Question:

Has anyone noticed irritability as being a side effect of the flovent???? predisone?? Smile…and have a nice day!!

Yes and yes. Irritability can be a side effect of steroids, and High Dose inhaled steroids, like Flovent 220  4 pf/day, is roughly equivalent to around 5 mg pred (per my allergist) So the idea is to use steroid sparing drugs; like Serevent, Intal, TheoDur, Singulair. I use all of them. Cuts the inhaled steroids required by a factor of 2 or more. Its not as complicated as it may look; I take my drugs twice a day; the only thing I carry with me is a Ventolin inhaler for rescue or exercise, which I rarely use. Also to use a Peak Flow Meter and adjust inhaled steroids up and down as necessary, to stay in Green Zone, per Action Plan. Not just take a big dose of steroids all the time. At least this works for me and keeps me out of ER. Ellis

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Has anyone noticed irritability as being a side effect of the flovent???? predisone?? Smile…and have a nice day!!

Response:

Could someone please comment on Lynda’s schedule to the ng? I was told to take Flovent 220, 3-5 min. after the Serevent. Thanks very much.           April – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m still learning about how to take all the inhalers. I got Flovent added to my Serevent yesterday. Doc said "don’t take them together," but didn’t say how far apart. I called the pharmacist who looked it up and decided that 2 hours apart was appropriate. So I’ve got this weird schedule that looks like this: 9 a.m.        1 puff Serevent 11 a.m.       2 puffs Flovent 4 p.m.        1 puff Serevent 6 p.m.         1 puff Albuterol (15 mins before treadmill) 8 p.m.         1 puff Serevent 10 p.m.       2 puffs Flovent Lynda

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t… I’m still learning about how to take all the inhalers. I got Flovent added to my Serevent yesterday. Doc said "don’t take them together," but didn’t say how far apart. I called the pharmacist who looked it up and decided that 2 hours apart was appropriate. So I’ve got this weird schedule that looks like this:

Yes, and Serevent has to be taken first. It is better to take 2 puffs x2 times a day rather than a combination of 1 puff of Serevent plus Albuterol. if you take 1 puff of Serevent, the drug concentration doesn’t reach the necessary level with one puff. 2 puffs is the best proven alternative. The best is to take steroids 2-3 hours after Serevent. At that time, Serevent is in its full action, the bronchodilation is maximal and it will allow more steroids pass to the farthest parts of your bronchi (which is very important). Regards, — Andrey Zenovich University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 9 a.m.        1 puff Serevent 11 a.m.       2 puffs Flovent 4 p.m.        1 puff Serevent 6 p.m.         1 puff Albuterol (15 mins before treadmill) 8 p.m.         1 puff Serevent 10 p.m.       2 puffs Flovent Doc isn’t sure if my asthma is from allergies or from years of taking an NSAID. I haven’t taken my NSAID in 3 days; we’re trying to rule out causes. If it’s NOT the NSAID, and it turns out to be allergies, I’m heading back for shots. Trying  to keep the above schedule is mind-boggling. I hope, in my case, this is temporary, but I sure have developed a great deal of sympathy for you folks who have always lived with this. Lynda

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I was told 20 minutes.  I know that if my peak flow is in the yellow, I retake it after the about 20 later, and if the Servent is going to work my peak flow is up.

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As I read the chart in the serevent prescription insert, it achieves a level equal to albuterol in one hour, and proceeds to increase in effectiveness up through 4 hours, gradually declining thereafter. With albuterol, the onset of action is quicker, and usually it was recommended to do the steroid inhaler 5-15 minutes later, as the bronchials would be beginning to dilate and there would be no irritation factor from the number of inhalations.  Thus, I would think at least one hour would be suitable for serevent, perhaps two even better,  but there is a judgment call here and some room to spare either way..  I am not a doctor, just someone who has lived with asthma for nearly 30 years.

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April, I also use my inhaled steroid 3-5 min. after using Serevent; which means I can leave my steroid and Serevent inhalers at home since they are only used first thing in the morning and 12 hours later in the evening; which is the recommendation for most inhaled steroids and Serevent. It takes Serevent 15 minutes to take effect so the sequence with the steroid isn’t all that important; of course if one has the time it would be more effective to first use the Serevent, wait 15 minutes, then take the inhaled steroid. Serevent may not take full effect for up to 3 hours so an even longer wait than 15 minutes would be even better. But this kind of thinking gets us to Lynda’s schedule. Lynda’s schedule seems to be set up to optimize the drugs effects without thought of patient compliance with such a complex sequence. It also means Lynda has to carry a bag of drugs around with her, instead of just the albuterol inhaler. Usually Serevent is taken 2 puffs twice a day at 12 hr intervals. Linda is using 3 puffs/day; there is some rational in scheduling the 3rd puff 2 hr before her treadmill workout, since Serevent can help exercise-induced asthma; but 1 or 2 puffs of albuterol should do the same thing, and she’s already using 1 puff albuterol. So Linda should probably check with her doctor what he meant; I think the pharmacist is only using the prescribing information to give an answer; which doesn’t take into account the latest asthma protocols like the 1997 Expert Panel Report 2. An example of this conflict is the prescribing information for albuterol which recommends 2 puffs 4 times/day; this used to be the protocol for asthmatics; but the new asthma guidelines (EPR2) recommend albuterol no longer be used for maintenence, only as needed for rescue or exercise. The doctor prescribes per the asthma guideline protocol, not necessarily per the prescribing info that comes with the drug. Also its not clear why Lynda, with her Severe asthma, is only using 3 puffs/day of Serevent instead of 4; perhaps she has an adverse reaction to the Serevent when used 2 puffs at a time. If this is the case, the 3rd puff in the middle of the day makes sense. Ellis (not a doctor, but I read the PIs and EPR2) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Could someone please comment on Lynda’s schedule to the ng? I was told to take Flovent 220, 3-5 min. after the Serevent. Thanks very much.           April I’m still learning about how to take all the inhalers. I got Flovent added to my Serevent yesterday. Doc said "don’t take them together," but didn’t say how far apart. I called the pharmacist who looked it up and decided that 2 hours apart was appropriate. So I’ve got this weird schedule that looks like this: 9 a.m.        1 puff Serevent 11 a.m.       2 puffs Flovent 4 p.m.        1 puff Serevent 6 p.m.         1 puff Albuterol (15 mins before treadmill) 8 p.m.         1 puff Serevent 10 p.m.       2 puffs Flovent Lynda

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The thought behind taking the bronchodilators  first is that they open the airways and let more of the anti-inflammatories deeper into the respiratory tree. This is a theoretical and very fine point that has never really been even looked at much less investigated. In the case of albuterol the onset of action is fast enough that it makes some sense. In the case of Serevent you would have to wait 1-2 hours to have the Serevent open the airways any appreciable amount. The important thing is to use some common sense. If you are breathing comfortably and not in the midst of an attack you will get the inhaled steroid deep into the lungs. Any benefit from waiting the 2 hours would be marginal at best. If you are having an attack sufficient that the movement of air is impaired then you should not be sitting at home taking Serevent. You should be using a quick acting agent, like albuterol, and contacting your doctor or implementing your action plan. One other point; the usual dosage of Serevent is 2 puffs twice per day. The three times per day dosing doesn’t make sense to me. — Good Luck, CBI, M.D.

t… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -So the idea is to use steroid sparing drugs; like Serevent, Intal, TheoDur, Singulair. I use all of them. Cuts the inhaled steroids required by a factor of 2 or more. Its not as complicated as it may look; I take my drugs twice a day; the only thing I carry with me is a Ventolin inhaler for rescue or exercise, which I rarely use. I’m still learning about how to take all the inhalers. I got Flovent added to my Serevent yesterday. Doc said "don’t take them together," but didn’t say how far apart. I called the pharmacist who looked it up and decided that 2 hours apart was appropriate. So I’ve got this weird schedule that looks like this: 9 a.m.        1 puff Serevent 11 a.m.       2 puffs Flovent 4 p.m.        1 puff Serevent 6 p.m.         1 puff Albuterol (15 mins before treadmill) 8 p.m.         1 puff Serevent 10 p.m.       2 puffs Flovent Doc isn’t sure if my asthma is from allergies or from years of taking an NSAID. I haven’t taken my NSAID in 3 days; we’re trying to rule out causes. If it’s NOT the NSAID, and it turns out to be allergies, I’m heading back for shots. Trying  to keep the above schedule is mind-boggling. I hope, in my case, this is temporary, but I sure have developed a great deal of sympathy for you folks who have always lived with this. Lynda

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Question:

My wife has been diagnosed as asthmatic. She thinks that she may have had her attack due to the use of NSAID’s (including asparin). A webpage suggests that the treatment for asparin induced asthma is different to the normal treatment. She is not responding well to normal treatment so if anyone knows what the treatment is for asparin induced asthma we would appreciate the help. Thank you.  Drew.

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I get asthma from all NSAIDS, including aspirin, ibuprophen, ponstan, etc.  My asthma is not controlled differently than anyone elses, I just have to avoid all NSAIDS and products containing them.  I take Flovent 125mcg, Serevent, and Ventolin.  Singulair did nothing for me, but it works wonders for other people especially those with allergies from what I have read.  Good luck! Meghan Before you buy.

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Aspirin induces asthma in about 10% of asthmatics. About 10% of those will also react to other NSAIDS such as Motirn/ Advil/ Aleve/ ibuprofen/ etc. (Lucky me – in the top 1% again !) The treatment is not entirely different. As in all asthmatics exposures should be eliminated, in this case only take Tylenol and narcotics for pain. One difference is that the leukotriene inhibitors such as Singulair and Accolate seem to be particularly effective in aspirin sensitive asthmatics so this may be worth a try. If that doesn’t work it should be back to the drawing board by confirming the diagnosis if in doubt and looking for other triggers such as chemicals, allergy, reflux, and sinus problems. — CBI, M.D. Please note: It is impossible to accurately diagnose medical problems without seeing the patient and reviewing the entire history. These posts are intended to be helpful and informative. Always check with your doctor before following any advice given.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife has been diagnosed as asthmatic. She thinks that she may have had her attack due to the use of NSAID’s (including asparin). A webpage suggests that the treatment for asparin induced asthma is different to the normal treatment. She is not responding well to normal treatment so if anyone knows what the treatment is for asparin induced asthma we would appreciate the help. Thank you.  Drew.

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Question:

Has anybody out there had any experience with Effexor?  What were the side effects compared to say, Zoloft or Paxil?  I know all SSRI’s are different with everybody, but would just appreciate any info or experiences anybody’s had with Effexor.  Thanks! Sara

Hi Sara: I have been taking Effexor XR, 75mg, plus Topomax and klonipin, but the most I can are the side effects from the Effexor. At first, I had some problems with inomnia, but that lasted little. No problems with sexual side effects either. You might have to try taking it in the morning or evening, because it stimulates some, and keeps others awake. You might want to make sure you get a small dose of a benzo (klonipin) to help with any anxiety or sleeplessness you get at first. To be honest, physically, it doesn’t give me that same "depersonalization" like Zoloft, Prozac, or Paxil does. It’s also nowhere NEAR as stimulating to me as Welbutrin, which really made me anxious, grumpy, and I could never sleep. I have been reading in alot of Psychiatric Journals that 37.5mg of Effexor XR is a good dose to start off at, say for a week or so, as side effects then are almost nill. As I said, it’s really only any of the a.d.’s I can take that doesn’t cause really weird side effects. Like, I still feel like "me" on it, just helps keep up some of the energy, and keep my cool when needed. Just be careful with dose…starting at 75mg’s XR a day may be a little "too" stimulating. As I said, a benzo helps too with taking some of the edge off. Good luck… James — Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country.     —Mayor Marion Barry, Washington, D.C.

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have lessened my depression and reduced my tendencies to anxiety attacks. It’s hard to know if it’s the drugs, therapy or what though. DOug

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I believe Effexor XR is Effexor Extended Release..Anyways please don’t take my experience with Effexor XR as how it many effect you..It may help you out..Effexor XR within an hour of taking my very first dose of it I KNEW I was on a medication/drug..This has not happened before with me trying new Antidepressants..From there I was only able to sleep in 2 to 3 hour increments for a few weeks and then the next 2 weeks I had pure insomnia, which I think was hypomania..Needless to say I went off that med! Religion is for those who fear going to Hell and Spirituality is for those of us who have already been there!

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Hi Sara… I just started Effexor XR yesterday. (I’m taking 37.5 mg in the morning for a week, then 75 mg in the morning thereafter.) I have previously taken Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and Serzone, but always had side effects that caused me to discontinue them. In a couple weeks, I’ll probably be able to give you more information. The most common side effect I hear about Effexor is nausea, along with some nervousness and sexual problems. If anyone would care to compare notes on Effexor, just e-mail me! Ron in St. Louis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Newsgroups: alt.support.anxiety-panic Lines: 6 NNTP-Posting-Host: ladder03.news.aol.com Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com Has anybody out there had any experience with Effexor?  What were the side effects compared to say, Zoloft or Paxil?  I know all SSRI’s are different with everybody, but would just appreciate any info or experiences anybody’s had with Effexor.  Thanks! Sara

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Has anybody out there had any experience with Effexor?  What were the side effects compared to say, Zoloft or Paxil?  I know all SSRI’s are different with everybody, but would just appreciate any info or experiences anybody’s had with Effexor.  Thanks! Sara

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Hi,      First I wanted to say,thanks for the help with my throat problem.I though there was something seriously wrong with me.Thanks for the support.Now,I have something to ask,and something to complain about.I went to see my psych today for the first time.First,she put me on Effexor XR,37mgs to start,then 75 and then 150.I wanted to know has anyone been on this before and was it helpful?Also,I took the MMPI test for the psych and she had the results today.She told me she feels as though I am exxagerating my situation.That it is nowhere near as bad as I claim it to be.Now,I thought going to a psych would help me and it took me a long time to get up the nerve to finally go out of my house and see one.I can’t believe that is the response I received.I am also applying for SSI disability because of this and she told me there is no way that she will help me with this case,and she doesn’t help any of her other patients with it either.She doesn’t feel as though it is a disability.What should I do??Has anyone gone through this with a psych before???Sorry about the length,but I am at my wits end,and I am only 22.

