doctor that specializes in anxiety disorders to be treated. While MD`s may be well intentioned, they often times don`t know how to treat anxiety disorders effectively. Benzos, also known as tranqulizers, are one of the most effective meds for anxiety and are least likely to cause sexual dysfunction. Take care Jackie ~*~All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another~*~         ~Anatole France~

Response:

Hi, My doctor has diagnosed me with General Anxiety Disorder. She has been trying to treat me for 5 months now. I have been on Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Lexapro and now Effexor. All of which ruined my sex life! The only time I was ok was when I was just on the Wellbutrin but then I needed the other for the anxiety. My doctor started me on these types of pills cause I was having headaches that she believes is caused from stress and anxiety. My question to all of you is….Is there an anxiety pill that does not have sexual side affects? Is there a pill that is helping anyone in that department? I go back to the doctor on Wednesday to see what she is gonna do with me now. I’m so tired of going once a month. The headaches are better tho. I would appreciate any help. Thanks! Christi

Response:

Hi, My doctor has diagnosed me with General Anxiety Disorder. She has been trying to treat me for 5 months now. I have been on Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Lexapro and now Effexor. All of which ruined my sex life! The only time I was ok was when I was just on the Wellbutrin but then I needed the other for the anxiety. My doctor started me on these types of pills cause I was having headaches that she believes is caused from stress and anxiety. My question to all of you is….Is there an anxiety pill that does not have sexual side affects? Is there a pill that is helping anyone in that department? I go back to the doctor on Wednesday to see what she is gonna do with me now. I’m so tired of going once a month. The headaches are better tho. I would appreciate any help. Thanks! Christi

Hi Christi, I’m on Xanax which is a benzo (tranquilizer) and has no sexual side effects at all…In fact there is no weaning onto this class of drug, and no need to wait days/weeks to feel a difference. It will take effect within 10-50 minutes. It simply slows down your nervous system. The other popular drugs in this class are Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, etc…BTW Tension headaches are part of my anxiety… Good Luck with your doc, Kevin…

Response:

I am 31 years old and recently began taking Aropax (paroxetine like paxil) to combat anxiety and depression that I’ve had as long as I can remember. GAD isolates me from people (no friends, no relationships) and it was my hope that the medication would allow me to enjoy being around people so I could start dating and going out.  Problem is after 5 days, Aropax has taken away my sex drive and I can’t achieve orgasm.  This is very depressing and I don’t see how I can meet a woman in this condition.  My self-esteem is zero. Also my family has a big reunion coming up – mostly relations I hardly know, and I am worried they will make me feel inadequate (which I cannot handle) but I don’t see how I can get out of it without offending anyone. Any Ideas? David

Response:

: I am 31 years old and recently began taking Aropax (paroxetine like paxil) : to combat anxiety and depression that I’ve had as long as I can remember. : GAD isolates me from people (no friends, no relationships) and it was my : hope that the medication would allow me to enjoy being around people so I : could start dating and going out.  Problem is after 5 days, Aropax has taken : away my sex drive and I can’t achieve orgasm.  This is very depressing and I : don’t see how I can meet a woman in this condition.  My self-esteem is zero. : : Also my family has a big reunion coming up – mostly relations I hardly know, : and I am worried they will make me feel inadequate (which I cannot handle) : but I don’t see how I can get out of it without offending anyone. Hi David, It takes a month or so for your body to adjust to paroxetine, and the side effects may only be temporary. I know, since I used the same med myself and experienced temporary sexual side effects too. It’s also natural for men to get excessively self conscious and anxious about their sexual status, and such anxiety can interfere with sex drive too. Sometimes it’s good to take a vacation from orgasms for a few days; which can be an aphrodisiac. Also, it’s important to remember that no med can completely solve anxiety and depression on its own. Living with anxiety and depression for years does leave psychological scars which take time and effort to heal. Even with a good med, recovery can be a difficult and awkward process of trying new things and testing our limits. It’s important not to rush the process; just embrace challenges at a pace that is right for you. Push yourself, but be patient with yourself too. We all fall down from time to time, but it’s how often we get back up that really matters. Best Wishes, Arthur

Response:

Hello David, Paroxetine IMO is very difficult to go on for most people.  In my experience I had very similar problems sexually as you do now.  I found that over time my sex drive returned (this happened once I was at my current dosage for about a month).  One question I would have for you is what is your current dosage?  I know starting too high will make these side effect worse.  As far as a possible solution to your problem, one option is to get a prescription for Welbutrin, to take with your Paroxetine.  This has been known to knock this problem out for many people.  Hope this helps. Good Luck! d

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am 31 years old and recently began taking Aropax (paroxetine like paxil) to combat anxiety and depression that I’ve had as long as I can remember. GAD isolates me from people (no friends, no relationships) and it was my hope that the medication would allow me to enjoy being around people so I could start dating and going out.  Problem is after 5 days, Aropax has taken away my sex drive and I can’t achieve orgasm.  This is very depressing and I don’t see how I can meet a woman in this condition.  My self-esteem is zero. Also my family has a big reunion coming up – mostly relations I hardly know, and I am worried they will make me feel inadequate (which I cannot handle) but I don’t see how I can get out of it without offending anyone. Any Ideas? David

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Question:

Hi All, I think I remember seeing this discussed before, but I don’t remember what was said, so please forgive the re-hashing. How are those who are using Zoloft taking it?  IOW, are you taking 1 per day, or more frequently?  And what doseages? Thanks! Cathy

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Hi Cathy, I take 25 mgs as soon as I remember to after I wake up. Charla – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, I think I remember seeing this discussed before, but I don’t remember what was said, so please forgive the re-hashing. How are those who are using Zoloft taking it?  IOW, are you taking 1 per day, or more frequently?  And what doseages? Thanks! Cathy

Response:

Catherine, I take 150 mgs of Zoloft once a day. It is only supposed to be taken once per day according to all the info I could find. And I’ve done a lot of checking lately. (I accidently overdosed last week…kind of neat but I wouldn’t recommend it) I’ve been on Zoloft for almost 2 years. And for the longest time I was doing great. Right now I’ve either pooped out on the Zoloft or I’m having some hellacious problems cause it isn’t helping me any longer but it is still a good med for some. Good luck. Mary — Today is a gift, that’s why we call it the present.

