Question:

Can Azmacort cause swelling ankles?  I get at least 40 minutes of exercise a day so it is not inactivity (plus a toddler).

Response:

Can Azmacort cause swelling ankles?  I get at least 40 minutes of exercise a day so it is not inactivity (plus a toddler).

I had a swollen face (moon face) from using High Dose Azmacort for 3 months; so I would think it might be responsible; any such effect is dose dependent and time dependent. Azmacort seems to have more severe side effects than other steroid inhalers; also it’s singled out as the steroid inhaler for pregnant women to avoid, in an article at the JAMA asthma site. So it would be worth trying switching to another steroid inhaler. I find that Vanceril DS doesn’t cause this problem for me. Even better would be the new generation steroid inhalers, Flovent and Pulmicort. There are other things that can cause swollen ankles. Ellis

Response:

Can Azmacort cause swelling ankles?  I get at least 40 minutes of exercise a day so it is not inactivity (plus a toddler).

My son has ankle and other joint pain whenever he is on steroids.  The higher the dose, the more intense the symptoms Hulahoops

Response:

Can Azmacort cause swelling ankles?  I get at least 40 minutes of exercise a day so it is not inactivity (plus a toddler).

You would be wise to check with your doctor.  I don’t mean to alarm you, but swollen ankles and shortness of breath are symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure. It would be a good idea to have this ruled out.

Response:

Question:

At 3 puffs of Flovent 110 daily (i.e. daily dose of 330 mcg.), I experience significant dysphonia ( hoarseness) At 2 puffs of Flovent 220 daily (i.e. daily dose of 440 mcg.), I experience no dysphonia I have observed this repeatedly over 2 years of daily use. Has anyone else had this experience? Perhaps others with dysphonia on Flovent 110 might try the 220. —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Hi, that certainly is a very interesting piece of information, and I am eager to try this "experiment".  Thanks for sharing.

Response:

Question:

I haven’t logged on in long time and I’m trying to catch up. I would like to know if people have had difficulty weaning themselves from Pulmicort Turbohaler, especially at the 800 mcg/day or higher dosage. I would also appreciate hearing from folks who have received significant therapeutic benefits from switching from the old Serevent to the new propellant-free Serevent. Thanks

Response:

Don’t know about effects, but it is supposed to work better..get more meds in. My daughter switched and loves it because she gets no residue, no need for aerochamber.

Response:

Question:

Advair is a combo drug and you may have better luck with something else. I use Pulmicort and a rescue inhaler and it work well for me as I can adjust the Pulmicort steroid independently. Lane

Response:

My son takes the 500/50 dose every day for a year now and is LOSING weight…what gives? Good question. My Brother-In-Law is taking Serevent and having the same problem and so am I. Just wondering if it is the Serevent.

There are some lung diseases that tend to have weight loss as a side effect, like NTM. See: http://www.ntminfo.com/ Nontuberculous Micobacteria "Common Symptoms of NTM: Loss of Weight and Loss of Appetite – It is not uncommon to lose weight and therefore it is important to be aware of weight changes. Please consult with your doctor and/or a nutritionist to determine how to modify and augment your diet so that you get enough calories to maintain your weight at an ideal level that helps your body fight the illness and keep up your strength. Eat, eat, eat. The mycobacteria may compete with your body for calories. "

Response:

My son takes the 500/50 dose every day for a year now and is LOSING weight…what gives?

Good question. My Brother-In-Law is taking Serevent and having the same problem and so am I. Just wondering if it is the Serevent.

Response:

My son takes the 500/50 dose every day for a year now and is LOSING weight…what gives?

Response:

Steroids should be used in the minimum dose to control the problem.

  [Side effects are a function of the dose] National asthma guidelines recommend that a Patient Action plan

  be followed, to adjust doses of asthma drugs according to symptoms   and peak flow readings. Typically the steroid inhaler dose is   doubled and bronchodilator used as needed when peak flow drops   into the Yellow Zone [50-80% personal best] http://www.vh.org/Providers/ClinGuide/AsthmaIM/comp1/AssessmentB.html

   Periodic Assessment and Monitoring http://www.NationalJewish.org/medfacts/asthma_action_plan.html Ellis

Are peak flow readings really dependable enough to determine when to use steroid inhaler and bronchodilator?  I think the way the person feels is more dependable.  My first peak flow meter had strange highs, up to 770.  Sometimes I felt chest tightness above 600 or might feel good at 300.  I called the tollfree product information phone number, and after several steps, they offered a free peak flow meter of a new model, which of course I accepted. That newer peak flow meter is not prone to unreasonable highs, but still is not the whole story.  I don’t use it regularly.

Response:

I have adult onset asthma (come from family where childhood asthma was frequent, usually outgrown) diagnosed 15 years ago.  I am 61 and have been on a variety of medications over the years.  Right now I am on Uniphyl, singular and about a year ago I switched from two different inhaled medicines (one steroid) to Advair Discus –cut–   I was on 500/50 dosage until about a month ago. About a month ago I asked my doctor to reduce the dosage and went down to the 250/50  About 10 days ago I went to the 100 and do not have any significant changes. Two days ago I decided to skip several days to see if I could do without.  I can tell no difference (I expected to wake up wheezing in the middle of the night and have to use my Ventolin).

Steroids should be used in the minimum dose to control the problem. [Side effects are a function of the dose] National asthma guidelines recommend that a Patient Action plan be followed, to adjust doses of asthma drugs according to symptoms and peak flow readings. Typically the steroid inhaler dose is doubled and bronchodilator used as needed when peak flow drops into the Yellow Zone [50-80% personal best] http://www.vh.org/Providers/ClinGuide/AsthmaIM/comp1/AssessmentB.html  Periodic Assessment and Monitoring http://www.NationalJewish.org/medfacts/asthma_action_plan.html Ellis

Response:

If your other medications control your asthma well – and please do check with your doctor to see that your symptoms are under control to his/her satisfaction as well – then the fact that you can do without an inhaled steroid is good news, indeed. If I were you, I would spend a month or two on the 100/50 Advair before getting off it completely, just to ease the transition, or at least be prepared to go back on it if the need arises. Singulair is a miracle medicine, in my opinion.  My son, who suffers from mild asthma, takes Singulair every day of his life now but no other asthma medication on a regular basis.  He does use a Serevent diskus beforehand when he knows he’ll have an active day and that does seem to help, and you might consider that option as well.  Although I have noticed it is a distinctly unpopular opinion to hold on this newsgroup, there are some people, my son among them, for whom the Serevent component without the Flovent steroid provides effect treatment. (For what it’s worth, I, too, tried Serevent without Flovent but I seem to need them both.) Best of luck with it all. -S- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have adult onset asthma (come from family where childhood asthma was frequent, usually outgrown) diagnosed 15 years ago.  I am 61 and have been on a variety of medications over the years.  Right now I am on Uniphyl, singular and about a year ago I switched from two different inhaled medicines (one steroid) to Advair Discus — which is a combined medicine, definitely  including an inhaled steroid.  It has controlled the asthma very well. However I started gaining weight and am now 35 lbs heavier — all in my stomach, neck and face (funny pouches of fat on the sides of my neck) — definitely cushingoid  effects (I have no official diagnosis, only read about it on the internet)   Also bruising red easily.  I was on 500/50 dosage until about a month ago.  I was on a pretty rigorous exercise/diet program for 6 weeks and lost not a lb. I finally determined  that the steroids were the cause — though I have been told that the inhaled steroids did not have side effects. About a month ago I asked my doctor to reduce the dosage and went down to the 250/50  About 10 days ago I went to the 100 and do not have any significant changes. Two days ago I decided to skip several days to see if I could do without.  I can tell no difference (I expected to wake up wheezing in the middle of the night and have to use my Ventolin).  I am calling my allergist tomorrow to make an appointment with him.  Maybe my pretty serious asthma is better (have been doing a lot of breath work and yoga) and maybe I can stop the steroids. I feel like I have a bowling ball instead of a stomach and my waistline has disappeared. On the otherhand I have pretty serious asthma — had to be hospitalized 4 years ago with an attack and have had pneumonia twice in the last 3 years.  I surely don’t want to lose control of the asthma, but am hoping there is some alternative to the daily use of inhaled steroids. Sorry this is so long.  My first chance to talk to my peers about our common bond — asthma. . — Judy Turnipseed

