Question:

Actually, you would be better off using herbs.  I’m not saying you should stop using your asthma inhalants, but take the herbs in addition to… After about a month, you will notice that you don’t really need all of the medication that you are taking. I have had asthma for fifty-two of my fifty-three years.

Response:

currently, i am using flovent 110 mcg,2 puffs twice daily, serevent 2 puffs twice daily, and a nebulizer w/albuterol as needed. side effects from the flovent include sleeplessnes,  tremendous headaches that i am unable to remedy w/any medication, mood swings, and bruises that show up all over-with no injury to cause them. these occur when taking as little as 1 puff of the flovent 110 mcg, twice daily. my question is this, am i better off continuing the flovent and suffering the side effects; or, would i be better off avoiding all triggers, thereby curtailing the asthma attacks?

Avoiding triggers as much as possible is always a good idea.  So is going to your doctor, pointing out the side effects and lack of asthma control you are having, and trying another of the several medicines in the same class as Flovent to see if one of them works better. Chris Owens

Response:

      You mentioned using herbs…can you be a little more specific and mention the names of some of the herbs you have used, and what they help you with?       Thanks. *                                 *                         o                (((—O—)))   o         *                *                             *           * *                      *        *                                      O

Response:

Actually, you would be better off using herbs.  I’m not saying you should stop using your asthma inhalants, but take the herbs in addition to… After about a month, you will notice that you don’t really need all of the medication that you are taking. I have had asthma for fifty-two of my fifty-three years.

Let’s see, the difference between an herb and a formulary medication is:  The formulary is of known content, dosage, and purity.  The herb isn’t.  So, in addition to having a life-threatening illness, you are proposing that I play dosage/content roulette?  NO, thank you! Chris Owens

Response:

currently, i am using flovent 110 mcg,2 puffs twice daily, serevent 2 puffs twice daily, and a nebulizer w/albuterol as needed. side effects from the flovent include sleeplessnes,  tremendous headaches that i am unable to remedy w/any medication, mood swings, and bruises that show up all over-with no injury to cause them. these occur when taking as little as 1 puff of the flovent 110 mcg, twice daily. my question is this, am i better off continuing the flovent and suffering the side effects; or, would i be better off avoiding all triggers, thereby curtailing the asthma attacks? any information will be greatly appreciated. thanks! je meyer

Response:

Question:

I was diagnosed with asthma about 8 weeks ago.  I am 21 and have never had a problem like this–in fact I always had amazing lung capacity b/c I run cross-country.  This past august I started to get a cough

Have you changed where you live or anyting just before you had problems. Looking back I can see I had mild problems with asthma all my life just not bad enough to cause problems until I got old, fat and spending too much time in an irriatating enviornment. Gordon Gordon Couger Stillwater OK. www.couger.com/gcouger

Response:

I was diagnosed with asthma about 8 weeks ago.  I am 21 and have never had a problem like this–in fact I always had amazing lung capacity b/c I run cross-country. cut

it’s not uncommon…take a look at the famous people with asthma thread to see how many great athletes are/were asthmatic eric

Response:

I was diagnosed with asthma about 8 weeks ago.  I am 21 and have never had a problem like this–in fact I always had amazing lung capacity b/c I run cross-country.  This past august I started to get a cough accompanied by pains in my back.  The first week in September is when I started getting breathlessness. Iwas better for about 10 days and then it started again–but this time worse.  I was diagnosed with a sinus infecton and put on prednisone (for the 3rd time) but it seems to be not working–at least to me.But I just went to the doctor and my PFT showed that it had improved–thought only slightly.    My question is, if this is in fact only inflamation due to asthma, then wouldn’t the prednisone have fixed this.  Is it possible that it is something else?  I’m supposed to go get chest x-rays and I’m wondering what this will or will not show.  If anyone could help me I would e most grateful!!

 What inhalers are you on?  Is the doctor only giving you prednisone? If so, WHY!!!  Is this doctor a pulmonary specialist?  Why isn’t he giving you an inhaled steroid such as FloVent?   Sue Official Secretary of OSGSL Dogs think they’re human Cats think they’re God

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diagnosed with asthma about 8 weeks ago.  I am 21 and have never had a problem like this–in fact I always had amazing lung capacity b/c I run cross-country.  This past august I started to get a cough accompanied by pains in my back.  The first week in September is when I started getting breathlessness. Iwas better for about 10 days and then it started again–but this time worse.  I was diagnosed with a sinus infecton and put on prednisone (for the 3rd time) but it seems to be not working–at least to me.But I just went to the doctor and my PFT showed that it had improved–thought only slightly.     My question is, if this is in fact only inflamation due to asthma, then wouldn’t the prednisone have fixed this.  Is it possible that it is something else?  I’m supposed to go get chest x-rays and I’m wondering what this will or will not show.  If anyone could help me I would e most grateful!!

Hmmm. I had something like this happen to me. Came down with bronchitis, got better, bronchitis reoccured and I ended up in ER with perennial asthma (before had seasonal asthma) Apparently the bronchitis caused lung damage worsening my asthma. So I suspect you may have bronchitis, usually caused by a virus, so antibiotics don’t usually help. Bronchitis can take several months to run its course. Note that the use of prednisone should be limited as it has many bad side effects when taken orally. A much better form for asthmatics is inhaled steroids, which results in a much lower dose since it goes directly to the lungs. The 2 best steroid inhalers are Pulmicort and Flovent. You should also be using Ventolin inhaler. In severe exacerbations of asthma, a burst dose of prednisone may be needed; 40-60 mg for 3-10 days. Prednisone is usually very effective in this use. Bronchitis links: http://www.njc.org/MFhtml/URI_MF.html URI (Colds) &  Acute Bronchitis ‘94, NJC http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0979.html QUESTIONS ABOUT BRONCHITIS Ellis

Response:

I was diagnosed with asthma about 8 weeks ago.  I am 21 and have never had a problem like this–in fact I always had amazing lung capacity b/c I run cross-country.  This past august I started to get a cough accompanied by pains in my back.  The first week in September is when I started getting breathlessness. Iwas better for about 10 days and then it started again–but this time worse.  I was diagnosed with a sinus infecton and put on prednisone (for the 3rd time) but it seems to be not working–at least to me.But I just went to the doctor and my PFT showed that it had improved–thought only slightly.     My question is, if this is in fact only inflamation due to asthma, then wouldn’t the prednisone have fixed this.  Is it possible that it is something else?  I’m supposed to go get chest x-rays and I’m wondering what this will or will not show.  If anyone could help me I would e most grateful!!