Response:

It’s common knowledge that "MaryK" said: Catherine, I take 150 mgs of Zoloft once a day.

Wow…that’s significantly more than the 25mg I’m taking, but then again I only started recently. It is only supposed to be taken once per day according to all the info I could find. And I’ve done a lot of checking lately.

Ok.  Thanks! (I accidently overdosed last week…kind of neat but I wouldn’t recommend it) I’ve been on Zoloft for almost 2 years. And for the longest time I was doing great. Right now I’ve either pooped out on the Zoloft or I’m having some hellacious problems cause it isn’t helping me any longer but it is still a good med for some. Good luck.

Oh!  I’m so sorry, Mary, that you are having such problems!  Have you talked to your Dr. yet?  Maybe he’ll let you try something else, or maybe increase the Zoloft?  I wonder what maximum Zoloft dose is allowed. ((the other)) Cathy

Response:

Thanks, Charla. Cathy It’s common knowledge that "charla" said: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi Cathy, I take 25 mgs as soon as I remember to after I wake up. Charla

Response:

Mary, I think Zoloft may still be a good med for you also!! I’ve been on Zoloft 150 mg/day for 6 years. When I experienced "poop out", instead of switching meds my psychiatrist added Cylert with good results for about 1 year. After that combo pooped out, he discontinued the Cylert and added desipramine 50 mg/day, which I am still on (in addition to Zoloft 150 mg/day). The process of adding a med to Zoloft (or any antidepressant) to make it start working again, or better, is called "augmentation". Too many docs just take you off a med that has been working previously and start you on another, and another, and another etc. Untill they find one that works. I do not know what symptoms you are experiencing when you say "poop out". What I experienced was the onset of depression. And I had good results by staying on Zoloft, but augmenting it with small doses of other meds. Chip Catherine, I take 150 mgs of Zoloft once a day. It is only supposed to be taken once per day according to all the info I could find. And I’ve done a lot of checking lately. (I accidently overdosed last week…kind of neat but I wouldn’t recommend it) I’ve been on Zoloft for almost 2 years. And for the longest time I was doing great. Right now I’ve either pooped out on the Zoloft or I’m having some hellacious problems cause it isn’t helping me any longer but it is still a good med for some. Good luck. Mary — Today is a gift, that’s why we call it the present.

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50mgs/day for 5 years (Zoloft) for me Kerrie

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50mgs/day for 5 years (Zoloft) for me Kerrie

I take 200 mgs of Zoloft once in the a.m.  Been doing this for 8 months with good results.  Not spectacular, but *good*, and that’s good enough right now. My Pdoc says 200 mgs is the "max," although he admits to having some clients on 250. Melissa

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Hey guys…  :) I posted here awhile back, and I just got back from my dr’s apointment and he put me on ZOLOFT 50mg…for generalized anxiety disorder… I was wondering what you all think of this drug? Has it helped anyone? Any side affects? I am very optimistc….Any feedback would be appreciated! Thanks alot… ~Desi

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Hey guys…  :) I posted here awhile back, and I just got back from my dr’s apointment and he put me on ZOLOFT 50mg…for generalized anxiety disorder… I was wondering what you all think of this drug? Has it helped anyone? Any side affects? I am very optimistc….Any feedback would be appreciated! Thanks alot…

Desi, if you search Deja news for references to Zoloft you will see a lot of discusion on it. Personally, I wouldn’t read it, however. If you are optimistic the best thing, IMO, is just to take it, follow your doctor’s instructions and see how you get on. We anxiety types can be very suggestible and it might be better not to predispose yourself to problems through other people’s opinions and experiences. Good luck! — Gary Cooper

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: Hey guys… : :  :) I posted here awhile back, and I just got back from my dr’s apointment and : he put me on ZOLOFT 50mg…for generalized anxiety disorder… I was wondering : what you all think of this drug? Has it helped anyone? Any side affects? I am : very optimistc….Any feedback would be appreciated! Thanks alot… Hi again Desi, Some folks do very well on Zoloft, while others don’t. It’s really very difficult to predict how any individual will respond to any specific medication for these disorders. As Gary commented, best just to try it and see how it goes. Keep in touch.                                         Best Wishes,                                         Arthur

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Hey guys…  :) I posted here awhile back, and I just got back from my dr’s apointment and he put me on ZOLOFT 50mg…for generalized anxiety disorder… I was wondering what you all think of this drug? Has it helped anyone? Any side affects? I am very optimistc….Any feedback would be appreciated! Thanks alot… Desi, if you search Deja news for references to Zoloft you will see a lot of discusion on it.

Hi there… I’m new. I’ve been on Zoloft for 2 months. 100 mgs. Its just kicked in and has helped me emensly! The only side effect i had was this thing with my tongue…it felt weird. You’ll like the drug. Its got me to a level that I know I dont have to worry. It took awhile to kick in… dak

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Question:

PS……if you couldn’t tell by the X-File sig.

NIK!  You’re not Gizzie from the X-Files newsgroup, are you?!  I haven’t read that group for a long time, but I sure remember Giz! — Bunny

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NIK!  You’re not Gizzie from the X-Files newsgroup, are you?!  I haven’t read that group for a long time, but I sure remember Giz!