Response:

I have adult onset asthma (come from family where childhood asthma was frequent, usually outgrown) diagnosed 15 years ago.  I am 61 and have been on a variety of medications over the years.  Right now I am on Uniphyl, singular and about a year ago I switched from two different inhaled medicines (one steroid) to Advair Discus — which is a combined medicine, definitely  including an inhaled steroid.  It has controlled the asthma very well. However I started gaining weight and am now 35 lbs heavier — all in my stomach, neck and face (funny pouches of fat on the sides of my neck) — definitely cushingoid  effects (I have no official diagnosis, only read about it on the internet)   Also bruising red easily.  I was on 500/50 dosage until about a month ago.  I was on a pretty rigorous exercise/diet program for 6 weeks and lost not a lb. I finally determined  that the steroids were the cause — though I have been told that the inhaled steroids did not have side effects. About a month ago I asked my doctor to reduce the dosage and went down to the 250/50  About 10 days ago I went to the 100 and do not have any significant changes. Two days ago I decided to skip several days to see if I could do without.  I can tell no difference (I expected to wake up wheezing in the middle of the night and have to use my Ventolin).  I am calling my allergist tomorrow to make an appointment with him.  Maybe my pretty serious asthma is better (have been doing a lot of breath work and yoga) and maybe I can stop the steroids. I feel like I have a bowling ball instead of a stomach and my waistline has disappeared. On the otherhand I have pretty serious asthma — had to be hospitalized 4 years ago with an attack and have had pneumonia twice in the last 3 years.  I surely don’t want to lose control of the asthma, but am hoping there is some alternative to the daily use of inhaled steroids. Sorry this is so long.  My first chance to talk to my peers about our common bond — asthma. . — Judy Turnipseed

Response:

Question:

Haldol makes me sane when I’m not. Hey Sally. Bob suggested Haldol as well, though I’m wary of it, since it’s such an old drug, and has some severe side effects, from what I hear. Have you had any problems with it? Ian — http://sundry.ws/

Hey Ian, Every once in awhile, I will get TD (tardive dyskenesia) but I also have a prescription for Cogentin that I take when that happens, and it is okay.  Haldol’s the only anti psychotic that I have been on that has helped me – the newer ones don’t, and Seroquel nearly killed me.  I find Haldol to be the right medicine for me, but YMMV. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Haldol’s the only anti psychotic that I have been on that has helped me – the newer ones don’t, and Seroquel nearly killed me.  I find Haldol to be the right medicine for me, but YMMV.

Hey Sally. Seroquel nearly killed me as well. My pdoc would not listen. I really, truly believe he has read the Marquis de Sade, as he seemed to be a real sadist. I mean, he seemed to enjoy the fact that I was suffering under his care. That Seroquel would give me terrifying body rushes every time I went to sleep. I thought I was gonna die every night. The Abilify isn’t getting rid of the racing thoughts, or helping with the concentration, so I’ll mention to my new pdoc the Haldol, next time I see him. I guess Cogentin isn’t too bad, although with my history, I wonder if they would give me something like that. Thanks for the suggestion, Sally, and BTW, I keep meaning to respond to your very thoughtful email, but I’m too overwhelmed right now to put enough thought into it. Hope you’re well, Ian — http://sundry.ws/ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Haldol’s the only anti psychotic that I have been on that has helped me – the newer ones don’t, and Seroquel nearly killed me.  I find Haldol to be the right medicine for me, but YMMV. Hey Sally. Seroquel nearly killed me as well. My pdoc would not listen. I really, truly believe he has read the Marquis de Sade, as he seemed to be a real sadist. I mean, he seemed to enjoy the fact that I was suffering under his care. That Seroquel would give me terrifying body rushes every time I went to sleep. I thought I was gonna die every night. The Abilify isn’t getting rid of the racing thoughts, or helping with the concentration, so I’ll mention to my new pdoc the Haldol, next time I see him. I guess Cogentin isn’t too bad, although with my history, I wonder if they would give me something like that. Thanks for the suggestion, Sally, and BTW, I keep meaning to respond to your very thoughtful email, but I’m too overwhelmed right now to put enough thought into it. Hope you’re well, Ian — http://sundry.ws/

Ian, I have had a couple of pdocs that gave me Haldol, but didn’t like to do it.  They wanted me on a new anti psychotic, but I’ve tried them, and they just don’t work for me.  Haldol, however, does.  Right now I have a great pdoc, whose attitude is "if the medication you are taking is working, let’s keep it like that."  He’s not a benzophobe either, last RX he gave me for Xanax had FIVE refills on it. As to the cogentin, I take that on an "as needed" basis.  I have a bottle of it that is about 8 months old, I have a lot left.  If you get a day of TD you will know it, because your facial muscles do things you don’t want them to do. Not fun, but it’s manageable with Cogentin.  It’s more annoying than anything else. Don’t worry about answering emails.  You write when you want to, I’m here whenever, and my feelings don’t get hurt if I don’t get an answer  Whenever you need to, my inbox is open to you. (and everyone else, for that matter) Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

 How long have you been getting medical help for the anxiety?  It took years for me to get somewhat settled, and I’m always looking for more help. Ah, well, the anxiety is considered just part of the general diagnosis of schizoaffective. My previous pdoc told me to get used to it. My current one is a bit nicer. He gives me Klonopin and tells me to get used to life on that. Didn’t mean to send such a weird post. I talked to Bob A. for a while, and I agreed to take only three of them, as opposed to a bunch. Listening to a very nice Cure mix right now … this is one of the benefits of depression, that the Cure sounds really good.

im sadder these days for many reasons, $$$ would surely ease a lot of the anxiety and dep. darn it, this thing, hoovering over me… ugg… going on 14 years… xanax and zoloft.. klonopin was good to me but no money for doctors.. ohh, boysss don’t.. cryyyy love the cure.. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

love the cure..

