Question:

I am new to the group, and have a family of asthmatics.  I am 29-years old and was finally diagnosed with asthma about 2-years ago.  I have a just turned 4-year old who has had asthma since he was 6-months old, a 7-year old who was recently diagnosed, and a 5-month old baby who has already contracted RSV and been on albuterol nebulizer treatments. I have had very nasty side effects with Prednisone and Prednisolone oral steroids.  I also have a hard time taking Decahedron.  The only oral steroid I have been able to tolerate is a Medrol dose pack.  Has anyone one had similar problems? I would also appreciate any information available on RSV and its effects. Thank you.

Response:

I am new to the group, and have a family of asthmatics.  I am 29-years old and was finally diagnosed with asthma about 2-years ago.  I have a just turned 4-year old who has had asthma since he was 6-months old, a 7-year old who was recently diagnosed, and a 5-month old baby who has already contracted RSV and been on albuterol nebulizer treatments. I have had very nasty side effects with Prednisone and Prednisolone oral steroids.  I also have a hard time taking Decahedron.  The only oral steroid I have been able to tolerate is a Medrol dose pack.  Has anyone one had similar problems? I would also appreciate any information available on RSV and its effects. Thank you.

The oral steroids commonly used for asthma are prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone (Medrol). I think the side effects are similar. I think that Decadron (dexamethsone) is not usually used for asthma due to its more severe side effects. The oral steroids are used for ‘burst’ doses for asthma exacerbations, and for very Severe asthmatics. Many asthmatics who formerly took oral steroids for maintenance have been able to switch to the new high-strength steroid inhalers like Flovent and Pulmicort, which results in a much lower total dose of steroid since it goes directly to the lungs. Oral steroids have many side effects including osteoporosis, high BP, psychological effects, etc. Info on RSV at www.rsvinfo.com (drug co. site) http://www.rsvinfo.com/sequelae/sequelae.html "Recurring Respiratory Problems   Reactive airway disease and pulmonary function deficits are   two conditions known to strike those who have suffered   from RSV bronchiolitis in their first year of life, even in   children whose initial illness did not require   hospitalization.10 Wheezing and asthma have also been   identified in children 10 years after suffering an RSV lower   respiratory tract infection in infancy. 11 This susceptibility   to asthma and wheezing may have been caused by the early   infection damaging the growing lung. However, genetics   may also play a role in predisposing patients with RSV to   the development of recurring respiratory problems.11   Two major hypotheses have been proposed to explain the   association between lower respiratory tract infections such   as RSV during infancy and subsequent respiratory   abnormalities such as asthma and chronic obstructive   pulmonary disease.10   These two possibilities, however, while contrasting, are not   necessarily mutually exclusive.   According to various prospective studies involving   children who had experienced RSV infection as infants, the   following RSV sequelae have been reported11-21:         recurrent wheezing; cough         asthma; impaired oxygenation         pulmonary dysfunction         bronchial reactivity         acute respiratory disease         hyperinflation         variable airways obstruction   RSV Risk Factors   It is important to note that there is a broad spectrum of RSV   infection ranging from mild to severe to fatal, and it is not   known whether RSV sequelae follow mild RSV infections, as   most prospective studies follow cases of infants who were   hospitalized for moderate to severe RSV infection.11-21   In hospitalized patients with moderate to severe cases of   RSV bronchiolitis infection, physicians should consider   early treatment with an antiviral agent to reduce the risk of   long-term sequelae.   Those infants and young children most at risk for severe   RSV infection include:         Those with a history of prematurity         Infants less than six weeks of age         Those with congenital heart disease         Those with chronic lung conditions including         bronchopulmonary dysplasia and cystic fibrosis         Those who suffer from immunodeficiency (e.g., HIV,         AIDS, cancer, transplants)   Can Early Treatment Make a Difference?   If viral infections early in life cause long-term sequelae, RSV   can be considered a prime candidate by virtue of high   incidence in early infancy.10 But is there anything that can   help decrease the risk of long-term sequelae? Some studies   confirm a decreased overall incidence of bronchitis in   ribavirin-treated patients but do not maintain that   subsequent diagnosis of reactive airway disease is reduced   due to such antiviral treatment.22 However, recent   prospective and retrospective studies23-25 indicate that   aggressive medical intervention and early treatment with a   broad-spectrum antiviral may reduce the morbidity from RSV   disease.     AUTHORS: Fergie et al at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in              Corpus Christi, Texas     METHODS: Assessed the pulmonary health status at two years following             hospital discharge of 30 ribavirin-treated infants with RSV             bronchiolitis (1994-1995 RSV season)             Compared this status with 28 matched infants whose             treatment at the same hospital excluded ribavirin      RESULTS:           For Full Prescribing Information For VIRAZOLE

Question:

Hello everybody,     I have just been prescribed a corticosteroid inhaler (Flovent) for mild asthma.  The pharmacist told me about thrush, and that I should be sure to rinse my mouth after I take my dose.  I later called the pharmacist back and asked if I got it, could I give it to someone else (through kissing) and the answer was yes.  So my question is, how common is it if you rinse, and how much of an inconvenience is it if you get it?  Has anyone ever given it to a boyfriend/girlfriend?  Is it easy to control with a fungal mouthwash?  I’m afraid to kiss my boyfriend before I find out more (I couldn’t find much on the web beyond the basic description, and the fact that you can get it even if you rinse well).  Of course I am going to put a call into my allergist, but he only has a clinic once a week or maybe less, so I don’t know when I will get a response.  PLEASE e-mail me about this if anyone has any input on the subject! Thanks!     Mary

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello everybody,     I have just been prescribed a corticosteroid inhaler (Flovent) for mild asthma.  The pharmacist told me about thrush, and that I should be sure to rinse my mouth after I take my dose.  I later called the pharmacist back and asked if I got it, could I give it to someone else (through kissing) and the answer was yes.  So my question is, how common is it if you rinse, and how much of an inconvenience is it if you get it?  Has anyone ever given it to a boyfriend/girlfriend?  Is it easy to control with a fungal mouthwash?  I’m afraid to kiss my boyfriend before I find out more (I couldn’t find much on the web beyond the basic description, and the fact that you can get it even if you rinse well).  Of course I am going to put a call into my allergist, but he only has a clinic once a week or maybe less, so I don’t know when I will get a response.  PLEASE e-mail me about this if anyone has any input on the subject! Thanks!     Mary

Mary, the germs that cause thrush are found in the normal flora of the mouth.  This means your bf already has them.  The reason that the inhalers can cause this problem is that they change the pH of the mouth.  If you rinse well [drink an entire 16 oz glass of water, and swish it around], you shouldn’t have a problem.  I have been using inhaled steroids for more than a decade, and have never gotten thrush. Chris Owens

Response:

Mary, I currently have Oral Thrush and have to fight it continuously.  I gargle very carefully and rinse after every use of Flovent, but still am prone to it.  I think it is very similar to women that are sensitive to vaginal yeast infections also.  One of the things I have found to really help is to eat yogurt everyday.  I also have a prescription for Mycelex lozenges that I can have filled whenever I need it, although I have found that if I rinse well and eat the yogurt I can usually keep the Thrush at bay without having to overuse the Mycelex. Chrystal – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Mary, the germs that cause thrush are found in the normal flora of the mouth.  This means your bf already has them.  The reason that the inhalers can cause this problem is that they change the pH of the mouth.  If you rinse well [drink an entire 16 oz glass of water, and swish it around], you shouldn’t have a problem.  I have been using inhaled steroids for more than a decade, and have never gotten thrush. Chris Owens

Response:

You may also want to try a spacer if you are not currently using one.  It is difficult to time inhalation of the drug with depressing or actuating the inhaler.  If you find you are hitting the back of your throat or tasting the medication when you use your inhaler you need to work on your technique.  A spacer helps you to get more of the medication to your airway instead of your mouth or throat. Don’t forget to shake the canister really well between each dose and wait 30sec to a minute between each puff. Hope this helps. Shane J. Varnum – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mary, I currently have Oral Thrush and have to fight it continuously.  I gargle very carefully and rinse after every use of Flovent, but still am prone to it.  I think it is very similar to women that are sensitive to vaginal yeast infections also.  One of the things I have found to really help is to eat yogurt everyday

Response:

Mary:  regarding Flovent and thrush.  Generally speaking, thrush from Flovent and other inhaled corticosteriods is kind of hard to get.  Simple mouth care is all that is really necessary.  For example, if you take Flovent 2x/day, take it first thing in the a.m., eat breakfast, brush teeth … take it before bedtime and brush teeth before sleeping.  If you’re on the road, drink a few sips of water, soda, breath mints, etc.  Yes, thrush is transmittable, avoid kissing and wash eating utensils thoroughly afterwards.  To get thrush in the first place, you must be immunocompromised, or not eating/drinking for days (say an unconscious patient in ICU).  I take Azmacort (another corticosteroid) and honestly the aftertaste is so bad,  it’s not hard to remember to use mouthwash/drink/eat/brush teeth!! An asthmatic health professional

Response:

I take Flovent and the only problems I have with it is it makes your throat sore if I dont rinse well. As far as passing thrush on to a boyfriend, I have never heard of that..

