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 am using Serevent and Flovent 220 mcg, 2 puffs of each in the morning and then again in the evening.  I use the InspirEase spacer to take my medication.  Both medications state they contain enough medication for 120 puffs, which for me is a months worth of medication.  However, I have noticed that after a month instead of the cannisters being almost empty they are still half full.  I put them in water to measure them.  I am wondering why this is.  Could it be that the InspirEase doesn’t extract enough of the medicatiion from the cannister with each puff? Juls

Response:

I am using Serevent and Flovent 220 mcg, 2 puffs of each in the morning and then again in the evening.  I use the InspirEase spacer to take my medication.  Both medications state they contain enough medication for 120 puffs, which for me is a months worth of medication.  However, I have noticed that after a month instead of the cannisters being almost empty they are still half full.  I put them in water to measure them.  I am wondering why this is.  Could it be that the InspirEase doesn’t extract enough of the medicatiion from the cannister with each puff? Juls

How exactly does InspirEase work? All the spacers I’ve ever used simply had an opening on one end for the inhaler (where the mouth would usually be if not using a spacer) and an opening for me to breathe from. If that’s the case with InspirEase, then it wouldn’t make any difference in the amount of medicine that comes out when you press the canister down. I had actually read on some inhalers (might have been serevent, but I don’t remember) that that water measuring trick wasn’t very accurate and the best thing to do was keep track of how much you’re using. Also, is it possible that you have forgot to take every dose in a given month?

Response:

How exactly does InspirEase work? All the spacers I’ve ever used simply had an opening on one end for the inhaler (where the mouth would usually be if not using a spacer) and an opening for me to breathe from. If that’s the case with InspirEase, then it wouldn’t make any difference in the amount of medicine that comes out when you press the canister down.

Exactly..the only difference is that it has accordian -like folds and collapses as you take the meds…;

Response:

I am using Serevent and Flovent 220 mcg, 2 puffs of each in the morning and then again in the evening.  I use the InspirEase spacer to take my medication.  Both medications state they contain enough medication for 120 puffs, which for me is a months worth of medication.  However, I have noticed that after a month instead of the cannisters being almost empty they are still half full.  I put them in water to measure them.  I am wondering why this is.  Could it be that the InspirEase doesn’t extract enough of the medicatiion from the cannister with each puff?

The canisters are otherwise with propellant in order to ensure that the first actuation with have the same pressure as the 120th actuation.  The problem is that after 120 doses all you will be getting is propellant with no medication. No electrons were harmed in the posting of this message.

Response:

Question:

Just wondering if anyone has tried taking Singulair to treat allergy related sinus congestion.

Response:

I read that it was FDA approved for allergic rhinitis very recently. "Steven Balough" <sbalo…@mail.utexas.edu

wrote in message

news:avlc9n$2kp$1@geraldo.cc.utexas.edu… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Just wondering if anyone has tried taking Singulair to treat allergy

related

sinus congestion.

Response:

Many allergists and ENTs have prescribed it for that for years, even without FDA approval for it ("off-label"). I’ve been prescribed it several times, for rhinitis. Recently I started taking it again. To tell the truth, I’m really not sure if it is helping me at all or not. (Sometimes it’s hard to know. You think–"I might be worse if I wasn’t taking this".) Anyone here noticed definitive results from it? Are there any published controlled double-blind studies on using it for rhinitis? (I guess there would have to be, if in fact the FDA has approved it for that purpose.) Anyone know where one can read the studies? Can’t regular Singulair use over years have negative effects on the liver? What if one takes both Singulair and acetaminophen regularly? "Joy" <n…@nospam.com

wrote in message

news:cy5U9.5794$Qr4.558783@newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I read that it was FDA approved for allergic rhinitis very recently. > "Steven Balough" <sbalo…@mail.utexas.edu

wrote in message

> news:avlc9n$2kp$1@geraldo.cc.utexas.edu… > > Just wondering if anyone has tried taking Singulair to treat allergy > related > > sinus congestion.

Response:

Question:

I have only had these "pre-panic" feelings in the last couple of weeks. They are those heart- skipping- can’t- breathe feelings that only last 3-10 seconds. The only thing I worry about is that is how my full blown attacks started years ago. I think I need to go back to my therapist as a first step. THANKS!!

Question:

Thanks (((((Everyone))))) For such a warm welcome (back) lol. I’m feeling so good this evening! Yay. Kirsten

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone, It’s been a long long time since I’ve been here. Some of you might remeber me. My name is Kirsten (Kadie). I wont give any excuses cause there are none. I just haven’t bothered posting. I wish now that I had because you guys where allways so great to me. I’m doing alright, been better, been worse. I’m still busy with school. I am so behind but trying to keep up. Brad and I split up about a week ago for good and we are friends now. I think I like it better. I still love him and he still loves me but we have to much on our own to deal with and don’t need a realtionship too. I’m doing pretty good with my panic attacks. I’m having them every once in a while like i had one the other night but I’m getting better at controling them. I’m no longer on Celexa. I was on Celexa and Wellbutrin and Dr.C took me off of Wellbutrin because it stopped working and then off od Celexa to and I am now on Effexor. I’m up to 75mg’s daily now and I’m not doing to bad considering I guess. I’m having a bad time with my depression still though and have some other issues (realated to the depression) to deal with. but I think I’m getting there. I’m hoping everyone is doing good? I’m sorry I haven’t been posting and like I said there is no excuses so I’m not going to bother trying to come up with any. I’ll just try and post more often — Kirsten http://violent-minds.org ICQ: 48606790

Response:

:I’m hoping everyone is doing good? I’m sorry I haven’t been posting and like :I said there is no excuses so I’m not going to bother trying to come up with :any. I’ll just try and post more often Dear Kirsten, Welcome back!~  Don`t worry about not posting, people are allowed to come and go as freely as they want, there are no rules here Sorry about your breakup with Brad {{{{{Kirsten}}}}} Jackie ~*~My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue, an everlasting vision of the everchanging view~*~ ~Carole King~

Response:

Hi Kirsten! Good to see you here.  Please don’t apologize.  This is only reserved for me.  <g  Just kidding.  I’m sorry about you and Brad, but glad to see you’re still friends.  I hope Effexor helps with the depression. Love, Di