Yes, they’re great. I used to have the Bob Smith hairdo in high school, back in ‘89, when Disintegration came out. I was all the rage. Not being able to afford a doctor sucks. Can’t you get some help from a free clinic? Around here, I get to see a free pdoc and a free MD, though I suppose it’s not really free, as I’m on disability, and get Medicare and Medicaid. But I think places like that treat you even if you’re broke. I mean, that’s the idea, anyway, that human beings should all get treatment when they need it. It’s like, a human right, or something. Ian — I’m sick of following my dreams. I’m just gonna ask where they’re goin’, and hook up with ‘em later. (Mitch Hedburg) http://sundry.ws/ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When I was young I thought I would become famous. At some point, I realized it would be a good idea just to be safe. Now I’m trying to reverse what lies ahead, but have realized tonight that it can’t be reversed. These moments of clarity come to me every once in a while  … this illness is just getting a head of steam on it. Right now the only thing keeping me alive is the fact that I’m still too afraid of the actual act of suicide. I would sure fall off the wagon, though, if I had any money. Perhaps this is a good time to declare a moratorium on going outside. Many of us here have done this, I assume. My friend Bob and I (and many of you know Bob) are forming a software company based on our shared qualities of obsessiveness and reclusiveness. We figure that’s the edge we’ll have over the competition. So maybe this will be a good thing. Who knows. But I seem to be incompatible with society in general, and am feeling like I would rather die than go through this night, unless this night were accompanied by large amounts of Klonopin, which will soon follow. Hope yiz understand. I’m not a danger to myself, just realizing what lies ahead. There really isn’t anywhere else I can go to say this. Ian

Hi Ian, I just want to tell you I hope you hang in there. You are beautifully talented — that is apparent in your website. I also know that being talented isn’t easy — there’s a certain amount of pressure to use it as a means to ’success’, whatever that is. I don’t have a lot of great wisdom to impart here. Just know I’m hoping the best for you. I think you have a great spirit. Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

that’s part of why I get suicidal. because of constant emotional pain

I hear you. Other people have to go through phases of pain, and don’t understand what it means to have it in their lives constantly. Then they get smug about their success. <sigh Hope you’re well, and living in the moment, Ian — http://sundry.ws/ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Just know I’m hoping the best for you. I think you have a great spirit.

Thanks, Deirdre. I don’t know how to respond, but what you said means a lot to me. Ian — http://sundry.ws/ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::Perhaps this is a good time to declare a moratorium on going ::outside. Many of us here have done this, I assume. Dear Ian, I read in another post that you are doing better today. I`m so glad to hear that. Bad times never last forever. We seem to forget that when we are in and decided to stay inside. Those four walls get old really quickly. Anyways, my panic and anxiety followed me there too I truly empathize with how you are feeling. There are those days where you just throw your hands up and say I can`t do this anymore. But you wake up the next day and it is a little better and you decide to try again. (((((Ian))))) Jackie ~*~My greatest fear is there is no such thing as PMS and this is really my personality~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Don’t give up Ian, when my anxiety was really bad being housebound was somewhere I didn’t want to be. Personally, I don’t think it’s a good idea to encourage you to become housebound in any way. If it’s hard to go outside (does it cause you more anxiety?) you should still try. If you stop going outside, it will be that much harder to go outside when you have to. At least that’s the way I see it. Are you taking any meds or therapy for your schizo-affective disorder?

When my anxiety was very bad at the beginning of my recovery from "meltdown", I made as many trips as I could to my local computer store where I discussed with the proprietor possible specifications for a new computer for him to build for me. The distance was far enough to be exercise and short enough to not be excessively tiring. Make up excuses to go outside. You don’t have to stay there long but make it a point to make it past the front door. If you can set up a chair outside you can take a book or magazine with you to peruse or maybe listen to some music. Gains are made in short steps. — Ron P I’m an EXPERT….a has-been under pressure<;-) — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

If you stop going outside, it will be that much harder to go outside when you have to. Hi Doug. Last night was just a real night of despair. I think today is a bit better, and thank you for the kind words. Going outside … well, I have to for certain things, but man is it hard to deal with "normal" people. We should do things where we feel better afterward, and dealing with society always leaves me feeling desperate. It’s better on the Internet, for whatever reason.

Dealings on the Internet are for the most part non-personal and remote which are the total opposite of face to face encounters. — Ron P I’m an EXPERT….a has-been under pressure<;-) — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Ian, I’ve read a number of things you posted, and you have a lot of capacity to do a lot, and to experience a lot of meaning, even if that’s not happening in your life right now.  Things change, and they sometimes do serendipitously change for the better.  - Gary

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – that’s part of why I get suicidal. because of constant emotional pain I hear you. Other people have to go through phases of pain, and don’t understand what it means to have it in their lives constantly. Then they get smug about their success. <sigh Hope you’re well, and living in the moment, Ian — http://sundry.ws/ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

How long have you been getting medical help for the anxiety?  It took years for me to get somewhat settled, and I’m always looking for more help. Ah, well, the anxiety is considered just part of the general diagnosis of schizoaffective.

There seems to be a fast growing number of people here that are schizoaffective, If I hadn’t told you before, I’m on the list.  My previous pdoc told me to get used to it. My current one is a bit nicer. He gives me Klonopin and tells me to get used to life on that.

That’s odd?  Most people that are schizoaffective are on antipsychotics?   I’m on 400mg of Seroquel.  All the benzos in the world didn’t stop my schizo symptoms.  Now I’d guess the Seroquel knocked out about 75% of it. Didn’t mean to send such a weird post. I talked to Bob A. for a while, and I agreed to take only three of them, as opposed to a bunch. Listening to a very nice Cure mix right now … this is one of the benefits of depression, that the Cure sounds really good.

For the life of me I can’t remember any of their music.  I know I heard it, I guess in the early 80’s? Hope you’re doin’ well, Tony, Ian

Thanks Ian, hoping the same for you. Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How long have you been getting medical help for the anxiety?  It took years for me to get somewhat settled, and I’m always looking for more help. Ah, well, the anxiety is considered just part of the general diagnosis of schizoaffective. There seems to be a fast growing number of people here that are schizoaffective, If I hadn’t told you before, I’m on the list.  My previous pdoc told me to get used to it. My current one is a bit nicer. He gives me Klonopin and tells me to get used to life on that. That’s odd?  Most people that are schizoaffective are on antipsychotics?   I’m on 400mg of Seroquel.  All the benzos in the world didn’t stop my schizo symptoms.  Now I’d guess the Seroquel knocked out about 75% of it. Didn’t mean to send such a weird post. I talked to Bob A. for a while, and I agreed to take only three of them, as opposed to a bunch. Listening to a very nice Cure mix right now … this is one of the benefits of depression, that the Cure sounds really good. For the life of me I can’t remember any of their music.  I know I heard it, I guess in the early 80’s? Hope you’re doin’ well, Tony, Ian Thanks Ian, hoping the same for you. Tony

Add me to the list of the schizoaffective group.. or I’m schizo something.  No two doctors can agree on what I am. I think I’m schizophrenic, actually.  Mildly so.  But I agree with Tono.  An antipsychotic is pretty vital if you’re schizoaffective.  I take Haldol.  I’ve tried all the "newer" ones, and they don’t do anything good to me, and most of them do something bad to me.  Haldol makes me sane when I’m not.   Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Haldol makes me sane when I’m not.  

