Question:

Has anyone heard of a side effect  from Triamcinolone acetonide (Azmacort) that presents like Parkinsons disease?  My mother has just been possibly diagnosted with Parkinsons disease (the neurologist wasn’t sure but he couldn’t prove she had had a stoke ). We had heard a rumor that adrenocorticoids from inhalors (Mom has been on an inhalor for 8 years) could give Parkinson’s like symptoms but can’t find any medical source to confirm this. Please help.  Deon

Response:

Has anyone heard of a side effect  from Triamcinolone acetonide (Azmacort) that presents like Parkinsons disease?  My mother has just been possibly diagnosted with Parkinsons disease (the neurologist wasn’t sure but he couldn’t prove she had had a stoke ). We had heard a rumor that adrenocorticoids from inhalors (Mom has been on an inhalor for 8 years) could give Parkinson’s like symptoms but can’t find any medical source to confirm this. Please help.  Deon Dear Deon I have had a suspicion that tremors I have been experiencing are due to azmacort. I stopped the azmacort for a week and the tremors went away. I NEED the azmacort so I had to restart it.The tremors are back.However, I am also taking numerous other medications and indeed the tremors couldbe due even to another illness I am experiencing. So I need the azmacort and don’t want to risk another self-experiment. I did not see anything about such symptoms in the pamphlet included with the azmacort. BTW, We’re switching to the Blue cross insurance HMO (MASS, USA) and they will cover flovent and pulmicort, but not azmacort! The doctor had taken me off flovent because hethought it was very strong and causing recurring thrush.I wonder how people like pulmicort inhalers. I think opinions have been voiced on this before. I’ve been told that Parkinsonian like symptoms can occur with other medications. Chilla

Response:

Question:

Selling collection of approximately 3,000 to 3,500 vinyl 12" records. There is a mixture of Rap/Hip Hop, Dance, R&B, Soul, Techno, and Funk from the 80’s and 90’s.   Most are 12" singles, some full albums. Some have picture sleeves, some have generic or label covers. Conditions are mixed, most are in Near Mint condition.  There is no list, sorry.  $1500 bid + shipping.

Response:

Here’s the link: http://page.auctions.yahoo.com/auction/43211597 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Selling collection of approximately 3,000 to 3,500 vinyl 12" records. There is a mixture of Rap/Hip Hop, Dance, R&B, Soul, Techno, and Funk from the 80’s and 90’s.   Most are 12" singles, some full albums. Some have picture sleeves, some have generic or label covers. Conditions are mixed, most are in Near Mint condition.  There is no list, sorry.  $1500 bid + shipping.

Response:

Question:

i have to agree they all tell me that zoloft isn’t addicting either, but screw them all i go off it for 2 days and then have to start it again they say hardly any of the newer drugs are addicting, well i say, that they should try them themselves and then they will see

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Zoloft Withdrawal–The Darkest Period of my Life Antidepressants  "I had all the classic symptoms of a junkie coming off of heroine." My name is Virginia and I just finished seeing a segment on 2020 regarding withdrawal symptoms after getting off of an antidepressant. THANK GOD!!! There are other people out there that have experienced the same symptoms I have experienced! Every doctor in the past, (3), I have told about my withdrawal symptoms have told me that it’s not possible or that they’ve never heard of anyone having these

symptoms months after – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – attempting to get off Zoloft. I even got very upset at one of the doctor’s and told him that the symptoms I was experiencing were "real" and that I was not crazy! To make a long story short– The six months I was off the Zoloft was the darkest period of my life. I had all the classic symptoms of a junkie coming off of heroine. For three weeks straight, I had dry heaves, nausea, dizziness, panic attacks so severe I thought I was having a heart attack, cold sweats, a weird sound in my head, like breaking glass every time I’d blink my eyes, the disconnection of your brains ability to catch up with your vision when you look sharply to the left or right (almost like the old slide projectors that take a second and then click to the next picture), severe paranoia, and continual suicidal thoughts. If it were not for my husband taking time of from work to watch over me, I would not be here today! Unfortunately, I lost my job, and ended up having to get back on the Zoloft in order to live a so-called "normal life". And I can honestly say, it was like a miracle how quickly my nausea and dry heaves went away. I only wish that the first doctor I saw would have informed me about the possibility of becoming addicted to this drug, and given me the choice of alternative treatment or a life long commitment to Zoloft. Now the only symptoms I have are dry mouth and a stiff jaw…Oh, and paranoia about ever losing my health insurance. Virginia — Psychiatry is to Science as Astrology is to Astronomy

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i have to agree they all tell me that zoloft isn’t addicting either, but screw them all i go off it for 2 days and then have to start it again they say hardly any of the newer drugs are addicting, well i say, that they should try them themselves and then they will see Zoloft Withdrawal–The Darkest Period of my Life Antidepressants  "I had all the classic symptoms of a junkie coming off of heroine."

Well, in my experience, if you taper off of the drug, much the same as you slowly build up to a dose perscribed by your pdoc, you will experience less side effects.  The reason why it seems like you are addicted is because your nervous system has become dependant on the drug, and if you were to just stop it, you will experience severe side effects for several months afterwards, which happened to me a few years ago.  However, it’s not anywhere near as severe of an *addiction* as heroine or alcohol. Frost

Response:

i have to agree they all tell me that zoloft isn’t addicting either, but screw them all i go off it for 2 days and then have to start it again they say hardly any of the newer drugs are addicting, well i say, that they should try them themselves and then they will see

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Zoloft Withdrawal–The Darkest Period of my Life Antidepressants  "I had all the classic symptoms of a junkie coming off of heroine." My name is Virginia and I just finished seeing a segment on 2020 regarding withdrawal symptoms after getting off of an antidepressant. THANK GOD!!! There are other people out there that have experienced the same symptoms I have experienced! Every doctor in the past, (3), I have told about my withdrawal symptoms have told me that it’s not possible or that they’ve never heard of anyone having these

symptoms months after – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – attempting to get off Zoloft. I even got very upset at one of the doctor’s and told him that the symptoms I was experiencing were "real" and that I was not crazy! To make a long story short– The six months I was off the Zoloft was the darkest period of my life. I had all the classic symptoms of a junkie coming off of heroine. For three weeks straight, I had dry heaves, nausea, dizziness, panic attacks so severe I thought I was having a heart attack, cold sweats, a weird sound in my head, like breaking glass every time I’d blink my eyes, the disconnection of your brains ability to catch up with your vision when you look sharply to the left or right (almost like the old slide projectors that take a second and then click to the next picture), severe paranoia, and continual suicidal thoughts. If it were not for my husband taking time of from work to watch over me, I would not be here today! Unfortunately, I lost my job, and ended up having to get back on the Zoloft in order to live a so-called "normal life". And I can honestly say, it was like a miracle how quickly my nausea and dry heaves went away. I only wish that the first doctor I saw would have informed me about the possibility of becoming addicted to this drug, and given me the choice of alternative treatment or a life long commitment to Zoloft. Now the only symptoms I have are dry mouth and a stiff jaw…Oh, and paranoia about ever losing my health insurance. Virginia — Psychiatry is to Science as Astrology is to Astronomy

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i have to agree they all tell me that zoloft isn’t addicting either, but screw them all i go off it for 2 days and then have to start it again they say hardly any of the newer drugs are addicting, well i say, that they should try them themselves and then they will see Zoloft Withdrawal–The Darkest Period of my Life Antidepressants  "I had all the classic symptoms of a junkie coming off of heroine."

Well, in my experience, if you taper off of the drug, much the same as you slowly build up to a dose perscribed by your pdoc, you will experience less side effects.  The reason why it seems like you are addicted is because your nervous system has become dependant on the drug, and if you were to just stop it, you will experience severe side effects for several months afterwards, which happened to me a few years ago.  However, it’s not anywhere near as severe of an *addiction* as heroine or alcohol. Frost

Response:

Question:

Philately = the study of stamps (FIH-lah-teh-lee) Philatelist = (fih-LAH-ta-list) Damn. That’s not what *I* thought it meant.

Philatelists do it first class, don’tcha know? <g Myra

Response:

I just figured out something. I drink a lot of ice tea, I mean a lot. At lunch I usually can put away about 5-8 tall glasses of the stuff. Now, tea has some carbs. I wonder how much extra carbs I’m getting. Anyone?

Response:

I just figured out something. I drink a lot of ice tea, I mean a lot. At lunch I usually can put away about 5-8 tall glasses of the stuff. Now, tea has some carbs. I wonder how much extra carbs I’m getting. Anyone? You can look up any food or drink at: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl According to them, brewed unsweetened tea is approx .71 carbs per 8 ounce cup. Brewed unsweetened herbal teas are approx. .47 carbs per 8 ounce cup.

Response:

I just figured out something. I drink a lot of ice tea, I mean a lot. At lunch I usually can put away about 5-8 tall glasses of the stuff. Now, tea has some carbs. I wonder how much extra carbs I’m getting. Anyone?

My cookbook software lists 8 cups of tea, brewed, as 5.8 carb. CAD 2/94 LC 7/01 188/167/126

Response:

I just figured out something. I drink a lot of ice tea, I mean a lot. At lunch I usually can put away about 5-8 tall glasses of the stuff. Now, tea has some carbs. I wonder how much extra carbs I’m getting. Anyone? My cookbook software lists 8 cups of tea, brewed, as 5.8 carb.

… and if  you’re adding and AS packet to each glass, add another five to  8g of carbs.  DAMN those sneaky carbs! — Stop By And Sign My Guest Book! My LC Home Page:  http://www.angelfire.com/nc3/marengo Peter

Response:

Not to mention all the caffeine. – Violet

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just figured out something. I drink a lot of ice tea, I mean a lot. At lunch I usually can put away about 5-8 tall glasses of the stuff. Now, tea has some carbs. I wonder how much extra carbs I’m getting. Anyone? My cookbook software lists 8 cups of tea, brewed, as 5.8 carb. … and if  you’re adding and AS packet to each glass, add another five to  8g of carbs.  DAMN those sneaky carbs! — Stop By And Sign My Guest Book! My LC Home Page:  http://www.angelfire.com/nc3/marengo Peter

Response:

… and if  you’re adding and AS packet to each glass, add another five to  8g of carbs.  DAMN those sneaky carbs!

