Question:

My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there (positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

Janet,    Most importantly, remember that serevent is not a resuce med…If you are having trouble right now use albuterol.  Serevent is a long term med use it twice a day….say 7a-7p.  Some meds givwe some people nightmares…funny, but I have nightmares if I take my multivitamin before bed!?   Never skip your serevent even if you are feeling good.  This also goes for any inhaled steroids you are taking…Steroids (inhaled) take a couple of weeks to build up in the body…so never skip your inhaled steroids! bill

Response:

I’ve been using Serevent for about 2 years and it’s enabled me to cut out Ventolin almost totally. Initially it gave me cramps in my feet- still does occasionally and I’ve noticed my eyesight has deteriorated (need to use glasses for reading larger print than before) but this may have happened anyway. I would give this drug 9.9 marks out of 10! As someone else mentioned you can use it early (borrow a puff ahead of next dose) if you feel your chest tightening and provided you are resting you will avoid need to use Ventolin as all will be well within 15 mins.

Response:

I’ve used Serevent for around 6 months or so.  I personally think it is wonderful.  I take 2 puffs twice a day.  I used to use 2 inhalers of proventil a month, and now I barely need to use one.   I also take atrovent and proventil 2 puffs, 4 times a day, and flovent 2 puffs twice a day.  It all seems to work pretty good. My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there

(positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

Response:

I tried SereVent a couple of weeks ago.  Results were somewhat beneficial but the doctor had to take me off of it because it made me too shaky.  I was practically unable to do anything manipulative with my hands while I was on it.  The shakiness would last until about 10 hours after using it. Angela

This is a side effect some people have when initially prescribed the maximum dose of 2 puffs twice a day (of the MDI). Some of these people can build up a tolerance for it by starting at a reduced dose, eg 1 puff once/day in the evening. A dry powder form, the Serevent Diskus, has recently been approved by the FDA, expected to be available next year. The DPI form is twice the strength of the MDI form so you use 1 puff twice a day. See http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/97/09/22/glx_y0022_1.html Ellis

Response:

My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there (positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

I love this stuff!  I will probably only take it during the winter, but it has helped even out my peak flow readings (they used to stay in the green area, but were all over the place, now they are very consistently within a 40 point range), it makes it so I don’t cough when I’m out in cold weather (2 block walk to campus was terrible, and getting from the edge of campus to my classes was worse) and I haven’t had nearly the number of side effects from it as I did from my rescue inhaler (MaxAir).  It’s kind of a pain to do 2 puffs twice a day from 2 different inhalers (I’ve started carrying it all in an insulated lunch bag), but if it means I don’t cough until I choke, I think I’ll put up with it. janet (so there *are* some other people out there named Janet –  I never knew anybody else with my name until about a year ago!)  :)

Response:

My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there (positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

I have used Serevent before. It made me shaky for quite a while. Interestingly, the shorter acting Ventolin, a similar drug, does not affect me as badly. For prevention, I an on Flovent, and it lessens my need for bronchodilators like Serevent and Ventolin. Many have good experiences with Serevent, though, so if it works well and has little or no side effects, stick with it. Donald Hellen (Note: Anti-Spam Measure… remove the "1" in front of our address to reply by email.)

Response:

I tried SereVent a couple of weeks ago.  Results were somewhat beneficial but the doctor had to take me off of it because it made me too shaky.  I was practically unable to do anything manipulative with my hands while I was on it. The shakiness would last until about 10 hours after using it. Angela

Try sticking with the Serevent for a few months.  Some people on this type of medication get over the shakiness after a while; I did (with Brethine, a tablet). — David Matthews, Boston University

Response:

I tried SereVent a couple of weeks ago.  Results were somewhat beneficial but the doctor had to take me off of it because it made me too shaky.  I was practically unable to do anything manipulative with my hands while I was on it.  The shakiness would last until about 10 hours after using it. Angela That which doesn’t break us makes us stronger.