Response:

The use of a spacer, can reduce the risk of getting thrush.  It is also a good idea to use a spacer, so the meds get in your lungs, not on on your tongue, roof of your mouth etc…

Response:

rinsing your mouth out, with just water, after each inhaler treatment, will greatly reduce the odds of getting thrush. btw, white oak bark tea works great on killing thrush.  i am not usually a proponent of alternative styles of medicine, but it worked for me.

Response:

You should always rinse out your mouth after using an inhaler.  Especially if you are using any type of steroid inhalers.

The use of a spacer, can reduce the risk of getting thrush.  It is also a good idea to use a spacer, so the meds get in your lungs, not on on your tongue, roof of your mouth etc…

Response:

Question:

So why is it there is such a shortage?  Is it for all types of phentermine? I was told that the company stopped making the 30 mg dosage so people were getting 15mg and taking 2.  But that the 37.5 was not a problem to get.  Is this wrong? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was reading a transcript of one of your chats on WebMD and I followed a link you had posted there to an Rx site http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/phenterm.htm. . I see that they have Phentermine hcl there. The cost is $20 for a 90 day supply. I was wondering if this was pure phentermine? I bought some phentermine pills a while back from another site and paid about $300 for a 90 day supply. I am wondering if you can tell me what the differences are in the different mixes of phentermine. I used to be on Phen-fen and have just never found anything quite like it since. I have pretty good results (2pnds per week) with the phentermine, but now I am not sure what kind to buy and where to buy it at a fair price. I would really appreciate any feedback or help you could give. As far as I know RxList is a monograph service, and it does not sell drugs. $20 for a 90 day supply sounds kind of low, maybe for a 30 day supply. But I don’t have any information about which pharmacies are reliable, or where the best places are to buy it. I do have a few "virtual pharmacies" listed on the OMR site, but they are regular pharmacies (like the cyberpharmacy) and they require a prescription from your doctor. With the shortage I don’t know what pharmacies still have generic phentermine, and I have no real advice to offer you other than that given in the April 2000 issue of OMR on the phentermine shortage. If you are interested in information on the various types of phentermine, there is an autoresponder on the Obesity Meds and Research News site. Just go to the FAQ page and click on the phentermine primer. That will send you an e-mail with the basics about all the major types of phentermine. You might also want to stop by current obesity medications FAQ and read the section there on phentermine. Been out of town for the last week, and off-line for the last several days. Hope this helps. Barbara Barbara Hirsch, Publisher OBESITY MEDS AND RESEARCH NEWS May issue: Ephedrine and thermogenesis. http://www.obesity-news.com/

Response:

As far as I know RxList is a monograph service, and it does not sell drugs. $20 for a 90 day supply sounds kind of low, maybe for a 30 day supply.

That doesn’t sound low at all for the wholesale price.  A 60 day supply goes for $17.76 at drugstore.com.

Response:

I was reading a transcript of one of your chats on WebMD and I followed a link you had posted there to an Rx site http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/phenterm.htm. . I see that they have Phentermine hcl there. The cost is $20 for a 90 day supply. I was wondering if this was pure phentermine? I bought some phentermine pills a while back from another site and paid about $300 for a 90 day supply. I am wondering if you can tell me what the differences are in the different mixes of phentermine. I used to be on Phen-fen and have just never found anything quite like it since. I have pretty good results (2pnds per week) with the phentermine, but now I am not sure what kind to buy and where to buy it at a fair price. I would really appreciate any feedback or help you could give.

As far as I know RxList is a monograph service, and it does not sell drugs. $20 for a 90 day supply sounds kind of low, maybe for a 30 day supply. But I don’t have any information about which pharmacies are reliable, or where the best places are to buy it. I do have a few "virtual pharmacies" listed on the OMR site, but they are regular pharmacies (like the cyberpharmacy) and they require a prescription from your doctor. With the shortage I don’t know what pharmacies still have generic phentermine, and I have no real advice to offer you other than that given in the April 2000 issue of OMR on the phentermine shortage. If you are interested in information on the various types of phentermine, there is an autoresponder on the Obesity Meds and Research News site. Just go to the FAQ page and click on the phentermine primer. That will send you an e-mail with the basics about all the major types of phentermine. You might also want to stop by current obesity medications FAQ and read the section there on phentermine. Been out of town for the last week, and off-line for the last several days. Hope this helps. Barbara Barbara Hirsch, Publisher OBESITY MEDS AND RESEARCH NEWS May issue: Ephedrine and thermogenesis. http://www.obesity-news.com/

Response:

I was reading a transcript of one of your chats on WebMD and I followed a link you had posted there to an Rx site http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/phenterm.htm. . I see that they have Phentermine hcl there. The cost is $20 for a 90 day supply. I was wondering if this was pure phentermine? I bought some phentermine pills a while back from another site and paid about $300 for a 90 day supply. I am wondering if you can tell me what the differences are in the different mixes of phentermine. I used to be on Phen-fen and have just never found anything quite like it since. I have pretty good results (2pnds per week) with the phentermine, but now I am not sure what kind to buy and where to buy it at a fair price. I would really appreciate any feedback or help you could give. Needing to lose 30 pounds……. happygirl

Response:

Question:

(I asked this question a few days ago but it was buried in a longer post and I received no responses here.) I’d like to know what those of you who take both Singulair and Allegra/Claritin/Zyrtec do in terms of timing your medications – do you take them together or have you found it more effective to stagger them? I just added Singulair to my regime. Since they treat different things related to allergies, I expect it wouldn’t make much, if any, difference, but I’m curious to know if it has made a difference for anyone here.  I have HEPA filters in my home therefore fewer problems with allergies overnight than during the day, so I’m currently taking both Singulair and Allegra/180 when I get up in the morning in order to have maximum effect when I’m out of the house during the day. Thanks in advance. -S-

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (I asked this question a few days ago but it was buried in a longer post and I received no responses here.) I’d like to know what those of you who take both Singulair and Allegra/Claritin/Zyrtec do in terms of timing your medications – do you take them together or have you found it more effective to stagger them? I just added Singulair to my regime. Since they treat different things related to allergies, I expect it wouldn’t make much, if any, difference, but I’m curious to know if it has made a difference for anyone here.  I have HEPA filters in my home therefore fewer problems with allergies overnight than during the day, so I’m currently taking both Singulair and Allegra/180 when I get up in the morning in order to have maximum effect when I’m out of the house during the day. Thanks in advance. -S-

A side-effect of Singulair can be weird, vivid dreams.  Because of this some people have posted saying they have started taking the Singulair in the morning.

Response:

A study presented at the latest AAAI meeting indicated that if you were on Singulair, you no longer need Claritin. My own personal experience though was when I tried to go without Zyrtec, the sneezing fits I had under control returned. My internet buddy in Texas has also returned to using both.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (I asked this question a few days ago but it was buried in a longer post and I received no responses here.) I’d like to know what those of you who take both Singulair and Allegra/Claritin/Zyrtec do in terms of timing your medications – do you take them together or have you found it more effective to stagger them? I just added Singulair to my regime. Since they treat different things related to allergies, I expect it wouldn’t make much, if any, difference, but I’m curious to know if it has made a difference for anyone here.  I have HEPA filters in my home therefore fewer problems with allergies overnight than during the day, so I’m currently taking both Singulair and Allegra/180 when I get up in the morning in order to have maximum effect when I’m out of the house during the day. Thanks in advance. -S-

Response:

Mabye it’s just psychosomatic (sp?), but when I take Claritin my allergy problems clear up, and I take Singulair every night.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A study presented at the latest AAAI meeting indicated that if you were on Singulair, you no longer need Claritin. My own personal experience though was when I tried to go without Zyrtec, the sneezing fits I had under control returned. My internet buddy in Texas has also returned to using both. (I asked this question a few days ago but it was buried in a longer post and I received no responses here.) I’d like to know what those of you who take both Singulair and Allegra/Claritin/Zyrtec do in terms of timing your medications – do you take them together or have you found it more effective to stagger them? I just added Singulair to my regime. Since they treat different things related to allergies, I expect it wouldn’t make much, if any, difference, but I’m curious to know if it has made a difference for anyone here.  I have HEPA filters in my home therefore fewer problems with allergies overnight than during the day, so I’m currently taking both Singulair and Allegra/180 when I get up in the morning in order to have maximum effect when I’m out of the house during the day. Thanks in advance. -S-

Response:

Question:

: Hi, I am new here and I am grateful that there are newsgroups available : to share these panic and anxiety experiences.   : I have been diagnosed with having a severe depression episode and also : am having panic and anxiety attacks.  Primarily while I am driving : to work.  My doctor gave me some medication called effexor to try and : it made me sick to my stomach and really spaced out.  Needless to say : I only took those once. When I went back and told him that they were awful : he gave me some zoloft.  I took one of those and I got a dry mouth, : and felt ’speedy’ and not really like myself. I also felt sick to : my stomach and frankly I didn’t like it at all.  Is this the way : antidepressants are?  Do you always have to feel like a glassy eyed : sick zombie?  I guess I am just wondering if this is normal? The : thought of taking medication in the first place is troubling to me, : let alone having myself turn in to some space cadet. Hi Kelly, I’m currently taking Luvox and desipramine for panic disorder and depression. I too was reluctant to take meds at first but now I’m so relieved to be on them. The Luvox made me very sleepy and nauseated, but that subsided within a couple of weeks. With desipramine I was definitely "spacey" (prob. due to lowered blood pressure) but that went away pretty quickly as well. Most side effects go away within a couple of weeks. I like to think of them as signs that the drugs are working–i.e. they’re starting to change my body chemistry. I’m probably completely off base but it works for me. Please try to ride out the side effects if you can–I have some ideas on how to make them better. You’ll feel a lot better, and knowing the SEs are temporary will give you incentive to stick with them. Going on and off meds is going to do you more harm than good, IMHO. Feel free to email anytime. Doris —                         Doris Ostendorf "Show me a sane man and I will cure him for you."                                                   C.G. Jung

Response:

You might want to look in Imipramine. It is pretty mild and works very good. You will notice dry mouth but hey that is why we have water. Thomas

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I am new here and I am grateful that there are newsgroups available to share these panic and anxiety experiences.   I have been diagnosed with having a severe depression episode and also am having panic and anxiety attacks.  Primarily while I am driving to work.  My doctor gave me some medication called effexor to try and it made me sick to my stomach and really spaced out.  Needless to say I only took those once. When I went back and told him that they were awful he gave me some zoloft.  I took one of those and I got a dry mouth, and felt ’speedy’ and not really like myself. I also felt sick to my stomach and frankly I didn’t like it at all.  Is this the way antidepressants are?  Do you always have to feel like a glassy eyed sick zombie?  I guess I am just wondering if this is normal? The thought of taking medication in the first place is troubling to me, let alone having myself turn in to some space cadet. The good thing was I was definitely not depressed anymore.  I was too sick and stoned to feel anything!!!  thanks for listening — kel

Antidepressants work differently for different people. Unfortunately, doctors sometimes have to try different drugs on some people to find the right one. I was diagnosed as being severly depressed and an accompanying anxiety disorder to boot. I was given Prozac first which made me feel MUCH worse (I literally "crashed" and had horrible anxiety problems as well). After being admitted to the hospital, I was given Luvox (a close cousin of Prozac and was almost brand new on the market at the time) which seemed to do the trick after a few weeks. Mind you I was a virtual zombie since I was on way too high a dose! Doctors don’t seem to pay too much attention to psychiatric patients in the hospital. I was mostly just very, very tired from the Luvox and a bit of a dry mouth. The dry mouth went away pretty quickly but since I was on other meds as well, it may or may not have been the Luvox. My guess is that it was. After my hospital stay, another psychitrist (who actually listened!) saw that I was zombified by the dose and cut it down from 150mg to 100mg. It’s been just over a year and I’m now down to 50mg (so far so good!) and I take an Ativan (.5mg) once in a while when I need it. So it may just be a case of finding the right drug for you. It’s bizarre how greatly the side effects are from drug to drug even though they are all very similar (Prozac, Luvox, Zoloft, Effexor). The dose your doctor gave you might be a bit too high – but i guess you have to be on them for a while for them to consider that. I don’t know if this helps you at all other than the fact that many of us here have gone through/going through the same thing! Take heart – you’ll get better! And the crap wears off – really! Thomas

Response:

My doctor gave me some medication called effexor to try and it made me sick to my stomach and really spaced out.  Needless to say I only took those once….

Many side effects can be reduced by s*l*o*w*l*y increasing dosages to the desired level.  Discuss this with your doctor. I guess I am just wondering if this is normal?

Many people have trouble (real or imagined) with "normal" drug dosing. Mike Creswick Practical Software Solutions Member Association of Online Professionals Member HTML Writers’ Guild

Response:

l.  Is this the way   antidepressants are?  Do you always have to feel like a glassy eyed sick zombie?  I guess I am just wondering if this is normal?  

Hi Kelly, Usually, one starts with a very low (subtherapeutic) dose of these meds in order to minimize the side effects, and gradually increase it as your body gets more comfortable with the medicine.  Yes…it is kind of rough in the beginning, but usually these side effects go away after a week or two, and the dosage can be gently increased to a therapeutic level. I had the same problem with Zoloft, and after a few weeks I felt fine and am able to things I haven’t done in 8 years. Good luck! Andy

Response:

Hi, I am new here and I am grateful that there are newsgroups available to share these panic and anxiety experiences.   I have been diagnosed with having a severe depression episode and also am having panic and anxiety attacks.  Primarily while I am driving to work.  My doctor gave me some medication called effexor to try and it made me sick to my stomach and really spaced out.  Needless to say I only took those once. When I went back and told him that they were awful he gave me some zoloft.  I took one of those and I got a dry mouth, and felt ’speedy’ and not really like myself. I also felt sick to my stomach and frankly I didn’t like it at all.  Is this the way antidepressants are?  Do you always have to feel like a glassy eyed sick zombie?  I guess I am just wondering if this is normal? The thought of taking medication in the first place is troubling to me, let alone having myself turn in to some space cadet. The good thing was I was definitely not depressed anymore.  I was too sick and stoned to feel anything!!!   thanks for listening — kel

Response:

I have been diagnosed with having a severe depression episode and also am having panic and anxiety attacks.  Primarily while I am driving to work.  My doctor gave me some medication called effexor to try and it made me sick to my stomach and really spaced out.  Needless to say I only took those once. When I went back and told him that they were awful he gave me some zoloft.

Hmm, sounds to me like your doctor didnt explain things fully too you. Anti-depresssents are renown for making you feel really grotty for the first few days however the key is to bear with them and things should sort themselves out in a week or so. The amount of grottyness you experience depends on the family of anti-depressants your particular one belongs too. I am taking  Seroxat 20mg ( Peroxatine) which I admit I have never heard mentioned here. My current specialist is one of the most senior psycotherapists in London (he’s on the NHS too, for all you UK chaps out there.. a miricle!!) and he was telling me that this is now the leading drug used to combat anxiety and panic disorders.Apparently for all the hype Prozac is in fact as he put it " a pretty crude" drug and though good at treating depression is not so good at treating anxiety and panic disorder. Anyway he fully explained the side effects and though a bit like having  hangover because I expected them I coped ok and now I take them without any problems. Thankfully they seem to be having the desired effect. What was more imprsssive and actually helped me have faith in my therapist and the drugs was the fact that when I returned to see him after a couple of weeks he suggested how I should have felt day by day and indeed myu own personal notes mirrored this. It’s  3 months on now and I have to admit I’m in much better shape and closer to my old self after 2 years of hell. Try to stick with the drugs if you can. About a year after my first panic attack my own local doctor gave me Seroxat to take while I waited for my fisrt appointment with a behavioural therapist. Unfortuantely he didnt describe the side effects properly and of course  I became even more panicy when they started and stopped taking them. I wish I’d stayed with them …perhaps I could have saved myself another 12 months of grief. Good luck….things do get better…eventually..just keep on fighting Paul

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just started taking zoloft for my panic attacks, I have been on xanax for three months, I was just wondering if anyone has experienced the feeling of not really feeling like your in your right mind, almost like your peering through a glass at the rest of the world when you first started taking anti-depressant medications and does it get better with time? It almost feels like I’m in my mind but I’m really not,, Oh well sorry to take up your time on a stupid question, it just kinda worries me, any help or support would be greatly appreciated….. Thanks Paul Florida

Yes, I have experienced that.  Many of us call it the "Zombie" brain feeling. Clouded thinking is a beginning side-effect that many Zoloft users experience. It does go away for some.  You just have to stay on it for awhile to see if the sun gets brighter or dimmer.  If you don’t feel better, like say after 8 weeks on a therapeutic dose, talk to your doctor.  Matter of fact, it’s always a good plan to call your doctor or pharmacist for any side-effects. Mel

Response:

Not a stupid question at all.  I get that brain-fogged feeling from a lot of medications; indeed, it it also a symptom of anxiety in the first place.  If you only get it as a medication side effect, I would give it a couple of weeks to see if it goes away, as many side effects disappear or become more tolerable as one adjusts to the medication.  If on the other hand it is unbearable, perhaps you should try something different.  

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I just started taking zoloft for my panic attacks, I have been on xanax for three months, I was just wondering if anyone has experienced the feeling of not really feeling like your in your right mind, almost like your peering through a glass at the rest of the world when you first started taking anti-depressant medications and does it get better with time? It almost feels like I’m in my mind but I’m really not,, Oh well sorry to take up your time on a stupid question, it just kinda worries me, any help or support would be greatly appreciated…..

