Question:

i notice that when i do NYC races in central park (freddiemac 5K most recently) i become terribly asthmatic after about a mile.  i don’t have this problem in the NJ suburbs where i live and run other races. i am on asthma medications (serevent, flovent and nasonex.) and these do a good job for me. wondering if it’s the air quality in central park. -rei

Response:

wondering if it’s the air quality in central park.

It could very well be. I would think the ground level pollution is higher in NYC (more concentration of cars) than in the suburbs…particularly in the warmer months. For example, I used to have chronic bronchitus when I lived in the city.  When I moved to NJ the problem cleared up. Johanna "forever young" Young

Response:

Question:

Tami, I don’t know what your office is like but if you have an office or workspace of your own perhaps your employer can install a window/wall air conditioner just for the space you are confined to. Then your area with stay cooler and less humid. I’m pretty certain that he can take some additonal tax write-offs under the ADA accomodations clauses and help both of you in the process. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is anyone else having trouble with the heat and humidity we are experiencing in the midwest this week and last?    I’m missing a lot of work because of the weather, I know my boss is not completely understanding the situation, and he’s getting a little digusted.   I just finished 2 weeks of prednisone, I take theodur, flovent 220, combivent, zyrtec, athsmacort  for my sinuses, and am taking augmenten again for yet another sinus infection.  My place of employment is air conditioned, but as the day goes on, and doors are constantly opened,  my lungs get tight, my face red, chest hurts, headache, you know the routine. coughing, wheezing,  tired.  Time to go home…What else can I do??  Any ideas??  Tami

Response:

Problem for me is the constant change – going from hot humid outside to inside air conditioning and back.  Start having problems after going in and out serveral times.  Believe the sudden change doesn’t help my lungs at all! JEB – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is anyone else having trouble with the heat and humidity we are experiencing in the midwest this week and last?    I’m missing a lot of work because of the weather, I know my boss is not completely understanding the situation, and he’s getting a little digusted.   I just finished 2 weeks of prednisone, I take theodur, flovent 220, combivent, zyrtec, athsmacort  for my sinuses, and am taking augmenten again for yet another sinus infection.  My place of employment is air conditioned, but as the day goes on, and doors are constantly opened,  my lungs get tight, my face red, chest hurts, headache, you know the routine. coughing, wheezing,  tired.  Time to go home…What else can I do??  Any ideas??  Tami

Response:

Heat and humidity make it hard for anyone to breath and for asthmatics it’s worse.  Staying indoors with air-conditioning and drinking a lot of water is a good policy.  I work at home on "bad air" days when the  high humidity and or smog are high. I’m lucky that I can do my work from anywhere with a phone, computer and fax machine.  There are some days when I have to attend meetings etc., and then I take an air conditioned taxi or limo to the office to avoid being outdoors. In some jurisdictions there is legislation requiring reasonable accomodation of disabilities (e.g. Human Rights Codes), for example, installing wheelchair accessible washrooms.  In some cases, depending on the kind of work involved, arrangements for work at home on "bad air" days might be reasonable.  Some employers are happy to make this arrangement (with or without a statutory obligation) rather than have the employee book off sick since it allows for continued productivity.  Another possible accomodation arrangement is taxi fare to the office to avoid being outdoors to and from the office (assuming travel to the office is the problem and the office itself is air conditioned).

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is anyone else having trouble with the heat and humidity we are experiencing in the midwest this week and last?    I’m missing a lot of work because of the weather, I know my boss is not completely understanding the situation, and he’s getting a little digusted.   I just finished 2 weeks of prednisone, I take theodur, flovent 220, combivent, zyrtec, athsmacort  for my sinuses, and am taking augmenten again for yet another sinus infection.  My place of employment is air conditioned, but as the day goes on, and doors are constantly opened,  my lungs get tight, my face red, chest hurts, headache, you know the routine. coughing, wheezing,  tired.  Time to go home…What else can I do??  Any ideas??  Tami

Response:

I am in the Midwest.. Wisconsin actually and the heat is killing me. I work down near the lake and the cooler air is not cool at all. I know how you feel. About work, I know how it goes. People think asthma is just some petty little excuse because we don’t want to work. Those people are ignorant. Luckily my job was a bit understanding when it came to me taking off for doctors. When I can, I work through my lunch. The bad part is that we have forced air conditioning and my asthma is worse at work. I was told to get some green plants but I don’t think that is going to do it. Unfortunately, with asthma, most of the time you don’t have a choice but to take off work. I feel for you but know that you are not alone. Shannon

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The totally bizarre thing about this is that some people seem to think we want to be ill!  When I developed asthma I had the most awful cough. However I found daytime TV boring so went to work.  We had a snotty young receptionist who accused me of deliberately coughing at her down the phone.  Now I realise it was unpleasant for those round me – but thankfully I resisted the urge to punch her face in.  In fact I was iller than I realised (due mostly to sleep deprivation) and the best thing anyone at work could have done was told me to go home and stay home until I was really well enough to work again.  And in my line of business I can work from home, though I’m not sure if we were so clued up on doing so at that time. Is anyone else having trouble with the heat and humidity we are experiencing in the midwest this week and last?    I’m missing a lot of work because of the weather, I know my boss is not completely understanding the situation, and he’s getting a little digusted.   I just finished 2 weeks of prednisone, I take theodur, flovent 220, combivent, zyrtec, athsmacort  for my sinuses, and am taking augmenten again for yet another sinus infection.  My place of employment is air conditioned, but as the day goes on, and doors are constantly opened,  my lungs get tight, my face red, chest hurts, headache, you know the routine. coughing, wheezing,  tired.  Time to go home…What else can I do??  Any ideas??  Tami Would moving your desk help?  Get your doctor to write your boss a letter explaining the problem . . . this is covered by ADA and Workers Comp. Chris Owens — Surfer!

Response:

Is anyone else having trouble with the heat and humidity we are experiencing in the midwest this week and last?    I’m missing a lot of work because of the weather, I know my boss is not completely understanding the situation, and he’s getting a little digusted.   I just finished 2 weeks of prednisone, I take theodur, flovent 220, combivent, zyrtec, athsmacort  for my sinuses, and am taking augmenten again for yet another sinus infection.  My place of employment is air conditioned, but as the day goes on, and doors are constantly opened,  my lungs get tight, my face red, chest hurts, headache, you know the routine. coughing, wheezing,  tired.  Time to go home…What else can I do??  Any ideas??  Tami

Response:

Is anyone else having trouble with the heat and humidity we are experiencing in the midwest this week and last?  

I have had a little more trouble than usual.  When I go outside for very long at all, I come inside feeling like I’m suffocating.  It’s not an attack, just stuffy.   I know my boss is not completely understanding the situation, and he’s getting a little digusted.  

I used to have the same problem when I was working.  I eventually had to sit down with my boss and totally explain the situation to him and make him understand as best as I could.  Things got a little better after that, and my co-workers also understood more. my place of employment is air conditioned, but as the day goes on, and doors are constantly opened,  my lungs get tight, my face red, chest hurts, headache, you know the routine. coughing, wheezing,  tired.

Can you relocate your desk further away from the doors?? What else can I do??  Any ideas??  Tami

I had to end up taking an air purifier to work with me and putting it close to my desk area.  At first people thought it was weird, but eventually they ended up thank me, as their air was cleaned also.  It seems extreme, but I was determined not to let my work environment make me sick. Hope this helps! Take care! Ash http://www.angelfire.com/tn/Ashleigh1976/index.html

Response:

Is anyone else having trouble with the heat and humidity we are experiencing in the midwest this week and last?    I’m missing a lot of work because of the weather, I know my boss is not completely understanding the situation, and he’s getting a little digusted.   I just finished 2 weeks of prednisone, I take theodur, flovent 220, combivent, zyrtec, athsmacort  for my sinuses, and am taking augmenten again for yet another sinus infection.  My place of employment is air conditioned, but as the day goes on, and doors are constantly opened,  my lungs get tight, my face red, chest hurts, headache, you know the routine. coughing, wheezing,  tired.  Time to go home…What else can I do??  Any ideas??  Tami

Would moving your desk help?  Get your doctor to write your boss a letter explaining the problem . . . this is covered by ADA and Workers Comp. Chris Owens

Response:

The totally bizarre thing about this is that some people seem to think we want to be ill!  When I developed asthma I had the most awful cough. However I found daytime TV boring so went to work.  We had a snotty young receptionist who accused me of deliberately coughing at her down the phone.  Now I realise it was unpleasant for those round me – but thankfully I resisted the urge to punch her face in.  In fact I was iller than I realised (due mostly to sleep deprivation) and the best thing anyone at work could have done was told me to go home and stay home until I was really well enough to work again.  And in my line of business I can work from home, though I’m not sure if we were so clued up on doing so at that time. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is anyone else having trouble with the heat and humidity we are experiencing in the midwest this week and last?    I’m missing a lot of work because of the weather, I know my boss is not completely understanding the situation, and he’s getting a little digusted.   I just finished 2 weeks of prednisone, I take theodur, flovent 220, combivent, zyrtec, athsmacort  for my sinuses, and am taking augmenten again for yet another sinus infection.  My place of employment is air conditioned, but as the day goes on, and doors are constantly opened,  my lungs get tight, my face red, chest hurts, headache, you know the routine. coughing, wheezing,  tired.  Time to go home…What else can I do??  Any ideas??  Tami Would moving your desk help?  Get your doctor to write your boss a letter explaining the problem . . . this is covered by ADA and Workers Comp. Chris Owens

– Surfer!

Response:

Hi Blaine…. Check out www.aviationweather.com.  It has the latest surface analysis reports(SA’s) in ICAO format, and also translated (eg…"heavy rain, windy" just underneath something like 33030g45 RA+)… ed s.

Response:

Back when I used to be a Microsoft Flight Simulator junkie, I noticed you could call up the weather on ATIS.  Is their any place on the web that would give you the weather (text) for a particular U.S. Airport.  Also, I would imagine it’s in shorthand, so an interpretation guide might be helpful too Many thanks, Blaine Thompson

Response:

Hi Blaine…. Check out www.aviationweather.com.  It has the latest surface analysis reports(SA’s) in ICAO format, and also translated (eg…"heavy rain, windy" just underneath something like 33030g45 RA+)… ed s.

Response:

Back when I used to be a Microsoft Flight Simulator junkie, I noticed you could call up the weather on ATIS.  Is their any place on the web that would give you the weather (text) for a particular U.S. Airport.  Also, I would imagine it’s in shorthand, so an interpretation guide might be helpful too Many thanks, Blaine Thompson

Response:

Question:

Hi all! I’ve been lurking with a headache for over a week & decided to join in. I have daily headaches, some sinus, tension(? I guess, tho not a tense person), new allergies, vascular & medication side effects. I have had Migraines since exactly 6mos after a total hysterectomy in 1982. Migraines have improved thru prayer, believe it or not…less frequent & not as severe, which is GREAT!  But I still do get them. I’ve been on Inderal 120mg LA for 10yrs & my reg DR won’t d/c it cuz I had an odd allergic reaction to Imitrex…a blood clot in a coronary artery…long story.  I used to rely on Fiorinal, but found the rebound headaches were worse. I just use Excedrin migraine & Excedrin PM or ecotrin…doesn’t help much & I’m sure I get rebounds from Excedrin too, but I HAVE to take something!! I have alot of other serious illnesses also & take Tylox & Soma for those.  I DID stop the nutrasweet cuz I heard it could be a cause, but haven’t noticed much difference, except a little weight gain from caloric beverages…oh well!   One thing I do recommend for ANY headache that helps ALOT & sometimes dissolves them. 1) a great husband who massages my forehead with "red Tiger Balm"…feels great & works for me. Sometimes, I can’t take the scent or know this one’s not goin’ away, so I wipe the balm off 2) Tiger balm to neck muscles & back of head 3) ICE packs to forehead & back of neck…it just soothes, doesn’t quite eliminate headache 4) Tiger balm on the sinuses  To recover from a Migraine, I start with ginger ale, saltines, Haagendaz vanilla ice cream & chicken soup. It works every time…I may be on this for a few days, but it helps the nausea, puts something in the stomach & brings some nourishment. I hope this can help any of you! ~Stacie~ Lady O writes:

  Hi all, I’ve been on Sansert since February. No real side effects (lucky me!), a slight bit of nausea when I first started, that’s it. Well, about two weeks ago, my legs started swelling. I mean, *really* swelling. I put up with it for a couple of days, until my husband looked at them and cried, "You have to see a doctor!" So, I went into the ER, no problems with my kidneys, call your "regular" doctor (whoever the h*ll that is!) take this Lasix and potassium, blah blah blah. I finally called my pain doctor, who told me it’s probably not the Sansert after this long, but better wean off of it anyhow, just in case, and we’ll see. OMG!!! I have had the most awful headache since last Monday!! I’ve been into the ER twice (*after* the first visit, because the first ER was out of dilaudid, and the morphine didn’t work, and I didn’t feel like waiting/fighting/arguing for more, and I ended up in a different ER the next day, that *HAD* dilaudid!!!), and although I’m slightly better today, I’m still counting the minutes until I can get to the pharmacy to get my refills. The Maxalt finally pooped out on me after so many days of use. How long am I going to have to endure this headache before my brain realizes that no more Sansert is coming down the chute, thank you very much?? Even if the Sansert *isn’t* causing my legs to swell, I’ll stay off of it, just so I can avoid this headache every six months. . In the meantime, I’ve got a call into the pain doc. I know that *he* knows how to dose that morphine . . . Lady :O <<<Lady O, I looked up Sansert in my nursing drug book & it CAN cause the swelling you have! generic name: Methysergide maleate action: unknown. Specifically blocks serotonin in the peripheral nervous system. ADVERSE REACTIONS: CNS: insomnia,drowsiness,euphoria, vertigo,ataxia, light-headedness,weakness,hallucinations or feelings of dissociation,rapid speech,lethargy CV(cardio-vascular):vasoconstriction,causing chest pain,vascular insufficiency of LEGS;cold,numb,pain- ful limbs with or without numbness/tingling & absent or diminished pulses, orthostatic hypotension(low BP upon arising),flushing,tachycardia(fast heartrate) PERIPHERAL EDEMA(swelling of limbs) GI:abdominal pain, nausea,vomiting,diarrhea,heart- burn,constipation ALSO:weiht gain, arthralgia,myalgia,hair loss,rash *drug shouldn’t be used for migraine,vascular head- aches, or tension (muscular contraction) headaches *if drug shows no resonse after 3wks,is unlikely to be beneficial **drug may be withdrawn gradually every 6mo & then restarted after a least 3wks **do NOT stop drug abruptly but gradually over 2-3wks;abrupt withdrawal may cause REBOUND headaches I hope you are feling better! ~Stacie!

