Question:

Hi!    I have felt both ways meaning when the doctors have increased/decreased the Prednisone I still have numberous attacks. I have come to the conclusion that I am very sensitive to alot of allergens. Sometimes I am just not sure what to do anymore.  I hope you feel better.   Sandy

Response:

I just tapered off a five day prednizone treatment, now I am off of it and on flovent and albuterol, has anyone felt  more asthma after coming off of pred?

Response:

James Yes. I had to extend the pred treatment to 10 days and taper off more slowly. Norman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just tapered off a five day prednizone treatment, now I am off of it and on flovent and albuterol, has anyone felt  more asthma after coming off of pred?

Response:

Question:

I have always wondered what steroid inhalers work better than others.  I know there has been talk about difference in taste ( aerobid/ aerobidM ), but I have never seen any discussion in this newsgoup about the effectiveness of different inhaled steroids.  What steroid inhaler works best?  

Response:

I have always wondered what steroid inhalers work better than others.  I know there has been talk about difference in taste ( aerobid/ aerobidM ), but I have never seen any discussion in this newsgoup about the effectiveness of different inhaled steroids.  What steroid inhaler works best?

There is no "best" inhaled steroid.  The ‘best’ inhaled steroid is the one that works best for you – and a different one may be ‘best’ for me.

Response:

I have always wondered what steroid inhalers work better than others.  I know there has been talk about difference in taste ( aerobid/ aerobidM ), but I have never seen any discussion in this newsgoup about the effectiveness of different inhaled steroids.  What steroid inhaler works best?

Does anyone get hoarse using these – I guess that guys might not care or notice, but I don’t like being called sir on the phone!!  And it is just plain hard to talk. Does anyone have any experiences with which ones would have the least side effect in this area?

Response:

Does anyone get hoarse using these – I guess that guys might not care or notice, but I don’t like being called sir on the phone!!  And it is just plain hard to talk. Does anyone have any experiences with which ones would have the least side effect in this area?

I used Becotide 100 for about a year and  developed nodules on my vocal cords  resulting in a inability to talk at anything more than a whisper 8

Question:

I am a 23 year old Belgian girl, suffering already 5 years from IBS. The last year has been very bad for me. My biggest problem is the frequent diarrhea ( Imodium, Imodium, Imodium, ..). But also the fear of having an attack is always there.It’s so bad right now that I barely come out of the house anymore. If I really have to go out, I am feeling very, very sick ( diarrhea and nausea ). I had to quit my study, I couldn’t cope with the exams and the stress. I can’t work. Nobody believes that. Even the doctors say there is nothing fysical wrong with me. But I feel so damn sick every second of every day ! I have no friends anymore. That’s not really a surprise. I can’t enjoy myself, I don’t want to eat in public. I even don’t eat at home if I am not alone. For me: eating is being sick. I barely eat anything. Isn’t there a good medication that helps for IBS and especially for nervous diarrhea ?  The doctors say that it doesn’t exist and that I just have to learn to live with it. I take Xanax for the anxiety ( it doesn’t work). I’ve already tried two antidepressants: Cipramil and Paxil, but they made me so ill I had to stop taking it. On bad days I am taking Duspatal, Spasmomen or Dicetel. But neither of them works for me. And of course ther is also my dear friend Imodium. It can’t go on like this. I don’t call this a life anymore, it’s hell. But what more can I try??? P.S.  I’ve also had those terrible medical tests in hospital. Nothing special was found. I have had IBS since age 16 when it wad first diagnosed. Sometimes I find that  the stress of worrying that an attack will come, in and of itself brings it  on! Its a lose-lose situation. Lately I have found that meditation helps me a lot. Also the exercises I  learned years ago in Lamaze class. DEEP breathing through the nose, hold it  for a bit, then exhale through the mouth, helps at least while in the midst of  an attack. BTW here in the USA we have generic brands of Imodium which I stock  up on (since its cheaper and I use so much of it!) Maybe those of us with IBS  need to buy stock in the company <sigh

.

I wish there were more I could tell you to do! Avoiding greasy foods helps too,  since for me, those + stress= IBS! Annette Note: To prevent spam, this address does not accept e-mail. To send me e-mail,  write to me at A76898…@rocketmail.com

Response:

I am a 23 year old Belgian girl, suffering already 5 years from IBS. The last year has been very bad for me. My biggest problem is the frequent diarrhea ( Imodium, Imodium, Imodium, ..). But also the fear of having an attack is always there.It’s so bad right now that I barely come out of the house anymore. If I really have to go out, I am feeling very, very sick ( diarrhea and nausea ). I had to quit my study, I couldn’t cope with the exams and the stress. I can’t work. Nobody believes that. Even the doctors say there is nothing fysical wrong with me. But I feel so damn sick every second of every day ! I have no friends anymore. That’s not really a surprise. I can’t enjoy myself, I don’t want to eat in public. I even don’t eat at home if I am not alone. For me: eating is being sick. I barely eat anything. Isn’t there a good medication that helps for IBS and especially for nervous diarrhea ?  The doctors say that it doesn’t exist and that I just have to learn to live with it. I take Xanax for the anxiety ( it doesn’t work). I’ve already tried two antidepressants: Cipramil and Paxil, but they made me so ill I had to stop taking it. On bad days I am taking Duspatal, Spasmomen or Dicetel. But neither of them works for me. And of course ther is also my dear friend Imodium. It can’t go on like this. I don’t call this a life anymore, it’s hell. But what more can I try??? P.S.  I’ve also had those terrible medical tests in hospital. Nothing special was found.

Response:

Your story is very much like mine!!…Please read "My Story" on my web site. On 28 Sep 1997 20:35:52 GMT, "kathia" <buyens.kat…@medisoft.be

wrote:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I am a 23 year old Belgian girl, suffering already 5 years from IBS. The last year has been very bad for me. My biggest problem is the frequent diarrhea ( Imodium, Imodium, Imodium, ..). But also the fear of having an attack is always there.It’s so bad right now that I barely come out of the house anymore. If I really have to go out, I am feeling very, very sick ( diarrhea and nausea ). I had to quit my study, I couldn’t cope with the exams and the stress. I can’t work. Nobody believes that. Even the doctors say there is nothing fysical wrong with me. But I feel so damn sick every second of every day ! I have no friends anymore. That’s not really a surprise. I can’t enjoy myself, I don’t want to eat in public. I even don’t eat at home if I am not alone. For me: eating is being sick. I barely eat anything. Isn’t there a good medication that helps for IBS and especially for nervous diarrhea ?  The doctors say that it doesn’t exist and that I just have to learn to live with it. I take Xanax for the anxiety ( it doesn’t work). I’ve already tried two antidepressants: Cipramil and Paxil, but they made me so ill I had to stop taking it. On bad days I am taking Duspatal, Spasmomen or Dicetel. But neither of them works for me. And of course ther is also my dear friend Imodium. It can’t go on like this. I don’t call this a life anymore, it’s hell. But what more can I try??? P.S.  I’ve also had those terrible medical tests in hospital. Nothing special was found.