I will never give up my beloved teas!  NEVER! Of course, I don’t use sweeteners, lemon or cream, and I try to keep my tea consumption to just a couple of times a week. The thing is – I’m hooked on teas the way an oenologist is hooked on wines.   And it didn’t help matters much when a new restaurant opened up nearby that not only has quite a few low-carb food choices, but the biggest tea selection I have ever seen.  And you can buy teas to take home, too!   My last visit to the place netted me an ounce of lapsang souchong (a tea I’ve been looking for for *years*), as well as a lovely oolong and the best jasmine tea I’ve ever tried.  (I went for one of each kind – black, oolong and green.)  And I’ve hardly even scratched the surface. One of my great pleasures is to sit down with a cup of one of my teas (brewed loose-leaf in a French press), and just relax.  <g Myra

Response:

Oenologist. Myra, is that pronounced "ween ol o jist" as it would have been if it were a Latin word? Because if it is, I’m gonna love springing it on my 13 year old. CAD 2/94 LC 7/01 188/167/126

Response:

Oenologist. Myra, is that pronounced "ween ol o jist" as it would have been if it were a Latin word? Because if it is, I’m gonna love springing it on my 13 year old.

Oenology is a variant of enology, which is pronounced "eh-nah-low-gee."  I guess it would be pronounced "eh-nah-low-jist." Here’s some other words – all directly related to my business – to spring on your kidlet: Philately = the study of stamps (FIH-lah-teh-lee) Philatelist = (fih-LAH-ta-list) Numismatics = the study of coins (NOO-miz-mah-tiks) Numismatist = (noo-MIZ-mah-tist) Deltiology = the study of postcards (DEL-tee-ah-low-gee) Deltiologist = (del-TEE-ah-low-jist) <g Myra

Response:

My last visit to the place netted me an ounce of lapsang souchong (a tea I’ve been looking for for *years*), as well as a lovely oolong and the best jasmine tea I’ve ever tried.  (I went for one of each kind – black, oolong and green.)  And I’ve hardly even scratched the surface.

Ooooohhhhhh Myra.  It’s a good thing I don’t live anywhere near you or I’d be there buying them up regularly.  I’m LLLLLOOOOOVVVVVEEEEE tea, unadulterated of course.  Lapsang (aka Bushfire Tea) is a real favourite of mine, as are both oolong and jasmine.   One of my great pleasures is to sit down with a cup of one of my teas (brewed loose-leaf in a French press), and just relax.  <g Myra

I love using my Favourite Teapot (actually, an old china Coffee pot painted with delicate violets, part of a demitasse kit I picked up for a song in an antique shop about 15 years ago) together with one of my collection of fine bone china teacups with a Really Good Tea.  My favourite cup is a deep burgundy with delicate traceries of gold leaf, 3 darling little legs (yes, legs – similar in shape though not (of course) in size to those found on clawfooted bath tubs) also gold. The inside of the cup is a delicate mother-of-pearl finish and the saucer is also mother-of-pearl and gold, and has deep indented ‘cut work’ edge that makes it appear to be edged in china ‘lace’.  Even an average tea seems to taste better when drunk from such beautiful things. Aramanth (sipping a mug of Earl Grey as I type).

Response:

Ooooohhhhhh Myra.  It’s a good thing I don’t live anywhere near you or I’d be there buying them up regularly.  

I have to keep myself away.  Those teas are *expensive* – up to $200 a pound ($387 AUS).  Of course, I only buy one ounce at a time…. LOL! I’m LLLLLOOOOOVVVVVEEEEE tea, unadulterated of course.

Of course.  Putting stuff in tea just kills the taste. Lapsang (aka Bushfire Tea) is a real favourite of mine, as are both oolong and jasmine.

Is that what you call it there?  I think of it as hickory-smoked tea.   Or tarry tea.  It just has that wonderful aroma and flavor – so rich, that I keep myself to no more than a cup of it a week. I love using my Favourite Teapot (actually, an old china Coffee pot painted with delicate violets, part of a demitasse kit I picked up for a song in an antique shop about 15 years ago) together with one of my collection of fine bone china teacups with a Really Good Tea.  

Sounds lovely!  And those special finds in little shops are so much more fun to have than anything you could get in a big department store.  I call it the thrill of the hunt. Alas, I never got into tea cups, preferring mugs instead.  Besides my French press, I have a teapot-for-one that comes with a 12-ounce pot, lid and cup that fits over the top.  I also have my Portmeirion botanical garden pattern – pot, tray and four mugs. There’s a little store about a mile from where I live called "Almost and Perfect English China," that has all kinds of interesting little things – a very good store if you’re missing a piece of something or other.  I remember the lid to my Portmeirion pot was broken (either an earthquake or move – I don’t remember now), and they had a replacement for me. My favourite cup is a deep burgundy with delicate traceries of gold leaf, 3 darling little legs (yes, legs – similar in shape though not (of course) in size to those found on clawfooted bath tubs) also gold. The inside of the cup is a delicate mother-of-pearl finish and the saucer is also mother-of-pearl and gold, and has deep indented ‘cut work’ edge that makes it appear to be edged in china ‘lace’.  Even an average tea seems to taste better when drunk from such beautiful things.

Oh, that cup sounds gorgeous!  Beats hell out of my favorite Boynton cat mug – the one with the big cat on it with the caption, "I am not fat.   I’m fluffy!" (sipping a mug of Earl Grey as I type).

Ah, there, now you’ve lost me.  I’m just not an Earl Grey fan – the bergemot oil tastes weird to me. Myra Sipping a mug of Eight Immortals Oolong

Response:

Oenologist. Myra, is that pronounced "ween ol o jist" as it would have been if it were a Latin word? Because if it is, I’m gonna love springing it on my 13 year old. Oenology is a variant of enology, which is pronounced

"eh-nah-low-gee."  I guess it would be pronounced "eh-nah-low-jist." Here’s some other words – all directly related to my business – to spring on your kidlet: Philately = the study of stamps (FIH-lah-teh-lee) Philatelist = (fih-LAH-ta-list) Numismatics = the study of coins (NOO-miz-mah-tiks) Numismatist = (noo-MIZ-mah-tist) Deltiology = the study of postcards (DEL-tee-ah-low-gee) Deltiologist = (del-TEE-ah-low-jist)

Myram I love when you talk dirty!  <g — Stop By And Sign My Guest Book! My LC Home Page:  http://www.angelfire.com/nc3/marengo Peter

Response:

Myram I love when you talk dirty!  <g

You want to see dirty (messy)?  You should see our office – looks like Santa’s Workshop exploded into a stamp show.  Oy. Myra Busy scanning stamps and inspecting toy soldiers today

Response:

Ooooohhhhhh Myra.  It’s a good thing I don’t live anywhere near you or I’d be there buying them up regularly.   I have to keep myself away.  Those teas are *expensive* – up to $200 a pound ($387 AUS).  Of course, I only buy one ounce at a time…. LOL!

I’d have to limit myself to that, too, at those prices.  Good thing you can get a lot of cups from an ounce of leaves! Lapsang (aka Bushfire Tea) is a real favourite of mine, as are both oolong and jasmine. Is that what you call it there?  I think of it as hickory-smoked tea.   Or tarry tea.  It just has that wonderful aroma and flavor – so rich, that I keep myself to no more than a cup of it a week.

Most people just call it "urgh"!  "Bushfire Tea" is the name a friend and I gave it after the Ash Wednesday Fires (January 83?  I think – substantial amounts of bushland in 3 states went  up in flames) when you could smell and taste the burnt-eucalypt on the air for weeks.  It smelled much like the aroma of lapsang. Alas, I never got into tea cups, preferring mugs instead.  Besides my French press, I have a teapot-for-one that comes with a 12-ounce pot, lid and cup that fits over the top.  I also have my Portmeirion botanical garden pattern – pot, tray and four mugs.

It depends on my mood.  If I’m rushed or not able to sit and enjoy I’ll use a mug because it stays hotter longer.  If I’ve got time to sit and enjoy then it’s a dainty cup every time.   I also have a pot-for-one with cup that fits over the top, a HUGE pot in a cat shape that a friend painted for me, and several ‘ordinary’ pots that I accumulated as gifts. (sipping a mug of Earl Grey as I type). Ah, there, now you’ve lost me.  I’m just not an Earl Grey fan – the bergemot oil tastes weird to me. Myra Sipping a mug of Eight Immortals Oolong

I like the mild undertang of the citrus – I also like Lady Grey, which is EG with lemon and orange.   Aramanth

Response:

I’d have to limit myself to that, too, at those prices.  Good thing you can get a lot of cups from an ounce of leaves!

I managed to resist the $200 tea, but I did buy them in the $40-120 range.  Three ounces was about $18 U.S. (about $33 AUS). Most people just call it "urgh"!  "Bushfire Tea" is the name a friend and I gave it after the Ash Wednesday Fires (January 83?  I think – substantial amounts of bushland in 3 states went  up in flames) when you could smell and taste the burnt-eucalypt on the air for weeks.  It smelled much like the aroma of lapsang.

You’re right – it *does* smell like a brushfire!  But it’s heavenly to drink.   I first learned about it when I was a kid and read James Michener’s "Centennial."  One of the characters got hooked on it. It depends on my mood.  If I’m rushed or not able to sit and enjoy I’ll use a mug because it stays hotter longer.  If I’ve got time to sit and enjoy then it’s a dainty cup every time.  