No hon…….haven’t really posted there (although I have lurked).  I just had changed from NikNik7 to MycatGiz cuz I was getting tired of 50 spam e-mails and 1 personal one. Plus I got paranoid that people might find me here and use it against me.  Of course, now that I have made it common knowledge and got over my little incident of paranoia I can say….. NIKNIK7 is also MYCATGIZ. Nik They say, "she’s crazy as anyone can be" That’s what they say, they say of me…….Sheryl Crow "On the Outside"

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Gee, can you say…….Frivolous Lawsuits. I’m not sure, let me try… Frivvawassa roosuts.

You’re singing backup for Baba Wawa these days? — Bunny

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Did I hear you say law suit?  Don’t just stand by and do nothing about it.  You know what it takes for evil to prosper … oh, give me a break!  I went thru it too but I hardly think it warrants a friggin lawsuit. Gee, can you say…….Frivolous Lawsuits. Nik

o.k., granted this *would* be a frivolous lawsuit, imho… but just barely.  i don’t know how bad your withdrawal was, but with mine had i had a steady job at the time (i was a student, and still am, actually) i would have missed about a week’s worth of work…and i like to think of myself as pretty hardy.   anyway, comisseration to any who have had to deal with coming off effexor. not anything i’d ever want to do again…i actually still have the occasional side effect (did something get permenantly fucked in my brain?) even though i’ve been off the stuff for over 2 years.  fun, fun, fun. -m.

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PS……if you couldn’t tell by the X-File sig. Hope it isn’t too long for you Mark…..I tried to keep it short just for you but am thinking of adding the entire lyrics to Stairway to Heaven and the 13 think? Nik They say, "she’s crazy as anyone can be" That’s what they say, they say of me…….Sheryl Crow "On the Outside"

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Hey, Nik, you’re not "niknik" of old, are you?

Nik They say, "she’s crazy as anyone can be" That’s what they say, they say of me…….Sheryl Crow "On the Outside"

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Did I hear you say law suit?  Don’t just stand by and do nothing about it.  You know what it takes for evil to prosper …

oh, give me a break!  I went thru it too but I hardly think it warrants a friggin lawsuit. Gee, can you say…….Frivolous Lawsuits. Nik They say, "she’s crazy as anyone can be" That’s what they say, they say of me…….Sheryl Crow "On the Outside"

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I could go on and on about the interesting and and accute withdrawal symptoms I have been experiencing, but if you are taking Effexor, or thinking about it you should try to search AltaVista for "effexor withrdrawal" and look at the nearly 200,000 hits that come up.  No you won’t find any warning listed with your prescription. Most of the doctors who prescibe this stuff don’t know about this side effect.   Did I hear you say law suit?  Don’t just stand by and do nothing about it.  You know what it takes for evil to prosper … These statements are my personal opinions, and should not be considered medical advice or a call for any illegal or improper actions.

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Don’t start taking this drug, you will be *sorry* when you stop.

It isn’t like that for most people that take the drug, for most it has very few side effects and withdrawal only has minor ones if any.  The three weeks of suffering you will go through are not worth it.

I had a lot more than three weeks. I had trouble all the while I took it and then coming off I had to go so slow that it took eight weeks just to get off it and some of the side effects persisted for six more weeks after that. Still though, for a lot of people Effexor is an effective drug with few side effects. I think that the difference in people’s reactions to it may indicate differing etiologies or pathologies or both for clinical depression. — bev . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://members.tripod.com/~Veb

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Don’t start taking this drug, you will be *sorry* when you stop.  The three weeks of suffering you will go through are not worth it.  Find and ask someone better informed that the doctor who gave you this idea.

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Don’t start taking this drug, you will be *sorry* when you stop.  The three weeks of suffering you will go through are not worth it.  Find and ask someone better informed that the doctor who gave you this idea.

I didn’t have any joy going thru the withdrawal of Effexor however I would hardly say I regret being on it for 2 1/2 years.  It *did* work and the only thing I told my pdoc was that I wished I had known how bad the withdrawal was….something he didn’t know of yet, either. If Effexor works for you or your doc thinks it might…don’t judge the medication just because of what it is like to go off of it.  Some people may be fortunate enough to find it works for them and even if for a couple years….isn’t that better than being depressed for a couple more years….even if it mean a couple months of being uncomfortable? Nik They say, "she’s crazy as anyone can be" That’s what they say, they say of me…….Sheryl Crow "On the Outside"

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Effexor is a mood elevator. When you go off this drug,

I got dangerous side effects while on the drug. Hell, we even increased the dose after they started; thought it had more to do with a situational problem than internal workings of the neural system. The side effects worsened during withdrawal but were present before withdrawal. — bev . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://members.tripod.com/~Veb

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Some questions: How much does Effexor cost in California if you have to buy it yourself?

I paid $80.95 for one months supply of Effxor ER  150 mG at a store called "The Medicine Shoppe" in California.  Prices vary, call around to different stores. Welcome to California, the land of fruits, nuts, and flakes. Charles

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I have very mixed feelings about Effexor…it was very helpful to me while on it, but insurance problems prevented me from continuing on the medication, and not having anything to fall back on I had to quit taking it. I did this in a phased withdrawl but it was still very difficult. I would only recomenned Effexor if a person knows that they will be covered by insurance and will always have access to it. Otherwise go with something that is cheaper (it’s VERY expensive) and you know you can get with no problem.