Steven S. Palmer <sput…@gte.net

http://home1.gte.net/sputers/index.html http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/4001/ ——————————————- Key ID 0×69D430FB Key fingerprint = A706 43EC 13B6 D8E4 9F19  F2D4 63A8 E71D 69D4 30FB Public Key located in the Public Key Directory at:               <http://www.pgp.com/

or e-mail with Public Key as the subject line – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - "I’m sick and tired of having to rearrange my life     because of what the STUPIDEST people *might* do or     how they *might* react."        – Bill Maher

Response:

On 28 Sep 1997 20:35:52 GMT, "kathia" <buyens.kat…@medisoft.be

wrote: I had to quit my study, I couldn’t cope with the exams and the stress.

You will see below that stress is the third most common diagnosis before a celiac diagnosis. I suggest a strict trial gluten-free diet. Top 20 Diagnoses Before a Diagnosis of Celiac Disease 1.  Anemia 2.  IBS 3.  Psychological stress, nerves, imagination 4.  Diarrhea 5.  IBD 6.  Diabetes 7.  Spastic Colon 8.  Ulcers 9.  Virus (Viral Gastroenteritis) 10. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 11. Weight-loss 12. Allergies 13. Amoeba, Parasites, Infection 14. Gallbladder Disease 15. Thyroid Disease 16. Cancer, Lymphoma, Digestive 17. Colitis 18. Cystic Fibrosis 19. Lactose Intolerance 20. Reflux Data from an on-going Celiac Disease Foundation study of 600 Biopsy-proven celiacs. Taken from the Fall 1996 CDF Newsletter. CDF can be reached at:  Celiac Disease Foundation  13251 Ventura Blvd. Suite 1  Studio City, CA  91604-1838  818-990-2354. Newsletter subscriptions are sent to members, and membership is a $35 tax-deductible contribution per year. For more information on gluten intolerance see this page of annotated links:   The Gluten-Free Page:  http://www.panix.com/~donwiss/ Don.

Response:

Question:

Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group.  Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening. — Yvonne

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group. Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening. To me, and I am in no way a doctor, it would seem that it is possible that the anti-depressants that you are taking are throwing you into a manic episode (it’s a common occurrence). If your pdoc thinks that you are bipolar then he should add a mood stabilizer into the mix. I suggest that you call him immediately and let him know what’s going on. Good luck Thank you for responding, Hilaire, and for your advice. I hadn’t thought of the possibility of a manic episode. I saw my case-worker today and she said the same thing you did, plus she told me to stop taking the Wellbutrin. She’s also scheduled me for an "emergency" appointment to see the psychiatrist tomorrow (instead of waiting for the one I had for June 4th) to see what type of med would be better suited for my condition. I’m feeling somewhat better this evening, but the need to rock back and forth and to keep my body in some kind of motion is still with me. As well, I am extremely tired as if I haven’t slept in days. But, at least I know it’s only a few more hours before I see the psychiatrist. Again, thank you for replying. No problem It sounds like you’ve got a good case worker. I also thought you should stop taking the Wellbutrin, but would never give out that advice on-line. Let us know how it goes. BTW – Wellbutrin made me wildly manic within a couple of hours of taking it for the first time. Hilaire WOW! For years I thought I was weird, have had many similar circumstances and at that time I was undiagnosed and manic. Whew, it was good to hear another woman stating that the same stuff happened with her. Definitely do something about the meds, you can’t go through life wrapped in gauze and afraid to talk to men for fear of the repercussions. Sounds like you have a very supportive husband girl, it takes a lot for our men to stay through the worst, but the best will come. My best to you and yours, Tanja

when taking wellbutrin,i was irritable(imagine that)so that my case manager thretened to resign.& i was flirtatious(to say how successful might be embarassing).what you’re experiencing might be related to medications,or you could be getting a bit hypo- or manic.I’m bd 1 but the effects are similiar,some enjoyable.Harry("not well")

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group. Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening. To me, and I am in no way a doctor, it would seem that it is possible that the anti-depressants that you are taking are throwing you into a manic episode (it’s a common occurrence). If your pdoc thinks that you are bipolar then he should add a mood stabilizer into the mix. I suggest that you call him immediately and let him know what’s going on. Good luck Thank you for responding, Hilaire, and for your advice. I hadn’t thought of the possibility of a manic episode. I saw my case-worker today and she said the same thing you did, plus she told me to stop taking the Wellbutrin. She’s also scheduled me for an "emergency" appointment to see the psychiatrist tomorrow (instead of waiting for the one I had for June 4th) to see what type of med would be better suited for my condition. I’m feeling somewhat better this evening, but the need to rock back and forth and to keep my body in some kind of motion is still with me. As well, I am extremely tired as if I haven’t slept in days. But, at least I know it’s only a few more hours before I see the psychiatrist. Again, thank you for replying.

No problem It sounds like you’ve got a good case worker. I also thought you should stop taking the Wellbutrin, but would never give out that advice on-line. Let us know how it goes. BTW – Wellbutrin made me wildly manic within a couple of hours of taking it for the first time. Hilaire

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group. Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening. To me, and I am in no way a doctor, it would seem that it is possible that the anti-depressants that you are taking are throwing you into a manic episode (it’s a common occurrence). If your pdoc thinks that you are bipolar then he should add a mood stabilizer into the mix. I suggest that you call him immediately and let him know what’s going on. Good luck Thank you for responding, Hilaire, and for your advice. I hadn’t thought of the possibility of a manic episode. I saw my case-worker today and she said the same thing you did, plus she told me to stop taking the Wellbutrin. She’s also scheduled me for an "emergency" appointment to see the psychiatrist tomorrow (instead of waiting for the one I had for June 4th) to see what type of med would be better suited for my condition. I’m feeling somewhat better this evening, but the need to rock back and forth and to keep my body in some kind of motion is still with me. As well, I am extremely tired as if I haven’t slept in days. But, at least I know it’s only a few more hours before I see the psychiatrist. Again, thank you for replying. No problem It sounds like you’ve got a good case worker. I also thought you should stop taking the Wellbutrin, but would never give out that advice on-line. Let us know how it goes. BTW – Wellbutrin made me wildly manic within a couple of hours of taking it for the first time. Hilaire WOW! For years I thought I was weird, have had many similar circumstances

and at that time I was undiagnosed and manic. Whew, it was good to hear another woman stating that the same stuff happened with her. Definitely do something about the meds, you can’t go through life wrapped in gauze and afraid to talk to men for fear of the repercussions. Sounds like you have a very supportive husband girl, it takes a lot for our men to stay through the worst, but the best will come. My best to you and yours, Tanja

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group. Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening. To me, and I am in no way a doctor, it would seem that it is possible that the anti-depressants that you are taking are throwing you into a manic episode (it’s a common occurrence). If your pdoc thinks that you are bipolar then he should add a mood stabilizer into the mix. I suggest that you call him immediately and let him know what’s going on. Good luck

Thank you for responding, Hilaire, and for your advice. I hadn’t thought of the possibility of a manic episode. I saw my case-worker today and she said the same thing you did, plus she told me to stop taking the Wellbutrin. She’s also scheduled me for an "emergency" appointment to see the psychiatrist tomorrow (instead of waiting for the one I had for June 4th) to see what type of med would be better suited for my condition. I’m feeling somewhat better this evening, but the need to rock back and forth and to keep my body in some kind of motion is still with me. As well, I am extremely tired as if I haven’t slept in days. But, at least I know it’s only a few more hours before I see the psychiatrist. Again, thank you for replying. — Yvonne

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group. Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening.