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone, It’s been a long long time since I’ve been here. Some of you might remeber me. My name is Kirsten (Kadie). I wont give any excuses cause there are none. I just haven’t bothered posting. I wish now that I had because you guys where allways so great to me. I’m doing alright, been better, been worse. I’m still busy with school. I am so behind but trying to keep up. Brad and I split up about a week ago for good and we are friends now. I think I like it better. I still love him and he still loves me but we have to much on our own to deal with and don’t need a realtionship too. I’m doing pretty good with my panic attacks. I’m having them every once in a while like i had one the other night but I’m getting better at controling them. I’m no longer on Celexa. I was on Celexa and Wellbutrin and Dr.C took me off of Wellbutrin because it stopped working and then off od Celexa to and I am now on Effexor. I’m up to 75mg’s daily now and I’m not doing to bad considering I guess. I’m having a bad time with my depression still though and have some other issues (realated to the depression) to deal with. but I think I’m getting there. I’m hoping everyone is doing good? I’m sorry I haven’t been posting and like I said there is no excuses so I’m not going to bother trying to come up with any. I’ll just try and post more often — Kirsten http://violent-minds.org ICQ: 48606790

Response:

Good to see you again, Kirsten. Effexor is a good med for depression. Chip

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone, It’s been a long long time since I’ve been here. Some of you might remeber me. My name is Kirsten (Kadie). I wont give any excuses cause there are none. I just haven’t bothered posting. I wish now that I had because you guys where allways so great to me. I’m doing alright, been better, been worse. I’m still busy with school. I am so behind but trying to keep up. Brad and I split up about a week ago for good and we are friends now. I think I like it better. I still love him and he still loves me but we have to much on our own to deal with and don’t need a realtionship too. I’m doing pretty good with my panic attacks. I’m having them every once in a while like i had one the other night but I’m getting better at controling them. I’m no longer on Celexa. I was on Celexa and Wellbutrin and Dr.C took me off of Wellbutrin because it stopped working and then off od Celexa to and I am now on Effexor. I’m up to 75mg’s daily now and I’m not doing to bad considering I guess. I’m having a bad time with my depression still though and have some other issues (realated to the depression) to deal with. but I think I’m getting there. I’m hoping everyone is doing good? I’m sorry I haven’t been posting and like I said there is no excuses so I’m not going to bother trying to come up with any. I’ll just try and post more often — Kirsten http://violent-minds.org ICQ: 48606790

Response:

Hi Kirsten, You don’t need any excuses for not posting.  Real life is more important for us all.  Glad to have you back! Take care, Liz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone, It’s been a long long time since I’ve been here. Some of you might remeber me. My name is Kirsten (Kadie). I wont give any excuses cause there are none. I just haven’t bothered posting. I wish now that I had because you guys where allways so great to me. I’m doing alright, been better, been worse. I’m still busy with school. I am so behind but trying to keep up. Brad and I split up about a week ago for good and we are friends now. I think I like it better. I still love him and he still loves me but we have to much on our own to deal with and don’t need a realtionship too. I’m doing pretty good with my panic attacks. I’m having them every once in a while like i had one the other night but I’m getting better at controling them. I’m no longer on Celexa. I was on Celexa and Wellbutrin and Dr.C took me off of Wellbutrin because it stopped working and then off od Celexa to and I am now on Effexor. I’m up to 75mg’s daily now and I’m not doing to bad considering I guess. I’m having a bad time with my depression still though and have some other issues (realated to the depression) to deal with. but I think I’m getting there. I’m hoping everyone is doing good? I’m sorry I haven’t been posting and like I said there is no excuses so I’m not going to bother trying to come up with any. I’ll just try and post more often — Kirsten http://violent-minds.org ICQ: 48606790

Response:

Hi, Kirsten, Yes, I remember you.  Glad to know you are doing fairly well.  Sorry to hear about you and Brad but if you are able to remain friends, that’s terrific. Hope the Effexor helps you.  Zoloft really lifted a lot of my depression. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone, It’s been a long long time since I’ve been here. Some of you might remeber me. My name is Kirsten (Kadie). I wont give any excuses cause there are none. I just haven’t bothered posting. I wish now that I had because you guys where allways so great to me. I’m doing alright, been better, been worse. I’m still busy with school. I am so behind but trying to keep up. Brad and I split up about a week ago for good and we are friends now. I think I like it better. I still love him and he still loves me but we have to much on our own to deal with and don’t need a realtionship too. I’m doing pretty good with my panic attacks. I’m having them every once in a while like i had one the other night but I’m getting better at controling them. I’m no longer on Celexa. I was on Celexa and Wellbutrin and Dr.C took me off of Wellbutrin because it stopped working and then off od Celexa to and I am now on Effexor. I’m up to 75mg’s daily now and I’m not doing to bad considering I guess. I’m having a bad time with my depression still though and have some other issues (realated to the depression) to deal with. but I think I’m getting there. I’m hoping everyone is doing good? I’m sorry I haven’t been posting and like I said there is no excuses so I’m not going to bother trying to come up with any. I’ll just try and post more often — Kirsten http://violent-minds.org ICQ: 48606790

Response:

Hi Everyone, It’s been a long long time since I’ve been here. Some of you might remeber me. My name is Kirsten (Kadie). I wont give any excuses cause there are none. I just haven’t bothered posting. I wish now that I had because you guys where allways so great to me. I’m doing alright, been better, been worse. I’m still busy with school. I am so behind but trying to keep up. Brad and I split up about a week ago for good and we are friends now. I think I like it better. I still love him and he still loves me but we have to much on our own to deal with and don’t need a realtionship too. I’m doing pretty good with my panic attacks. I’m having them every once in a while like i had one the other night but I’m getting better at controling them. I’m no longer on Celexa. I was on Celexa and Wellbutrin and Dr.C took me off of Wellbutrin because it stopped working and then off od Celexa to and I am now on Effexor. I’m up to 75mg’s daily now and I’m not doing to bad considering I guess. I’m having a bad time with my depression still though and have some other issues (realated to the depression) to deal with. but I think I’m getting there. I’m hoping everyone is doing good? I’m sorry I haven’t been posting and like I said there is no excuses so I’m not going to bother trying to come up with any. I’ll just try and post more often — Kirsten http://violent-minds.org ICQ: 48606790

Response:

Question:

Hello Jeff, Seroxat and Paxil are two names for the same drug. The name Seroxat is used in the UK and Paxil, I believe, is what it’s called in the US. Sorry about the confusion. Before the cross posters arrived, quite suddenly it appeared, this was a great group. I started posting on 13th of December last and found that the group helped me greatly over the overwhelmingly miserable period during Christmas and the New Year. What I’m leading up to is that reading the post here and better still posting messages is highly therapeutic and is what I would recommend that you do but sadly the group no longer functions the way it did. Cormac’s suggestion is a good one if you can find a support group. I’m certain there are many such groups in the US but a lot depends on the nature of the support group and the particular way you interact with such a group. We are all different and I can go to a support group here in Dublin but I’m not at all happy with the way it’s run. The fella who set up the group effectively controls the group and I object strongly to this but am afraid to say anything to the psychologist in the hospital where the support group is based about the situation as I see it. The fella who runs the support group and the psychologist are great friends and if I said anything I can almost hear the psychologist ask me now why do I feel this way and I’m sure I would get nowhere and end up banging my head off the wall. Be wary in support groups. You will meet all types and I know from personal experience you may meet folks there who will use you if the conditions are right for that. That is exactly what happened to me. A long time member of the group homed in on me and ended up bullying me in a most insidious way. So, Jeff, beware in the support group setting. As the student who was treating me using CBT told me as she told me I could join the support I would meet all types in the support group. I thought what a strange thing to say. Are we not all on each other’s side I asked myself. The frightening answer is no. Peter Nolan. To email please remove x from xpeter…@gofree.indigo.ie

Response:

Hello Jeff, I’m attempting to send the message below a second time. It never made it first time round. — Peter Nolan. To email please remove x from xpeter…@gofree.indigo.ie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hello Jeff, Seroxat and Paxil are two names for the same drug. The name Seroxat is

used

in the UK and Paxil, I believe, is what it’s called in the US. Sorry about the confusion. Before the cross posters arrived, quite suddenly it appeared, this was a great group. I started posting on 13th of December last and found that the group helped me greatly over the overwhelmingly miserable period during Christmas and the New Year. What I’m leading up to is that reading the

post

here and better still posting messages is highly therapeutic and is what I would recommend that you do but sadly the group no longer functions the

way

it did. Cormac’s suggestion is a good one if you can find a support group. I’m certain there are many such groups in the US but a lot depends on the

nature

of the support group and the particular way you interact with such a

group.

We are all different and I can go to a support group here in Dublin but

I’m

not at all happy with the way it’s run. The fella who set up the group effectively controls the group and I object strongly to this but am afraid to say anything to the psychologist in the hospital where the support

group

is based about the situation as I see it. The fella who runs the support group and the psychologist are great friends and if I said anything I can almost hear the psychologist ask me now why do I feel this way and I’m

sure

I would get nowhere and end up banging my head off the wall. Be wary in support groups. You will meet all types and I know from

personal

experience you may meet folks there who will use you if the conditions are right for that. That is exactly what happened to me. A long time member of the group homed in on me and ended up bullying me in a most insidious way. So, Jeff, beware in the support group setting. As the student who was treating me using CBT told me as she told me I could join the support I would meet all types in the support group. I thought what a strange thing

to

say. Are we not all on each other’s side I asked myself. The frightening answer is no. Peter Nolan. To email please remove x from xpeter…@gofree.indigo.ie

Response:

Check the website  www.socialanxietyinstitute.org I find it extremly helpful. Consider joining a support group – mentioned in the web site. Jeff <jeff9…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:7eb49709.0204152150.287da20e@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I’m not sure anyone will see this or respond, but at minimum this posting will let me organize my thoughts and try to explain my situation. I’m male, 31 years old, and have lived with debilitating social anxiety for as long as I can remember, long before there were slick TV commercials for marginally effective pharmaceuticals to treat the disorder. I saw my first psychiatrist when I was 18, who told me I was a nice guy and would have a great life, just stop worrying so much.  By the time I was 24 I finally worked up the courage to talk to a doctor about my depression and social anxiety, and went through the usual suspects with less than impressive results: Zoloft, Serzone, Effexor, Moclobemide.  Then I contracted mono (great, what were the chances of that for a 27 year old virgin).  That completely knocked me out for several months.  Through my doctor, I finally got a referral to a good psychiatrist who diagnosed me with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and depression.  He put me on Parnate and Klonopin, and I was pleasantly surprised, because I actually felt better than I’d ever felt in my entire life.  I looked forward to my day… the pounding heart and sweaty palms went away, I didn’t think everyone was staring at me, and I could go out to social functions without getting incredibly nervous. The dietary restrictions for Parnate were a minor inconvenience. So were the sleep disturbances/minor insomnia.  My life became almost normal.  I went out with friends.  I know, I know, you aren’t supposed to feel better just from meds… it takes lots of CBT and hard work.  My experience, even with good therapists says that is not true.  I’ve read the books, and understand all the distortions and negative thought patterns that pass through my mind.  But being aware of them, and being able to get them under control are two separate things.  I just have this brain chemistry that kicks in so strongly that the power of thought is not enough. One year later, after relocating to the US, I mentioned the insomnia to my doctor and she said it was caused by depression, and tripled the dose of Parnate, and also suggested ECT, which I declined.  I didn’t sleep properly for days, and got extremely sick with a bacterial infection, probably because I was so tired and my immune system went on a vacation.  It scared me so much that I took myself off Parnate and Klonopin (tapered) without consulting my doctor, who I no longer trusted. This was the worst decision of my life (and I’ve made a lot of bad decisions).  After a few weeks, I quickly realized my error after I started returning to my old ways of hiding out in my apartment avoiding everyone.  Since then, I’ve been dragged through unsuccessful courses of Prozac, Effexor (yuck) and Wellbutrin (double yuck).  I can tolerate side effects, but generally expect to feel better rather than worse.  That all ended about two years ago, when I gave up on meds and doctors who have a kneejerk reaction of try Paxil… try Effexor… or whatever drug-du-jour is being peddled. So I’ve put myself in a terrible position.  The only thing that ever worked for me was a MAOI, and nobody wants to prescribe that.  Or a scheduled drug like Klonopin.  Probably now I’m profiled as exhibiting drug-seeking behavior.  But that seems odd since I have old unused prescriptions for both of the above sitting in the back of my medicine cabinet, as well as random assortments of various drugs sufficient to kill a horse. So, two years of being med-free, practicing meditation daily, and lots of aerobic exercise have not helped, and I am a complete isolated hopeless nervous mess.  When I went to my doctor last week for a sinus infection, I mentioned that I used to be on Parnate, and she said she couldn’t believe anyone prescribed that anymore, and proceeded to explain how great SSRIs are.  I just shut up, went home and took my antibiotics. I don’t know what to do.  Money is not an issue.  I just want to somehow get out of this mess.  I don’t look forward to anything… I can barely go out to buy groceries.  It really hurts me at work.  I may skip an old friend’s wedding because I don’t think I can handle it.  Not sure what to do.  I think good psychiatrists are hard to find- I can’t imagine anyone wanting to take on a case like mine. It seems like there is really no way out of this.  I’m just so tired of life being a constant struggle with getting nervous talking to anyone… I’m getting way too old for this. I’m not suicidal, but wouldn’t be terribly upset if I were run over by a truck tomorrow.  Yes, touching, I know. If you’ve made it this far, I apologize for my rambling. If you can think of any way to get out of this mess, let me know.  I can’t even think of a first step that isn’t destined for failure. Jeff psychiatrist I feel trapped in my apartment now and need help, but can’t figure out how to proceed.  My last attempt was several

Response:

Thanks Peter, Doug, and kicken for your thoughtful responses. I am going to get in touch with my doctor back in Canada, to see if he can help me out with some sort of letter of introduction. I had been a patient of his for several years, so there’s a good possibility he can help out.  Even the doctor in the US who tripled my dose of Parnate may be able to help out, and at least attest to the fact that I was doing okay.  I’m also going to write/phone local psychiatrists to determine if one of them has experience prescribing Parnate. Failing that, Peter mentioned a Seroxat/Paxil combo that I have not tried before, which sounds like it may be worth a try, though I am skeptical because of lack of success with anything other than a MAOI. The worst part is that the disease itself is a real hindrance to finding treatment, because my behavior is just so avoidant. Also, I always feel that it’s not taken seriously, like any of the more popular/trendy psychological disorders.  After all, I’m no threat to anyone, and I’m not experiencing any specific crisis.  At least now I have some concrete ideas on how to proceed – thanks all for the ideas on how to get out of this rut.   Jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -gd…@aug.com (Doug) wrote in message <news:3cbd5389.2725248@news.aug.com

… Jeff, At this point, it sounds like a plan would be to get back on the Parnate and Klonopin which you said you gave up on.  What are the possibilities of writing the doctor again who originally prescribed the Parnate and the Klonopin?  I believe s/he’s in another country now? so this may be impossible.  If you could and sent your posted letter with your cover letter, you might have a fairly good chance of at least getting a letter of introduction for another doctor.  This may be impractical, but what about trying to see the U.S. doctor who tripled the Parnate dose.  I mean there are at least 2 doctors who weren’t averse to prescribing Parnate and Klonopin for you.   The 2nd doctor could be a definite maybe.  Even if you can’t see this doctor because of distance, could you write a letter to her explaining what you’re going thru and request her to write a letter of introduction "To Whom It May Concern" (some unknown doctor as yet) that explains what you’ve tried, what worked and what her recommendation is. I did this when I relocated to another state in the U.S. several months ago and the introductory letter did help.  I’ve been able to continue taking the same meds, but I’m under a little tighter control right now than I was previously.  That could be changed by seeking out a new shrink or by possibly asking my new family GP if he’d be willing to take over the prescriptions. If none of the above is practical, you can write your own letter of introduction, using most, if not all of what you wrote in this post and make an appt. with a new psychiatrist.  Your post is very explicit so I’d include it too.  Good luck. Doug

Response:

Hi Jeff, I’m also 31 and have social phobia and depression probably my whole life. I’ve been on almost every med and combo and other treatments and Parnate is the only one to give some relief also. I do get frustrated at times about some side-effects and that it might not be working enough, then I go off and see how much worse I get and go back on. I would try finding a Dr. in your area that has experience prescribing MAOI’s. It’s rule of thumb to go back to what has helped in the past. I hope you find a good Dr. willing to give it to you and hope you feel better. I’ve been on and off of Parnate for almost a decade. I hope to get better to all the time. Take care B jeff9…@hotmail.com (Jeff) wrote in message

<news:7eb49709.0204152150.287da20e@posting.google.com

…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I’m not sure anyone will see this or respond, but at minimum this posting will let me organize my thoughts and try to explain my situation. I’m male, 31 years old, and have lived with debilitating social anxiety for as long as I can remember, long before there were slick TV commercials for marginally effective pharmaceuticals to treat the disorder. I saw my first psychiatrist when I was 18, who told me I was a nice guy and would have a great life, just stop worrying so much.  By the time I was 24 I finally worked up the courage to talk to a doctor about my depression and social anxiety, and went through the usual suspects with less than impressive results: Zoloft, Serzone, Effexor, Moclobemide.  Then I contracted mono (great, what were the chances of that for a 27 year old virgin).  That completely knocked me out for several months.  Through my doctor, I finally got a referral to a good psychiatrist who diagnosed me with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and depression.  He put me on Parnate and Klonopin, and I was pleasantly surprised, because I actually felt better than I’d ever felt in my entire life.  I looked forward to my day… the pounding heart and sweaty palms went away, I didn’t think everyone was staring at me, and I could go out to social functions without getting incredibly nervous. The dietary restrictions for Parnate were a minor inconvenience. So were the sleep disturbances/minor insomnia.  My life became almost normal.  I went out with friends.  I know, I know, you aren’t supposed to feel better just from meds… it takes lots of CBT and hard work.  My experience, even with good therapists says that is not true.  I’ve read the books, and understand all the distortions and negative thought patterns that pass through my mind.  But being aware of them, and being able to get them under control are two separate things.  I just have this brain chemistry that kicks in so strongly that the power of thought is not enough. One year later, after relocating to the US, I mentioned the insomnia to my doctor and she said it was caused by depression, and tripled the dose of Parnate, and also suggested ECT, which I declined.  I didn’t sleep properly for days, and got extremely sick with a bacterial infection, probably because I was so tired and my immune system went on a vacation.  It scared me so much that I took myself off Parnate and Klonopin (tapered) without consulting my doctor, who I no longer trusted. This was the worst decision of my life (and I’ve made a lot of bad decisions).  After a few weeks, I quickly realized my error after I started returning to my old ways of hiding out in my apartment avoiding everyone.  Since then, I’ve been dragged through unsuccessful courses of Prozac, Effexor (yuck) and Wellbutrin (double yuck).  I can tolerate side effects, but generally expect to feel better rather than worse.  That all ended about two years ago, when I gave up on meds and doctors who have a kneejerk reaction of try Paxil… try Effexor… or whatever drug-du-jour is being peddled. So I’ve put myself in a terrible position.  The only thing that ever worked for me was a MAOI, and nobody wants to prescribe that.  Or a scheduled drug like Klonopin.  Probably now I’m profiled as exhibiting drug-seeking behavior.  But that seems odd since I have old unused prescriptions for both of the above sitting in the back of my medicine cabinet, as well as random assortments of various drugs sufficient to kill a horse. So, two years of being med-free, practicing meditation daily, and lots of aerobic exercise have not helped, and I am a complete isolated hopeless nervous mess.  When I went to my doctor last week for a sinus infection, I mentioned that I used to be on Parnate, and she said she couldn’t believe anyone prescribed that anymore, and proceeded to explain how great SSRIs are.  I just shut up, went home and took my antibiotics. I don’t know what to do.  Money is not an issue.  I just want to somehow get out of this mess.  I don’t look forward to anything… I can barely go out to buy groceries.  It really hurts me at work.  I may skip an old friend’s wedding because I don’t think I can handle it.  Not sure what to do.  I think good psychiatrists are hard to find- I can’t imagine anyone wanting to take on a case like mine. It seems like there is really no way out of this.  I’m just so tired of life being a constant struggle with getting nervous talking to anyone… I’m getting way too old for this. I’m not suicidal, but wouldn’t be terribly upset if I were run over by a truck tomorrow.  Yes, touching, I know. If you’ve made it this far, I apologize for my rambling. If you can think of any way to get out of this mess, let me know.  I can’t even think of a first step that isn’t destined for failure. Jeff psychiatrist I feel trapped in my apartment now and need help, but can’t figure out how to proceed.  My last attempt was several

Response:

Jeff, At this point, it sounds like a plan would be to get back on the Parnate and Klonopin which you said you gave up on.  What are the possibilities of writing the doctor again who originally prescribed the Parnate and the Klonopin?  I believe s/he’s in another country now? so this may be impossible.  If you could and sent your posted letter with your cover letter, you might have a fairly good chance of at least getting a letter of introduction for another doctor.  This may be impractical, but what about trying to see the U.S. doctor who tripled the Parnate dose.  I mean there are at least 2 doctors who weren’t averse to prescribing Parnate and Klonopin for you.   The 2nd doctor could be a definite maybe.  Even if you can’t see this doctor because of distance, could you write a letter to her explaining what you’re going thru and request her to write a letter of introduction "To Whom It May Concern" (some unknown doctor as yet) that explains what you’ve tried, what worked and what her recommendation is. I did this when I relocated to another state in the U.S. several months ago and the introductory letter did help.  I’ve been able to continue taking the same meds, but I’m under a little tighter control right now than I was previously.  That could be changed by seeking out a new shrink or by possibly asking my new family GP if he’d be willing to take over the prescriptions. If none of the above is practical, you can write your own letter of introduction, using most, if not all of what you wrote in this post and make an appt. with a new psychiatrist.  Your post is very explicit so I’d include it too.  Good luck. Doug On 15 Apr 2002 22:50:24 -0700, jeff9…@hotmail.com (Jeff) wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I’m not sure anyone will see this or respond, but at minimum this posting will let me organize my thoughts and try to explain my situation. I’m male, 31 years old, and have lived with debilitating social anxiety for as long as I can remember, long before there were slick TV commercials for marginally effective pharmaceuticals to treat the disorder. I saw my first psychiatrist when I was 18, who told me I was a nice guy and would have a great life, just stop worrying so much.  By the time I was 24 I finally worked up the courage to talk to a doctor about my depression and social anxiety, and went through the usual suspects with less than impressive results: Zoloft, Serzone, Effexor, Moclobemide.  Then I contracted mono (great, what were the chances of that for a 27 year old virgin).  That completely knocked me out for several months.  Through my doctor, I finally got a referral to a good psychiatrist who diagnosed me with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and depression.  He put me on Parnate and Klonopin, and I was pleasantly surprised, because I actually felt better than I’d ever felt in my entire life.  I looked forward to my day… the pounding heart and sweaty palms went away, I didn’t think everyone was staring at me, and I could go out to social functions without getting incredibly nervous. The dietary restrictions for Parnate were a minor inconvenience. So were the sleep disturbances/minor insomnia.  My life became almost normal.  I went out with friends.  I know, I know, you aren’t supposed to feel better just from meds… it takes lots of CBT and hard work.  My experience, even with good therapists says that is not true.  I’ve read the books, and understand all the distortions and negative thought patterns that pass through my mind.  But being aware of them, and being able to get them under control are two separate things.  I just have this brain chemistry that kicks in so strongly that the power of thought is not enough. One year later, after relocating to the US, I mentioned the insomnia to my doctor and she said it was caused by depression, and tripled the dose of Parnate, and also suggested ECT, which I declined.  I didn’t sleep properly for days, and got extremely sick with a bacterial infection, probably because I was so tired and my immune system went on a vacation.  It scared me so much that I took myself off Parnate and Klonopin (tapered) without consulting my doctor, who I no longer trusted. This was the worst decision of my life (and I’ve made a lot of bad decisions).  After a few weeks, I quickly realized my error after I started returning to my old ways of hiding out in my apartment avoiding everyone.  Since then, I’ve been dragged through unsuccessful courses of Prozac, Effexor (yuck) and Wellbutrin (double yuck).  I can tolerate side effects, but generally expect to feel better rather than worse.  That all ended about two years ago, when I gave up on meds and doctors who have a kneejerk reaction of try Paxil… try Effexor… or whatever drug-du-jour is being peddled. So I’ve put myself in a terrible position.  The only thing that ever worked for me was a MAOI, and nobody wants to prescribe that.  Or a scheduled drug like Klonopin.  Probably now I’m profiled as exhibiting drug-seeking behavior.  But that seems odd since I have old unused prescriptions for both of the above sitting in the back of my medicine cabinet, as well as random assortments of various drugs sufficient to kill a horse. So, two years of being med-free, practicing meditation daily, and lots of aerobic exercise have not helped, and I am a complete isolated hopeless nervous mess.  When I went to my doctor last week for a sinus infection, I mentioned that I used to be on Parnate, and she said she couldn’t believe anyone prescribed that anymore, and proceeded to explain how great SSRIs are.  I just shut up, went home and took my antibiotics. I don’t know what to do.  Money is not an issue.  I just want to somehow get out of this mess.  I don’t look forward to anything… I can barely go out to buy groceries.  It really hurts me at work.  I may skip an old friend’s wedding because I don’t think I can handle it.  Not sure what to do.  I think good psychiatrists are hard to find- I can’t imagine anyone wanting to take on a case like mine. It seems like there is really no way out of this.  I’m just so tired of life being a constant struggle with getting nervous talking to anyone… I’m getting way too old for this. I’m not suicidal, but wouldn’t be terribly upset if I were run over by a truck tomorrow.  Yes, touching, I know. If you’ve made it this far, I apologize for my rambling. If you can think of any way to get out of this mess, let me know.  I can’t even think of a first step that isn’t destined for failure. Jeff psychiatrist I feel trapped in my apartment now and need help, but can’t figure out how to proceed.  My last attempt was several

Response:

I’m not sure anyone will see this or respond, but at minimum this posting will let me organize my thoughts and try to explain my situation. I’m male, 31 years old, and have lived with debilitating social anxiety for as long as I can remember, long before there were slick TV commercials for marginally effective pharmaceuticals to treat the disorder. I saw my first psychiatrist when I was 18, who told me I was a nice guy and would have a great life, just stop worrying so much.  By the time I was 24 I finally worked up the courage to talk to a doctor about my depression and social anxiety, and went through the usual suspects with less than impressive results: Zoloft, Serzone, Effexor, Moclobemide.  Then I contracted mono (great, what were the chances of that for a 27 year old virgin).  That completely knocked me out for several months.  Through my doctor, I finally got a referral to a good psychiatrist who diagnosed me with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and depression.  He put me on Parnate and Klonopin, and I was pleasantly surprised, because I actually felt better than I’d ever felt in my entire life.  I looked forward to my day… the pounding heart and sweaty palms went away, I didn’t think everyone was staring at me, and I could go out to social functions without getting incredibly nervous. The dietary restrictions for Parnate were a minor inconvenience. So were the sleep disturbances/minor insomnia.  My life became almost normal.  I went out with friends.  I know, I know, you aren’t supposed to feel better just from meds… it takes lots of CBT and hard work.  My experience, even with good therapists says that is not true.  I’ve read the books, and understand all the distortions and negative thought patterns that pass through my mind.  But being aware of them, and being able to get them under control are two separate things.  I just have this brain chemistry that kicks in so strongly that the power of thought is not enough. One year later, after relocating to the US, I mentioned the insomnia to my doctor and she said it was caused by depression, and tripled the dose of Parnate, and also suggested ECT, which I declined.  I didn’t sleep properly for days, and got extremely sick with a bacterial infection, probably because I was so tired and my immune system went on a vacation.  It scared me so much that I took myself off Parnate and Klonopin (tapered) without consulting my doctor, who I no longer trusted. This was the worst decision of my life (and I’ve made a lot of bad decisions).  After a few weeks, I quickly realized my error after I started returning to my old ways of hiding out in my apartment avoiding everyone.  Since then, I’ve been dragged through unsuccessful courses of Prozac, Effexor (yuck) and Wellbutrin (double yuck).  I can tolerate side effects, but generally expect to feel better rather than worse.  That all ended about two years ago, when I gave up on meds and doctors who have a kneejerk reaction of try Paxil… try Effexor… or whatever drug-du-jour is being peddled. So I’ve put myself in a terrible position.  The only thing that ever worked for me was a MAOI, and nobody wants to prescribe that.  Or a scheduled drug like Klonopin.  Probably now I’m profiled as exhibiting drug-seeking behavior.  But that seems odd since I have old unused prescriptions for both of the above sitting in the back of my medicine cabinet, as well as random assortments of various drugs sufficient to kill a horse. So, two years of being med-free, practicing meditation daily, and lots of aerobic exercise have not helped, and I am a complete isolated hopeless nervous mess.  When I went to my doctor last week for a sinus infection, I mentioned that I used to be on Parnate, and she said she couldn’t believe anyone prescribed that anymore, and proceeded to explain how great SSRIs are.  I just shut up, went home and took my antibiotics. I don’t know what to do.  Money is not an issue.  I just want to somehow get out of this mess.  I don’t look forward to anything… I can barely go out to buy groceries.  It really hurts me at work.  I may skip an old friend’s wedding because I don’t think I can handle it.  Not sure what to do.  I think good psychiatrists are hard to find- I can’t imagine anyone wanting to take on a case like mine. It seems like there is really no way out of this.  I’m just so tired of life being a constant struggle with getting nervous talking to anyone… I’m getting way too old for this. I’m not suicidal, but wouldn’t be terribly upset if I were run over by a truck tomorrow.  Yes, touching, I know. If you’ve made it this far, I apologize for my rambling. If you can think of any way to get out of this mess, let me know.  I can’t even think of a first step that isn’t destined for failure. Jeff psychiatrist I feel trapped in my apartment now and need help, but can’t figure out how to proceed.  My last attempt was several

Response:

Hello Jeff, I read through your message to the end. I stay away from this group now because of the cross posting. I’m sorry to tell you there are no simple answers for anyone like you or me suffering from Social Phobia. If there were this great newsgroup that has been decimated by cross posters wouldn’t exist. The only thing you can be certain of is that you will continue to suffer unless something great happens to you which it could. For me being able to leave my so called home where I live with my cruel parents would be the breakthrough for me but that can’t happen yet and may never happen. You say money isn’t a problem. In that case as bad as things may seem to be you could be like me living at home with almost no money at all. I’m not being dismissive here. I understand perfectly well that the solution for each of us that would give us the greatest relief is different for all of us and just because you can do what I can’t which is to get away from my parents in no way means that you aren’t suffering as much as I am. My advice to you is to keep trying. You say you are not suicidal and neither am I by the way then you will keep going forever hoping that things will sort themselves out somehow and maybe they will. The root cause of Social Phobia isn’t at all understood and naturally this is a major problem. I think I have a handle on it in my own case and this helps but the psychological battering I take from my parents 24/7 prevents me from making the breakthroughs I could now make if I was out on my own. I’m 48 by the way. Many people in the group(as it used to be) get great relif from drugs like Seroxat/Paxil but there was a post I saw at one point where the subject line was "Paxil is a Monster". So while drugs work for some people and in many cases transform their lives this is not always the case, indeed far from it. Satellites orbit the earth and perform many functions for us like providing us with a great telecommunications system but sadly the drugs available today are so primitive that they can hardly be described as therapeutic although drugs like anti-biotics are first class compounds. The same cannot be said for other drugs as you almost certainly know yourself. All I can say is you will keep going and always looking out for a way out of this savage disorder that annihilates it’s victims. I’m sorry I can’t help you. Have you tried Seroxat/Paxil? Some people in the group swear by it! Drugs would have no effect on me. Peter Nolan. To email please remove x from xpeter…@gofree.indigo.ie

Response:

Question:

message : I hadn’t been able to do any of those things for a long time, because : I didn’t have enough motor control. : : A great side effect of going on the high fat Atkins diet was that, : coupled with the effect I had already achieved by drinking about a : gallon of water a day, my neuro muscular symptoms have cleared up : considerably. Try putting on mascara with your hand waving in front of : your eyes, or applying nail polish with a spastic hand. It doesn’t : work too well. : : I have been urged by people to get tested for Parkinson’s and for : Multiple Sclerosis for years because of  the increasing pain and : frustration of these problems. Benign Essential Tremor, which runs : through my family, didn’t seem to be the source for all that I went : through, especially when my legs started deteriorating. A few weeks : ago The Joy of My Life was teasing me and took my cane away from me, : (that I didn’t need all the time, but had had to pull out that one day : because of pain) saying I didn’t need it. I asked him was he going to : take my wheelchair away from me, too, when it came to that, and : thought to myself, was it really going to have to come to that? It was : then I started looking into the Atkins Diet, because I had read : somewhere that research had been done about ketogenic diets : (high fat consumption that send a body into benign ketosis, or fat : burning, state) making a great difference in the symptoms of epileptic : children, and in some with sclerosis or Parkinson’s. I decided to go : on the diet. : : Well, it’s been working. Not only the weight loss (as I’ve mentioned : elsewhere, 30 pounds) but my muscle control is up considerably and the : pain is a lot less (pretty much gone if I make sure I am drinking : enough water as well). I am able to exercise again, lightly, and hope : to go up to moderate exercise this week. I was able to cut my own hair : last week, have been able to apply eye makeup in 20 seconds, instead : of twenty minutes, and gave myself a manicure and pedicure for the : first time in many years tonight. It’s a really good feeling. : : Sometimes I wonder how much muscle tone I can get back into my legs, : but I’m trying not to get impatient about it. There’s a lot of things : to rebuild. Right now, I think it’s just time to go to bed. Goodnight, : all. : : Sandra :  ((((((Sandra)))))) how blessed you must feel! wishing you continued success, your strength of determination is what i need a little of… good night, donna —     the only baggage you can bring        is all that you can’t leave behind

Response:

I hadn’t been able to do any of those things for a long time, because I didn’t have enough motor control. A great side effect of going on the high fat Atkins diet was that, coupled with the effect I had already achieved by drinking about a gallon of water a day, my neuro muscular symptoms have cleared up considerably. Try putting on mascara with your hand waving in front of your eyes, or applying nail polish with a spastic hand. It doesn’t work too well. I have been urged by people to get tested for Parkinson’s and for Multiple Sclerosis for years because of  the increasing pain and frustration of these problems. Benign Essential Tremor, which runs through my family, didn’t seem to be the source for all that I went through, especially when my legs started deteriorating. A few weeks ago The Joy of My Life was teasing me and took my cane away from me, (that I didn’t need all the time, but had had to pull out that one day because of pain) saying I didn’t need it. I asked him was he going to take my wheelchair away from me, too, when it came to that, and thought to myself, was it really going to have to come to that? It was then I started looking into the Atkins Diet, because I had read somewhere that research had been done about ketogenic diets (high fat consumption that send a body into benign ketosis, or fat burning, state) making a great difference in the symptoms of epileptic children, and in some with sclerosis or Parkinson’s. I decided to go on the diet. Well, it’s been working. Not only the weight loss (as I’ve mentioned elsewhere, 30 pounds) but my muscle control is up considerably and the pain is a lot less (pretty much gone if I make sure I am drinking enough water as well). I am able to exercise again, lightly, and hope to go up to moderate exercise this week. I was able to cut my own hair last week, have been able to apply eye makeup in 20 seconds, instead of twenty minutes, and gave myself a manicure and pedicure for the first time in many years tonight. It’s a really good feeling. Sometimes I wonder how much muscle tone I can get back into my legs, but I’m trying not to get impatient about it. There’s a lot of things to rebuild. Right now, I think it’s just time to go to bed. Goodnight, all. Sandra

Response:

Question:

: : Meridia is a seratonin re-uptake inhibitor, not an amphetamine.  The drugs are : not related directly, and there is not a "subjective" effect anywhere like : "bennies". Is "bennies" an accepted nick name for benzodiazepines?                                         Best Wishes,                                         Arthur

*Bennies* is a street name for amphetamines in general and more specifically for *benzedrine*. Philip

Response:

: : Meridia is a seratonin re-uptake inhibitor, not an amphetamine.  The drugs are : not related directly, and there is not a "subjective" effect anywhere like : "bennies". Is "bennies" an accepted nick name for benzodiazepines?                                         Best Wishes,                                         Arthur

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Meridia is a seratonin re-uptake inhibitor, not an amphetamine.  The drugs are not related directly, and there is not a "subjective" effect anywhere like "bennies". All drugs are scheduled for prescription purposes, it doesn’t mean that if it’s scheduled, it’s going to be addictive. The contraindications are true.  I took it for a while and have to give it up due to heart palpatations. Really, don’t blow off so much steam without more information. Respectively Fred

     You are right about sibutramine (Meridia) not being an amphetamine, however it’s not just an SSRI per se but a serotonin-norepinephrine, and to a lesser extent, dopamine reuptake inhibitor.  Meridia is not a monoamine releasing agent like amphetamine or some amphetamine congeners.  The potency of Meridia is said to be 73% norepinephrine, 54% serotonin, and 16% dopamine reuptake inhibition per one study using plasma samples from volunteers. Meridia does share some side effects with venlafaxine (Effexor) due to the potent effect on norepinephrine reuptake, such as sustained BP elevation. Chris

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last night I saw a new one, apparently some new amphetamine to be used for weight loss called "Meridia".  The list of contraindications included high BP, (duh), heart disease, anyone taking medications for anxiety (!!!)….all of which makes it pretty useless for me. But here’s where my ears pointed up: "Meridia is a controlled substance, so there may be some limited dependence." or words to that effect, but I’m sure of the phrase "limited dependence". Aha!  So,…it’s not "addictive", it has "limited dependence".  This should be of interest to all of us who are accused of being "addicted" to benzos. Our clarification (beaten to death in this newsgroup) has hit the big time! E. Brent Price Brent, Really, you have jumped to some pretty naive conclusions from the tv advert. Meridia is a seratonin re-uptake inhibitor, not an amphetamine.  The drugs are not related directly, and there is not a "subjective" effect anywhere like "bennies".

I beg to differ as a web search shows that Meridia (sibutramine) is *not* an SSRI and is *not* used for PAD. The manufacturer claims that it increases the amount of dopamine, increases the effect of serotonin and enhances the effect of norepinephrine "thus actually increasing the basal medtabolic rate. This means that with Meridia a patient will actually increase the amount of calories burned while at rest." If there is any link to anti-anxiety meds it’s with the TCA’s and not with the SSRI’s though I take it that this one works in a totally different way than TCA’s do. All drugs are scheduled for prescription purposes, it doesn’t mean that if it’s scheduled, it’s going to be addictive. The contraindications are true.  I took it for a while and have to give it up due to heart palpatations.

Did you take it for weight loss or for anxiety, Fred? Really, don’t blow off so much steam without more information. Respectively Fred

Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The last couple of years here in the US, there has been a controversial explosion in prescription drug advertisements in the mass media.  I mean television ads, slick ads in magazines intended for the general public; not just professional journals. Most of the drugs are for things like hair loss, high BP, acid stomach, etc, and some you can’t hardly figure out what the hell the drug is supposed to be for.  They end urging you to contact your doctor, then (talking real fast) run through a list of contraindications. Last night I saw a new one, apparently some new amphetamine to be used for weight loss called "Meridia".  The list of contraindications included high BP, (duh), heart disease, anyone taking medications for anxiety (!!!)….all of which makes it pretty useless for me. But here’s where my ears pointed up: "Meridia is a controlled substance, so there may be some limited dependence." or words to that effect, but I’m sure of the phrase "limited dependence". Aha!  So,…it’s not "addictive", it has "limited dependence".  This should be of interest to all of us who are accused of being "addicted" to benzos. Our clarification (beaten to death in this newsgroup) has hit the big time! E. Brent Price

Well, what a difference a few days make!  Last night, an entirely *new* ad for Meridia appeared, totally different pictures, and almost the same voiceover except for this: "Patients who abuse Meridia may become dependent." So, here in the US, anti-drug mania still rules.  I can just imagine hoards of stockholders besieging the company with pitchforks and torches demanding an end to selling "addicting drugs".  Easy as pie, just make the patient responsible for the "addiction" by "abusing" it. This in a country that considers *any* use of an illegal drug "abuse". Smoke a half of a joint once a month? You are an abuser.  Who wants to bet that the therapeutic dosage of Meridia is equivalent to abuse? E. Brent Price

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I’m reposting this because my message already dropped off of my crummy server.  Sorry if it’s a duplicate for you.  I get a lot of threads that start with "Re:…." and I seldom get responses to my posts.  I took it personal at first, but then decided it was either a lousy server exchange or

Hi Brent, Your post is not a duplicate for me. I have seen you post many times and people do respond to your posts!! Maybe like you said lousy server. Lately I am not recieving whole threads, and sometimes I have no idea what people are talking about. I always enjoy  your posts. Hopefully you get this one!! Jackie "Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?"

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m reposting this because my message already dropped off of my crummy server.  Sorry if it’s a duplicate for you.  I get a lot of threads that start with "Re:…." and I seldom get responses to my posts.  I took it personal at first, but then decided it was either a lousy server exchange or I simply write in such crystal clear logic that nobody has anything to add or argue with.  Ya think?  Anyway, here’s that post: – The last couple of years here in the US, there has been a controversial explosion in prescription drug advertisements in the mass media.  I mean television ads, slick ads in magazines intended for the general public; not just professional journals. Most of the drugs are for things like hair loss, high BP, acid stomach, etc, and some you can’t hardly figure out what the hell the drug is supposed to be for.  They end urging you to contact your doctor, then (talking real fast) run through a list of contraindications. Last night I saw a new one, apparently some new amphetamine to be used for weight loss called "Meridia".  The list of contraindications included high BP, (duh), heart disease, anyone taking medications for anxiety (!!!)….all of which makes it pretty useless for me. But here’s where my ears pointed up: "Meridia is a controlled substance, so there may be some limited dependence." or words to that effect, but I’m sure of the phrase "limited dependence". Aha!  So,…it’s not "addictive", it has "limited dependence".  This should be of interest to all of us who are accused of being "addicted" to benzos. Our clarification (beaten to death in this newsgroup) has hit the big time! E. Brent Price

Brent, Really, you have jumped to some pretty naive conclusions from the tv advert. Meridia is a seratonin re-uptake inhibitor, not an amphetamine.  The drugs are not related directly, and there is not a "subjective" effect anywhere like "bennies". All drugs are scheduled for prescription purposes, it doesn’t mean that if it’s scheduled, it’s going to be addictive. The contraindications are true.  I took it for a while and have to give it up due to heart palpatations. Really, don’t blow off so much steam without more information. Respectively Fred

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I’m reposting this because my message already dropped off of my crummy server.  Sorry if it’s a duplicate for you.  I get a lot of threads that start with "Re:…." and I seldom get responses to my posts.  I took it personal at first, but then decided it was either a lousy server exchange or I simply write in such crystal clear logic that nobody has anything to add or argue with.  Ya think?  Anyway, here’s that post: – The last couple of years here in the US, there has been a controversial explosion in prescription drug advertisements in the mass media.  I mean television ads, slick ads in magazines intended for the general public; not just professional journals. Most of the drugs are for things like hair loss, high BP, acid stomach, etc, and some you can’t hardly figure out what the hell the drug is supposed to be for.  They end urging you to contact your doctor, then (talking real fast) run through a list of contraindications. Last night I saw a new one, apparently some new amphetamine to be used for weight loss called "Meridia".  The list of contraindications included high BP, (duh), heart disease, anyone taking medications for anxiety (!!!)….all of which makes it pretty useless for me. But here’s where my ears pointed up: "Meridia is a controlled substance, so there may be some limited dependence." or words to that effect, but I’m sure of the phrase "limited dependence". Aha!  So,…it’s not "addictive", it has "limited dependence".  This should be of interest to all of us who are accused of being "addicted" to benzos. Our clarification (beaten to death in this newsgroup) has hit the big time! E. Brent Price

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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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Question:

(I crossposted this to alt.eating-disord–those people might prefer to skip to the bottom) The way *I* got checked for sleeping disorders was in the Sleeping Disorders unit at our University Hospital (since we have a college of medicine, we are fortunate enought to have all these latest, greatest, forward-thinking research physicians).  I would suggest a) checking for a doctor or clinic in your area or as far as you’re willing to travel; and b) discussing it further with your primary care physician.  If he still doesn’t refer you, you might consider the cost of one visit–and discuss it thoroughly with the doctor or secretary on the phone FIRST, before you just go in and blah blah.  It might even help to have the doctors who HAVE seen you forward your charts FIRST. The first thing he did was put me on Zoloft. (like Prozac, or any other antidepressant)  THE VERY FIRST NIGHT, I slept through.  I still have trouble FALLING to sleep, but once asleep, I don’t wake more than once or twice until morning.  He is still going to get me into the sleep disorder lab one night to check apnea; I will let you all know what happens. Incidentally, the other side-effects of zoloft were a jackpot to me:  I am much calmer, lessened appetite, smoke less, and can even concentrate better. Donna

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I have been cured of sleep apnea by the use of a machine that helps me sleep. my life has transformed and i will tell my story to anyone interested. — "The rule which forbids ending a sentence with a preposition is the kind of nonsense up with which I will not put."         -Winston Churchill

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