Hey Sally. Bob suggested Haldol as well, though I’m wary of it, since it’s such an old drug, and has some severe side effects, from what I hear. Have you had any problems with it? Ian — http://sundry.ws/ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Dear Ian, In the past.. have you been particularly good at foretelling the future?  Have you always seen events coming and knew they were going to happen.. or in the past, have you been surprised by things that happened to you in your life? I wish I could comfort you, you need a hug and reassurance.  Email me anytime, you can ask Bob if I’m worthy of trust.  Fear is one terrible emotion, and I’m not saying I can guantee you will never feel it, because it’s a human emotion.. but I can share with you some things that I went through.  I was certain a year ago that my destiny was to end up on the streets.. Led me to a horrible drinking binge I liked to never came out of.  I learned  not just how to quit drinking.. I learned how to face life.. most all of it and not live in fear.  And I’m glad you are afraid of suicide and I’m glad you are too poor to drink.  So looks like you need to learn how to cope.  That’s what it looks like to me.  If you need to talk, email me anytime.  You would be surprised, Ian.  What we are capable of living through.  I know I am. And that cliche everyone says.. about what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?  That’s not a cliche. It’s the truth.  Ask Bob if I know what I’m talking about in that regard. I’m not an expert, but I came out of where you seem to be awhile back. Please take good care.. we care for you. Sally – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When I was young I thought I would become famous. At some point, I realized it would be a good idea just to be safe. Now I’m trying to reverse what lies ahead, but have realized tonight that it can’t be reversed. These moments of clarity come to me every once in a while  … this illness is just getting a head of steam on it. Right now the only thing keeping me alive is the fact that I’m still too afraid of the actual act of suicide. I would sure fall off the wagon, though, if I had any money. Perhaps this is a good time to declare a moratorium on going outside. Many of us here have done this, I assume. My friend Bob and I (and many of you know Bob) are forming a software company based on our shared qualities of obsessiveness and reclusiveness. We figure that’s the edge we’ll have over the competition. So maybe this will be a good thing. Who knows. But I seem to be incompatible with society in general, and am feeling like I would rather die than go through this night, unless this night were accompanied by large amounts of Klonopin, which will soon follow. Hope yiz understand. I’m not a danger to myself, just realizing what lies ahead. There really isn’t anywhere else I can go to say this. Ian — http://sundry.ws/ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Don’t give up Ian, when my anxiety was really bad being housebound was somewhere I didn’t want to be. Personally, I don’t think it’s a good idea to encourage you to become housebound in any way. If it’s hard to go outside (does it cause you more anxiety?) you should still try. If you stop going outside, it will be that much harder to go outside when you have to. At least that’s the way I see it. Are you taking any meds or therapy for your schizo-affective disorder? — Doug

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Perhaps this is a good time to declare a moratorium on going outside. Many of us here have done this, I assume. My friend Bob and I (and many of you know Bob) are forming a software company based on our shared qualities of obsessiveness and reclusiveness. We figure that’s the edge we’ll have over the competition. So maybe this will be a good thing. Who knows. But I seem to be incompatible with society in general, and am feeling like I would rather die than go through this night, unless this night were accompanied by large amounts of Klonopin, which will soon follow. Hope yiz understand. I’m not a danger to myself, just realizing what lies ahead. There really isn’t anywhere else I can go to say this. Ian — http://sundry.ws/ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hope yiz understand. I’m not a danger to myself, just realizing what lies ahead. There really isn’t anywhere else I can go to say this. Ian

Good luck with the company. Wish I had the skills, my ability to go outside is limited by my illness and its not particularly fun, I miss it a great deal and want to get back to that. I’ve other things that help me stay alive, I’m not particularly afraid of death, a tiny bit afraid of pain, but that’s part of why I get suicidal. because of constant emotional pain. But, I’ve got too much to do and live for at the moment. Just hope I can keep remembering that. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

If you stop going outside, it will be that much harder to go outside when you have to.

Hi Doug. Last night was just a real night of despair. I think today is a bit better, and thank you for the kind words. Going outside … well, I have to for certain things, but man is it hard to deal with "normal" people. We should do things where we feel better afterward, and dealing with society always leaves me feeling desperate. It’s better on the Internet, for whatever reason. Ian — http://sundry.ws/ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

When I was young I thought I would become famous. At some point, I realized it would be a good idea just to be safe. Now I’m trying to reverse what lies ahead, but have realized tonight that it can’t be reversed. These moments of clarity come to me every once in a while  … this illness is just getting a head of steam on it. Right now the only thing keeping me alive is the fact that I’m still too afraid of the actual act of suicide. I would sure fall off the wagon, though, if I had any money. Perhaps this is a good time to declare a moratorium on going outside. Many of us here have done this, I assume. My friend Bob and I (and many of you know Bob) are forming a software company based on our shared qualities of obsessiveness and reclusiveness. We figure that’s the edge we’ll have over the competition. So maybe this will be a good thing. Who knows. But I seem to be incompatible with society in general, and am feeling like I would rather die than go through this night, unless this night were accompanied by large amounts of Klonopin, which will soon follow. Hope yiz understand. I’m not a danger to myself, just realizing what lies ahead. There really isn’t anywhere else I can go to say this. Ian — http://sundry.ws/ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When I was young I thought I would become famous. At some point, I realized it would be a good idea just to be safe. Now I’m trying to reverse what lies ahead, but have realized tonight that it can’t be reversed. These moments of clarity come to me every once in a while  … this illness is just getting a head of steam on it. Right now the only thing keeping me alive is the fact that I’m still too afraid of the actual act of suicide. I would sure fall off the wagon, though, if I had any money. Perhaps this is a good time to declare a moratorium on going outside. Many of us here have done this, I assume. My friend Bob and I (and many of you know Bob) are forming a software company based on our shared qualities of obsessiveness and reclusiveness. We figure that’s the edge we’ll have over the competition. So maybe this will be a good thing. Who knows. But I seem to be incompatible with society in general, and am feeling like I would rather die than go through this night, unless this night were accompanied by large amounts of Klonopin, which will soon follow. Hope yiz understand. I’m not a danger to myself, just realizing what lies ahead. There really isn’t anywhere else I can go to say this.

How long have you been getting medical help for the anxiety?  It took years for me to get somewhat settled, and I’m always looking for more help. Tono — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

How long have you been getting medical help for the anxiety?  It took years for me to get somewhat settled, and I’m always looking for more help.

Ah, well, the anxiety is considered just part of the general diagnosis of schizoaffective. My previous pdoc told me to get used to it. My current one is a bit nicer. He gives me Klonopin and tells me to get used to life on that. Didn’t mean to send such a weird post. I talked to Bob A. for a while, and I agreed to take only three of them, as opposed to a bunch. Listening to a very nice Cure mix right now … this is one of the benefits of depression, that the Cure sounds really good. Hope you’re doin’ well, Tony, Ian — http://sundry.ws/ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Question:

My mistake.  As from 1/1/2004 the concessional rate is $3.80 and the general rate is $23.70. "." <asspu…@punkass.com

wrote in message

news:MPG.1adf1ed2a3199a6b989740@news.individual.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Tim Dicinoski wrote… me $2.80 per prescription as a pensioner (it would be $15.60 as a

general

patient. Isn’t it $3.60 and $22.50? — Regards, .