To me, and I am in no way a doctor, it would seem that it is possible that the anti-depressants that you are taking are throwing you into a manic episode (it’s a common occurrence). If your pdoc thinks that you are bipolar then he should add a mood stabilizer into the mix. I suggest that you call him immediately and let him know what’s going on. Good luck Hilaire

Response:

Question:

Travis, I currently take Zoloft as well and I have never heard about this kind of side effect. My friend suffered with seizures over the last ten years and was told he was epileptic but it turns out he had a brain tumor and went to the Mayo Clinic to have it removed. Maybe a MRI as requested by your doctor would rule this out? Maybe Benzo’s wouldn’t help you because you were reacting to Zoloft withdrawal, Klonopin would be worth a try now to see if it helps. Good Luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you take an anti-seizure medication? I tried it (before i chose to stop the Zoloft a while back) but it didn’t help at all.

Response:

Why on earth would you continue to take a drug that caused seizures? Why would any competent doctor prescribe it? Do you take an anti-seizure medication?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I get seizers from Zoloft. Unfortunately, it was the only medication that did anything to help. Since I restarted my medication, I have only passed out three times. But then again, I am not yet at full dosage yet (started at 25mg, increase by 25mg every other week until I reach my needed dose of 200mg). Probably once I get to full dose, I will start the shakes more often. It’s somewhat funny really, I am partially conscious the whole time. I hear but can’t see. I feel but feel no pain. It really freaks people out when it happens in public. Their all like "what do I do?" and stuff. AT least I know when I am going to have one. I just feel somewhat dizzy and seem to emit some sort of mediciney odor (smells like opening a new bottle of medicine). I usually have enough time to prepare, such as setting down the glass of water I may be holding, or sitting down, or whatever. I have yet to get hurt from it. When I fall, it is more of a slow slumping. Anybody else get this type of reaction to Zoloft? ~Travis — My Web: http://www.megalink.net/~farmers/ Gaming section yet to be finished. MT Bike section almost fully compleated. (trail pics work now)

Response:

No offense, man, but I wish I hadn’t read this. Does your doc know? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I get seizers from Zoloft. Unfortunately, it was the only medication that did anything to help. Since I restarted my medication, I have only passed out three times. But then again, I am not yet at full dosage yet (started at 25mg, increase by 25mg every other week until I reach my needed dose of 200mg). Probably once I get to full dose, I will start the shakes more often. It’s somewhat funny really, I am partially conscious the whole time. I hear but can’t see. I feel but feel no pain. It really freaks people out when it happens in public. Their all like "what do I do?" and stuff. AT least I know when I am going to have one. I just feel somewhat dizzy and seem to emit some sort of mediciney odor (smells like opening a new bottle of medicine). I usually have enough time to prepare, such as setting down the glass of water I may be holding, or sitting down, or whatever. I have yet to get hurt from it. When I fall, it is more of a slow slumping. Anybody else get this type of reaction to Zoloft? ~Travis — My Web: http://www.megalink.net/~farmers/ Gaming section yet to be finished. MT Bike section almost fully compleated. (trail pics work now)

Response:

Question:

Hi Kevin, I must have tried a "million" antidepressants – none of which helped that I could tell.  About 5 years ago, I changed to Effexor and I definately can tell it has helped.  I stopped taking it at one time because my weight dropped too low for my body to handle the medication and boy was my mood terrible.  It was scarey.  Luckily I am much better now and restarted it.  I take 150mg XR.  I don’t notice any side effects although when I started it I kind of felt like I was on a boat for the first week.  (Luckily I don’t get seasick LOL!  Anyway it was just kind of wierd but didn’t really bother me.) The one problem I’ve found is if I forget to take it I sometimes end up with bad headahes.  Actually in some ways this is a good thing because I hate headaches and thus I am more likely to remeber to take my meds and less likely to give in to my ED thoughts that tell me to NOT take them. I know one of the things you (& your doctor) need to do when you first start this medication is a regular monitoring of your bloodpressure because it can cause high bloodpressure.  This side effect will either happen or it won’t so you only have to do this close monitoring in the beginning.  (Effexor is a seratonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) as well as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.  The other drug that is in it’s class is Wellbutrin.) Anyway, that’s my thoughts. Many hugs, Kathryn K. — Kathryn K.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m concerned that Zoloft isn’t helping me as much as it used to.  I am up to past the usual maximum dosage (250mg).  My psychiatrist mentioned the last time I saw him that Effexor would likely be the next medication we would try. I’m interested in any experiences with Effexor (good or bad) that people may have had, and how you transitioned from any previous medication to Effexor. I am hoping that the dosage of Zoloft can be decreased as Effexor is added. I realize that meds work differently for different people.  Any input will be used for discussion with my psychiatrist and will help me ask the right questions. Thank you, Kevin

Response:

Hey Kevin– I was on Zoloft until it stopped working.  Now I take Effexor XR twice a day.  I think it’s a good med., as someone else mentioned, it works two ways on us.  I can use all the help I can get! Good luck! Lynette

Response:

kevin i have never personally taken effexor but iknow people who have and they did very well on it. shell

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Kevin, I took Effexor for quite some time (got changed to Celexa on a request… long story) and it worked really well. Most of those in that drug family (Prozac, Effexor, Celexa, etc.) work pretty much the same, but some can work better for you for whatever reason. Paxil, however, did nothing for me. Lori

Response:

i’ve been on both the XR form as well as the plain form.  both times i’ve found it one of the few antidepressants that helped me.  i haven’t been as lucky with side effects-i’ve had some nasty ones especially on the plain effexor.  they disappeared after my body adjused to it.  i don’t know if anyone is still using the plain vs the XR. i’m on 225 and so far so good.

Response:

I am on 225 mg of Effexor. I find it very helpful for depression– the only med that has worked so far! It works on seratonin, as well as another chemical in the brain (forgot which). I had no side effects other than feeling a bit more tired than usual at first… good luck! Love, Danielle

Response:

hi kevin!  i switched to effexor when the straight SSRI’s stopped working for me.   i have been really pleased with it, it’s helped a lot with the obsession and anxiety, as well as depression. pluses for me, once i get on it and acclimated – no real side effects (not sedating, no dry mouth, no s*xual side effects) minus – it’s tough (for me) to get on and off, it makes me really nauseous for the first week or so, even titrating up from a low dose, but i keep reminding myself that once i get through that, it’s fine. it’s hard to get off too, but i am managing. overall, i’ve had a good experience with it! – dolphin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m concerned that Zoloft isn’t helping me as much as it used to.  I am up to past the usual maximum dosage (250mg).  My psychiatrist mentioned the last time I saw him that Effexor would likely be the next medication we would try. I’m interested in any experiences with Effexor (good or bad) that people may have had, and how you transitioned from any previous medication to Effexor. I am hoping that the dosage of Zoloft can be decreased as Effexor is added. I realize that meds work differently for different people.  Any input will be used for discussion with my psychiatrist and will help me ask the right questions. Thank you, Kevin

Before you buy.