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As far as the Effexor XR is concerned, I’ve been taking 300mg for several months and it has been the best AD for me personally.  Now, keep in mind the individuality of AD’s is huge, and it’s quite normal to go through a process of changing meds/dosages until you find the one that works.  It can seem tedious, but it’s worth it.  I hope Effexor works for you as well as it does for me, I found it does take the full 4-6 weeks to really help. Best, -Alan ps – I think everyone with PD feels worse then perhaps in reality they are, that they are more pathetic in dealing with things then they is true.  But it’s also important to remember that’s part of the territory, and how we see ourselves plays a lot on how we feel, consciously and subconsciously.  It’s something that can be helped a lot with therapy.  Also, don’t take the results of the MMPI to seriously, and your pdoc shouldn’t either.  She may also be rigid about not helping you with disability because many feel that this is in fact going to counter condition you, to hurt progress and therapy – that sense of increasing security and self-confidence.  I’m sure if you really wanted the disability, there would be other docs that would help, it’s a matter of their preference in approaching the condition. BTW – I am only 21 myself…hang in there, it does get better, even when it seems it never can  :)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi,      First I wanted to say,thanks for the help with my throat problem.I though there was something seriously wrong with me.Thanks for the support.Now,I have something to ask,and something to complain about.I went to see my psych today for the first time.First,she put me on Effexor XR,37mgs to start,then 75 and then 150.I wanted to know has anyone been on this before and was it helpful?Also,I took the MMPI test for the psych and she had the results today.She told me she feels as though I am exxagerating my situation.That it is nowhere near as bad as I claim it to be.Now,I thought going to a psych would help me and it took me a long time to get up the nerve to finally go out of my house and see one.I can’t believe that is the response I received.I am also applying for SSI disability because of this and she told me there is no way that she will help me with this case,and she doesn’t help any of her other patients with it either.She doesn’t feel as though it is a disability.What should I do??Has anyone gone through this with a psych before???Sorry about the length,but I am at my wits end,and I am only 22.

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Sorry to hear that your psychiatrist wasn’t a little more compassionate in the way she delivered the information to you, but I think in many ways she probably has the correct idea.  First, as someone else mentioned, you probably are experiencing things as worse than they really are (this is sort of what panic disorder is all about – we perceive uncomfortable body sensations as dangerous when they are not). Second, as for the disability issue, as a psychiatry (and medicine) resident, I am always reluctant to recommend someone for disability. Studies suggest that people have less motivation to recover once they receive disability.  Also, people who are seeking disability usually don’t recover as well.  You are young and have an excellent chance of recovery from your problems – hang in there. I also think effexor is a reasonable choice for a medicine and she is dosing it appropriately.  The specific medicine was probably chosen based on your specific descriptions to her, as well as her experience with various medications. Good luck, Rick http://www.med-psych.net/links/Illnesses/Anxiety_Disorders/ Anxiety Links – view them, rate them, add your own! Before you buy.

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I am always reluctant to recommend someone for disability.

and if they cannot work how will they pay for your services let alone food-these things as necessary as they are are still lack the motivational impact as one would think-if one is backed into a corner has no out no way to have any gainful productive existance then their suicidal tendencies go through the roof-no more patient no more ssdi recipient no more anxiety no more problem-the judgement call for collecting assistance isn’t dependent on the values of the shrink but of the patient-if anxiety were but a mere exageration then this is tantemount to saying snap out of it it’s all in your head. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Studies suggest that people have less motivation to recover once they receive disability.  Also, people who are seeking disability usually don’t recover as well.  You are young and have an excellent chance of recovery from your problems – hang in there. I also think effexor is a reasonable choice for a medicine and she is dosing it appropriately.  The specific medicine was probably chosen based on your specific descriptions to her, as well as her experience with various medications. Good luck, Rick http://www.med-psych.net/links/Illnesses/Anxiety_Disorders/ Anxiety Links – view them, rate them, add your own! Before you buy.

I don’t know where you get your studies frm but this is the same logic that our great fathers in washington have used to get the malingerers off the role call-what has happened is we have a false set of economic indicators and psychiatricaly impaired homeless people in a state of limbo with no place to go-who’s responsibility is it-the impaired patient or the welfare system of a fair goverment. I disagree with you and this posters shrink-if she is incapable of work and chooses to approach assistance then I would support her and her choice-when she has established the criterea of our jointly reached goals in therapy she can resume her own financial responsibility and she no doubt will LM

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi,     First I wanted to say,thanks for the help with my throat problem.I though there was something seriously wrong with me.Thanks for the support.Now,I have something to ask,and something to complain about.I went to see my psych today for the first time.First,she put me on Effexor XR,37mgs to start,then 75 and then 150.I wanted to know has anyone been on this before and was it helpful?Also,I took the MMPI test for the psych and she had the results today.She told me she feels as though I am exxagerating my situation.That it is nowhere near as bad as I claim it to be.Now,I thought going to a psych would help me and it took me a long time to get up the nerve to finally go out of my house and see one.I can’t believe that is the response I received.I am also applying for SSI disability because of this and she told me there is no way that she will help me with this case,and she doesn’t help any of her other patients with it either.She doesn’t feel as though it is a disability.What should I do??Has anyone gone through this with a psych before???Sorry about the length,but I am at my wits end,and I am only 22.

Hi! I’m sorry she put you through that.  I haven’t been in that situation, but I’d say get a new pDoc!  She sounds very insensitive and you don’t need that right now.  You’re young and you can beat this thing, but with help from a pDoc.  Not criticism from one.  Please let us know how you’re doing and if you find another doctor.  You’ll be in my thoughts. Di

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Sorry to hear that your psychiatrist wasn’t a little more compassionate in the way she delivered the information to you, but I think in many ways she probably has the correct idea.  First, as someone else mentioned, you probably are experiencing things as worse than they really are (this is sort of what panic disorder is all about – we perceive uncomfortable body sensations as dangerous when they are not).

Sure. But that *is* our problem, that is what is *bad* about it. It’s called Panic Disorder and it is as bad as the sufferer feels it is. And for those symptoms we need meds and therapy and it can be so debilitating that people can lose their marriages, their jobs, their friends and their freedom to move around outside their house. Is that bad enough? Even if all it is is *cognitve distortion* then that can be *terrible*. You sound like those people saying: "Get over it, your fear is irrational." Yes, we know that. That is what the probem is…. Second, as for the disability issue, as a psychiatry (and medicine) resident, I am always reluctant to recommend someone for disability. Studies suggest that people have less motivation to recover once they receive disability.  Also, people who are seeking disability usually don’t recover as well.  You are young and have an excellent chance of recovery from your problems – hang in there.

I can’t judge from here whether the original poster should be put on disability or not but neither can you. As a psychiatry resident you might try to not patronize people or you will make as bad a psychiatrist as the total idiot we’re talking about here. Actually I find this post not in keeping with your earlier posts here which I liked. Bad day? Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – http://www.med-psych.net/links/Illnesses/Anxiety_Disorders/ Anxiety Links – view them, rate them, add your own! Before you buy.

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I did not mean to sound unsympathetic, but it appears I did. Disability is a controversial subject, and I may disagree with some people on this one – and my opinions may change over time as we have better evidence about the pros and cons of placing someone on permanent disability.  I in no way mean to imply that people are not severely impaired by anxiety disorders or other mental illness.  The question is whether they are unable to have employment of any type. the judgement call for collecting assistance isn’t dependent on the values of the shrink but of the patient-if anxiety were but a mere exageration then this is tantemount to saying snap out of it it’s all in your

head. I did not mean to imply that anxiety is a mere exageration or that someone can just snap out of it, because I know and understand that the suffering is very real and often very difficult to overcome.  We are obviously dealing with a very touchy subject here between doctors and sufferers, and I want to help resolve this problem, not make it worse. I also don’t believe that disability should be determined by a patient –  there are too many people who would take advantage of the system (I am not saying that people with panic disorder try to take advantage).  I also am firmly convinced that permanent disability is not appropriate for a young person with a relatively short duration of panic disorder. I do take care of people with anxiety disorders that I have on disability, but it is only after they have failed usual treatments. Studies suggest that people have less motivation to recover once they receive disability.  Also, people who are seeking disability usually don’t recover as well.  You are young and have an excellent chance of recovery from your problems – hang in there. I don’t know where you get your studies frm

Rather than get into a debate about studies, as I know very well that people can get studies to say just about anything, I am assigning myself the project of reviewing this data.  I will try to offer as unbiased as possible of a summary on this, including references and abstracts, and then post it on my site.  As I am fairly busy, this may take me some time, but I think it is an important issue for me to understand better.  Hopefully other people will benefit as well to better understand why some doctors are reluctant to place someone on disability. I disagree with you and this posters shrink-if she is incapable of work and chooses to approach assistance then I would support her and her choice-when she has established the criterea of our jointly reached goals in therapy she can resume her own financial responsibility

The problems I have had is that as people are close to reaching their goals, the talk of returning to work often sends them into a downward spiral.  The whole idea of CBT is that you need exposure in order to overcome fears.  Placing someone on disability often reinforces avoidance behavior.  It takes very careful judgment to determine when disability is approriate or not, as the action of offering someone disability has large ramifications on illness behavior. I really don’t want to get into an argument over this, as I have an extreme amount of respect for your knowledge.  I genuinely want to better understand this issue. As a medicine and psychiatry residenct I have seen many instances where I don’t know whether an illness justifies placing someone on disability.  The usual illness I see this with is fibromyalgia.  The most interesting case I saw was a guy with severe antisocial personality disorder.  His girlfriend could not understand why he did not qualify for disability, since part of his "illness" is that he can not maintain employment (this is actually one of the DSM IV criteria for ASPD).  Should all sociopaths get SSDI?  No way in my mind, but if you want to view ASPD as an illness, then they should all get it. Again, I am not trying to compare ASPD to panic disorder, I am just trying to demonstrate that disability issues are something very unclear in my mind, despite my attempts at trying to clarify this issue in the past. The bottom line is, this discussion is only tangently relevant to the original posters issue of the doctor not wanting to place her on disability.  I think what is more important is for the original poster to have a better dialogue with her physician, and if the doctor can not do that, she should consider another doctor. Hopefully I won’t upset too many more people, as it seems I struck a nerve (no pun intended) Rick http://www.med-psych.net/links/Illnesses/Anxiety_Disorders/ Anxiety links – view them, rate them, add your own Before you buy.

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Sorry to hear that your psychiatrist wasn’t a little more compassionate in the way she delivered the information to you, but I think in many ways she probably has the correct idea.  First, as someone else mentioned, you probably are experiencing things as worse than they really are (this is sort of what panic disorder is all about – we perceive uncomfortable body sensations as dangerous when they are not).

Well isn’t that the part of the big problem with P/A?  IMO this Pdoc is an ass. Second, as for the disability issue, as a psychiatry (and medicine) resident, I am always reluctant to recommend someone for disability. Studies suggest that people have less motivation to recover once they receive disability.  Also, people who are seeking disability usually don’t recover as well.  You are young and have an excellent chance of recovery from your problems – hang in there.

This is rediculous.  Maybe people who receive SSD don’t recover as well because they are the more severe cases.  SSD is a way to help you get a small (and I emphasize "small") bit of income and a way to feed yourself and feel as if you are contributing to the household.  If you feel you are able to work then there are ways to keep SSD while on a trying to get employed again. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I also think effexor is a reasonable choice for a medicine and she is dosing it appropriately.  The specific medicine was probably chosen based on your specific descriptions to her, as well as her experience with various medications. Good luck, Rick http://www.med-psych.net/links/Illnesses/Anxiety_Disorders/ Anxiety Links – view them, rate them, add your own! Before you buy.

Love Cathy P.H.O.B.I.A. People Helping Others Become Independent Again Off-line Self Help Support Group, NJ http://community.nj.com/cc/phobia Anxiety Treatment Options http://www.members.tripod.com/~PhobiaGroup/index.html

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First off Prince, I would find another doctor asap.  She obviously not only doesn’t know what she’s talking about but she doesn’t have a heart either.  Sounds like she has a "goddess" complex.  Secondly, EffexorXR is an excellent med for panic and anxiety.  I started off with the same low dose and weaned up to 150mg. which I’ve been on for over 8 months now.  It has changed my life.  I honestly cannot believe she said this was not a disability.  May she have one hugh panic attack that lasts all day and then we’ll see her change her evaluation real fast.  I know it’s discouraging and a pain to have to go through seeing another doctor, but you deserve the best.  I had to see 9 before I found the right one.  And it cost me a bundle, but it was well worth it in the end.  BTW, Effexor XR works pretty fast, so you should be seeing good results pretty soon. Take care and let us know how you are feeling.  If you need to e-mail me with any questions about the Effexor, please feel free to do so any time. Love, Rita  :) Hi,      First I wanted to say,thanks for the help with my throat problem.I though there was something seriously wrong with me.Thanks for the support.Now,I have something to ask,and something to complain about.I went to see my psych today for the first time.First,she put me on Effexor XR,37mgs to start,then 75 and then 150.I wanted to know has anyone been on this before and was it helpful?Also,I took the MMPI test for the psych and she had the results today.She told me she feels as though I am exxagerating my

situation.That it is – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – nowhere near as bad as I claim it to be.Now,I thought going to a psych would help me and it took me a long time to get up the nerve to finally go out of my house and see one.I can’t believe that is the response I received.I am also applying for SSI disability because of this and she told me there is no way that she will help me with this case,and she doesn’t help any of her other patients with it either.She doesn’t feel as though it is a disability.What should I do??Has anyone gone through this with a psych before???Sorry about the length,but I am at my wits end,and I am only 22.

Before you buy.