For me, growing up with my coffee-drinking folks meant that mugs were pretty much all there were.  My mother never used her "dainty" cups because my father just couldn’t hold them due to his essential tremor.   He needs to wrap his hand around a thick mug, and so I’ve just carried that around ever since. I also have a pot-for-one with cup that fits over the top, a HUGE pot in a cat shape that a friend painted for me, and several ‘ordinary’ pots that I accumulated as gifts.

My mother collects tiny little pots in unusual shapes, but none of them are usable.  I just have the ones I mentioned, plus an Italian coffee service and a sake set.  And I don’t even drink sake! Oh, wait a sec – I do have a Chinese tea set, too. I like the mild undertang of the citrus – I also like Lady Grey, which is EG with lemon and orange.  

Lady Grey is pretty new around here – I just started seeing it in stores. I’m not tempted to try it, though, because it still has the bergemot oil in it. Myra

Response:

Oenologist. Myra, is that pronounced "ween ol o jist" as it would have been if it were a Latin word? Because if it is, I’m gonna love springing it on my 13 year old. Oenology is a variant of enology, which is pronounced "eh-nah-low-gee."  I guess it would be pronounced "eh-nah-low-jist." Here’s some other words – all directly related to my business – to spring on your kidlet: Philately = the study of stamps (FIH-lah-teh-lee) Philatelist = (fih-LAH-ta-list)

Damn. That’s not what *I* thought it meant.

Response:

some nice teas at www.alltea.com allison – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d have to limit myself to that, too, at those prices.  Good thing you can get a lot of cups from an ounce of leaves! I managed to resist the $200 tea, but I did buy them in the $40-120 range.  Three ounces was about $18 U.S. (about $33 AUS). Most people just call it "urgh"!  "Bushfire Tea" is the name a friend and I gave it after the Ash Wednesday Fires (January 83?  I think – substantial amounts of bushland in 3 states went  up in flames) when you could smell and taste the burnt-eucalypt on the air for weeks.  It smelled much like the aroma of lapsang. You’re right – it *does* smell like a brushfire!  But it’s heavenly to drink.   I first learned about it when I was a kid and read James Michener’s "Centennial."  One of the characters got hooked on it. It depends on my mood.  If I’m rushed or not able to sit and enjoy I’ll use a mug because it stays hotter longer.  If I’ve got time to sit and enjoy then it’s a dainty cup every time.   For me, growing up with my coffee-drinking folks meant that mugs were pretty much all there were.  My mother never used her "dainty" cups because my father just couldn’t hold them due to his essential tremor.   He needs to wrap his hand around a thick mug, and so I’ve just carried that around ever since. I also have a pot-for-one with cup that fits over the top, a HUGE pot in a cat shape that a friend painted for me, and several ‘ordinary’ pots that I accumulated as gifts. My mother collects tiny little pots in unusual shapes, but none of them are usable.  I just have the ones I mentioned, plus an Italian coffee service and a sake set.  And I don’t even drink sake! Oh, wait a sec – I do have a Chinese tea set, too. I like the mild undertang of the citrus – I also like Lady Grey, which is EG with lemon and orange.   Lady Grey is pretty new around here – I just started seeing it in stores. I’m not tempted to try it, though, because it still has the bergemot oil in it. Myra

"I love my decadent, cosmopolitan, self-indulgent, racially-mixed, godless, intellectually dilletante, drug-abusing, promiscuous, queer-loving country. And its flag is the Stars and Stripes." Patrick Nielsen Hayden

Response:

Question:

I have been taking zoloft for 2 years now and I have noticed that I do not feel as good as I had. It did stop my head chatters. I think it is an OCD thought pattern but I am becoming more irritable and tired. Also my BP went up after starting zoloft and I have psoriasis and this also worsened. I am down to 25 mg every other day and will stop all next week. I feel better but some of the thought pattern has come back. This is ok I can deal. Has anyone come off and feel they do not need it anylonger. I weened myself off xanex a year ago and have done great without it also. Joan

Response:

I am down to 25 mg every other day and will stop all next week. A daily Zoloft dose would be preferrable to every other day dosing. I realize those 50 mg tabs are hard to cut up with a knife, but I’ve done it. Chip

Response:

Hi,   I have also been on zoloft for 2 yrs.at one point i went off of them and felt great for about 5 months,then slowly but surely the panic attacks and depression came back. its been over a year since i went back on zoloft,ive been doing really well.but i don’t want to take it forever if i don’t have to.i am also  weening off the zoloft.so far i feel good,but have noticed a few things,dizziness,tingleling around my mouth and heart flutters,im not sure if this is from weening off or these herbs that i am trying(5-htp).i called my doc about it and she said i took too high of a dose of the herb,i think it’s a combo of both.if these herbs don’t work i will go back on zoloft and forget about tring other things.my only complaint about zoloft is the weight i’ve gained,other then that it’s been great.also it did seem like lately it wasn’t working as well,so instead of upping my dose i decided to try 5-htp.   hope this helps. ~~~  Your goals,minus your doubts,equal your reality ~~~~                                Julie

Response:

I  have been prescribed zoloft (25mg 1 week then 50) by my Dr. I went to him complaining of very bad irritability. I mean to say I get mad and aggitated very easily. I had PA’s for about 7 years and they went away after stopping my high caffiene intake and depression runs in my family. The DR. thought that my temper problem could be a mild depression and thus the zoloft pescription. I would like to know what side effects I may have and if anyone has had the same thing prescribed for these symptoms. Dan

Response:

I  have been prescribed zoloft (25mg 1 week then 50) by my Dr. I went to him complaining of very bad irritability. I mean to say I get mad and aggitated very easily. I had PA’s for about 7 years and they went away after stopping my high caffiene intake and depression runs in my family. The DR. thought that my temper problem could be a mild depression and thus the zoloft pescription. I would like to know what side effects I may have and if anyone has had the same thing prescribed for these symptoms. Dan Hi Dan,

I have been on Zoloft 25mg for a couple of months.  It wasn’t my first ssri- I started with Paxil and switched to Zoloft – so I missed out on the weaning on process.  The only thing I did/do experience was stomach discomfort(long story) other than that I can relate to your temper and irritability – I still get that way sometimes but It doesn’t CONSUME me.  I can let it go- no problem.  Sucks living without coffee doesn’t it?- I think I’m going through withdrawal – gosh -I could go for cup right now.  No beer, No cigs, No Coffee- Is this hell or what? Just kidding Bonnie Before you buy.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I  have been prescribed zoloft (25mg 1 week then 50) by my Dr. I went to him complaining of very bad irritability. I mean to say I get mad and aggitated very easily. I had PA’s for about 7 years and they went away after stopping my high caffiene intake and depression runs in my family. The DR. thought that my temper problem could be a mild depression and thus the zoloft pescription. I would like to know what side effects I may have and if anyone has had the same thing prescribed for these symptoms. Dan

Hi Dan, Weaning on it you might not get any side effects. The most noticeable for me was upset stomach and dry mouth. Oh yes I also Yawned allot. If you get side effects that bother you talk to your doctor. You can always cut back to a quarter of the 25. I started out at 12.5 and upped it from there. Charla Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

Ah no, actually it is technically not an MAOI I got that all wrong. I am back to my norminal condition now.

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Apparently according to my doc the smallest dose is 50mg. Mabe the pharmesuitical ( ) companies thing that people in the Uk are harder and can start on 50mg *shrug* I had to stop it I could not work. Instead I am going back on st johns whilst waiting to see if I can see a physchatrist.

Response:

Apparently according to my doc the smallest dose is 50mg. Mabe the pharmesuitical ( ) companies thing that people in the Uk are harder and can start on 50mg *shrug* I had to stop it I could not work. Instead I am going back on st johns whilst waiting to see if I can see a physchatrist.

Jason, they should be available in 25mg tablets.  Even if they’re not, invest in a pill cutter and make them smaller (don’t try to use a knife, you’ll wind up with a bunch of powder). Matt

Response:

And that is the same as Sertraline hydroxide isn’t it? I woudn’t worry but I had bad stuff happening on a dose of 50mg.

No wonder as this is far too high a dose to start on. A good starting dose would be 12.5 mg… Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Addendum – I had taken an MAOI for ten days previously. St John’s wort. (hypericum)

It is imperative to have at least a two week washing out period between a MAOI and an SSRI. Whether SJW actually *is* a MAOI remains to be seen but it is sometimes said to have MAOI-like properties at higher doses. Philip

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Addendum – I had taken an MAOI for ten days previously. St John’s wort. (hypericum)

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Can’t SJW +MAOIs cause the same sorts of problems SSRIs or TCAs with MAOIs can? I can’t believe that there wasn’t a waiting period with the MAOI.  This should be very disturbing to you Jason, and suggests strongly you seek another p-doc, or a p-doc if you’re with a GP.  (Though it’s such a basic fact about psychotropic drugs, s/he *had* to know about the risk of mixing MAOIs and SSRIs.) If you’re feeling really depressed and can handle some agitation for a few days, you probably could start at 25mg.  I always start off an SSRI at a really low dose (in this case 12.5mg) because of my high level of anxiety. Matt

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And that is the same as Sertraline hydroxide isn’t it? I woudn’t worry but I had bad stuff happening on a dose of 50mg. These were my symptoms: Day 1 Panic, very anxious, high pulse rate, fidgeting, hot/cold, odd sense of smell/taste, Cannot eat much, Talking to myself more than usual, shaky, hypermania, langauge difficulties, Can’t sleep. DAY 2 Spelling difficulties ( I spelt ofcourse as +ACI-obvcourse+ACI-  ), Slight anxiety, sweating lots, got out of bed 3.30am, felt afraid for some reason. – This is when I decided to stop. I have stopped taking them now. And feel much better. I still have some written langauge difficulties, and some hypertension. It is very rare indeed to get all of these symptoms, it’s wasn’t hugely traumatic and a doctor I saw wasn’t worried. ( tried to persuade me to carry on – but I HAVE to work next week )