Response:

Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks. SR

Response:

"eadg" wrote… Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks.

I’ve got it in the "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" book. I’ll send you a scan (*.jpg ok?) if you promise to go and buy the book (not from me *g*); it’s really essential reading for every bassist. Heyko — http://www.virtual-volume.com/artist/1st_take_allstars http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/318/dancing_fools.html http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/158/heyko_glicher.html

Response:

A .jpg would be nice Heyco,thanks.I promise to buy the book too,as the new band I’m in will help to pay for it SR [email acebassatntlworlddotcom]

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "eadg" wrote… Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks. I’ve got it in the "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" book. I’ll send you a scan (*.jpg ok?) if you promise to go and buy the book (not from me *g*); it’s really essential reading for every bassist. Heyko — http://www.virtual-volume.com/artist/1st_take_allstars http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/318/dancing_fools.html http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/158/heyko_glicher.html

Response:

Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks. SR

Response:

"eadg" wrote… Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks.

I’ve got it in the "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" book. I’ll send you a scan (*.jpg ok?) if you promise to go and buy the book (not from me *g*); it’s really essential reading for every bassist. Heyko — http://www.virtual-volume.com/artist/1st_take_allstars http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/318/dancing_fools.html http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/158/heyko_glicher.html

Response:

A .jpg would be nice Heyco,thanks.I promise to buy the book too,as the new band I’m in will help to pay for it SR [email acebassatntlworlddotcom]

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "eadg" wrote… Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks. I’ve got it in the "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" book. I’ll send you a scan (*.jpg ok?) if you promise to go and buy the book (not from me *g*); it’s really essential reading for every bassist. Heyko — http://www.virtual-volume.com/artist/1st_take_allstars http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/318/dancing_fools.html http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/158/heyko_glicher.html

Response:

Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks. SR

Response:

"eadg" wrote… Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks.

I’ve got it in the "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" book. I’ll send you a scan (*.jpg ok?) if you promise to go and buy the book (not from me *g*); it’s really essential reading for every bassist. Heyko — http://www.virtual-volume.com/artist/1st_take_allstars http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/318/dancing_fools.html http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/158/heyko_glicher.html

Response:

A .jpg would be nice Heyco,thanks.I promise to buy the book too,as the new band I’m in will help to pay for it SR [email acebassatntlworlddotcom]

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "eadg" wrote… Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks. I’ve got it in the "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" book. I’ll send you a scan (*.jpg ok?) if you promise to go and buy the book (not from me *g*); it’s really essential reading for every bassist. Heyko — http://www.virtual-volume.com/artist/1st_take_allstars http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/318/dancing_fools.html http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/158/heyko_glicher.html

Response:

Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks. SR

Response:

"eadg" wrote… Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks.

I’ve got it in the "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" book. I’ll send you a scan (*.jpg ok?) if you promise to go and buy the book (not from me *g*); it’s really essential reading for every bassist. Heyko — http://www.virtual-volume.com/artist/1st_take_allstars http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/318/dancing_fools.html http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/158/heyko_glicher.html

Response:

A .jpg would be nice Heyco,thanks.I promise to buy the book too,as the new band I’m in will help to pay for it SR [email acebassatntlworlddotcom]

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "eadg" wrote… Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks. I’ve got it in the "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" book. I’ll send you a scan (*.jpg ok?) if you promise to go and buy the book (not from me *g*); it’s really essential reading for every bassist. Heyko — http://www.virtual-volume.com/artist/1st_take_allstars http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/318/dancing_fools.html http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/158/heyko_glicher.html

Response:

Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks. SR

Response:

"eadg" wrote… Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks.

I’ve got it in the "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" book. I’ll send you a scan (*.jpg ok?) if you promise to go and buy the book (not from me *g*); it’s really essential reading for every bassist. Heyko — http://www.virtual-volume.com/artist/1st_take_allstars http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/318/dancing_fools.html http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/158/heyko_glicher.html

Response:

A .jpg would be nice Heyco,thanks.I promise to buy the book too,as the new band I’m in will help to pay for it SR [email acebassatntlworlddotcom]

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "eadg" wrote… Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks. I’ve got it in the "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" book. I’ll send you a scan (*.jpg ok?) if you promise to go and buy the book (not from me *g*); it’s really essential reading for every bassist. Heyko — http://www.virtual-volume.com/artist/1st_take_allstars http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/318/dancing_fools.html http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/158/heyko_glicher.html

Response:

Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks. SR

Response:

"eadg" wrote… Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks.

I’ve got it in the "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" book. I’ll send you a scan (*.jpg ok?) if you promise to go and buy the book (not from me *g*); it’s really essential reading for every bassist. Heyko — http://www.virtual-volume.com/artist/1st_take_allstars http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/318/dancing_fools.html http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/158/heyko_glicher.html

Response:

A .jpg would be nice Heyco,thanks.I promise to buy the book too,as the new band I’m in will help to pay for it SR [email acebassatntlworlddotcom]

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "eadg" wrote… Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks. I’ve got it in the "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" book. I’ll send you a scan (*.jpg ok?) if you promise to go and buy the book (not from me *g*); it’s really essential reading for every bassist. Heyko — http://www.virtual-volume.com/artist/1st_take_allstars http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/318/dancing_fools.html http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/158/heyko_glicher.html

Response:

Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks. SR

Response:

"eadg" wrote… Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks.

I’ve got it in the "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" book. I’ll send you a scan (*.jpg ok?) if you promise to go and buy the book (not from me *g*); it’s really essential reading for every bassist. Heyko — http://www.virtual-volume.com/artist/1st_take_allstars http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/318/dancing_fools.html http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/158/heyko_glicher.html

Response:

A .jpg would be nice Heyco,thanks.I promise to buy the book too,as the new band I’m in will help to pay for it SR [email acebassatntlworlddotcom]

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "eadg" wrote… Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks. I’ve got it in the "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" book. I’ll send you a scan (*.jpg ok?) if you promise to go and buy the book (not from me *g*); it’s really essential reading for every bassist. Heyko — http://www.virtual-volume.com/artist/1st_take_allstars http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/318/dancing_fools.html http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/158/heyko_glicher.html

Response:

Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks. SR

Response:

"eadg" wrote… Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks.