Response:

It’s similar to LSD & has something to do with Seratonin.  I believe it was 1964 that I began taking it at the Montifiore Headache Clinic in NYC, & they did know about the 6 month protocol there. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is the drug in Sansert? I was told that Sansert has a 6 month protocol. WE did not know that in 1965,

Response:

What is the drug in Sansert? regards Don

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was told that Sansert has a 6 month protocol. WE did not know that in 1965, I took it for 1 and a 1/2  year and it nearly killed me. It sure took care of the headache.

Response:

I was told that Sansert has a 6 month protocol.

WE did not know that in 1965, I took it for 1 and a 1/2  year and it nearly killed me. It sure took care of the headache.

Response:

You are right . . . they still say you can’t take it for more than six months.  I figured that since I’ve been on it since February, my time was almost up, anyhow. I think that doctors consider it to be a "last ditch" effort to prevent headaches.  I have had a tremendous decrease in my headaches, but I think it is more due to the fact that I’ve eliminated aspartame from my diet, rather than the Sansert. I’m still plugging along, waiting for this stuff to get out of my system for good.  I’m not taking it any more, period! Lady – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was told that Sansert has a 6 month protocol.  That is, no one should remain on it for more than 6 months at a time.  My experience was that it worked well for that length of time, after which I started getting what they called "breakthrough headaches".  Over a course of a couple of years, I was on it for a total of 2 six month periods. I believe that it is used mainly to "break a cycle" of headaches & is not intended for long term use (Caveat: This was many years ago & might be outdated information).  I wouldn’t discount the Sansert yet. I’ve been on Sansert since February.

Response:

I was told that Sansert has a 6 month protocol.  That is, no one should remain on it for more than 6 months at a time.  My experience was that it worked well for that length of time, after which I started getting what they called "breakthrough headaches".  Over a course of a couple of years, I was on it for a total of 2 six month periods. I believe that it is used mainly to "break a cycle" of headaches & is not intended for long term use (Caveat: This was many years ago & might be outdated information). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  I wouldn’t discount the Sansert yet. I’ve been on Sansert since February.

Response:

Just a thought…I often had side effects hit me well into a therapy.  I didn’t get my first allergic reaction to Topomax until 8 months into it. They suspect it was a hormonal conflict, but still…you never know what will cause a reaction.  I wouldn’t discount the Sansert yet. I feel for you though, I know how those withdrawal headaches feel and it’s not pretty.  I’ll be praying for you cause some days…that’s all we got! Michelle

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I’ve been on Sansert since February.  No real side effects (lucky me!), a slight bit of nausea when I first started, that’s it. Well, about two weeks ago, my legs started swelling.  I mean, *really* swelling.  I put up with it for a couple of days, until my husband looked at them and cried, "You have to see a doctor!"  So,  I went into the ER, no problems with my kidneys, call your "regular" doctor (whoever the h*ll that is!) take this Lasix and potassium, blah blah blah.  I finally called my pain doctor, who told me it’s probably not the Sansert after this long, but better wean off of it anyhow, just in case, and we’ll see. OMG!!!  I have had the most awful headache since last Monday!!  I’ve been into the ER twice (*after* the first visit, because the first ER was out of dilaudid, and the morphine didn’t work, and I didn’t feel like waiting/fighting/arguing for more, and I ended up in a different ER the next day, that *HAD* dilaudid!!!), and although I’m slightly better today, I’m still counting the minutes until I can get to the pharmacy to get my refills.  The Maxalt finally pooped out on me after so many days of use. How long am I going to have to endure this headache before my brain realizes that no more Sansert is coming down the chute, thank you very much??  Even if the Sansert *isn’t* causing my legs to swell, I’ll stay off of it, just so I can avoid this headache every six months. . . In the meantime, I’ve got a call into the pain doc.  I know that *he* knows  how to dose that morphine . . . Lady :O

Response:

Hi all, I’ve been on Sansert since February.  No real side effects (lucky me!), a slight bit of nausea when I first started, that’s it. Well, about two weeks ago, my legs started swelling.  I mean, *really* swelling.  I put up with it for a couple of days, until my husband looked at them and cried, "You have to see a doctor!"  So,  I went into the ER, no problems with my kidneys, call your "regular" doctor (whoever the h*ll that is!) take this Lasix and potassium, blah blah blah.  I finally called my pain doctor, who told me it’s probably not the Sansert after this long, but better wean off of it anyhow, just in case, and we’ll see. OMG!!!  I have had the most awful headache since last Monday!!  I’ve been into the ER twice (*after* the first visit, because the first ER was out of dilaudid, and the morphine didn’t work, and I didn’t feel like waiting/fighting/arguing for more, and I ended up in a different ER the next day, that *HAD* dilaudid!!!), and although I’m slightly better today, I’m still counting the minutes until I can get to the pharmacy to get my refills.  The Maxalt finally pooped out on me after so many days of use. How long am I going to have to endure this headache before my brain realizes that no more Sansert is coming down the chute, thank you very much??  Even if the Sansert *isn’t* causing my legs to swell, I’ll stay off of it, just so I can avoid this headache every six months. . . In the meantime, I’ve got a call into the pain doc.  I know that *he* knows  how to dose that morphine . . . Lady :O

Response:

Deseril (as per UK and Down Under) is Methysergide.  Used with some success but some pretty rare but bad side effects if prolonged use. Don from Down Under

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just FYO, "Deseril" is the correct spelling in: "Nursing 2002 Drug Handbook"  22nd edition Stacie    Hawki writes: Someone nicely emailed me from the UK telling me that over there Sansert IS marketed as Desiril (think that spelling is correct)…so Stacie is correct!! I also of course immediately assumed she meant Desyrl/Trazadone…of course not at all like Sansert.. learn something everyday!! this group DOES have lots of useful info to share!! rb Hawki…..the nurse practitioner

Response:

Stacie I got it now….different spellings ……I don’t think Sansert is marketed in the US as deseril tho…. rb Hawki…..the nurse practitioner

Response:

Just FYO, "Deseril" is the correct spelling in: "Nursing 2002 Drug Handbook"  22nd edition Stacie    Hawki writes: Someone nicely emailed me from the UK telling me that over there Sansert IS marketed as Desiril (think that spelling is correct)…so Stacie is correct!! I also of course immediately assumed she meant Desyrl/Trazadone…of course not at all like Sansert.. learn something everyday!! this group DOES have lots of useful info to share!! rb Hawki…..the nurse practitioner

Response:

Mouse Someone nicely emailed me from the UK telling me that over there Sansert IS marketed as Desiril (think that spelling is correct)…so Stacie is correct!! I also of course immediately assumed she meant Desyrl/Trazadone…of course not at all like Sansert.. learn something everyday!! this group DOES have lots of useful info to share!! rb Hawki…..the nurse practitioner

Response:

    Hawki writes: also Deseril is like Sansert Stacie Do you mean "desyrel" (trazadone)….??? This is NOT like Sansert!!! rb Hawki…..the nurse practitioner <<<No, Hawki..DESERIL & Sansert are both "methysergide maleate"…adrenergic blockers DESYREL is "trazodone hydrochloride"….an anti-depressant Close, but quite different! Stacie

Response:

Stacie: You can’t possibly mean Deseryl…aka trazadone, can you?  Those two drugs (deseryl and sansert) aren’t even in the same ballpark!  I can’t find reference to any drug with your spelling, Deseril.  I’ve never heard of another drug like Sansert at all.  Care to give more details? Take care, Moisie (check to verify any post allegedly by me isn’t from altopia.net/alt.net)

: Don asks: : : What is the drug in Sansert? : : "Methysergide maleate"..also Deseril is like Sansert :

Response:

also Deseril is like Sansert

Stacie Do you mean "desyrel" (trazadone)….??? This is NOT like Sansert!!! rb Hawki…..the nurse practitioner

Response:

What is the drug in Sansert?

I think it is related to ergot, not sure,Bob Wold  knows. Toty

Response:

Don asks: What is the drug in Sansert? "Methysergide maleate"..also Deseril is like Sansert

Response:

Tiger Balm helps me sometimes, too.  It doesn’t get rid of the headache, but the warmth of it distracts from the pain of the headache.  I have to be careful not to get it too close to my eyes, though.  Yeouch!! And as far as I can tell, Haagen Dazs, of any flavor, will cure *anything*! Lady <—–  who loves chocolate chocolate chip!!

<snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   One thing I do recommend for ANY headache that helps ALOT & sometimes dissolves them. 1) a great husband who massages my forehead with "red Tiger Balm"…feels great & works for me. Sometimes, I can’t take the scent or know this one’s not goin’ away, so I wipe the balm off 2) Tiger balm to neck muscles & back of head 3) ICE packs to forehead & back of neck…it just soothes, doesn’t quite eliminate headache 4) Tiger balm on the sinuses  To recover from a Migraine, I start with ginger ale, saltines, Haagendaz vanilla ice cream & chicken soup. It works every time…I may be on this for a few days, but it helps the nausea, puts something in the stomach & brings some nourishment. I hope this can help any of you! ~Stacie~ Lady O writes:

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve been taking Serevent 2 puffs twice a day and Flovent two puffs twice a day for about 6 months with amazing results.  I’ve gotten to the point that I rarely use my Proventil which is almost a miracle to me. In the last week or so I’ve started having anxiety-like attacks in the evening. I don’t have racing hearbeat but I feel extremely anxious and weird.  Kinda like I took too much Theo-Dur, if any of you know that feeling.  It is very intense.  The only thing I can link it to is the evening dose of Serevent. Has anyone else had this? Maybe I only need to take the Serevent in the a.m.?  I’m going to see my doc but thought I would ask here just in case he tries to tell me I’m nuts (G). Thanks for your help. CarolR

Saw my doctor today and he said the Serevent can cause the anxiety problems. He suggested I try 1 puff twice a day, or 2 puffs in the a.m. and 1 at night to see if that would work.  Also told me to use my peak flow meter to see if I even needed to the Serevent to open the airways.  I had been using to open it up so the Flovent would work.  So…we shall see how it goes. Thanks for all your notes. CarolR

Response:

I’ve been taking Serevent 2 puffs twice a day and Flovent two puffs twice a day for about 6 months with amazing results.  I’ve gotten to the point that I rarely use my Proventil which is almost a miracle to me. In the last week or so I’ve started having anxiety-like attacks in the evening.  I don’t have racing hearbeat but I feel extremely anxious and weird.  Kinda like I took too much Theo-Dur, if any of you know that feeling.  It is very intense.  The only thing I can link it to is the evening dose of Serevent.  Has anyone else had this? Maybe I only need to take the Serevent in the a.m.?  I’m going to see my doc but thought I would ask here just in case he tries to tell me I’m nuts (G). Thanks for your help. CarolR

Response:

You are not nuts. I had the same experience and had to eventually cut out the Serevent due to the anxiety attacks. I know I am very sensitive to medications, and even one puff once a day was too much for me. I am feeling alot better as far as the anxiety goes since stopping Serevent. Hope this helps.

Response:

You are not nuts. I had the same experience and had to eventually cut out the Serevent due to the anxiety attacks. I know I am very sensitive to medications, and even one puff once a day was too much for me. I am feeling alot better as far as the anxiety goes since stopping Serevent. Hope this helps.

It helps a lot.  At least I know I’m not the only one this has happened to! What’s weird is that it doesn’t happen witht he morning dose but just the evening dose.  Maybe I can only take 1 dose a day now? I didn’t take it this morning and I found I really needed it.   Is nothing simple anymore?? (G) CarolR

Response:

Hello: This is EXACTLY why I stopped taking serevent. The exact same symptoms you have. You know, I don’t know why there is so much emphasis on using serevent to get off of a shorter acting type of albuterol. In my opinion, serevent has more severe side effects. I’d talk to your doctor about stopping the serevent. The flovent for me made a HUGE difference. Mabye up that if it gets worse when you go off the serevent. On 12 Aug 1999, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been taking Serevent 2 puffs twice a day and Flovent two puffs twice a day for about 6 months with amazing results.  I’ve gotten to the point that I rarely use my Proventil which is almost a miracle to me. In the last week or so I’ve started having anxiety-like attacks in the evening.  I don’t have racing hearbeat but I feel extremely anxious and weird.  Kinda like I took too much Theo-Dur, if any of you know that feeling.  It is very intense.  The only thing I can link it to is the evening dose of Serevent.  Has anyone else had this? Maybe I only need to take the Serevent in the a.m.?  I’m going to see my doc but thought I would ask here just in case he tries to tell me I’m nuts (G). Thanks for your help. CarolR

Jennifer Gerbi                          http://www.students.uiuc.edu/~gerbi Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign   1-113 ESB             (217)244-0332

Response:

Question:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

Question:

I am on day 5 of trying 15mg a day to see if that helps, but I’m experience some anxiety already along with a fuzzy feeling in my head.

Try reducing your dosage at just 2 1/2 mg at a time, and do that for at least a couple weeks before reducing it some more.  It can take a while. You have time to mess with it, so you can go as slowly as you like. I’ve successfully reduced my Paxil to only 5 mg a day, plus .5 Ativan morning and evening.  But I’m still sleepy.  : ) Dot

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Ken, I’ve been on Celexa for several years, and it is my "miracle drug". YMMV depending on your chemical reaction to any medication…. Good luck!!!

I’ve been on Celexa for 1year 3months. It took about 8 weeks to start working and I developed a lot of side effects; prickly skin, itching rash, funny taste, teeth grinding, yawning, diarrhea, gas, restless night legs, purple blotches, insomnia and some sexual side effects.  My friend switched from Zoloft to Celexa and she said that the Zoloft side effects were worse than Celexa. So I’m wondering if I have had an atypical reaction.  I only ocassionally experience a side effect now (thankfully) but my dosage was increased from 20mg to 40mg about two months after I started because I didn’t feel it working.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – May I ask what was the horrible experience you had with Celexa? I’m taking it also and am trying to confirm some things. Hi All.. I have been taking Paxil 20mg a day for the past 6 months for Panic and Anxiety.  It has worked WONDERFUL!! I haven’t had a panic attack since around day 14 of starting paxil, after having a horrible experience with celexa. In the past month however, I am so tired I cannot seem to do anything at all.  I don’t remember being THIS tired when I started paxil, or in the previous 4 months. I am on day 5 of trying 15mg a day to see if that helps, but I’m experience some anxiety already along with a fuzzy feeling in my head. Should I go back up to 20mg and deal with the tiredness?  Any one have any ideas on how to combat the fatique?  Thanks!

sure Ken… Celexa doubled if not tripled my anxiety in the 2 months of use.. my panic attacks tripled and were incredibly more intense.. i could not sleep.. and had restless leg syndrome.. i was always nauseaus.. and sometimes i had so much energy i didn’t know what to do with myself.. that could have been due to the anxiety though.. it basicially did to me the exact opposite of what it was supposed to do.. hope that helps!