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I  have been prescribed zoloft (25mg 1 week then 50) by my Dr. I went to him complaining of very bad irritability. I mean to say I get mad and aggitated very easily. I had PA’s for about 7 years and they went away after stopping my high caffiene intake and depression runs in my family. The DR. thought that my temper problem could be a mild depression and thus the zoloft pescription. I would like to know what side effects I may have and if anyone has had the same thing prescribed for these symptoms. Dan

Dan, SSRIs have a tendency to make people less sensitive to events in their life.  Some people even complain of apathy as a result of taking them. I’ve heard of them being used successfully for irritability, or at least having the effect of making people less irritable.  If I recall correctly (it’s been a while), Peter Kramer even notes this in _Listening to Prozac_ (with respect to Prozac). There is some info on SSRIs and apathy at dr-bob.org/tips  search under "apathy" Best, Matt

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Question:

Thanks to everyone for the replies….. I’ve had lots of dizziness as part of my anxiety, but it’s just since the first Zoloft that I noticed this tendency to get dizzy when I watch something moving fast. It’s very concerning to me in that I always thought of dizziness to be ear-related, but this appears to be caused by some connection with my eyes. My other dizziness that I had before this is also strange, it seems that as long as I keep moving, I’m OK, but the minute I stop moving, I get dizzy. It’s almost as if all of the energy from my nervous system being used to move me around as I walk or run suddenly smashes into my balance system the minute I stop moving (I know thats ridiculous but I’m just using it as an analogy) The other amazing thing is that both my doctor and my therapist told me that zoloft would most likely make it hard to sleep, but the opposite has occured, since taking my first zoloft a few days ago I am increidbly tired (and dizzy). So part of me wants to run and have more medical tests, but then again I’ve been through that whole routine many times before. Thanks again to everyone for the replies. It really helps knowing there are other people out there that are going through this.

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. That is very good. Most doctors start their patients on 25 or 50 mgs and it is really better to *start low and go slow* in order to avoid or minimize initial Zoloft side effects.

Hi, I was given 50mgs for two weeks then on to 100. I believe I have a bite problem from clenching my teeth during this time. I see an endodontist next week to see if it’s a major crack way down in at least two teeth or the nerves that have been damaged as a result of this horrible clenching. I also had the *worst* nightmares. Can’t say for sure if it was the med (and yes I was really dizzy too) but it gradually went away after stopping it. I am, however, left with problem with my teeth, my dentist says to hope for a root canal as that would be the most simple repair of the possible ones. Great littlebear

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Hi Steve, I had dry eyes real bad..kind of like dry mouth and yawns. My eye sight changed while taking zoloft and ive talked to another person that that happened with too…you no your body best and if you think it is a side effect then bring it up with your doctor…it does sound like it will get better if that’s the case. once again best wishes charla

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks to everyone for the replies….. I’ve had lots of dizziness as part of my anxiety, but it’s just since the first Zoloft that I noticed this tendency to get dizzy when I watch something moving fast. It’s very concerning to me in that I always thought of dizziness to be ear-related, but this appears to be caused by some connection with my eyes. My other dizziness that I had before this is also strange, it seems that as long as I keep moving, I’m OK, but the minute I stop moving, I get dizzy. It’s almost as if all of the energy from my nervous system being used to move me around as I walk or run suddenly smashes into my balance system the minute I stop moving (I know thats ridiculous but I’m just using it as an analogy) The other amazing thing is that both my doctor and my therapist told me that zoloft would most likely make it hard to sleep, but the opposite has occured, since taking my first zoloft a few days ago I am increidbly tired (and dizzy). So part of me wants to run and have more medical tests, but then again I’ve been through that whole routine many times before. Thanks again to everyone for the replies. It really helps knowing there are other people out there that are going through this.

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Thanks to everyone for the replies….. I’ve had lots of dizziness as part of my anxiety, but it’s just since the first Zoloft that I noticed this tendency to get dizzy when I watch something moving fast. It’s very concerning to me in that I always thought of dizziness to be ear-related, but this appears to be caused by some connection with my eyes.

There are nerve tract connections between the eyes and the inner ear, and both tell your brain about the orientation of your body in relation to the environment. Ever watch a movie of a roller-coaster and get dizzy and nauseous? The Zoloft may be temporarily accentuating this reaction. It will pass. My other dizziness that I had before this is also strange, it seems that as long as I keep moving, I’m OK, but the minute I stop moving, I get dizzy.

As long as you’re walking you know where your feet are. If you stand still, your anxiety can over-ride the sensory input from your legs that tells your brain you are upright. This results in a sensation of dizziness, and more specically the feeling that you will fall down. I have been so anxious at times that I was unable to just stand. I had to lean against a table or wall. It’s almost as if all of the energy from my nervous system being used to move me around as I walk or run suddenly smashes into my balance system the minute I stop moving (I know thats ridiculous but I’m just using it as an analogy) The other amazing thing is that both my doctor and my therapist told me that zoloft would most likely make it hard to sleep, but the opposite has occured, since taking my first zoloft a few days ago I am increidbly tired (and dizzy).

I was told to take Zoloft in he AM since it can be stimulating and lead to insomnia for the first several days. It can also cause fatigue, although I have never experienced this side effect. So part of me wants to run and have more medical tests, but then again I’ve been through that whole routine many times before.

I think there are physiological explanations for our symptoms of dizziness, but they are not due to organic disease, only anxiety. Thanks again to everyone for the replies. It really helps knowing there are other people out there that are going through this.

Various types of "dizziness" are very common in people with anxiety disorders. Chip Before you buy.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks to everyone for the replies….. I’ve had lots of dizziness as part of my anxiety, but it’s just since the first Zoloft that I noticed this tendency to get dizzy when I watch something moving fast. It’s very concerning to me in that I always thought of dizziness to be ear-related, but this appears to be caused by some connection with my eyes. My other dizziness that I had before this is also strange, it seems that as long as I keep moving, I’m OK, but the minute I stop moving, I get dizzy. It’s almost as if all of the energy from my nervous system being used to move me around as I walk or run suddenly smashes into my balance system the minute I stop moving (I know thats ridiculous but I’m just using it as an analogy) The other amazing thing is that both my doctor and my therapist told me that zoloft would most likely make it hard to sleep, but the opposite has occured, since taking my first zoloft a few days ago I am increidbly tired (and dizzy). So part of me wants to run and have more medical tests, but then again I’ve been through that whole routine many times before. Thanks again to everyone for the replies. It really helps knowing there are other people out there that are going through this.

Hi Steve, Dizziness is my main anxiety symptom too. I also get dizzy sometimes when I am on the computer and I am scrolling through web pages very quickly. It seems to happen when I am very tired. So I try to scroll slowly and take frequent breaks from the computer. Do you experience dizziness when you lay down at night, it feels like you are on a boat on rough seas? When my anxiety was bad this happened everynight, I hated it. There is no quarantee that your sleep will be messed up while on zoloft. Some people do have problems sleeping while others claim their sleep has improved. Your incredible fatigue and dizziness should subside with time. It sounds like you are doing pretty good though. Take care Jackie

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I started on the same dose and felt dizzy too some of the time.  I am up too 100mg without any more sid effects.  i use too be sooooo scared of it but i am actually doing very well. The side effects do go awaya after a few days . I was always scared when they would increase it but then found that it was no big deal.  I am usually very sensitive to meds.  I am really glad to be on it.  My anxiety has really lifted.  I am doing so much more now and can actually enjoy some things now. Good Luck!

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My doctor told me to start Zoloft for anxiety/panic by cutting a 25mg pill in half and taking a half a pill for a week and then start on a whole pill a day. The day of the first half-pill dosage I felt fine (and the doctor said I wouldn’t have any side effects for a few days), but that evening, while watching some animation on my computer screen, I started to get very dizzy as I watched the screen. It seems everytime my eyes are exposed to something in fast motion, I get dizzy. Is this a possible side effect of zoloft on such a low dose, or do I have yet another thing to worry about?

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My doctor told me to start Zoloft for anxiety/panic by cutting a 25mg pill in half and taking a half a pill for a week and then start on a whole pill a day. The day of the first half-pill dosage I felt fine (and the doctor said I wouldn’t have any side effects for a few days), but that evening, while watching some animation on my computer screen, I started to get very dizzy as I watched the screen. It seems everytime my eyes are exposed to something in fast motion, I get dizzy. Is this a possible side effect of zoloft on such a low dose, or do I have yet another thing to worry about?

Hi Steve, Dizziness is a fairly common side-effect of Zoloft.  While it is an uncomfortable side-effect, it is not dangerous and should pass with time. Of course if it is concerning you don`t hesitate to talk to your doctor. Take care. Jackie

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My doctor told me to start Zoloft for anxiety/panic by cutting a 25mg pill in half and taking a half a pill for a week and then start on a whole pill a day.

That is very good. Most doctors start their patients on 25 or 50 mgs and it is really better to *start low and go slow* in order to avoid or minimize initial Zoloft side effects. The day of the first half-pill dosage I felt fine (and the doctor said I wouldn’t have any side effects for a few days), but that evening, while watching some animation on my computer screen, I started to get very dizzy as I watched the screen. It seems everytime my eyes are exposed to something in fast motion, I get dizzy. Is this a possible side effect of zoloft on such a low dose, or do I have yet another thing to worry about?