I’ve got it in the "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" book. I’ll send you a scan (*.jpg ok?) if you promise to go and buy the book (not from me *g*); it’s really essential reading for every bassist. Heyko — http://www.virtual-volume.com/artist/1st_take_allstars http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/318/dancing_fools.html http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/158/heyko_glicher.html

Response:

A .jpg would be nice Heyco,thanks.I promise to buy the book too,as the new band I’m in will help to pay for it SR [email acebassatntlworlddotcom]

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "eadg" wrote… Anybody have the notation to Marvin’s masterpiece laying around? No tab thanks. I’ve got it in the "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" book. I’ll send you a scan (*.jpg ok?) if you promise to go and buy the book (not from me *g*); it’s really essential reading for every bassist. Heyko — http://www.virtual-volume.com/artist/1st_take_allstars http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/318/dancing_fools.html http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/158/heyko_glicher.html

Response:

Question:

My  12 year old son was the same way, our first Dr. had this kids on 5 different things, 3 and 3 times a day – no adult would want to do that, so why should I expect a 12 year old to?  We changed Drs. last fall.  I explained to him the hassle of getting Aaron to take his meds.  We are now on just Pulmicort and Rhinocort once a day with saline nose spray a few times a day and Claritin as needed. what a difference in compliance!  I don’t pester anymore, life is much nicer in our household – no more crabby mom and dad and a kid who actually takes his meds on schedule.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Sally, My son has been guilty of not taking his meds daily, also.  He is 16 and one would think he would be responsible!  I always note the day he starts a new inhaler and if it isn’t pretty much empty when it should be, then I know he’s not been taking his meds.  His doctor is very good about discussing the need for taking meds on a regular basis.  I think part of the problem is that since his asthma is in good control (the good part) he tends to ignore the importance of preventative meds. Good luck in your campaign to quit smoking!  It’s a tough battle (I quit in 1998) but well worth it! Patrice I took my 12 yr old son to an appointment with a Pulmonologist yesterday. As of the one visit, I liked her no-nonsense attitude.  After reviewing his breathing tests, current meds and recent breathing tests from the Allergist’s office, she flat out told my Son she didn’t trust his age group as they tend to lie about taking their meds.  Turns out she was right on the money. He’s only been taking the Serevent and Pulmicort about half the time, although he does take the Singulair and allergy meds as he should.  She gave him a good lecture about what being on Prednisone too often would do for him, that he’s already a severe asthmatic and isn’t doing himself any good, etc.  He didn’t deny it and finally admitted it.  Seems for 113% effort, his bottom line was only 70%.  She let him know that the meds he’s on should be working great for him.  Feels that if he takes it all as he should then next winter he should be able to participate in ski club like he wanted to this year.  At least there’s no flying allergens on a snow-covered slope!!! The only changes she made to his meds were she ordered him to take him in front of us parents each time, to stay on the nebulized Albuterol for another two weeks, and added Zantac to work along with the Prilosec for his stomach. Today he saw the Family Dr and tomorrow he sees the Allergist.  Within the next few weeks he’ll be seeing a Pediatric Gastro since it’s pretty much felt he has GERD…which isn’t surprising considering his asthma level and meds. The dog leaves Saturday afternoon…being returned to the shelter we got her from three years ago as a small puppy. The cat is in the works as soon as we can reach DH’s niece to arrange the hand-off.  DH will be looking into what wood stuff he wants for Son’s room floor. Here’s the Big One…DH and I have Rx’s for Zyban (and for me the patch too since I’ve been smoking for over 20 years). — Sally Avery

Response:

Glad to see I’m not alone on this.  True, even adults don’t like to take meds all the time…let alone so many and frequently.  Why should a kid? Regardless how intelligent and responsible he is….DS is still only 12. The Family Dr and the Allergist didn’t lecture him as the Pulmonologist did. Basicially, they let him know they were glad he was out of the hospital and okay now…and hopefully he has learned why needs to take his meds unless he wants to experience a close encounter again. Sally Avery

Hello Sally, My son has been guilty of not taking his meds daily, also.  He is 16 and one would think he would be responsible!  I always note the day he starts a

new

Response:

I believe that as he begins to take his meds as he should, eventually we may be able to cut some things down….hopefully.  Thanks for the message.  It helps to know others have same problems. Sally Aver

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My  12 year old son was the same way, our first Dr. had this kids on 5 different things, 3 and 3 times a day – no adult would want to do that, so why should I expect a 12 year old to?  We changed Drs. last fall.  I

Response:

The most important part is your not smoking.   Hard! Hard! Hard! to do and I wish only you the best and may your willpower be strong enough to overcome the addiction.  I was very happy 19 years ago when I quit cold turkey. I had a nightmare about being in a hospital and the Doc telling me I had emphysema.  I woke the next day and have not smoked since, however; this last year my doc made my dream come true (50% FEV1).  I feel that by quitting when I did at 33 that I am much better off with my lungs that had I not. Good Luck and keep the faith!!! Tim Washington State

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I took my 12 yr old son to an appointment with a Pulmonologist yesterday. As of the one visit, I liked her no-nonsense attitude.  After reviewing his breathing tests, current meds and recent breathing tests from the Allergist’s office, she flat out told my Son she didn’t trust his age group as they tend to lie about taking their meds.  Turns out she was right on the money. He’s only been taking the Serevent and Pulmicort about half the time, although he does take the Singulair and allergy meds as he should.  She gave him a good lecture about what being on Prednisone too often would do for him, that he’s already a severe asthmatic and isn’t doing himself any good, etc.  He didn’t deny it and finally admitted it.  Seems for 113% effort, his bottom line was only 70%.  She let him know that the meds he’s on should be working great for him.  Feels that if he takes it all as he should then next winter he should be able to participate in ski club like he wanted to this year.  At least there’s no flying allergens on a snow-covered slope!!! The only changes she made to his meds were she ordered him to take him in front of us parents each time, to stay on the nebulized Albuterol for another two weeks, and added Zantac to work along with the Prilosec for his stomach. Today he saw the Family Dr and tomorrow he sees the Allergist.  Within the next few weeks he’ll be seeing a Pediatric Gastro since it’s pretty much felt he has GERD…which isn’t surprising considering his asthma level and meds. The dog leaves Saturday afternoon…being returned to the shelter we got her from three years ago as a small puppy. The cat is in the works as soon as we can reach DH’s niece to arrange the hand-off.  DH will be looking into what wood stuff he wants for Son’s room floor. Here’s the Big One…DH and I have Rx’s for Zyban (and for me the patch too since I’ve been smoking for over 20 years). — Sally Avery

Response:

Hello Sally, My son has been guilty of not taking his meds daily, also.  He is 16 and one would think he would be responsible!