Response:

Hi All.. I have been taking Paxil 20mg a day for the past 6 months for Panic and Anxiety.  It has worked WONDERFUL!! I haven’t had a panic attack since around day 14 of starting paxil, after having a horrible experience with celexa. In the past month however, I am so tired I cannot seem to do anything at all.  I don’t remember being THIS tired when I started paxil, or in the previous 4 months.

I’m almost a week into weaning off Paxil CR, and going on to Lexapro. My PDoc called me a ‘textbook case of Paxil side effects’ – sleepiness, intense tiredness all the time, major concentration problems  were the biggies.  Actually at one time or another, I think I had every side effect except the sexual problems. I am on day 5 of trying 15mg a day to see if that helps, but I’m experience some anxiety already along with a fuzzy feeling in my head.

Are you working with a doctor on this?  What is his/her advice?  Can you start on another AD or a benzo while you wean off? Should I go back up to 20mg and deal with the tiredness?  Any one have any ideas on how to combat the fatique?  Thanks!

The best way I found to cope with the sleepiness and tiredness was to get *lots* of sleep.  If I didn’t get at least 9 hours, I was hopeless at work.  With that, and massive amounts of caffeine I survived.  I am so relieved to be getting off that stuff. Gypsy’s Wife, Partner, Lover, and Life Companion

Response:

May I ask what was the horrible experience you had with Celexa? I’m taking it also and am trying to confirm some things.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All.. I have been taking Paxil 20mg a day for the past 6 months for Panic and Anxiety.  It has worked WONDERFUL!! I haven’t had a panic attack since around day 14 of starting paxil, after having a horrible experience with celexa. In the past month however, I am so tired I cannot seem to do anything at all.  I don’t remember being THIS tired when I started paxil, or in the previous 4 months. I am on day 5 of trying 15mg a day to see if that helps, but I’m experience some anxiety already along with a fuzzy feeling in my head. Should I go back up to 20mg and deal with the tiredness?  Any one have any ideas on how to combat the fatique?  Thanks!

Response:

Hi All.. I have been taking Paxil 20mg a day for the past 6 months for Panic and Anxiety.  It has worked WONDERFUL!! I haven’t had a panic attack since around day 14 of starting paxil, after having a horrible experience with celexa. In the past month however, I am so tired I cannot seem to do anything at all.  I don’t remember being THIS tired when I started paxil, or in the previous 4 months. I am on day 5 of trying 15mg a day to see if that helps, but I’m experience some anxiety already along with a fuzzy feeling in my head. Should I go back up to 20mg and deal with the tiredness?  Any one have any ideas on how to combat the fatique?  Thanks!

Response:

Question:

I was told I have mild case of Gerd earlier this year. I was getting allot of acid reflux. Since then I have been on Protonix and the reflux has stopped, BUT I get a lump feeling in my throat everyday, and sometimes just feel sick to my stomach? Does anyone have these same symptoms or know what they are ? Thanks

Response:

I wish there were more people lurking around here…. I’m not sure, sorry!   try…..www.gerd-support.com/

Response:

I get this same feeling and was told, by my GI MD, that it’s called a "globus sensation," and is caused by acid coming back up the esophagus.  At first, I thought I was going to choke on some food remnants, however, after the cause was explained to me, I now know it’s just part of the reflux problem.  Have you told your MD about this?  I would if I were you, because it’s possible that the Protonix is not working fully for you, and/or your dosage may need to be changed.  I’ve been on Tagamet, Prilosec, Protonix, and Aciphex, and nothing has really worked for me.  Yesterday I went for an EGD (esophagogstroduodenoscopy) and for the first time in one year, I no longer had the "lump in the throat" feeling.  I can only hope it lasts for a long time.  In one week I will know the results of the biopsies taken during the EGD. Hope this helps. Sharon

Response:

I had the camera go down my throat, is that what you had. If so I wonder why you didnt have the lump sensation after having the procedure ?  I dont get the bad reflux like l use to so maybe just a little reflux cause the lump sensation…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I get this same feeling and was told, by my GI MD, that it’s called a "globus sensation," and is caused by acid coming back up the esophagus.  At first, I thought I was going to choke on some food remnants, however, after the cause was explained to me, I now know it’s just part of the reflux problem.  Have you told your MD about this?  I would if I were you, because it’s possible that the Protonix is not working fully for you, and/or your dosage may need to be changed.  I’ve been on Tagamet, Prilosec, Protonix, and Aciphex, and nothing has really worked for me.  Yesterday I went for an EGD (esophagogstroduodenoscopy) and for the first time in one year, I no longer had the "lump in the throat" feeling.  I can only hope it lasts for a long time.  In one week I will know the results of the biopsies taken during the EGD. Hope this helps. Sharon

Response:

Yes, it was the tube and camera.  Actually, I was told by my ENT a while back, during an endoscopic exam, that my esophagus was extremely narrow. Since I had the EGD yesterday, I have noticed that it is easier for me to swallow my daily pills/vitamins, and I attribute that to the procedure. However, my reflux is only a trifle better.  After the procedure, I barely had a sore throat yesterday afternoon and evening, and today I’m right as rain.  I think that during the procedure the doctor must have opened up my esophagus some, and maybe fixed a few other things, because the severe burning/acid reflux did not bother me from dawn to dusk today.  For cripe sakes, I even got reflux from plain Quaker Oats oatmeal!!  Yesterday the GI MD told me to add more fiber to my diet, which may help any digestive problems I may have.  As I stated in my previous email, I won’t know the results of the EGD for one week.  I have to take this one day at a time.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had the camera go down my throat, is that what you had. If so I wonder why you didnt have the lump sensation after having the procedure ?  I dont get the bad reflux like l use to so maybe just a little reflux cause the lump sensation….

Response:

Yes, I have the same symptoms, but my primary doc can’t explain the "lump" in my throat (actually, quite painful with trouble swallowing) that I’m having.  He treated me for GERD for several months, helped the heartburn but not the throat problem, so I’m off to a GI doc next week. Has your doc tried treating you for anxiety?  Mine did (with Xanax and Zoloft), and while it didn’t help me, it’s a common anxiety problem and perhaps a few weeks of trial meds could prove/disprove it for you? HTH, Chip

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was told I have mild case of Gerd earlier this year. I was getting allot of acid reflux. Since then I have been on Protonix and the reflux has stopped, BUT I get a lump feeling in my throat everyday, and sometimes just feel sick to my stomach? Does anyone have these same symptoms or know what they are ? Thanks

Response:

Question:

Thanks for your reply Doug.  :-)  I’m going to send it to my friend who asked the Effexor question.  So sorry it pooped out on you.  So many meds do that after a while.  {{{{{Doug}}}}} Di

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone taking Effexor?  How do you like it for panic/anxiety?  Any side effects?  You can post positives and negatives.  I don’t mind.  :-)  TIA Hugs, Di Diane, I took Effexor for about a year and found it to be approximately equal to Paxil.  That is, it significantly reduced my overall anxiety level, but couldn’t stop situational panic attacks.  A benzo was necessary to stop or prevent a panic attack.  (I have sp, not pd so I don’t know if a comparison can be made re. the pa’s.) I don’t recall the Effexor dose (either 75 or 150 mg per day), but it had roughly the same effect as my previous 40 mg of Paxil/day.  Since I had an abnormally high no. of side effects both on Paxil and Effexor, my comments in this area probably aren’t worth much to you so I’ll just skip them.  One major negative and it was a dandy:  After 1 year, the Effexor just quit working and I had to go back on Paxil. However, as you already know, if one drug stops working, another in the same category may very well get the job done. Doug

Response:

Anyone taking Effexor?  How do you like it for panic/anxiety?  Any side effects?  You can post positives and negatives.  I don’t mind.  :-)  TIA Hugs, Di

Response:

Anyone taking Effexor?  How do you like it for panic/anxiety?  Any side effects?  You can post positives and negatives.  I don’t mind.  :-)  TIA Hugs, Di

Hi Di! Pros: blocks PAs Cons: can raise your blood pressure so you have to monitor it on a regular basis; discontinuation syndrome when withdrawaling from the med tends to be more difficult than with most of the SSRIs (Paxil also tends to have a difficult withdrawal syndrome) Chip

Response:

I took effexor for panic/anxiety.  It didn’t do much for me besides the one side effect that I developed on the first day of taking it.  It was a dry cough that wouldn’t stop.  Especially at night.  I stopped taking it after 2 weeks, and still haven’t tried anything else.  Doing much better on my own, but of course there’s those off days.  LIKE TODAY!! S

Response:

do a search on google groups for many more answers than you could possibly read – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone taking Effexor?  How do you like it for panic/anxiety?  Any side effects?  You can post positives and negatives.  I don’t mind.  :-)  TIA Hugs, Di

Response:

Hi, Di, Don’t know anything about Effexor.  Probably one of the only meds I haven’t tried…  Are you thinking of going on it??? smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone taking Effexor?  How do you like it for panic/anxiety?  Any side effects?  You can post positives and negatives.  I don’t mind.  :-)  TIA Hugs, Di

Response:

Effexor (the non-XR variant) did nothing but make me more nervous. As a matter of fact the first few hours after taking effexor were so bad I had to plan when to take it. It also had some other bad side effects too (at least for me). -Doug

Response:

Anyone taking Effexor?  How do you like it for panic/anxiety?  Any side effects?  You can post positives and negatives.  I don’t mind.  :-)  TIA

Hi Diane, I take 225 mgs of Effexor SR. I also take klonazepam, .5 during the day and 1mg at night. I was on Paxil before that and it pooped out. I credit the Effexor with giving me my creativity back. I didn’t have any bad side effects, just slight nausea for a couple of days each time I increased the dose. But it’s worked well for depression and anxiety. The klonazepam helps for the anxiety, but eventually I will probably need less of it. The Effexor would be forever or until it poops out. Regards, kg.

Response:

Anyone taking Effexor?  How do you like it for panic/anxiety?  Any side effects?  You can post positives and negatives.  I don’t mind.  :-)  TIA Hugs, Di

Hi Diane! I take 150mg of Effexor XR daily. It helped me with anxiety/PAs, as well as depression. I had insomnia first few days that I went on it, and a little stomach discomfort, but other than that nothing. It *is* hard, however, to discontinue taking it – you have to wean off *very* slowly and be prepared for some flu-like symptoms and what have been referred to as "brain zaps", but I hear if you take your time weaning off these side effects are much milder or non-existent. I didn’t wean off as slowly as I should have. I went by the drug company’s recommendations, which were *not* helpful! HTH! Karen

Response:

Effexor XR has worked like a charm for me.  I started in the third week in June at 37.5mg.  The inital side effects were pretty tough, nausea, dizziness, lack of energy, sweating, and just a general foggy feeling which is hard to describe.  The side effects only lasted about a week and a half and the only real benefit from the starting dose was a mild mood improvement.  I started 75mg in the second week of july, no side effects but within 4 or 5 days I started to notice an improvement and began to get out more regularily with the aid of benzo.  The improvements increased over the next month and with the aid of the odd ativan, I pretty much had my life back and did what I pleased.  I still had some anxiety but it was more uncomfortable than controlling.   By mid september I cut the ativan out completely and realized that I just didn’t need it anymore and haven’t taken one since.  I suggested to my pdoc to up my effexor to 112.5mg to see if it would elimate even the mild and rare anxiety and within a week it did.  Anxiety is sometimes in the back of my mind but its almost like it was before when I didn’t even know what it was.  For the most part, I simply don’t even think about it. I suggest trying it and if the side effects come on strong, stick through it.  Its worth the chance of seeing if it can defeat the anxiety

Response:

Thanks Eros!  My friend will really appreciate this post.  I’m so happy for you that it’s working that well.  :-)  Please take care. Hugs, Di

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Effexor XR has worked like a charm for me.  I started in the third week in June at 37.5mg.  The inital side effects were pretty tough, nausea, dizziness, lack of energy, sweating, and just a general foggy feeling which is hard to describe.  The side effects only lasted about a week and a half and the only real benefit from the starting dose was a mild mood improvement.  I started 75mg in the second week of july, no side effects but within 4 or 5 days I started to notice an improvement and began to get out more regularily with the aid of benzo.  The improvements increased over the next month and with the aid of the odd ativan, I pretty much had my life back and did what I pleased.  I still had some anxiety but it was more uncomfortable than controlling.   By mid september I cut the ativan out completely and realized that I just didn’t need it anymore and haven’t taken one since.  I suggested to my pdoc to up my effexor to 112.5mg to see if it would elimate even the mild and rare anxiety and within a week it did.  Anxiety is sometimes in the back of my mind but its almost like it was before when I didn’t even know what it was.  For the most part, I simply don’t even think about it. I suggest trying it and if the side effects come on strong, stick through it.  Its worth the chance of seeing if it can defeat the anxiety

Response:

I am taking 75mg Effexor with Neurontin and Klonopin. I started out at 37.5 mg of Effexor for a week, then went to 75mg/day. I see my psydoc on May 21, and I am wondering if she will increase the dosage at that time, as I have read that effexor, being a tricyclic, is usually increased to higher dosages than the 75mg that I am presently taking. It seems to work OK,although I still need the klonopin as a back-up (three 1g tablets/day) to keep the anxiety at bay. I would like to hear from any effexor users about dosage increases and what dosage you are taking and if your doc increased the dosages gradually.  Thanks! —

Response:

I am taking 75mg Effexor with Neurontin and Klonopin. I started out at 37.5 mg of Effexor for a week, then went to 75mg/day. I see my psydoc on May 21, and I am wondering if she will increase the dosage at that time, as I have read that effexor, being a tricyclic, is usually increased to higher dosages than the 75mg that I am presently taking. It seems to work OK,although I still need the klonopin as a back-up (three 1g tablets/day) to keep the anxiety at bay. I would like to hear from any effexor users about dosage increases and what dosage you are taking and if your doc increased the dosages gradually.  Thanks!