Response:

My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there (positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

It works very well for me. —                 Read about the new book from Brustas Consulting                     at  http://users.abac.com/pbrustas                 Computer Renaissance  8396 Parkway Drive                      La Mesa, CA  91942  (619) 464-3711

Response:

My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there (positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

Janet, I love my Serevent inhaler!  I have been taking this medicine for a little over a year now, and my asthma has really improved with continued and concientious use (paired with Flovent 110).  I started noticing results in about one month.  I think I  like it so much because I don’t have to take the Proventil four times a day anymore. It was hard for me to meet that dosage and very inconvienient.  As always, pay attention to your own symptoms.  If you don’t notice a change, or if you feel like you are getting worse, call your doctor right away!  Good luck! We are each of us angels with only one wing. And we can only fly embracing each other.                    –Luciano De Creschenzo

Response:

I have used serevent now for nearly 2 years. It is brilliant, it works so well for me. It just enforces what your reliever does but it is active for about 12 hours. The only problem I have is that with the accuhaler you can taste it and it doesn’t taste too good but other than that it is great. I don’t know if you have been told, but it is worth using it before your preventer. Hope this helps. love Hannah – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there (positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

Response:

My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there (positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

It works great for me, 2 puffs twice a day. Initially I had to get my allergist to put in a special request to my HMO 3 years ago to get them to approve it–because of my nocturnal asthma. If I’m going folk dancing in the evening, I often take one of the 2 evening puffs early, it works for exercise too, takes about 15 min to start taking effect. However the max dose is 4 puffs/day, so if I need more bronchodilation, I use Ventolin. The only side effects I noticed, initially I seemed to have nightmares if I used it just before going to bed, but it was OK if I used it at least 2 hr before. After a couple months that phenomenon went away. I also use Vanceril DS 2 pf x2, Intal and TheoDur 200mg x2. I just recently added the TheoDur back in. It seems to give better overall control. Ellis

Response:

My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there (positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

Response:

Question:

Just buy a separate voltage converter (what the heck are those things called?..someone help me) that will enable you to use your nebulizer, hairdryer, etc. when in Europe. They are not expensive. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m going to Europe for 3 weeks in June.  I’ve had severe asthma for my whole life (50, now) that’s usually under control with Albuterol, Serevent, and Flovent.  I’ll be taking those medihalers with me, but, thought it might be wise to take some kind of portable nebulizer and some albuterol solution just in case. I assume I’m looking for a battery powered ultrasonic one, but, was wondering if there’s one with a transformer/recharger that works with the European voltages (220 VAC/50Hz).  I’ll be traveling in France, Germany, and Italy. Thanks!

Response:

I know in England that Omeron does a battery one for

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:

It seems like all the doctors are the same way with where they put the blame. As far as they see it, the meds don’t have any bad effects. My doctor is that way.

Get a new doctor. Chris Owens

Response:

Lisa, I was increased from 2 to 3 puffs twice daily of Flovent 44 about 3 months ago.  Although I haven’t noticed increased cramping, the muscles in my lower legs and arms are very weak and feel like I’ve worked the muscles too hard (which I haven’t, unfortunately).  Actually, they feel sort of like "spaghetti" at times.  I have also gained about 10 pounds since the increase.  What a drag!  Have you experienced any muscle weakness?  My doctor is always reluctant to "blame" oddities on my medicine.

Steroid use can cause upper limb weakness, both legs and arms.  I lift weights and take potassium and calcium suppliments to counter this. Sue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Patrice I am on Flovent 44 three puffs twice a day.  I am having terrible cramping as of late.  I used to be on Serevent that I know also caused cramping, and have since went off of it because of side effects.  Now I am wondering if the inhaled steroids are causing this and if it is the particular brand I am on (Flovent) or if there is another type that doesn’t cause so much of this cramping. I am on Potassium, cacium, and magnesium supplements.  I am wondering if I should switch, go off of the steroid, or what to do. I am also wondering if anyone else has noticed mood swings while on inhaled steriods.  I noticed these symptoms increase after increasing from two puffs to three puffs twice a day.  Any ideas will be appreciated.  Lisa N

Smoke Often. Die Young.

Response:

Hello-   your dose of flovent is VERY SMALL. I doubt it would cause those problems. Most of us complaining/talking about it are on 220, at least twice a day, sometimes four. Remember to use a spacer and rinse/garble your mouth out well after you take it, it can never hurt. -jenny I am on Flovent 44 three puffs twice a day.  I am having terrible cramping as of late.  I used to be on Serevent that I know also caused cramping, and have since went off of it because of side effects.  Now I am wondering if the inhaled steroids are causing this and if it is the particular brand I am on (Flovent) or if there is another type that doesn’t cause so much of this cramping. I am on Potassium, cacium, and magnesium supplements.  I am wondering if I should switch, go off of the steroid, or what to do. I am also wondering if anyone else has noticed mood swings while on inhaled steriods.  I noticed these symptoms increase after increasing from two puffs to three puffs twice a day.  Any ideas will be appreciated.  Lisa N