Response:

Yes, I am Australian. "ABroaD" <lhj8…@hanafos.com

wrote in message

news:c52s0m$f10$1@news.hananet.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> are you an australian? > "Tim Dicinoski" <timino…@dodo.com.au

wrote in message

> news:407406f8@news.comindico.com.au… > > I was hospitalised on Christmas Eve after taking 100 paracetamol during a

major psychotic episode with paranoid delusions.  (It’s amazing I still have a functioning liver).  I am now taking Zyprexa (olanzapine) 5mg b.d. and Zoloft (sertraline)100mg b.d., and feel better than I have in years.

The

only side effects I have experienced are dry mouth and (slight) sexual dysfunction.  I was previously on Risperdal (risperidone) which caused

an

extremely unpleasant case of tardive dyskinesia & extrapyramidal disorders. I simply cannot recommend these medications (Risperdal & Zoloft) too highly. And thanks to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, they only cost me $2.80 per prescription as a pensioner (it would be $15.60 as a

general

patient. Tim Dicinoski.

Response:

I was hospitalised on Christmas Eve after taking 100 paracetamol during a major psychotic episode with paranoid delusions.  (It’s amazing I still have a functioning liver).  I am now taking Zyprexa (olanzapine) 5mg b.d. and Zoloft (sertraline)100mg b.d., and feel better than I have in years.  The only side effects I have experienced are dry mouth and (slight) sexual dysfunction.  I was previously on Risperdal (risperidone) which caused an extremely unpleasant case of tardive dyskinesia & extrapyramidal disorders. I simply cannot recommend these medications (Risperdal & Zoloft) too highly. And thanks to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, they only cost me $2.80 per prescription as a pensioner (it would be $15.60 as a general patient. Tim Dicinoski.

Response:

Tim Dicinoski wrote…

me $2.80 per prescription as a pensioner (it would be $15.60 as a general patient.

Isn’t it $3.60 and $22.50? — Regards, .

Response:

Paracetamol is also known as acetaminophen. "Tim Dicinoski" <timino…@dodo.com.au

wrote in message

news:407406f8@news.comindico.com.au… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I was hospitalised on Christmas Eve after taking 100 paracetamol during a major psychotic episode with paranoid delusions.  (It’s amazing I still

have

a functioning liver).  I am now taking Zyprexa (olanzapine) 5mg b.d. and Zoloft (sertraline)100mg b.d., and feel better than I have in years.  The only side effects I have experienced are dry mouth and (slight) sexual dysfunction.  I was previously on Risperdal (risperidone) which caused an extremely unpleasant case of tardive dyskinesia & extrapyramidal

disorders.

I simply cannot recommend these medications (Risperdal & Zoloft) too

highly.

And thanks to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, they only

cost

me $2.80 per prescription as a pensioner (it would be $15.60 as a general patient. Tim Dicinoski.

Response:

How much Risperdal were you taking, that allegedly led to the problems? "Tim Dicinoski" <timino…@dodo.com.au

wrote in message

news:407406f8@news.comindico.com.au… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I was hospitalised on Christmas Eve after taking 100 paracetamol during a major psychotic episode with paranoid delusions.  (It’s amazing I still

have

a functioning liver).  I am now taking Zyprexa (olanzapine) 5mg b.d. and Zoloft (sertraline)100mg b.d., and feel better than I have in years.  The only side effects I have experienced are dry mouth and (slight) sexual dysfunction.  I was previously on Risperdal (risperidone) which caused an extremely unpleasant case of tardive dyskinesia & extrapyramidal

disorders.

I simply cannot recommend these medications (Risperdal & Zoloft) too

highly.

And thanks to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, they only

cost

me $2.80 per prescription as a pensioner (it would be $15.60 as a general patient. Tim Dicinoski.

Response:

are you an australian? "Tim Dicinoski" <timino…@dodo.com.au

wrote in message

news:407406f8@news.comindico.com.au… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I was hospitalised on Christmas Eve after taking 100 paracetamol during a major psychotic episode with paranoid delusions.  (It’s amazing I still

have

a functioning liver).  I am now taking Zyprexa (olanzapine) 5mg b.d. and Zoloft (sertraline)100mg b.d., and feel better than I have in years.  The only side effects I have experienced are dry mouth and (slight) sexual dysfunction.  I was previously on Risperdal (risperidone) which caused an extremely unpleasant case of tardive dyskinesia & extrapyramidal

disorders.

I simply cannot recommend these medications (Risperdal & Zoloft) too

highly.

And thanks to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, they only

cost

me $2.80 per prescription as a pensioner (it would be $15.60 as a general patient. Tim Dicinoski.

Response:

Initially 1 mg b.d., increasing to 3 mg b.d. by week 4.  And the dyskinesia was hardly alleged: people thought I was a spastic. "Cubit" <n…@no.not

wrote in message

news:jm3dc.19516$LG5.13631@newssvr27.news.prodigy.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> How much Risperdal were you taking, that allegedly led to the problems? > "Tim Dicinoski" <timino…@dodo.com.au

wrote in message

> news:407406f8@news.comindico.com.au… > > I was hospitalised on Christmas Eve after taking 100 paracetamol during a

major psychotic episode with paranoid delusions.  (It’s amazing I still have a functioning liver).  I am now taking Zyprexa (olanzapine) 5mg b.d. and Zoloft (sertraline)100mg b.d., and feel better than I have in years.

The

only side effects I have experienced are dry mouth and (slight) sexual dysfunction.  I was previously on Risperdal (risperidone) which caused

an

extremely unpleasant case of tardive dyskinesia & extrapyramidal disorders. I simply cannot recommend these medications (Risperdal & Zoloft) too highly. And thanks to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, they only cost me $2.80 per prescription as a pensioner (it would be $15.60 as a

general

patient. Tim Dicinoski.

Response:

I am currently on a very low dose of Risperdal, thank God. —– – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Cubit wrote:

How much Risperdal were you taking, that allegedly led to the problems?

Response:

good! join Madites Intelligence Agency! "Tim Dicinoski" <timino…@dodo.com.au

wrote in message

news:4074fc1e@news.comindico.com.au… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Yes, I am Australian. > "ABroaD" <lhj8…@hanafos.com

wrote in message

> news:c52s0m$f10$1@news.hananet.net… > > are you an australian? > > "Tim Dicinoski" <timino…@dodo.com.au

wrote in message

> > news:407406f8@news.comindico.com.au… > > > I was hospitalised on Christmas Eve after taking 100 paracetamol during

a major psychotic episode with paranoid delusions.  (It’s amazing I

still

have a functioning liver).  I am now taking Zyprexa (olanzapine) 5mg b.d.

and

Zoloft (sertraline)100mg b.d., and feel better than I have in years. The only side effects I have experienced are dry mouth and (slight) sexual dysfunction.  I was previously on Risperdal (risperidone) which caused an extremely unpleasant case of tardive dyskinesia & extrapyramidal disorders. I simply cannot recommend these medications (Risperdal & Zoloft) too highly. And thanks to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, they only cost me $2.80 per prescription as a pensioner (it would be $15.60 as a general patient. Tim Dicinoski.