Response:

I’m concerned that Zoloft isn’t helping me as much as it used to.  I am up to past the usual maximum dosage (250mg).  My psychiatrist mentioned the last time I saw him that Effexor would likely be the next medication we would try. I’m interested in any experiences with Effexor (good or bad) that people may have had, and how you transitioned from any previous medication to Effexor. I am hoping that the dosage of Zoloft can be decreased as Effexor is added. I realize that meds work differently for different people.  Any input will be used for discussion with my psychiatrist and will help me ask the right questions. Thank you, Kevin

Response:

I found Effexor to be more helpful overall than other anti-depressents I took. However, as my doctor upped the dose I began to feel more and more tired, so much so that I had to go off it.  I’m not sure how common that is, but I thought I’d throw in my experience.  Good luck Janelle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m concerned that Zoloft isn’t helping me as much as it used to.  I am up to past the usual maximum dosage (250mg).  My psychiatrist mentioned the last time I saw him that Effexor would likely be the next medication we would try. I’m interested in any experiences with Effexor (good or bad) that people may have had, and how you transitioned from any previous medication to Effexor. I am hoping that the dosage of Zoloft can be decreased as Effexor is added. I realize that meds work differently for different people.  Any input will be used for discussion with my psychiatrist and will help me ask the right questions. Thank you, Kevin

Response:

hi kevin, i went from celexa to effexor and it *was* better as far as the side effects. i still experienced dry mouth and nausea and really bad insomnia.  as usual, these are the typical side effects.  [snip]

Most of those go away quickly. I never had any side effects on SSRI antidepressants. Lori

Response:

hi kevin, i went from celexa to effexor and it *was* better as far as the side effects. i still experienced dry mouth and nausea and really bad insomnia.  as usual, these are the typical side effects.  i stayed on it for 3 months – - it scares me to take meds because i feel so numbed.  i took both Rx for depression and self-injury, primarily.  i hope it is a good move for you kevin.  take care and let us know how your appointment goes : )

Response:

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it will help me talk to my doctor tomorrow and ask some good questions. Meds work differently for different people, so my experience may vary. I may keep a journal each day too as I switch to the new med, to help monitor my moods.

That’s a really good idea.  I followed this thread with interest because I’m about to go down the same path, have yet to make the psych appointment but I’m going to this week on the advice of my therapist. The only other experience I’ve had with meds was very briefly with Prozac a few years ago, but I didn’t like the side effects. I think I’ll use your journal idea, too. Betsy

Response:

My psychiatrist mentioned the last time I saw him that Effexor would likely be the next medication we would try. Any input will be used for discussion with my psychiatrist and will help me ask the right questions.

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it will help me talk to my doctor tomorrow and ask some good questions.  It seems like the experiences were mostly positive, but I noted drowsiness at higher dosages and someone in e-mail mentioned a rebound effect so I’ll ask about those things. Meds work differently for different people, so my experience may vary. It’s scary for me to switch meds so I will do all I can to ensure I do my part to help the psychiatrist help me. I may keep a journal each day too as I switch to the new med, to help monitor my moods. Kevin

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The only big problem I have with it is, when I accidentally skip a dose, I go through a really bad withdrawal.  Not fun!  

I just started on Effexor, too.  Just wondering — what kind of bad withdrawal when you skip a dose? Also, someone else had mentioned that you get side effects when you go off it. What are they? Thanks, Paw

Response:

Hey Kevin!  I am on Effexor XR.  At first I took the plain pill version.  It helped a bit, but then stopped working quite quickly.  So my psychiatrist at the time switched me to the XR form!  It has helped me a lot. Ears

Update — I started on Effexor XR last week.  There will be about a 20-day overlap between gradually reducing Zoloft and increasing Effexor. All of your input helped — thank you! Kevin

Response:

Hey Kevin!  I am on Effexor XR.  At first I took the plain pill version.  It helped a bit, but then stopped working quite quickly.  So my psychiatrist at the time switched me to the XR form!  It has helped me a lot.  I have not had any side affects.  The only big problem I have with it is, when I accidentally skip a dose, I go through a really bad withdrawal.  Not fun!  But as long as I take it, it’s been an awesome help!  I’ve tried other antidepressants with no luck.  But luckily, gratefully Effexor XR is doing a good job!!!  :O) Ears There can be no transforming of darkness into light and of apathy into movement without emotion. – Carl Jung   The voyage of discovery lies not in finding new landscapes but in having new eyes. – Marcel Proust

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However, as my doctor upped the dose I began to feel more and more tired, so much so that I had to go off it.  I’m not sure how common that is, but I thought I’d throw in my experience.  Good luck

It caused me drowsiness also, but mainly at the beginning. I think it’s listed as one of the side-effects.  I don’t think I had any others that particularly stood out…. Hope it works out for you. Jennifer

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oh — I should have mentioned that I take the XR form…about 150 mg currently.  (Plus Depakote, a mood stabilizer)

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One thing I can definitely say: Don’t go OFF the stuff too fast! You will have many physical side-effects. (Then again, this was my experience with Paxil, too.) I would say that overall, Effexor helped. I wish I could give more details, but it’s difficult for me to separate out what is due to what. It seemed like I was better able to deal with things when I *was* on it, as opposed to when I wasn’t, though….

Response:

Meds work differently for different people, so my experience may vary. It’s scary for me to switch meds so I will do all I can to ensure I do my part to help the psychiatrist help me.

I hear you. And that is so very true how some meds work for others and differently on each other. I may keep a journal each day too as I switch to the new med, to help monitor my moods.

That is a super idea! Good luck and please let us know how the Effexor seems to be working. And if you have any questions about it, feel free to E-mail me (my address is now correct <grin). Lori

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Effexor has never made me tired.  In fact, because of sleep problems, my dr. told me to take me 2 doses early in the day, as it can keep some alert. Once again, everyone has different experiences! Lynette

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isn’t it weird?  it’s like ect with from within =)  first time it happened-i had no clue.  i told my pdoc and he looked at me strangely.  now he’s heard that a lot.  it feels about the same as it did once when i managed somehow to plug a fan and my thumb into a wall socket.  don’t miss a dose.

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if i skip a dose, i get what feels like electrical shocks.  it isn’t nearly as much of a problem as it was with the plain effexor.

Lea, you said the magic words!!!!!  I have this feeling on the meds that i am taking currently!  I feel almost not human sometimes…like I’m a frankenstein in progress or something.   becca

Response:

I just started on Effexor, too.  Just wondering — what kind of bad withdrawal when you skip a dose?