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Thank you Margrove. Love, Rita – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am always reluctant to recommend someone for disability. and if they cannot work how will they pay for your services let alone food-these things as necessary as they are are still lack the motivational impact as one would think-if one is backed into a corner has no out no way to have any gainful productive existance then their suicidal tendencies go through the roof-no more patient no more ssdi recipient no more anxiety no more problem-the judgement call for collecting assistance isn’t dependent on the values of the shrink but of the patient-if anxiety were but a mere exageration then this is tantemount to saying snap out of it it’s all in your head. Studies suggest that people have less motivation to recover once they receive disability.  Also, people who are seeking disability usually don’t recover as well.  You are young and have an excellent chance of recovery from your problems – hang in there. I also think effexor is a reasonable choice for a medicine and she is dosing it appropriately.  The specific medicine was probably chosen based on your specific descriptions to her, as well as her experience with various medications. Good luck, Rick http://www.med-psych.net/links/Illnesses/Anxiety_Disorders/ Anxiety Links – view them, rate them, add your own! Before you buy. I don’t know where you get your studies frm but this is the same logic that our great fathers in washington have used to get the malingerers off the role call-what has happened is we have a false set of economic indicators and psychiatricaly impaired homeless people in a state of limbo with no place to go-who’s responsibility is it-the impaired patient or the welfare system of a fair goverment. I disagree with you and this posters shrink-if she is incapable of work and chooses to approach assistance then I would support her and her choice-when she has established the criterea of our jointly reached goals in therapy she can resume her own financial responsibility and she no doubt will LM

Before you buy.

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Is a secret agent who is frightened of jumping out of an airplane at night over enemy territory suffering from ‘panic disorder’?  (Or, as a former paratrooper told me, suffering from ‘being sensible’?) See: http://www.offmsg.connectfree.co.uk/psychiatry/shrink1.htm I nominate the author of this (genuine) report for Total Idiot Psychiatrist of the 20th Century.  All I need is his (or her) name. Mingus. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry to hear that your psychiatrist wasn’t a little more compassionate in the way she delivered the information to you, but I think in many ways she probably has the correct idea.  First, as someone else mentioned, you probably are experiencing things as worse than they really are (this is sort of what panic disorder is all about – we perceive uncomfortable body sensations as dangerous when they are not). Sure. But that *is* our problem, that is what is *bad* about it. It’s called Panic Disorder and it is as bad as the sufferer feels it is. And for those symptoms we need meds and therapy and it can be so debilitating that people can lose their marriages, their jobs, their friends and their freedom to move around outside their house. Is that bad enough? Even if all it is is *cognitve distortion* then that can be *terrible*. You sound like those people saying: "Get over it, your fear is irrational." Yes, we know that. That is what the probem is…. Second, as for the disability issue, as a psychiatry (and medicine) resident, I am always reluctant to recommend someone for disability. Studies suggest that people have less motivation to recover once they receive disability.  Also, people who are seeking disability usually don’t recover as well.  You are young and have an excellent chance of recovery from your problems – hang in there. I can’t judge from here whether the original poster should be put on disability or not but neither can you. As a psychiatry resident you might try to not patronize people or you will make as bad a psychiatrist as the total idiot we’re talking about here. Actually I find this post not in keeping with your earlier posts here which I liked. Bad day? Philip http://www.med-psych.net/links/Illnesses/Anxiety_Disorders/ Anxiety Links – view them, rate them, add your own! Before you buy.

Before you buy.

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Is a secret agent who is frightened of jumping out of an airplane at night over enemy territory suffering from ‘panic disorder’?  (Or, as a former paratrooper told me, suffering from ‘being sensible’?)

Anyone who is not frightened in such a situation is crazy ) Anxiety is a natural warning sign, we need it to warn us that danger is coming our way and to react adequately. An anxiety disorder means having anxiety without any danger being around. It’s inappropriate fight-or-flight response, the CNS out fo whack, neurons firing randomly…. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry to hear that your psychiatrist wasn’t a little more compassionate in the way she delivered the information to you, but I think in many ways she probably has the correct idea.  First, as someone else mentioned, you probably are experiencing things as worse than they really are (this is sort of what panic disorder is all about – we perceive uncomfortable body sensations as dangerous when they are not). Sure. But that *is* our problem, that is what is *bad* about it. It’s called Panic Disorder and it is as bad as the sufferer feels it is. And for those symptoms we need meds and therapy and it can be so debilitating that people can lose their marriages, their jobs, their friends and their freedom to move around outside their house. Is that bad enough? Even if all it is is *cognitve distortion* then that can be *terrible*. You sound like those people saying: "Get over it, your fear is irrational." Yes, we know that. That is what the probem is…. Second, as for the disability issue, as a psychiatry (and medicine) resident, I am always reluctant to recommend someone for disability. Studies suggest that people have less motivation to recover once they receive disability.  Also, people who are seeking disability usually don’t recover as well.  You are young and have an excellent chance of recovery from your problems – hang in there. I can’t judge from here whether the original poster should be put on disability or not but neither can you. As a psychiatry resident you might try to not patronize people or you will make as bad a psychiatrist as the total idiot we’re talking about here. Actually I find this post not in keeping with your earlier posts here which I liked. Bad day? Philip http://www.med-psych.net/links/Illnesses/Anxiety_Disorders/ Anxiety Links – view them, rate them, add your own! Before you buy. Before you buy.

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Hi,      First I wanted to say,thanks for the help with my throat problem.I though there was something seriously wrong with me.Thanks for the support.Now,I have something to ask,and something to complain about.I went to see my psych today for the first time.First,she put me on Effexor XR,37mgs to start,then 75 and then 150.I wanted to know has anyone been on this before and was it helpful?Also,I took the MMPI test for the psych and she had the results today.She told me she feels as though I am exxagerating my

situation.That it is – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – nowhere near as bad as I claim it to be.Now,I thought going to a psych would help me and it took me a long time to get up the nerve to finally go out of my house and see one.I can’t believe that is the response I received.I am also applying for SSI disability because of this and she told me there is no way that she will help me with this case,and she doesn’t help any of her other patients with it either.She doesn’t feel as though it is a disability.What should I do??Has anyone gone through this with a psych before???Sorry about the length,but I am at my wits end,and I am only 22.

Prince, I am so sorry to hear of your Dr.s apparent lack of compassion.  My husband had one like that and we promptly FIRED HIM and found a MUCH better Dr. I am on Effexor XR and my current dosage is 225 mg/day.  It has done wonders for me. (((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))) and keep your chin up!!!!  Let us know how you are doing!!!!!! Kindest Regards, Kkkkkkkkatie — "A word to the wise ain’t necessary.  It’s the stupid who need the advice." —Will Rogers Before you buy.

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Hi Hadley! Personally, effexor did wonders for my anxiety!  I had a few side effects to begin with (increased nervousness, upset stomach), but as the past posts have stated, they do tend to go away…. good luck! Janine

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I am wondering what if any effect this AD has on anxiety. I am not familiar with SNRI’s, wether or not they have any impact on panic disorder and anxiety disorder. TIA

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:I am wondering what if any effect this AD has on anxiety. I am not familiar :with SNRI’s, wether or not they have any impact on panic disorder and :anxiety disorder. TIA Dear Hadley, All antidepressants have the potential to "temporarily" increase anxiety during the weaning process. The way to minimize this is by starting at a low dose like 37.5mgs and to increase the dose slowly, every week or so or at a pace that is comfortable to you. It also helps to use a benzo such as xanax to tame any side-effects and/or increased anxiety you "may" experience.  Take care and good luck!~ Jackie ~*~Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair~*~     ~Kahlil Gibran~

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I am wondering what if any effect this AD has on anxiety. I am not familiar with SNRI’s, wether or not they have any impact on panic disorder and anxiety disorder. TIA

Can be very effective if started at 37.5 mg and raised to 75 mg after a week etc. Potential side effects are much like Paxil’s but YMMV. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Hi, my Dr. is having me try Effexor XR for depression but I also suffer from anxiety.  Curious if any of you had any experiences with this drug.  I see anxiety is a possible side affect, that’s why I am asking. Thanks, Tono

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Hi, my Dr. is having me try Effexor XR for depression but I also suffer from anxiety.  Curious if any of you had any experiences with this drug.  I see anxiety is a possible side affect, that’s why I am asking. Thanks, Tono

I agree with Dan 100%.   I’ve been on Effexor XR 150 mg., plus XanaxXR, for over two years and it has completely changed my life for the best.  But IMO, going on slowly with a benzo added is the way to go.   I started with 37.5mg. for a week or so (I don’t remember how long, but I know we took our time).   To be honest, it didn’t work overnight, but each week was a little better than the last until I hit my top dose and stayed on that for awhile. Then the transformation was incredible. Other p-docs only gave me an anti-depressant alone and I had terrible side-effects, my anxiety never really went away.   The combination of the two was the wonder combo for me.  I expect to be on this for the rest of my life, God willing. xxoo Rita

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Hi, I’m new here and apoligize if this has already been covered. I suffer from major depression and have an overwhelming since of hoplessness. I’ve been taking Effexor XR 75mg 1x day for about a year. This seems to help, but only slightly. I have major dfficulty with sleep. Any suggestions on the best time to take this medication would be appreciated. Thanks, Jeff

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I am new here too, Jeff so I do not know if it has been covered but I will gladly share my own experience. First, tell your doctor. I take 3 75mg pills a day. Your doc might have to up your dosage. I had the the same trouble of not sleeping. My body would get tired but my brain would not shut off. I was told to take the Effexor early in the morning as soon as I woke up. That helps some. My doctor also placed me Trazadone at night and that combination does the trick. I can sleep like a log. Trazadone is not habit forming. I hope that helps, and welcome to the group. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’m new here and apoligize if this has already been covered. I suffer from major depression and have an overwhelming since of hoplessness. I’ve been taking Effexor XR 75mg 1x day for about a year. This seems to help, but only slightly. I have major dfficulty with sleep. Any suggestions on the best time to take this medication would be appreciated. Thanks, Jeff

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-I am new here too, Jeff so I do not know if it has been covered but I -will gladly share my own experience. First, tell your doctor. I take 3 -75mg pills a day. Your doc might have to up your dosage. I had the the -same trouble of not sleeping. My body would get tired but my brain -would not shut off. I was told to take the Effexor early in the -morning as soon as I woke up. That helps some. My doctor also placed -me Trazadone at night and that combination does the trick. I can sleep -like a log. Trazadone is not habit forming. I hope that helps, and -welcome to the group. What’s the max dosage?

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My, aren’t you a great help to someone in need. I’d hate to know someone like yourself in real life. Imogen

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – sugar pills or better yet exercise Hi, I’m new here and apoligize if this has already been covered. I suffer from major depression and have an overwhelming since of hoplessness. I’ve been taking Effexor XR 75mg 1x day for about a year. This seems to help, but only slightly. I have major dfficulty with sleep. Any suggestions on the best time to take this medication would be appreciated. Thanks, Jeff

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Study after study shows that anti depressants work no better and sugar pills.

Idiot. — Regards, .

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Hi JJ, I am taking 150MG 1x a day (Effexor XR) and also taking Risperdal 2mg at night for sleep.  I sleep like a log. — John T. May Don’t sweat the small stuff…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’m new here and apoligize if this has already been covered. I suffer from major depression and have an overwhelming since of hoplessness. I’ve been taking Effexor XR 75mg 1x day for about a year. This seems to help, but only slightly. I have major dfficulty with sleep. Any suggestions on the best time to take this medication would be appreciated. Thanks, Jeff

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What does anybody think about this drug; has anybody had any good luck with drug?

I have been taking 75mg Effexor XR since January for anxiety/depression.  It is important to give the medication 4-6 weeks to take effect and for me the side effects of dry mouth, sleep pattern disturbance, light-headedness and elevated blood pressure took even longer to subside. After stabilizing on the Effexor, I have decided to stay on it because of its effectiveness in treating the anxiety.  The nice thing about the Effexor is that you don’t notice that you are on it other than the alleviation of the anxiety and depression. I only write to encourage those starting the medication to continue with it despite what feels like a worsening of the anxiety initially. Many discontinue because of the bad initial side effects. I still get the vivid dreams….they’re OK. Andrew R. Before you buy.

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Thanks your all your input!!!!   W & C

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What does anybody think about this drug; has anybody had any good luck with drug?                             Also I’ve got my Zanax back 2 fives a day!! Wild & Crazy Hi Wild!  I have been on Effexor for 5 months at 300mg and am not complaining.  You can see mine and many other peoples responses to this same question in the recent thread ‘Effexor’ as well…a lot of people asking it these days Best, -Alan — Alan Derrick Before you buy.

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Hi Wild, I’ve been on EffexorXR since January and it literally changed my life.  First AD that I had no side effects from, which is a miracle in itself. And it worked pretty fast for me.  I also take XanaxXR twice daily…just a small amount.  The combination of meds is working so well, I don’t want to ever stop taking them.  And I used to be phobic about taking meds, but no more. Hope Effexor works as well for you. Love, Rita What does anybody think about this drug; has anybody had any good luck with drug?                             Also I’ve got my Zanax back 2 fives a day!! Wild & Crazy

Before you buy.

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What does anybody think about this drug; has anybody had any good luck with drug?                             Also I’ve got my Zanax back 2 fives a day!! Wild & Crazy

Hi wild and crazy ! I am on Effexor XR(time release) since September of 1999. I started with the sampler pack-one week at 37.5 and one week at 75mg. I was put on 150 after those 2 weeks and about 4 weeks into it I notice a positive change with me. But I wasn’t comfortable where I was at. I was still having break through anxiety and depression. In December, my gp raised my Effexor to 300mg. Within the week I started I improved my emotional outlook and well being tremendously. I am still on the 300-that is 2-150mg capsules per day. I take mine in the morning with breakfast. Do not take on an empty stomach. My only side effects were dry mouth, vivid dreams(whoppers) and head pressure. They eventual went away. I have Ativan as per needed now and I haven’t taken any for about 4 -5 weeks now. I will take it if I need it but I also have my coping skills that I learned, to help me get through my anxiety and panic times. Not my everyday stresses but my actual panic. I would tell people that it is worth a try and to stay on it for at least 4 weeks to see any benefit from the Effexor. Xanax is good too and only .5 twice a day is a small amount so do not worry about getting hooked on it-you won’t. YOu do the best you can with what you have. Take the meds, even if you have to for a long time.So what? You have to take care of you. And you comes first!!! good luck and email me with any questions.Julie Before you buy.