Hi Paul, Do you feel like things around you are unreal, or that you are in a dream? It sounds to me like you *might* be having some derealization/depersonalization, which is frightening, but not dangerous. Derealization/depersonalization is the feeling that one is living in a dream, feeling that nothing is real, feeling detached from oneself. It is another symptom of anxiety and I have heard people that start anti-depressants complain of this also. I had this symptom toward the end of my last setback and it is quite frightening. Since being on Paxil I don`t have this symptom except when having a migraine. How much Zoloft are you taking and how many days have you been on Zoloft? This feeling is probably a side-effect of the Zoloft and more than likely will diminish over the next few weeks as your body gets accustomed to the Zoloft. Have you noticed if the Xanax helps this symptom? If you are concerned about this, don`t hesitate to call your doctor. I know that you are worried, but I can assure you that it is not dangerous, just very uncomfortable. It will get better. Take care. Jackie

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I just started taking zoloft for my panic attacks, I have been on xanax for three months, I was just wondering if anyone has experienced the feeling of not really feeling like your in your right mind, almost like your peering through a glass at the rest of the world when you first started taking anti-depressant medications and does it get better with time? It almost feels like I’m in my mind but I’m really not,, Oh well sorry to take up your time on a stupid question, it just kinda worries me, any help or support would be greatly appreciated….. Thanks Paul Florida

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Question:

I’ve been off of Zoloft for about 6-months….it helped a little bit….I guess?; I’m starting to feel that depression-thing( I never realized I had, until I’d been on Anti-Depressants! ( Zoloft) I had to stop, cause I just couldn’t stand the Anxiety…..while it seemed to give me a more up-beat Just looking for feed-back?  I haven’t started, as my mail-order has not come in yet!!!   "but I have good expections!!!!"  Everybody around here seems to think; if one drug doesn’t work…then try a different one. thanks for listening!!!      Wild & Crazy

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I’ve been off of Zoloft for about 6-months….it helped a little bit….I guess?; I’m starting to feel that depression-thing( I never realized I had, until I’d been on Anti-Depressants! ( Zoloft) I had to stop, cause I just couldn’t stand the Anxiety…..while it seemed to give me a more up-beat Just looking for feed-back?  I haven’t started, as my mail-order has not come in yet!!!   "but I have good expections!!!!"  Everybody around here seems to think; if one drug doesn’t work…then try a different one. thanks for listening!!!      Wild & Crazy

Hi Wild & Crazy, It is true, if one med doesn`t work, move on to another one. Paxil has been a good med for me and *hopefully* you will have good results too. It is important to start Paxil at a low dose, 5 mgs is a good starting dose. You would stay at this dose for one week. Do all your increases in 5mg increments and stay at each increase for one week. Weaning like this will hopefully keep any side-effects that you have to a minimum. Having a benzo such a Xanax or Klonopin would help you deal with any increased anxiety you might experience. Give Paxil 6 to 8 weeks to kick in. Good luck!!! Jackie Hope is a strange invention– A Patent of the Heart– In unremitting action Yet never wearing out.

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Wild and Crazy I guess what you have to decide is what is worse, the side-effects, or the illness

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To Wild&Crazy,I have been on Prozac,Adivan,Buspar,Celexa,Zoloft,Xanax,and now Paxil.As you can see I’ve been through some meds.But I’m replying to you to let you know that Paxil(I take 10 mg. a day)is what has stopped my panic attacks.Zoloft seemed to make me have more attacks.Paxil is for PD more so than it is for depression.I don’t notice any side effects either. I have been on it for about 4 months. Good Luck. I know what you are going through. For 10 years I’ve been a sufferer. * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

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I need some input on Paxil. I’ve done the Zoloft thing…and it really made me nervous; and I gave it more than enough time, 6 or 7 months. What about Paxil? I’m considering trying Paxil…… Just looking for helpful input!                  Thanks,  Wild & Crazy

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I need some input on Paxil. I’ve done the Zoloft thing…and it really made me nervous; and I gave it more than enough time, 6 or 7 months. What about Paxil? I’m considering trying Paxil…… Just looking for helpful input!                  Thanks,  Wild & Crazy

There is nothing sensible to say about this as our reactions to meds are totally individual. As a rule though if a med from a certain group (in this case the SSRI’s) doesn’t work for you it’s often a good idea to try another med from the same group first. I would try Paxil if I were you but if it doesn’t work well after eight weeks or so I would advise trying another group of meds (TCA’s, benzos) Philip

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mr. zoloft worked on some of my obsessional thinking, then it killed my penis! no erection or orgasm for a month. i thought my doc poisoned me. got a new doc, put me on paxil. i have nothing but praise for mr. paxil at this point, but have only been on it for about a month. almost panic attack free. mr. zoloft is fucking poison for me. see another doctor if yours is giving you the nad killer. if mr. paxil doesn’t work for you, then try mr. effexor. if that doesn’t work then go back to steady, heavy drinking. lot’s of side effects in the morning, but no panic attacks and you don’t need a script. all kidding aside, paxil is the one! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I need some input on Paxil. I’ve done the Zoloft thing…and it really made me nervous; and I gave it more than enough time, 6 or 7 months. What about Paxil? I’m considering trying Paxil…… Just looking for helpful input!                  Thanks,  Wild & Crazy

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Question:

Hey Melissa, I agree with everybody else that the "Prozac turns people into axe murderers" thing is a lot of hype. Some people do get worse on antidepressants – it happened to me on Wellbutrin (though a lot of that may have just been the natural course of the illness). But if you were one of these people, you’d know it! In regard to people who became violent/suicidal on antidepressants, they and their relatives claimed that they had no prior history of violence/suicidality, but to the best of my knowledge, closer examination revealed that they did have histories. One other thing – if this helps any, the sleepwalking/axe-murdering (or whatever it was) story involved a person on *Halcion*, not an antidepressant. -elizabeth

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Thanks to all of you for assuaging my fears about zoloft and axe-murderers. Sometimes I need to hear it from others before it "sinks in."  Take care, Melissa

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Quick question.  I’ve been on Zoloft for four weeks now with very desirable results…getting out more, driving alone, etc. But after reading some of the stuff posted about SSRI’s causing people to commit suicide, homicide, or other atrocities, I’m freaked!!  Someone please tell me that I’m not going to sleepwalk and axe murder little kids!  I mean, all that stuff was political *wasn’t* it?? Thanks!  Melissa

Melissa, relax. Most of these claims are a lot of ::insert favourite expletive here::  Some have been spread by a particular organisation that has it’s own ideas about how psychological disorders should be treated (giving them lots a money, in the main) and some lawyers have tried to implicate them as being responsible for their client’s crimes. However, the only one that may be applicable is that some people on SSRIs have committed suicide. So have a lot of people that were not taking SSRIs. The fact is that many, if not most, were taking SSRIs because they were at risk. I’m one of those that cannot handle the effects of SSRIs – I get really wired on them, but I’ve never found that they have lead me to do something I wouldn’t normally contemplate. One the assumption that your cellar isn’t already stacked to the ceiling with the remains of your victims, after 4 weeks your should be reasonably safe!   :-^) Ian BTW-If you suddenly get the urge to commit henious acts apon *Moat Monsters* then up the Zoloft dose and give me a call!   <VVVBEG  

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Quick question.  I’ve been on Zoloft for four weeks now with very desirable results…getting out more, driving alone, etc. But after reading some of the stuff posted about SSRI’s causing people to commit suicide, homicide, or other atrocities, I’m freaked!!  Someone please tell me that I’m not going to sleepwalk and axe murder little kids!  I mean, all that stuff was political *wasn’t* it?? Thanks!  Melissa

Hi Melissa! Don’t worry! You’re definitely *not* going to sleepwalk and axe murder little kids. (There, I said it ) These stories *are* political indeed and if the odd criminal happened to be on an antidepressant that doesn’t mean that the antidepressant was the cause of his acts. Many criminals drink milk, I suppose, but milk won’t cause them to commit murders. In these *stories* it’s always Prozac BTW and never Zoloft, so I think you’re in the clear…;)) And it’s great that Zoloft is agreeing so well with you! Philip

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HI Melissa, If you have been on Zoloft for a few weeks and are doing good, IMO, don’t worry.  I am one of those people who had a bad time with Prozac, but my BAD symptoms developed after only 3 days on it. Cathy When we talk to God we’re praying. When God talks to us we’re schizophrenic. –Lily Tomlin P.H.O.B.I.A. Off-line Panic/Anxiety Support Group Learn about us at http://community.nj.com/cc/phobia

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Quick question.  I’ve been on Zoloft for four weeks now with very desirable results…getting out more, driving alone, etc. But after reading some of the stuff posted about SSRI’s causing people to commit suicide, homicide, or other atrocities, I’m freaked!!  Someone please tell me that I’m not going to sleepwalk and axe murder little kids!  I mean, all that stuff was political *wasn’t* it?? Thanks!  Melissa

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Quick question.  I’ve been on Zoloft for four weeks now with very desirable results…getting out more, driving alone, etc. But after reading some of the stuff posted about SSRI’s causing people to commit suicide, homicide, or other atrocities, I’m freaked!!  Someone please tell me that I’m not going to sleepwalk and axe murder little kids!  I mean, all that stuff was political *wasn’t* it?? Thanks!  Melissa

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Quick question.  I’ve been on Zoloft for four weeks now with very desirable results…getting out more, driving alone, etc. But after reading some of the stuff posted about SSRI’s causing people to commit suicide, homicide, or other atrocities, I’m freaked!!  Someone please tell me that I’m not going to sleepwalk and axe murder little kids!  I mean, all that stuff was political *wasn’t* it??