For me, I get way more depressed, my heart feels as though it’s skipping a beat & beating way to fast…I feel really shaky, and dizzy, I get a really bad headache/miagrane… Of course meds can act differently with different people, because are bodies are not the same. This only happens if I skip a dose.  I have no side affects in taking it… Ears There can be no transforming of darkness into light and of apathy into movement without emotion. – Carl Jung   The voyage of discovery lies not in finding new landscapes but in having new eyes. – Marcel Proust

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if i skip a dose, i get what feels like electrical shocks.  it isn’t nearly as much of a problem as it was with the plain effexor. going on it-well i was lucky enough to not be able to urinate.  that was an embarrassing er visit let me tell you.  that was not quite as bad on the XR form as it was on the plain.  i ended up having to self cath for almost a month the first time i went on effexor but it worked quickly and well for me so i kept on taking it. getting off effexor was a killler.  the pdoc treating me tapered me off way too fast and i ended up on a medical unit b/c i slept 24/7, threw up everything i ate or drank (not purposely) and had a killer headache.  i went back on effexor a couple of years later and even knowing  how hard it was to get off-i still chose to take it again.

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Question:

Hi! After a series of severe migraines and several panic attacks related to work, I am now on indefinite medical leave. I’ve been on zoloft (50 mg) for about 6 months for depression, but I guess it’s not doing much. I’m seeing a counselor through the EAP who is working with me on relaxation techniques, and I have an appointment with the psychiatrist for Tues to hopefully find meds which will let me become more relaxed, sleep, and be able to face my co-workers and my 3rd grade students without getting anxious and having headaches, blood pressure surges, and panicy spells. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance. Also, is there anything specific I should tell/ask the psychiatrist? Apparently, I’m only going to see him for a short period, and my counselor will be monitoring my therapy long-term and will help decide when I should return to work. Right now, I’m hiding at home and trying to stay calm-even without going out, I average at least 1-2 panic attacks a day, and it seems that almost anything can spark one. Please tell me this gets better?

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! After a series of severe migraines and several panic attacks related to work, I am now on indefinite medical leave. I’ve been on zoloft (50 mg) for about 6 months for depression, but I guess it’s not doing much. I’m seeing a counselor through the EAP who is working with me on relaxation techniques, and I have an appointment with the psychiatrist for Tues to hopefully find meds which will let me become more relaxed, sleep, and be able to face my co-workers and my 3rd grade students without getting anxious and having headaches, blood pressure surges, and panicy spells. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance. Also, is there anything specific I should tell/ask the psychiatrist? Apparently, I’m only going to see him for a short period, and my counselor will be monitoring my therapy long-term and will help decide when I should return to work. Right now, I’m hiding at home and trying to stay calm-even without going out, I average at least 1-2 panic attacks a day, and it seems that almost anything can spark one. Please tell me this gets better? Hi Donna, I’m Kelly…I also take 50mg. of Zoloft a day for Panic Disorder. I started having them 9 months ago.With me , Zoloft has helped alot. I usually only have 3 bad days a month, and I can control the panic then.I don’t do any type of therapy..in fact hav’nt even seen a doctor in the last 5 months. I have 1 week in a month that I feel pretty much back to normal. Maybe Zoloft is’nt the answer for you? It will get better once the Doctor finds something that will make it better!!Don’t give up, it might take time, but it will get better! Good luck to you, Kelly

– Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! After a series of severe migraines and several panic attacks related to work, I am now on indefinite medical leave. I’ve been on zoloft (50 mg) for about 6 months for depression, but I guess it’s not doing much. I’m seeing a counselor through the EAP who is working with me on relaxation techniques, and I have an appointment with the psychiatrist for Tues to hopefully find meds which will let me become more relaxed, sleep, and be able to face my co-workers and my 3rd grade students without getting anxious and having headaches, blood pressure surges, and panicy spells. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance. Also, is there anything specific I should tell/ask the psychiatrist? Apparently, I’m only going to see him for a short period, and my counselor will be monitoring my therapy long-term and will help decide when I should return to work. Right now, I’m hiding at home and trying to stay calm-even without going out, I average at least 1-2 panic attacks a day, and it seems that almost anything can spark one. Please tell me this gets better?

Hi Donna, Welcome to ASAP. Yes, it can get much better. You just have to give it some time.  I am surprised that your Zoloft dose has not been increased, especially that you say your depression hasn`t really been helped by it. Zoloft 50mgs is not a therapeutic dose( although some people have done well on this dose), therapeutic dose for Zoloft is 100mgs to 200mgs. Your psychiatrist will either increase the Zoloft or change your med. It sounds like you are doing the right things( seeing a pdoc and a counselor) that will get you back on your feet quickly.  Is your counselor just practicing relaxation techniques, or is it part of Cognitive Behavioral therapy? Cognitive Behavioral therapy is a effective therapy for anxiety disorders. It has helped me alot along with the Paxil I take. Take care. Jackie

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! After a series of severe migraines and several panic attacks related to work, I am now on indefinite medical leave. I’ve been on zoloft (50 mg) for about 6 months for depression, but I guess it’s not doing much. I’m seeing a counselor through the EAP who is working with me on relaxation techniques, and I have an appointment with the psychiatrist for Tues to hopefully find meds which will let me become more relaxed, sleep, and be able to face my co-workers and my 3rd grade students without getting anxious and having headaches, blood pressure surges, and panicy spells. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance. Also, is there anything specific I should tell/ask the psychiatrist? Apparently, I’m only going to see him for a short period, and my counselor will be monitoring my therapy long-term and will help decide when I should return to work. Right now, I’m hiding at home and trying to stay calm-even without going out, I average at least 1-2 panic attacks a day, and it seems that almost anything can spark one. Please tell me this gets better?

I hope the psychiatrist is specialized in anxiety disorders.  You should be properly diagnosed and be prescribed some meds. Generally speaking *talk therapy*, however worthwhile for other reasons, is not a  good tool to get rid of anxiety symptoms quickly. The only therapy which can truthfully boast that is *Cognitive Behavioural Therapy* (CBT). I hope that’s what your *counselor* is doing with you. Ask  her/him. All this IMO and all that… ) A combination of meds and CBT is where the smart money is today and yes, it will get better. It may take some trial and error but hopefully you will be able to resume your *normal* life. Philip

Response:

Hi Donna, When you see your psychiatrist on Tuesday tell him you’re still having panic attacks. A change in meds should be able to block them. Either an increase in the Zoloft or the addition of a beno (Xanax, Klonopin, etc.) or possibly both. Strange you’re still on a rather low dose of Zoloft (it’s not blocking your panic attacks). Are you seeing the psychiatrist often enough so he can assess your response to treatment? I guess if it were me, I’d be seeing the psychiatrist more often for med monitoring and response to med treatment. I’ve never found counseling that useful or helpful, although I did like the support I got from it. What I found most useful was taking the right combo of  meds at the right dosages to block PAs and relapse of depression, and then facing my fears in small steps untill they were no longer fears. After the PAs are blocked, you can trying getting outside more. Also, SSRIs (such as the Zoloft you are on) are effective in preventing migraines (especially those related to stress and anxiety). My experience with panic disorder, agoraphobia, and intermittent depression has been that meds are the most helpful (I take Zoloft 150 mg/day and Klonopin 2 mg/day). I learned all the breathing  and relaxation techniques, jogging, spiritual gowth, self help books, diets, exercise, and all the rest. They all help, but I found I really needed the meds to get enough relief from my symptoms to get out in the world again, and back to work and functioning  in the world. Hope this helps, Chip Hi! After a series of severe migraines and several panic attacks related to work, I am now on indefinite medical leave. I’ve been on zoloft (50 mg) for about 6 months for depression, but I guess it’s not doing much. I’m seeing a counselor through the EAP who is working with me on relaxation techniques, and I have an appointment with the psychiatrist for Tues to hopefully find meds which will let me become more relaxed, sleep, and be able to face my co-workers and my 3rd grade students without getting anxious and having headaches, blood pressure surges, and panicy spells. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance. Also, is there anything specific I should tell/ask the psychiatrist? Apparently, I’m only going to see him for a short period, and my counselor will be monitoring my therapy long-term and will help decide when I should return to work. Right now, I’m hiding at home and trying to stay calm-even without going out, I average at least 1-2 panic attacks a day, and it seems that almost anything can spark one. Please tell me this gets better?