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What does anybody think about this drug; has anybody had any good luck with drug?                             Also I’ve got my Zanax back 2 fives a day!! Wild & Crazy

I have had anxiety/depression my whole life, and tried almost all the ADs around except for some of the newer ones.  But I have been on Effexor for a year now.  It is the best AD I have ever used.  I think it is so effective because it works on two major chemicals (Seretonin and norephenephrine) and alittle on dopamine.  Anyway I was really depressed about a year ago and started taking it.  Around the middle of the third week, all of a sudden I started to feel this sense of calm and the depression just kind of lifted. It was the most peculiar thing.  Anyway, I think it is the best that I have tried by a long shot. Hope it works for you. John

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What does anybody think about this drug; has anybody had any good luck with drug?                             Also I’ve got my Zanax back 2 fives a day!! Wild & Crazy

Hi Wild!  I have been on Effexor for 5 months at 300mg and am not complaining.  You can see mine and many other peoples responses to this same question in the recent thread ‘Effexor’ as well…a lot of people asking it these days Best, -Alan — Alan Derrick Before you buy.

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What does anybody think about this drug; has anybody had any good luck with drug?                             Also I’ve got my Zanax back 2 fives a day!! Wild & Crazy

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What does anybody think about this drug; has anybody had any good luck with drug?                            Also I’ve got my Zanax back 2 fives a day!! Wild & Crazy

Hi Wild, From what I have seen of posters on Effexor, it seems like a really decent med for anxiety and depression. It can`t hurt to try, and I hope it helps you!! Good for you in getting your Xanax back, I know that med helped you alot. Take care and feel better soon!!!! Jackie

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The Dr. just put my husband on this today, can anyone tell me ANYTHING about it?? How effective it is?  (He has depression and general anxiety)  Side effects?  Alcohol yes/no??? I appreciate ANY information!!!!! Thanks much!!!!

Here’s the web site:  http://www.effexorxr.com Don’t go searching the internet to put false ideas in your head. Take it one day at a time and report any side effects to the prescribing doctor. It is an antidepressant so it should help with the depression once he reaches a therapeutic dose. The doc usually starts you out on a low dose so you can gradually adjust to the med with minimal sensations that can lead to anxious thoughts and then anxiety. I personally think benzodiazepines, CNS depressants, are the best immediate treatment for people who have anxiety disorders.  A good therapist can also help a person analyze their anxious thoughts and give them a new perspective on how to view the world.  A lot of anxious thoughts are purely irrational and can be looked at and tossed away by a rational mind.  Get a copy of the book – "The Guide To Rational Living" by Albert Ellis.  www.rebt.org Don’t Worry, Be Happy  :  ) Tony

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Yeah, I’m thinking I’ll ask a dr. and maybe even call a different pharmacy just to see if they say the same thing……

i suggest calling around til ya get the answer you like.. that’s always my MO. xoxoxo ~tanya

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Effexor XR worked very well for me for years. I have depression and Panic Disorder. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax_ids.htm It can be difficult tapering onto SNRIs. My anxiety symptoms worsened initially.I increased my Xanax to help counteract these side effects. Meryl i’ve been taking effexor xr for a while. now my pdoc has prescribed a higher dose. it’s only been a few days since i increased the dose, and i’m definitely feeling more anxious right now. i hope i’ll feel better in a week or two. And I know any doc is going to say "don’t drink!!!", but that’s not realistic for him.  We go out to dinner a couple times per week and he has a couple of drinks, he doesn’t get drunk, but has 2-3 (he’s a pretty decent sized guy).  BUT there are occassion he has WAY too much, New Years, Stag’s, etc. we went on a camping trip a month ago and he got totally sh-tfaced, etc.  I want to know he won’t die on those occassions.  I called a pharmacist last night just to see what they’d say, she scared the crap out of me, she said he shouldn’t drink AT ALL and that too much alcohol would repress his heart to the point it would stop beating.  She flat out said "he’ll die if he drinks too much". Now I’m freaking out!!!!???

From the link I have given. *Alcohol Although Effexor has not been shown to increase the impairment of mental and motor skills caused by alcohol, patients should be advised to avoid alcohol while taking Effexor.* I still enjoyed my wine and I am still here. JMO Meryl

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And I know any doc is going to say "don’t drink!!!", but that’s not realistic for him.  We go out to dinner a couple times per week and he has a couple of drinks, he doesn’t get drunk, but has 2-3 (he’s a pretty decent sized guy).  BUT there are occassion he has WAY too much, New Years, Stag’s, etc. we went on a camping trip a month ago and he got totally sh-tfaced, etc.  I want to know he won’t die on those occassions.  I called a pharmacist last night just to see what they’d say, she scared the crap out of me, she said he shouldn’t drink AT ALL and that too much alcohol would repress his heart to the point it would stop beating.  She flat out said "he’ll die if he drinks too much". Now I’m freaking out!!!!??? since a pharmacist said it, i’d believe it. you could talk to a doctor for a second opinion. i’d better watch my own drinking now, i guess.

Yeah, I’m thinking I’ll ask a dr. and maybe even call a different pharmacy just to see if they say the same thing……

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Thanks for the input.  I guess I must not be as "computer savvy" as I like to think, how did all of these old posts get hooked onto the original message I posted????

Took me a few minutes to figure out why you’re puzzled, because all I see is your original post plus Meryl’s reply.  Then I noticed that you’re using Google to post. Google sorts by subject line.  All posts with with specific subject "Effexor XR" are going to be grouped together, as if it was a single thread.  So when you read the thread in Google Groups, it looks like it started by in 1999 because someone else used the same topic line. Maybe someone else knows a way around this.  A regular newreader would be better, though. Fig

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And I know any doc is going to say "don’t drink!!!", but that’s not realistic for him.  We go out to dinner a couple times per week and he has a couple of drinks, he doesn’t get drunk, but has 2-3 (he’s a pretty decent sized guy).  BUT there are occassion he has WAY too much, New Years, Stag’s, etc. we went on a camping trip a month ago and he got totally sh-tfaced, etc.  I want to know he won’t die on those occassions.  I called a pharmacist last night just to see what they’d say, she scared the crap out of me, she said he shouldn’t drink AT ALL and that too much alcohol would repress his heart to the point it would stop beating.  She flat out said "he’ll die if he drinks too much". Now I’m freaking out!!!!???

since a pharmacist said it, i’d believe it. you could talk to a doctor for a second opinion. i’d better watch my own drinking now, i guess.

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she said he shouldn’t drink AT ALL and that too much alcohol would repress his heart to the point it would stop beating.  She flat out said "he’ll die if he drinks too much".

i’m no doctor but i do believe when your heart stops beating that death is a common side effect.  so maybe she’s right. Now I’m freaking out!!!!???

why?  you can’t control what he does, if it gives ya the heebie jeebies, and he’s bound and determined to continue behavior that freaks you out, well…. my concluson would be "dude doesn’t care a holy fuck about me to put me in a position of freakin out for a few drinks".. and i’d be out the door in about 3 hours… or however long it took me ta pack my shit, or go thru the aggravation of gettin him out.. (which is more difficult cuz then ya gotta get the police involved and crap.. and i say take the easy way out) .  you gotta choice, deal with it and stay freaked out cuz you "LOVVVVE HIMMMMM" or hit the proverbial road.   i find it easy as hell to leave people that have intolerable behavior, no matter how close i am to em, i guess i’m justah cold cold bitch.. but that’s my advice.. and i kinda like it.  nobody else will, but i couldn’t give a good goddam. xoxoxoxoxo ~tanya

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Effexor XR worked very well for me for years. I have depression and Panic Disorder. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax_ids.htm It can be difficult tapering onto SNRIs. My anxiety symptoms worsened initially.I increased my Xanax to help counteract these side effects. Meryl i’ve been taking effexor xr for a while. now my pdoc has prescribed a higher dose. it’s only been a few days since i increased the dose, and i’m definitely feeling more anxious right now. i hope i’ll feel better in a week or two.

And I know any doc is going to say "don’t drink!!!", but that’s not realistic for him.  We go out to dinner a couple times per week and he has a couple of drinks, he doesn’t get drunk, but has 2-3 (he’s a pretty decent sized guy).  BUT there are occassion he has WAY too much, New Years, Stag’s, etc. we went on a camping trip a month ago and he got totally sh-tfaced, etc.  I want to know he won’t die on those occassions.  I called a pharmacist last night just to see what they’d say, she scared the crap out of me, she said he shouldn’t drink AT ALL and that too much alcohol would repress his heart to the point it would stop beating.  She flat out said "he’ll die if he drinks too much". Now I’m freaking out!!!!???

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Effexor XR worked very well for me for years. I have depression and Panic Disorder. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax_ids.htm It can be difficult tapering onto SNRIs. My anxiety symptoms worsened initially.I increased my Xanax to help counteract these side effects. Meryl

i’ve been taking effexor xr for a while. now my pdoc has prescribed a higher dose. it’s only been a few days since i increased the dose, and i’m definitely feeling more anxious right now. i hope i’ll feel better in a week or two.

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The Dr. just put my husband on this today, can anyone tell me ANYTHING about it?? How effective it is?  (He has depression and general anxiety)  Side effects?  Alcohol yes/no??? I appreciate ANY information!!!!! Thanks much!!!!

Effexor XR worked very well for me for years. I have depression and Panic Disorder. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax_ids.htm It can be difficult tapering onto SNRIs. My anxiety symptoms worsened initially.I increased my Xanax to help counteract these side effects. Meryl

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The Dr. just put my husband on this today, can anyone tell me ANYTHING about it?? How effective it is?  (He has depression and general anxiety)  Side effects?  Alcohol yes/no??? I appreciate ANY information!!!!! Thanks much!!!! Effexor XR worked very well for me for years. I have depression and Panic Disorder. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax_ids.htm It can be difficult tapering onto SNRIs. My anxiety symptoms worsened initially.I increased my Xanax to help counteract these side effects. Meryl

Thanks for the input.  I guess I must not be as "computer savvy" as I like to think, how did all of these old posts get hooked onto the original message I posted????

Response:

I do efexor, buspar & valium, i do drink & it’s a problem for me!, maybe it’s the alcohol or the efexor or both, i dunno.   Nightsweats happened with me on 225mg, also mind zapps, disorientation, confusion & vivid dreams, but hey, that could be the alcohol also. Just your better off avoiding alcohol as it’s a depressant, but who the hell am i to say that.!!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The Dr. just put my husband on this today, can anyone tell me ANYTHING about it?? How effective it is?  (He has depression and general anxiety)  Side effects?  Alcohol yes/no??? I appreciate ANY information!!!!! Thanks much!!!! Effexor XR worked very well for me for years. I have depression and Panic Disorder. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax_ids.htm It can be difficult tapering onto SNRIs. My anxiety symptoms worsened initially.I increased my Xanax to help counteract these side effects. Meryl Thanks for the input.  I guess I must not be as "computer savvy" as I like to think, how did all of these old posts get hooked onto the original message I posted????

Response:

The Dr. just put my husband on this today, can anyone tell me ANYTHING about it?? How effective it is?  (He has depression and general anxiety)  Side effects?  Alcohol yes/no??? I appreciate ANY information!!!!! Thanks much!!!!

Response:

The Dr. just put my husband on this today, can anyone tell me ANYTHING about it??

First thing take the meds for a minimum of 6-12 weeks before trying to observe positive effects and do not discontinue (let me repeat that DO NOT DISCONTINUE cold turkey) except under supervision or by slow taper. However if someone has a penchant to mild hullucinations, severe insomnia and a knife edge metal state … it’s highly recommened. See http://www.crazymeds.org/ Look for the link named Effexor/Venlafaxine See http://www.mentalhealth.com/ Select Medication and then select Venlafaxine How effective it is?  (He has depression and general anxiety)  Side effects?  Alcohol yes/no???

Some say very effective others not (Wasn’t good for me but then I think I didn’t have the right information at the time thought it would be a miracle cure … not so). Wide and varied side effects. Decreased libido, increased anxiety (initially), sweating, insomnia, sensitivity to light (dilated pupils) etc I had no personal side effects when taken with large quantities of alcohol however that doesn’t mean I’ll not need a liver transplant in a few years I appreciate ANY information!!!!!

Please do some research and never accept info in this forum as given … a few nutters lurk in this fine newsgroup. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks much!!!!

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Good on ya Tyr. Have a great day. Bren — http://www.searchtimes.com/brouchers/newyear/index.php?AID=1431&src=n…

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Super dude! Isn’t it a wonder when it works?! Things do change- and often for the better. Guess that is one of the things that keeps me going when I’m down. Best wishes for you both. -Dan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Soon after I wrote that, my girlfriend called me on the phone and after about thirty seconds she told me that she was on her way over. I had felt that it was just a hum-drum day at that point, but she said I sounded so down over the phone that she’d spring for the Wellbutrin because she didn’t think I should try to wait until payday. (Which was today, 2/15) So, I’ve taken it…what…4 or 5 times now, and although the insert from the pharmacy said not to expect any major change for three to four weeks, today was the first day in months that I felt halfway human, again. I started taking the XL version tonight, since that’s the only thing that my prescription service has on their list, so I’m getting kind of excited about what it can do for me. I actually feel like getting out and doing! Maybe I can take off some of this "winter weight". -Tyr

Response:

Hey…New to Group, but VERY familiar with Effexor XR.  I have been on it for almost 2 years now.  For 10 or more years NOTHING had worked until the effexor in combo with Clonopin and Trazadone.  The initial level for me was the 150.  About 4 months ago I was slowly elevated to 350.  Back in action again.  Keep in mind that I do have fairly serious PTSD as well as chemical imbalances present.  But I am Just so thankful to be down from 30+ pills a day to only 6.  LadyJ

Response:

Soon after I wrote that, my girlfriend called me on the phone and after about thirty seconds she told me that she was on her way over. I had felt that it was just a hum-drum day at that point, but she said I sounded so down over the phone that she’d spring for the Wellbutrin because she didn’t think I should try to wait until payday. (Which was today, 2/15) So, I’ve taken it…what…4 or 5 times now, and although the insert from the pharmacy said not to expect any major change for three to four weeks, today was the first day in months that I felt halfway human, again. I started taking the XL version tonight, since that’s the only thing that my prescription service has on their list, so I’m getting kind of excited about what it can do for me. I actually feel like getting out and doing! Maybe I can take off some of this "winter weight". -Tyr – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Of course everyone is different- with their own unique responses to various drugs. Also samples of one (anecdotes) are notoriously unreliable. That said- I had same problem with Effexor. At least it led to exploration of non-orgasmic intimacy- a widely overlooked pleasure if one can get around expectations and relax. If you have same response as I- the Wellbutrin will present practically no side effects whatsoever. Good luck. -Dan snippage<<

Response:

I took Effexor at the 75mg level and stayed there for a few months. It worked great for a short time, but towards the end, I was starting to slide back down into depression. My side effects were a bit…um…different. While I still had orgasm issues, my sex drive went through the roof! Don’t think that wasn’t frustrating. That’s the primary reason I stopped taking it. My doc prescribed Wellbutrin, but I haven’t had the funds to get it filled yet. Hopefully, the way Wellbutrin works will be more appropriate for me, since my problem my be compounded, situationally speaking, but at the root it is just a chemical imbalance.