Oh dear. Effexor has been an absolute life-saver for me (literally).  In the UK, we pay the same whatever our medication, so that’s okay.  But I’m now moving to the US (getting married), and I’ve no idea what my insurance situation will be.  I can get 3 months worth of Effexor from my GP to take with me.  I am sure I can safely halve my dose and make that last for 6 months.  But I don’t know what I’ll do then. Some questions: How much does Effexor cost in California if you have to buy it yourself? Does anyone by any chance have an insurance company they can recommend, who will cover ADs? Has anyone mixed Effexor with any herbal ADs? Christine  Christine Daae on the Web   http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~cdaae/

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                             Effexor withdrawal Hello there.  You guys talk a lot about effexor and withdrawal but provide few details, and I am CURIOUS… Could you please enlighten me? Thanks

Sorry…several of us have been through it and you forget there are others here whom are unfamiliar with the drug. Effexor is a mood elevator. When you go off this drug, and this is especially true if it happens suddenly (though in a phased withdrawl bad things can happen too), you can drop into some very frightening and VERY dangerous depression. If you have already had problems with suicidal thoughts they come back with a vengeance, and in my case I spent entire days either weeping or unable to do anything apart from lie in bed and feel terrorized. I have very mixed feelings about Effexor…it was very helpful to me while on it, but insurance problems prevented me from continuing on the medication, and not having anything to fall back on I had to quit taking it. I did this in a phased withdrawl but it was still very difficult. I would only recomenned Effexor if a person knows that they will be covered by insurance and will always have access to it. Otherwise go with something that is cheaper (it’s VERY expensive) and you know you can get with no problem. Jeff (Drop the x to e-mail)

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Question:

John, Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. Amazing tho that may seem.

From the evidence of my eyes and memory, a lot of depressed people don’t. The information is probably news to someone reading it, old hat though it was to you. —          The opinions given above may be mine. They might also            just be what I feel like saying right now, okay?

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers? Well, Zoloft is an antidepressant. Alcohol is a CNS depressant. Your call. Danny

It is possible to have seizures and also strokes when combining alcohol and zoloft. TheDelser

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: OUCH! nothing more to say…;) : I’ve taken Zoloft for 3 years and drank for 3+ years.  Zoloft has helped, and has been therapeutic.  I no longer take Zoloft, but I still have my beers. will

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Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft. Carma – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

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Excellent response. I really wish someone had given me this advice before I got into it. SNIP Many to totally stupid and embarassing  things in public.

That would be me. This may get you taked about but not in a light you would like.

And how. The danger is that you don’t know what will happen.  For damn sure don’t have to plan on driving.  I went into a corn field one night on two Vodka martinis, sound asleep at the wheel.  They check for the level and it was only .15.  But the combination of that and my BP pills knocked my but out.

Okay, are you sure you mean .15? Legally drunk is .10, you know… Just checking. G. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -SNIP

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

Zoloft (sertraline) is an antidepressant; alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, so the expectation would likely be that drinking while depressed would not be helpful to recovery. This is not to say that an occasional sip of alcohol would hurt, but it is always wise to speak with your own physician about these drinking while on psychiatric medications. I no longer drink while taking medications. I used to. Didn’t help at all to drink, in fact made it worse, so I quit. -jim

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

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: Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.       The term "depressant", when used in reference to alcohol, means that it slows you down, NOT that it causes the condition known as "depression". Alcohol *CAN* be dangerous with zoloft; it can make you MUCH drowsier/drunker than you expect, and long term alcohol use *CAN* cause depression (not because it’s a "depressant", but because of other changes that heavy use of alcohol causes in your body)      But light drinking is fairly safe.  The reason you’re told to avoid alcohol on zoloft is because you don’t have carte blanche freedom to drink as much as you want.

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Hi all,  I’d like to mention an additional danger besides the one listed. Zoloft (as do ALL antidepressants) tends to lower the seizure threshold (i.e. make it easier to have a seizure) as does alcohol.  For most people this might not be a problem, but if you’re borderline seizure oriented, or especially overtired, be VERY careful of this combination.  I’d remind people as well, that this being cough/cold season, LIQUID nyquil is 50 proof or 25% alcohol.  Email welcome.  John Abeel — John Abeel, R.P.H. http://www.servtech.com/public/rxman " He who hath no scruples isn’t worth a dram " – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : John, : Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart : enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. : Amazing tho that may seem.      Why, then, didn’t you use the term "depressant" correctly in the following post that you made? : : Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.

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While on ADs, the effects of alcohol on my system are unpredictable. I

The effects of alcohol on bipolar people, on AD or not, is unpredictable. |Home page:http://reality.sgi.com/employees/chokshi_clubfed/ |Silicon Graphics, Inc., voice: (301) 572-1678, fax: (301) 572-8778 |—Mortal, why doth thou live like thou art immortal?

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

Well, Zoloft is an antidepressant. Alcohol is a CNS depressant. Your call. Danny

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: It is possible to have seizures and also strokes when combining alcohol : and zoloft.      Strangely, this is NOT mentioned in any of the literature on zoloft. Care to substantiate this claim, oh ignoble bullshitter?

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John, Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. Amazing tho that may seem. Carma – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.       The term "depressant", when used in reference to alcohol, means that it slows you down, NOT that it causes the condition known as "depression". Alcohol *CAN* be dangerous with zoloft; it can make you MUCH drowsier/drunker than you expect, and long term alcohol use *CAN* cause depression (not because it’s a "depressant", but because of other changes that heavy use of alcohol causes in your body)      But light drinking is fairly safe.  The reason you’re told to avoid alcohol on zoloft is because you don’t have carte blanche freedom to drink as much as you want.

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Well let’s see perhaps it is just I’ve been studying the wrong books but the last time I checked all forms of ETOH were listed as major central nervous system depressants and the formula 1 CNSD + 1 CNSD still looks like too drugged to cogitate properly let alone breath. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : John, : Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart : enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. : Amazing tho that may seem.      Why, then, didn’t you use the term "depressant" correctly in the following post that you made? : : Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.