Response:

Question:

Carol: I took Paxil for a year, then switched to Celexa. The latter had far fewer side effects for me. Have you discussed this with your doctor? Best, Anne

Response:

I have been on Celexa, 30mg, for 6-8 weeks now. I have not noticed any side effect whatsoever. I am quite happy with it. AnxiousCollegeKid

Response:

This is a just a "me-too" to SSRI side-effects. The zoloft and effexor I tried out caused nothing but problems… -Doug (remove "botizer" from email addy to respond)

Response:

Hi all, Having a great deal of difficulty with the side effects of the SSRIs, and also having trouble sticking w/them as a result. Which SSRIs do you think have the least side effects? Thanks, Carol

Response:

:Hi all, : :Having a great deal of difficulty with the side effects of the SSRIs, and :also having trouble sticking w/them as a result. : :Which SSRIs do you think have the least side effects? : :Thanks, :Carol Dear Carol, There really is no easy answer to your question being reactions to meds are so very individualized. One SSRI that quite a few are having good luck with is Celexa. However, there is no guarantee that this AD would cause you the least amount of side-effects. How many SSRI`s have you tried? There is also a chance that you just can`t tolerate SSRI`s. You might want to talk to your doctor about the Tricyclic class of antidepressants, they are as effective as the SSRI`s. Take care Jackie ~*~In Everything You Hope Or Do, I`ll Encourage And Believe In You~*~

Response:

Hi all, Having a great deal of difficulty with the side effects of the SSRIs, and also having trouble sticking w/them as a result. Which SSRIs do you think have the least side effects? Thanks, Carol

This is very much an YMMV matter, our reactions to meds are so individual. In theory Celexa is supposed to have the lowest side effects profile of the SSRI’s. You are not married to SSRI’s by the way, there are other antidepressants out there too (such as the TCA’s). Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Question:

Justin,     Depression is a bummer, in and of itself. Have you asked your doc to check other things out? I have a thyroid problem and one of the things that surfaces with it is depression and a tendency to sleep 14 hours a day ( really ), skin problems, other health problems can accompany it. Most docs blow us off because, as men, we are in the minority with this, and so they seldom screen for it. Having checked a few things back for about 20 years or more, it is highly probable I’ve had for some time. A couple of simple blood tests and you’ll have a good idea if it is or isn’t, but it is not normal to be depressed and it would be one less worry. It could be something so simple but life changing as this that it would be prudent to discuss it with your doc.     A good place to ask for more question on this might be Alt.Support.Thyroid , as they are good, gentle folks with a lot of answers pertaining to what you’ve described, and it is quite possible to have a life changing event cause a temporary health issue. If that isn’t the case, feel free to vent, rant, or rave here. We’ll listen.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This post is not divorce, but I do need help. I have posted at other ng some have been helpful others have not. I’m looking for advice, I will be preprared to take it. Which can be hard for me. I have posted here before. My name is Justin, I’m 22/m I feel like my life is a real mess, I don’t know how to get out of this rut. Most days I rather be dead then go on. I don’t feel like I will neber ever, ever get better It starts here. Im upset because I feel like I  disappointed my parents at many levels. After graduating high school in 98′ I went off to the University Of Toledo. I stayed 5 days. I left because I was paranoid about some stuff from high school, which I rather not mention. Upon coming home I worked several jobs. I didn’t stay at many because I was too paranoid. I eventually became house bound. The only time I left was to see my doctor. Its almost like my mom hated my mom for not understanding my problems. I wasn’t a perfect kid, but most of my problems stemed from this issue. I finally moved in with my father. I did get better. I started doing the phones at his office and became confident. But living with my father was hell. He made me ill and I became aneroxic at some level. I’m about 5′11" I dropped down to 135Ib. Eventually I moved out. I couldn’t  stand the asshole. I did it overnight without hi knowing (If you ask my father he will tell you what a rotten kid I was) I then moved into an apartment. In a good neighborhood. But even in good areas there are some real nuts. The lady who lived across from me was a cocaine addict. She even proposition me for sex in the middle of the night. I didn’t touch the skank. Eventually, I moved out of that apartment and one across the street. I then met up with this dude, while working at the movie theatre. That was a bad sitution. He never took showers. He left meatloaf out for weeks, he had cereal all over the floor in his room. The list goes on and on. The apartment managers let me break my lease. I now live by myself(boy, im glad I don’t live with anyone) Then 7 months ago. I was so depressed I hooked up with some guy I met on the net. I regret doing this, one because Im not gay. But I was so unhappy. I would do anything to relieve stress. Lately, I look at porn on the net because Im miserable. Then last week I got fired from my job at Nordstroms as a dishwasher.. I was only there for about 5 weeks. So it wasn’t a big deal. The reason is I don’t know how  to do washes. I also put the trash in the wrong place a few times. I know this was my fault. I got a little lazy. The last day I was there this dude got in my face and was yelling at me about how I don’t know how to do dishes. He put his finger in my face. I dont look weak now. I now weigh abou 170 5′11" medium build. Im pissed another dude got in my face. I told my grandfather what happened he said i "fucked up" and on the wrong track in life. Today, its 5:30 am. I feel like shit. I’m thinking about cutting school. I sleep like 14 hrs a day. Im so depressed, and even a little suicidal. I have bad obsessions. I’m always concerned with my looks. I always think Im ugly, but I’m not I’m actually good looking. I stand in the mirrors for awhile picking at whats wrong with my face, and how i could correct it. I’m seething about some other things. I was talking to this kid I know from one of the ng. I told him how sometimes I read posts with advice and I get upset. He told me im too emotional, and then he said im as emotional as a woman. After he said that I started insulting him like crazy. I usually feel bad when Im brutally mean to people this time, I wasn’t. I could barley sleep last  night because of this comment. I don’t feel like I will get over this comment. Boy, am I angry. Then last night I read a helpful post on here. Anyway, I took it the wrong way and got upset. I was then obsessing about it all last night and still am. The comment was just how relationships are 50/50 nothing bad. Well, I then started to worry that Im just a totaly self-absorbed dude. Which Im not, except when it comes to my problems.  I see myself being absorbed in them. After I read that post I was got all paranoid that when Im not absorbed in my own problems Im not interested in others. I dont want people to see me like this, so now im very worried. So I traced back to all the people I talk to at school and wondered if I seemed interested in them. And I did. But now I fear that I will worry if  I seem interested in people and watch everything I say, and maybe say things just so I seem interested. Maybe ask them questions that I might not normally do. I once did this before and I felt fake. I rather be mother fucking dead then to have this obsession return and thats what its fucking doing. To some this may seem like nothing to me this is a huge deal. I rather stay home then bare this worry. What’s funny is people do REALLY like me. People ask me where the parties are, boy if they only knew how horrible my life is. I once took a survery at the mall while I had some extra time. The kid doing the survey was in high school. He said I bet your a frat boy. Its funny because I see myself as an ugly, loser fuck. Will I get better? I have been going through hell for the last 5 years I see a doc, take meds, do everything. nothin works Justin

Response:

 But now I fear that I will worry if  I seem interested in people and watch everything I say, and maybe say things just so I seem interested. Maybe ask them questions that I might not normally do. I once did this before and I felt fake. I rather be mother fucking dead then to have this obsession return and thats what its fucking doing. To some this may seem like nothing to me this is a huge deal. I rather stay home then bare this worry.