     I titrated from 75 mg/day to 150 mg/day in a month or so.  You could increase the dose faster than a month (every four days or so), however I had to switch doctors in my case.  By the way, venlafaxine (Effexor) isn’t a tricyclic. Chris

Response:

I started out on 37.5 mg in Feb along with other meds, am now presently up to 300mg a day/ and still need klonapin . I think it will depend on how you adjust with each dose increase.  GOOD LUCK TO U

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi…. insomnia and other side effects….I expected this and have been going SLOWLY…but the lower I go, the worse it seems to be getting….. My doc prescribed 150mg of Effexor to help smooth the transition….I have taken MANY antidepressants in the past few years…..the problem is I gained From what I read, Effexor could either cause gain or loss….anyone have any input on this?  And how effective is it for the anxiety I feel now…which is not much….but will probably grow as I continue to decrease on my meds….. Please email me if possible as I don’t always check this newsgroup….. JOHN NEW JERSEY

Hi John: Well..I have gotten over the "transition" period with Effexor XR. I take 75mg’s a day, and 9mgs a day of Lectopam (a benzodiazepine..like klonipin..but not available in the U.S.) I don’t really see why you need to be taken off the klonipin, especially if you are going on the Effexor. The two have REALLY changed my life around. It took a few weeks alone..after coming off other meds, but a benzodiazepine calms me well while the Effexor XR (which seems to have THE best clincal track record) keeps me level and energized. Plus, I have actually started to lose weight. Unlike the SRI’s, Effexor is an SNRI, and the serotonin seems to balance out the effects of the norepinephrine increase. Plus, I find no real difficulties with fatigue, irritability, insomnia (was only tough at first..but built up from 37,5mgs), and even no reduced libido. If you aren’t on the XR..I would suggest looking into it…plus..if 150mgs is too tough at first..tell your doctor you’d like to start at between 50, and 75mgs. The Canadian monograph for Effexor XR suggests 75mgs once daily appears to be the "optimal"..150mg’s IF needed…higher doses reserved for hospitalized patients. (Which, I can’t understand why docs are precribing 300mg’s of this stuff to some people, not in psychiatric care???) With benzodiazepines you can develop "dependence", but NOT addiction, as plenty of medical research shows. I will send you medical articles if you like to show you the difference. With dependence, all’s that mean’s is you have to withdraw from it "slowly"….but you do not "crave" higher doses..and it too, is a very safe medication. Talk to your doc..and get back to us. Best wishes.. James — God(s), grant me the Senility To forget the people I never liked anyway, The good fortune To run over the ones I do, And the eyesight To tell the difference. Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country.     —Mayor Marion Barry, Washington, D.C. Neurosis is simply THE human condition; some just haven’t realized it yet. Anon

Response:

Hi…. insomnia and other side effects….I expected this and have been going SLOWLY…but the lower I go, the worse it seems to be getting….. My doc prescribed 150mg of Effexor to help smooth the transition….I have taken MANY antidepressants in the past few years…..the problem is I gained From what I read, Effexor could either cause gain or loss….anyone have any input on this?  And how effective is it for the anxiety I feel now…which is not much….but will probably grow as I continue to decrease on my meds….. Please email me if possible as I don’t always check this newsgroup….. JOHN NEW JERSEY

Response:

Miss Bruinhilde, a 6ft square block of womanhood with the biggest set of hooters I’ve ever seen. She got a good grip of both ears with her huge plate sized hands, pulled my head back between the triple Z cups and told the dentist to give it his best shot. I guarantee my head didn’t even

Any chance I could pay this Miss Bruinhilde to pay a visit to a certain male Aussie? <VBEG Jackie

Response:

WARNING: This contains stuff a graphic, but humourous, recounting of                   a dental procedure that may disturb anyone about                   to visit a dentist – or who should be – you                   listening  Philip??   )

Me? No, of course not! ) < snipped something to get to the *root* of the story <g – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been very fortunate to have a reasonably good set of fangs and no fear of dentistry, but having my one and only wisdom tooth removed was both hilarious and heart stopping. The tooth was really well rooted into the gum and no matter how much the dentist yanked on it, it wouldn’t budge. He thought part of the problem was the movement of my head when he was applying maximum pressure, so initially he got this very petite nurse to hold my head still. Naturally that didn’t work. She ended up being tossed from side to side like a seasick sailor. So Miss Petite was promptly replaced by Miss Bruinhilde, a 6ft square block of womanhood with the biggest set of hooters I’ve ever seen. She got a good grip of both ears with her huge plate sized hands, pulled my head back between the triple Z cups and told the dentist to give it his best shot. I guarantee my head didn’t even move a nanometre as the fang doctor yanked and twisted away for what seemed like hours. Finally, there was the almighty crack and the dentist went flying right over me and the chair, smashing his shoulder into the instrument tray/spittoon thingy on the way. So it ended up hurting him a lot more than me. I never felt a thing, except for the ears. They hurt like hell for some days!!  :-( Ian

ROTFL! Could have been a Buster Keaton movie….. Brrrr…. thanks for scaring me ) Philip (LOL) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know what you mean about sitting in a chair through a long dental procedure. this is my concern. I had an awful choking symptom last time. The dentist was reassuring but I still felt awful. I’ll make sure I have plenty of medication and I’ll be taking the tram, not driving. Good luck with the endoscopy, Meryl Funny you should mention this but I need to go to the dentist too  as soon as I can but have been putting it off. I need a root canal and the tooth goes through "quiet" times and the flares up some. My fear is that I will get in the chair and half way through the root canal I will panic and want to jump out of the chair which obviously I couldn’t if the root is exposed. If it were for just a cleaning I could handle it because I know in my head that I could stop if I panich. He said he could refer me to an endodontist who could "knock" me out, but I’m not sure how much that would cost. Anyhow, tomorrow I will face a similar situation. I have to go for an endoscopy at 2:30 PM and am afraid of the same thing and wan’t sure how much xanax I could take prior to going. I guess I should call my psychiatrist Thanks, Carmen I can see why you are confused! I take 1 mg of Xanax in the morning, .5 or 1 mg at lunchtime (depends on stress levels) and 1 mg at night. However tomorrow I will double the morning and lunchtime doses as I am going to the dentist. This is all with my psychiatrist’s permission/advice. I have been taking Xanax for 5 or 6 years and have not needed to increase my dosage. I started Efexor XR in September ‘99 (75 mg). This was increased to 150 mg this September. The Efexor is for depression. the Efexor/Xanax combo seems to work for me. Thanks Meryl Carmen Good luck, Meryl Hi Carmen, I also take Efexor XR (150) and Xanax (3 x 1mg). I suggest that it might be better to stay on your prescribed Xanax dose while you are adjusting to the increase in Efexor.  I find the combination works well for me. Remember the Xanax only works for a limited time and you are still having some panic symptoms. Take care, Meryl Thanks Jacke, that’s what I’m gonna do. He just upped it this past week and I think it just might be helping. I’m still having the attacks on and off every day but there seems to be a suttle lessening of the "intensity" of the attacks. Been getting shaky and anxious but the hot flash/rush is not there very much like it was a week ago. I hope I’m right. Anyhow, today was a pretty good day all in all, so I’ll just try to take it a day at a time. BTW, from the beginning of November, I had  been taking 1mg of xanax 3 times a day. That was after I got out of the hospital. When the severe attacks started (about 10 days ago) there were times I took it 4 times just to survive. Today I have only taken 2 doses of 1 mg , the last dose was at 2:45 this afternoon and I feel like I might not need another dose but I’m afraid it will effect me later. Not sure what to do and I can’t get the doc tonight, there is a fill in doc for the weekend I believe. Any advice??? Thanks again, Carmen My p doc just upped my Effexor XR from 150 mg to 225 ( 3 pills , 2 in the morning and 1 of them at 1:00 PM. I’m not sure but I may have not taken the 1 in the afternoon tablet. I just fixed my pill box and got them messed up a bit. Anyhow, my question is, should I take one and possibly be getting an extra 75mg or just wait till tomorrow. I’m also on Neurontin and in  the box they look so must alike. I have to take so many pills, I can’t hardly keep up with them even with the pillbox. Thanks anyone, Carmen Dear Carmen, Whenever in doubt, don`t take the pill. Just get back on track tomorrow. I have done this with my Paxil and thyroid med  Take care. Jackie

Response:

Well Gee Thanks Ian, I’ll keep that horror story in mind when I return to the dentist on Thursday! Meryl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – WARNING: This contains stuff a graphic, but humourous, recounting of                   a dental procedure that may disturb anyone about                   to visit a dentist – or who should be – you                   listening  Philip??   ) Hi Carmen,  Calling your psychiatrist sounds a good idea. 12 months ago I needed a colonoscopy. My GP told me to double my Xanax the night before and double them the morning of the procedure. His comment was that they will want you sedated anyway. Of course I told the anaesthetist (I had IV sedation). He understood about PD and mercifully I knew nothing of the procedure until it was over. Meryl, my mother had half her intestines removed a couple of years ago and now has colonoscopies regularly. I haven’t checked, but I’m fairly sure that they use one of the benzos IV to sedate her, and dad tells me that he’s getting worried about how much she is starting to enjoy the experience!!!!! (stand by for the "We told you benzos were addictive" comments from the usual loosers!!) <VBEG As for root canal work, my daughter had IV sedation when she had her wisdom teeth removed. The alternative was a general. I know the prices here but I’m not sure how they would compare. I’ve been very fortunate to have a reasonably good set of fangs and no fear of dentistry, but having my one and only wisdom tooth removed was both hilarious and heart stopping. The tooth was really well rooted into the gum and no matter how much the dentist yanked on it, it wouldn’t budge. He thought part of the problem was the movement of my head when he was applying maximum pressure, so initially he got this very petite nurse to hold my head still. Naturally that didn’t work. She ended up being tossed from side to side like a seasick sailor. So Miss Petite was promptly replaced by Miss Bruinhilde, a 6ft square block of womanhood with the biggest set of hooters I’ve ever seen. She got a good grip of both ears with her huge plate sized hands, pulled my head back between the triple Z cups and told the dentist to give it his best shot. I guarantee my head didn’t even move a nanometre as the fang doctor yanked and twisted away for what seemed like hours. Finally, there was the almighty crack and the dentist went flying right over me and the chair, smashing his shoulder into the instrument tray/spittoon thingy on the way. So it ended up hurting him a lot more than me. I never felt a thing, except for the ears. They hurt like hell for some days!!  :-( Ian I know what you mean about sitting in a chair through a long dental procedure. this is my concern. I had an awful choking symptom last time. The dentist was reassuring but I still felt awful. I’ll make sure I have plenty of medication and I’ll be taking the tram, not driving. Good luck with the endoscopy, Meryl Funny you should mention this but I need to go to the dentist too  as soon as I can but have been putting it off. I need a root canal and the tooth goes through "quiet" times and the flares up some. My fear is that I will get in the chair and half way through the root canal I will panic and want to jump out of the chair which obviously I couldn’t if the root is exposed. If it were for just a cleaning I could handle it because I know in my head that I could stop if I panich. He said he could refer me to an endodontist who could "knock" me out, but I’m not sure how much that would cost. Anyhow, tomorrow I will face a similar situation. I have to go for an endoscopy at 2:30 PM and am afraid of the same thing and wan’t sure how much xanax I could take prior to going. I guess I should call my psychiatrist Thanks, Carmen I can see why you are confused! I take 1 mg of Xanax in the morning, .5 or 1 mg at lunchtime (depends on stress levels) and 1 mg at night. However tomorrow I will double the morning and lunchtime doses as I am going to the dentist. This is all with my psychiatrist’s permission/advice. I have been taking Xanax for 5 or 6 years and have not needed to increase my dosage. I started Efexor XR in September ‘99 (75 mg). This was increased to 150 mg this September. The Efexor is for depression. the Efexor/Xanax combo seems to work for me. Thanks Meryl Carmen Good luck, Meryl Hi Carmen, I also take Efexor XR (150) and Xanax (3 x 1mg). I suggest that it might be better to stay on your prescribed Xanax dose while you are adjusting to the increase in Efexor.  I find the combination works well for me. Remember the Xanax only works for a limited time and you are still having some panic symptoms. Take care, Meryl Thanks Jacke, that’s what I’m gonna do. He just upped it this past week and I think it just might be helping. I’m still having the attacks on and off every day but there seems to be a suttle lessening of the "intensity" of the attacks. Been getting shaky and anxious but the hot flash/rush is not there very much like it was a week ago. I hope I’m right. Anyhow, today was a pretty good day all in all, so I’ll just try to take it a day at a time. BTW, from the beginning of November, I had  been taking 1mg of xanax 3 times a day. That was after I got out of the hospital. When the severe attacks started (about 10 days ago) there were times I took it 4 times just to survive. Today I have only taken 2 doses of 1 mg , the last dose was at 2:45 this afternoon and I feel like I might not need another dose but I’m afraid it will effect me later. Not sure what to do and I can’t get the doc tonight, there is a fill in doc for the weekend I believe. Any advice??? Thanks again, Carmen My p doc just upped my Effexor XR from 150 mg to 225 ( 3 pills , 2 in the morning and 1 of them at 1:00 PM. I’m not sure but I may have not taken the 1 in the afternoon tablet. I just fixed my pill box and got them messed up a bit. Anyhow, my question is, should I take one and possibly be getting an extra 75mg or just wait till tomorrow. I’m also on Neurontin and in  the box they look so must alike. I have to take so many pills, I can’t hardly keep up with them even with the pillbox. Thanks anyone, Carmen Dear Carmen, Whenever in doubt, don`t take the pill. Just get back on track tomorrow. I have done this with my Paxil and thyroid med  Take care. Jackie

Response:

I guess I can ask, but I would think he had a reason for the times for the doses? Thanks, Carmen

I’m sure he has. They do tend to get set in their ways. The tricyclic AD I take has a half-life only slightly shorter than the known age of the universe, so it shouldn’t matter when I take it. But I find I do better when I split the dose into three and take 1/3 at about the times I mentioned. Now it may be that its all just my imagination, but it may not all be. Ian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I take 2 – 75mg tablets when I get up . Total  of 150mgs.  Then I take 1-75mg tablet at 1:00 in the afternoon. Total of 225mg. They are XR. they are a capsule, sort of pinkish. Thanks, Carmen Just a thought, and one you should run past your doc before acting on, but why not take in when you get up, one at 1PM and one when you go to bed. Ian

Response:

WARNING: This contains stuff a graphic, but humourous, recounting of                   a dental procedure that may disturb anyone about                   to visit a dentist – or who should be – you                   listening  Philip??   ) Hi Carmen,  Calling your psychiatrist sounds a good idea. 12 months ago I needed a colonoscopy. My GP told me to double my Xanax the night before and double them the morning of the procedure. His comment was that they will want you sedated anyway. Of course I told the anaesthetist (I had IV sedation). He understood about PD and mercifully I knew nothing of the procedure until it was over.