Response:

Question:

I take 5 300mg capsules in the mourning and follow up 4 hours later with 3 more. That’s all for the day. I take 2 or 3 capsules of Kava along with this. After lots of experimenting with dosage, this works fine for me. The only problem with side effects is that St Johns tends to irritate the stomach. Comments on the dosage? How do I eliminate the stomach irritation?

Response:

I take 5 300mg capsules in the mourning and follow up 4 hours later with 3 more. That’s all for the day. I take 2 or 3 capsules of Kava along with this. After lots of experimenting with dosage, this works fine for me. The only problem with side effects is that St Johns tends to irritate the stomach.

I would say that is a lot of St. John’s Wort, and is probably excessive. One side effect that you should look out for is sensitive hands and fingers. Cuts, and scratches can take for ever to heal. Also, beware of the sun.  Be sure to wear sun glasses. John Gohde,  Health Nag http://www.hcrc.org/faqs/claims.html http://www.quackwatch.com/ Anyone genuinely interested in diet, nutrition, and nutritional supplements should take a strong stand against Nutrition Quackery, Food Faddism, and Nutritional Supplements Quackery anywhere they see it.  If you don’t, no one will take your interests seriously.

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Why are you taking it? http://members.spree.com/angeleye St. John’s Wort (also known by its botanical name, Hypericum perforatum) is derived from a yellow flowering plant. It has been used as an herbal remedy for mild to moderate depression (not recommended for the treatment of severe or manic depression), anxiety, and sleep disturbances/disorders for many years, especially in Germany. Research suggests that St. John’s Wort raises levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine — neurotransmitters which help boost mental morale and mood. Unlike prescription anti-depressants (i.e., Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, etc.), which can cause negative side effects ranging from nausea to impaired sex drive and ejaculation, St. John’s Wort has no documented cases of sexual dysfunction. It also appears to increase sleep activity by acting as a mild sedative, and may reduce chronic tension headaches. Several adverse effects have been reported in association with usage of St. John’s Wort, including: gastrointestinal discomfort, such as upset stomach allergic reactions fatigue restlessness increased sensitivity to sunlight (so, use a sunscreen or sunblock while on St. John’s Wort) dry mouth confusion dizziness Components of St. John’s Wort may also cause an increase in blood pressure, which could result in a stroke. Since St. John’s Wort is a nutritional supplement, which is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is no guarantee of the quality of the supplement from product to product. Carefully read product labels — look for an extract standardized to 0.3 percent hypericin, the purported active ingredient in St. John’s Wort, and make sure this extract is derived from the whole St. John’s Wort plant (i.e., flowers, leaves, and stem). The dosage of St. John’s Wort that has been used in most studies is a 900 milligram daily dose taken in 300 mg increments three times a day. Results may not be seen for at least four to six weeks, if at all. Discontinue use after six weeks if you’ve noticed no results because it’s probably not effective for you.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I take 5 300mg capsules in the mourning and follow up 4 hours later with 3 more. That’s all for the day. I take 2 or 3 capsules of Kava along with this. After lots of experimenting with dosage, this works fine for me. The only problem with side effects is that St Johns tends to irritate the stomach. Comments on the dosage? How do I eliminate the stomach irritation?

Response:

Why are you taking it?

Do you need to ask?

Response:

Why are you taking it? Do you need to ask?

That’s right, I’m crazy, but I am cured by lots of medications. I normally take voodoo juice, but lots of St Johns keeps me cordial without the need for alchihol. One burbon… one scotch…. one beer… Hope this helps piddy

Response:

Question:

Someone explained to me that the drug has a short half life and needs to be perked up after 12 hours to remain constant

Deb – My shakiness and headaches don’t seem to coincide with my dosing.  As a matter of fact my symptoms don’t seem to coincide with anything, which makes this whole situation much more frustrating. I take my dose at 10:00 p.m. every night.  I have absolutely no trouble falling asleep – it’s staying asleep.  When I wake up at 5:00 a.m. (if I am lucky enuf to have slept the whole night through – rare) I start to shake shortly after I wake up, not instantly upon waking.  This is only 7 hours after I have taken my dose.  Later in the morning I actually feel better. Karen

Response:

I start to shake shortly after I wake up, not instantly upon waking.  This is only 7 hours after I have taken my dose.  Later in the morning I actually feel better.

Dear Karen, Sorry to hear you still don`t feel well!! You say when you wake up you feel shaky, but later in the morning you feel better. Are you feeling better after you have eaten something?? When is the last time you eat or drink something the night before? This may be a long shot, but maybe you are going to long without eating something. Sometimes I will eat dinner at 5pm, and then not eat anything else for the rest of the evening, then the next day when I  wake up I feel a little shaky. Sometimes just having a glass of oj and a slice of cheese, I feel better. You could try at 10pm having a glass of milk and some graham crackers, maybe you might see a difference or maybe you won`t, can`t hurt. Take Care!! Jackie Have you ever noticed? Anybody going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac.–George Carlin

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Karen, Do you think you could ask your doc about twice daily dosing? I felt MUCH better when I went to this. Someone explained to me that the drug has a short half life and needs to be perked up after 12 hours to remain constant in your blood stream. A few weeks ago, I forgot my evening dose and woke up in a shaky panic – called shrink and she said once I am up to this level (300mg daily split twice) that missing a dose can easily bring on anxiety and that when I DO get off, it needs to be done gradually just like I built up. Just a thought, but it MAY be what is causing you to feel so bad? Your evening dose would be wearing off about midmorning – is this when you feel worse? I also sleep much better if I take my dose at dinner rather than before bed. Take care, Karen

Very interesting.  My doc says the missed dose theory is way overrated.  He said you recover typically in a day and it’s nothing to be concerned about. I have also done very well with twice daily.

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Very interesting.  My doc says the missed dose theory is way overrated.  He said you recover typically in a day and it’s nothing to be concerned about. I have also done very well with twice daily.

I only had the one morning anxiety return on the morning after my missed dose and it was fine by afternoon. I really do not know if it was a breakthough episode or really related to the missed dose, but it seemed to be. Anyway, I am MUCH better about remembering my meds now

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You say when you wake up you feel shaky, but later in the morning you feel better. Are you feeling better after you have eaten something??