Response:

Of course everyone is different- with their own unique responses to various drugs. Also samples of one (anecdotes) are notoriously unreliable. That said- I had same problem with Effexor. At least it led to exploration of non-orgasmic intimacy- a widely overlooked pleasure if one can get around expectations and relax. If you have same response as I- the Wellbutrin will present practically no side effects whatsoever. Good luck. -Dan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I took Effexor at the 75mg level and stayed there for a few months. It worked great for a short time, but towards the end, I was starting to slide back down into depression. My side effects were a bit…um…different. While I still had orgasm issues, my sex drive went through the roof! Don’t think that wasn’t frustrating. That’s the primary reason I stopped taking it. My doc prescribed Wellbutrin, but I haven’t had the funds to get it filled yet. Hopefully, the way Wellbutrin works will be more appropriate for me, since my problem my be compounded, situationally speaking, but at the root it is just a chemical imbalance.

Response:

I was on effexor for a while for my chronic anxiety and it didn’t do too much, I was up to 150 the withdraw was awful!! I am on paxil now 50 ml and no anxiety what a relieve! But a friend of mine is on it for depression and it works well for her, except she has nightmares.  I had anxiety still and bruised easily and had no sex drive with no orgasm, that was enough of that one, for sure, cuz that is just wrong. No side effects for paxil, so far, might be going up to 60, cuz I still get the odd attack, not sure what doctor will do, perhaps some anxiety is normal…who knows… Hope that helps a bit.  I started on 37.5 and went up slow, and came down slow because they side effects can be extreme and they were, I had to go to my parents to stay to get help with my baby…while I was going through med change.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recall starting on 75 mg as XR did not come in lower doses here. I also upped my Xanax at the start as I had a couple of days where my anxiety was exacerbated and I had insomnia. It passed. Meryl I think for starting Effexor 37.5 mg should be the maximum dose. One can start with Effexor IR (even at a lower dose if necessary) and replace it by the XR version later. Philip I am not sure Efexor 37.5 was available here when I  commenced XR. I know the conventional wisdom at ASAP is to start with 37.5 IR. One thought. Given that non-anxiety patients are advised (here at least) to take 37.5 mg twice per day, I wonder about how just taking the tablet once a day would work. Maybe half a 37.5 mg twice a day would keep patients more stable.  As for me, back in ‘98, I  needed relief from depression quickly. Efexor 75 mg plus extra Xanax for a few days worked for me. As always, YMMV. :0) Meryl

Response:

Question:

Oh you poor soul.  No one should have the daily pain that you have.  Does your doctor ever tell you about anti- seizure drugs like Neurontin, etc.?  I was having daily headaches (always started at 5:00 p.m.).  I am also bipolar and when my psychiatrist prescribed Neurontin and ramped me up to 800 mg four times a day, the headaches mysteriously went away.  They started getting less painful until one day I noticed, they were just gone.  I do have the beginning of migraines about once a month, or when I get blasted by loud noise or bright flickering lights, but with the Neurontin, a Bellamine-S and Esgic Plus pretty much nip it in the bud. Neurontin carries very few side effects, maybe you will sleep a lot better, and the few it does have. your body gets used to. I told my doctor once, "We who have migraines–if you would offer us a million dollars or to never have another headache, we would take the never have another headache."  His face showed that he finally understood our plight. I sincerely hope you can find something that works for you.  BTW, the Neurontin is good for nerve pain other places, too.  You poor thing.  You don’t deserve this. Val in Boise

Response:

Chuck,     I am  in the same situation I have had nonstop pain in my head too I’m on my 9th year of this.I am 30, and when I had my 3rd{last} child afterward I just started having pain that was sheer h*!!. It just kept intensifying,.I am usually  pretty nauseas for a lot of the time. I am taking Phenerghan for it. I am so sensitive to many medications. Ones that don’t work,or makeme worse  etc. . I have pain through my whole body. I have Fibromyalgia, Where you hurt at the pressure points located throughout your body. I have Neuropathy as well which is like going around droppingthings, or mylegs just give out, when walking.  I alsohave Rheaumatoid  Arthritis I can tell whenwe are going toget bad weather. Because ofmy body hurting so bad.  You mightbeable to doa google search and type in  diferent words, ya know like Chronic Pain.. Here  is a link if you’re interested inchecking it out. Its not only for people suffering, but for the ones that see them and feel bad about it. Their’ friend or family member or anyone else. It is a wonderful support group. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/chronicpainstories/   I hope that things start getting better for everyone!!!  Ican’t wait till we get warm weather again.  We are getting ready tobuild an edition on to our trailer. When we get done it will look just like an average house. Wegot some footers dug a little. I am notgoing to be able todo too much, because ofbeing disabled. I’m under drs.orders to not drive. That sucks. I get auras where everything gets pitch black or blinding excruciating bright white. Imostly wear  sunglasses. So depressed. But hey I’m dealing withit. Starting to stand up , take action. For ourrights,For  the DEA to quit sticking their noses where they don’t belong. It is all of ourdutyto speak up. They are trying totake pain medicine away from everyone suffering to the point of needing toget treated by drs. Take care Chuck, and everyone else reading this. A friend of mine has had an intense headache for the last 3 years – it varies in intensity, but on a scale from 1 – 10 he’s averaging a 7. It started suddenly and never stops. He often has attacks (3 or 4 a week) where the headache quickly get worse, and he passes out from the pain and is totally unresponsive. Before this happens, he usually complains that his arm hurts. He’s gone to tonnes of doctors – neurologists, dieticians, psychiatrists, accupuncture, tried diets to eliminate food groups and allergens, had MRI’s and cat scans and spinal taps. Tried all sorts of drugs –  morphine and other pain killers, anti-siezure, etc. Nothing has helped and no one has any idea what’s going on. He’s healthy otherwise and very rarely had headaches before this one. Anyone have any similar experiences, or helpful suggestions? Chuck A friend of mine has had an intense headache for the last 3 years – it varies in intensity, but on a scale from 1 – 10 he’s averaging a 7. It started suddenly and never stops. He often has attacks (3 or 4 a week) where the headache quickly get worse, and he passes out from the pain and is totally unresponsive. Before this happens, he usually complains that his arm hurts. He’s gone to tonnes of doctors – neurologists, dieticians, psychiatrists, accupuncture, tried diets to eliminate food groups and allergens, had MRI’s and cat scans and spinal taps. Tried all sorts of drugs –  morphine and other pain killers, anti-siezure, etc. Nothing has helped and no one has any idea what’s going on. He’s healthy otherwise and very rarely had headaches before this one. Anyone have any similar experiences, or helpful suggestions? Chuck A friend of mine has had an intense headache for the last 3 years – it varies in intensity, but on a scale from 1 – 10 he’s averaging a 7. It started suddenly and never stops. He often has attacks (3 or 4 a week) where the headache quickly get worse, and he passes out from the pain and is totally unresponsive. Before this happens, he usually complains that his arm hurts. He’s gone to tonnes of doctors – neurologists, dieticians, psychiatrists, accupuncture, tried diets to eliminate food groups and allergens, had MRI’s and cat scans and spinal taps. Tried all sorts of drugs –  morphine and other pain killers, anti-siezure, etc. Nothing has helped and no one has any idea what’s going on. He’s healthy otherwise and very rarely had headaches before this one. Anyone have any similar experiences, or helpful suggestions?

Response:

Neurontin carries very few side effects, maybe you will sleep a lot better, and the few it does have. your body gets used to.

Hi Val, I too have fibromyalgia and at one point my doc prescribed neurontin, it seems to be the drug of choice for prevention and control of fms symptoms. However, recently there were 2 class action lawsuit against the manufacturers of Neurontin.  It seems that one of the side effects of this drug is suicidal (or homicidal depending on your state of mind I guess) tendencies.  since one of the problems of fms is major clinical depression it is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly.  I’d talk to your doc about weighing the benefits. The second lawsuit has to do with the fact that 80% of the neurontin prescriptions were for conditions that the drug was not approved for.  I’m including a statement here about that.  You can also do a search for neurontin lawsuit and read a little more about it. Hate to be the bearer of bad news Good Luck, Karen Neurontin lawsuit Neurontin – Neurontin was approved for sale in the mid-1990s as a treatment for epileptic seizures. However it is believed that approximately 80 percent of all Neurontin prescriptions were filled for unapproved medical conditions. Neurontin is also believed to be linked to suicidal behavior. It is believed that Parke-Davis which was acquired by Pfizer in 2000 had a systematic strategy to market and promote Neurontin for untested uses, such as chronic pain, bipolar disorder and migraine. It is not illegal for a doctor to prescribe a drug for unapproved conditions, however it is illegal for a drug company to market a medication for unapproved uses. In July 2003, Dateline broadcasted an investigation which accused Parke-Davis of deliberately falsifying medical information about Neurontin so doctors would prescribe the drug to treat "off-label" conditions. State and Federal prosecutors have launched investigations into the allegedly illegal marketing of Neurontin. In its year-long investigation, Dateline interviewed a former Parke-Davis scientist who alleges company officials encouraged him to persuade physicians to prescribe Neurontin for a number of disorders, including attention deficit disorder and bipolar disease, even though there was minimal preliminary data indicating that Neurontin could help patients with those diseases. In May 2003, The US attorney’s office in Boston said in court documents that the drug company Parke-Davis, now Pfizer, gave illegal kickbacks to doctors, including trips to Puerto Rico and tickets to the 1996 Summer Olympics, to prescribe what has become the nation’s best-selling anticonvulsant, Neurontin. Below is a list of the unapproved conditions that Neurontin was marketed to treat: The 11 illegally promoted unapproved uses for Neurontin are: *Bipolar Disorder *Pain Syndromes, Peripheral Neuropathy, and Diabetic Neuropathy *Treatment of Epilepsy alone (as monotherapy) *Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) *Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) *Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) *Trigeminal Neuralgia *Post-Hepatic Neuralgia (PHN) *Essential Tremor Periodic Limb Movement *Migraine *Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures

Response:

UnfortunatelyVal,   I   am  already on it. I take 1800 mgs. aday,, No help from it.  Thanks though. I’m gladto hearthat they help you  some. Take Care, migraine momma – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Oh you poor soul.  No one should have the daily pain that you have.  Does your doctor ever tell you about anti- seizure drugs like Neurontin, etc.?  I was having daily headaches (always started at 5:00 p.m.).  I am also bipolar and when my psychiatrist prescribed Neurontin and ramped me up to 800 mg four times a day, the headaches mysteriously went away.  They started getting less painful until one day I noticed, they were just gone.  I do have the beginning of migraines about once a month, or when I get blasted by loud noise or bright flickering lights, but with the Neurontin, a Bellamine-S and Esgic Plus pretty much nip it in the bud. Neurontin carries very few side effects, maybe you will sleep a lot better, and the few it does have. your body gets used to. I told my doctor once, "We who have migraines–if you would offer us a million dollars or to never have another headache, we would take the never have another headache."  His face showed that he finally understood our plight. I sincerely hope you can find something that works for you.  BTW, the Neurontin is good for nerve pain other places, too.  You poor thing.  You don’t deserve this. Val in Boise

Response:

Question:

    Uh, just a thought. How high a dose of thyroid hormones are you on? T3 ? T4? Both maybe? The reason I ask is that if you are on too high a dose you can get shaky BUT when I was extremely hypo I shook pretty bad too. I never took Xanax, I take Valium. I think it is gentler on the system than Xanax. Do you take in much caffeine in the course of a day? Caffeine will make your hands tremble too. The adrenals can cause problems and often go hand in hand with thyroid problems, just another thing to consider.     Being a guy, I can’t vouch for if menopause would cause this but I can tell you I’ve never heard of it, even though it can do some strange things so I don’t discount that either ( I told you I might not have a good answer for you ).     Did you by chance have a recent copy of any tests you had done? Posting them here will get you replies that might be a bit more revealing or at least tell you a bit more about what is going on. "PowerPoster" <powerpos…@nospam.com

wrote in message

news:tNOu6.104188$tP3.1638117@news1.rdc1.bc.home.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi, my main questions were: – is constant tremor ever experienced by any of you on thyroid

replacement,

or who took xanax – do any of the women reading this have menopausal symptoms at the same

time > and have any of your doctors figured out which is menopause and which is > thyroid related. If so, has estrogen helped? > John Riggs <johnri32…@yahoo.com

wrote in message

> news:99ebgv$qa94$1@ID-41632.news.dfncis.de… > >     You don’t want junk mail? Gosh, and I was so looking forward to > sending > > mine off to some underprivileged soul > >     I’m sorry, I read your post but I lost track of what it was you were > > asking. Could you post a short, eentsy, version just for me? Pretty > please? > > I promise to give an answer, even if it’s wrong. > >     Thanks > >             John > > "PowerPoster" <powerpos…@nospam.com

wrote in message

> > news:Aoxu6.96934$tP3.1557994@news1.rdc1.bc.home.com… > > > Sorry, i forgot to give my address for those who can reply, it is > > > suz…@yahoo.com. Although I also will read the newsgroup. Thanks. I > > didn’t > > > have it in my preferences to avoid masses of unwanted junk mail.

Response:

    You don’t want junk mail? Gosh, and I was so looking forward to sending mine off to some underprivileged soul     I’m sorry, I read your post but I lost track of what it was you were asking. Could you post a short, eentsy, version just for me? Pretty please? I promise to give an answer, even if it’s wrong.     Thanks             John "PowerPoster" <powerpos…@nospam.com

wrote in message

news:Aoxu6.96934$tP3.1557994@news1.rdc1.bc.home.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Sorry, i forgot to give my address for those who can reply, it is suz…@yahoo.com. Although I also will read the newsgroup. Thanks. I

didn’t

have it in my preferences to avoid masses of unwanted junk mail.