Meryl, my mother had half her intestines removed a couple of years ago and now has colonoscopies regularly. I haven’t checked, but I’m fairly sure that they use one of the benzos IV to sedate her, and dad tells me that he’s getting worried about how much she is starting to enjoy the experience!!!!! (stand by for the "We told you benzos were addictive" comments from the usual loosers!!) <VBEG As for root canal work, my daughter had IV sedation when she had her wisdom teeth removed. The alternative was a general. I know the prices here but I’m not sure how they would compare.

I’ve been very fortunate to have a reasonably good set of fangs and no fear of dentistry, but having my one and only wisdom tooth removed was both hilarious and heart stopping. The tooth was really well rooted into the gum and no matter how much the dentist yanked on it, it wouldn’t budge. He thought part of the problem was the movement of my head when he was applying maximum pressure, so initially he got this very petite nurse to hold my head still. Naturally that didn’t work. She ended up being tossed from side to side like a seasick sailor. So Miss Petite was promptly replaced by Miss Bruinhilde, a 6ft square block of womanhood with the biggest set of hooters I’ve ever seen. She got a good grip of both ears with her huge plate sized hands, pulled my head back between the triple Z cups and told the dentist to give it his best shot. I guarantee my head didn’t even move a nanometre as the fang doctor yanked and twisted away for what seemed like hours. Finally, there was the almighty crack and the dentist went flying right over me and the chair, smashing his shoulder into the instrument tray/spittoon thingy on the way. So it ended up hurting him a lot more than me. I never felt a thing, except for the ears. They hurt like hell for some days!!  :-( Ian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I know what you mean about sitting in a chair through a long dental procedure. this is my concern. I had an awful choking symptom last time. The dentist was reassuring but I still felt awful. I’ll make sure I have plenty of medication and I’ll be taking the tram, not driving. Good luck with the endoscopy, Meryl Funny you should mention this but I need to go to the dentist too  as soon as I can but have been putting it off. I need a root canal and the tooth goes through "quiet" times and the flares up some. My fear is that I will get in the chair and half way through the root canal I will panic and want to jump out of the chair which obviously I couldn’t if the root is exposed. If it were for just a cleaning I could handle it because I know in my head that I could stop if I panich. He said he could refer me to an endodontist who could "knock" me out, but I’m not sure how much that would cost. Anyhow, tomorrow I will face a similar situation. I have to go for an endoscopy at 2:30 PM and am afraid of the same thing and wan’t sure how much xanax I could take prior to going. I guess I should call my psychiatrist Thanks, Carmen I can see why you are confused! I take 1 mg of Xanax in the morning, .5 or 1 mg at lunchtime (depends on stress levels) and 1 mg at night. However tomorrow I will double the morning and lunchtime doses as I am going to the dentist. This is all with my psychiatrist’s permission/advice. I have been taking Xanax for 5 or 6 years and have not needed to increase my dosage. I started Efexor XR in September ‘99 (75 mg). This was increased to 150 mg this September. The Efexor is for depression. the Efexor/Xanax combo seems to work for me. Thanks Meryl Carmen Good luck, Meryl Hi Carmen, I also take Efexor XR (150) and Xanax (3 x 1mg). I suggest that it might be better to stay on your prescribed Xanax dose while you are adjusting to the increase in Efexor.  I find the combination works well for me. Remember the Xanax only works for a limited time and you are still having some panic symptoms. Take care, Meryl Thanks Jacke, that’s what I’m gonna do. He just upped it this past week and I think it just might be helping. I’m still having the attacks on and off every day but there seems to be a suttle lessening of the "intensity" of the attacks. Been getting shaky and anxious but the hot flash/rush is not there very much like it was a week ago. I hope I’m right. Anyhow, today was a pretty good day all in all, so I’ll just try to take it a day at a time. BTW, from the beginning of November, I had  been taking 1mg of xanax 3 times a day. That was after I got out of the hospital. When the severe attacks started (about 10 days ago) there were times I took it 4 times just to survive. Today I have only taken 2 doses of 1 mg , the last dose was at 2:45 this afternoon and I feel like I might not need another dose but I’m afraid it will effect me later. Not sure what to do and I can’t get the doc tonight, there is a fill in doc for the weekend I believe. Any advice??? Thanks again, Carmen My p doc just upped my Effexor XR from 150 mg to 225 ( 3 pills , 2 in the morning and 1 of them at 1:00 PM. I’m not sure but I may have not taken the 1 in the afternoon tablet. I just fixed my pill box and got them messed up a bit. Anyhow, my question is, should I take one and possibly be getting an extra 75mg or just wait till tomorrow. I’m also on Neurontin and in  the box they look so must alike. I have to take so many pills, I can’t hardly keep up with them even with the pillbox. Thanks anyone, Carmen Dear Carmen, Whenever in doubt, don`t take the pill. Just get back on track tomorrow. I have done this with my Paxil and thyroid med  Take care. Jackie

Response:

Hi Carmen, I don’t think the timing really matters as they are XR. When I switched from 75 mg to 150 mg I was not sure how to use up my 75 mg tablets. Of course my psych was os. I had originally been advised to take 75 mg at night in case I became nauseated. I discussed the extra 75 mg with a friend who is a psych and he suggested 75 mg at night and 75 mg in the morning. Needless to say being the contrary person I am I took the whole 150 mg at night and it works out fine. (I now how 150 mg capsules). I find if I can simplify when I take my medication I am less likely to miss a dose or become confused. Take care, Meryl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I take 2 – 75mg tablets when I get up . Total  of 150mgs.  Then I take 1-75mg tablet at 1:00 in the afternoon. Total of 225mg. They are XR. they are a capsule, sort of pinkish. Thanks, Carmen My p doc just upped my Effexor XR from 150 mg to 225 ( 3 pills , 2 in the morning and 1 of them at 1:00 PM. I’m not sure but I may have not taken the 1 in the afternoon tablet. I just fixed my pill box and got them messed up a bit. Anyhow, my question is, should I take one and possibly be getting an extra 75mg or just wait till tomorrow. I’m also on Neurontin and in  the box they look so must alike. I have to take so many pills, I can’t hardly keep up with them even with the pillbox. Thanks anyone, Carmen CARMEN-PLease explain to me what doses are the pills you are taking??? If you are taking 225, you should only be taken 2-one at 150 and one at 75. I take both of mine together in the morning.They are time release form and last 24 hours. Please write back here. Thanks-Julie

Response:

Hi Carmen,  Calling your psychiatrist sounds a good idea. 12 months ago I needed a colonoscopy. My GP told me to double my Xanax the night before and double them the morning of the procedure. His comment was that they will want you sedated anyway. Of course I told the anaesthetist (I had IV sedation). He understood about PD and mercifully I knew nothing of the procedure until it was over. As for root canal work, my daughter had IV sedation when she had her wisdom teeth removed. The alternative was a general. I know the prices here but I’m not sure how they would compare. I know what you mean about sitting in a chair through a long dental procedure. this is my concern. I had an awful choking symptom last time. The dentist was reassuring but I still felt awful. I’ll make sure I have plenty of medication and I’ll be taking the tram, not driving. Good luck with the endoscopy, Meryl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Funny you should mention this but I need to go to the dentist too  as soon as I can but have been putting it off. I need a root canal and the tooth goes through "quiet" times and the flares up some. My fear is that I will get in the chair and half way through the root canal I will panic and want to jump out of the chair which obviously I couldn’t if the root is exposed. If it were for just a cleaning I could handle it because I know in my head that I could stop if I panich. He said he could refer me to an endodontist who could "knock" me out, but I’m not sure how much that would cost. Anyhow, tomorrow I will face a similar situation. I have to go for an endoscopy at 2:30 PM and am afraid of the same thing and wan’t sure how much xanax I could take prior to going. I guess I should call my psychiatrist Thanks, Carmen I can see why you are confused! I take 1 mg of Xanax in the morning, .5 or 1 mg at lunchtime (depends on stress levels) and 1 mg at night. However tomorrow I will double the morning and lunchtime doses as I am going to the dentist. This is all with my psychiatrist’s permission/advice. I have been taking Xanax for 5 or 6 years and have not needed to increase my dosage. I started Efexor XR in September ‘99 (75 mg). This was increased to 150 mg this September. The Efexor is for depression. the Efexor/Xanax combo seems to work for me. Thanks Meryl Carmen Good luck, Meryl Hi Carmen, I also take Efexor XR (150) and Xanax (3 x 1mg). I suggest that it might be better to stay on your prescribed Xanax dose while you are adjusting to the increase in Efexor.  I find the combination works well for me. Remember the Xanax only works for a limited time and you are still having some panic symptoms. Take care, Meryl Thanks Jacke, that’s what I’m gonna do. He just upped it this past week and I think it just might be helping. I’m still having the attacks on and off every day but there seems to be a suttle lessening of the "intensity" of the attacks. Been getting shaky and anxious but the hot flash/rush is not there very much like it was a week ago. I hope I’m right. Anyhow, today was a pretty good day all in all, so I’ll just try to take it a day at a time. BTW, from the beginning of November, I had  been taking 1mg of xanax 3 times a day. That was after I got out of the hospital. When the severe attacks started (about 10 days ago) there were times I took it 4 times just to survive. Today I have only taken 2 doses of 1 mg , the last dose was at 2:45 this afternoon and I feel like I might not need another dose but I’m afraid it will effect me later. Not sure what to do and I can’t get the doc tonight, there is a fill in doc for the weekend I believe. Any advice??? Thanks again, Carmen My p doc just upped my Effexor XR from 150 mg to 225 ( 3 pills , 2 in the morning and 1 of them at 1:00 PM. I’m not sure but I may have not taken the 1 in the afternoon tablet. I just fixed my pill box and got them messed up a bit. Anyhow, my question is, should I take one and possibly be getting an extra 75mg or just wait till tomorrow. I’m also on Neurontin and in  the box they look so must alike. I have to take so many pills, I can’t hardly keep up with them even with the pillbox. Thanks anyone, Carmen Dear Carmen, Whenever in doubt, don`t take the pill. Just get back on track tomorrow. I have done this with my Paxil and thyroid med  Take care. Jackie

Response:

That’s right. I have a new prescription that I have not filled yet since I still have some of the 75mg tablets. I don’t know but maybe the new prescription has 150mg tablets but I don’t think so. I would think that when he gets me to 300mg maybe they would be 2 – 150mg tablets.

I see no reason NOT to take the 3-75’s all together. I take the 2 150’s together in the morning. I am so forgetful that I wouldn’t remember to take it later in the day. Besides they are the time release capsules. That would work out just fine. But talk with your doctor first. I just refilled all my pill containers last night. I have one for vitamins too. It looks as if I have a drug shop right in my kitchen!!!! I even bought a plastic container to hold all my bottles for me! lol take care Carmen!,Julie

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Jacke, that’s what I’m gonna do. He just upped it this past week and I think it just might be helping. I’m still having the attacks on and off every day but there seems to be a suttle lessening of the "intensity" of the attacks. Been getting shaky and anxious but the hot flash/rush is not there very much like it was a week ago. I hope I’m right. Anyhow, today was a pretty good day all in all, so I’ll just try to take it a day at a time. BTW, from the beginning of November, I had  been taking 1mg of xanax 3 times a day. That was after I got out of the hospital. When the severe attacks started (about 10 days ago) there were times I took it 4 times just to survive. Today I have only taken 2 doses of 1 mg , the last dose was at 2:45 this afternoon and I feel like I might not need another dose but I’m afraid it will effect me later. Not sure what to do and I can’t get the doc tonight, there is a fill in doc for the weekend I believe. Any advice??? Thanks again, Carmen

Play it by ear, I’d say. If you can manage that would be great. But if you get *interdose anxiety*you can always take one more dose. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My p doc just upped my Effexor XR from 150 mg to 225 ( 3 pills , 2 in the morning and 1 of them at 1:00 PM. I’m not sure but I may have not taken the 1 in the afternoon tablet. I just fixed my pill box and got them messed up a bit. Anyhow, my question is, should I take one and possibly be getting an extra 75mg or just wait till tomorrow. I’m also on Neurontin and in  the box they look so must alike. I have to take so many pills, I can’t hardly keep up with them even with the pillbox. Thanks anyone, Carmen Dear Carmen, Whenever in doubt, don`t take the pill. Just get back on track tomorrow. I have done this with my Paxil and thyroid med  Take care. Jackie

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I guess I can ask, but I would think he had a reason for the times for the doses? Thanks, Carmen I take 2 – 75mg tablets when I get up . Total  of 150mgs.  Then I take 1-75mg tablet at 1:00 in the afternoon. Total of 225mg. They are XR. they are a capsule, sort of pinkish. Thanks, Carmen Just a thought, and one you should run past your doc before acting on, but why not take in when you get up, one at 1PM and one when you go to bed. Ian

if your doc is older then 55 many moons ago it was believed that the timing of medications to approximate some ancient speculated diurnal clock was more effective thus docs rxed the med dosing at various intervals during the day like take 10mg valium at 3pm and an ad 1 hour after-or take the ad before you even put your feet on the floor upon arising etc.. most of this has been debunked over the past 20 years and a few hold out simply to get people to habituate to taking meds at certain times feeling well it can’t hurt to schedule it stringently. LM

Response:

Thanks Meryl, My prescription was really screwed when I got out of the hospital. The filled prescriptions said 1 tablet 4 times a day but the discharge papers said "2" tablets 4 times a day. It was a Friday and the pdoc was out of town so the nurse just said take one and if you need 2 , just take them and she would check on it Monday. Monday came and she called me and said it was suppose to be 2 tablets. BTW, they are .5mg tablets. Anyhow, when I called one day when I had bad panic in the morning and wasn’t sure if I took the 2 tablets I called. She called me back and said " the doctor says that only one of the doses should be for 2 tablets and the rest should be 1 tablet. I told her "the bottle says 2 tablets 4 times a day. She called back again and said she spoke with the doc and he said not to change anything and that I should make an appointment which I did. When I saw him, he increased the Effexor and said he didn’t want to change anything just yet and to take what I have been. I assume he would rather I took less but I already was taking 2 tabs 3 x’s a day. The whole episode threw me into a panic state since I thought I was doing good only taking them 3 times instead of 4. I don’t know how long it takes for my body to go to a withdrawal since I have been taking them now for about 7 weeks. I have an appt with him in 2 weeks and I "assume" he will address the xanax. He had just said to be careful with them as they are "highly addictive". Imagine how I felt when I realized that the dose I was taking was on the high side and I had thought I was doing good with 3 doses. So in essence, he didn’t really "prescribe" any specific amount or times and sort of just said to be careful. I really don’t know what to do.   How often do you take your xanax and when did you start the Effexor? Thanks Meryl Carmen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi Carmen, I also take Efexor XR (150) and Xanax (3 x 1mg). I suggest that it might be better to stay on your prescribed Xanax dose while you are adjusting to the increase in Efexor.  I find the combination works well for me. Remember the Xanax only works for a limited time and you are still having some panic symptoms. Take care, Meryl Thanks Jacke, that’s what I’m gonna do. He just upped it this past week and I think it just might be helping. I’m still having the attacks on and off every day but there seems to be a suttle lessening of the "intensity" of the attacks. Been getting shaky and anxious but the hot flash/rush is not there very much like it was a week ago. I hope I’m right. Anyhow, today was a pretty good day all in all, so I’ll just try to take it a day at a time. BTW, from the beginning of November, I had  been taking 1mg of xanax 3 times a day. That was after I got out of the hospital. When the severe attacks started (about 10 days ago) there were times I took it 4 times just to survive. Today I have only taken 2 doses of 1 mg , the last dose was at 2:45 this afternoon and I feel like I might not need another dose but I’m afraid it will effect me later. Not sure what to do and I can’t get the doc tonight, there is a fill in doc for the weekend I believe. Any advice??? Thanks again, Carmen My p doc just upped my Effexor XR from 150 mg to 225 ( 3 pills , 2 in the morning and 1 of them at 1:00 PM. I’m not sure but I may have not taken the 1 in the afternoon tablet. I just fixed my pill box and got them messed up a bit. Anyhow, my question is, should I take one and possibly be getting an extra 75mg or just wait till tomorrow. I’m also on Neurontin and in  the box they look so must alike. I have to take so many pills, I can’t hardly keep up with them even with the pillbox. Thanks anyone, Carmen Dear Carmen, Whenever in doubt, don`t take the pill. Just get back on track tomorrow. I have done this with my Paxil and thyroid med  Take care. Jackie

Response:

I can ask when I talk to him. I do have a dated pill box but it is so full and it’s "separated with AM – Noon- Dinner- and bedtime. I don’t always take lunch pills at 1:00. My husband does help me remeber tho , sometimes Thanks, Carmen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – CARMEN-PLease explain to me what doses are the pills you are taking??? If you are taking 225, you should only be taken 2-one at 150 and one at 75. I am sure she is taking 75mg tablets, two in the AM, and one at 1pm. She can`t remember if she took the 3rd pill at 1Pm today. She was asking if she should take the 3rd tablet not knowing whether she had taken it at 1PM or not. I have done the same thing with Paxil and Synthroid, if I can`t remember, I don`t take Jackie Carmen -ask your doctor this, ok? Why do you have to split the 225 in 2 doses… Since the Effexor is the time release version, could you take the 225 all at once. This will eliminate the confusion. Now if you cannot find dated pill boxes, you can use a clean egg carton. Label the first egg holder with Mon-am, then the one behind it Mon afternoon. This way you will have a better track of taking your medication. I know it only covers 6 days, but you can tape an extra egg carton holder on the end to make it seven days. I use a dated pill holder for my pills. If I forget then I do not take it but I am a wreck all day long. Let us know how you are doing.love,Julie

Response:

I guess I can ask, but I would think he had a reason for the times for the doses? Thanks, Carmen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I take 2 – 75mg tablets when I get up . Total  of 150mgs.  Then I take 1-75mg tablet at 1:00 in the afternoon. Total of 225mg. They are XR. they are a capsule, sort of pinkish. Thanks, Carmen Just a thought, and one you should run past your doc before acting on, but why not take in when you get up, one at 1PM and one when you go to bed. Ian

Response:

I take 2 – 75mg tablets when I get up . Total  of 150mgs.  Then I take 1-75mg tablet at 1:00 in the afternoon. Total of 225mg. They are XR. they are a capsule, sort of pinkish. Thanks, Carmen

Just a thought, and one you should run past your doc before acting on, but why not take in when you get up, one at 1PM and one when you go to bed. Ian

Response:

Funny you should mention this but I need to go to the dentist too  as soon as I can but have been putting it off. I need a root canal and the tooth goes through "quiet" times and the flares up some. My fear is that I will get in the chair and half way through the root canal I will panic and want to jump out of the chair which obviously I couldn’t if the root is exposed. If it were for just a cleaning I could handle it because I know in my head that I could stop if I panich. He said he could refer me to an endodontist who could "knock" me out, but I’m not sure how much that would cost. Anyhow, tomorrow I will face a similar situation. I have to go for an endoscopy at 2:30 PM and am afraid of the same thing and wan’t sure how much xanax I could take prior to going. I guess I should call my psychiatrist Thanks, Carmen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I can see why you are confused! I take 1 mg of Xanax in the morning, .5 or 1 mg at lunchtime (depends on stress levels) and 1 mg at night. However tomorrow I will double the morning and lunchtime doses as I am going to the dentist. This is all with my psychiatrist’s permission/advice. I have been taking Xanax for 5 or 6 years and have not needed to increase my dosage. I started Efexor XR in September ‘99 (75 mg). This was increased to 150 mg this September. The Efexor is for depression. the Efexor/Xanax combo seems to work for me. Thanks Meryl Carmen Good luck, Meryl Hi Carmen, I also take Efexor XR (150) and Xanax (3 x 1mg). I suggest that it might be better to stay on your prescribed Xanax dose while you are adjusting to the increase in Efexor.  I find the combination works well for me. Remember the Xanax only works for a limited time and you are still having some panic symptoms. Take care, Meryl Thanks Jacke, that’s what I’m gonna do. He just upped it this past week and I think it just might be helping. I’m still having the attacks on and off every day but there seems to be a suttle lessening of the "intensity" of the attacks. Been getting shaky and anxious but the hot flash/rush is not there very much like it was a week ago. I hope I’m right. Anyhow, today was a pretty good day all in all, so I’ll just try to take it a day at a time. BTW, from the beginning of November, I had  been taking 1mg of xanax 3 times a day. That was after I got out of the hospital. When the severe attacks started (about 10 days ago) there were times I took it 4 times just to survive. Today I have only taken 2 doses of 1 mg , the last dose was at 2:45 this afternoon and I feel like I might not need another dose but I’m afraid it will effect me later. Not sure what to do and I can’t get the doc tonight, there is a fill in doc for the weekend I believe. Any advice??? Thanks again, Carmen My p doc just upped my Effexor XR from 150 mg to 225 ( 3 pills , 2 in the morning and 1 of them at 1:00 PM. I’m not sure but I may have not taken the 1 in the afternoon tablet. I just fixed my pill box and got them messed up a bit. Anyhow, my question is, should I take one and possibly be getting an extra 75mg or just wait till tomorrow. I’m also on Neurontin and in  the box they look so must alike. I have to take so many pills, I can’t hardly keep up with them even with the pillbox. Thanks anyone, Carmen Dear Carmen, Whenever in doubt, don`t take the pill. Just get back on track tomorrow. I have done this with my Paxil and thyroid med  Take care. Jackie

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – CARMEN-PLease explain to me what doses are the pills you are taking??? If you are taking 225, you should only be taken 2-one at 150 and one at 75. I am sure she is taking 75mg tablets, two in the AM, and one at 1pm. She can`t remember if she took the 3rd pill at 1Pm today. She was asking if she should take the 3rd tablet not knowing whether she had taken it at 1PM or not. I have done the same thing with Paxil and Synthroid, if I can`t remember, I don`t take Jackie

Carmen -ask your doctor this, ok? Why do you have to split the 225 in 2 doses… Since the Effexor is the time release version, could you take the 225 all at once. This will eliminate the confusion. Now if you cannot find dated pill boxes, you can use a clean egg carton. Label the first egg holder with Mon-am, then the one behind it Mon afternoon. This way you will have a better track of taking your medication. I know it only covers 6 days, but you can tape an extra egg carton holder on the end to make it seven days. I use a dated pill holder for my pills. If I forget then I do not take it but I am a wreck all day long. Let us know how you are doing.love,Julie

Response:

Hi Carmen,

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Meryl, My prescription was really screwed when I got out of the hospital. The filled prescriptions said 1 tablet 4 times a day but the discharge papers said "2" tablets 4 times a day. It was a Friday and the pdoc was out of town so the nurse just said take one and if you need 2 , just take them and she would check on it Monday. Monday came and she called me and said it was suppose to be 2 tablets. BTW, they are .5mg tablets. Anyhow, when I called one day when I had bad panic in the morning and wasn’t sure if I took the 2 tablets I called. She called me back and said " the doctor says that only one of the doses should be for 2 tablets and the rest should be 1 tablet. I told her "the bottle says 2 tablets 4 times a day. She called back again and said she spoke with the doc and he said not to change anything and that I should make an appointment which I did. When I saw him, he increased the Effexor and said he didn’t want to change anything just yet and to take what I have been. I assume he would rather I took less but I already was taking 2 tabs 3 x’s a day. The whole episode threw me into a panic state since I thought I was doing good only taking them 3 times instead of 4. I don’t know how long it takes for my body to go to a withdrawal since I have been taking them now for about 7 weeks. I have an appt with him in 2 weeks and I "assume" he will address the xanax. He had just said to be careful with them as they are "highly addictive". Imagine how I felt when I realized that the dose I was taking was on the high side and I had thought I was doing good with 3 doses. So in essence, he didn’t really "prescribe" any specific amount or times and sort of just said to be careful. I really don’t know what to do. How often do you take your xanax and when did you start the Effexor?

I can see why you are confused! I take 1 mg of Xanax in the morning, .5 or 1 mg at lunchtime (depends on stress levels) and 1 mg at night. However tomorrow I will double the morning and lunchtime doses as I am going to the dentist. This is all with my psychiatrist’s permission/advice. I have been taking Xanax for 5 or 6 years and have not needed to increase my dosage. I started Efexor XR in September ‘99 (75 mg). This was increased to 150 mg this September. The Efexor is for depression. the Efexor/Xanax combo seems to work for me. Thanks Meryl Carmen

Good luck, Meryl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Carmen, I also take Efexor XR (150) and Xanax (3 x 1mg). I suggest that it might be better to stay on your prescribed Xanax dose while you are adjusting to the increase in Efexor.  I find the combination works well for me. Remember the Xanax only works for a limited time and you are still having some panic symptoms. Take care, Meryl Thanks Jacke, that’s what I’m gonna do. He just upped it this past week and I think it just might be helping. I’m still having the attacks on and off every day but there seems to be a suttle lessening of the "intensity" of the attacks. Been getting shaky and anxious but the hot flash/rush is not there very much like it was a week ago. I hope I’m right. Anyhow, today was a pretty good day all in all, so I’ll just try to take it a day at a time. BTW, from the beginning of November, I had  been taking 1mg of xanax 3 times a day. That was after I got out of the hospital. When the severe attacks started (about 10 days ago) there were times I took it 4 times just to survive. Today I have only taken 2 doses of 1 mg , the last dose was at 2:45 this afternoon and I feel like I might not need another dose but I’m afraid it will effect me later. Not sure what to do and I can’t get the doc tonight, there is a fill in doc for the weekend I believe. Any advice??? Thanks again, Carmen My p doc just upped my Effexor XR from 150 mg to 225 ( 3 pills , 2 in the morning and 1 of them at 1:00 PM. I’m not sure but I may have not taken the 1 in the afternoon tablet. I just fixed my pill box and got them messed up a bit. Anyhow, my question is, should I take one and possibly be getting an extra 75mg or just wait till tomorrow. I’m also on Neurontin and in  the box they look so must alike. I have to take so many pills, I can’t hardly keep up with them even with the pillbox. Thanks anyone, Carmen Dear Carmen, Whenever in doubt, don`t take the pill. Just get back on track tomorrow. I have done this with my Paxil and thyroid med  Take care. Jackie

Response:

That’s right. I have a new prescription that I have not filled yet since I still have some of the 75mg tablets. I don’t know but maybe the new prescription has 150mg tablets but I don’t think so. I would think that when he gets me to 300mg maybe they would be 2 – 150mg tablets. I’m just gonna wait till tomorrow to get on track. I took the 2 xanax at 9:45 PM which was good because I hadn’t been able to go beyond 6 hours between doses, sometimes 4 hours. I’m hoping it’s the increased Effexor beginning to help. Anyhow, I guess time will tell. For now I am just grateful to not be shaking and sweating. I’ll speak with the doc tomorrow and find out what to do if I don’t feel like I need one of the doses of xanax. Thanks to all, Carmen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – CARMEN-PLease explain to me what doses are the pills you are taking??? If you are taking 225, you should only be taken 2-one at 150 and one at 75. I am sure she is taking 75mg tablets, two in the AM, and one at 1pm. She can`t remember if she took the 3rd pill at 1Pm today. She was asking if she should take the 3rd tablet not knowing whether she had taken it at 1PM or not. I have done the same thing with Paxil and Synthroid, if I can`t remember, I don`t take Jackie

Response:

CARMEN-PLease explain to me what doses are the pills you are taking??? If you are taking 225, you should only be taken 2-one at 150 and one at 75.