I start to feel better after I get up out of bed and get rolling.  I thought maybe it was nutritional too, but food does not seem to matter.  I get shaky when I feel anxious (of course) but then I also get anxious because I get the shakes. Karen

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been on Serzone since August 13th.  I started at 50 mg and progessed to 100 mg 1x at night.  Now I’ve been bumped to 150 mg and then will go to 200 mg 1x at night. I started to really feel better then had a set back.  I am back to the low level constant shakiness and I have headaches that will not go away.  The headaches start in the back of my neck and end up behind my eye.  I also have some dizziness when I up my dose.  I am really sick of these headaches. Neither Tylenol, Tylenol Sinus or Aleve take it away.  Yesterday I tried a little caffiene and that seemed to help. No trails or nausea or skin crawl, though. I am really sick of feeling this overall weak shakiness, exactly the feeling you have if you have just gotten off the treadmill or stairmaster. I am patiently waiting for my stronger dose of Serzone to kick in.  At least my PA’s have really subsided. In the meantime, I sure could use a neck rub! Karen

I’ll offer some views from someone who has taken Serzone for 1.5 years. (Remember, meds are different with each person) Serzone is an interesting beast.  It was originally thought of as an anti-depressant and then moved towards the anxiety/PD arena.  Through my reading and a top notch local doctor, I found that Serzone can actually INCREASE anxiety in some folks.  I was one of those folks. Serzone did a great job of helping me sleep and has little sexual side effects.  The downside for me was increased low level anxiety. My doctor put me on a very low dose of Xanax (.25mg 3 times daily).  That helped some.  He also increased the Serzone level slowly until my depression was under control.  (He says that Serzone seems to work only at certain dosage levels for each person). I had taken Zoloft for a number of years and tried Paxil after that due to an increase in PAs.  As a final fine tuning, he put me on a low dose of Zoloft.  The combo of Serzone, Xanax, and Paxil was a homerun.  I’ve been in great shape for a long time now. I will note that I also strongly believe in therapy to assist the meds.  I have learned a ton about breathing and relaxation techniques.  I also have learned about self-hypnosis from a terrific therapist.  Finally, I understand myself better and can think through the tough situations that are side-effects of having Panic/Anxiety for a long time. Good luck all.

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As stated above, I STILL have low level shakiness and slight headaches and I am on 150mg twice daily, BUT it is getting better!!!! I have been on 300mg twice daily for 4 weeks. I am thinking about moving from 150 twice daily to 200mg A.M. and 150 P.M. if the docs will do it. I felt better after my increase to 300 but it took a couple of days. I have read that is very common after an increase. I have never heard of a 1x daily dosage and I have also read and heard that a therapuetic dose is between 200-400mg daily. Stick with it as we are all feeling the same symptoms and maybe we can sort this out better with good communication between us! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been on Serzone since August 13th.  I started at 50 mg and progessed to 100 mg 1x at night.  Now I’ve been bumped to 150 mg and then will go to 200 mg 1x at night. I started to really feel better then had a set back.  I am back to the low level constant shakiness and I have headaches that will not go away.  The headaches start in the back of my neck and end up behind my eye.  I also have some dizziness when I up my dose.  I am really sick of these headaches. Neither Tylenol, Tylenol Sinus or Aleve take it away.  Yesterday I tried a little caffiene and that seemed to help. No trails or nausea or skin crawl, though. I am really sick of feeling this overall weak shakiness, exactly the feeling you have if you have just gotten off the treadmill or stairmaster. I am patiently waiting for my stronger dose of Serzone to kick in.  At least my PA’s have really subsided. In the meantime, I sure could use a neck rub! Karen

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Hi Karen, Do you think you could ask your doc about twice daily dosing? I felt MUCH better when I went to this. Someone explained to me that the drug has a short half life and needs to be perked up after 12 hours to remain constant in your blood stream. A few weeks ago, I forgot my evening dose and woke up in a shaky panic – called shrink and she said once I am up to this level (300mg daily split twice) that missing a dose can easily bring on anxiety and that when I DO get off, it needs to be done gradually just like I built up. Just a thought, but it MAY be what is causing you to feel so bad? Your evening dose would be wearing off about midmorning – is this when you feel worse? I also sleep much better if I take my dose at dinner rather than before bed. Take care, Karen

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I’ve been on Serzone since August 13th.  I started at 50 mg and progessed to 100 mg 1x at night.  Now I’ve been bumped to 150 mg and then will go to 200 mg 1x at night. I started to really feel better then had a set back.  I am back to the low level constant shakiness and I have headaches that will not go away.  The headaches start in the back of my neck and end up behind my eye.  I also have some dizziness when I up my dose.  I am really sick of these headaches. Neither Tylenol, Tylenol Sinus or Aleve take it away.  Yesterday I tried a little caffiene and that seemed to help. No trails or nausea or skin crawl, though. I am really sick of feeling this overall weak shakiness, exactly the feeling you have if you have just gotten off the treadmill or stairmaster. I am patiently waiting for my stronger dose of Serzone to kick in.  At least my PA’s have really subsided. In the meantime, I sure could use a neck rub! Karen

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Have been on serzone 300mg daily for 4 weeks. Ramped up from 200 after 10 days. I have been helped by serzone quite a bit! I have never had real relief however from the slight dizzy feelings and the general visual "trailing" or blurring of images when you move your head to look at something else. I have xanax .25 but only take them as needed. I do not take serzone on a full stomach and have not noticed nausea. I also had low grade headache and for me, mostly pressure in the back of my head before I increased to 300. Also started with a psych doc about 3 weeks ago but I cannot say it is helping much yet or if it will at all. I am going to try to get on ativan to try to combat the low level shaky feelings I seem to still have almost daily, very subtle but not enough to take a xanax as they as so short lived I don’t burn one for the shaky feelings, I just try to ride them out. Good luck on the serzone, it does work for a majority of people.I have consulted a psych doc and the real theraputic dose is 200-400mg daily but they cannot give you that much to start, you MUST ramp up to a higher dose slowly. Do not up it yourself ! Let the group know how you are progressing. It does get better! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  hello all   i have just started serzone (50 mg 2x a day)1 week ago, i also take clonazepam 2mg per day.  i suffer from GAD, and depression–and social phobia.     I am no stranger to clonazepam, but does anyone have any experience with serzone.  i have had a low grade headache and have been dizzy off and on. i understand that serzone is "supposed " to be good foe anx. and dep. please share   thanks Perry

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HI Rocky, Can you explin what you mean by "visual trails"? I am having what I think is trailing but I have not seen a definition online. Thank You – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hello all  i have just started serzone (50 mg 2x a day)1 week ago, i also take clonazepam 2mg per day.  i suffer from GAD, and depression–and social phobia.    I am no stranger to clonazepam, but does anyone have any experience with serzone.  i have had a low grade headache and have been dizzy off and on. i understand that serzone is "supposed " to be good foe anx. and dep. please share  thanks Perry Perry,         I am on serzone (400mg/day) and was once on your dosage as I was ramping up. I’ve been on it now for nearly 5 months.  It certainly helps me with controlling my anxiety levels.    I experienced quite a few headaches for the first month.  I don’t usually get headaches and so attributed it to the serzone. They subsided when I relaxed/lay down.  I am practically free from bad side effects now, the only one being drowsiness if I take a tablet with only a drink rather than a full meal.  Taking it with milk lessens this side effect for me.  Oh I also get visual trails when I wake up in the morning , this isn’t really a bad side effect.  It’s also a common one. I hope it works out for you. Rocky

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Hi Perry, I began with 50mg daily back on Sep 18th and gradually (weekly) built up to my current target dose of 300mg split into morning and evening. Yes, I did have some headaches, weird skin sensations, nausea and dizziness for the first few days of each increase but they always diminished after that. I found that it helped me GREATLY to take each dose with food (someone here recommended that to me) I have only been at my target dose for about three weeks now and it took quite awhile to notice real improvement, but is has now helped very much. I am sleeping better, have my appetite back, and NO PA’s for past three weeks. In fact I have only had 4-5 of them since starting the Serzone where I was having them 3-4 times a week. I still notice some very minimal side effects but nothing bad-some nausea and a weird skin sensation..kinda like cold chills, about an hour after each dose..I call this the "hit" but it passes quickly. I took .5mg Klonopin with each dose as I built up but noticed I was feeling very sleepy so I cut it back gradually to .25mg with each dose and now I feel less tired for sure. Next step for me is to try eliminating the Klonopin and I think I can do it since the Serzone is helping so much, but if not, no big deal because I am taking only a tiny amount. For me, this drug is the first one to really help me. I have been through Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, Depakote and Paxil. None of these others were for me I guess. Hey you guys on Serzone!! How about jumping in here? Debbie, Karen, Eric, Steve, BG and others??? Take care,

Response:

 hello all   i have just started serzone (50 mg 2x a day)1 week ago, i also take clonazepam 2mg per day.  i suffer from GAD, and depression–and social phobia.     I am no stranger to clonazepam, but does anyone have any experience with serzone.  i have had a low grade headache and have been dizzy off and on. i understand that serzone is "supposed " to be good foe anx. and dep. please share   thanks Perry

I seem to have gathered the information that Serzone is not really a first choice med for PAD (although remarkably quite some people here have positive reports) but works well when used in conjunction with Xanax. (Maybe you could try Xanax instead of Klonopin, which also seems logical as Xanax will often kill breakthrough PA’s within 15 minutes and you already have a maintenance med in Serzone). Philip (FWIW)

Response:

 hello all   i have just started serzone (50 mg 2x a day)1 week ago, i also take clonazepam 2mg per day.  i suffer from GAD, and depression–and social phobia.     I am no stranger to clonazepam, but does anyone have any experience with serzone.  i have had a low grade headache and have been dizzy off and on. i understand that serzone is "supposed " to be good foe anx. and dep. please share   thanks Perry

Response:

hello all  i have just started serzone (50 mg 2x a day)1 week ago, i also take clonazepam 2mg per day.  i suffer from GAD, and depression–and social phobia.    I am no stranger to clonazepam, but does anyone have any experience with serzone.  i have had a low grade headache and have been dizzy off and on. i understand that serzone is "supposed " to be good foe anx. and dep. please share  thanks Perry

Perry,         I am on serzone (400mg/day) and was once on your dosage as I was ramping up. I’ve been on it now for nearly 5 months.  It certainly helps me with controlling my anxiety levels.    I experienced quite a few headaches for the first month.  I don’t usually get headaches and so attributed it to the serzone. They subsided when I relaxed/lay down.  I am practically free from bad side effects now, the only one being drowsiness if I take a tablet with only a drink rather than a full meal.  Taking it with milk lessens this side effect for me.  Oh I also get visual trails when I wake up in the morning , this isn’t really a bad side effect.  It’s also a common one. I hope it works out for you. Rocky

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’m a new poster to this list and I am hoping that someone out there can give me some advice on Effexor. I take anti-depressants for chronic pain.  I just recently switched from Serzone to Effexor.  The Serzone was working well, but I was having trouble concentrating. I have been taking the Effexor for two weeks.  When I first started taking it, I was taking 75 mg. per day, but I had terrible side effects.  I had panic attacks, blurred vision so bad I couldn’t drive, twitching/shaking, and more. I’ve cut the dosage down to 37.5 but I’m still having some sleep disturbances and difficulty achieving orgasm.  Other than that, I’m actually feeling pretty good on it?  Does anybody have any input on this? Or had any experiences with side effects?

Been on it about 9-10 months.  Have had mostly good to say about it (but the first couple of days were tough).  The side effects have waned considerably without excessive loss of efficacy.  I still don’t sleep well though unless I take my nighly Ambien.  I don’t know if that particularly side effect will ever go away.  Given that I already had problems with insomnia… But by and large it’s been great for me.  The only times that it seems to not keep me from slipping are hormone upheaval times and I’d have to guess by your address name that this won’t be a problem for you.  (too much anyway). Take care and good luck, KCat — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

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I take anti-depressants for chronic pain.  I just recently switched from Serzone to Effexor.  The Serzone was working well, but I was having trouble concentrating. I have been taking the Effexor for two weeks.  When I first started taking it, I was taking 75 mg. per day, but I had terrible side effects.  I had panic attacks, blurred vision so bad I couldn’t drive, twitching/shaking, and more.

I am currently taking Effexor myself at 150mg a day with no severe problems. It took me over two weeks to adjust to it though.  The very first day I took the medication was not very pleasant, as I recall.  I had all kinds of side effects for the first two weeks.  These side effects grew less with time. I’ve cut the dosage down to 37.5 but I’m still having some sleep disturbances and difficulty achieving orgasm.  Other than that, I’m actually feeling pretty good on it?  Does anybody have any input on this? Or had any experiences with side effects?

Effexor can cause both of the problems you describe.  In my case, my last dosage is at 4 PM so I do not have problems sleeping.  Maybe you should consult your doctor over the times you take the medication.  Effexor can cause anorgasmia and other anomalies of that kind (I know!), but except in severe cases this should not be a severe problem (in some ways it can be viewed as an advantage!). If you need more details feel free to mail me at (remove the —-)

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I have been taking the Effexor for two weeks.  When I first started taking it, I was taking 75 mg. per day, but I had terrible side effects.  

My doctor started me out at 37.5 per day for a few days, then I went up to 75. Now, I’m at 150. Of the four ADs I’ve been on, Effexor has probably been the least annoying. I’ve cut the dosage down to 37.5 but I’m still having some sleep disturbances and difficulty achieving orgasm.  

Effexor tends to be stimulating. My pdoc had me go with the last dose about 4 PM and that helped. (Actually, as long as I don’t take it immediately before going to bed.) Other than that, I’m actually feeling pretty good on it

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Response:

Hi, I’m a new poster to this list and I am hoping that someone out there can give me some advice on Effexor. I take anti-depressants for chronic pain.  I just recently switched from Serzone to Effexor.  The Serzone was working well, but I was having trouble concentrating. I have been taking the Effexor for two weeks.  When I first started taking it, I was taking 75 mg. per day, but I had terrible side effects.  I had panic attacks, blurred vision so bad I couldn’t drive, twitching/shaking, and more.   I’ve cut the dosage down to 37.5 but I’m still having some sleep disturbances and difficulty achieving orgasm.  Other than that, I’m actually feeling pretty good on it?  Does anybody have any input on this? Or had any experiences with side effects?

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