Ask your doc if you can get into some sort of support group for obsessives.   I think obsessions can be an offshoot from anxiety disorders, and are not exactly the same as depression.  But ask a pro, i really don’t know.  I do know from experience that medications made obsessions worse for me.  I still deal with them but they’re more under control, and even channeled into positive things sometimes…  I wonder if your past anorexia is related to that, also?  I was told it was all related.  Congrats on getting past that part, that’s a big step that shouldn’t go unnoticed. Good luck.  

Response:

Justin, I am sorry you are feeling so depressed and going through sucha horrible time of it. But As you say this is a divorce support group and I don;t know how much good posting here will do, have you tried posting on the Alt. Support Depressed or depression NG? Have you tired talking to people, to friends to the doctor even?

Response:

This post is not divorce, but I do need help. I have posted at other ng some have been helpful others have not. I’m looking for advice, I will be preprared to take it. Which can be hard for me. I have posted here before. My name is Justin, I’m 22/m Will I get better? I have been going through hell for the last 5 years SNIP, SNIP, SNIP I see a doc, take meds, do everything. nothin works Justin

Will you get better?  Sure you will!  It’s obvious to me that you are TOO HARD ON YOURSELF.  When I was 22 years old I felt the same way…which is pitiful because very few people have found themselves at such an early age…meanwhile a lot of your friends have graduated from college and look like they had all the self-direction in the world.  Don’t believe it. You need to send a cheap little greeting card to your parents every now and then.  Falling out of contact is not very good psychology….even if you’re at a place in life when you don’t like them and think their values stink. I’m going to sing a song… listen to the words… DESYREL, LITHIUM, ZOLOFT, XANAX, LORAZAPAM, NORTRIPTOLEAN, PROZAC and PAXIL. It took over seven years of trial and error to get the right medication before life began to be bearable.   You want advice?  Contruct a diary of your moods and chart the highs and lows.  Write a lil’ story about your past history of abuse and addiction. 2. Go back to your medical doctor and tell him you want to visit a psychiatrist.  He’ll give you a medical referral 3.   A good psychiatrist will ask you 50-100 questions…in rapid fire… He’ll then construct a baseline on where you are right now verses where you ought to be.  4) You’ll have routine visits with him– adjusting medication. PS You know you’re not a loser…just take better care of yourself.

Response:

This post is not divorce, but I do need help. I have posted at other ng some have been helpful others have not. I’m looking for advice, I will be preprared to take it. Which can be hard for me. I have posted here before. My name is Justin, I’m 22/m I feel like my life is a real mess, I don’t know how to get out of this rut. Most days I rather be dead then go on. I don’t feel like I will neber ever, ever get better It starts here. Im upset because I feel like I  disappointed my parents at many levels. After graduating high school in 98′ I went off to the University Of Toledo. I stayed 5 days. I left because I was paranoid about some stuff from high school, which I rather not mention. Upon coming home I worked several jobs. I didn’t stay at many because I was too paranoid. I eventually became house bound. The only time I left was to see my doctor. Its almost like my mom hated my mom for not understanding my problems. I wasn’t a perfect kid, but most of my problems stemed from this issue. I finally moved in with my father. I did get better. I started doing the phones at his office and became confident. But living with my father was hell. He made me ill and I became aneroxic at some level. I’m about 5′11" I dropped down to 135Ib. Eventually I moved out. I couldn’t  stand the asshole. I did it overnight without hi knowing (If you ask my father he will tell you what a rotten kid I was) I then moved into an apartment. In a good neighborhood. But even in good areas there are some real nuts. The lady who lived across from me was a cocaine addict. She even proposition me for sex in the middle of the night. I didn’t touch the skank. Eventually, I moved out of that apartment and one across the street. I then met up with this dude, while working at the movie theatre. That was a bad sitution. He never took showers. He left meatloaf out for weeks, he had cereal all over the floor in his room. The list goes on and on. The apartment managers let me break my lease. I now live by myself(boy, im glad I don’t live with anyone) Then 7 months ago. I was so depressed I hooked up with some guy I met on the net. I regret doing this, one because Im not gay. But I was so unhappy. I would do anything to relieve stress. Lately, I look at porn on the net because Im miserable. Then last week I got fired from my job at Nordstroms as a dishwasher.. I was only there for about 5 weeks. So it wasn’t a big deal. The reason is I don’t know how  to do washes. I also put the trash in the wrong place a few times. I know this was my fault. I got a little lazy. The last day I was there this dude got in my face and was yelling at me about how I don’t know how to do dishes. He put his finger in my face. I dont look weak now. I now weigh abou 170 5′11" medium build. Im pissed another dude got in my face. I told my grandfather what happened he said i "fucked up" and on the wrong track in life. Today, its 5:30 am. I feel like shit. I’m thinking about cutting school. I sleep like 14 hrs a day. Im so depressed, and even a little suicidal. I have bad obsessions. I’m always concerned with my looks. I always think Im ugly, but I’m not I’m actually good looking. I stand in the mirrors for awhile picking at whats wrong with my face, and how i could correct it. I’m seething about some other things. I was talking to this kid I know from one of the ng. I told him how sometimes I read posts with advice and I get upset. He told me im too emotional, and then he said im as emotional as a woman. After he said that I started insulting him like crazy. I usually feel bad when Im brutally mean to people this time, I wasn’t. I could barley sleep last  night because of this comment. I don’t feel like I will get over this comment. Boy, am I angry. Then last night I read a helpful post on here. Anyway, I took it the wrong way and got upset. I was then obsessing about it all last night and still am. The comment was just how relationships are 50/50 nothing bad. Well, I then started to worry that Im just a totaly self-absorbed dude. Which Im not, except when it comes to my problems.  I see myself being absorbed in them. After I read that post I was got all paranoid that when Im not absorbed in my own problems Im not interested in others. I dont want people to see me like this, so now im very worried. So I traced back to all the people I talk to at school and wondered if I seemed interested in them. And I did. But now I fear that I will worry if  I seem interested in people and watch everything I say, and maybe say things just so I seem interested. Maybe ask them questions that I might not normally do. I once did this before and I felt fake. I rather be mother fucking dead then to have this obsession return and thats what its fucking doing. To some this may seem like nothing to me this is a huge deal. I rather stay home then bare this worry. What’s funny is people do REALLY like me. People ask me where the parties are, boy if they only knew how horrible my life is. I once took a survery at the mall while I had some extra time. The kid doing the survey was in high school. He said I bet your a frat boy. Its funny because I see myself as an ugly, loser fuck. Will I get better? I have been going through hell for the last 5 years I see a doc, take meds, do everything. nothin works Justin

Response:

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

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Hi Richard: I have the same thing as your wife!! I have had it for 5 years and it was originally caused from taking too much decongestant which caused insomnia. The worse my insomnia gets, the worse the jerks get and I can get days of 1 hr sleep a night. WHen it originally started I collapsed at work from fatigue and was diagnosed with panic disorder. I have successfully treated it with medications over the last 5 years. WHen I have to change meds for various reasons (wt gain, fatigue, etc) and/or during periods of no medication it comes back after a couple of nights of bad sleep. I had a sleep study done in the summer and it showed sleep terrors and I was told that the jerking was called hypnic (sp?) jerks. I also have hypnogogic hallucinations where I am partially awake and see trolls,and such, running around my room until I’m fully awake. Everyone is different with meds but I have found that Doxepin worked great within two days. Also Paxil, xanax, nortriptyline and now I am on zopiclone (Imovane here in Canada).For me I HAVE to be on medication, self-help things do absolutely nothing once I get the jerks. Drugs that did NOT work for me are clonazepam (though it is indicated for RLS and sleep terrors), Prozac, Effexor, Manerix. I am also on Luvox(fluvoxamine) now which does not help my sleep yet. I have been on the Imovane (3.75-7.5 mg) for about 6 weeks and just recently I have found it to be less effective. How long has your wife been on it and has it maintained its effectivesness? What dose is she on and how often? I was supposed to take it every second day but the day in between I was sleepless so now I am on it nightly. Has she had a sleep study done? In article <36930565.1…@bt.com

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -  richard.ingles…@bt.com wrote:

Help for my Wife We live in a small village in the UK. I’m hoping that somewhere out there is someone who has experience or knowledge of the problem that has affected my wife’s sleep for the last four years.  Elaine is 42 years old. The problem is as follows: – She will start to fall asleep, but just as she is dropping off her whole body jerks her awake.  These hypnagogic jerks  often happen in individuals, but normally only once or twice before the person falls asleep.  The problem for my wife is that this process is continuous, with jerks every few seconds preventing her from sleeping at all. Usually when people have these jerks they get a sensation of falling that precedes the jerk but my wife gets repeated jerks without the falling sensation.  She likens it to the needle on a record getting stuck and playing the same tune over and over again. The only way that my wife is able to get any relief from her insomnia is to take the sleeping medication Zopiclone (Zimovane) every night. Unfortunately Elaine needs at least 8 to 9 hours sleep to feel refreshed and not end up walking round like a zombie.  She used to be such a good sleeper and longs to be able to sleep well again of her own accord without having to take the medication. She has never been afraid of falling asleep as she has always found sleep to be a great way of relieving stress. If there is anyone who has suffered the same or knows of the causes/cures for this and can enlighten us I would be over the moon for any information given that would result in Elaine’s insomnia being cured.

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Response:

richard inglesant wrote:

We live in a small village in the UK.

You’ll be happy to know that there appear to be some excellent support groups in the UK for people suffering from sleep disorders.  Hopefully, one of the other members has that pointer readily available… (Sorry I don’t have it at the moment).

I’m hoping that somewhere out there is someone who has experience or knowledge of the problem that has affected my wife’s sleep for the last four years.  Elaine is 42 years old. The problem is as follows: – She will start to fall asleep, but just as she is dropping off her whole body jerks her awake.  These hypnagogic jerks often happen in individuals, but normally only once or twice before the person falls asleep.  The problem for my wife is that this process is continuous, with jerks every few seconds preventing her from sleeping at all.

Richard, please understand, suggestions we can offer are purely based on our experience, not medical knowledge.  However, with that disclaimer, you might want to look into two different possible problems: RLS – Restless Leg Syndrome … describes the problem some people have while awake.  (Generally their legs tend to ‘bounce’ as if restless – without the individual being fully aware of the movement). PLMD – Periodic Leg Movement Disorder … describes periodic leg movements during sleep, which cause the individual to jerk awake.  Often the jerk does not fully awaken the individual, but does cause the individual to not have restful sleep. For many people these jerks only exhibit themselves as jerks in the leg. However, these jerks can be severe enough to impact the entire body. Sometimes I hear sound associated with the jerks. Pointers on where to find out more are below.

Usually when people have these jerks they get a sensation of falling that precedes the jerk but my wife gets repeated jerks without the falling sensation.  She likens it to the needle on a record getting stuck and playing the same tune over and over again.

Yup.  Not comfortable and can cause a great deal of anxiety.

The only way that my wife is able to get any relief from her insomnia is to take the sleeping medication Zopiclone (Zimovane) every night.  Unfortunately Elaine needs at least 8 to 9 hours sleep to feel refreshed and not end up walking round like a zombie.  She used to be such a good sleeper and longs to be able to sleep well again of her own accord without having to take the medication. She has never been afraid of falling asleep as she has always found sleep to be a great way of relieving stress.

Unfortunately, (as I understand it) medication is about the only way to gain some release from these symptoms.  I do not know if the medication she is taking is targeted to relieve the symptoms or merely induce sleep.

If there is anyone who has suffered the same or knows of the causes/cures for this and can enlighten us I would be over the moon for any information given that would result in Elaine’s insomnia being cured.

You might want to discuss the possibility of Restless Leg Syndrome, or Periodic Leg Movement Disorder with her doctor.  Again, though the names imply only leg movements, it can impact the entire body.  I sometimes feel as if someone has delivered a strong electric shock to my system…  Not fun. You might want to look at the following web sites:   1.  Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, Inc.    http://www.rls.org   2.  Southern California RLS Support Group       http://surf.to/rls Hope this helps some.  Other members in the newsgroup should be able to provide information about the medication they use, and possibly even about the medication your wife is taking.  But our experience is no substitute for discussing this with a healthcare professional who can help her with her sleep disorder (not just drugging her to sleep). Regards, =jbf= John B. Fisher

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Help for my Wife We live in a small village in the UK.   I’m hoping that somewhere out there is someone who has experience or knowledge of the problem that has affected my wife’s sleep for the last four years.  Elaine is 42 years old. The problem is as follows: – She will start to fall asleep, but just as she is dropping off her whole body jerks her awake.  These hypnagogic jerks  often happen in individuals, but normally only once or twice before the person falls asleep.  The problem for my wife is that this process is continuous, with jerks every few seconds preventing her from sleeping at all. Usually when people have these jerks they get a sensation of falling that precedes the jerk but my wife gets repeated jerks without the falling sensation.  She likens it to the needle on a record getting stuck and playing the same tune over and over again. The only way that my wife is able to get any relief from her insomnia is to take the sleeping medication Zopiclone (Zimovane) every night. Unfortunately Elaine needs at least 8 to 9 hours sleep to feel refreshed and not end up walking round like a zombie.  She used to be such a good sleeper and longs to be able to sleep well again of her own accord without having to take the medication. She has never been afraid of falling asleep as she has always found sleep to be a great way of relieving stress. If there is anyone who has suffered the same or knows of the causes/cures for this and can enlighten us I would be over the moon for any information given that would result in Elaine’s insomnia being cured.

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I have sleep apnea so can’t offer eprsonal experience but here is a link to a great site that deals with a myriad of sleep disorders and restless legs syndrome is one I believe. http://www.sleepedu.net/forums/apnea/apneainf.html = = = = = For information regarding Tracheostomy and the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea please visit http://members.aol.com/citylinc/osa/index.htm = = = = = A great sleep forum http://www.sleepedu.net/forums/apnea/apneainf.html

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