Hi Melissa, I can quarantee that we will not be hearing about you in the news, because you commited some despicable act<G. I think this all stems from the Prozac rumours. I am sure on very rare occassion, someone on Prozac killed themselves, but can we say for sure that the Prozac made them do it? I don`t think so. And there a few people who had bad reactions on Prozac, but you can have a bad reaction on any med there is. I am a med phobic, and if I felt there was any truth to what you fear, I would never had gone on it. I am fine, and nothing happened to me. And being you have been on Zoloft 4 weeks, the side-effects you have now, are it…..and they should start diminishing. You are going to be fine, stop worrying and enjoy how well you are feeling on the Zoloft…..that is what Zoloft is suppose to do, not make you crazy.  Take Care!! Jackie ~Dreams that come true can be as unsetting as those that don’t.~

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Question:

Does anyone here have any experience taking Effexor for ADHD?  My doctor just prescribed it.  I am taking 75mg per day.  I was taking Zoloft for depression, and he thought the Effexor would help with both the depression and the ADHD. Thanks, Phil Zerr

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Does anyone here have any experience taking Effexor for ADHD?  My doctor just prescribed it.  I am taking 75mg per day.  I was taking Zoloft for depression, and he thought the Effexor would help with both the depression and the ADHD. Thanks, Phil Zerr

About 1 month ago the same question was asked.  If this thread is not available to you check dejanews.com and search for threads on effexor.

More later George

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Hi.  yes i take zoloft and effexor along with some other meds for depression and hypomania.  they all work well.  i just have to remember to take the darn med’s daily.  otherwise all i can say is try it and see how it goes.  i have a complaint about my meds.  i am also an artist.  i can’t stand the flat line feeling (no mania)  i don’t feel energetic, creative, and grandiose with ideas (laugh).  i can’t sit still and study for my prof. exam.  i am so restless. not because the meds don’t work but because i don’t take my meds ON TIME or DAILY. it’s like i get too busy.  crazy huh?  Don’t feel bad, we’ll all find our balance… soon i hope.

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Hi.  yes i take zoloft and effexor along with some other meds for depression and hypomania.  they all work well.  i just have to remember to take the darn med’s daily.  otherwise all i can say is try it and see how it goes.  i have a complaint about my meds.  i am also an artist.  i can’t stand the flat line feeling (no mania)  i don’t feel energetic, creative, and grandiose with ideas (laugh).  i can’t sit still and study for my prof. exam.  i am so restless. not because the meds don’t work but because i don’t take my meds ON TIME or DAILY. it’s like i get too busy.  crazy huh?  Don’t feel bad, we’ll all find our balance… soon i hope.

You keep forgetting because of the flat feeling.  You don’t like it. From my experience, the SSRIs – zoloft – may cause this feeling.  I recently tried an SSRI that is new to the U.S. – Celexa  - which made me feel like sleeping all day.  I guess it reduced my impulsivity, but it increased my inattention.  Paxil was also useless for me for several similar reasons.  The Effexor seemed to be very helpful without the flat feeling, but I developed such miserable urinary tract irritation that I could not sleep.  Fortunately, for you, this side effect is uncommon.   In summary, my experience is that Effexor, which is not a SSRI,  is more effective in ADD treatmant than SSRIs.  However, for some people SSRIs are effective and often SSRIs are used in conjunction with other drugs to treat ADD.  I would suggest that overmedication with SSRI’s is not good for an artist.  It’s ok for an artist to be a little hypomanic.  It’s far better than losing one’s creativity.  Just don’t be tempted to be manic.  Talk about a rebound effect… You should discuss your problem with meds. with your doc. so that you will take your medication as prescribed rather than self-medicate.  Perhaps less Zoloft and more Effexor would work better.  Perhaps your overall dose is too high.  Your failure to follow dosing instructions could be showing that your ADD symptoms are not being well treated, also.   I certainly can not tell you, but you should think about these possibilities. George

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I just started taking effexor for depression.  I quit taking paxil and last year I was on zoloft.  I am not sure how I feel about it yet.  Would enjoy talking with you about it.

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Question:

  I just changed my 9 yr old son’s dr…..he was on 75mg luvox and 1-1/2 mg risperdal for OCD/ADD/anxiety.    The meds were great for a few months but then it seemed he needed to change (had alot of tantrums, frustration, very impulsive etc) and the old doc wasn’t cooperative and very hard to talk to. Went yesterday to a new one and she changed him from Luvox to Zoloft (we’re reducing Luvox for a week and slowly adding Zoloft).  Also she split up the Risperdal so he takes some in the morning and some at night instead of all at once.  I hope the Zoloft works for him.  Does anyone have any comments about any of these meds, specifically for children?  Thank you Debbie

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  I just changed my 9 yr old son’s dr…..he was on 75mg luvox and 1-1/2 mg risperdal for OCD/ADD/anxiety.    The meds were great for a few months but then it seemed he needed to change (had alot of tantrums, frustration, very impulsive etc) and the old doc wasn’t cooperative and very hard to talk to. Went yesterday to a new one and she changed him from Luvox to Zoloft (we’re reducing Luvox for a week and slowly adding Zoloft).  Also she split up the Risperdal so he takes some in the morning and some at night instead of all at once.  I hope the Zoloft works for him.  Does anyone have any comments about any of these meds, specifically for children?  Thank you Debbie

Sounds like your child is in good hands now. However, no-one wants to do research on the use of psych meds in children and pregnant women, so how these meds are used in these specific patient populations is taken from research done on nonpregnant adults. Chip Before you buy.

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Hello everyone!! just wondering if anyone had this happen to them.  My doc put me on zoloft started at 12 1/2mg for a week then 25mg for 2 weeks then 50mg when i started taking the 50mg it made my heart flutter, so she put me back on 25mg again but it is not doing much for me now she wants me to try the 50mg again and i am scared she said try 25 in the morning then 25mg at night i am scared to do that also any suggestions? I just didnt like my heart doing that and i am scared it is going to happen again HELP Thanks Diana

I must say that your doc isn’t doing this as badly as some other docs do. She realizes that you have to wean on Zoloft slowly and that’s a good thing. Still, between 25 mg and 50 mg there is 37,5 mg. I think it’s advisable to try that first. Moreover it seems advisable to ask for a benzo (Xanax) on the side *as needed* which may help avoid or minimize initial Zoloft side effects like a fluttering heart. I hope you will hang in there as it takes about 8 weeks to be able to properly assess Zoloft’s value for you (but beneficial effect may be felt much earlier). Philip

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Hello everyone!! just wondering if anyone had this happen to them.  My doc put me on zoloft started at 12 1/2mg for a week then 25mg for 2 weeks then 50mg when i started taking the 50mg it made my heart flutter, so she put me back on 25mg again but it is not doing much for me now she wants me to try the 50mg again and i am scared she said try 25 in the morning then 25mg at night i am scared to do that also any suggestions? I just didnt like my heart doing that and i am scared it is going to happen again HELP Thanks Diana

Diana –   I experienced a return of side-effects for a few days with each increased dose of Zoloft…One side effect for me was the shakes, which increased my anxiety and led to a racing heart…I suspect that you perhaps are having a similar experience…You may have to go through a few days of side-effects like this to reach a theraputic dose…And I checked the PDR, heart attack is not listed as a possible side-effect of Zoloft so don’t worry! Later, — Charles Phipps

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WOW!!  My Dr. started me off at 50mg right away..he did not work me up to 50mg..At any rate I had NO side effects at all from Zoloft.. ~But there’s one thing I know…the blues they send to meet me won’t defeat me, it won’t be long till happiness is out to greet me~

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Hello everyone!! just wondering if anyone had this happen to them.  My doc put me on zoloft started at 12 1/2mg for a week then 25mg for 2 weeks then 50mg when i started taking the 50mg it made my heart flutter, so she put me back on 25mg again but it is not doing much for me now she wants me to try the 50mg again and i am scared she said try 25 in the morning then 25mg at night i am scared to do that also any suggestions? I just didnt like my heart doing that and i am scared it is going to happen again HELP Thanks Diana

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Hello everyone!! just wondering if anyone had this happen to them.  My doc put me on zoloft started at 12 1/2mg for a week then 25mg for 2 weeks then 50mg when i started taking the 50mg it made my heart flutter, so she put me back on 25mg again but it is not doing much for me now she wants me to try the 50mg again and i am scared she said try 25 in the morning then 25mg at night i am scared to do that also any suggestions? I just didnt like my heart doing that and i am scared it is going to happen again HELP Thanks Diana

Hi Diana, I have been dealing with those heart flutters on and off for years. I get mine when I am anxious, drink too much coffee, and have PMS. I don`t like them, but they are harmless. You won`t know if you will get  those flutters, unless you try the 50mgs again. There may be a way to lessen that possibility. Instead of going from 25mgs to 50mgs, go to 37.5mgs. Getting to your prescribed dose is not a race. You want to be as comfortable as possible, and if it means going at a slower pace, so then be it. Watch your caffeine consumption too, it can trigger the heart flutters. And if you should get them , remember they will pass and are harmless. Asking your doctor for a benzo might help too. Jackie "Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks out his head."

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I was started on 25mg of zoloft daily about two weeks ago for anxiety and panic disorder.  The first few days I took it I had some crazy mood swings but those went away after a while.  Lately I’ve had two episodes of depression that I wonder about.  I know that most side effects are supposed to go away but is this something I should talk to my doctor about immediately or should I just try to tough it out and hope that it goes away.  So far it’s been pretty bearable so I think I could get through it.  Any comments on this would be appreciated and any information on zoloft in general would be great.

15 mg if Zoloft is a subtherapeutic dose, it must be raised. The best way to do that is by weekly increments of 12.5 mg to avoid unpleasant side effects: *start low, go slow*. It may take a few weeks but your depression should disappear. So yes, ask your doctor to raise the dose 37.5 mg etc. Philip

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Hi, Jack, I take Zoloft and Clonazepam for depression and anxiety.  25 mg is low so maybe you could call your pdoc and see about a slight increase.  It never hurts to check in with your pdoc and let them know how you are feeling. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was started on 25mg of zoloft daily about two weeks ago for anxiety and panic disorder.  The first few days I took it I had some crazy mood swings but those went away after a while.  Lately I’ve had two episodes of depression that I wonder about.  I know that most side effects are supposed to go away but is this something I should talk to my doctor about immediately or should I just try to tough it out and hope that it goes away.  So far it’s been pretty bearable so I think I could get through it.  Any comments on this would be appreciated and any information on zoloft in general would be great.

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I was started on 25mg of zoloft daily about two weeks ago for anxiety and panic disorder.  The first few days I took it I had some crazy mood swings but those went away after a while.  Lately I’ve had two episodes of depression that I wonder about.  I know that most side effects are supposed to go away but is this something I should talk to my doctor about immediately or should I just try to tough it out and hope that it goes away.  So far it’s been pretty bearable so I think I could get through it.  Any comments on this would be appreciated and any information on zoloft in general would be great.

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Hi I have often had tinitus.  On and off.  The doctor once gave me a long story about how it was just a disease.  Its been quite bad lately and I found out in the last few weeks maybe from this newsgroup ( if so I apologize ) that it is caused by aspirin. I have been taking lots of painkillers to help with paxil withdrawals love Moira – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I took Zoloft last fall for anxiety for 2 and 1/2 months. (I got off it because it began to give me night tremors).  However, only after a month on it, my ears started ringing/hissing.  I also had a bad sinus infection at the time and I assumed it was related to that, never thinking the medication would do such a thing (HA–looks like the joke was on me!).  When I related this to my doctor, she never let on that she KNEW some antidepressants caused tinnitus (why not, I am now asking myself) and continued to let me take the drug for 6 more weeks! I’ve been off the Zoloft for 6 weeks now, and I STILL have the ringing/hissing in my ears.  Has anyone ever had this happen?  Is this EVER going to go away?. It drives you crazy and I fear now I’ll have it forever.

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Hi I have often had tinitus.  On and off.  The doctor once gave me a long story

about how it was just a disease.  Its been quite bad lately and I found out

in the last few weeks maybe from this newsgroup ( if so I apologize ) that it is caused by

aspirin. I have been taking lots of painkillers to help with paxil withdrawals

love Moira   Hi Moira, You say you are taking painkillers… what kind?  I have taken many, many different kinds (due to my headaches) and found that Midrin effected my ears horribly.  Could be an additional cause.. Lee feeling silly lately…must be a side effect

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I took Zoloft last fall for anxiety for 2 and 1/2 months. (I got off it because it began to give me night tremors).  However, only after a month on it, my ears started ringing/hissing.  I also had a bad sinus infection at the time and I assumed it was related to that, never thinking the medication would do such a thing (HA–looks like the joke was on me!).  When I related this to my doctor, she never let on that she KNEW some antidepressants caused tinnitus (why not, I am now asking myself) and continued to let me take the drug for 6 more weeks! I’ve been off the Zoloft for 6 weeks now, and I STILL have the ringing/hissing in my ears.  Has anyone ever had this happen?  Is this EVER going to go away?. It drives you crazy and I fear now I’ll have it forever.

For what it’s worth, I, too, suffered from tinnitus while on Zoloft (for a similar period of time as you) before switching to Prozac.  In my case, the tinnitus went away within days of stopping Zoloft.  I wouldn’t give up hope that yours will fade with time too. Good luck, Bob

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I’ve been off the Zoloft for 6 weeks now, and I STILL have the ringing/hissing in my ears.  Has anyone ever had this happen?  Is this EVER going to go away?. It drives you crazy and I fear now I’ll have it forever.

For what it’s worth, I, too, suffered from tinnitus while on Zoloft (for

a similar period of time as you) before switching to Prozac.  In my

case, the tinnitus went away within days of stopping Zoloft.  I wouldn’t

give up hope that yours will fade with time too.  (piggybacking on Bob)  I had a similar problem with a different med altogether.  I think it was Midrin.  It went away for the most part.  It still happens occasionally, but not on a constant basis.   If it keeps up, you should mention it to your doctor, or go to a specialist. Lee feeling silly lately…must be a side effect

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I took Zoloft last fall for anxiety for 2 and 1/2 months. (I got off it because it began to give me night tremors).  However, only after a month on it, my ears started ringing/hissing.  I also had a bad sinus infection at the time and I assumed it was related to that, never thinking the medication would do such a thing (HA–looks like the joke was on me!).  When I related this to my doctor, she never let on that she KNEW some antidepressants caused tinnitus (why not, I am now asking myself) and continued to let me take the drug for 6 more weeks!   I’ve been off the Zoloft for 6 weeks now, and I STILL have the ringing/hissing in my ears.  Has anyone ever had this happen?  Is this EVER going to go away?. It drives you crazy and I fear now I’ll have it forever.  

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Tom,     Welcome to ASAP. I’m 21 and diagnosed with manic depression, anxiety, panic attacks, ocd.. and now I’m beginning to wonder about something else, but anyways, the reason for your post and mine.     I’ve been on Zoloft since mid-October. I started on 25mg, two weeks later increased to 50mg, and then two weeks after that 100mg. I finally gained some control over my "problems." I was taken off Zoloft and put on Celexa for a 6 week rollercoaster. I’m back on the Zoloft, and have been since February. I’m up to 200mg a day.     Now, I have little side effects. In the beginning I had a lot of side effects, those you listed, extreme dry mouth, but not the rash and I still have a hard time getting out of bed at a decent hour, I have to keep myself on a very strict sleep pattern, or when I get off of it, I don’t go to bed until 2,3,4am, then never make it up in time to make it to work by 8:30am. And yes, the decreased sex drive is a pain.     Are you taking anything with the Zoloft? I was taking 100mg Zoloft and 4mg Xanax daily, now I’m on 200mg Zoloft and 3mg Klonopin daily. That might also explain the rash, and the waking up thing.     Hope this is of some help for you. Much Love, Brooke Hi Brooke, Do you take anything for the manic depression? Chip

No, because it rarely rears its ugly head, the manic side at least.. it’s often usually just regular old depression, however, we are keeping an eye on it (Daily journal of what’s going on and keeping track of how often the manic side rears up). The pdoc is really concerned with me hiding my depression from people as well as I do, so he wants to try and get that and the anxiety all under control. Much Love, Brooke PS I think the Klonopin helps with the manic too… that’s just my thought. Since I’ve switched from xanax to Klonopin I’ve had a lot fewer manic episodes. B.

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Hi Tom,     Welcome to ASAP. I’m 21 and diagnosed with manic depression, anxiety, panic attacks, ocd.. and now I’m beginning to wonder about something else, but anyways, the reason for your post and mine.     I’ve been on Zoloft since mid-October. I started on 25mg, two weeks later increased to 50mg, and then two weeks after that 100mg. I finally gained some control over my "problems." I was taken off Zoloft and put on Celexa for a 6 week rollercoaster. I’m back on the Zoloft, and have been since February. I’m up to 200mg a day.     Now, I have little side effects. In the beginning I had a lot of side effects, those you listed, extreme dry mouth, but not the rash and I still have a hard time getting out of bed at a decent hour, I have to keep myself on a very strict sleep pattern, or when I get off of it, I don’t go to bed until 2,3,4am, then never make it up in time to make it to work by 8:30am. And yes, the decreased sex drive is a pain.     Are you taking anything with the Zoloft? I was taking 100mg Zoloft and 4mg Xanax daily, now I’m on 200mg Zoloft and 3mg Klonopin daily. That might also explain the rash, and the waking up thing.     Hope this is of some help for you. Much Love, Brooke

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am new to the group and am interpreted if people can give me any feed back on Zoloft. I started on Zoloft and two months ago after about of panic and depressive episodes. Though the attacks had seemed to be lessening, it seemed to make sense at the time to treat them to prevent a reoccurrence. The first two weeks were difficult on Xanax and brought back the panic as well as diarrhea, stomach upset, heart palpitations, but these went away and I began to increase my dosage from 25mg to the doctor recommended 50mg. I can’t say I feel that much better and am wondering whether these are side effects. I knew about the decreased sex drive and can probably handle that. One major difference is that I used to wake up early in the morning with a feeling of anxiety and now I can hardly drag myself out of bed at a normal time. I also experience frequent headaches as if my head and nose is pinched. I also am putting on weight. Also wondering about the rash that appeared unexpectedly on my arms (though this could be from something else; it is pretty mild.) Do these sound familiar to anyone? I also am wondering about the dosage of 50mg since I felt pretty good on 25mg and have heard that is a standard dosage. Any thoughts about decreasing dosage? — Tom Semmes 301-530-9586 Fax 301-530-9587