The way I see it there are three possibilities: – It’s just the old anxiety (did you experience dizziness as an anziety symprom?) – It’s a Zoloft side effect which is very well possible. Some people are more sensitive to these meds than others. In this case you might consider asking for a benzo like Xanax on the side (not a bad idea anyway while weaning on an AD). – Maybe you are so focused on possible side effects that it has becomne a self-fulfilling prophecy IMO you should ask for a benzo on the side and then wait for a few weeks if possible and see how it goes. This is much too early to have any idea about Zoloft being a good med for you or not. I hope it will be. Philip

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HI Steve, I didn’t know they came in 25mgs..I split my 50 in half…It would be cheaper the pharmacist says to buy the 100 and split that in fourths.But I’m so sensitive to change that I stick with what I know. I experienced dizziness the first day starting Zoloft at 12.5 mgs and the doc told me that it was not enough med in my system to have side effects. It was anxiety..I was looking for the side effects.I had increased symptoms of anxiety for the first month starting on Zoloft and it was because I was so anxious about taking it. I told myself everyday I can stop taking this anytime I choose and the dosage I’m taking is so little that these things I’m feeling are the result of my fear of meds and yesterday I was fine and today I will be to…I’m going to give this med time to see if it will help. You can check with your doctor anytime day or night…or call your pharmacist for reassurance..and try to be honest with yourself..Is this anxiety from taking a medicine. Charla

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My doctor told me to start Zoloft for anxiety/panic by cutting a 25mg pill in half and taking a half a pill for a week and then start on a whole pill a day. The day of the first half-pill dosage I felt fine (and the doctor said I wouldn’t have any side effects for a few days), but that evening, while watching some animation on my computer screen, I started to get very dizzy as I watched the screen. It seems everytime my eyes are exposed to something in fast motion, I get dizzy. Is this a possible side effect of zoloft on such a low dose, or do I have yet another thing to worry about?

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Question:

Without blinking an eye, he wrote a script for testosterone cream. I’d actually heard about it on the Leeza show and on Oprah, but figured my HMO would never provide such a thing–it has to be compounded. I have been on the testosterone cream for about 3 months–and my desire is SOOOO much better–not like when I was 20, but at least sex is now a regular activity for us.

You’ve got a very cool doctor.  I never thought of that.  Thanks for mentioning it.  

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Without blinking an eye, he wrote a script for testosterone cream. I’d actually heard about it on the Leeza show and on Oprah, but figured my HMO would never provide such a thing–it has to be compounded. I have been on the testosterone cream for about 3 months–and my desire is SOOOO much better–not like when I was 20, but at least sex is now a regular activity for us. You’ve got a very cool doctor.  I never thought of that.  Thanks for mentioning it.  

I saw him on a fluke.  I now have a NEW ob/gyn.  I was so afraid he would not speak english due to his name–I made hubby go with me. you see, I found a growth–or so I thought and I was really scared. Turns out to be just an extra flap of tissue and nothing to worry about. Also, the testosterone cream has totally alleviated my vulvodena–a pain in the you know where! LOL Nancy To respond via email, delete "nospam" from my address. Please visit the new moderated recovery group at alt.med.fibromyalgia.recovery.info Also, check out the guafenisin group at alt.med.fibromyalgia.guaifenesin Please visit the new group, alt.talk.grandparents.

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I have been on trazadone for almost 20 years.  Last summer, I lost all sexual desire–I don tthink it was the traz or other meds–maybe just stress of my situation. First I tried OTC synthetic progesterone and wild yam cream–that helped quite a bit.  Then I had a urgent appointment with a new ob/gyn (I am female) on another issue.and told him about my desire issue. Without blinking an eye, he wrote a script for testosterone cream. I’d actually heard about it on the Leeza show and on Oprah, but figured my HMO would never provide such a thing–it has to be compounded. I have been on the testosterone cream for about 3 months–and my desire is SOOOO much better–not like when I was 20, but at least sex is now a regular activity for us. HTH someone, Nancy To respond via email, delete "nospam" from my address. Please visit the new moderated recovery group at alt.med.fibromyalgia.recovery.info Also, check out the guafenisin group at alt.med.fibromyalgia.guaifenesin Please visit the new group, alt.talk.grandparents.

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I found this message board with posts from pdocs and others talking about how to revive sex drives in depressed patients who lose it through taking anti depressants.  I thought it might be of interest. Dr. Bob’s Psychopharmacology Tips SSRI sexual dysfunction —— I have had good experience withe use of buspirone to reverse SSRI effects on libido and orgasm and find this method to be more useful than other approaches touted in the literature. —— I haven’t had much luck with buspirone reversing sexual dysfunction (I am having better luck with bupropion). —— He responded very well to Prozac. Unfortunately he developed intolerable retarded ejaculation. Bupropion would be a good choice as it seldom causes sexual dysfunction. Trazodone can seldom be given in doses high enough to be effective without being too sedating. If the bupropion does not help, you might consider restarting the Prozac and co-administering buspirone 10-20 mg tid. Buspirone has been reported to protect some men from the sexual side effects of the SSRIs. If the buspirone fails, some other medications that may help sexual function are amantadine and cyproheptadine. —— I have found a number of strategies useful with this type of problem but no one panacea. Sometimes, adding 75 mg of bupropion can make a difference. There has been some success for some of my patients with cyproheptadine 2-4 mg about an hour before sex although most of my colleagues have not been impressed. There is the danger of the anti-serotonin effect with this drug but I have never encountered it. The sedation might also be a problem (since about half the people using antihistamines become sedated). Of course, sedation would be a big problem with trazodone, especially for those of us who favor morning sex. —— Although I haven’t had a report from any patients yet, I’ve heard that nefazodone (Serzone) is similar to bupropion in absence of sexual side effects. —— Either treat the sexual dysfunction secondary to SSRIs with one of the anecdotal treatments, e.g. buspirone 10-20 mg po tid, amantidine, or cyproheptidine, or switch to venlafaxine (in my experience less sexual dysfunction) or bupropion. —— Dr. John Feighner (creater of the Feighner criteria, which led to the RDC and then to DSM-III and IV) states that he has successfully treated SSRI-associated sexual dysfunction in 3 individuals with methylphenidate (Ritalin), 10-30 mg/day. This fits conceptually with reports of the efficacy of amantadine, another dopamine agonist, and with the idea that SSRI-associated apathy (including lowered libido) may be related to dopamine down-regulation. —— I’ve had fairly good (75%, small n) luck with cyproheptadine, 2-4 mg several hours before sex or 2-4 mg TID regularly, for sexual dysfunction/loss of interest with SSRIs. One also can try adding small doses of bupropion to the SSRI for both depression and loss of sexual interest. —— Some of us have had success with telling patients to skip the dose the day of expected sexual acitivity, and that works pretty well with venlafaxine (Effexor) (not a true SSRI, but…) in my experience. I have also noticed that just switching SSRIs can often alleviate the problem. I seem to be seeing that on the Prozac-Zoloft-Paxil axis I can just move a patient from one to another and often clear things up. I’ll bet that is a buggy solution and that my "n" is not large enough to justify any conclusions, but as long as it works I guess I’ll keep going with it. I have also been disappointed that trying to switch my patients to Wellbutrin, now touted for its lack of sexual side effects, doesn’t seem to help many of them. In the really problematic cases, I urge them to give a TCA a trial, because despite some of the other side effects those are still very reliable medications. I just don’t like having that lethal overdose potential and I prefer the rapid onset of action the SSRIs seem to demonstrate. —— My 2 cents’ worth: Lower SSRI dose. Try SSRI vacation on weekends. Add cyproheptadine 4-28 mg 30-60 min prior to sex (if they can stay awake). Add trazodone if problem seems to be erectile failure. Add bupropion 75-100 mg in AM (adrenergic effect seems to help). Switch out of class to therapeutic dose of bupropion, nefazodone, etc. My experience is that switching within class rarely works but is worth try in some cases. Re-think if this is medication side effect, consider work with couple. —— There are a few more psychopharmacologic interventions that are often useful: amantadine 100 mg bid or tid buspirone 5-10 mg tid or qid (may increase desire too) dextroamphetamine 5 mg tid or qid methylphenidate 10 mg tid or qid. —— I’ve also had good luck adding yohimbine, 5.4 mg bid to tid. —— Yohimbine is often effective but may precipitate manic episodes in pholks with bipolar disorder. —— Try adding buspirone (Buspar). Michael Norden recently reported benefits. I have been doing the same for about a year with substantial benefits about 1/2 the time. I use 5 mg bid upped qweek by 5 bid to 20-30 bid total. Usually it takes a couple of weeks to get effects. If the patient is on high dose SSRIs, be careful. One of my patients had a mild serotonin syndrome-like event on Buspar 60/d and Paxil 60/day. It is also helpful to be more specific about the sexual side effects. Decreased libido and ejaculatory latency are different phenomena and the latter may respond better to Buspar addition. In addition, many (maybe most) men on SSRIs report decreased masturbation frequency. But this does not necessarily indicate sexual dysfunction — since on closer questioning, many of these same men report intact erotic responsiveness to external sexual stimuli. —— One thing to consider is whether you can lower the dose of the SSRI. That was helpful for three of my female patients. Another female patient did well with cyproheptadine (Periactin) though it cut down on spontaneity. —— My experience with SSRIs is that they [can] cause decreased libido as well as anorgasmia. Personally, I believe that the problems are rather difficult to treat. I have had little success with adding Periactin, Buspar or Wellbutrin. I have found that more often than not I am forced to lower the SSRI or stop it completely when the patient complains about these side effects. —— I have found that loss of sex drive in depressed patients often occurs separately from the symptom of diminished libido that is part of depression. The … read more »

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Question:

I’ve no idea about the relative pressures involved, but perhaps someone here could cast a bit of light? Maybe by studying old saxophonists we could make a guess about the long-term effects of CPAP without doing the experiment the slow way. Perhaps, but you have to be able to establish: 1. That damage to the lungs is occurring

This will be complicated by existing pulmonary disease, since existing disease is difficult to differentiate from barotrauma.

2. That said damage is by CPAP, and not by the apnea or   other possible causes.

This could most be deduced by pulmonary markers before and after use of CPAP. If you don’t know the complete and comprehensive state of your pulmonary health prior to CPAP use, then any pulmonary damage subsequent to CPAP use will be difficult to trace, er, Tracey.

3. That if CPAP damage does occur, it is does substantially   more damage than either other forms of (possibly ineffective)   treatments, or by leaving the apnea untreated.

This has got to be the most penetrating statement I have ever heard.  This is the epiphany.  Weighing the risks.  Therefore, weighing *all* the risks is better than only having some of the more palatable risks available for scrutiny.

For example, my CPAP setting is set at 9cm, but the negative pressure measured in my lungs without CPAP hovered around -28cm. You’d have to devise a study which could figure out which pressure was the problematic one— the high negative pressure before, or the low positive pressure after. Not sure if saxophone players would necessarily be a good study group either. They may have a great deal of negative pressure, rather than positive.

Although, barotrauma in device therapy can likely be found *most* during exhalation phases of respiration, when there is the most opposition of forces. Maybe a CPAP that could hit an A sharp?

Quite frankly, designing a good study is hard, and takes a great deal of expertise and background knowledge in the area– as I know, having just completed some research of my own, and watched it be picked apart by collegues. T Sconyers

It is easy for device manufacturers and even clinicians to poo poo barotrauma in device therapy, since it IS a slow process, and since there is no better treatment for sleep apnea available today (though the corporation does run the tenor of treatment). We hope it is such a slow process as to be inconsequential within a normal lifespan. But, a lifetime has not passed since the advent of the first CPAP (someone born then is now an older teenager). Cigarette packages must contain caveats about cancer, but medical ventilators do not have to mention barotrauma. Whodathunk Doug

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In article <1998052201452400.VAA28…@ladder03.news.aol.com

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        polkano…@aol.com (PolkaNoble) wrote:

Saxophonists do get a lot of negative pressure, especially when they play out of tune.   We have a lot of other jokes about tubas, piccolos, and alto horns (among others) but positive pressure is used to blow ALL wind instruments except the harmonica which does use negative pressure for some of its notes. Not sure if saxophone players would necessarily be a good<BR study group either. They may have a great deal of negative<BR pressure, snip

Positive for the wind instrument, negative for the player, yes? My main point is that when you play an instrument, you are exhaling forcefully. When you are using CPAP, you are inhaling forcefully. May not be the same thing. Oh course, if you were to hook up a CPAP to a piccolo, then you may have an adequate study T Sconyers

Response:

Since these ideas are thrown around rather liberally . . . As I perceive it, "positive pressure" is any pressure exerted that is higher than atmospheric pressure.  "Negative pressure" is any pressure exerted that is lower than atmospheric pressure. If you blow through a straw, then this is positive pressure, and blowing a "dent" in the top of your coke shows that there is higher pressure than atmospheric pressure.  Your lungs are strong enough to overcome outside pressure, and can push air out the lungs into the outside air, which is positive pressure. Negative pressure is sucking through a straw.  Here, the expanding mouth or lungs make it so that atmospheric pressure pushes air into the mouth.  The mouth or lungs here generate negative pressure until the mouth or lungs are filled with outside air. Air will always go from the positive side to the negative side. Positive pressure will blow leaves off of a sidewalk; negative pressure will suck pennies into a vacuum cleaner. Technically, pressure is based upon number of air molecules per volume.  If the volume is increased (inhalation) then air density goes down, gets thinner, and this is negative pressure, allowing external air to fill the lungs.  If there is upper airway obstruction, then the lungs can still expand (try to expand), increasing the volume, creating a negative pressure, even though outside positive pressure will not be permitted to enter the lungs (until that almighty awakening to lighter sleep!). Therefore, inhalation, or any attempts at inhalation, generate negative pressure within the lungs. Exhalation, or any attempts at exhalation, generate positive pressure within the lungs. **************************************************

Response:

Doug, Your explaination of positive and negative pressure is exactly the same as I assumed in my posts, wordplay on psycological positive and negative pressure is a musician’s little joke.  Anyone playing out of tune would be subject to "negative pressure" from his peers. Maybe I didn’t read your post closely enough, or missed a post.  Clarify  a question if you will.  It seems to me that, given the structure of the laungs, the negative pressure exerted when an apneic attempts to breathe in would do far more damage than the same amount of positive pressure from a CPAP.  I can easily believe negative pressures of 25 to 35 cm H2O are generated by such an attempt. As you have pointed out, the treatment may have a downside, but it is far better than the disease. PolkaNoble (Max Tunnell)

Response:

In article <1998052514222500.KAA06…@ladder03.news.aol.com

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  polkano…@aol.com (PolkaNoble) wrote:

Doug, Your explaination of positive and negative pressure is exactly the same as I assumed in my posts, wordplay on psycological positive and negative pressure is a musician’s little joke.  Anyone playing out of tune would be subject to "negative pressure" from his peers.

In your posts, that pun did give me pause to grin.

Maybe I didn’t read your post closely enough, or missed a post.  Clarify  a question if you will.  It seems to me that, given the structure of the laungs, the negative pressure exerted when an apneic attempts to breathe in would do far more damage than the same amount of positive pressure from a CPAP.  I can easily believe negative pressures of 25 to 35 cm H2O are generated by such an attempt. As you have pointed out, the treatment may have a downside, but it is far better than the disease.

Inhalation does indeed cause negative pressure within the lungs, and this pressure remains negative until the inhalation is complete. Exhalation, on the other hand, involves a natural recoil of lung tissues, and generates a positive intrapulmonary pressure.  Exhalation does not use any muscles, unless ventilation is challenged.  Recoil of the lung occurs naturally from interstitial elastin fibers as well as the attraction of alveolar surfactant molecules to each other (surface tension of the alveolar spheres).  Within the thorax, a lung will collapse in exhalation until the pleural suction ceases the implosion, which leaves an alveolar pressure equal to that of the atmosphere.  Outside of the thorax, a lung will collapse until its air content is completely emptied.  Therefore, it is natural for a lung to collapse. Negative pressures found in inhalation keep the alveoli from "fully" inflating until inhalation is complete.  Even at peak inspiration found in resting-respiration the alveolar compliment is never fully inflated. Therefore, the negative pressure of inhalation against obstruction may actually prevent the alveoli from distending, which becomes more prominent upon *exhalation*. The unrelieved negative pressure of obstructed inhalation may make an alveolus more prone, actually, to "collapse", which is in fact its natural tendency.  An alveolus naturally wishes to collapse in microscopic convolutions owing to attractive forces of its surfactant (WOW!).  Intrapulmonary negative pressure would tend to suck an alveolus in rather than distend it out. Therefore, since of issue is *distension* of an alveolus, the only thing that can cause distension is *exhalation*, and, in particular, vigorous exhalation, to where there is now inordinate *positive* pressure relative to pleural pressure.  Mechanical inflation of a torpid lung is also positive pressure. Personally, I believe you are right that excessive negative pressures found in obstructive breathing can create pulmonary trauma itself, though this type of trauma I could not speculate upon.  It could be reverse-distensive trauma, although reverse distension might most resemble alveolar collapse, which is a natural tendency.  It could be capillary compression and ensuing changes in circulatory rates, etc.  Inspiring against obstruction likely facilitates ongoing implosion of the upper airway.  I can only believe that much COPD found in apnea stems from such alveolar distortions as inhalations against obstruction. Using CPAP has got to be better than not using it — if for nothing else than quality of life.  If CPAP were not so lucrative, tracheostomy would be challenged and perfected.  Any longterm consequences of CPAP await to be seen, which we hope are negligible or non-existent over a normal lifespan. Doug —–== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==—– http://www.dejanews.com/   Now offering spam-free web-based newsreading

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In article <6kcau7$eu…@nnrp1.dejanews.com

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        dr…@inovion.com wrote: <description of pressure in lungs deleted

Doug, can you cite references for this? T Sconyers

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<description of pressure in lungs deleted Doug, can you cite references for this?

Tracy, the first paragraph comes from information in a physician- reference series of books known as the CIBA Collection, volume Respiratory System. Information regarding barotrauma and alveolar distension (volutrauma) comes from studies I have already posted to the group. The remainder was opinion, which I would claim is in-part extrapolation from these sources. Doug

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I’ve seen remarks here about CPAP-related barotrauma, and I’ve heard elsewhere that some long-term saxophone players report pulmonary trouble in later life. I’ve no idea about the relative pressures involved, but perhaps someone here could cast a bit of light? Maybe by studying old saxophonists we could make a guess about the long-term effects of CPAP without doing the experiment the slow way. — Ned nospam = elden

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Since I am in my mid fifties, I have no personal experience on the subject, but I have been involved in community music for over 20 years.  There is antectdotal evidence that, to the contrary, wind instrument playing my be beneficial to the lungs. I have a number of friends in their seventies and eighties who are active players.  They have their share of health problems, but seldom, if ever, are they related to the lungs and heart problems seem to fewer than in the general population. This probably means nothing.  It is encouraging to me.  One of these is a very powerful professional trumpet player about my age with OSA and treated with CPAP.  I play baritone horn and tuba.  It seems that this training have strengthened our diaphram and intercostal muscles to make CPAP at relatively high pressure easier for us. In any case one old tuba-playing friend of mine who died about four years ago at age 80+ had a number of health problems but his doctor always thought the condition of his lungs was remarkably good.   I have no real proof, but I believe a study would reveal more benefits than problems from wind-instrument playing. PolkaNoble (Max Tunnell) "If Music be the food of love, play on"– The beginning of "Twelfth Night" by William Shakespere

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In article <1998052118275100.OAA14…@ladder01.news.aol.com

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  polkano…@aol.com (PolkaNoble) wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Since I am in my mid fifties, I have no personal experience on the subject, but I have been involved in community music for over 20 years.  There is antectdotal evidence that, to the contrary, wind instrument playing my be beneficial to the lungs. I have a number of friends in their seventies and eighties who are active players.  They have their share of health problems, but seldom, if ever, are they related to the lungs and heart problems seem to fewer than in the general population. This probably means nothing.  It is encouraging to me.  One of these is a very powerful professional trumpet player about my age with OSA and treated with CPAP.  I play baritone horn and tuba.  It seems that this training have strengthened our diaphram and intercostal muscles to make CPAP at relatively high pressure easier for us. In any case one old tuba-playing friend of mine who died about four years ago at age 80+ had a number of health problems but his doctor always thought the condition of his lungs was remarkably good. I have no real proof, but I believe a study would reveal more benefits than problems from wind-instrument playing.

Little is really known about barotrauma (or Barry Manilow).  The comprehensive study to-date comes from the journal *Intensive Care Radiology*, in an article titled simply "Barotrauma" (1996, Yale). I’m not sure what they meant, but the study said: "Using intermittent positive pressure breeathing (IPPB) in dogs, Ovenfors found that grossly visible PIE [pulmonary interstitial emphysema] occurred regularly with PIP [peak inspiratory pressure] between 30 and 35 cm H2O.  At 25 cm H2O of peak pressure, PIE was not observed grossly, but it was present microscopically if the IPPB was continued for 12 hours or more . . . . The inspiratory pressures required to produce PIE in humans are not exactly known, but it probably occurs at approximately the same levels as in experimental animals.  Because the normal lung is inflated to total capacity with transpulmonary pressures of 35 cm H2O, it is conceivable that damaged alveoli could rupture even before such pressures are reached. . . . It is an emerging concept supported by recent studies that alveolar overdistention, so called "volutrauma," may play a more significant role than peak inspiratory pressure in the development of barotrauma." So that, barotrauma may be complex.  In placing a balloon into a beer bottle, you can exert very high pressures and not damage the balloon; however, take it out of the bottle, and lesser pressures will distend and pop the balloon.  So this new term "volutrauma" seems to be the appropriate paradigm with regards to barotrauma. Barotrauma from wind instruments may depend upon the nature of the thoracic cage and its ability to support pulmonary structures and prevent alveolar distension.  It may depend upon the way the musician breathes — whether diaphramatically, or by utilizing the higher lungs and intercostal musculature of respiration.  It might depend upon the wind instrument itself, or the number of gigs or jam sessions amassed.  It may depend upon preexisting pulmonary disease as well. Furthermore, the idea of barotrauma has never been clear.  Critical care settings have always regarded it only as pleural rupture or a literal tear of the sack about the lungs.  New medicine suggests subtle damage to the alveolar wall constitutes barotrauma and that it is far more discrete.  Therefore, a wind musician could conceivably have subtle barotrauma, say, with dyspnea, but not be regarded as having barotrauma by traditional markers of airleak phenomena in the lungs. There is at least one medical study documenting barotrauma in a partygoer who blew up several dozen balloons. With regards to wind instruments, much like they did in the balloon study, they determined how many cm H20 pressure it would take to blow up one balloon (or to blow a high note out of a horn?!) and then make comparisons with pressures used in positive pressure ventilation. We will get nowhere with barotrauma until mainstream medicine regards it as a subtle process only discernable microscopically, and with the ability to differentiate it from underlying pulmonary disease. Doug —–== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==—– http://www.dejanews.com/   Now offering spam-free web-based newsreading

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In article <wluJzBA+qAZ1E…@elden.demon.co.uk

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        Ned Clack <N…@nospam.demon.co.uk

wrote: I’ve seen remarks here about CPAP-related barotrauma, and I’ve heard elsewhere that some long-term saxophone players report pulmonary trouble in later life. I’ve no idea about the relative pressures involved, but perhaps someone here could cast a bit of light? Maybe by studying old saxophonists we could make a guess about the long-term effects of CPAP without doing the experiment the slow way.

Perhaps, but you have to be able to establish: 1. That damage to the lungs is occurring 2. That said damage is by CPAP, and not by the apnea or    other possible causes. 3. That if CPAP damage does occur, it is does substantially    more damage than either other forms of (possibly ineffective)    treatments, or by leaving the apnea untreated. For example, my CPAP setting is set at 9cm, but the negative pressure measured in my lungs without CPAP hovered around -28cm. You’d have to devise a study which could figure out which pressure was the problematic one— the high negative pressure before, or the low positive pressure after. Not sure if saxophone players would necessarily be a good study group either. They may have a great deal of negative pressure, rather than positive. Quite frankly, designing a good study is hard, and takes a great deal of expertise and background knowledge in the area– as I know, having just completed some research of my own, and watched it be picked apart by collegues. T Sconyers – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

– Ned nospam = elden

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Saxophonists do get a lot of negative pressure, especially when they play out of tune.   We have a lot of other jokes about tubas, piccolos, and alto horns (among others) but positive pressure is used to blow ALL wind instruments except the harmonica which does use negative pressure for some of its notes. We do sometimes refer to a bad player in terms that equate to "negative pressure", but that is strictly figuratively speaking (grin). Still, I will pass on the negative pressure comment to some Sax Men I know with a since of humor (It helps to have one if you play the sax–See what I mean?) I’ll see if there is some info on exactly how much pressure is generated for instruments in various ranges.  I believe studies have been done on that.   I suspect that for most instruments ( high trumpet excepted) the pressure will be considerably below the 28cm H2O you referred to, probably below 15, and it would be positive. PolkaNoble (Max Tunnell) "The Heckelphone is an ill wind that nobody blows good"– Attributed to Auturo Toscannini but I doubt he said that exactly. T Sconyers wrote snip

Not sure if saxophone players would necessarily be a good<BR study group either. They may have a great deal of negative<BR pressure,

snip

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I am on CPAP at 18cm. When I play sax or clarinet, it feels like much less resistance than the CPAP. Although the 18cm does feel a lot like a clarinet with a way-too-hard reed. regards, eric pearson er…@nospammindspring.com On 22 May 1998 01:45:24 GMT, polkano…@aol.com (PolkaNoble) wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Saxophonists do get a lot of negative pressure, especially when they play out of tune.   We have a lot of other jokes about tubas, piccolos, and alto horns (among others) but positive pressure is used to blow ALL wind instruments except the harmonica which does use negative pressure for some of its notes. We do sometimes refer to a bad player in terms that equate to "negative pressure", but that is strictly figuratively speaking (grin). Still, I will pass on the negative pressure comment to some Sax Men I know with a since of humor (It helps to have one if you play the sax–See what I mean?) I’ll see if there is some info on exactly how much pressure is generated for instruments in various ranges.  I believe studies have been done on that.   I suspect that for most instruments ( high trumpet excepted) the pressure will be considerably below the 28cm H2O you referred to, probably below 15, and it would be positive. PolkaNoble (Max Tunnell) "The Heckelphone is an ill wind that nobody blows good"– Attributed to Auturo Toscannini but I doubt he said that exactly. T Sconyers wrote snip Not sure if saxophone players would necessarily be a good<BR study group either. They may have a great deal of negative<BR pressure, snip

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Question:

Hello, I wanted to introduce myself and hopefully find someone who can understand me….I’m a 28 yr. old female, recently diagnosed with dysthymia later changed to cyclothymia….just started taking Zoloft (25mg.) two days ago.   I’M SCARED sh*tless….hehe nonono that’s not right because one of the side effects is diarreaha but that may be more than you wanted to know, huh? (G)  Anyway, I have a question…have any of you had "Profile" tests?  I was diagnosed "passive-aggressive"   (accckk … not a very attractive title for a person is it?)  ONe of the things my therp said I needed to work on was being more assertive…yeah right…And just how the heck do you do that when you don’t how to start with?  Anyway (gosh there I go bouncing form subject to subject… obviously the Zoloft isn’t working yet….) Another question…The Zoloft seems to be making me VERY irritable…is this common?  I don’t see my therp till Thursday and thought maybe some of you would know….AND BTW don’t even get me started on my therp….GAG….she drives me nuts sometimes….but then at other times she’s ok…but i swear she doesn’t really do anything…our last few sessions have just degenrated into "BITCHFESTS"…I bitch she listens and nods with a bored smile…..SIGH…I know, I know,…I should just stop bitching, huh? hehehe oh well…sorry to rant so long…. I hope I can make a few friends here….:) Daphne  

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Hmm….I think therapists are retarded sometimes. I saw this one person….(though not professionally or anything..she was in training) and all she did was listen and pretend to understand. I felt totally stupid. After meeting with her 10 times….it accomplished nothing…nothing at all. Realized nothing bout self. Hmm…I get this feeling that I’m doind something wrong…oh wells. Ignore it Marina You can be my friend Daphne…welcome to asd…or whatever. (hmm…just welcome..I believe my thoughts are drifting.) Marina "You’ll see…it takes more strength to cry, admit defeat"                     -Madonna "You’ll See"

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Hello, I wanted to introduce myself and hopefully find someone who can understand me…

Hi Daphne, welcome to ASD. .I’m a 28 yr. old female, recently diagnosed with dysthymia later changed to cyclothymia….just started taking Zoloft (25mg.) two days ago.   I’M SCARED sh*tless….hehe nonono that’s not right because one of the side effects is diarreaha but that may be more than you wanted to know, huh? (G)

Um.. yea- like, that would be more than I wanted to know, if I didn’t already know a whole lot more than I want to know about Zoloft side effects from taking it. Anyway, I have a question…have any of you had "Profile" tests?  I was diagnosed "passive-aggressive"   (accckk … not a very attractive title for a person is it?)  ONe of the things my therp said I needed to work on was being more assertive…yeah right…And just how the heck do you do that when you don’t how to start with?

Ug.. I hate that term- ‘passive-aggressive’. And that’s all I have to say about that… Anyway (gosh there I go bouncing form subject to subject… obviously the Zoloft isn’t working yet….) Another question…The Zoloft seems to be making me VERY irritable…is this common?  I don’t see my therp till Thursday and thought maybe some of you would know….

If you just started Zoloft two days, nothing will be happening yet. Zoloft usually takes up to six weeks to really kick in. AND BTW don’t even get me started on my therp….GAG….she drives me nuts sometimes….but then at other times she’s ok…but i swear she doesn’t really do anything…our last few sessions have just degenrated into "BITCHFESTS"…I bitch she listens and nods with a bored smile…..SIGH…I know, I know,…I should just stop bitching, huh?

Hmm.. if you don’t like your therp, I recommend changing before you get to invested in her. Bad therapists usually don’t help people all that much. Spend the time to find the good one. As for bitching, what the hell is a therapy session for anyway? The only reason not to bitch is if what your bitching about really isn’t important to you, cause then its a waste of money… hehehe oh well…sorry to rant so long…. I hope I can make a few friends here….:) Daphne

No problem on the ranting… look at some other posts for just how long any of us can’t rant about ourselves…:) Well, hmm.. that’s my attempt at a reply. Hope to hear more from you in the future. Hoping to make a new friend too, Pink

Response:

Hi Daphne! Welcome to asd!

– Hello, I wanted to introduce myself and hopefully find someone who can understand me….I’m a 28 yr. old female, recently diagnosed with dysthymia later changed to cyclothymia….just started taking Zoloft (25mg.) two days ago.  

I am 30 yrs old.  Starting taking Aropax two months ago.  I believe I have cyclothymia too but hasn’t been diagnosed.  When I’m high I run around singing, get sexually forward……  I’M SCARED sh*tless….hehe nonono that’s not right because one of the side effects is diarreaha but that may be more than you wanted to know, huh? (G)

Lovely isn’t it!   Anyway, I have a question…have any of you had "Profile" tests?  I was diagnosed "passive-aggressive"   (accckk … not a very attractive title for a person is it?)  ONe of the things my therp said I needed to work on was being more assertive…yeah right…And just how the heck do you do that when you don’t how to start with?  

Im passive/ aggressive too.  I let things build up in side until I burst out.  Watch out who ever triggers me off!  You need to find an adult education place that runs Assertion courses.  They have helped me. Anyway (gosh there I go bouncing form subject to subject… obviously the Zoloft isn’t working yet….)

Could take up to a month to get properly stable.  The chemical has to stable in your blood.  Another question…The Zoloft seems to be making me VERY irritable…is this common?  I don’t see my therp till Thursday and thought maybe some of you would know….AND BTW don’t even get me started on my therp….GAG….she drives me nuts sometimes….but then at other times she’s ok…but i swear she doesn’t really do anything…our last few sessions have just degenrated into "BITCHFESTS"…I bitch she listens and nods with a bored smile…..SIGH…I know, I know,…I should just stop bitching, huh? hehehe oh well…sorry to rant so long…. I hope I can make a few friends here….:)

Someesle should be able to help you with your irritabilty.  The therp is probably waiting for the Zooloft to kick so she can see what your *real* issues are as the symptoms level out. Look forward to talking to you more.  Welcome to mail me directly.  Good luck You are in the right place!!!! Julie I love a sunburnt country A land of sweeping plains Of rugged mountain ranges Of droughts and flooding rains I love her far horizons I love her jewel seas Her beauty and her terror The wide brown land for me Dorothy McKellar

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I wanted to introduce myself and hopefully find someone who can understand me… Hi Daphne, welcome to ASD. .I’m a 28 yr. old female, recently diagnosed with dysthymia later changed to cyclothymia….just started taking Zoloft (25mg.) two days ago.   I’M SCARED sh*tless….hehe nonono that’s not right because one of the side effects is diarreaha but that may be more than you wanted to know, huh? (G) Um.. yea- like, that would be more than I wanted to know, if I didn’t already know a whole lot more than I want to know about Zoloft side effects from taking it.

Sorry ’bout that…when I get nervous or feel insecure, I make really dumb jokes…sometimes even tasteless ones….:op~ Anyway, I have a question…have any of you had "Profile" tests?  I was diagnosed "passive-aggressive"   (accckk … not a very attractive title for a person is it?)  ONe of the things my therp said I needed to work on was being more assertive…yeah right…And just how the heck do you do that when you don’t how to start with? Ug.. I hate that term- ‘passive-aggressive’. And that’s all I have to say about that…

Heh, I hate it too…it simplifies things WAAAAY too much… Anyway (gosh there I go bouncing form subject to subject… obviously the Zoloft isn’t working yet….) Another question…The Zoloft seems to be making me VERY irritable…is this common?  I don’t see my therp till Thursday and thought maybe some of you would know…. If you just started Zoloft two days, nothing will be happening yet. Zoloft usually takes up to six weeks to really kick in

YIPES!  you mean I’m just being a b*tch cause I am a b*tch? hehehe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – AND BTW don’t even get me started on my therp….GAG….she drives me nuts sometimes….but then at other times she’s ok…but i swear she doesn’t really do anything…our last few sessions have just degenrated into "BITCHFESTS"…I bitch she listens and nods with a bored smile…..SIGH…I know, I know,…I should just stop bitching, huh? Hmm.. if you don’t like your therp, I recommend changing before you get to invested in her. Bad therapists usually don’t help people all that much. Spend the time to find the good one. As for bitching, what the hell is a therapy session for anyway? The only reason not to bitch is if what your bitching about really isn’t important to you, cause then its a waste of money… hehehe oh well…sorry to rant so long…. I hope I can make a few friends here….:) Daphne No problem on the ranting… look at some other posts for just how long any of us can’t rant about ourselves…:) Well, hmm.. that’s my attempt at a reply. Hope to hear more from you in the future. Hoping to make a new friend too, Pink

Thanks Pink…you made me feel welcome…:) Daphne

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[posted and emailed rather late] Another question…The Zoloft seems to be making me VERY irritable…is this common?  

just make sure that it’s irratability, and not mania that you’re getting, ok? …our last few sessions have just degenrated into "BITCHFESTS"…I bitch she listens and nods with a bored smile…..SIGH…I know, I know,…I should just stop bitching, huh?

no way – bitching is one of the things therapy is for!  i did it for years, and it actually helped!!! (as long as the therapist knows how to ask the questions to get your bitching constructive) hehehe oh well…sorry to rant so long…. I hope I can make a few friends here….:) Daphne  

welcome to asd, daphne… Dark Prism – My personality refracts darkly through the serotonigenic spectrum. Mania-Depression-OCD-Anxiety – how I love a fully-rounded life!!!! Thomas A. Ott — ottthoma (at) pipeline.com – [3 t's in ottthoma!!!] www.geocities.com/~ottthoma — main site www.geocities.com/~ottthoma/depression/index.html—– depression site www.geocities.com/~ottthoma/depression/sjw.html —— st. john’s wort stuff

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Hmm….I think therapists are retarded sometimes. I saw this one person….(though not professionally or anything..she was in training) and all she did was listen and pretend to understand. I felt totally stupid. After meeting with her 10 times….it accomplished nothing…nothing at all. Realized nothing bout self. Hmm…I get this feeling that I’m doind something wrong…oh wells. Ignore it Marina You can be my friend Daphne…welcome to asd…or whatever. (hmm…just welcome..I believe my thoughts are drifting.)

        Well, I missed the original post… but Marina, I have to say that how you felt about therapy was how I felt until a few years ago when I finally found a therapist who "clicked" with me.  Or maybe I was just ready to be more aggressive, who knows?  but in any case, I needed (still do) a more active therapy than just talk (after all, if I’m just going to sit there and talk about myself, I may as well write in my journal or talk to my friends, esp. now that I’ve found ASD!)  The therapist I clicked with (unfortunately no longer covered by my insurance once they switched HMO’s with me) was more of a cognitive behavioralist and would give me little exercises to do, and even though sometimes they felt stupid, they really did help.  Plus it gave me a feeling that I was *doing* something rather than just talking.         So if you feel/felt that therapy wasn’t helping you, I’d suggest trying a different therapist.  The right one can really make a difference…         Sorry if this is off the topic, as I said, I missed the original post. [posted & emailed] leslie ****** "I must not think bad thoughts…" — X

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Hello,

Hello Daphne.  It’s nice to meet you. I wanted to introduce myself and hopefully find someone who can understand me….I’m a 28 yr. old female, recently diagnosed with dysthymia later changed to cyclothymia….just started taking Zoloft (25mg.) two days ago.   I’M SCARED sh*tless….hehe nonono that’s not right because one of the side effects is diarreaha but that may be more than you wanted to know, huh? (G)

:+)  you must know that OF COURSE we want to know that… you have been reading the stuff here, haven’t you?  We even had a scatological thread here once… hehehe oh well…sorry to rant so long…. I hope I can make a few friends here….:)

you have already. — Wolfbitch / Laz Spashett   Reindeer Liberation Front    www.gwenhwys.demon.co.uk/rlf/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -:@ Free the Reindeer!  Santa must die!

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Question:

UGH!!!   I am on Zoloft once again and absolutely hate it!!  Your not kidding when you say it does help w/the obsession with food but I hate feeling no emotions whatsoever.    

I just got put on Prozac. When I was on Zoloft and Lithium I just had no emotion and just gained weight.  Lithium does that.  I don’t even know WHY I was put on lithium. I mean, where were the highs and hyperness? Any way, I’m not happy about being put back on the meds. *hugs* Ne

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UGH!!!   I am on Zoloft once again and absolutely hate it!!  Your not kidding when you say it does help w/the obsession with food but I hate feeling no emotions whatsoever.    By the way,  has your doctor ever mentioned Luvox to you before??  It is a good med for obsess/compuls. disorder which, in a way, goes hand in hand with bing/purg.   It isn’t quite so brutal on the sex drive part(that is if you are disliking that particular side effect of Zoloft…)     If you are not that depressed then you may want to ask about Luvox(I had to switch from Luvox to Zoloft because it wasn’t as effective on the depression stuff).    That’s all.  Just wanted to put my 2 cents in. — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

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