You do have to watch these kids.When they have something chronic like asthma, I think they just want to try and ignore it sometimes. My son was like that . I put my daughter’s meds out for her even though she is 16 so she can’t "forget". The scary thing is I have to watch to see that she doesn’t decide to take an extra dose of something when she feels she isn’t getting relief. This has happened before(luckily not harmful) and I never would have dreamed she would be so careless. Hopefully now she does understand the seriousness of this.

Response:

I took my 12 yr old son to an appointment with a Pulmonologist yesterday. As of the one visit, I liked her no-nonsense attitude.  After reviewing his breathing tests, current meds and recent breathing tests from the Allergist’s office, she flat out told my Son she didn’t trust his age group as they tend to lie about taking their meds.  Turns out she was right on the money. He’s only been taking the Serevent and Pulmicort about half the time, although he does take the Singulair and allergy meds as he should.  She gave him a good lecture about what being on Prednisone too often would do for him, that he’s already a severe asthmatic and isn’t doing himself any good, etc.  He didn’t deny it and finally admitted it.  Seems for 113% effort, his bottom line was only 70%.  She let him know that the meds he’s on should be working great for him.  Feels that if he takes it all as he should then next winter he should be able to participate in ski club like he wanted to this year.  At least there’s no flying allergens on a snow-covered slope!!! The only changes she made to his meds were she ordered him to take him in front of us parents each time, to stay on the nebulized Albuterol for another two weeks, and added Zantac to work along with the Prilosec for his stomach. Today he saw the Family Dr and tomorrow he sees the Allergist.  Within the next few weeks he’ll be seeing a Pediatric Gastro since it’s pretty much felt he has GERD…which isn’t surprising considering his asthma level and meds. The dog leaves Saturday afternoon…being returned to the shelter we got her from three years ago as a small puppy. The cat is in the works as soon as we can reach DH’s niece to arrange the hand-off.  DH will be looking into what wood stuff he wants for Son’s room floor. Here’s the Big One…DH and I have Rx’s for Zyban (and for me the patch too since I’ve been smoking for over 20 years). — Sally Avery

Response:

Hello Sally, My son has been guilty of not taking his meds daily, also.  He is 16 and one would think he would be responsible!  I always note the day he starts a new inhaler and if it isn’t pretty much empty when it should be, then I know he’s not been taking his meds.  His doctor is very good about discussing the need for taking meds on a regular basis.  I think part of the problem is that since his asthma is in good control (the good part) he tends to ignore the importance of preventative meds. Good luck in your campaign to quit smoking!  It’s a tough battle (I quit in 1998) but well worth it! Patrice

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I took my 12 yr old son to an appointment with a Pulmonologist yesterday. As of the one visit, I liked her no-nonsense attitude.  After reviewing his breathing tests, current meds and recent breathing tests from the Allergist’s office, she flat out told my Son she didn’t trust his age group as they tend to lie about taking their meds.  Turns out she was right on the money. He’s only been taking the Serevent and Pulmicort about half the time, although he does take the Singulair and allergy meds as he should.  She gave him a good lecture about what being on Prednisone too often would do for him, that he’s already a severe asthmatic and isn’t doing himself any good, etc.  He didn’t deny it and finally admitted it.  Seems for 113% effort, his bottom line was only 70%.  She let him know that the meds he’s on should be working great for him.  Feels that if he takes it all as he should then next winter he should be able to participate in ski club like he wanted to this year.  At least there’s no flying allergens on a snow-covered slope!!! The only changes she made to his meds were she ordered him to take him in front of us parents each time, to stay on the nebulized Albuterol for another two weeks, and added Zantac to work along with the Prilosec for his stomach. Today he saw the Family Dr and tomorrow he sees the Allergist.  Within the next few weeks he’ll be seeing a Pediatric Gastro since it’s pretty much felt he has GERD…which isn’t surprising considering his asthma level and meds. The dog leaves Saturday afternoon…being returned to the shelter we got her from three years ago as a small puppy. The cat is in the works as soon as we can reach DH’s niece to arrange the hand-off.  DH will be looking into what wood stuff he wants for Son’s room floor. Here’s the Big One…DH and I have Rx’s for Zyban (and for me the patch too since I’ve been smoking for over 20 years). — Sally Avery

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Question:

I have been on Singulair since Feb 98.  I also have noticed fatigue and depression.  I was going to stop once, but, since this is the only drug that has seemed to help I tell myself that I can handle it.  Since nothing else has changed in my life since I started taking Singulair, I really feel that this is a problem due to the drug  

Response:

I’ve noticed a tendency for Singulair to cause fatigue. I think the fatigue reduces with time, but still exists. [I'm in the 50% who experience significant improvement with Singulair, 25% get dramatic improvement, 25% no improvement] I still take Pulmicort, Serevent, and low dose TheoDur. My peak flows are running around 100%, but I have gained weight and have exercise induced asthma. I’ve been experimenting dropping the Singulair; or taking a reduced dose by using every other day (or splitting tablet). I am 60; children take a half dose; maybe certain others should be on a half dose? Singulair PI at www.singulair.com Fatigue is shown as 1.8% versus 1.2% for placebo. Also see: http://www.rxlist.com/scripts/patient/piumore.pl?mononum=806&order=0&… Patient Monograph – montelukast Excerpt: "What should my health care professional know before I use  montelukast? They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

Question:

Hi Gang,      Seeking help for clostraphobia/anxiety. I really dont know which one it is. This condition most certainly affects my fuction in my job and I can use all the help I can get.      When I wore a younger mans clothes, I had no anxiety and no clostraphobia.  I have crawled through 2500 degree heat,pulling a hose and wearing 75lbs of extra gear.  I have noticed that on odd occasions I find it hard to even be inside the glass cube of a stand up shower.     It doesnt happen all the time, but I fear it will happen at the wrong time and it will get either the person I am with or myself killed.     I think its anxiety related because I can be asleep dreaming of people in my past who I have either bonded with and/or I have lost contact with and I get a very sad feeling then it jumps into clostraphobia, so bad that I even feel trapped in my own bedroom and have to exit the room to gain relief.  Sometimes it is so bad that I have to exit the entire house to get relief.   I never use to be this way, I have been trapped by fallen debris in a fire and had to be dug out and never had any clostraphobia until the past few years.     I feel I am a liability and intentionally try to place myself on the exterior either pumping the engine or doing some other exterior fireground work.    Is it my advancing years? What would place a phobia like that where there never existed one before?    I have been thinking about talking with my gp about it and see if zoloft,xanax or something would be a road to peace for me.   Please help.  Has anyone else ever had these types of feelings? If so, how do I deal with it?                 Thanks in advance for sharing                     your thoughts.                     Jay

Response:

Jay, you would be very wise to talk with a psychiatry professional about this – it’s not uncommon for people to have thoughts like this and it’s really not about their age, it can happen any time.  There is some research that elderly people can have some compromises in their serotonin system, but I’m assuming if you are a firefighter you are not "elderly".  Unfortunately anxiety disorder situations, just like many other illnesses, do not discriminate and can mess with anybody.  Based on what you said, it definitely sounds like it is an anxiety thing.  It is very manageable as long as you keep an open mind and talk openly with treatment people about what you’re thinking.  People who initially talk with mental health professionals very often do not want to disclose things for fear of being judged or any number of other esoteric reasons, but it is SO counterproductive to do that – tell the person what is on your mind if you get a sense that they’re safe to talk to.  If you don’t get that sense, politely get through the interview and find another one; remember you are creating a relationship with another person by involving yourself with a psych dr. or a therapist so if the "fit" isn’t right, it’s ok, they know this happens all the time.  A GP treatment scenario is often well-intentioned but that person just doesn’t have the experience in dealing with the many subtle aspects of these types of problems that a psych specialist would. Gary – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Gang,     Seeking help for clostraphobia/anxiety. I really dont know which one it is. This condition most certainly affects my fuction in my job and I can use all the help I can get.     When I wore a younger mans clothes, I had no anxiety and no clostraphobia.  I have crawled through 2500 degree heat,pulling a hose and wearing 75lbs of extra gear.  I have noticed that on odd occasions I find it hard to even be inside the glass cube of a stand up shower.    It doesnt happen all the time, but I fear it will happen at the wrong time and it will get either the person I am with or myself killed.    I think its anxiety related because I can be asleep dreaming of people in my past who I have either bonded with and/or I have lost contact with and I get a very sad feeling then it jumps into clostraphobia, so bad that I even feel trapped in my own bedroom and have to exit the room to gain relief.  Sometimes it is so bad that I have to exit the entire house to get relief.  I never use to be this way, I have been trapped by fallen debris in a fire and had to be dug out and never had any clostraphobia until the past few years.    I feel I am a liability and intentionally try to place myself on the exterior either pumping the engine or doing some other exterior fireground work.   Is it my advancing years? What would place a phobia like that where there never existed one before?   I have been thinking about talking with my gp about it and see if zoloft,xanax or something would be a road to peace for me.  Please help.  Has anyone else ever had these types of feelings? If so, how do I deal with it?                Thanks in advance for sharing                    your thoughts.                    Jay

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Gang,      Seeking help for clostraphobia/anxiety. I really dont know which one it is. This condition most certainly affects my fuction in my job and I can use all the help I can get.      When I wore a younger mans clothes, I had no anxiety and no clostraphobia.  I have crawled through 2500 degree heat,pulling a hose and wearing 75lbs of extra gear.  I have noticed that on odd occasions I find it hard to even be inside the glass cube of a stand up shower.     It doesnt happen all the time, but I fear it will happen at the wrong time and it will get either the person I am with or myself killed.     I think its anxiety related because I can be asleep dreaming of people in my past who I have either bonded with and/or I have lost contact with and I get a very sad feeling then it jumps into clostraphobia, so bad that I even feel trapped in my own bedroom and have to exit the room to gain relief.  Sometimes it is so bad that I have to exit the entire house to get relief.   I never use to be this way, I have been trapped by fallen debris in a fire and had to be dug out and never had any clostraphobia until the past few years.     I feel I am a liability and intentionally try to place myself on the exterior either pumping the engine or doing some other exterior fireground work.    Is it my advancing years? What would place a phobia like that where there never existed one before?    I have been thinking about talking with my gp about it and see if zoloft,xanax or something would be a road to peace for me.   Please help.  Has anyone else ever had these types of feelings? If so, how do I deal with it?                 Thanks in advance for sharing                     your thoughts.                     Jay

Jay, it would be easy to say that you’ve just developed a stronger sense of danger as you’ve aged, but based on personal experience, age has nothing to do with it. I often had to put myself in very confined spaces for extended periods and had no problem doing it for many years. Until one day when i was trapped in a small room with one of the tradesmen. I began to feel uneasy and it quickly accelerated into panic. The carpenter HATED small places and was damn near losing it himself. Although we were in no danger and i knew we’d laugh about it later, i couldn’t control the frightened feeling.   That, out of my control confinement, was dreadful and having no idea where it came from was puzzling. One of my close friends is a psychiatrist, so i asked him what might be up. He wasn’t much help.    He offered drugs to control the anxiety, but couldn’t give a reason for the late / sudden development of the condition. I suspected fatigue, dehydration or low blood sugar. He agreed it could be any of those that had affected my brain chemistry, but still couldn’t explain the sudden onset or extreme nature of the sensation. Should you be able to find a therapist who can give you a good explanation, they may also be able to suggest treatment. Let us know please.    For now, i just stay out of tight places. Ma

Response:

Hello Jay, – I was turned down for submarine duty in the Navy because it was felt that I may be phobic of enclosed places (sub-sailors are tested for this). Were it me, I would explain this to the fire chief an see what he advises. You have specific rights regarding such issues under the ADA and it may be felt you need to be assigned to specific work or, – medical retirement, depending on the cirsumstances. – K – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Gang,      Seeking help for clostraphobia/anxiety. I really dont know which one it is. This condition most certainly affects my fuction in my job and I can use all the help I can get.      When I wore a younger mans clothes, I had no anxiety and no clostraphobia.  I have crawled through 2500 degree heat,pulling a hose and wearing 75lbs of extra gear.  I have noticed that on odd occasions I find it hard to even be inside the glass cube of a stand up shower.     It doesnt happen all the time, but I fear it will happen at the wrong time and it will get either the person I am with or myself killed.     I think its anxiety related because I can be asleep dreaming of people in my past who I have either bonded with and/or I have lost contact with and I get a very sad feeling then it jumps into clostraphobia, so bad that I even feel trapped in my own bedroom and have to exit the room to gain relief.  Sometimes it is so bad that I have to exit the entire house to get relief.   I never use to be this way, I have been trapped by fallen debris in a fire and had to be dug out and never had any clostraphobia until the past few years.     I feel I am a liability and intentionally try to place myself on the exterior either pumping the engine or doing some other exterior fireground work.    Is it my advancing years? What would place a phobia like that where there never existed one before?    I have been thinking about talking with my gp about it and see if zoloft,xanax or something would be a road to peace for me.   Please help.  Has anyone else ever had these types of feelings? If so, how do I deal with it?                 Thanks in advance for sharing                     your thoughts.                     Jay

Response:

That is a very interesting and useful thing to know, which I had never considered – the ADA.  I think I need to take a good close look at that and will do so.  Appreciate your bringing that up. Gary

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Jay, – I was turned down for submarine duty in the Navy because it was felt that I may be phobic of enclosed places (sub-sailors are tested for this). Were it me, I would explain this to the fire chief an see what he advises. You have specific rights regarding such issues under the ADA and it may be felt you need to be assigned to specific work or, – medical retirement, depending on the cirsumstances. – K Hi Gang,      Seeking help for clostraphobia/anxiety. I really dont know which one it is. This condition most certainly affects my fuction in my job and I can use all the help I can get.      When I wore a younger mans clothes, I had no anxiety and no clostraphobia.  I have crawled through 2500 degree heat,pulling a hose and wearing 75lbs of extra gear.  I have noticed that on odd occasions I find it hard to even be inside the glass cube of a stand up shower.     It doesnt happen all the time, but I fear it will happen at the wrong time and it will get either the person I am with or myself killed.     I think its anxiety related because I can be asleep dreaming of people in my past who I have either bonded with and/or I have lost contact with and I get a very sad feeling then it jumps into clostraphobia, so bad that I even feel trapped in my own bedroom and have to exit the room to gain relief.  Sometimes it is so bad that I have to exit the entire house to get relief.   I never use to be this way, I have been trapped by fallen debris in a fire and had to be dug out and never had any clostraphobia until the past few years.     I feel I am a liability and intentionally try to place myself on the exterior either pumping the engine or doing some other exterior fireground work.    Is it my advancing years? What would place a phobia like that where there never existed one before?    I have been thinking about talking with my gp about it and see if zoloft,xanax or something would be a road to peace for me.   Please help.  Has anyone else ever had these types of feelings? If so, how do I deal with it?                 Thanks in advance for sharing                     your thoughts.                     Jay

Response:

Question:

I can use a pick fairly well but I get more feeling by using my thumb and fingers. Would using the pick be that more useful?

I prefer using a pick for strumming chords and lead lines, but using the thumb and fingers for many chord arpeggios and other patterns requiring a lot of string skipping. Lucas B.

Response:

I can use a pick fairly well but I get more feeling by using my thumb and fingers. Would using the pick be that more useful?

I use both, sometimes concurrently.  No reason to limit yourself; they are both useful depending on context. -pk

Response:

you should use your fingers and your pick for different things the sound it’s note the same! use whatever suits best! strangest picking i’ve ever seen. a guy holdind a pick with the thumb and the index (not strange) to play what the thumb would normaly play. the other fingers would play the first three stings!

Response:

I find that i play better with my fingers, but i like the sound of the pick much better.

Response:

Use a thumb pick! Dunlop has all kinds…you can grab it like a regular pick if you must or let go of it and user your fingers. This sounds strange but I really like it.  It takes a while to get use to but after a while if feels strange wasting all your energy pinching a pick between your index and thumb…uuuugggggg!!! http://www.mp3.com/skyfishermen Scott Reinson I can use a pick fairly well but I get more feeling by using my thumb and fingers. Would using the pick be that more useful?

Response:

I can use a pick fairly well but I get more feeling by using my thumb and fingers. Would using the pick be that more useful? I prefer using a pick for strumming chords and lead lines, but using the thumb and fingers for many chord arpeggios and other patterns requiring a lot of string skipping.

Agreed. I fingerpick on acoustic almost exclusively, and I only use a pick on electric (but that’s mainly because I have Benign Essential Tremor and it would be way too sloppy if I fingerpicked on the electric). But a pick makes for much better soloing (aside from bluegrass and stuff like that). And you can’t solo as fast fingerstyle. Sven

Response:

I can use a pick fairly well but I get more feeling by using my thumb and fingers. Would using the pick be that more useful?

Response:

Question:

Hi Everyone, I haven’t posted here before- I’m hoping to find someone here who understands what I’m going through.  I am dealing with the trauma of being sexually abused by my ex-husband and started having flashbacks about a month ago.  It’s been a year since we divorced but I just began to acknowledge that what he did to me was sexual abuse last October.  I think I repressed a lot of the memories because they were too painful to confront.  I was raped on numerous occasions throughout our relationship but at the time didn’t want to acknowledge that rape could happen between married people.  Most of the information I find on sexual abuse is about children who have been abused, which is a horrible thing for any child to have to go through, but I feel alone in that my sexual abuse happened in my adulthood and with the person who said he loved me.   I started taking Zoloft recently for depression and PTSD- supposedly Zoloft has been approved to treat PTSD and the anxiety and stress related to it.  It seems to be helping and I haven’t had any flashbacks since being on it but I’m getting headaches and feeling fatigued most of the time.  Does anyone else taking Zoloft have these side effects?  Just curious. Thanks for reading! Amy

Response:

Amy, Welcome to the ng.  You experiences are not uncommon and although many of us may have experienced differing traumas – the way we react, the symptoms of PTSD are usually extremely similar. It is good that you are getting help now.  The sooner people are treated after the trauma, the chance that the severity of your symptoms can be lessened.  Keep it up – therapy and medications are our most useful tools right now. Medications are often a trial and error process too.  Side effects such as headaches and fatigue may lessen with time.  Most SSRIs like Zoloft need 6 to 8 weeks to become fully effective. If side effects are still present and hard to deal with after 2-3 months, it might be an idea to try another one.  Effexor has also been found to be effective against PTSD.  I’ve taken Prozac, Effexor and am now on Wellbutrin and find they all help to differing degrees.  I changed from Prozac to Effexor because of persistant headaches, then changed to Wellbutrin because of I couldn’t control my weight on the other two.  It takes time but the end result is worth it. There are some good websites with alot of information on PTSD and medications: http://www.trauma-pages.com/index.phtml http://www.ptsd.com/ http://www.mentalhealth.com/ Feel free to ask any questions and take care! Lesleyanne Visit my homepage at http://home.thezone.net/~chech * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Hi Lesleyanne, Thanks for replying to my post.  So how does PTSD affect you?  For me, the flashbacks can be brief recollections or I can actually feel like the trauma is reoccurring- kind of a suspension of reality if you know what I mean.  I also deal with this low-level ongoing sense of anxiety. So it actually helps to deal with the trauma sooner rather than waiting? Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth pursuing the trauma- if one can actually reach some kind of resolve.  I’m hoping so. Thanks for the info on the medications.  It helps. Take Care, Amy

Response:

Amy, It is important to deal with the trauma in your therapy.  You need to understand how your condition has progressed from the trauma to your current symptoms.  It helps your mind come to terms with how it has affected you.  A good therapist can help with this while medication helps the symptoms. Dealing with the trauma as quickly as possible after the trauma has ended is key – you can see how this idea is practiced after the school shootings in the states where counsellors are brought in immediately and the students are encouraged to talk about their feelings.  In such cases, followups are imperative so as to intervene if symptoms begin to show. If this had happened for me I have no doubt that I would be in much better shape.  I even saw a psychiatrist after I returned from Bosnia in 94, but he treated me as if I was a trouble maker and indicated that if I didn’t stop, my career would be in jeopardy.  This was all too common practice in the canadian forces up to recently when they initiated a host of programs to prevent and treat PTSD in veterans.  Too late for me and alot of other people….which is what forced them to act. Right now, most of my symptoms are kept in check with medication – wellbutrin and imovane (for sleep).  I don’t work and am waiting for my release from the armed forces.  That in itself I believe will be a great relief for me.  I can’t wait. Take Care Lesleyanne Visit my homepage at http://home.thezone.net/~chech * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

On 04 Mar 2000 22:26:26 GMT, swissc…@aol.com (SwissChsy) wrote: Hi Amy,

Most of the information I find on sexual abuse is about children who have been abused, which is a horrible thing for any child to have to go through, but I feel alone in that my sexual abuse happened in my adulthood and with the person who said he loved me.  

People here have PTSD from many different types of traumas, but I think that quite often folks can still relate to each other, because they have been through some very difficult experiences or are living with the symptoms of PTSD. You might be able to find some articles, resources, etc, out there however, which do address your own trauma more specifically. I would try looking around on some of the PTSD-related websites out there, including: http://www.trauma-pages.com/index.phtml I hope that helps. Perhaps it might also be worthwhile finding out if there are any active groups/organisations in the area for women who have been through an abusive relationship, as they might be able to offer you support, or to put you in touch with other women who have survived a similar situation…? Just a thought anyway. Either way, welcome to the newsgroup.  :^) Mae Tang (replace "nospam" with "nu-it" for a valid e-mail address) The Scampering Rat Page http://www.nu-it.demon.co.uk/scamp/

Response:

Hi Amy, I just wanted to let you know that you aren’t alone…. I too was sexually (physically and mentally) abused by my ex. as an adult. When you wrote "with the person who said he loved me" it really hit home for me. I believe my ex really thought he loved me… but his idea or definition of love is a hell of a lot different then mine. It makes me so angry when I hear people deny that rape occurs between husband and wife, I am not referring to your self denial that events happened to you… that I understand, but rape is rape no matter how the rapist is related to the victim. I hope you improve with your side affects from the medication and I wish you the best, Patricia. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I haven’t posted here before- I’m hoping to find someone here who understands what I’m going through.  I am dealing with the trauma of being sexually abused by my ex-husband and started having flashbacks about a month ago.  It’s been a year since we divorced but I just began to acknowledge that what he did to me was sexual abuse last October.  I think I repressed a lot of the memories because they were too painful to confront.  I was raped on numerous occasions throughout our relationship but at the time didn’t want to acknowledge that rape could happen between married people.  Most of the information I find on sexual abuse is about children who have been abused, which is a horrible thing for any child to have to go through, but I feel alone in that my sexual abuse happened in my adulthood and with the person who said he loved me. I started taking Zoloft recently for depression and PTSD- supposedly Zoloft has been approved to treat PTSD and the anxiety and stress related to it.  It seems to be helping and I haven’t had any flashbacks since being on it but I’m getting headaches and feeling fatigued most of the time.  Does anyone else taking Zoloft have these side effects?  Just curious. Thanks for reading! Amy

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Response:

Amy, everyone, I am sorry for the offensive language in my previous message. This is the first time my anger got the better of me and I should have waited until I cooled down a bit. It won’t happen again. Patricia. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi Everyone, I haven’t posted here before- I’m hoping to find someone here who understands what I’m going through.  I am dealing with the trauma of being sexually abused by my ex-husband and started having flashbacks about a month ago.  It’s been a year since we divorced but I just began to acknowledge that what he did to me was sexual abuse last October.  I think I repressed a lot of the memories because they were too painful to confront.  I was raped on numerous occasions throughout our relationship but at the time didn’t want to acknowledge that rape could happen between married people.  Most of the information I find on sexual abuse is about children who have been abused, which is a horrible thing for any child to have to go through, but I feel alone in that my sexual abuse happened in my adulthood and with the person who said he loved me. I started taking Zoloft recently for depression and PTSD- supposedly Zoloft has been approved to treat PTSD and the anxiety and stress related to it.  It seems to be helping and I haven’t had any flashbacks since being on it but I’m getting headaches and feeling fatigued most of the time.  Does anyone else taking Zoloft have these side effects?  Just curious. Thanks for reading! Amy

___________________________________________________________________________ ___ Total Internet privacy — get your Freedom pseudonym at http://www.freedom.net

Response:

Amy Your post was in no way offensive.  Actually I believe some swearing when you want to vent is not out of the rhelm of the reasonable.  For some reason, some of these words help relieve some of the tension. For my part, I started swearing in French after 4 years in Quebec, so when I returned to an english environment I could swear all I wanted and no one had a clue what I was saying – but it felt just as good. Lesleyanne Visit my homepage at http://home.thezone.net/~chech * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Hi Lesleyanne, Actually Patricia was the one who wrote the e-mail she apologized for.  I agree with you- I wasn’t offended by what she said- anger is a normal response to being abused, if anger comes out, so be it.  Letting it out helps to heal, keeping it in eats away at a person. Thanks, Amy

Response:

oops, sorry…..i’ve been having brain farts all week.  I still think it’s Friday. Tabernaque!!! Lesleyanne Visit my homepage at http://home.thezone.net/~chech * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Question:

Individual is a 48 year old male who underwent chemotherapy and concurrent radiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal.  The exquisite pain was treated with high dose oxycontin for the past 12 weeks.  He withdrew it gradually, but is experiencing panic symptoms, acute anxiety of every type and is being treated with Zoloft, Xanax and for nightime, Klonopin.  His symptoms are still not relieved and his fears and he is concerned he may never live normally again although the cancer treatment is completed and that appears done.  Any suggestions as to how to treat this panic and relatied withdrawl from the Oxycontin? Paradocs

Response:

Individual is a 48 year old male who underwent chemotherapy and concurrent radiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal.  The exquisite pain was treated with high dose oxycontin for the past 12 weeks.  He withdrew it gradually, but is experiencing panic symptoms, acute anxiety of every type and is being treated with Zoloft, Xanax and for nightime, Klonopin.  His symptoms are still not relieved and his fears and he is concerned he may never live normally again although the cancer treatment is completed and that appears done.  Any suggestions as to how to treat this panic and relatied withdrawl from the Oxycontin? Paradocs

My first reaction is "why hasn’t this guy been referred to a psychiatrist"!! However, there seem to be two issues here. One the problems (incl. possibly anxiety) being caused by withdrawal from a pain killer, and the anxiety being experience as a result of having been confronted by his immortality. It seems that he is on a standard medication treatment regime for anxiety. It may not be working for several reasons. Most antidepressants, incl. Zoloft, take time to work, usually 4 to 8 weeks, so if he has been taking this med for a lesser time, then patience is needed. And it is very probable that his anxiety has been made worse by Zoloft. Most of the SSRI meds seem to produce this affect in the first few weeks. It can be minimised by starting at a small dose (1/4 the lowest dose tab is a good starting point) and ramping up slowly. However, both the Xanax and Klonopin should be relieving most of his anxiety. Perhaps, the dosage of both needs to be reassessed, docs being notoriously benzo phobic often prescribe doses that are next to useless. And Cognitive Behaviour Therapy may help this person a great deal, both in dealing with the anxiety of "loosing" his protection against the pain, and also in coming to terms with the wider issue of having faced a life threatening illness. Ian

Response:

Hi Paradocs, I want you to know that I did at one time have to be put on pain meds for a period of six months.  My doctor cut my doses gradually and then put me on xanax 1mg five times a day.  I am female, 5′ 8 and did weight about 120 at the time.  The xanax really did the trick for me.  Of course I am still on the xanax because of anxiety and panic, but kicking the pain killers is really a tough thing to do.  All I can say is to hang in there.  I would definatly go back to your doctor and have him boost up your xanax intake.  You can be weined (sorry about the spelling) off the xanax a lot easier then the pain meds.  I am now taking 1mg of xanax three times a day.  I wish you the very best in luck and just remember, We care!! Take Care & God Bless Clandery   (e-mail  www.Clandery.com)

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Question:

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

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been taking Zoloft 100 mg (after starting at 50 mg) since the end of January.  My other meds are doxepin 50 mg at bedtime, diazepam 20 mg, and atenolol 50 mg every day.  I have had chronic severe anxiety and major depression for the past 20 years (been there, done that with just about every AD there is). Tried to start a job last week for the first time in 4 years (my previous job, where I lived previously, I remained full time for 3 years).  I had severe anxiety on the first day, meaning I felt very claustrophobic (I was in a cubicle with another person about 8 feet by 8 feet, for 8 hours, no windows), responsible for answering phones (6 incoming lines), greeting customers.  I had understood that the job was going to be mostly typing from dictation, which I thought I could handle.  Quit the job and made an ASAP appointment with the PDoc, whose associate I saw today. Initially, before I went on the Zoloft, the PDoc (my regular one) had suggested Paxil, which he thought would be more helpful for my anxiety problems.  Now, I’m thinking, maybe he was right, I suggested this to the one I saw today.  This PDoc wants me to raise dosage of the Zoloft from 100 mg to 200 mg per day, in an attempt to get my anxiety under control.  He figures this will bring quicker results than switching meds at this time, since, due to my economic circumstances, I *have* to get a job soon.  The Zoloft has been better for my depression than any other drug I’ve ever taken, and I’ve had *no* problems with side effects.  After being on it for 4 months, I figure it’s reached whatever maximum effect I can expect, at least at 100 mg. Anyone have any experience with Zoloft, does increasing the dose to the maximum 200 mg help anxiety with depression? Any help much appreciated! Carol

Response:

I was taking zoloft for depression, played with the dosage until the anxiety became something that I had no control over…so I changed to aropax and valium

This PDoc wants me to raise dosage of the Zoloft  from 100 mg to 200 mg per day,

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