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Tom,     Welcome to ASAP. I’m 21 and diagnosed with manic depression, anxiety, panic attacks, ocd.. and now I’m beginning to wonder about something else, but anyways, the reason for your post and mine.     I’ve been on Zoloft since mid-October. I started on 25mg, two weeks later increased to 50mg, and then two weeks after that 100mg. I finally gained some control over my "problems." I was taken off Zoloft and put on Celexa for a 6 week rollercoaster. I’m back on the Zoloft, and have been since February. I’m up to 200mg a day.     Now, I have little side effects. In the beginning I had a lot of side effects, those you listed, extreme dry mouth, but not the rash and I still have a hard time getting out of bed at a decent hour, I have to keep myself on a very strict sleep pattern, or when I get off of it, I don’t go to bed until 2,3,4am, then never make it up in time to make it to work by 8:30am. And yes, the decreased sex drive is a pain.     Are you taking anything with the Zoloft? I was taking 100mg Zoloft and 4mg Xanax daily, now I’m on 200mg Zoloft and 3mg Klonopin daily. That might also explain the rash, and the waking up thing.     Hope this is of some help for you. Much Love, Brooke

Hi Brooke, Do you take anything for the manic depression? Chip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am new to the group and am interpreted if people can give me any feed back on Zoloft. I started on Zoloft and two months ago after about of panic and depressive episodes. Though the attacks had seemed to be lessening, it seemed to make sense at the time to treat them to prevent a reoccurrence. The first two weeks were difficult on Xanax and brought back the panic as well as diarrhea, stomach upset, heart palpitations, but these went away and I began to increase my dosage from 25mg to the doctor recommended 50mg. I can’t say I feel that much better and am wondering whether these are side effects. I knew about the decreased sex drive and can probably handle that. One major difference is that I used to wake up early in the morning with a feeling of anxiety and now I can hardly drag myself out of bed at a normal time. I also experience frequent headaches as if my head and nose is pinched. I also am putting on weight. Also wondering about the rash that appeared unexpectedly on my arms (though this could be from something else; it is pretty mild.) Do these sound familiar to anyone? I also am wondering about the dosage of 50mg since I felt pretty good on 25mg and have heard that is a standard dosage. Any thoughts about decreasing dosage? — Tom Semmes 301-530-9586 Fax 301-530-9587

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I am new to the group and am interpreted if people can give me any feed back on Zoloft. I started on Zoloft and two months ago after about of panic and depressive episodes. Though the attacks had seemed to be lessening, it seemed to make sense at the time to treat them to prevent a reoccurrence. The first two weeks were difficult on Xanax and brought back the panic as well as diarrhea, stomach upset, heart palpitations, but these went away and I began to increase my dosage from 25mg to the doctor recommended 50mg. I can’t say I feel that much better and am wondering whether these are side effects.

Yes, these are common side effects from weaning on Zoloft and should be temporary. I knew about the decreased sex drive and can probably handle that. One major difference is that I used to wake up early in the morning with a feeling of anxiety and now I can hardly drag myself out of bed at a normal time. I also experience frequent headaches as if my head and nose is pinched. I also am putting on weight. Also wondering about the rash that appeared unexpectedly on my arms (though this could be from something else; it is pretty mild.) Do these sound familiar to anyone?

These can all be side effects, the headaches should be temporary. I also am wondering about the dosage of /50mg since I felt pretty good on 25mg and have heard that is a standard dosage. Any thoughts about decreasing dosage?

On the contrary you may not have noticed much positive change because you’re on a subtherapeutic dose. I think you should consult your doctor (hopefully a psychiatrist with some knowledge of anxiety disorders and not a GP…) about raising the dose. However, the best way to do this is in increments of 12.5 mg in order to avoid or minimize side effects caused by the dose increase. Having a benzo like Xanax or Ativan on the side to take *as needed* may be helpful too. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text — Tom Semmes 301-530-9586 Fax 301-530-9587

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I am new to the group and am interpreted if people can give me any feed back on Zoloft. I started on Zoloft and two months ago after about of panic and depressive episodes. Though the attacks had seemed to be lessening, it seemed to make sense at the time to treat them to prevent a reoccurrence. The first two weeks were difficult on Xanax and brought back the panic as well as diarrhea, stomach upset, heart palpitations, but these went away and I began to increase my dosage from 25mg to the doctor recommended 50mg. I can’t say I feel that much better and am wondering whether these are side effects. I knew about the decreased sex drive and can probably handle that. One major difference is that I used to wake up early in the morning with a feeling of anxiety and now I can hardly drag myself out of bed at a normal time. I also experience frequent headaches as if my head and nose is pinched. I also am putting on weight. Also wondering about the rash that appeared unexpectedly on my arms (though this could be from something else; it is pretty mild.) Do these sound familiar to anyone? I also am wondering about the dosage of 50mg since I felt pretty good on 25mg and have heard that is a standard dosage. Any thoughts about decreasing dosage? — Tom Semmes 301-530-9586 Fax 301-530-9587

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am new to the group and am interpreted if people can give me any feed back on Zoloft. I started on Zoloft and two months ago after about of panic and depressive episodes. Though the attacks had seemed to be lessening, it seemed to make sense at the time to treat them to prevent a reoccurrence. The first two weeks were difficult on Xanax and brought back the panic as well as diarrhea, stomach upset, heart palpitations, but these went away and I began to increase my dosage from 25mg to the doctor recommended 50mg. I can’t say I feel that much better and am wondering whether these are side effects. I knew about the decreased sex drive and can probably handle that. One major difference is that I used to wake up early in the morning with a feeling of anxiety and now I can hardly drag myself out of bed at a normal time. I also experience frequent headaches as if my head and nose is pinched. I also am putting on weight. Also wondering about the rash that appeared unexpectedly on my arms (though this could be from something else; it is pretty mild.) Do these sound familiar to anyone? I also am wondering about the dosage of 50mg since I felt pretty good on 25mg and have heard that is a standard dosage. Any thoughts about decreasing dosage?

Hi Tom, Welcome to ASAP! Alot of the symptoms you mentioned liked headache, weight gain and fatigue are side-effects of Zoloft. You could try going down to 25mgs ( ask your doctor first)  to see if the side-effects decrease but there is a good chance that 25mgs would not be enough to control your anxiety. The therapeutic dose of Zoloft is 100 to 200mgs, although there are people that do well on lower doses. It is also possible that better. Only you know what side-effects you are willing to tolerate or not tolerate. It is important that you talk to your doctor about what is going on so something can be done to help you. Take care Jackie ~*~When you get to the end of all the light you know and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: either you will be given something solid to stand on, or you will be taughhow to fly~*~

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My friend has an anxiety disorder-was recently prescribled 50 mg of Zoloft to take in the a.m.  She finds that she is very tired and ready for sleep around 2:30 p.m.   Is 50mg of Zoloft/day normally prescribed?  She’s complains of feeling too sedated. Thanks in advance for your response.  :0) Jennifer

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: :My friend has an anxiety disorder-was recently prescribled 50 mg of Zoloft to :take in the a.m.  She finds that she is very tired and ready for sleep around :2:30 p.m.   : :Is 50mg of Zoloft/day normally prescribed?  She’s complains of feeling too :sedated. : :Thanks in advance for your response.  :0) Dear Jennifer, Welcome to ASAP! Some people do well on 50mgs of Zoloft, others do well on 100mgs and then person to person. Sedation and feeling tired are common side-effects of antidepressants which is why it`s so important for people with anxiety disorder to start antidepressants at a low dose (zoloft would be12.5 or 25mgs) and to wean slowly (with Zoloft increasing the dose in 12.5 or 25 mg increments once a week or so). We tend to be sensitive to the side-effects of medication. Had your friend started Zoloft at 12.5 mg or even 25mgs the sedation may not have been so bad. She could try to stick this side-effect out, it might start to diminish once her body adjusts to the 50mgs. If she finds this side-effect is just too much for her, she should call her doctor and ask to lower her dose. Take care Jackie ~*~Do unto others as though you were the others~*~

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My friend has an anxiety disorder-was recently prescribled 50 mg of Zoloft to take in the a.m.  She finds that she is very tired and ready for sleep around 2:30 p.m. Is 50mg of Zoloft/day normally prescribed?  She’s complains of feeling too sedated. Thanks in advance for your response.  :0) Jennifer

If her sleepiness is due to the Zoloft, she could try 25 mg/day for awhile, and then raise the dose. Chip

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I definitely agree with lowering the dose initially. She could also try taking the 50mg at bedtime. Zoloft is one of those medications that usually must build up in the system over at least two weeks and it doesn’t really matter if you take it in the morning or at bedtime. Often it is just trial and error to find the regime that works best. Good luck, Russ,  M.D.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My friend has an anxiety disorder-was recently prescribled 50 mg of Zoloft to take in the a.m.  She finds that she is very tired and ready for sleep around 2:30 p.m. Is 50mg of Zoloft/day normally prescribed?  She’s complains of feeling too sedated. Thanks in advance for your response.  :0) Jennifer

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WHATS the story with Zoloft.Ive been on it for a week and still don,t feel any better.Please email me your xperiences with zoloft.Does it take a long time to work.  I DON,T want to give up on it yet I am taking 150mg a day Time wounds all heels!! Generally it takes up to 6 weeks for antidepressants to work.  Some though are fortunate that feel "something" happening by the end of the first week. Don’t give up.  Keep it up. I thought you might have written in another post about difficulty getting an orgasm.  This is experienced with SSRIs, and when it comes so soon after initiation of treatment it is more than likely due to that.  Let your MD know and he may want to change to another SSRI or some other antidepressant that does not have this side effect. kksoo

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Major Impact schreef: WHATS the story with Zoloft.Ive been on it for a week and still don,t feel any better.Please email me your xperiences with zoloft.Does it take a long time to work.  I DON,T want to give up on it yet I am taking 150mg a day Time wounds all heels!!