Response:

Hi, my main questions were: – is constant tremor ever experienced by any of you on thyroid replacement, or who took xanax – do any of the women reading this have menopausal symptoms at the same time and have any of your doctors figured out which is menopause and which is thyroid related. If so, has estrogen helped? John Riggs <johnri32…@yahoo.com

wrote in message

news:99ebgv$qa94$1@ID-41632.news.dfncis.de… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

    You don’t want junk mail? Gosh, and I was so looking forward to

sending

mine off to some underprivileged soul     I’m sorry, I read your post but I lost track of what it was you were asking. Could you post a short, eentsy, version just for me? Pretty

please? > I promise to give an answer, even if it’s wrong. >     Thanks >             John > "PowerPoster" <powerpos…@nospam.com

wrote in message

> news:Aoxu6.96934$tP3.1557994@news1.rdc1.bc.home.com… > > Sorry, i forgot to give my address for those who can reply, it is > > suz…@yahoo.com. Although I also will read the newsgroup. Thanks. I > didn’t > > have it in my preferences to avoid masses of unwanted junk mail.

Response:

Sorry, i forgot to give my address for those who can reply, it is suz…@yahoo.com. Although I also will read the newsgroup. Thanks. I didn’t have it in my preferences to avoid masses of unwanted junk mail.

Response:

HI Suze, I better leave someone who knows more about thyroid to answer your post but I thought I would let the US readers know that the  CES you mention is a plant based conjugated estrogen similiar to Cenestin sold in the US. I’ve also removed the other newsgroup for this reply. Kathryn kathr…@telus.net On Thu, 22 Mar 2001 22:07:46 GMT, "PowerPoster" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<powerpos…@nospam.com

wrote: I went to my dr. today to get the results of my blood test last week. He won’t give them on the phone. It was very hard driving there, I have constant tremors and they are worsening. However, he dismissed them as well as my shivering and arm and leg weakness, these all have been with me only since early Feb, for no known reason. For the first time he chose not to order a TSH – only a free T4. So, it was 20.8. Normal range is 10.5 to 20.0, so it is just slightly high, but that then might explain why I have felt attacks of hyper adrenaline? And yet, I have felt ill and almost comatose on a lower dose, previously, and was attempting not to be hypothyroid. But he says that 100 mcg is too high and 75 would be too low, so I must now take .88. My last test a few months ago, the free t4 was 18 or high normal, and I was taking 100 then too, and told to stay on 100. Then I was switched by my endocrinologist to a combo of T4 and T3, which was excessive and made me have more heart pounding than usual, and I stopped the T3. I also felt hypo on the divided dose .50-T4, .12-T3 regimen, but more T3 seemed to make me have more sudden bursts of heart pounding. Even with the combined dose, the equivalent I tried to get was 100 mcg a day as it seemed to make me feel less ill and less hypo than other doses. I have years of journals to analyze for symptoms and doses; it has not helped me find an answer. It is always either too high or too low, with a euthyroid feeling appearing so rarely that maybe 2 or 3 times in ten years I have felt it and diarized it as a massively red letter day, virtually a feeling of euphoria. This euthyroid is the way I felt for the rest of my life  the first 45 years until the diseases started. Just able to function and feeling well. So my T4 is slightly high, and I should therefore not have hypo symptoms, which I do still have – feeling suddenly sleepy at any time and falling asleep for an hour or two. (Yet I have insomnia late at night, and spells of hyper, surging, too much unuseable adrenaline coursing through me). Swelling feet and legs, no appetite, hair falling out in my brush and when I wash it in huge clumps, trouble with digestion when I do eat, but the number one hypo symptom I have day and night is freezing cold, shivering, every day, unrelated to the temperature, that nothing will warm up until it passes. It’s an internal thing.  The constant tremors are not always shivering from cold…sometimes I have them together. These are NOT hyper symptoms so why would I think the dose was too high? My basal temperataure, when I get up, has ranged from 97.3 to 98.2, which I believe is normal according to Dr. Broda Barnes. One would think my dose was good. In the past the temperature was in the 96 range, and yet I felt better then, at a lower dose, though I had the hypo symptoms. Someone posted the query, which would you rather be – hypo or hyper? Choosing between them is something I have always had to do, and each one becomes horrific, causing me to go the other way for a time. Can this constant seesawing be causing the new problems? If one has to choose, hypo is less debilitating and life-destroying. One gets fat with painful joints, and slow, and placid, and confused, but there is a calm. And yet, then one is wistful for the energetic bursts, relative fit body and occasional clear thinking one did have even with the accompanying high anxiety, nervous state. As I am trying to explain, now I seem to be both hyper and hypo, but the test says slightly hyper. Besides the T4 test I had an FSH test. A year or so ago it was still normal, 22, now it is 47, which is out of range. Though I have had perimenopausal symptoms – severe ones, and all of them, for 6 years now, my tests were always in the normal range until now. So he gave me estrogen – CES, a ‘natural’ plant based one. He said more women were against Premarin now (which I used to be, but now I don’t care – I just want relief). I will take them, what else can I do? Hoping it will help. I studied this 3 or 4 years ago and was even given both Premarin and CES by doctors at the time of my hot flashes but I did not have good results and stopped them. Now that the hormone levels have changed maybe this is the answer. Does anyone have experience with CES? I have become a querulous, middle aged woman whom no one wants to know about, I suddenly realized in his office when facing his contempt and his lack of sympathy for me as a person, and his dismissing my complete worsening in the last 2 months…..his restating what he always states: "We’ll have to see if this gets the thyroid in range…" In ten years nothing has worked, and currently I am worse than ever before. My health has deteriorated drastically since around last October. The pains, weakness, unsteadiness, tremor are considered ‘essential tremor’ by a neurologist, and fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist, but there is NO treatment for these…until I take the .88 T4 for a while and if I don’t improve then my g.p. will give me a form of propanolol. This is the same thing I took when I first got Graves’ disease in 1989 and before the radiation. Why is this happening? If the T4 level is so  high then why not just stop the thyroid and become completely hypothyroid, that will calm me and make me placid like a cow, and overweight….which is what happened last year, i basically had ONLY intense muscle pain and hot flashes most of the time. No anxiety or heart pounding attacks, tremors or shivering. I don’t MIND hot flashes. I wish that was all I did have again. I learned to accept and deal with them. I cannot deal with a head tremor and weak muscles. Even my jaw feels sprained after chewing; I cannot hold a cup with one hand. If 100 was such a massive dose that it makes me hyper, then why the combined symptoms which include hypo items like hair loss, cold, confusion, cognitive problems with words and memory, and the rest? My God, I am at the end of my rope, and other than an expensive holistic doctor or naturopath, who might have an insight and might just be a quack, there is nowhere else to turn. It is not a simple matter to change doctors. I can barely stand to go to the ones I do have, that already know my complicated case. It is an ordeal, as everything is such an effort now. But my mind objects, wanting a way out of this nightmare. There surely is a first cause somewhere….the only one I know of is the Graves’ disease, the hyperthyroid suddenly in 1989. Everything else followed. I’ve said this before, I was an energetic, smart, normal looking and successful working mother with many friends and a full life and unbounded energy. And after the treatment I still functioned until 1996 when my body just began to be unable to function. The menopausal stuff began in 1994 and yes I did get worse after that, but nothing helped, and by 1996 I was too disabled to work. Four years now have been lost from my life because of iatrogenic disease. My psychiatrist says it is iatrogenic – doctor-caused. Wrong treatment, wrong pills. I no longer have a thyroid, and nothing replaces it correctly. He just listens to me – he cannot help the physical things and the doctors will not. He gives me Xanax, but i worry that it only makes it worse in the long run, causing rebound anxiety when not taken, as it messes up the GABA receptors in the brain. Yet, I guess I will still rely on it for the worst of the spells I have. Without any thyroid of course I cannot survive, but no combination or amount has worked for long, and these other worse conditions have happened one after another including 3 root canals needed for abcesses in the last year, and continued tooth pain. Despite no sugar in my diet for a year. I read in a doctor’s waiting room once that estrogen is used for every part of the body including the teeth. If that is the case could my tooth problems, nerve problems and the rest all be part of the menopause? I was once an expert on this, I wrote a paper on it that was published to high praise, and now I am too confused to figure it out, as nothing makes sense anymore, and my case does not fit any I read about. I don’t even have hot flashes most of the time and they were not a serious problem for me, in retrospect. I do periodically for a few months and then none. The cold spells and shivering are the thing now. And that totally indicates more thyroid needed, and yet the test shows no, I have even excess T4 in the blood. Any ideas, please, would be welcome. I also have fibromyalgia, and iGa nephropathy, both considered nothing by the medical profession, but those were the diagnoses. I live with constant back pain, but that does not affect my life the way the lack of stable hormones does. I lost 35 pounds since last May, when I deliberately lowered my food intake and did yoga. I continue at the lower weight, but do not lose more as I eat everything I feel like now since I so seldom have any appetite and since food causes indigestion. I felt better when I was obese, but I didn’t like the way I looked. Was it a mistake to diet? I no longer have knee problems, as my doctor promised when the weight came off, and my heel spur also went away. If being obese would restore my stable constitution though I’d do it again, except I am now unable to overeat to the required extent, my digestion won’t allow it. I was told to take Xanax, in November, for the attacks of heart pounding and surging which started

… read more »

Response:

I went to my dr. today to get the results of my blood test last week. He won’t give them on the phone. It was very hard driving there, I have constant tremors and they are worsening. However, he dismissed them as well as my shivering and arm and leg weakness, these all have been with me only since early Feb, for no known reason. For the first time he chose not to order a TSH – only a free T4. So, it was 20.8. Normal range is 10.5 to 20.0, so it is just slightly high, but that then might explain why I have felt attacks of hyper adrenaline? And yet, I have felt ill and almost comatose on a lower dose, previously, and was attempting not to be hypothyroid. But he says that 100 mcg is too high and 75 would be too low, so I must now take .88. My last test a few months ago, the free t4 was 18 or high normal, and I was taking 100 then too, and told to stay on 100. Then I was switched by my endocrinologist to a combo of T4 and T3, which was excessive and made me have more heart pounding than usual, and I stopped the T3. I also felt hypo on the divided dose .50-T4, .12-T3 regimen, but more T3 seemed to make me have more sudden bursts of heart pounding. Even with the combined dose, the equivalent I tried to get was 100 mcg a day as it seemed to make me feel less ill and less hypo than other doses. I have years of journals to analyze for symptoms and doses; it has not helped me find an answer. It is always either too high or too low, with a euthyroid feeling appearing so rarely that maybe 2 or 3 times in ten years I have felt it and diarized it as a massively red letter day, virtually a feeling of euphoria. This euthyroid is the way I felt for the rest of my life  the first 45 years until the diseases started. Just able to function and feeling well. So my T4 is slightly high, and I should therefore not have hypo symptoms, which I do still have – feeling suddenly sleepy at any time and falling asleep for an hour or two. (Yet I have insomnia late at night, and spells of hyper, surging, too much unuseable adrenaline coursing through me). Swelling feet and legs, no appetite, hair falling out in my brush and when I wash it in huge clumps, trouble with digestion when I do eat, but the number one hypo symptom I have day and night is freezing cold, shivering, every day, unrelated to the temperature, that nothing will warm up until it passes. It’s an internal thing.  The constant tremors are not always shivering from cold…sometimes I have them together. These are NOT hyper symptoms so why would I think the dose was too high? My basal temperataure, when I get up, has ranged from 97.3 to 98.2, which I believe is normal according to Dr. Broda Barnes. One would think my dose was good. In the past the temperature was in the 96 range, and yet I felt better then, at a lower dose, though I had the hypo symptoms. Someone posted the query, which would you rather be – hypo or hyper? Choosing between them is something I have always had to do, and each one becomes horrific, causing me to go the other way for a time. Can this constant seesawing be causing the new problems? If one has to choose, hypo is less debilitating and life-destroying. One gets fat with painful joints, and slow, and placid, and confused, but there is a calm. And yet, then one is wistful for the energetic bursts, relative fit body and occasional clear thinking one did have even with the accompanying high anxiety, nervous state. As I am trying to explain, now I seem to be both hyper and hypo, but the test says slightly hyper. Besides the T4 test I had an FSH test. A year or so ago it was still normal, 22, now it is 47, which is out of range. Though I have had perimenopausal symptoms – severe ones, and all of them, for 6 years now, my tests were always in the normal range until now. So he gave me estrogen – CES, a ‘natural’ plant based one. He said more women were against Premarin now (which I used to be, but now I don’t care – I just want relief). I will take them, what else can I do? Hoping it will help. I studied this 3 or 4 years ago and was even given both Premarin and CES by doctors at the time of my hot flashes but I did not have good results and stopped them. Now that the hormone levels have changed maybe this is the answer. Does anyone have experience with CES? I have become a querulous, middle aged woman whom no one wants to know about, I suddenly realized in his office when facing his contempt and his lack of sympathy for me as a person, and his dismissing my complete worsening in the last 2 months…..his restating what he always states: "We’ll have to see if this gets the thyroid in range…" In ten years nothing has worked, and currently I am worse than ever before. My health has deteriorated drastically since around last October. The pains, weakness, unsteadiness, tremor are considered ‘essential tremor’ by a neurologist, and fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist, but there is NO treatment for these…until I take the .88 T4 for a while and if I don’t improve then my g.p. will give me a form of propanolol. This is the same thing I took when I first got Graves’ disease in 1989 and before the radiation. Why is this happening? If the T4 level is so  high then why not just stop the thyroid and become completely hypothyroid, that will calm me and make me placid like a cow, and overweight….which is what happened last year, i basically had ONLY intense muscle pain and hot flashes most of the time. No anxiety or heart pounding attacks, tremors or shivering. I don’t MIND hot flashes. I wish that was all I did have again. I learned to accept and deal with them. I cannot deal with a head tremor and weak muscles. Even my jaw feels sprained after chewing; I cannot hold a cup with one hand. If 100 was such a massive dose that it makes me hyper, then why the combined symptoms which include hypo items like hair loss, cold, confusion, cognitive problems with words and memory, and the rest? My God, I am at the end of my rope, and other than an expensive holistic doctor or naturopath, who might have an insight and might just be a quack, there is nowhere else to turn. It is not a simple matter to change doctors. I can barely stand to go to the ones I do have, that already know my complicated case. It is an ordeal, as everything is such an effort now. But my mind objects, wanting a way out of this nightmare. There surely is a first cause somewhere….the only one I know of is the Graves’ disease, the hyperthyroid suddenly in 1989. Everything else followed. I’ve said this before, I was an energetic, smart, normal looking and successful working mother with many friends and a full life and unbounded energy. And after the treatment I still functioned until 1996 when my body just began to be unable to function. The menopausal stuff began in 1994 and yes I did get worse after that, but nothing helped, and by 1996 I was too disabled to work. Four years now have been lost from my life because of iatrogenic disease. My psychiatrist says it is iatrogenic – doctor-caused. Wrong treatment, wrong pills. I no longer have a thyroid, and nothing replaces it correctly. He just listens to me – he cannot help the physical things and the doctors will not. He gives me Xanax, but i worry that it only makes it worse in the long run, causing rebound anxiety when not taken, as it messes up the GABA receptors in the brain. Yet, I guess I will still rely on it for the worst of the spells I have. Without any thyroid of course I cannot survive, but no combination or amount has worked for long, and these other worse conditions have happened one after another including 3 root canals needed for abcesses in the last year, and continued tooth pain. Despite no sugar in my diet for a year. I read in a doctor’s waiting room once that estrogen is used for every part of the body including the teeth. If that is the case could my tooth problems, nerve problems and the rest all be part of the menopause? I was once an expert on this, I wrote a paper on it that was published to high praise, and now I am too confused to figure it out, as nothing makes sense anymore, and my case does not fit any I read about. I don’t even have hot flashes most of the time and they were not a serious problem for me, in retrospect. I do periodically for a few months and then none. The cold spells and shivering are the thing now. And that totally indicates more thyroid needed, and yet the test shows no, I have even excess T4 in the blood. Any ideas, please, would be welcome. I also have fibromyalgia, and iGa nephropathy, both considered nothing by the medical profession, but those were the diagnoses. I live with constant back pain, but that does not affect my life the way the lack of stable hormones does. I lost 35 pounds since last May, when I deliberately lowered my food intake and did yoga. I continue at the lower weight, but do not lose more as I eat everything I feel like now since I so seldom have any appetite and since food causes indigestion. I felt better when I was obese, but I didn’t like the way I looked. Was it a mistake to diet? I no longer have knee problems, as my doctor promised when the weight came off, and my heel spur also went away. If being obese would restore my stable constitution though I’d do it again, except I am now unable to overeat to the required extent, my digestion won’t allow it. I was told to take Xanax, in November, for the attacks of heart pounding and surging which started in October out of the blue. I took it only sporadically as needed for the worst, then was told to take it every day once the tremors became a daily problem, no matter how I felt, but that did not eliminate the tremors. It just makes me apathetic and totally cut off from the world, mentally it shuts down the brain, which no longer cares. As I don’t like that feeling, I don’t take it in big doses as recommended. I wondered if any of this new stuff was really xanax withdrawal or reaction, as it is known to be highly addictive even … read more »