Jennifer Gerbi                          http://www.students.uiuc.edu/~gerbi Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign   1-113 ESB             (217)244-0332

Response:

Yes I have noticed muscle weakness!!  I am going back to 2 puffs of Flovent, and like I said, I have cut out Serevent. I have just added Intal also, which I hope will help.  My doctor does the same thing, but enough people here have written about all these side effects to prove to me it is the medicine. I have NEVER had cramps and muscle weakness in my life, I am 32 and healthy otherwise.  And I have had all the strange symptoms for the past 8 months, the exact amount of time I was put on all these asthma drugs. So that is my proof.  I am hoping to get some good results from the Intal so I can reduce the Flovent and maybe get off of it all together.  So you aren’t alone, your symptoms go along with my theory anyway. Lisa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Lisa, I was increased from 2 to 3 puffs twice daily of Flovent 44 about 3 months ago.  Although I haven’t noticed increased cramping, the muscles in my lower legs and arms are very weak and feel like I’ve worked the muscles too hard (which I haven’t, unfortunately).  Actually, they feel sort of like "spaghetti" at times.  I have also gained about 10 pounds since the increase.  What a drag!  Have you experienced any muscle weakness?  My doctor is always reluctant to "blame" oddities on my medicine. Patrice I am on Flovent 44 three puffs twice a day.  I am having terrible cramping as of late.  I used to be on Serevent that I know also caused cramping, and have since went off of it because of side effects.  Now I am wondering if the inhaled steroids are causing this and if it is the particular brand I am on (Flovent) or if there is another type that doesn’t cause so much of this cramping. I am on Potassium, cacium, and magnesium supplements.  I am wondering if I should switch, go off of the steroid, or what to do. I am also wondering if anyone else has noticed mood swings while on inhaled steriods.  I noticed these symptoms increase after increasing from two puffs to three puffs twice a day.  Any ideas will be appreciated.  Lisa N

Response:

It seems like all the doctors are the same way with where they put the blame. As far as they see it, the meds don’t have any bad effects. My doctor is that way. But even though he thinks that way, I got my second VERY BAD cramp in my calf last night while I was sleeping. This is the second one since I started Flovent and Serevent. (And I have only had one other leg cramp in my life 5 years ago) Something has to give. Shannon

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Lisa, I was increased from 2 to 3 puffs twice daily of Flovent 44 about 3 months ago.  Although I haven’t noticed increased cramping, the muscles in my lower legs and arms are very weak and feel like I’ve worked the muscles too hard (which I haven’t, unfortunately).  Actually, they feel sort of like "spaghetti" at times.  I have also gained about 10 pounds since the increase.  What a drag!  Have you experienced any muscle weakness?  My doctor is always reluctant to "blame" oddities on my medicine. Patrice I am on Flovent 44 three puffs twice a day.  I am having terrible cramping as of late.  I used to be on Serevent that I know also caused cramping, and have since went off of it because of side effects.  Now I am wondering if the inhaled steroids are causing this and if it is the particular brand I am on (Flovent) or if there is another type that doesn’t cause so much of this cramping. I am on Potassium, cacium, and magnesium supplements.  I am wondering if I should switch, go off of the steroid, or what to do. I am also wondering if anyone else has noticed mood swings while on inhaled steriods.  I noticed these symptoms increase after increasing from two puffs to three puffs twice a day.  Any ideas will be appreciated.  Lisa N

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I am on Flovent 44 three puffs twice a day.  I am having terrible cramping as of late.  I used to be on Serevent that I know also caused cramping, and have since went off of it because of side effects.  Now I am wondering if the inhaled steroids are causing this and if it is the particular brand I am on (Flovent) or if there is another type that doesn’t cause so much of this cramping. I am on Potassium, cacium, and magnesium supplements.  I am wondering if I should switch, go off of the steroid, or what to do. I am also wondering if anyone else has noticed mood swings while on inhaled steriods.  I noticed these symptoms increase after increasing from two puffs to three puffs twice a day.  Any ideas will be appreciated.  Lisa N

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Lisa, I was increased from 2 to 3 puffs twice daily of Flovent 44 about 3 months ago.  Although I haven’t noticed increased cramping, the muscles in my lower legs and arms are very weak and feel like I’ve worked the muscles too hard (which I haven’t, unfortunately).  Actually, they feel sort of like "spaghetti" at times.  I have also gained about 10 pounds since the increase.  What a drag!  Have you experienced any muscle weakness?  My doctor is always reluctant to "blame" oddities on my medicine. Patrice – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am on Flovent 44 three puffs twice a day.  I am having terrible cramping as of late.  I used to be on Serevent that I know also caused cramping, and have since went off of it because of side effects.  Now I am wondering if the inhaled steroids are causing this and if it is the particular brand I am on (Flovent) or if there is another type that doesn’t cause so much of this cramping. I am on Potassium, cacium, and magnesium supplements.  I am wondering if I should switch, go off of the steroid, or what to do. I am also wondering if anyone else has noticed mood swings while on inhaled steriods.  I noticed these symptoms increase after increasing from two puffs to three puffs twice a day.  Any ideas will be appreciated.  Lisa N

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Question:

Hi everyone, i’ve suffered headaches off and on my whole life, but over the past 8 days, I have had a severe morning headache every single morning.  It is more in the back of my head, my neck muscles are very sore and my jaw and bottom molars are sore as well. I take two excedrin migraine and the headache is completely gone within an hour, if I don’t take the excedrin, then well the headache stays with me for most of the day until after lunch.  Also my eyes are very light sensitive with these headaches. I had been on zoloft 50mg for about 8 months and two months ago I stopped taking it, I slowly weaned myself off of it.  I’m thinking these headaches could be from the zoloft withdrawal?  I also feel that I may be grinding my teeth at night but i’m not sure.  Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Response:

I had been on zoloft 50mg for about 8 months and two months ago I stopped taking it, I slowly weaned myself off of it. I’m thinking these headaches could be from the zoloft withdrawal? I also feel that I may be grinding my teeth at night but i’m not sure. Any thoughts?

IMHO, it may well be the grinding of your teeth, as well as not taking zoloft anymore.  Doctors say that anti-depressants are not addictive as benzo’s, but they are so wrong.  I  weaned myself off prozac very slowly, and I felt ok for  a few months.  Then all of a sudden, I developed dizzy spells, felt very sad and awful.  So…I took the prozac again, and bingo, the dizziness went away, my crying fits stopped, and felt better (but still have that same underlying feelings of sadness and feelings of despair , guilt, etc.  Try taking the zoloft again in small doses, and see if the headaches stop.  Then you know it was the brain yelling out for the zoloft.  The brain does not forget these little pills we take, and lets us know that it wants it again.  Of course, I could be entirely wrong about this.  Maybe your headaches are caused by tension.  Maybe this, or maybe that.  Good luck and be well.   Art Decco… nyc, usa

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Question:

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

Response:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Question:

What’s going on? What do you think is causing it? Wish I could help. (((liah))) Trev

I don’t know… it happens every now and then… if it were consistent with my moods i’d blame it on being upset but it happens in all different kinds of moods… but it almost hurts when i shake… Thanks  {{{Trev}}} liah i’m unlike anyone you’ve ever not wanted to meet

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my whole body… it really sucks and it’s making me paranoid… just please make it stop liah

Hey, you just described my entire physical life since I was 13. I have Essential Tremor, and myoclonus. I shake and twitch constantly. Klonopin and Neurontin help, but if your’s is only a temporary condition, I doubt if you’ll have to resort to meds. What’s going on? What do you think is causing it? Wish I could help. (((liah))) Trev – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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my whole body… it really sucks and it’s making me paranoid… just please make it stop liah i’m unlike anyone you’ve ever not wanted to meet

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Question:

I have just been prescribed  venlafaxine for anxiety.  Could anybody tell me anything about this drug i.e. positive and negative results. Thank you. Tracy

Basically it’s a TCA. It may well work. But other TCA’s are better researched and I would never try velafaxine as a first choice med. It it should be a TCA- which may well work and can be combined with a benzo – I’d opt for imipramine first (the mother of all TCA’s ) But of course YMMV. Philip

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My understanding is that effexor is one of the ‘newer’ antidepressants that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin – like the the ssri’s [paxil zoloft] but also controls levels of noradrenaline [as the old TCAs do]. Effexor is thought to be very ‘effective’ .. but also a bit prone to producing side-effects — high blood pressure, nausea, weight -loss, sexual dysfunction etc — very similar really to the SSRIs Hope this helps Chris

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I have just been prescribed  venlafaxine for anxiety.  Could anybody tell me anything about this drug i.e. positive and negative results.   Thank you. Tracy

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Did not work for me at all.  The side effects were terrible.  But remember that everybody is different and it may work for you. JP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just been prescribed  venlafaxine for anxiety.  Could anybody tell me anything about this drug i.e. positive and negative results. Thank you. Tracy

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Question:

  I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.  I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

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I tend to do that a lot too, but when I take a xanax before bed, I never wake up before I’m supposed to, and I have many very clear dreams that I always remember.  It’s a huge difference.  YMMV. -deb

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You just explained me to a TEE, unfortunately. I am on the Trazodone for day #3 now, and Zoloft for 3 years. I thought the Trazadone would be alot easier on me than it is. I am EXHAUSTED! I dont know whether my body is just making up for all the sleep deprivation all of this time or what, but I cannot wake-up all this weekend. I feel like I have been weighted down with bricks…I am questioning which is the lesser of two evils: staying up all night, having nightmares and twilight sleep when I can sleep, or this damned Trazadone. I am ready to call it quits to everything! Geesh! I find myself angry with everyone right now. I keep thinking my counsellor is good, helpful, knowledgeable… Okay, so why cant I seem to get better? Two and a half years ago of Zoloft I was about 90% panic free. Now, I am upping dosages, taking more meds, feeling like I am crazy, taking my frustration out on anyone within shouting distance (Including the jerk who had the AUDACITY to steal my parking spot!). I feel like I am on this constant spiral downward lately, and no matter how much I want to believe I am going to be on the "up" side, it doesnt happen. I had one small success recently, and even that isnt enough to help me. I am depressed, I cry at the drop of a hat… Tonight was so bad any slightest noise went straight for my spine and reverbarated (SP?) the whole way. Hard to have peace and quiet with little ones running aorund…My kids jokingly call me the grump now. It isnt funny any more. I dont enjoy anything, I dont want to go anywhere, I sit and cry, and that is all… Why bother going out? RIght now it is better to hide, which is scary- been there, done that– told myself I would never go down to that level again. My husband was always my biggest support person and now even he is losing his patience with me,… I dont understand how other people seem to handle this. Whats worse, the depression, the panic, the combonation of the two?… I am sick of hearing myself moan groan and complain. I find myself always apologising for being such a broken record….Good Lord, how much is my family supposed to take of me?? I dont know the answer to your question about stronger meds. I wanted to try something like Xanax or Ativan, but I was told no, they were too habit forming… What are we to do?? I havent a clue! When you find an answer, be sure to let me in on the secret, wont you???? Wishing you the best of luck!! — Miriam The Complainer    (These opinions are mine and mine alone… YMMV) It’s hard to make a comeback when you haven’t been anywhere.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.     I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

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  I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.  I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

I think, if it were me, I’d go back to my doctor and have a complete review of my treatment. You don’t say whether it has been effective for your anxiety but, assuming it has been, there must be more effective sleeping aids s/he could give you. This ‘racing mind syndrome’ is something I suffer from too and it’s a swine, I know. I do find that a benzo knocks it right out, but I’m not sure whether I’d be willing to use one to do that on a very regular basis. Then again, sleep does seem to be quite dependent on patterns and habits so might it be that if you could re-establish a new sleeping pattern with occasional use of a benzo, that might help? Just a thought, FWIW — Gary Cooper

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I know how you feel.  I had the same problem for two months.  I have two pieces of advice for you. 1. set up a normal sleep time and stick to it. go to bed and wake at the same time every day.  I found this a real pain, since I would sometimes find myself lying in bed somewhere between asleep and wide awake for a couple of hours.  2.  Keep your house as cool as possible, this one really helps me.  It sucks when you get the electric bill, but I find the extra money worth it.  I believe the book that I read said between 60 and 70.  I keep mine at 70, at night. I am not saying that you still wont wake up to go to the bathroom (when you gotta go you gotta go!). What I am saying you should get a little more consistent about falling back to sleep. of course YMMV and IMO. This took me about a month or so, but it really helped. Good luck d – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.     I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

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  I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.  I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

Used to have this problem until I started taking Klonopin (3mgs per day) and Xanax (.25 to 1 mg. per day) Now, I sleep very well. I rarely wake up before I am "supposed to". I alos no longer have nocturnal panic attacks, which had plagued me since I was 16 (38 now). The other benefit is that I was diagnosed withfibromyalgia a few years back. The symptoms are worse with interrupted sleep. I no longer have symptoms since being on the meds. I also have no side-effects from the meds. Best Wishes, Jen

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I’m afraid I can’t offer much advice but I can empathize with your experience. I sometimes wake up in the middle night with my stress meter fully pegged. It doesn’t sound like much, but I have found that if I concentrate on asking myself why I would need to feel so stressed I am able to eventually ease back down. josh   I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off. — Gary Cooper

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In article <   I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.     I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

This person’s an idiot-"I DONT DO DRUGS" – of course you do!-ZOLOFT/coffee and who knows how many wines/beers a week they consume, much less cigarettes!!!

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You may wish to refer to an article by Dr. Paul Wenders group at U. Utah:: Reimarr, F et al ,An open trial of L-Tyrosine in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder, Residual Type. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY, 144:8 August 1987, pp 1071-3 This study used doses of 50-150mg/kg in adults with ADD.  Eight of twelve patients had a "marked to moderate" response after 2 weeks, but all developed tolerance at 6 weeks.   In re the comments about tyrosine not effecting CNS levels of dopamine and norepinephrine (as compared to tryptophane — serotonin) I doubt that its that simple.   Why would tyrosine/phenylanaine supplementation have a positive effec in some cases of depression? You may wish to look up some writings by Dr. Richard Wurtman that will correlate amino acid loading with increase in central neurotransmitters. Are you also taking supplements of B vitamine (B6) that will aid the production of dopamine? In closing, you may find as I have that tyrosine used concurrently with a stimulant will have even better results than either alone.  Good luck Bob

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You may wish to refer to an article by Dr. Paul Wenders group at U. Utah:: Reimarr, F et al ,An open trial of L-Tyrosine in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder, Residual Type. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY, 144:8 August 1987, pp 1071-3 This study used doses of 50-150mg/kg in adults with ADD.  Eight of twelve patients had a "marked to moderate" response after 2 weeks, but all developed tolerance at 6 weeks.   In re the comments about tyrosine not effecting CNS levels of dopamine and norepinephrine (as compared to tryptophane — serotonin) I doubt that its that simple.   Why would tyrosine/phenylanaine supplementation have a positive effec in some cases of depression? You may wish to look up some writings by Dr. Richard Wurtman that will correlate amino acid loading with increase in central neurotransmitters.

Just to let you know where I’m coming from, for what it’s worth, here’s a quote from "The Molecular Foundations of Psychiatry" by S.E.Hyman & E.J. Nestler, pg 71:         Tyrosine hydroxylase is the rate limiting enzyme of catecholamine         [i.e. dopamine and norepinephrine] synthesis…Because tyrosine         hydroxylase exists at relatively low levels, and *under normal         conditions* is already supersaturated by the amount of tyrosine         found in the brain, it is very difficult to influence brain         catecholamine synthesis through variations in dietary tyrosine. Notice the qualification "under normal conditions".  There could be exceptions, for example, in persons with abnormal brain chemistry. Stanley – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Are you also taking supplements of B vitamine (B6) that will aid the production of dopamine? In closing, you may find as I have that tyrosine used concurrently with a stimulant will have even better results than either alone.  Good luck Bob

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Which is the reason that L-Dopa is used to treat Parkinson’s disease rather than tyrosine.  I beleive that too many people expect too great of results from substances such as amino acids  Similarly too many in the medical/scientific community are just as fast to write off any real effect.   To simply state that tyrosine hydroxylase is the rate limiting factor may be a simplification.  (Does this consider variations depending on time of day?)   The Wender writing stated that a period of two weeks passed before an effect was noticed, which he compared to the delayed response found in most antidepressant drugs.  (Similarly he found no usefulness beyond 6 weeks, tolerance?) To my understanding, tricyclic antidepressants cause an immediate blockage of reuptake and consequential increase in synaptic transmitter levels but clinical response is delayed 2-6 weeks.  Why?  This suggests actions beyond the immediate cast of players, be it amino acids, enzymes, neurotransmitters and/or drugs, on an IMMEDIATE basis. I hope to respond to you giving a few other citations later. I invite your comments on a relate issue, ie, the differing actions of d-amphetamine and methylphenidate.  As a person with ADD, I had extreme problems (anxiety, dysphoria) with larger doses of Ritalin(40-60mg/dose), which my doctor simply excused to my greater awareness to the world.  I have no such problems with ROUGHLY equivalent doses of Dexedrine(15mg).  I have read that these two drugs act on different dopamine pools in the brain, and that methylphenidate actually inhibits the actions of amphetamine.(Research I beleive done by a researcher at Duke, McEwen or similar name reported in TIPS mid 80s)  Similarly methylphenidate seems to provoke epileptic activity, where amphetamine tends to inhibit it (Dexedrine is marketed as an anticonvulsant in Canada, I doubt this is only for its anti-drowsiness effects re phenobarbital) As a child I experienced nocturnal epilepsy but I have read nothing clinically about the selection of antiADD drugs in epileptics for example.  What is the current thinking (theoretically as well as clinically) regarding this diffenence between the actions of thes amphetamine like drugs and the methylphenidate like drugs?. Regards Bob