Alkthough I don’t have experiences with Zoloft I did take three other meds from the same (SSRI) group of antidepressants. These have in common that it may take awhile (anything up from 2-10 weeks) to take effect. So take that time to give the med a chance. After a week it’s already a very good sign that you experienced no side effects or heightened anxiety. This may well be the right med for you! Philip Peters – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –                                                                                                                                                l

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WHATS the story with Zoloft.Ive been on it for a week and still don,t feel any better.Please email me your xperiences with zoloft.Does it take a long time to work.  I DON,T want to give up on it yet I am taking 150mg a day Time wounds all heels!!                                                                                                                                                    l        

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  my 9 yr old son is taking zoloft..he started at 25mg the first week, now the 2nd week is up to 50 mg.  A little while after he takes it he says he feels hot and his head feels funny.  The whole day he is fine and it is really helping his impulsiveness, frustration and tantrums…these traits have nearly disappeared.  I am going to ask the doctor about it but is this normal?  He just was weaned off of Luvox at the same time he started the Zoloft. Debbie

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my 9 yr old son is taking zoloft..he started at 25mg the first week, now the 2nd week is up to 50 mg.  A little while after he takes it he says he feels hot and his head feels funny.  The whole day he is fine and it is really helping his impulsiveness, frustration and tantrums…these traits have nearly disappeared.  I am going to ask the doctor about it but is this normal?  He just was weaned off of Luvox at the same time he started the Zoloft. Debbie

Hi Debbie, Zoloft can cause sweating and headaches and that could be what your son is experiencing. I would mention this to the doctor, it should go away in a few weeks and appears to be mild, so I wouldn`t worry. That is wonderful that Zoloft has helped your son so much ) Take care!! Jackie

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Hopefully the side effects will go away. I had a really bad time on zoloft. Things did get better but I only took it for two days becuase I could not go to work. So mabe I’ll give a go when I have some space. Incidentally my doc said that the minumum dose was 50mg and that’s what I started on. I am in the UK, but this cannot be right. I think I may purchase myself a pill cutter — And god said. Let there be light. And there was light. But the darkness crept over me. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  my 9 yr old son is taking zoloft..he started at 25mg the first week, now the 2nd week is up to 50 mg.  A little while after he takes it he says he feels hot and his head feels funny.  The whole day he is fine and it is really helping his impulsiveness, frustration and tantrums…these traits have nearly disappeared.  I am going to ask the doctor about it but is this normal?  He just was weaned off of Luvox at the same time he started the Zoloft. Debbie

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I had the same symptoms the first couple of days after switching from Paxil. went to 50 the second week. Felt it for a while the first day of 50, but not since. Good luck to your son. Lee

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – my 9 yr old son is taking zoloft..he started at 25mg the first week, now the 2nd week is up to 50 mg.  A little while after he takes it he says he feels hot and his head feels funny.  The whole day he is fine and it is really helping his impulsiveness, frustration and tantrums…these traits have nearly disappeared.  I am going to ask the doctor about it but is this normal?  He just was weaned off of Luvox at the same time he started the Zoloft. Debbie Hi Debbie, Zoloft can cause sweating and headaches and that could be what your son is experiencing. I would mention this to the doctor, it should go away in a few weeks and appears to be mild, so I wouldn`t worry. That is wonderful that Zoloft has helped your son so much ) Take care!! Jackie

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Hopefully the side effects will go away. I had a really bad time on zoloft. Things did get better but I only took it for two days becuase I could not go to work. So mabe I’ll give a go when I have some space. Incidentally my doc said that the minumum dose was 50mg and that’s what I started on. I am in the UK, but this cannot be right. I think I may purchase myself a pill cutter

Oh yes, the UK where psychiatry still has to be invented…. 12.5 mg is the recommended starting dose (half a 25 mg tab), 25 mg may be managed but 50 mg is cruelty! Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — And god said. Let there be light. And there was light. But the darkness crept over me.  my 9 yr old son is taking zoloft..he started at 25mg the first week, now the 2nd week is up to 50 mg.  A little while after he takes it he says he feels hot and his head feels funny.  The whole day he is fine and it is really helping his impulsiveness, frustration and tantrums…these traits have nearly disappeared.  I am going to ask the doctor about it but is this normal?  He just was weaned off of Luvox at the same time he started the Zoloft. Debbie

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Oh yes, the UK where psychiatry still has to be invented…. Philip —

Not true!!! My shrink has a certificate of competence signed by no less a person than Noah (of Ark fame).  Must admit though I was a bit worried by the Thioridazine he gave me.  I could just make out on the label that it was best before 3000 BC — Jon Guite Live support and chat for anxiety and panic disorders at the #anx/pan chat room in Dalnet.  For details see http://www.skcldv.demon.co.uk/anxpanw.htm

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LEJ351 schreef: how long did it take for you to start feeling better?  I am only at 2 weeks and am still strugggling with insomnia, lack of appetite and  an acidic stomach.  I also use ativan as needed

Hopefully the Ativan will take you through these weeks as your body is adjusting to Zoloft. You should give Zoloft between 6-8 weeks to be able to evaluate its effect, but it’s entirely possible that you will feel better sooner than that. Philip

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I recently began taking zoloft and have never felt better.  I am curious why it seem many people take zoloft and xanax combo.  Does this help to alleviate some side effects?

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I recently began taking zoloft and have never felt better.  I am curious why it seem many people take zoloft and xanax combo.  Does this help to alleviate some side effects?

It does but when you don’t need it, so much the better! Glad it works! Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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how long did it take for you to start feeling better?  I am only at 2 weeks and am still strugggling with insomnia, lack of appetite and  an acidic stomach.  I also use ativan as needed

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how long did it take for you to start feeling better?  I am only at 2 weeks and am still strugggling with insomnia, lack of appetite and  an acidic stomach.  I also use ativan as needed

Hi: I am on ZOloft 25mg a day, and klonipin 3mg a day (all at bedtime)  I take benadryl 50mg PRN if I can’t get to sleep. For your stomach acidity, I had the same problem, and a simple dose of Zantac 75 (available without prescription) works wonders for the acid problem..in fact..NO problem!!!..It also doesn’t have any side effects. My pdoc lowered my Zoloft prescription after I found it caused too many side effects. At 25 mg’s at bedtime, it works wonders. I’ve been on it about a month now. Again, the benadryl as per needed, (even if I have to take it every second night!!) works great to knock off to sleep. Most impotantly, it keeps my sleep pattern regular.(ie. don’t sleep all day, and stay awake all night, which was my problem before I took the benadryl) Also, Gravol is simular to Benadryl, but a little bit milder, so may also want to consider this. These are non-prescription drugs, so you can take a shot yourself, and if they work..GREAT!! They’ve worked for me, and I’ve heard they worked well for many other, but, just try, as YMMV… Best of luck.. James — "All of us get lost in the darkness… Dreamers learn to stear by the stars.." Neil Peart, Rush, "The Pass"

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Question:

As I previously posted, I was advised by my PDoc to increase my dosage of Zoloft from 100 mg to 200 mg per day slowly in an attempt to treat my high level of anxiety. I’m up to 125 mg now, and I’m noticing the effect; I wouldn’t exactly describe it as anxiety–more like "antsiness", or agitation.  I feel like I need to be constantly moving, even if it’s drumming my fingers on a table when I’m sitting. Anyone else have a similar experience? Carol

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I’ve been taking Zoloft for almost a month, 50mg and klonopin for anxiety as needed (haven’t yet) and have been very fidgety.  I’m always wiggling but it isn’t bothering me.  We’ll see how things go, I’m feeling tons better than I felt before I got the meds and was depressed/anxious 24/7.  I’ve noticed that I’m very antsy though.   shanti As I previously posted, I was advised by my PDoc to increase my dosage of Zoloft from 100 mg to 200 mg per day slowly in an attempt to treat my high level of anxiety. I’m up to 125 mg now, and I’m noticing the effect; I wouldn’t exactly describe it as anxiety–more like "antsiness", or agitation.  I feel like I need to be constantly moving, even if it’s drumming my fingers on a table when I’m sitting. Anyone else have a similar experience? Carol

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