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Question:

  I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.  I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

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I tend to do that a lot too, but when I take a xanax before bed, I never wake up before I’m supposed to, and I have many very clear dreams that I always remember.  It’s a huge difference.  YMMV. -deb

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You just explained me to a TEE, unfortunately. I am on the Trazodone for day #3 now, and Zoloft for 3 years. I thought the Trazadone would be alot easier on me than it is. I am EXHAUSTED! I dont know whether my body is just making up for all the sleep deprivation all of this time or what, but I cannot wake-up all this weekend. I feel like I have been weighted down with bricks…I am questioning which is the lesser of two evils: staying up all night, having nightmares and twilight sleep when I can sleep, or this damned Trazadone. I am ready to call it quits to everything! Geesh! I find myself angry with everyone right now. I keep thinking my counsellor is good, helpful, knowledgeable… Okay, so why cant I seem to get better? Two and a half years ago of Zoloft I was about 90% panic free. Now, I am upping dosages, taking more meds, feeling like I am crazy, taking my frustration out on anyone within shouting distance (Including the jerk who had the AUDACITY to steal my parking spot!). I feel like I am on this constant spiral downward lately, and no matter how much I want to believe I am going to be on the "up" side, it doesnt happen. I had one small success recently, and even that isnt enough to help me. I am depressed, I cry at the drop of a hat… Tonight was so bad any slightest noise went straight for my spine and reverbarated (SP?) the whole way. Hard to have peace and quiet with little ones running aorund…My kids jokingly call me the grump now. It isnt funny any more. I dont enjoy anything, I dont want to go anywhere, I sit and cry, and that is all… Why bother going out? RIght now it is better to hide, which is scary- been there, done that– told myself I would never go down to that level again. My husband was always my biggest support person and now even he is losing his patience with me,… I dont understand how other people seem to handle this. Whats worse, the depression, the panic, the combonation of the two?… I am sick of hearing myself moan groan and complain. I find myself always apologising for being such a broken record….Good Lord, how much is my family supposed to take of me?? I dont know the answer to your question about stronger meds. I wanted to try something like Xanax or Ativan, but I was told no, they were too habit forming… What are we to do?? I havent a clue! When you find an answer, be sure to let me in on the secret, wont you???? Wishing you the best of luck!! — Miriam The Complainer    (These opinions are mine and mine alone… YMMV) It’s hard to make a comeback when you haven’t been anywhere.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.     I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

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  I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.  I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

I think, if it were me, I’d go back to my doctor and have a complete review of my treatment. You don’t say whether it has been effective for your anxiety but, assuming it has been, there must be more effective sleeping aids s/he could give you. This ‘racing mind syndrome’ is something I suffer from too and it’s a swine, I know. I do find that a benzo knocks it right out, but I’m not sure whether I’d be willing to use one to do that on a very regular basis. Then again, sleep does seem to be quite dependent on patterns and habits so might it be that if you could re-establish a new sleeping pattern with occasional use of a benzo, that might help? Just a thought, FWIW — Gary Cooper

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I know how you feel.  I had the same problem for two months.  I have two pieces of advice for you. 1. set up a normal sleep time and stick to it. go to bed and wake at the same time every day.  I found this a real pain, since I would sometimes find myself lying in bed somewhere between asleep and wide awake for a couple of hours.  2.  Keep your house as cool as possible, this one really helps me.  It sucks when you get the electric bill, but I find the extra money worth it.  I believe the book that I read said between 60 and 70.  I keep mine at 70, at night. I am not saying that you still wont wake up to go to the bathroom (when you gotta go you gotta go!). What I am saying you should get a little more consistent about falling back to sleep. of course YMMV and IMO. This took me about a month or so, but it really helped. Good luck d – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.     I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

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  I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.  I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

Used to have this problem until I started taking Klonopin (3mgs per day) and Xanax (.25 to 1 mg. per day) Now, I sleep very well. I rarely wake up before I am "supposed to". I alos no longer have nocturnal panic attacks, which had plagued me since I was 16 (38 now). The other benefit is that I was diagnosed withfibromyalgia a few years back. The symptoms are worse with interrupted sleep. I no longer have symptoms since being on the meds. I also have no side-effects from the meds. Best Wishes, Jen

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I’m afraid I can’t offer much advice but I can empathize with your experience. I sometimes wake up in the middle night with my stress meter fully pegged. It doesn’t sound like much, but I have found that if I concentrate on asking myself why I would need to feel so stressed I am able to eventually ease back down. josh   I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off. — Gary Cooper

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In article <   I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.     I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

This person’s an idiot-"I DONT DO DRUGS" – of course you do!-ZOLOFT/coffee and who knows how many wines/beers a week they consume, much less cigarettes!!!

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Question:

Chandra, Yes, I have been there and done that! I suffer from both severe panic (or anxiety) disorder and chronic depression. I had a wonderful family doctor (younger-around 30ish) that was working with me before I became pregnant and at the time I became pregnant. He was super! He was willing to work in the "gray area" and help give me and my unborn child the best of what there was to offer. New doctor’s seem to be better at this. After I voiced my concerns to him (pretty much the same as your’s) he told me that what it came down to was what was best for both mother and child. Sure we all want to be "medication-free" but is that the best thing- even for the unborn child when the mother is not able to be out in the world, lying in bed day after day, terrified unable to care for herself let alone a new baby that’s going to be born, etc…  We all know what effects STRESS has on the already born! Can medication-which hasn’t been proven to cause ill-effects on the fetus be more dangerous than the illness the mother suffers from? No one can know for sure, but both my doctor and I opted for "me" being HEALTHY with medicine over me being gravely unhealthy without needed medication. During my full-term wonderful pregancy, I was taking Prozac, Effexor(an anti-anxiety medication), and another med. I can’t remember at this time. I delivered a superhealthy boy. He weighed 9lbs.13oz. and was 22&1/2 inches long! I only gained 30 lbs. during my pregnancy. Yes, we did tests every trimester, nothing major `just double checking, and had an ulrasound twice (which are nerve racking like everything when your pregnant-your so scared for your baby, but they are such an unbelieveable experience). We even had to induce-he was late! This all happened FIVE YEARS AGO!!! Technology has come along way since then! The question your doctor, and you, needs to answer is which problem will be worse for your unborn baby—medication or a "mentally" unhealthy mother! You should be with a doctor that allows you to help make decisions that are affecting you and you baby! If he doesn’t agree or understand your concerns , or whatever….remember he is YOUR employee and you can find a different doctor. Lots, if not most, have delt with patients such as yourself! I have NO DOUBTS that you will have a beautiful and healthy baby! NONE!!! God is with you! I’d love to talk to you more about it if you like-all you *Also, as far as "hormones" especially during  pregnancy they increase and make worse any problem I’ve found. *F.Y.I. I was 30 at the time of my delivery and am 36 ( just turned) now. Please let me know how things go!

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Hello,      I am new to this message board, but I have been trying to find ANYBODY who can help me out!  I am two months pregnant and I have panic disorder (diagnosed in March of this year) and severe anxiety.  My doctor is weaning me off my paxil (I was on 20 mg. a day) and I had really bad side effects because of it.  Well now I am having severe relapses of panic, which I hadn’t had one for a few months.  I am also suffering severe depression, which I never had before.  I even think about suicide, which I never did before either.  I’m only 22 and this is my first baby and I’m really scared that I’m gonna loose it and not be able to make it. Can anyone else tell me if there was any drug they took while pregnant that won’t hurt my baby?  Also, I wonder if my symptoms are worse because of hormonal changes.  Has anyone one been there, done that?  Please e-mail me any words of wisdom.  I am really scared and wigged out.  I don’t think I can do this without help!  Thanks!

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Question:

Anyone have any strange side effects from Zoloft?  I started to have TMJ pain/tension after taking it for under a week.  Teeth hurt too.  My doctor said this was not caused by the drug but when I stopped taking it, the symptoms disappeared (after about 3 months).  Maybe it causes teeth clenching?  I never felt any less depressed after taking it for 10 dayes. Actually felt like a zombie.

Hi Will,         I never had TMJ while taking Zoloft, but I did have other ill effects.  My mother recently did too.  From our experiences, I’d say it’s a pretty good guess that what happened to you may well have been from the drug.  While Zoloft seems to work well for some people, IMO the medical community has a ways to go toward identifying & understanding its range of adverse reactions.  Hope these anecdotes help:         I tried switching from Nardil to Zoloft a few years ago.  Took it for about a month, I think… hard to remember as I was in a complete fog during the entire period.  Anyway, it made me a zombie as well – I felt no trace of humanity in or around me while on it.   It virtually left me unable to *feel* anything at all, or to *think*, for that matter.           It was when I stopped taking it to go back on Nardil, and was waiting the required period for it to clear out of my system, that some really bizarre and frightening symptoms appeared.  I had intense, violent hallucinations that scared the bejeezus out of me   (the *only* hallucinations I’ve ever had, BTW … well, that is if you don’t count the effects of certain substances I ingested in younger days 8- ).  I also was unbelievably anxious during this withdrawal period, which lasted about a week (I think) but felt like an eternity.         My mother, who’s in her 70s, was prescribed Zoloft for depression a month ago by her cardiologist.  She stopped taking it after three weeks because it induced the same zombie effect in her.  She had no withdrawal symptoms at all.  Apparently her depression was transient because it seems to have subsided as well.  Yesterday she felt like getting off the couch and going *out* for the first time since the depression hit.  I took her shopping and she did just fine.         Glad your TMJ and teeth pain stopped.  And I hope you’ve found another med that works better for you.  Take care. Redroad — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

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I have heard of this phenomena before, may have been good that you dc’d Zoloft. Randy.

Response:

Anyone have any strange side effects from Zoloft?  I started to have TMJ pain/tension after taking it for under a week.  Teeth hurt too.  My doctor said this was not caused by the drug but when I stopped taking it, the symptoms disappeared (after about 3 months).  Maybe it causes teeth clenching?  I never felt any less depressed after taking it for 10 dayes. Actually felt like a zombie.

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Anyone have any strange side effects from Zoloft?  I started to have TMJ pain/tension after taking it for under a week.  Teeth hurt too.  My doctor said this was not caused by the drug but when I stopped taking it, the symptoms disappeared (after about 3 months).  Maybe it causes teeth clenching?  I never felt any less depressed after taking it for 10 dayes. Actually felt like a zombie.

S’not weird, if Zoloft is anything like paxil. And they are both SSRIs. I have TMJ (from teeth clenching) and it got, oh, (this is a rough estimate) about a BAZILLION times worse when I started the paxil. My dear (well, sometimes dear) pdoc said it was a not common but not rare side effect. So it sounds like yer pdoc is a quack, OR Zoloft and paxil are different. But I do think they are pretty similar. Ten days really isn’t enough time to see if an AD is going to help, though if your jaw pain was unbearable… And when paxil worked for me, I felt like a zombie until I was put on a theraputic (heigh enough) dose. So if you feel like another go at it would help, there are plenty of ADs to try.  I hope you can find one that works, if it’s what you need. Good good luck, Bizzy Heather, if you were happy every day of your life, you wouldn’t be a human being. You’d be a game show host.         Veronica Sawyer, Heathers

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Anyone have any strange side effects from Zoloft?  I started to have TMJ pain/tension after taking it for under a week.  Teeth hurt too.  My doctor said this was not caused by the drug but when I stopped taking it, the symptoms disappeared (after about 3 months).  Maybe it causes teeth clenching?  I never felt any less depressed after taking it for 10 dayes. Actually felt like a zombie.

Usually it takes much longer than 10 days for it to have an effect. I wonder if the teeth-clenching had to do with some sort of sleep disruption from the drug — particularly if you were feeling like a zombie. Mike. — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

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‘Nother meds question– I was just wondering if anyone else has ever taken serzone. I started taking antid*pr*ssants about four years ago, when I hit a colossal d*pr*ssion, and was first prescribed prozac. I stayed on that for about six months, and although the d*pr*ssion remained, it seemed ~slightly~ more controlable; but the amazing thing that seemed to happen with the prozac was that I could actually read again! However, after a while, I started thinking that there must be something better than this. I was still d*pr*ssed, still failing school, still barely functional. So, I went on "The Great Med Quest." I tried everything, and nothing seemed to help me with what I was looking for– something to help me be more functional, and to help me to concentrate enough to be able to read and to focus enough to do my coursework. After ritalin, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, and others which I have forgotten, I went back on prozac, because at least I had been able to read when I was on it before. I took it for about a year– going up to sixty and sometimes eighty mg’s a day. I pretended that I was not d*pr*ssed anymore, and I could still barely focus. A little over a month ago I woke up, and realized exactly how d*pr*ssed I was. A couple of days later, I found myself in the h*sp*t*l. I asked my p to change meds, so he said that my options were either serzone or paxil, and that that was it, there wasn’t anything else for me to take. However, the side effects with the serzone seem incredible. I have only been taking it for a few weeks, and pretty irregularly due to the side effects– i.e. if I choose to take it on a given day, I can expect not to be able to drive, walk straight, eat, or sleep for less than fourteen hours. However, I feel like this is kind of my last hope of ever feeling "normal." I wonder if I just took it regularly for a few weeks and rode the side effects through if they would eventually disappear and the meds would end up helping me. Has anybody had serzone work for them? … Or what about paxil? Any advice, words of wisdom, suggestions, etc, desparately sought… Erica

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ‘Nother meds question– I was just wondering if anyone else has ever taken serzone. I started taking antid*pr*ssants about four years ago, when I hit a colossal d*pr*ssion, and was first prescribed prozac. I stayed on that for about six months, and although the d*pr*ssion remained, it seemed ~slightly~ more controlable; but the amazing thing that seemed to happen with the prozac was that I could actually read again! However, after a while, I started thinking that there must be something better than this. I was still d*pr*ssed, still failing school, still barely functional. So, I went on "The Great Med Quest." I tried everything, and nothing seemed to help me with what I was looking for– something to help me be more functional, and to help me to concentrate enough to be able to read and to focus enough to do my coursework. After ritalin, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, and others which I have forgotten, I went back on prozac, because at least I had been able to read when I was on it before. I took it for about a year– going up to sixty and sometimes eighty mg’s a day. I pretended that I was not d*pr*ssed anymore, and I could still barely focus. A little over a month ago I woke up, and realized exactly how d*pr*ssed I was. A couple of days later, I found myself in the h*sp*t*l. I asked my p to change meds, so he said that my options were either serzone or paxil, and that that was it, there wasn’t anything else for me to take. However, the side effects with the serzone seem incredible. I have only been taking it for a few weeks, and pretty irregularly due to the side effects– i.e. if I choose to take it on a given day, I can expect not to be able to drive, walk straight, eat, or sleep for less than fourteen hours. However, I feel like this is kind of my last hope of ever feeling "normal." I wonder if I just took it regularly for a few weeks and rode the side effects through if they would eventually disappear and the meds would end up helping me. Has anybody had serzone work for them? … Or what about paxil? Any advice, words of wisdom, suggestions, etc, desparately sought… Erica

Hi Erica, I was on paxil for about 2 months last year. I found that it lifted the depression to a degree, but the side effects (lack of sleep, tremor, feeling really agitated and unbelievable night-mares every night), were out-weighing the anti-depressant function. These tablets are hard to gauge though. One fits some-one but doesn’t fit the other person. It’s all a matter of trial and error as you seem to know. I thought that I would never find a med to alleviate some of my more severe symptoms, but this year have found an old tri-cyclic that seems to be doing a pretty good job….and I went through the whole range too…. Good luck… Hope you find something that helps you… Grace

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i took serazone for a while, ttwice acctually, the first time it worked really well for me (i had less side effects than i did on prozac), and i went off meds entirely after a whille.  then i went back on it not too long ago, and the side effectts weren’t too bad until my time sense left and i didn’t realize how many doses i had missed…  for me, if i’ve missed doses i get really bad side effects unless i taper back on the same way as if i was just starting it. different people react better to different meds, and there may not be one currently that will really work for you (i hope there is one). good luck elf

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I also took Serzone for a while.  I had the simular side affect the if I missed a dose, I would get really sick in taking the next dose unless I tapered myself back on it. Other than that I had no side effects, but fro me it didn’t help with my depression.  It was the last hope for me because I’d been on Effexor,Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, tricyclics, MAOI’s. The only thin I haven’t tried is Remeron (sp). But none of the docs will even consider it. Margaret i took serazone for a while, ttwice acctually, the first time it worked really well for me (i had less side effects than i did on prozac), and i went off meds entirely after a whille.  then i went back on it not too long ago, and the side effectts weren’t too bad until my time sense left and i didn’t realize how many doses i had missed…  for me, if i’ve missed doses i get really bad side effects unless i taper back on the same way as if i was just starting it. different people react better to different meds, and there may not be one currently that will really work for you (i hope there is one). good luck elf

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Hi Erica, hihi, Grace  = ) I was on paxil for about 2 months last year. I found that it lifted the depression to a degree, but the side effects (lack of sleep, tremor, feeling really agitated and unbelievable night-mares every night), were out-weighing the anti-depressant function.

that sux. i thnk that that is what zoloft did when i was on it… These tablets are hard to gauge though. One fits some-one but doesn’t fit the other person. It’s all a matter of trial and error as you seem to know.

yeah, i know = … i wish it were easier I thought that I would never find a med to alleviate some of my more severe symptoms, but this year have found an old tri-cyclic that seems to be doing a pretty good job….and I went through the whole range too…. Good luck… Hope you find something that helps you… Grace

thank you = ) erica "… I’m just having thoughts of Marianne she could outrun the fastest slug she could Marianne quickest girl in the frying pan"

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Howdy group.  I was just diagnosed with cervical dystonia last week. While I have had symptoms for YEARS all of the doctors I went to either could find nothing wrong or told me to "relax"! I am so happy to find this news group on here.  A big relief.  I did find a fantastic Neurologist who believed me and understood exactly what I was talking about.  We are currently trying a variety of oral medications to see if we can control it.  Of course as all of you know, with these types of medications come side-effects.  After being on one medication for 2 days, my husband said, "you don’t need to be on that, it will make you crazy." I don’t think my husband is understanding what dystonia is all about quite yet.  I am looking for some encouragement and am hoping to find it here. Thanks for letting me get a little bit off my mind…I hope I can be of help to other people here as well. Connie

Welcome to A.S.D., Connie!!!   We are so happy to meet you!  I am hoping that some of our ‘dystonia spouses’ will respond to your husband and his concerns.  We have found that significant others in our lifes often have a hard time watching us go through this process.  Connie, please know that all of us here at the n/g are more than eager to lend a listening ear, commiserate, and even laugh occasionally!!!  Please keep in touch!! TTYS, MB

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Howdy group.  I was just diagnosed with cervical dystonia last week. While I have had symptoms for YEARS all of the doctors I went to either could find nothing wrong or told me to "relax"! I am so happy to find this news group on here.  A big relief.  I did find a fantastic Neurologist who believed me and understood exactly what I was talking about.  We are currently trying a variety of oral medications to see if we can control it.  Of course as all of you know, with these types of medications come side-effects.  After being on one medication for 2 days, my husband said, "you don’t need to be on that, it will make you crazy." I don’t think my husband is understanding what dystonia is all about quite yet.  I am looking for some encouragement and am hoping to find it here. Thanks for letting me get a little bit off my mind…I hope I can be of help to other people here as well. Connie

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy group.  I was just diagnosed with cervical dystonia last week. While I have had symptoms for YEARS all of the doctors I went to either could find nothing wrong or told me to "relax"! I am so happy to find this news group on here.  A big relief.  I did find a fantastic Neurologist who believed me and understood exactly what I was talking about.  We are currently trying a variety of oral medications to see if we can control it.  Of course as all of you know, with these types of medications come side-effects.  After being on one medication for 2 days, my husband said, "you don’t need to be on that, it will make you crazy." I don’t think my husband is understanding what dystonia is all about quite yet.  I am looking for some encouragement and am hoping to find it here. Thanks for letting me get a little bit off my mind…I hope I can be of help to other people here as well. Connie Welcome to A.S.D., Connie!!! We are so happy to meet you!  I am hoping that some of our ‘dystonia spouses’ will respond to your husband and his concerns.  We have found that significant others in our lifes often have a hard time watching us go through this process.  Connie, please know that all of us here at the n/g are more than eager to lend a listening ear, commiserate, and even laugh occasionally!!!  Please keep in touch!! TTYS, MB

Ok MB…I have been extremely busy the last month, but i have been lurking:)  so seeing this post I had to reply..Lacking the time to form a newsgroup for us sig/others & spouses i have formed an email chain. anyone who wishs to share in our letters please feel free to email me. It is indeed very hard to not be able to "fix " my wife and make everything ok.  We go through life one day at a time and I try to stay with what I am powerful over and accept what I am powerless to change. Not my words…they come from a 12 step group. but it helps me to cope.it also helps to keep up with the newsgroup and share with you all when I can.  It also makes me feel good to see that this group has helped my wife Aimee where I have not been able to, and I thank you all for that…:) John F

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Howdy group.  I was just diagnosed with cervical dystonia last week. While I have had symptoms for YEARS all of the doctors I went to either could find nothing wrong or told me to "relax"!

Hey I too have been there. After seeing approx. 6 specialists in the varies fields of medicine, I was finally diagonised with ST. I am so happy to find this news group on here.  A big relief.  I did find a fantastic Neurologist who believed me and understood exactly what I was talking about.  We are currently trying a variety of oral medications to see if we can control it.  Of course as all of you know, with these types of medications come side-effects.  After being on one medication for 2 days, my husband said, "you don’t need to be on that, it will make you crazy."

I remember those days indeed. Taking  all kinds of oral medications for approx a 4-6 month timespan to see if any worked, unfortunately in my case none did, but that isn’t too say that you will not have positive results. We share a strange disorder indeed. I don’t think my husband is understanding what dystonia is all about quite yet.  I am looking for some encouragement and am hoping to find it here.

My wife/family/friends also did not, in fact I didn’t, but we all know alot more now : ) Thanks for letting me get a little bit off my mind…I hope I can be of help to other people here as well.

I am sure you will and am happy too meet you. There is an chatline where many people with Dystonia meet every Wednesday night at 9:00pm EST in the channel named #sd. The chatline program is mIRC. If you don’t have it but would like to know where/how to get it, just say so and all the information will be sent too you here. God bless Mark

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The basal ganglia may be like a computer which, if you have dystonia, malfunctions.

Are you trying to tell us that not only do we have dystonia but our brains are running Windows ‘95?! <g (err… nobody from MicroSoft is on here, are they…?) Cathy. —  (—-)                                                     (—-)   "  "         http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~collisoc          "  "

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Howdy group.  I was just diagnosed with cervical dystonia last week. While I have had symptoms for YEARS all of the doctors I went to either could find nothing wrong or told me to "relax"! I am so happy to find this news group on here.  A big relief.  I did find a fantastic Neurologist who believed me and understood exactly what I was talking about.  We are currently trying a variety of oral medications to see if we can control it.  Of course as all of you know, with these types of medications come side-effects. on’t think my husband is understanding what dystonia is all about quite yet.

Dystonia is a disorder of movement.  It is frequently misunderstood  by the public and misdiagnosed by the medical profession because  of its complexity.  It is a syndrome of sustained muscle contractions frequently causing twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal  postures.  The cause of these abnormal postures is thought to be  problems in the area of the brain known as the basal ganglia.  Messages to initiate the correct muscle contractions required for specific movements are thought to original in this region.   The basal ganglia may be like a computer which, if you have dystonia, malfunctions. There are no laboratory tests which can confirm the diagnosis of dystonia.  The diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical neurological history and examination. Thanks for letting me get a little bit off my mind…I hope I can be of help to other people here as well. Connie

Gene

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A small correction using the computer industry lingo is that our "Operating System" has a small bug that causes intermittent failures of the computer itself.  Consequently, a number of highly paid researchers (Systems Analysts) are attempting to debug the system but so far have not been successful.  We may need to hire more competent personnel. Larry Barlar

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Are you trying to tell us that not only do we have dystonia but our brains are running Windows ‘95?! <g That’s a 32 bit application MB

Hey Larry!  You catch that?!  The gal’s getting smart on us! <g Cathy. —  (—-)                                                     (—-)   "  "         http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~collisoc          "  "

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I am so happy to find this place on the internet–I was diagnosed with dystonia in the upper extremities and essential tremor of the head 2 years ago. It has been a struggle to finally get a diagnosis and even more of a struggle to find out more about it. Thank goodness I stumbled upon this newsgroup. I would like to exchange e-mail with anyone who feels inspired to write and share their experiences with me — I have felt so all alone through all of this. Barbara Zalesny

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The basal ganglia may be like a computer which, if you have dystonia, malfunctions. Are you trying to tell us that not only do we have dystonia but our brains are running Windows ‘95?! <g (err… nobody from MicroSoft is on here, are they…?) Cathy.

That’s a 32 bit application MB

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