I am sure she is taking 75mg tablets, two in the AM, and one at 1pm. She can`t remember if she took the 3rd pill at 1Pm today. She was asking if she should take the 3rd tablet not knowing whether she had taken it at 1PM or not. I have done the same thing with Paxil and Synthroid, if I can`t remember, I don`t take Jackie

Response:

I take 2 – 75mg tablets when I get up . Total  of 150mgs.  Then I take 1-75mg tablet at 1:00 in the afternoon. Total of 225mg. They are XR. they are a capsule, sort of pinkish. Thanks, Carmen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My p doc just upped my Effexor XR from 150 mg to 225 ( 3 pills , 2 in the morning and 1 of them at 1:00 PM. I’m not sure but I may have not taken the 1 in the afternoon tablet. I just fixed my pill box and got them messed up a bit. Anyhow, my question is, should I take one and possibly be getting an extra 75mg or just wait till tomorrow. I’m also on Neurontin and in  the box they look so must alike. I have to take so many pills, I can’t hardly keep up with them even with the pillbox. Thanks anyone, Carmen CARMEN-PLease explain to me what doses are the pills you are taking??? If you are taking 225, you should only be taken 2-one at 150 and one at 75. I take both of mine together in the morning.They are time release form and last 24 hours. Please write back here. Thanks-Julie

Response:

My p doc just upped my Effexor XR from 150 mg to 225 ( 3 pills , 2 in the morning and 1 of them at 1:00 PM. I’m not sure but I may have not taken the 1 in the afternoon tablet. I just fixed my pill box and got them messed up a bit. Anyhow, my question is, should I take one and possibly be getting an extra 75mg or just wait till tomorrow. I’m also on Neurontin and in  the box they look so must alike. I have to take so many pills, I can’t hardly keep up with them even with the pillbox. Thanks anyone, Carmen

CARMEN-PLease explain to me what doses are the pills you are taking??? If you are taking 225, you should only be taken 2-one at 150 and one at 75. I take both of mine together in the morning.They are time release form and last 24 hours. Please write back here. Thanks-Julie

Response:

Hi Carmen, I also take Efexor XR (150) and Xanax (3 x 1mg). I suggest that it might be better to stay on your prescribed Xanax dose while you are adjusting to the increase in Efexor.  I find the combination works well for me. Remember the Xanax only works for a limited time and you are still having some panic symptoms. Take care, Meryl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Jacke, that’s what I’m gonna do. He just upped it this past week and I think it just might be helping. I’m still having the attacks on and off every day but there seems to be a suttle lessening of the "intensity" of the attacks. Been getting shaky and anxious but the hot flash/rush is not there very much like it was a week ago. I hope I’m right. Anyhow, today was a pretty good day all in all, so I’ll just try to take it a day at a time. BTW, from the beginning of November, I had  been taking 1mg of xanax 3 times a day. That was after I got out of the hospital. When the severe attacks started (about 10 days ago) there were times I took it 4 times just to survive. Today I have only taken 2 doses of 1 mg , the last dose was at 2:45 this afternoon and I feel like I might not need another dose but I’m afraid it will effect me later. Not sure what to do and I can’t get the doc tonight, there is a fill in doc for the weekend I believe. Any advice??? Thanks again, Carmen My p doc just upped my Effexor XR from 150 mg to 225 ( 3 pills , 2 in the morning and 1 of them at 1:00 PM. I’m not sure but I may have not taken the 1 in the afternoon tablet. I just fixed my pill box and got them messed up a bit. Anyhow, my question is, should I take one and possibly be getting an extra 75mg or just wait till tomorrow. I’m also on Neurontin and in  the box they look so must alike. I have to take so many pills, I can’t hardly keep up with them even with the pillbox. Thanks anyone, Carmen Dear Carmen, Whenever in doubt, don`t take the pill. Just get back on track tomorrow. I have done this with my Paxil and thyroid med  Take care. Jackie

Response:

My p doc just upped my Effexor XR from 150 mg to 225 ( 3 pills , 2 in the morning and 1 of them at 1:00 PM. I’m not sure but I may have not taken the 1 in the afternoon tablet. I just fixed my pill box and got them messed up a bit. Anyhow, my question is, should I take one and possibly be getting an extra 75mg or just wait till tomorrow. I’m also on Neurontin and in  the box they look so must alike. I have to take so many pills, I can’t hardly keep up with them even with the pillbox. Thanks anyone, Carmen

Dear Carmen, Whenever in doubt, don`t take the pill. Just get back on track tomorrow. I have done this with my Paxil and thyroid med  Take care. Jackie

Response:

Thanks Jacke, that’s what I’m gonna do. He just upped it this past week and I think it just might be helping. I’m still having the attacks on and off every day but there seems to be a suttle lessening of the "intensity" of the attacks. Been getting shaky and anxious but the hot flash/rush is not there very much like it was a week ago. I hope I’m right. Anyhow, today was a pretty good day all in all, so I’ll just try to take it a day at a time. BTW, from the beginning of November, I had  been taking 1mg of xanax 3 times a day. That was after I got out of the hospital. When the severe attacks started (about 10 days ago) there were times I took it 4 times just to survive. Today I have only taken 2 doses of 1 mg , the last dose was at 2:45 this afternoon and I feel like I might not need another dose but I’m afraid it will effect me later. Not sure what to do and I can’t get the doc tonight, there is a fill in doc for the weekend I believe. Any advice??? Thanks again, Carmen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My p doc just upped my Effexor XR from 150 mg to 225 ( 3 pills , 2 in the morning and 1 of them at 1:00 PM. I’m not sure but I may have not taken the 1 in the afternoon tablet. I just fixed my pill box and got them messed up a bit. Anyhow, my question is, should I take one and possibly be getting an extra 75mg or just wait till tomorrow. I’m also on Neurontin and in  the box they look so must alike. I have to take so many pills, I can’t hardly keep up with them even with the pillbox. Thanks anyone, Carmen Dear Carmen, Whenever in doubt, don`t take the pill. Just get back on track tomorrow. I have done this with my Paxil and thyroid med  Take care. Jackie

Response:

My p doc just upped my Effexor XR from 150 mg to 225 ( 3 pills , 2 in the morning and 1 of them at 1:00 PM. I’m not sure but I may have not taken the 1 in the afternoon tablet. I just fixed my pill box and got them messed up a bit. Anyhow, my question is, should I take one and possibly be getting an extra 75mg or just wait till tomorrow. I’m also on Neurontin and in  the box they look so must alike. I have to take so many pills, I can’t hardly keep up with them even with the pillbox. Thanks anyone, Carmen

Response:

Question:

Then I decided that this was a legitimate attempt by a well meaning person to provide a new product, and at the same time…make an honest living.

 Your sarcasm was appropriate…you were spammed…the kind of people who fall for this MLM crap tend to let themselves be brainwashed into believing what they claim. Check this out… http://www.worldwidescam.com/ http://www.quackwatch.com/

Response:

God dang Keith! After looking at those links you put my mind to rest…thanks! Well, you know, she did ADMIT that it was MLM, and….she was chicken to give me the company name. That was some of what got me fired up in the first place. And on top of that, she HAD to have gotten my name out of this support group! I suspect she lurked here, and noticed that I have a big mouth, and decided if she could win me over, then  she could "clean up" at the expense of the group members. And THAT is what brought out the rattlesnake in my personality!! Thanks again friend, Mark <somewhere in the deep south bible belt just north of the catholic zone – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Then I decided that this was a legitimate attempt by a well meaning person to provide a new product, and at the same time…make an honest living.  Your sarcasm was appropriate…you were spammed…the kind of people who fall for this MLM crap tend to let themselves be brainwashed into believing what they claim. Check this out… http://www.worldwidescam.com/ http://www.quackwatch.com/

Response:

  Hello:  Hello Who?? You send me e mail and you dont even know my  name? *Tip- People will usually buy something if you say their  favorite word…that being, their name. Remember this. I retired  a rich man due to my gift of salesmanship. If you received this post previously, I apologize for the intrusion.

 Ok, here….you start out apologizing. Not good. You admit that  there is an aspect of incompetence in your record keeping. You   admit you dont even know who you have been contacting. I  would rethink this also. *Tip- You MUST come up with a way  to incorporate first names. I represent a Network Marketing company that just came out with a natural alternative to Prozac, L-5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan).

 Ok, very nice and semi-impressive. Big Word, and an abbreviation  combined with the number five. Is that the significant molecular  combination….or just a cool marketing number. *Tip- I would  recommend a double digit number. It sounds more potent. Possibly  thirty-seven. Also, are you ashamed of the name of your company, or are planning an illegal activity and I am your target? L-5-HTP is a metabolite of tryptophan; a natural plant extract that raises serotonin levels in the brain without the harmful side effects of pharmaceutical antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, etc.

 I would never accept this statement without personal research. And also,  natural extracts are indeed chemical elements, and can have just as  significant a reaction to the body, or dangerous interaction with other  medicines as prescription varieties. Once something "natural" is extracted,  then it is no longer "natural".  It relieves depression, anxiety/panic disorders, OCD, migraine headaches, insomnia, eating disorders, PMS, violent or aggressive tendencies,alcoholism, fibromyalgia, and more.

 What about male pattern baldness, La Nina regional drought, irregular  tire-tread wear, feline rebellion, bikini tan-lines, and poor cable  reception?  *Tip- the intelligent reader might find this somewhat exploitive by its  probable exaggeration. The less intelligent reader would like to hear about  genital enlargement properties. It is being used with great success by healthcare professionals

worldwide.  Ok. Tip time again. *If you are going to make such a claim, then why didn’t  you go ahead and list references? Such is standard practice by persons  who are both professional and sincere. Maybe you are otherwise?  If not, then name the "worldwide" healthcare professionals rushing to   advocate it. If you would like me to mail you a brochure and more information, I would be happy to send it to you.

 Scaaaary! You found me by e mail didn’t you? Then why not make the  information available the same way. Could it be….that you would like  to have my home address? Would you like to give me yours? How detestible is this? Uh…Very! Sincerely,

 I’m not so sure about that right now. Linda Hoffman

 I wouldnt mind an e mailed copy of the abstract.

Response:

The following discourse is an example of how I started out thinking I was being "spammed" and someone anonymous was trying to get my address. Then I conjected that everyone in the group got this message, and was being exploited.     Then I decided that this was a legitimate attempt by a well meaning person to provide a new product, and at the same time…make an honest living.     Now I dont know what the hell to think, and I feel like an asshole for being so sarcastic.    My need right now is to tell you that my moods are swinging pretty far, and I am uncomfortable in my own skin. One minute I have almost uncontrollable aggression, then I have remorse. Then I have uncertaintly as to which one is appropriate.     How do you spell, "chill pill"? Mark – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello:  Hello Who?? You send me e mail and you dont even know my  name? *Tip- People will usually buy something if you say their  favorite word…that being, their name. Remember this. I retired  a rich man due to my gift of salesmanship. If you received this post previously, I apologize for the intrusion.  Ok, here….you start out apologizing. Not good. You admit that  there is an aspect of incompetence in your record keeping. You   admit you dont even know who you have been contacting. I  would rethink this also. *Tip- You MUST come up with a way  to incorporate first names. I represent a Network Marketing company that just came out with a natural alternative to Prozac, L-5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan).  Ok, very nice and semi-impressive. Big Word, and an abbreviation  combined with the number five. Is that the significant molecular  combination….or just a cool marketing number. *Tip- I would  recommend a double digit number. It sounds more potent. Possibly  thirty-seven. Also, are you ashamed of the name of your company, or are planning an illegal activity and I am your target? L-5-HTP is a metabolite of tryptophan; a natural plant extract that raises serotonin levels in the brain without the harmful side effects of pharmaceutical antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, etc.  I would never accept this statement without personal research. And also,  natural extracts are indeed chemical elements, and can have just as  significant a reaction to the body, or dangerous interaction with other  medicines as prescription varieties. Once something "natural" is extracted,  then it is no longer "natural".  It relieves depression, anxiety/panic disorders, OCD, migraine headaches, insomnia, eating disorders, PMS, violent or aggressive tendencies,alcoholism, fibromyalgia, and more.  What about male pattern baldness, La Nina regional drought, irregular  tire-tread wear, feline rebellion, bikini tan-lines, and poor cable  reception?  *Tip- the intelligent reader might find this somewhat exploitive by its  probable exaggeration. The less intelligent reader would like to hear about  genital enlargement properties. It is being used with great success by healthcare professionals worldwide.  Ok. Tip time again. *If you are going to make such a claim, then why didn’t  you go ahead and list references? Such is standard practice by persons  who are both professional and sincere. Maybe you are otherwise?  If not, then name the "worldwide" healthcare professionals rushing to   advocate it. If you would like me to mail you a brochure and more information, I would be happy to send it to you.  Scaaaary! You found me by e mail didn’t you? Then why not make the  information available the same way. Could it be….that you would like  to have my home address? Would you like to give me yours? How detestible is this? Uh…Very! Sincerely,  I’m not so sure about that right now. Linda Hoffman  I wouldnt mind an e mailed copy of the abstract.

Response:

Writing is a good way to vent, what I sometimes do, …is saving the post to be sent later. I reread them a short time later, edit them to be softer if need be …then send if I still want to respond. I’ve been enjoying your posts, but more because I’m learning about you than seeing the conflicts unfold. Stay relaxed friend, Garland – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The following discourse is an example of how I started out thinking I was being "spammed" and someone anonymous was trying to get my address. Then I conjected that everyone in the group got this message, and was being exploited.     Then I decided that this was a legitimate attempt by a well meaning person to provide a new product, and at the same time…make an honest living.     Now I dont know what the hell to think, and I feel like an asshole for being so sarcastic.    My need right now is to tell you that my moods are swinging pretty far, and I am uncomfortable in my own skin. One minute I have almost uncontrollable aggression, then I have remorse. Then I have uncertaintly as to which one is appropriate.     How do you spell, "chill pill"? Mark Hello:  Hello Who?? You send me e mail and you dont even know my  name? *Tip- People will usually buy something if you say their  favorite word…that being, their name. Remember this. I retired  a rich man due to my gift of salesmanship. If you received this post previously, I apologize for the intrusion.  Ok, here….you start out apologizing. Not good. You admit that  there is an aspect of incompetence in your record keeping. You   admit you dont even know who you have been contacting. I  would rethink this also. *Tip- You MUST come up with a way  to incorporate first names. I represent a Network Marketing company that just came out with a natural alternative to Prozac, L-5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan).  Ok, very nice and semi-impressive. Big Word, and an abbreviation  combined with the number five. Is that the significant molecular  combination….or just a cool marketing number. *Tip- I would  recommend a double digit number. It sounds more potent. Possibly  thirty-seven. Also, are you ashamed of the name of your company, or are planning an illegal activity and I am your target? L-5-HTP is a metabolite of tryptophan; a natural plant extract that raises serotonin levels in the brain without the harmful side effects of pharmaceutical antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, etc.  I would never accept this statement without personal research. And also,  natural extracts are indeed chemical elements, and can have just as  significant a reaction to the body, or dangerous interaction with other  medicines as prescription varieties. Once something "natural" is extracted,  then it is no longer "natural".  It relieves depression, anxiety/panic disorders, OCD, migraine headaches, insomnia, eating disorders, PMS, violent or aggressive tendencies,alcoholism, fibromyalgia, and more.  What about male pattern baldness, La Nina regional drought, irregular  tire-tread wear, feline rebellion, bikini tan-lines, and poor cable  reception?  *Tip- the intelligent reader might find this somewhat exploitive by its  probable exaggeration. The less intelligent reader would like to hear about  genital enlargement properties. It is being used with great success by healthcare professionals worldwide.  Ok. Tip time again. *If you are going to make such a claim, then why didn’t  you go ahead and list references? Such is standard practice by persons  who are both professional and sincere. Maybe you are otherwise?  If not, then name the "worldwide" healthcare professionals rushing to   advocate it. If you would like me to mail you a brochure and more information, I would be happy to send it to you.  Scaaaary! You found me by e mail didn’t you? Then why not make the  information available the same way. Could it be….that you would like  to have my home address? Would you like to give me yours? How detestible is this? Uh…Very! Sincerely,  I’m not so sure about that right now. Linda Hoffman  I wouldnt mind an e mailed copy of the abstract.