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: John, : Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart : enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. : Amazing tho that may seem.      Why, then, didn’t you use the term "depressant" correctly in the following post that you made? : : Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.

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OUCH! nothing more to say…;)

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Zoloft affects Serotonin, while alcohol affects GABA transmission and recption.  Unless there’s effects we’re not aware of.

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

You may get drunk a LOT faster. Then again, you may not. Charlie’s Sneaker Pages: http://sneakers.pair.com/ Best Value in Airplanes: http://www.boeing.com/

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have been plagued by this question ever since the Glen and Greg fiasco. If I say something that upsets or offends someone… am I to suffer the same fate as Glen and Greg?  Will I be rejected and flammed and ostricized for my posts? I am *not* being sarcastic.  I am very serious, and scared.  This is really concerning me… and I hesitate to post anything ‘political’ now… for fear it might happen.  I hate walking on eggshells… it makes me feel even more fake. The last thing I need right now is to lose my ‘membership’ to this group.  You are all I have right now. Love, Keats xoxox who is sad, confused and scared of being abandoned.

Hi Keats,     Nobody can lose their "membership" unless they are outright abusive or violate one of the other newsgroup rules – which, although I haven’t read the FAQ lately, I assume to be along the lines of no harrassment and no commercial postings.     It’s always possible that one person or another will not like what you have to say.  It’s also possible that in their attempt to express their feelings, someone will make you feel unwanted.     The best thing to do is stay true to yourself, and at the same time stay open to learning from others, even if you disagree (or are disagreed with).     We are imperfect people and this is an imperfect medium of communication.  But there is just so much opportunity to learn and to grow, it would be a shame to let your fear talk you out of continuing to take risks.     Post on! Love, Betsy

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I have been plagued by this question ever since the Glen and Greg fiasco. If I say something that upsets or offends someone… am I to suffer the same fate as Glen and Greg?  Will I be rejected and flammed and ostricized for my posts? I am *not* being sarcastic.  I am very serious, and scared.  This is really concerning me… and I hesitate to post anything ‘political’ now… for fear it might happen.  I hate walking on eggshells… it makes me feel even more fake. The last thing I need right now is to lose my ‘membership’ to this group.  You are all I have right now. Love, Keats xoxox who is sad, confused and scared of being abandoned.

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Keats writes: If I say something that upsets or offends someone… am I to suffer the same fate as Glen and Greg?  Will I be rejected and flammed and ostricized for my posts? I am *not* being sarcastic.  I am very serious, and scared.

Dearest Keats, In response to your concern (which I *totally* understand) that with all the flaming of Glen & Greg that you could be next if someone objected to you…..  I just don’t see it happening.  I usually obsess over stuff like that, and I’m usually very afraid that I will be the next bashing victim of anger that may not eve be there.  But in this case, I don’t think this is likely. I’ve stayed out of this debate, but I think that both Dr.’s G. tended to word their messages (which were often, in my opinion, rather long and preachy) in ways that seemed very condescending.  I believe that they both mean very well and are genuinely concerned about us and the issue of e.d.s.  And I do think they had some good points to make, but there was a lot of (what I considered) superfluous and (imo) preachy stuff that you had to wade through in order to get to the good points.  I think, though, that their main mistakes (not, in my perception, *deliberate* offenses by any stretch of *my* imagination) were in not reading the group long enough before posting, and not thinking about their words before hitting send.  I think the majority is simply errors caused by not learning the ropes here, not figuring out what is said and not said, what the group is capable and not capable of, etc.  And I do believe that there was a bit too much (by *everyone* involved) taking criticisms and anger too personally.  Bottom line, for me:  too many people got hurt.  Hardest part to understand/deal with (imo):  no one *meant* to give offense.  Cause thought, yes.  Hurt others, no. These are the points where I believe a certain level of prejudice entered (from my p.o.v. as well).  1. They’re not coming from strong positions of authority.   2.  They’re men.  Keats, love, you are not handicapped in anyone’s perceptions by either of these two issues. The cause of #1 is a lack of direct experience–not necessarily a lack of concern or desire to learn.  On this group, those of us who are facing/have faced e.d.’s are coming from a position of authority; we know whereof we speak…intimately.  And even though we experiences the e.d.’s and develop the e.d.’s in different ways and for different reasons, we all accept that, at least for each person, those experiences are valid.  These two gentlemen don’t have the validation of *having* the experience, for which, for their sakes, I am grateful.  I believe they *can* have valid points to make on the issue regardless, and there are certainly individuals here who *do* make good points although they’ve not personally experienced an e.d.  I think that their sudden appearance and enthusiastic, frequent postings startled some people and left a bad taste in certain people’s mouths, which I understand, but which I don’t think necessarily invalidates their comments or presence. In terms of point #2, there is a level at which I know some of us (myself very much included) tend to listen less to what men have to say about this issue, especially when they are not directly facing the e.d. themselves. I know that I have serious doubts (this is my own prejudice, for which I apologize if it hurts any feelings; I don’t believe it’s *right*, I just know it’s how I instinctively think and react) about *any* man’s ability to understand how I feel, about *any* man’s ability to understand women’s issues.  This doesn’t mean that I don’t try to explain, or that I never believe they *have* understood, but I often think it’s just too much trouble to explain because I’m so afraid that they won’t understand. I’m sorry for the length and any apparent self-righteousness or offensiveness of this post; I’ve been meaning to say something and never found the time or words or courage. I guess all this boils down to that I have no real problem with Dr.s G remaining, but I hope they will each (as I suspect they have been doing) read a bit more and get more of a feel for what the system is here.  I hope we can all take things less personally, and believe me, I *know* that’s hard.  I take it personally if the *littlest* things happen.  :-) I hope I haven’t said anything too offensive or bad; I just wanted to share what my perception of this whole affair has been. Love, Amilyn

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Dear Keats, PLEASE keep posting.  I love reading what you have to say.  No, not everyone is always going to agree with you, but that’s part of life.  And, I, for one, would not get rid of that part of life for anything.  It is what makes it possible for us all to really connect when we do!  You are an incredibly valuable member of ased (as is everyone else).  Don’t let these fears take you away.  PLEASE. KT — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

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: If I say something that upsets or offends someone… : am I to suffer the same fate as Glen and Greg?  Will I be rejected and : flammed and ostricized for my posts? : The last thing I need right now is to lose my ‘membership’ to this : group.  You are all I have right now. : who is sad, confused and scared of being abandoned. Keats…         To be completely practical, I see it this way: we know you.  I don’t see us kicking you out for something you say (not that this is like irc where any of us have the *power* to do so).         On a still somewhat practical note:  I dunno who Glen is.  Greg, as far as I remember, posted something about dieting or pills or something totally off base here.  It’s like a satanist posting to alt.christnet or something – you *have* to expect to get flamed doing something like that.  I don’t forsee you posting "New!! Exciting new diet pill on the horizon!! Just 19.95!"         On a not so practical note:  if anyone tries to ban you from here, I’ll have to kick some ***           I will NOT abandon you. *hug* Charlene — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

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Heya Keats : If I say something that upsets or offends someone… : am I to suffer the same fate as Glen and Greg?  Will I be rejected and : flammed and ostricized for my posts? The honest answer is "It depends on how and what you write". As an extension to that, I don’t believe for one second that _anyone_ could possibly react negatively to anything which _you_ could write, Keats. As Amilyn pointed out in her post, you have an intimate understanding of EDs – of the issues which need to be skated around delicately, and of instances where tip-toeing is the best policy. Even if you were to say something which caused a negative reaction, I don’t think rejection or ostracizion (sp?!) would result. Much of the problem, I feel, with the Dr.s is that people possibly feel they’re, ummm, "outsiders?". Do you see what I mean? To some, maybe they haven’t yet proven themselves; by which I mean their empathy or ability to express their concerns in ways which _don’t_ cause negative reactions. (Greg: I *will* respond to your e-mail, btw, just as soon as I get the time. Bear with me. You, Keats, do have this empathy and the ability to express yourself delicately, clearly, and in cases where clarification _is_ needed, I think you’ve been quite responsive. Speaking from a purely personal point of view, I *hope* I’ve demonstrated some of this ability and empathy myself, as I don’t have an ED. If I haven’t, I wish someone would _please_ tell me..? The last thing anyone wants is to cause others upset. And in as much as that is true, none of us want to be rejected either. : Love, : Keats : xoxox : who is sad, confused and scared of being abandoned. Not a chance, sweetie. Not a _chance_. *HUG* Lots of love, Dave —  ! NOTE: THIS E-MAIL ADDRESS INVALID FROM 15 JUNE 1996 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE !  ! It’s so easy to become unhappy. It’s harder to work on happiness, because!  ! to be unhappy you’ve just got to sit and wait for it. For happiness, you !  !   need to get up, get out, and grab it. (Message to S.S., 26 June 1995)  !

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have been plagued by this question ever since the Glen and Greg fiasco. If I say something that upsets or offends someone… am I to suffer the same fate as Glen and Greg?  Will I be rejected and flammed and ostricized for my posts? I am *not* being sarcastic.  I am very serious, and scared.  This is really concerning me… and I hesitate to post anything ‘political’ now… for fear it might happen.  I hate walking on eggshells… it makes me feel even more fake. The last thing I need right now is to lose my ‘membership’ to this group.  You are all I have right now. Love, Keats xoxox who is sad, confused and scared of being abandoned.

Keats,  I know you are being *very* serious, because i worry about the self-same question all the time. I guess that as long as we don’t say anything really hurtful… then we will be okay… now posts are open to a lot of misinterpretation..the very nature of e-d’s make us more vvulnerable and someone. feeling very fragile may be hurt by something  any of us write… but if someone is offended/hurt  by anything YOU say… then i will be very, very surprised Keats… Keats,  you have so much compassion and understanding…i have severe doubts of you ever saying anything to hurt anyone else.. whether it is by accident or by design… please keep posting… i think the majority, if not all of us will fear at least once that something we write will hurt someone.. however unintentionally… and Keats,  no, we would NEVER abandon you  {{{{{ HUGS }}}}}} take good care of yourself.. don’t be afraid to post what is in your heart.. for your heart is full of kindness and love… love and extra special hugs because i think  you deserve them Susan

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been plagued by this question ever since the Glen and Greg fiasco. If I say something that upsets or offends someone… am I to suffer the same fate as Glen and Greg?  Will I be rejected and flammed and ostricized for my posts? I am *not* being sarcastic.  I am very serious, and scared.  This is really concerning me… and I hesitate to post anything ‘political’ now… for fear it might happen.  I hate walking on eggshells… it makes me feel even more fake. The last thing I need right now is to lose my ‘membership’ to this group.  You are all I have right now. Love, Keats xoxox who is sad, confused and scared of being abandoned.

        We all have these feelings of insecurity sometimes, I think.  In this case it’s clearly irrational.  You’re one of us, one of the people this group exists for, not some outsider trying to use us to feed your bank book or your ego.  We all know and love you and we would never ostracise you — even if you suddenly start posting pyramid scams and ads for diet pills and asking for our credit card numbers we wouldn’t ostracise you; we’d ask what was going on and if somebody had hacked into your account.  <HUG -Cougar Allen :{) The Moving Finger writes; and having writ, Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.

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writes: If I say something that upsets or offends someone… : am I to suffer the same fate as Glen and Greg?  Will I be rejected and : flammed and ostricized for my posts? : The last thing I need right now is to lose my ‘membership’ to this : group.  You are all I have right now. : who is sad, confused and scared of being abandoned.

Keats, No one can kick you out.  As long as you can turn on your machine, you can and have the right to read and write here.  As for me, I will never abandon you; I’ve been there too many times.  Also, the way I look at it, everyone has the right to their own opinons, that’s what makes them unique.  Some, I don’t look forward to reading, some I do. Now, woman, if you stop writing, I’ll be upset.  You’re a neat person with more insight than you give yourself credit for.  Okay. Hope you’ve got some sunshine up your way, Pj

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Question:

Hi.  I’ve been on Prozac fort Attention Deficit Disorder for about two months now.  I recently started having problems with insomnia. My Psychiatrist started me on trazodone (Desyrel) in the evenings to help me sleep, but I seem to be getting some bad side effects from it (indigestion, trouble concentrating, and sexual problems). Here’s my question.  It seems like Psychiatrists have a reluctance (justified I’m sure) to prescribe hypnotics or other strong sleep medications to overcome the insomnia that is fairly common with Prozac.  Does anyone out there know what is used apart from the other anti-depressants (e.g., trazodone and amitriptyline)? Has anyone actually had their Psychiatrist prescribe them Halcion or something similar? Would over-the-counter sleep medications do any good? Since I am being treated for ADD, any drugs that take a long time to wash out, or leave my mind feeling "dull" are out of the question. As always, thanks for any and all help. — | Richard S. Smith  | PROGRESS(tm) 4GL Developer | Monrovia, California  |

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: Hi.  I’ve been on Prozac fort Attention Deficit Disorder for about : two months now.  I recently started having problems with insomnia. : My Psychiatrist started me on trazodone (Desyrel) in the evenings to : help me sleep, but I seem to be getting some bad side effects from : it (indigestion, trouble concentrating, and sexual problems). : Here’s my question.  It seems like Psychiatrists have a reluctance : (justified I’m sure) to prescribe hypnotics or other strong sleep : medications to overcome the insomnia that is fairly common with : Prozac.  Does anyone out there know what is used apart from the : other anti-depressants (e.g., trazodone and amitriptyline)? : Has anyone actually had their Psychiatrist prescribe them Halcion : or something similar? : Would over-the-counter sleep medications do any good? : Since I am being treated for ADD, any drugs that take a long time to : wash out, or leave my mind feeling "dull" are out of the question. : As always, thanks for any and all help. : — : | Richard S. Smith  | PROGRESS(tm) 4GL Developer | Monrovia, California  | i’ve found a good drink helps the most. i can’t stand the feeling of sleeping pills after one night of them. drink in moderation

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: Hi.  I’ve been on Prozac fort Attention Deficit Disorder for about : two months now.  I recently started having problems with insomnia. By the time insomnia kicks in with any of these drugs, chances are the good effects are diminishing too. I question the long term use period. Halcion would give you a double whammy. It might work one or two nights a week and set you up for some unexpected side effects. If you have no physical problems, consider exercise and walks and interventionist type psychologists. Avoid Freudians. —                                              And this is where                                              they spin gold into                                              straw.

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: By the time insomnia kicks in with any of these drugs, chances are the : good effects are diminishing too. I question the long term use period. What is long term use?  I was on Prozac for 2+ years before my body started getting used to it and I had to try another SRI.  The good effects started 1 1/2 days after starting it, and I never had what I would characterize as insomnia. : If you have no physical problems, consider exercise and walks and : interventionist type psychologists. Avoid Freudians. Too bad psychologists have never been proven to work.  The changes I had in 1 1/2 days could not have been wrought by psychologists in 20 years.

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Too bad psychologists have never been proven to work.  The changes I had in 1 1/2 days could not have been wrought by psychologists in 20 years.

Hehehee.  Thank you Jeanne, I enjoyed that.  No offense intended to any professional people out there (and it certainly took me more than 1 1/2 days to see effects from my first antidepressant), but I know exactly what you mean.  :) lilo

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               ….. The best drug yet for add. Hits all 3 brain                interactions. seriton, … Helps me concentrate without                the stimatues like dexadrine, ritalitin,….                 Effexor FAQ  Version 1.0  3 March 1994                                   Index. 1. What is Effexor 2. How does Effexor differ from other antidepressants? 3. What kinds of depression can be treated with Effexor? 4. What are the side-effects of Effexor? 5. Which side effects force people to stop taking Effexor? 6. Are there any special hazards for people with bipolar disorder? 7. Does Effexor interact with other medications? 8. Does Effexor interact with alcohol? 9  Is Effexor safe for a woman who is pregnant, about to become pregnant,    or nursing an infant? 10. How is treatment with Effexor initiated? 11. What is the usual final dose of Effexor? 12. Are there withdrawal effects if Effexor is suddenly discontinued? 13. Is Effexor toxic if an overdose is taken? 14. What will Effexor cost? 15. When will Effexor be available? 16. Additions and corrections. 1. What is Effexor         Effexor is a new antidepressant with a novel chemical structure.  The chemical structure of Effexor does not resemble those of any currently used antidepressants.  Effexor is not an MAO inhibitor 2. How does Effexor differ from other antidepressants?         Effexor seems to have the relative freedom from side-effects associated with the SSRIs [fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox)] and the impact on both the serotonin and norepinephrine associated with the tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline (Elavil), inipramine (Tofranil) etc.).  It is hypothesized that the action of the Effexor molecule upon both serotonin and norepinephrine will cause Effexor to be a successful antidepressant for some people who have not responded to treatment with SSRIs. 3. What kinds of depression can be treated with Effexor?         While the pre-marketing studies were restricted to patients with a DSM-III-R diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (with or without melancholia), it is to be expected that Effexor will be prescribed for patients with Dysthymia, Major Depression, and Bipolar Disorder.         Although here have been no published studies on the use of Effexor for the treatment of children and adolescents with depression, it can be expected that the drug will be prescribed for depressed children and adolescents.         No special problems were encountered when Effexor was prescribed for elderly people with depression.         While Effexor was only studied for periods of administration of up to 6-weeks, it is to expected that patients with long-standing depressions will take the drug for longer periods of time. 4. What are the side-effects of Effexor?         The most common side-effects and the percentage of people reporting them during clinical trials are:                                 Nausea                  37%                                 Headache                25%                                 Sleepiness              23%                                 Dry mouth               22%                                 Dizziness               19%                                 Insomnia                18%                                 Constipation            15%                                 Nervousness             13%                                 Fatigue                 12%                                 Sweating                12%                                 Decreased appetite      11%                                 Male sexual dysfunction 12%                                 Female sexual                                           Dysfunction    2% 5. Which side effects force people to stop taking Effexor?         In the premarketing studies  19% (537 / 2897) of depressed patients taking Effexor discontinued the medication because of side-effects. The side effects and the percentages of total patients who dropped out for each are:                                 Nausea                  6%                                 Sleepiness              3%                                 Insomnia                3%                                 Dizziness               3%                                 Male sexual dysfunction 3% *                                 Headache                2%                                 Nervousness             2%                                 Anxiety                 2%                                 Dry mouth               2%                                 Fatigue                 2%                                 Sweating                2%                                            * % of men 6. Are there any special hazards for people with bipolar disorder?         As with other antidepressants, people with bipolar disorder who are not being treated with a mood regulator such as lithium, valproate (Depakote), or carbamazepine (Tegretol), may be pushed into a manic episode when treated with Effexor. 7. Does Effexor interact with other medications?         Lithium – No interaction         Diazepam (Valium) – No interaction         Cimetidine (Tagamet) – Slight increase in blood level of         Effexor’s active metabolite.  Not of clinical significance.         Fluoxetine (Prozac) – Significant increase in the concentration         of Effexor and its active metabolite.  Potential for increased side-         effects. 8. Does Effexor interact with alcohol?         Although Effexor has not been found to increase the impairment of cognitive or motor skills caused by alcohol, the manufacturer warns against drinking while taking Effexor. 9 Is Effexor safe for a woman who is pregnant, about to become pregnant,   or nursing an infant?         There is no data to establish the safety of Effexor for the fetus   or nursing infant. 9. How is treatment with Effexor initiated?         The usual starting dose of Effexor is 75 mg a day taken in two or three divided doses with food (to minimize nausea).  If higher doses are needed, the dose should not be increased more rapidly than 75 mg every 4 days. 10. What is the usual final dose of Effexor?         While doses up to 375 mg per day are approved by the FDA, some severely depressed patients have been treated with higher doses.  Most depressed people have been found to respond to doses under 300 mg per day. 11. Are there withdrawal effects if Effexor is suddenly discontinued?         Effexor should be discontinued gradually over at least 2-weeks.  If Effexor  suddenly discontinued, a withdrawal syndrome involving fatigue, nausea, dizziness, headache, insomnia, and nervousness, may develop. 12.  Is Effexor toxic if an overdose is taken?         Fourteen overdoses of Effexor have been reported.  In some cases Effexor was taken along with alcohol and/or other medications.  All individuals who took an overdose recovered without sequelae. 13. What will Effexor cost?         Effexor will be supplied in tablets ranging from 25 to 100 mg in strength.  The 25 mg tablets cost pharmacies nearly as much as the 100 mg tablets.  It is expected that all strengths of Effexor will be sold for between $1.00 and $1.50 per tablet. 14. When will Effexor be available?         A few psychiatrists have been given small supplies of Effexor. It is expected that Effexor will be widely available by the first week of April of 1994. 15. Additions and corrections.         This FAQ was prepared by Ivan K. Goldberg, MD.  Please address —                                                                 \\         ||                             Ivan Goldberg, MD                 ~        || ||    Voice Mail = 212-744-1846      ||      Fax = 212-737-0473           || || Snail Mail = NY Psychopharmacologic Inst. 1346 Lexington Ave NYC 10128 || : Hi.  I’ve been on Prozac fort Attention Deficit Disorder for about : two months now.  I recently started having problems with insomnia. : My Psychiatrist started me on trazodone (Desyrel) in the evenings to : help me sleep, but I seem to be getting some bad side effects from : it (indigestion, trouble concentrating, and sexual problems). : Here’s my question.  It seems like Psychiatrists have a reluctance : (justified I’m sure) to prescribe hypnotics or other strong sleep : medications to overcome the insomnia that is fairly common with : Prozac.  Does anyone out there know what is used apart from the : other anti-depressants (e.g., trazodone and amitriptyline)? : Has anyone actually had their Psychiatrist prescribe them Halcion : or something similar? : Would over-the-counter sleep medications do any good? : Since I am being treated for ADD, any drugs that take a long time to : wash out, or leave my mind feeling "dull" are out of the question. : As always, thanks for any and all help. : — : | Richard S. Smith  | PROGRESS(tm) 4GL Developer | Monrovia, California  | — Scott Onofrio                            LaserJet IHV Developer Group

… read more »

Response:

(Jeanne Guidry) writes:

I just started Prozac in conjuction with Cylert and have noticed no effects after a week; moreover, my psyc said that the clinical effects probably won’t be evident for at least a month, although I might see some changes, most notably side effects, earlier.  So far, so good–no headaches, insomnia, etc. But then again, my biochem is probably different as Ritalin had little clinical effect on me.

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