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Tyrosine is a great way to prevent depletion of neurotransmitters as a result of psychostimulant therapy. Phenylalanine competes with tryptophan for entry to the brain and should not even be considered – it made me angry as all hell!! All by itself its probably nowhere near as effective, because the body is good at keeping levels where it thinks they should be. L-Dopa effectively bypasses this mechanism – anyone got any data on it? L-Dopa can [according to a friend] be made by feeding potatoes lots of tyrosine, then eating them [he didnt say whether they were cooked or not] — Its always the same / Im the only one who’s always left to blame / Take what you can take / Hurt is your only idea of a game / To break away / I dont have that within me / And I’m not afraid / So I bite the hand that feeds me… / When all you do is break me / And put me in a cage     Front 242, Animal.

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Someone posted a message recently about Tyrosine conflicting with antidepressants. Anyone have any details?

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: I really hate these kinds of replies. : Why do you bother doing this without getting the facts?  Gosh.. You’ve : succeeded in making me angry. : I have probably been diagnosed with ADD more times than you have, Ed. : about 3 or 4.  from neurologists and psychiatrists.  I have tried every : drug known from stimulants to wellbutrin. : lay off, and find out the facts before you waste your time talking without : knowing. : If you don know, ASK.  don’t suggest things that have already been done IN : EXCESS! : Now, if someone could INTELLECTUALLY respond to my message,  I would : appreciate it.   : I appologize to all reading this, it just makes me upset to have someone : respond to me like this. Jason, you _asked_ for opinions; and that’s what you got.  Don’t complain that somebody offered you the best advice that anybody could in response to your description of experimenting with self-treatment for ADD "symptoms". I’ve tried Ritalin, switched to Dexedrine, went back to Ritalin, added Effexor along with Ritalin, and still some of my symptoms persist. However, all through this process (a little over 2 years now) I’ve been seeing a therapist (psychologist) on a regular basis, as well at the less frequent appointments with neurologist, neuropsychologist, and psychiatrist. Oh, can’t forget my general practicioner MD, either. For many people, drugs are not enough–some type of therapy or counselling can help them take control over their life.  For some of us it’s the first time ever we’ve felt even close to being in the driver’s seat, and it can be a frightening/frustrating experience–not knowing what we’re supposed to do first, or do next, or do after that, or… Final note: regarding self-prescribed vitamin, mineral, amino acid, "natural" supplements, a biochemical/medical researcher (PhD+) advised me, "I recommend against it; when you start messing with chemical balance in your brain you can really screw things up."   _I’d_ recommend taking Ed’s advice: seek professional help and stick with it. (I apologize if the tone of this post started getting hot, but what you’re  doing _is_ playing with fire.  Be really careful!)       "Well, heck. It sounded like a _really_good_idea_, at the time."

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I really hate these kinds of replies. Why do you bother doing this without getting the facts?  Gosh.. You’ve succeeded in making me angry. I have probably been diagnosed with ADD more times than you have, Ed. about 3 or 4.  from neurologists and psychiatrists.  I have tried every drug known from stimulants to wellbutrin. lay off, and find out the facts before you waste your time talking without knowing. If you don know, ASK.  don’t suggest things that have already been done IN EXCESS! Now, if someone could INTELLECTUALLY respond to my message,  I would appreciate it.   I appologize to all reading this, it just makes me upset to have someone respond to me like this. Jason —- The fear of the unknown is a response to the excesses of the imagination.

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