Response:

Question:

Hello, I started taking Zoloft last friday(25mg/day) and I’ve already started feeling more relaxed, but I’m getting some unpleasant side effects. I’m having problems concentrating & sleeping and my head feels heavy and as if an uncomfortable amount of presure was being applied to it. I’ve lowered my dosage to 5mg a day and the problems concentrating has mostly gone and the other problems aren’t as bad but are still there. Can I expect these side effects to go away with time? If so, how long? If they don’t go away, am I likely to have better luck with a different SSRI or to have the same problems? Also, I’m considering taking melatonin to help with sleeping. Does anyone have experience using melatonin with Zoloft? Steve

Response:

I have tried many SSRI’s for my anxiety, and have not found one I am completely happy with yet.  I have consistently been on clonazepam, though, and it works wonderfully.  My doctor says the SSRI’s have different side effects for everyone…your individual brain’s biochemistry will determine how well each one works for you and how many side effects you encounter.  I am currently on Prozac, but it, like all the SSRI’s I have tried, have sexual side effects for me.  But certainly some have been much better than others. Sexual effects aside, Zoloft was by far the worst for me (I couldn’t stop tensing up, grinding my teeth, even on 1/2 of the lowest dosage) while Paxil had the best anxiolytic effects.  So my opinion would be to give it a shot. If the side effects remain, keep trying the other ones until you find one that works for you.

Response:

Hi Steve, I started taking Zoloft last friday(25mg/day) and I’ve already started feeling more relaxed, but I’m getting some unpleasant side effects. I’m having problems concentrating & sleeping and my head feels heavy and as if an uncomfortable amount of presure was being applied to it.

It is very common to have a increase in anxiety while weaning on anti-depressants. I’ve lowered my dosage to 5mg a day and the problems concentrating has mostly gone and the other problems aren’t as bad but are still there. Can I expect these side effects to go away with time?

They should go away with time. It is hard to say how long you will have to put up with these side-effects. Ask your doctor for a scrpt for a benzo, such as Xanax, or Klonopin, it will help with these side-effects.  If so, how long? This varies from  person to person, but hopefully not more than a few weeks. If they don’t go away, am I likely to have better luck with a different SSRI or to have the same problems?

All anti-depressants can cause a increase in anxiety while weaning on them. It really is a normal,  and quite common to experience some side-effects while weaning on Ad`s. You could switch from Zoloft to Paxil, and find you have the same side-effects, or it is much worse on Paxil. No one can tell you how you will react on any medication, it is a matter of you getting on the med and seeing for yourself. Please don`t get discouraged, it does get better. Let me suggest instead of taking 25mgs of Zoloft, go to 12.5mgs, and do all your increases in 12.5mg increments, and stay at each increase for one week. You may find this helps lessen those side-effects you were feeling. We have a poster here that has had great success weaning on Zoloft in this manner. It can`t hurt to try. Unfortunately, sometimes to get better, we have to tolerate side-effects of certain meds, that will eventually help us. Also, I’m considering taking melatonin to help with sleeping. Does anyone have experience using melatonin with Zoloft?

I am not sure about the safety with taking Melatonin and Zoloft, so I can`t comment. If you are having problems with sleep, don`t take the Zoloft in the PM, take it in the AM. You could ask your doctor for a prescription for something to aid your sleep, Ambien from what I hear is good. Another option, and of course ask your doctor, is to take Benadryl, also known as "Diphenhydramine", it is a anti-histamine, but is quite a effective sleep aid. And is okay for long term use. Take care and hang in there, it will get better Jackie

Response:

I just recently started taking Zoloft also and had some side effects, too.  I’ve been on it for about two weeks now and it seems to have gotten better.  I noticed Jackie mentioned to you that Ambien is good for sleep.  I take that also, and it knocks me out.  I started out on 10 mgs. and down to 5 mgs. because I was feeling groggy the next day from it.  I can sometimes now take 2.5 mgs. and still get a good night’s sleep. Karen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I started taking Zoloft last friday(25mg/day) and I’ve already started feeling more relaxed, but I’m getting some unpleasant side effects. I’m having problems concentrating & sleeping and my head feels heavy and as if an uncomfortable amount of presure was being applied to it. I’ve lowered my dosage to 5mg a day and the problems concentrating has mostly gone and the other problems aren’t as bad but are still there. Can I expect these side effects to go away with time? If so, how long? If they don’t go away, am I likely to have better luck with a different SSRI or to have the same problems? Also, I’m considering taking melatonin to help with sleeping. Does anyone have experience using melatonin with Zoloft? Steve

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

Response:

Hello, I started taking Zoloft last friday(25mg/day) and I’ve already started feeling more relaxed, but I’m getting some unpleasant side effects. I’m having problems concentrating & sleeping and my head feels heavy and as if an uncomfortable amount of presure was being applied to it. I’ve lowered my dosage to 5mg a day and the problems concentrating has mostly gone and the other problems aren’t as bad but are still there.

Hey, how did you do that? Does Zoloft come in tabs of 10 mgs which you cut in two? I wasn’t aware of that. Can I expect these side effects to go away with time? If so, how long?

The lower you start and the slower you raise the dose, the lesser the SE’s. A benzo on the side is also helpful. Yes, these SE’s should go away but it’s difficult to say when. You might experience some every time you up the dose. You should give Zoloft a fair trial of eight weeks on therapeutic dosage. Side effects may well disappear before that time but as you wean on very slowly (which is *good*) it may take a while. If they don’t go away, am I likely to have better luck with a different SSRI or to have the same problems?

If after eight weeks on a therapeutic dose the SE’s haven’t gone away – but there’s no reason now to think they won’t – it might be a good idea to try another SSRI. It’s often done and it’s done quickly as you don’t have to wean off of one first before being able to get on the other one. But this is not the time to think of that. First give Zoloft a fair trial. Also, I’m considering taking melatonin to help with sleeping. Does anyone have experience using melatonin with Zoloft?

Melatonin doesn’t seem the first choice med for insomnia. Do you take your Zoloft in the evening? In that case you might want to try to take it in the morning which might help with your insomnia. If  insomnia is a product or symptom of PD it will get away when PD is treated properly. If you do need a med, try Ambien or Trazodone, I’d say IMO. Steve

Philip

Response:

Hi Steve, I started taking Zoloft last friday(25mg/day) and I’ve already started feeling more relaxed, but I’m getting some unpleasant side effects. I’m having problems concentrating & sleeping and my head feels heavy and as if an uncomfortable amount of presure was being applied to it. It is very common to have a increase in anxiety while weaning on anti-depressants.

Jackie, Thanks for responding, but I think you misread my above post – I’m not feeling anxiety at all on Zoloft – it works great emotionally it just makes me feel physicaly ill.(as described above) Steve

Response:

I started taking Zoloft last friday(25mg/day) and I’ve already started feeling more relaxed, but I’m getting some unpleasant side effects. I’m having problems concentrating & sleeping and my head feels heavy and as if an uncomfortable amount of presure was being applied to it. I’ve lowered my dosage to 5mg a day and the problems concentrating has mostly gone and the other problems aren’t as bad but are still there. Hey, how did you do that? Does Zoloft come in tabs of 10 mgs which you cut in two? I wasn’t aware of that.

The starter pack I got came with some 25mg pills which I quatered. (It wasn’t easy!) Can I expect these side effects to go away with time? If so, how long? The lower you start and the slower you raise the dose, the lesser the SE’s. A benzo on the side is also helpful. Yes, these SE’s should go away but it’s difficult to say when. You might experience some every time you up the dose. You should give Zoloft a fair trial of eight weeks on therapeutic dosage. Side effects may well disappear before that time but as you wean on very slowly (which is *good*) it may take a while.

I don’t understand how a benzo will help with headaches(?) I thought benzo’s only got rid of anxiety – the Zoloft has already done that. Please explain. Steve

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started taking Zoloft last friday(25mg/day) and I’ve already started feeling more relaxed, but I’m getting some unpleasant side effects. I’m having problems concentrating & sleeping and my head feels heavy and as if an uncomfortable amount of presure was being applied to it. I’ve lowered my dosage to 5mg a day and the problems concentrating has mostly gone and the other problems aren’t as bad but are still there. Hey, how did you do that? Does Zoloft come in tabs of 10 mgs which you cut in two? I wasn’t aware of that. The starter pack I got came with some 25mg pills which I quatered. (It wasn’t easy!) Can I expect these side effects to go away with time? If so, how long? The lower you start and the slower you raise the dose, the lesser the SE’s. A benzo on the side is also helpful. Yes, these SE’s should go away but it’s difficult to say when. You might experience some every time you up the dose. You should give Zoloft a fair trial of eight weeks on therapeutic dosage. Side effects may well disappear before that time but as you wean on very slowly (which is *good*) it may take a while. I don’t understand how a benzo will help with headaches(?) I thought benzo’s only got rid of anxiety – the Zoloft has already done that. Please explain. Steve

Ideally a benzo should also help with sleeping and the feeling of pressure in your head. You may not call them that but these are also anxiety symptoms. Philip

Response:

Thanks for responding, but I think you misread my above post – I’m not feeling anxiety at all on Zoloft – it works great emotionally it just makes me feel physicaly ill.(as described above) Steve

Hi Steve, If it is not anxiety it is most definitly a side-effect of the Zoloft. It should pass with time. A benzo might help alleviate some of the symtpoms. Good Luck!! Jackie

Response:

I started taking Zoloft last friday(25mg/day) and I’ve already started feeling more relaxed, but I’m getting some unpleasant side effects. I’m having problems concentrating & sleeping and my head feels heavy and as if an uncomfortable amount of presure was being applied to it.

<snipped Also, I’m considering taking melatonin to help with sleeping. Does anyone have experience using melatonin with Zoloft?

I took Melatonin with Zoloft with my doctors OK, but certainly discuss this with your doctor before deciding to do it. There are certainly other options out there that may be more beneficial for you. Ray

Response:

I don’t understand how a benzo will help with headaches(?) I thought benzo’s only got rid of anxiety – the Zoloft has already done that. Ideally a benzo should also help with sleeping and the feeling of pressure in your head. You may not call them that but these are also anxiety symptoms.

Oh, I see. That’s interesting. I’ve never had those symptoms before taking zoloft. Steve

Response:

I don’t understand how a benzo will help with headaches(?) I thought benzo’s only got rid of anxiety – the Zoloft has already done that. Ideally a benzo should also help with sleeping and the feeling of pressure in your head. You may not call them that but these are also anxiety symptoms. Oh, I see. That’s interesting. I’ve never had those symptoms before taking zoloft. Steve

I was going to ask about this…Since I went to 100 mg, I have had a pressure in my forehead at times…Not a headache, but the kind of feeling you get when you realize that you’ve been tightening your forehead for hours…I know this could be anxiety, but my anxiety has been much better and I haven’t had this before…It’s almost like the Zoloft has the front of my brain in overdrive now…What are the long term affects of these drugs anyway…Do they permanently alter brain chemistry?  I don’t feel different really, but I don’t want to find out when I’m done that I have permanent needs for these things… — Charles Phipps

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello All,    After starting Zoloft (100mg) 10 days ago I have been experiencing some uncomfortable side effects (nervousness, lightheadedness, irritability, etc.).  At this time, the Zoloft seems to be inducing panic attacks, not preventing them.  My doctor had warned me of this and advised me to "weather the storm" and give the meds a few weeks to take effect.  Has anyone experienced similar side effects with Zoloft (or other SSRIs)?  And, if so, how long did it take for these to subside?  I realize that everyone reacts differently to meds, but I’m  looking for some relief in the fact that I am not alone, and other people have shared similar experiences. Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year— Danno

Zoloft does indeed induce panic in the starting stages.  Many doctors realize this, and start the Zoloft at a very low dose, increasing it gradually over a period of months.  The starting dose can be as low as 12.5 mg every other day, working up to the therapeutic dose from there.  Another way of fighting the panic in the early stages of Zoloft is with a short-term prescription for Xanax or another benzodiazepine during the initial high-anxiety period.  If you are having trouble with the Zoloft, please suggest these ideas to your doctor. Hirsch address in header has been changed to avoid junk mail

Response:

Hello All,         After starting Zoloft (100mg) 10 days ago I have been experiencing some uncomfortable side effects (nervousness, lightheadedness, irritability, etc.).  At this time, the Zoloft seems to be inducing panic attacks, not preventing them.  My doctor had warned me of this and advised me to "weather the storm" and give the meds a few weeks to take effect.  Has anyone experienced similar side effects with Zoloft (or other SSRIs)?  And, if so, how long did it take for these to subside?  I realize that everyone reacts differently to meds, but I’m  looking for some relief in the fact that I am not alone, and other people have shared similar experiences. Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year— Danno

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello All,        After starting Zoloft (100mg) 10 days ago I have been experiencing some uncomfortable side effects (nervousness, lightheadedness, irritability, etc.).  At this time, the Zoloft seems to be inducing panic attacks, not preventing them.  My doctor had warned me of this and advised me to "weather the storm" and give the meds a few weeks to take effect.  Has anyone experienced similar side effects with Zoloft (or other SSRIs)?   And, if so, how long did it take for these to subside?  I realize that everyone reacts differently to meds, but I’m  looking for some relief in the fact that I am not alone, and other people have shared similar experiences. Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year— Danno

Hi Danno I just started taking Zoloft also.  My doctor started me out with 50mg and suggested that I take 1/2 for a while until I get used to it.  I experienced some side effects; nausea, diareah, anxiousness; but after a week I was able to increase my dosage to the full 50mg.  It has taken another week at the full dosage to feel O.K.  The side effects seem to be going away.  Now it’s time to see if it will really help me with my PA’s Good Luck, ttfn Kathy

Response:

I have also recently started taking Zoloft and the same has happened to me.  My doctor also gave me the same advice.  At this point I am on 100mg and also taking xanex once a day.  I will continue this and see how it works.  I know how you feel but hang in there.

Response: