Is there any correlation between weight gain and certain asthma medicines like Accolate or singulair. I know prednisone makes you retain water when you are on it, but does it have longterm side effects in this area, even if one is only on it for a brief period of time at a low dosage?
Hi Stephanie, I have found a correlation (whether there supposed to be one or not!). I asked my primary care doc’s nurse, (who is asthmatic and goes to my asthma doc) if she experienced wt. gain also and she said yes, pretty much in hips and thighs…all since taking Accolate. I also noticed a wee bit of fluid retention after I started Flovent. Patrice – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is there any correlation between weight gain and certain asthma medicines like Accolate or singulair. I know prednisone makes you retain water when you are on it, but does it have longterm side effects in this area, even if one is only on it for a brief period of time at a low dosage?
Hi Stephanie, I have found a correlation (whether there supposed to be one or not!).
Isn’t this Testimonial evidence? A correlation is a Statistical property of a data set, it is defined by the ‘r’ value among others. Be careful or Diane will jump all over you! : )
Do you have something better to add? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Stephanie, I have found a correlation (whether there supposed to be one or not!). Isn’t this Testimonial evidence? A correlation is a Statistical property of a data set, it is defined by the ‘r’ value among others. Be careful or Diane will jump all over you! : )
Ah ha! The ‘r’ value in my correlation must mean the opposite of front end! 
) Patrice – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Stephanie, I have found a correlation (whether there supposed to be one or not!). Isn’t this Testimonial evidence? A correlation is a Statistical property of a data set, it is defined by the ‘r’ value among others. Be careful or Diane will jump all over you! : )
I have been on prednisone and i am life dependant. I have a lot of problems with weight gain. I also took Accolate but got off of it because it did nothing for me. I am on flovent and see no change in my weight from that. A lot of medications make you hungry when your dose goes up. so you have to watch that. Good Luck * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
I have been on prednisone and i am life dependant. I have a lot of problems with weight gain. I also took Accolate but got off of it because it did nothing for me. I am on flovent and see no change in my weight from that. A lot of medications make you hungry when your dose goes up. so you have to watch that
I have had the exact same experience. I have been dependent on prednisone for about 5 years now, and have had major weight gain. My doc tells me to eat the way I would if dieting would actually work (low fat, lots of lean meat, fruit and veggies) so that at least I will be healthy. She has always been very good and understanding with the weight issue. My hardest part is the frustration. I also tried Accolate and it didnt help much. I also agree about the increase in appetite! It is another part of the frustration. You are always hungry and you try not to eat because you dont want to gain any MORE weight. As if having severe asthma wasn’t bad enough! Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )
I am so glad to find someone who is in my position. I am also a diabetic and I am on a strick diet. I take insulin 3 timess a day plus check my sugar 4 times a day. They that diabetics are skinny I think someone forgot to tell me. I have a great doctor too about my weight. Do you have any exersizes that you do or can do besides walking. I can bearly make it up the stairs. Are you on anyother medications? I have been on prednisone for about 10 years now. What dosages are you on? * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
Do you have any exersizes that you do or can do besides walking. I can bearly make it up the stairs. Are you on anyother medications? I have been on prednisone for about 10 years now. What dosages are you on?
Hiya – Right now I am on 20mg and that seems to be as low as I can go without having an attack. But recently around Christmas I was very ill with bronchitis (it was starting to turn into pneumonia) and I was on 90mg prednisone, and had to taper down from that. I have been "forcing" myself to move more. I got a 20 minute Richard Simmons videotape (OK, now stop giggling!). What my doc suggested is that I go as far as I can until I start to feel uncomfortable, then stop. When I can – resume again. Anything is better than nothing. It took me 5 tries to get through the tape the first time, but VERY slowly, it is starting to become easier. Of course, if you are not OK, you dont do it, you have to know how you feel. My doc has been great about the weight problem, she has helped me try to deal with the frustration of doing the right things and getting no results. Keep your chin up! Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )
Right now I am on 15mg daily. I was able to get down to 15mg from 30mg only by taking Methotrexate. Its a cancer drug but it worked. I was on it for about 5 years. When I first went on it I lost my hair because it is a chemo drug and I thru up also. My dooctor is trying to get me down farther but nothing has worked. So now we are trying cutting 2.5mg every two days. I can’t start this until I get back from my vacation in April. Right now I am fighting with a cold that is soon going to be bronchitus. I hate being sick. I am also being put on the Med. Pump for my diabetes. Did you get any side effects from the prednisone. I did I look like I am 8 months preg. and I ended up with diabetes. I have to take 4 shots a day so they are going to put me on the pump. What fun!!!! * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
Did you get any side effects from the prednisone. I did I look like I am 8 months preg. and I ended up with diabetes.
Does the prednisone cause the diabetes?? My 16 yr old daughter is steroid dependent and stays on what seems to be relatively high doses most of the time. Her Dr. isn’t happy about this , but says she has to breathe. However he never mentioned diabetes as a possible effect.
Did you get any side effects from the prednisone. I did I look like I am 8 months preg. and I ended up with diabetes. Does the prednisone cause the diabetes?? My 16 yr old daughter is steroid dependent and stays on what seems to be relatively high doses most of the time. Her Dr. isn’t happy about this , but says she has to breathe. However he never mentioned diabetes as a possible effect.
Diabetes is one possible side effect of long term use of oral steroids. You can look up the side effects in the Physicians Desk Reference [PDR] that most public libraries carry. Link: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/pred.htm click on Adverse Effects Excerpt: "Adverse Effects Endocrine: Menstrual irregularities; Development of Cushingoid state; Secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness, particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery or illness; Suppression of growth in children; Decreased carbohydrate tolerance; Manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus; Increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics" Ellis — Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)
Right now I am on 15mg daily. I was able to get down to 15mg from 30mg only by taking Methotrexate. Its a cancer drug but it worked. I was on it for about 5 years. When I first went on it I lost my hair because it is a chemo drug and I thru up also. My dooctor is trying to get me down farther but nothing has worked. So now we are trying cutting 2.5mg every two days. I can’t start this until I get back from my vacation in April. Right now I am fighting with a cold that is soon going to be bronchitus. I hate being sick. I am also being put on the Med. Pump for my diabetes. Did you get any side effects from the prednisone. I did I look like I am 8 months preg. and I ended up with diabetes. I have to take 4 shots a day so they are going to put me on the pump. What fun!!!!
The usual protocol for tapering steroids is to reduce to 15 mg/day; then go on alternate day therapy at 30 mg every other day; then very slowly reduce the dose down to 5 mg every other day and then go off steroids. Using alternate day therapy is important to stimulate the adrenal gland to start producing cortisone again. Ref: ‘Reversing Asthma’, Richard Firshein DO Ellis — Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)
Hiya – I am also on methotrexate. It too has caused me to really thin out my hair and I am very nauseaus (sp?) on the first two days of the week when I take it. My side effects from prednisone have included a dramatic weight gain, and more hair thinning. My sugar does not go up unless I am on IV solumedrol in the hospital. Sometimes I have to receive insulin while I am there to control it. But my blood sugar is normally on the very low side, so the orals don’t effect me too much. My doctor also tapers me the way yours does. She has to be very careful with me, and sometimes we have tapered as slowly as .05mg every 3-4 days. I have not been able to successfully go down past 20mg without getting sick. The ONLY time I could was when I was in the test study for mometazone – I was on .05mg of prednisone a day and about to be steroid free, but the study ended and I had to go back up. Mometazone is supposed to be released in the US by September hopefully. I dont know if it will work for you (and I sincerely hope it will) but it was a miracle inhaler for me. I took it in place of Flovent and I was almost steroid free for the first time in 5 years. If I hadnt told you before, I am 31, and a former professional chef. I have been on disability for asthma for almost 3 years now – and I am DYING to get back to work. My regimen is: Proventil, Flovent, Serevent, Methotrexate, Prednisone, ClaritinD, and Prilosec (because all the damn meds gives me reflux!). I hope that we can continue to correspond to each other – we have similar lives it seems!! Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )
I am 39 a legal secretary I just started back to work after not working for several years I only work 31/2 hours a day. Social security says I am cured and cut me off. I went to see their doctors and I was having a good day my breathing was great and when I took a breathing test I did really good. Of course by the next day I could barely breath. I am on Theo-dur, prednisone, flovent, ventolin, insulin. I am now sick and have a very bad cold I have to call the doctor tomorrow. It does sound like our lives are about the same. Are you married? Do you have any kids? I am married I have been for 18 years. I have 4 kids. All teenagers. My husband is great about me not feeling that great. I usually come home from work and take a nap until the kids come home from school. I hope that we can keep in touch where do you live? I live in upstate New York. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
i tried to go off of prednisone by doing exactly how you described but it does not work I always ended in the hospital. So now we are going to try this way first. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
Hiya – I live in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, the border between the north bronx and Manhattan. Nope, Im not married – first I was working too many hours, then I got too sick to go anywhere. So I live with my Mom so Im not alone in case I get sick. You really do have to be careful tapering the steroids. It has been my experience that even .05mg too low and you can have serious problems. If you are lucky, and you have a good doc, you know how to tell you are going to have trouble BEFORE you actually have it. I also hope we can continue to correspond!! Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )
right now I am fighting off a major cold. I have been home sick from work. I think it is good that you live with someone because we need someone to help us once in a while. I bet your mother likes having you around. I know my husband and kids help me out alot when I get really sick. I have to get better before april 13 because we are taking our kids on a family vacation before two of them go off to college. My doctors and I are looking into putting me on pump for my diabetes and they say that I will gain weight from that. do you get people that don’t believe you that your weight gain is from the meds? I hate that. How much methotrexate are you on? Keep smiling and remember nothing lasts forever. My favorite saying is Take one day at a time. that is exactly what we have to do. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
Hi, It would appear I fit in quite well with this group. I have severe asthma the chronic facial pain resulted from root canal in 1993. I am 42 and have been on SSDI since last September although I have been unable to work since last March. I had been employed since 1986 as a manager for an insurance agency – a job I really liked and had worked hard for my promotions. My asthma began to deteriorate in last January – I was hospitalized four times last year – twice for pneumonia/asthma & twice for severe asthma attacks. I have been steroid dependent for well over a year, however, I am trying to taper down slowly. Unfortunately I have gained an excessive amount of weight – I look in the mirror & don’t recognize the person staring back. Currently my meds are Theo-dur 450 mg x 2, Accolate 20 mg x 2, Serevent 2 puffs x 2, Flovent 2 puffs x 4, Prevacid 30 mg x 2, Albuterol Sulfate .083% nebulizer treatments q 4-6 hrs prn, Oxygen 3.5 lpm (or higher if needed), Allegra D, prednisone 20 – 40 mg tapering down as tolerated, Methadone 70 mg x 2 (for severe chronic facial pain), valium 5 mg prn (works well to stop the albuterol/theo-dur shakes if needed), and finally phenergan 25mg suppositories for nausea prn. Also, I developed lymphedema in both legs so I have just completed a 6 week course of therapy with the compression bandages, massage, and lasix. There are some days when it is extremely hard to try & maintain a positive attitude. I am fortunate to have a supportive husband, family, and friends. My pulmonologist had suggested a trial of metotrexate, however, I am somewhat apprehensive to try. It seems like I already have enough "side effects" from my other meds to add any addtional ones. I have found it to be very supportive to talk to others with similar problems – please feel free to e-mail back. Deborah Deborah
My pulmonologist had suggested a trial of metotrexate, however, I am somewhat apprehensive to try.
Hiya – I cant say positively how the methotrexate would react with your meds, but it has really worked for me. My current regimen is: Proventil Inhaler as needed, Proventil nebulizer as needed, Serevent 2 puff 2xday, Flovent 2puff 2x day, Prednisone – 20mg, Claritin D-24, Prilosec (for reflux), and the methotrexate. With Methotrexate you have to have a liver function test once a month to make sure your liver is OK. Other than that, and nausea on my first day, I have no other symptoms or side effects. It has really helped me while I am waiting for Mometasone to be approved by the FDA. I did the trial study on that and I was totally OFF prednisone for the first time in years. I, too, have had the massive weight gain, and hair loss from the steroids. When people question me on it, I look them square in the eye and say "I’d rather be fat than not breathe". They usually dont know what to say after that. :) Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )
With Methotrexate you have to have a liver function test once a month to make sure your liver is OK. Other than that, and nausea on my first day, I have no other symptoms or side effects. It has really helped me while I am waiting for Mometasone to be approved by the FDA. I did the trial study on that and I was totally OFF prednisone for the first time in years.
Hi Nancy, How does the Methotrexate work to improve your asthma? Also, what is Mometasone? I have been reading about anti -IgE injections which seem promising in the current trials. Researchers have indicated this drug stops the asthma attacks in adults & children without major side effects. The drug has not been approved by the FDA, however, it could be approved within a year or two. (hopefully one year) I like your response regarding excessive weight gain – still, there are so many people (like friends & previous co-workers) with absolutely no idea as to the side effects of prednisone. I know the added weight adds an additional strain on my heart & lungs, however, I have determined that with my slow metabolism (from the strong narcotics for facial pain) and the increase in appetite from prednisone – I would have to "starve" to lose even a few pounds. As for exercise, I have been reduced to a wheelchair on some days due to SOB. Thanks for your response – keep in touch. Take care, Deborah
Hi Deborah – How does the Methotrexate work to improve your asthma?
To be honest, Im not totally sure. My doc suggested it, as my other regimen wasn’t working, my pulmonary functions were still pretty low. I take 7 pills once a week. I believe that it is a cancer drug and used in chemotherapy. I think it has to do with anti-inflammatory properties, but again, Im really not sure. Im going to the doc tomorrow, and I will ask her. Also, what is Mometasone?
Mometasone was an inhaled steroid that I was in the test group for. I used it over last winter and summer and I was totally OFF prednisone for the first time in 3 years. It is currently waiting for FDA approval. This was a lifesaver for me. Flovent helps me somewhat, but even with Flovent AND methotrexate I cant go below 20mg of prednisone without getting an attack. I have been reading about anti -IgE injections which seem promising in the current trials. Researchers have indicated this drug stops the asthma attacks in adults & children without major side effects.
Sounds very interesting. I will be asking her about that too. My doc is very big into research and she usually knows all about this stuff. Believe me, I know how you feel with the weight gain, and not being able to help yourself with it. It is a vicious circle we run in. The steroids make you gain weight, the weight makes your asthma worse, which makes you need more steroids, etc etc. Yes, I have run into people, yes including family, who either dont believe or really dont understand that the weight gain is from the steroids. EVEN when you can see my thinning hair!! What, Im just unlucky, im fat and losing my hair??? I dont think so! I will share with you what my doctor told me. She told me to follow an eating plan that I would follow if I WAS able to lose weight. (I, personally, find Weight Watchers to be the best plan). Her theory is that you should eat right, low fat, low sugar and even though you wont lose weight NOW, you will when you can go down on the steroids, and you will be keeping yourself HEALTHY (nutrition wise), which is more important. Then, if you DO either get off the steroids or go on a low dose, you will already have great eating habits! I still go to the WW meetings when I can, and the leader has been really helpful. She knows the situation and has even talked to my doctor. She knows how frustrated I get, and celebrates the tiniest weight loss with me!! I hope this info has helped you, and I hope you get better!! Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )
Hi guys, I am just tapering down from 180mg of prednisone. I just got out of the hospital. I have to say I even lost weight. I was put on a 1200 calorie diet, low carb and low fat because of the diabetes, the more I taper the more weight I lose. I also took Chefck advice and bought an exercise tape and do what I can. some days its only working with the weights other days I just watch. I know eventually I will end up in a wheelchair because omy bone density is getting worse. But I am going to go down fighting. So do not give up. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
This ‘lil tidbit from an e-mail newsletter that I get daily, thought it might be of interest to some: —— *** Asthma drugs found for exercise-induced attacks Two new asthma drugs can help prevent attacks after exercising, but one loses its effectiveness over time and the other fails to work for one-in-four sufferers, according to two studies and an editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine. Most people with asthma can exercise vigorously, but they risk developing an attack if their workout ends abruptly or if they exercise in cold, dry air. The two drugs, approved earlier this year and sold under the brand names Singulair and Serevert, helped many asthma sufferers breathe easier after a workout. More importantly, the effectiveness of the medicine did not seem to wane over time. See http://www.infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2555087115-ffc —– — rls, <–not really the one– adnohr at usa dot net barenaked in san diego http://www.concentric.net/~adnohr/
This ‘lil tidbit from an e-mail newsletter that I get daily, thought it might be of interest to some: —— *** Asthma drugs found for exercise-induced attacks
What I find intresting is how long ago this information was known to the members of this newsgroup. Maybe the newspapers should start following this newsgroup?
Please do e-mail me one as I was unable to find it on the net when I looked under Chris King. A very popular name I found. Thanks, Eileen Jackson – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -This ‘lil tidbit from an e-mail newsletter that I get daily, thought it might be of interest to some: —— *** Asthma drugs found for exercise-induced attacks Two new asthma drugs can help prevent attacks after exercising, but one loses its effectiveness over time and the other fails to work for one-in-four sufferers, according to two studies and an editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine. Most people with asthma can exercise vigorously, but they risk developing an attack if their workout ends abruptly or if they exercise in cold, dry air. The two drugs, approved earlier this year and sold under the brand names Singulair and Serevert, helped many asthma sufferers breathe easier after a workout. More importantly, the effectiveness of the medicine did not seem to wane over time. See http://www.infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2555087115-ffc —– — rls, <–not really the one– adnohr at usa dot net barenaked in san diego http://www.concentric.net/~adnohr/
writes Please do e-mail me one as I was unable to find it on the net when I looked under Chris King. A very popular name I found.
We do tend to get buried under all the stuff for cycling accessories, amongst other things. Chris (No, I’m not the guy who used to be a BBC camera-man, honest !!!) — Chris King http://www.csking.demon.co.uk
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Short story is I’ve been tapering off of Effexor for over 1 month now. I wasn’t on it more than 2 months. Tapered down to 1/8 capsule (75mg) for weeks then try to stop. I am still getting something very similar to the famous "brain zap". These are somewhat different because along with the weird feeling, they seem to happen more often while making sudden moves and I get dizzy for a second or two. It doesn’t feel as if it’s just a balance/vertigo issue but I am worried it may be. After a few days without effexor they come back, today I took about 1/8 of a capsule again and that normally makes it go away for a day or two. Any advice is appreciated. What seemed like a great Dr. is turning into an idiot, he doesn’t even know what a brain zap is. Tony Hi Tony, Honestly, I’m not sure I know what a "brain zap" is either. Can you suggest a definition to add to our dictionary?
Chip gave a good medical description. For me, in laymans terms, a "brain zap" is a strange feeling, sort of like a low voltage electric shock that goes through my nerves from my brain down to my toes. Sometimes it’s more rescricted to my head and neck area. They normally last a second or less. Long ago when tapering off Paxil (tapering too fast), I had one zap that dropped me to my knees. I lost control over my muscles and down I went. Although I’ve never fainted during one, it sure feels like it could happen, that’s the main reason they scare me. There is no warning when it can happen so it could happen anywhere, anytime, like while crossing the street. Otherwise, your mention of dizziness reminded me of recent entry in the history site: 2007 Feb The Archives of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery publishes a study indicating that 60% of a type of chronic dizziness cases, called "psychogenic dizziness" or "chronic subjective dizziness," are associated with anxiety disorders. The study involved 345 patients, ages 15 to 89, with chronic subjective dizziness for at least 3-months, from 1998 to 2004. The study was conducted by Jeffrey Staab, M.D., and Michael J. Ruckenstein, M.D., of the University of Pennsylvania.
I’ll have to look this up later, although I don’t think it’s the same thing. The brain zaps are quite common when discontinuing an SSRI and now I found also tapering off an SNRI, (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) as with Effexor. Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Hi, Tono, I’ve read a lot of the advice you have gotten from others and really can’t add any more to what’s already been said. I hope these pass soon and please keep us updated. Oh, FYI 19 days smoke free here… Trying once again. smiles, Elise
I’m wishing you the best!!! I know you can do it!!!!!! Tono — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Hi, Tono, I’ve read a lot of the advice you have gotten from others and really can’t add any more to what’s already been said. I hope these pass soon and please keep us updated. Oh, FYI 19 days smoke free here… Trying once again. smiles, Elise
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Short story is I’ve been tapering off of Effexor for over 1 month now. I wasn’t on it more than 2 months. Tapered down to 1/8 capsule (75mg) for weeks then try to stop. I am still getting something very similar to the famous "brain zap". These are somewhat different because along with the weird feeling, they seem to happen more often while making sudden moves and I get dizzy for a second or two. It doesn’t feel as if it’s just a balance/vertigo issue but I am worried it may be. After a few days without effexor they come back, today I took about 1/8 of a capsule again and that normally makes it go away for a day or two. Any advice is appreciated. What seemed like a great Dr. is turning into an idiot, he doesn’t even know what a brain zap is. Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
I’ve been on Paxil 9 1/2 years. I cannot wait to try and wean off of it. I guess I’ll be zapping for years 
~~~
Jackie, I’m doing a slow wean off Zoloft. Have been on it 14 years and think I’ll see how I do without it. I was on Zoloft 100 mg/day, and now down to 50 mg/day. So far no zaps. Feel a little anxious, but that might not be related to Zoloft withdrawal. I was on Zoloft and desipramine to prevent recurrant depression. I withdrew off the desipramine before starting the wean off Zoloft. I plan to continue the Klonopin 3 mg/day to prevent panic attacks and keep overall anxiety level down. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ::After a few days without effexor they come back, today I took about 1/8 ::of a capsule again and that normally makes it go away for a day or two. :: ::Any advice is appreciated. What seemed like a great Dr. is turning into ::an idiot, he doesn’t even know what a brain zap is. Dear WB "zapping" Man<g, Sorry about the zaps! If this were me I would slow down the weaning process even more. Take the 1/8 of a capsule every two days, then every three days, so on and so forth. At the same time you can take less and less of the capsule. make you more comfortable.
Well it looks like I may get them no matter how slow I go, for now I’ll give myself a 1/8th pill every day before I start skipping days, or I’ll lower it to 1/16th. Soon I’ll be counting the little balls of meds in the capsules! P.S. I’ve been on Paxil 9 1/2 years. I cannot wait to try and wean off of it. I guess I’ll be zapping for years ~~~
Oh my! I’d ask to be put into a drug induced coma! They could tap you into the power grid and light all of Long Island with your zaps! 
Then again, everyone is different. I happen to be extra sensitive to it and for you it may go much easier than it does for me. Dizzy Boar Man — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
::Jackie, I’m doing a slow wean off Zoloft. Have been on it 14 years and think ::I’ll see how I do without it. :: ::I was on Zoloft 100 mg/day, and now down to 50 mg/day. So far no zaps. Feel ::a little anxious, but that might not be related to Zoloft withdrawal. :: ::I was on Zoloft and desipramine to prevent recurrant depression. I withdrew ::off the desipramine before starting the wean off Zoloft. :: ::I plan to continue the Klonopin 3 mg/day to prevent panic attacks and keep ::overall anxiety level down. Good luck with the rest of your wean. I hope it goes well. Keep us updated 
Jackie ~*~You are responsible, forever, for what you have tamed. You are responsible for your rose~*~ ~~Antoine de Saint-Exup
Hi Tony, I am feeling much, much better. The increase in Effexor XR has helped as has being removed from the source of my stress, albeit temporarily. I am taking life very easy right now:) Thanks and love Meryl
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How are you feeling, ((((((Meryl)))) SSRIs cannot "erase" the ongoing problems in our lives, but increases may be necessary to function in everyday life. Saying a prayer that you find an answer to this depression. Take it easy on yourself, Tony — "Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans" ~ John Lennon — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Hi Tony, I am feeling much, much better. The increase in Effexor XR has helped as has being removed from the source of my stress, albeit temporarily. I am taking life very easy right now:) Thanks and love Meryl
This is very good news! It makes me feel good. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How are you feeling, ((((((Meryl)))) SSRIs cannot "erase" the ongoing problems in our lives, but increases may be necessary to function in everyday life. Saying a prayer that you find an answer to this depression. Take it easy on yourself, Tony — "Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans" ~ John Lennon — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Hi Tony, I am feeling much, much better. The increase in Effexor XR has helped as has being removed from the source of my stress, albeit temporarily. I am taking life very easy right now:) Thanks and love Meryl This is very good news! It makes me feel good. Philip
Thanks Philip, Just have to make it last. At least I know I am still here under all the anxiety and depression. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
So glad you upped your meds, dear Meryl. Later, once your life quiets down, you can always lower it again. Take care, Liz I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Hi Liz, I am noticing an improvement. Had my longest sleep in 6 weeks last night:) I think I have been caught out by the fact that sorting out RL stuff is taking much longer than I anticipated. This has meant prolonged anxiety and worry. It will end. love Meryl
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So glad you upped your meds, dear Meryl. Later, once your life quiets down, you can always lower it again. Take care, Liz I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Hi, Meryl, You are sounding better and very positive!!! smiles, Elise
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Liz, I am noticing an improvement. Had my longest sleep in 6 weeks last night:) I think I have been caught out by the fact that sorting out RL stuff is taking much longer than I anticipated. This has meant prolonged anxiety and worry. It will end. love Meryl So glad you upped your meds, dear Meryl. Later, once your life quiets down, you can always lower it again. Take care, Liz I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
love Meryl
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Meryl, You are sounding better and very positive!!! smiles, Elise Hi Liz, I am noticing an improvement. Had my longest sleep in 6 weeks last night:) I think I have been caught out by the fact that sorting out RL stuff is taking much longer than I anticipated. This has meant prolonged anxiety and worry. It will end. love Meryl So glad you upped your meds, dear Meryl. Later, once your life quiets down, you can always lower it again. Take care, Liz I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Hi Liz, I am noticing an improvement. Had my longest sleep in 6 weeks last night:) I think I have been caught out by the fact that sorting out RL stuff is taking much longer than I anticipated. This has meant prolonged anxiety and worry. It will end. love Meryl
Glad you are feeling an improvement, Meryl. This is good news. Take care, Liz — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
How are you feeling, ((((((Meryl)))) SSRIs cannot "erase" the ongoing problems in our lives, but increases may be necessary to function in everyday life. Saying a prayer that you find an answer to this depression. Take it easy on yourself, Tony — "Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans" ~ John Lennon — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
It does help:) Thanks Bob, love Meryl
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Meryl, I am on 300mg. and so is my brother. I am pretty sure I have been on 450, almost positive. I *think* my doc told me at some point that there are new thoughts amongst psychopharmocologists on how much effexor is acceptable/helpful. hope this helps, bob I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Meryl, I am on 300mg. and so is my brother. I am pretty sure I have been on 450, almost positive. I *think* my doc told me at some point that there are new thoughts amongst psychopharmocologists on how much effexor is acceptable/helpful. hope this helps, bob
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Hi Rita, Yes it is about *if* :) I can and do increase my Xanax when necessary. The former levels worked each time. It just seems that I’m OK for 9- 12 months and then I start to get overwhelmed and the depression resurfaces. It is my hope that when the current stressors in my personal life diminish, my need for increased medication will do likewise. love Meryl
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wow, what a memory! Yeah, I can see your concern, but if, IF, that should ever happen, your doc may just add a bit of another AD along with the Effexor. Or even increase your Xanax a little. Who knows? Maybe you should have been on this higher level all along. I’ve been on the same level for three years. We tried to go higher but just one little dose higher of Effexor made me climb the walls. That’s when my p-doc knew I was on the right dose. xxoo Rita Thanks Rita but I remember your dose:) When having my script for 300 mg approved my psychiatrist stated my level of depression as major. I also take Xanax for my Panic Disorder. I have increased my dose. I believe it will help. My concern was more the fact that if I am near the upper level I may eventually need to find another AD, but I guess I am a bit ahead of myself. Thnks, love Meryl Hi Meryl…I was going to tell you what my dose level was because you asked, but I changed my mind. The reason is my level of depression is most likely different than yours, plus I take Xanax along with it, so that also changes things. I agree with your doctor’s words about a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. My way of thinking is that it doesn’t matter how high or how low a dose of Effexor someone else is taking….what matters is what works for you. If you trust your doctor and he’s done well for you, then I would go along with his advise on upping the dose. He knows your case better than any of us do, plus we’re not doctors. Nothing is written in stone…if the dose is too high for you, all you need do is wean down to the lower dose. Just my two cents worth…. Rita xxoo If you find it’s too high a dose, you can always wean down again. Nothing is written in stone. I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – :I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of :depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I :worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is :incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous :thing":) :I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their :prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my :mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now :300 mg. :All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. Dear Meryl, Sorry you are struggling with depression. Good luck with the med increase…….I hope it helps. (((((Meryl))))) Jackie ~*~If I could wish for my life to be perfect, it would be tempting but I would have to decline, for life would no longer teach me anything~*~
Thanks Jackie, Increasing Effexor has helped in the past. I see no reason why it won’t this time. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
:I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of :depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I :worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is :incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous :thing":) :I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their :prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my :mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now :300 mg. :All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. Dear Meryl, Sorry you are struggling with depression. Good luck with the med increase…….I hope it helps. (((((Meryl))))) Jackie ~*~If I could wish for my life to be perfect, it would be tempting but I would have to decline, for life would no longer teach me anything~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Wow, what a memory! Yeah, I can see your concern, but if, IF, that should ever happen, your doc may just add a bit of another AD along with the Effexor. Or even increase your Xanax a little. Who knows? Maybe you should have been on this higher level all along. I’ve been on the same level for three years. We tried to go higher but just one little dose higher of Effexor made me climb the walls. That’s when my p-doc knew I was on the right dose. xxoo Rita
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Rita but I remember your dose:) When having my script for 300 mg approved my psychiatrist stated my level of depression as major. I also take Xanax for my Panic Disorder. I have increased my dose. I believe it will help. My concern was more the fact that if I am near the upper level I may eventually need to find another AD, but I guess I am a bit ahead of myself. Thnks, love Meryl Hi Meryl…I was going to tell you what my dose level was because you asked, but I changed my mind. The reason is my level of depression is most likely different than yours, plus I take Xanax along with it, so that also changes things. I agree with your doctor’s words about a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. My way of thinking is that it doesn’t matter how high or how low a dose of Effexor someone else is taking….what matters is what works for you. If you trust your doctor and he’s done well for you, then I would go along with his advise on upping the dose. He knows your case better than any of us do, plus we’re not doctors. Nothing is written in stone…if the dose is too high for you, all you need do is wean down to the lower dose. Just my two cents worth…. Rita xxoo If you find it’s too high a dose, you can always wean down again. Nothing is written in stone. I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Thanks Rita but I remember your dose:) When having my script for 300 mg approved my psychiatrist stated my level of depression as major. I also take Xanax for my Panic Disorder. I have increased my dose. I believe it will help. My concern was more the fact that if I am near the upper level I may eventually need to find another AD, but I guess I am a bit ahead of myself. Thnks, love Meryl
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Meryl…I was going to tell you what my dose level was because you asked, but I changed my mind. The reason is my level of depression is most likely different than yours, plus I take Xanax along with it, so that also changes things. I agree with your doctor’s words about a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. My way of thinking is that it doesn’t matter how high or how low a dose of Effexor someone else is taking….what matters is what works for you. If you trust your doctor and he’s done well for you, then I would go along with his advise on upping the dose. He knows your case better than any of us do, plus we’re not doctors. Nothing is written in stone…if the dose is too high for you, all you need do is wean down to the lower dose. Just my two cents worth…. Rita xxoo If you find it’s too high a dose, you can always wean down again. Nothing is written in stone. I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Hi Meryl…I was going to tell you what my dose level was because you asked, but I changed my mind. The reason is my level of depression is most likely different than yours, plus I take Xanax along with it, so that also changes things. I agree with your doctor’s words about a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. My way of thinking is that it doesn’t matter how high or how low a dose of Effexor someone else is taking….what matters is what works for you. If you trust your doctor and he’s done well for you, then I would go along with his advise on upping the dose. He knows your case better than any of us do, plus we’re not doctors. Nothing is written in stone…if the dose is too high for you, all you need do is wean down to the lower dose. Just my two cents worth…. Rita xxoo If you find it’s too high a dose, you can always wean down again. Nothing is written in stone.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
I have just agreed to increase my Effexor dose as I have a recurrence of depression. I am now at 300 mg. Part of my initial concern was that I worried I might be at the maximum dose but my pdoc has told me this is incorrect. Actually his words were, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing":) I know there are other posters taking Effexor. Would any mind sharing their prescribed dose? I have been taking Effexor for years and it does lift my mood. I took 75 mg for 2 years, then 150 for a year, then 225 and as of now 300 mg. All increases have occured when I was struggling with difficult RL events. love Meryl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group. Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening. — Yvonne
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group. Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening. To me, and I am in no way a doctor, it would seem that it is possible that the anti-depressants that you are taking are throwing you into a manic episode (it’s a common occurrence). If your pdoc thinks that you are bipolar then he should add a mood stabilizer into the mix. I suggest that you call him immediately and let him know what’s going on. Good luck Thank you for responding, Hilaire, and for your advice. I hadn’t thought of the possibility of a manic episode. I saw my case-worker today and she said the same thing you did, plus she told me to stop taking the Wellbutrin. She’s also scheduled me for an "emergency" appointment to see the psychiatrist tomorrow (instead of waiting for the one I had for June 4th) to see what type of med would be better suited for my condition. I’m feeling somewhat better this evening, but the need to rock back and forth and to keep my body in some kind of motion is still with me. As well, I am extremely tired as if I haven’t slept in days. But, at least I know it’s only a few more hours before I see the psychiatrist. Again, thank you for replying. No problem It sounds like you’ve got a good case worker. I also thought you should stop taking the Wellbutrin, but would never give out that advice on-line. Let us know how it goes. BTW – Wellbutrin made me wildly manic within a couple of hours of taking it for the first time. Hilaire WOW! For years I thought I was weird, have had many similar circumstances and at that time I was undiagnosed and manic. Whew, it was good to hear another woman stating that the same stuff happened with her. Definitely do something about the meds, you can’t go through life wrapped in gauze and afraid to talk to men for fear of the repercussions. Sounds like you have a very supportive husband girl, it takes a lot for our men to stay through the worst, but the best will come. My best to you and yours, Tanja
when taking wellbutrin,i was irritable(imagine that)so that my case manager thretened to resign.& i was flirtatious(to say how successful might be embarassing).what you’re experiencing might be related to medications,or you could be getting a bit hypo- or manic.I’m bd 1 but the effects are similiar,some enjoyable.Harry("not well")
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group. Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening. To me, and I am in no way a doctor, it would seem that it is possible that the anti-depressants that you are taking are throwing you into a manic episode (it’s a common occurrence). If your pdoc thinks that you are bipolar then he should add a mood stabilizer into the mix. I suggest that you call him immediately and let him know what’s going on. Good luck Thank you for responding, Hilaire, and for your advice. I hadn’t thought of the possibility of a manic episode. I saw my case-worker today and she said the same thing you did, plus she told me to stop taking the Wellbutrin. She’s also scheduled me for an "emergency" appointment to see the psychiatrist tomorrow (instead of waiting for the one I had for June 4th) to see what type of med would be better suited for my condition. I’m feeling somewhat better this evening, but the need to rock back and forth and to keep my body in some kind of motion is still with me. As well, I am extremely tired as if I haven’t slept in days. But, at least I know it’s only a few more hours before I see the psychiatrist. Again, thank you for replying.
No problem It sounds like you’ve got a good case worker. I also thought you should stop taking the Wellbutrin, but would never give out that advice on-line. Let us know how it goes. BTW – Wellbutrin made me wildly manic within a couple of hours of taking it for the first time. Hilaire
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group. Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening. To me, and I am in no way a doctor, it would seem that it is possible that the anti-depressants that you are taking are throwing you into a manic episode (it’s a common occurrence). If your pdoc thinks that you are bipolar then he should add a mood stabilizer into the mix. I suggest that you call him immediately and let him know what’s going on. Good luck Thank you for responding, Hilaire, and for your advice. I hadn’t thought of the possibility of a manic episode. I saw my case-worker today and she said the same thing you did, plus she told me to stop taking the Wellbutrin. She’s also scheduled me for an "emergency" appointment to see the psychiatrist tomorrow (instead of waiting for the one I had for June 4th) to see what type of med would be better suited for my condition. I’m feeling somewhat better this evening, but the need to rock back and forth and to keep my body in some kind of motion is still with me. As well, I am extremely tired as if I haven’t slept in days. But, at least I know it’s only a few more hours before I see the psychiatrist. Again, thank you for replying. No problem It sounds like you’ve got a good case worker. I also thought you should stop taking the Wellbutrin, but would never give out that advice on-line. Let us know how it goes. BTW – Wellbutrin made me wildly manic within a couple of hours of taking it for the first time. Hilaire WOW! For years I thought I was weird, have had many similar circumstances
and at that time I was undiagnosed and manic. Whew, it was good to hear another woman stating that the same stuff happened with her. Definitely do something about the meds, you can’t go through life wrapped in gauze and afraid to talk to men for fear of the repercussions. Sounds like you have a very supportive husband girl, it takes a lot for our men to stay through the worst, but the best will come. My best to you and yours, Tanja
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group. Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening. To me, and I am in no way a doctor, it would seem that it is possible that the anti-depressants that you are taking are throwing you into a manic episode (it’s a common occurrence). If your pdoc thinks that you are bipolar then he should add a mood stabilizer into the mix. I suggest that you call him immediately and let him know what’s going on. Good luck
Thank you for responding, Hilaire, and for your advice. I hadn’t thought of the possibility of a manic episode. I saw my case-worker today and she said the same thing you did, plus she told me to stop taking the Wellbutrin. She’s also scheduled me for an "emergency" appointment to see the psychiatrist tomorrow (instead of waiting for the one I had for June 4th) to see what type of med would be better suited for my condition. I’m feeling somewhat better this evening, but the need to rock back and forth and to keep my body in some kind of motion is still with me. As well, I am extremely tired as if I haven’t slept in days. But, at least I know it’s only a few more hours before I see the psychiatrist. Again, thank you for replying. — Yvonne
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group. Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening.
To me, and I am in no way a doctor, it would seem that it is possible that the anti-depressants that you are taking are throwing you into a manic episode (it’s a common occurrence). If your pdoc thinks that you are bipolar then he should add a mood stabilizer into the mix. I suggest that you call him immediately and let him know what’s going on. Good luck Hilaire
Is this pretty much normal for coming off Paxil? I took a look at the website you recommended and there seem to be a lot of side effects. I’m asking on behalf of my 10 year old nephew. Today his doctor changed his medication from Paxil to something else (can’t remember – began with an R). He was on 20mg a day and he’s cutting the dose in half for the next three days, then having him take the half dose every other day. His mom is already at the end of her rope and if there are going to be side effects from this, she’s totally unprepared for them.
If you are changing from one antidepressant to another, I don’t think you will have side effects (or they won’t be as bad). NK
"jake" <inva…@invalid.com
wrote in message
news:kn66bv4osdbnirrfvv944s2q3p5hv98d6g@4ax.com…
On Fri, 02 May 2003 23:03:52 GMT, "No kidding!" <nokidd…@NOSPAMria.net wrote: I took Paxil for many years and the first few times I tried to come off
of
it, I had really *bad* discontinuation symptoms myself- dizziness so bad
I’d
have to go and lie down, "electric shock" sensations that would go
through
my body. Even when going down to the minimum dose of 5 mg I would suffer side effects when stopping. I finally went to the
http://www.quitpaxil.org/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
website and it gave me lots of good advice for weaning from it. I was able to get liquid Paxil and taper off 1 mg at a time (over a
period
of weeks) and this was the only way I could wean myself off the
medication
without side effects. If I remember, Effexor gave me side effects, too
but
not as bad as the Paxil. Antidepressants aren’t candy so I don’t recommend them for minor
depression
but if you’re sick enough, I still think they’re worth it. They helped me out a lot. sure..with the emphasis on IF you are sick enough with genuine profound depression..and with informed consent. Where the profit motive and a drive to expand markets are the motivation, history shows it takes legal action to compel pharmaceutical companies to provide the information needed for any kind of informed consent worth its name. And as for highpowered TV advertising to entice people to badger an uninformed GP to prescribe for the variety of ailments they claim it suitable for…….criminal prosecution .
I have mixed feelings about the TV advertising. On one level, I’m glad people can see there are options to help them. Educating the public is not a bad thing but I totaly agree that medications (for depression and ADHD) are being doled out more often than they should. I ‘m not a nurse but I’ve worked in the medical field for the past 27 years and I’m always seeing MD’s prescribe psych meds that have no business doing so (i.e regular GPs and gynecologists). I can’t tell you all the ADHD kids I see coming in for pre-medication work ups that could probably benefit from other options rather than medication but that’s the easiest avenue. I had a friend who was a little down and she went to her GYN doc and asked for an antidepressant and he prescribed Effexor! Despite this, I’m still a firm believer in medication under the right circumstances. I was in bad shape at one time and I probably would be dead or severely incapacitated without it. Thank goodness I went to a competant psychiatrist and he was willing to work with me when the time came to come off the Paxil. Some of them out there do not believe in the discontinuation symptoms and make their patients go cold turkey. Brutal! Patients also need to take a little responsibility for their own health by asking questions and reading up on their medications (maybe this is not such a good idea if you have OCD like me). IMO, it all boils down to: how badly is your life being affected by your disorder? I was bad enough that a few side effects were a better option than what I was dealing with. NK
On Sat, 03 May 2003 15:00:01 GMT, "No kidding!" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<nokidd…@NOSPAMria.net
wrote: "jake" <inva…@invalid.com wrote in message news:kn66bv4osdbnirrfvv944s2q3p5hv98d6g@4ax.com… On Fri, 02 May 2003 23:03:52 GMT, "No kidding!" <nokidd…@NOSPAMria.net wrote: I took Paxil for many years and the first few times I tried to come off of it, I had really *bad* discontinuation symptoms myself- dizziness so bad I’d have to go and lie down, "electric shock" sensations that would go through my body. Even when going down to the minimum dose of 5 mg I would suffer side effects when stopping. I finally went to the http://www.quitpaxil.org/ website and it gave me lots of good advice for weaning from it. I was able to get liquid Paxil and taper off 1 mg at a time (over a period of weeks) and this was the only way I could wean myself off the medication without side effects. If I remember, Effexor gave me side effects, too but not as bad as the Paxil. Antidepressants aren’t candy so I don’t recommend them for minor depression but if you’re sick enough, I still think they’re worth it. They helped me out a lot. sure..with the emphasis on IF you are sick enough with genuine profound depression..and with informed consent. Where the profit motive and a drive to expand markets are the motivation, history shows it takes legal action to compel pharmaceutical companies to provide the information needed for any kind of informed consent worth its name. And as for highpowered TV advertising to entice people to badger an uninformed GP to prescribe for the variety of ailments they claim it suitable for…….criminal prosecution . I have mixed feelings about the TV advertising. On one level, I’m glad people can see there are options to help them. Educating the public is not a bad thing but I totaly agree that medications (for depression and ADHD) are being doled out more often than they should.
Education of the consumer is critical to any kind of informed consent worth the name. The Sales Departments of multinational drug companies are hardly a suitable institution to undertake this task though.
I ‘m not a nurse but I’ve worked in the medical field for the past 27 years and I’m always seeing MD’s prescribe psych meds that have no business doing so (i.e regular GPs and gynecologists). I can’t tell you all the ADHD kids I see coming in for pre-medication work ups that could probably benefit from other options rather than medication but that’s the easiest avenue. I had a friend who was a little down and she went to her GYN doc and asked for an antidepressant and he prescribed Effexor!
how totally irresponsible .It is probably his standard practice,scribbling a script takes little effort.
Despite this, I’m still a firm believer in medication under the right circumstances. I was in bad shape at one time and I probably would be dead or severely incapacitated without it.
One can never know , of course , but in critical situations of genuine need it has been a boon to many. The problem arise withthe commercial pressures to define more and more circumstances as the "right " ones.
Thank goodness I went to a competant psychiatrist and he was willing to work with me when the time came to come off the Paxil.
Indeed Some of them out there do not believe in the discontinuation
symptoms and make their patients go cold turkey. Brutal!
Completely irresponsible and verging on criminal negligence.. They should be forced to educate themselves before being allowed to prescribe them.
Patients also need to take a little responsibility for their own health by asking questions and reading up on their medications (maybe this is not such a good idea if you have OCD like me).
:
)
Yes it can be so easy to be constantly scanning for signs of dire consequences.. They key perhaps lies with a compentant doctor who actually takes th truble to monitor his patients halth , rather than feeling the problem is soved if the patient goes away with a bottle of pills in their hand and doesn’t return.
IMO, it all boils down to: how badly is your life being affected by your disorder?
of course..
I was bad enough that a few side effects were a better option than what I was dealing with.
The fact that you managed to get off the Paxil will be an inspiration to many who despair of ever being able to. As you know if you are familiar with the http://www.quitpaxil.org/ support site there are those whose experiences with the drug are far more horrific than any complaint they may have been prescribed it for. __ Sorrow is knowledge, those that know the most must mourn the deepest, the tree of knowledge is not the tree of life. -Lord Byron http://www.schizoaffective.org/
which one do you use Great? "Great" <k…@xyz.com
wrote in message
news:b90428$e7ruh$1@ID-189619.news.dfncis.de… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> There is no doubt about this fact. It causes impotense. > "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
> news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… > > I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is > this > > true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? > > TIA
Which one do you use Great that doesn’t cause it? "Great" <k…@xyz.com
wrote in message
news:b90428$e7ruh$1@ID-189619.news.dfncis.de… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> There is no doubt about this fact. It causes impotense. > "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
> news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… > > I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is > this > > true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? > > TIA
After eight months without any problem it’s a pretty safe bet. Any impotence I experience is going to be for other reasons. "jake" <inva…@invalid.com
wrote in message
news:drf7bvopnvu46a3gc613v15l6jr2pu1is5@4ax.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
On Sat, 03 May 2003 10:27:24 GMT, "Roger" <roge…@hotmail.com wrote: There is doubt. It doesn’t cause it in me. It can cause it. well dont tempt fate ..It has not as yet
Bupropion doesn’t cause it. Ritalin doesn’t cause it. Deprynl also doesn’t cause it. "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
news:ZsVsa.715511$3D1.395315@sccrnsc01… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Which one do you use Great that doesn’t cause it? > "Great" <k…@xyz.com
wrote in message
> news:b90428$e7ruh$1@ID-189619.news.dfncis.de… > > There is no doubt about this fact. It causes impotense. > > "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
> > news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… > > > I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is
this true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? TIA
On Sat, 03 May 2003 10:27:24 GMT, "Roger" <roge…@hotmail.com
wrote: There is doubt. It doesn’t cause it in me. It can cause it.
well dont tempt fate ..It has not as yet In response to the original posters query,there is no doubt whatsoever that impotence is a commonly observed adverse reaction, and it is misleading to suggest otherwise Commonly Observed Adverse Reactions: http://www.effexor-xr-side-effects-withdrawal.com/adverse-effects-eff… The most commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of venlafaxine (incidence of 5% or greater) and not seen at an equivalent incidence among placebo-treated patients (i.e., incidence for venlafaxine at least twice that for placebo), derived from the 1% incidence Table III, were asthenia, sweating, nausea, constipation, anorexia, vomiting, somnolence, dry mouth, dizziness nervousness, anxiety, tremor, blurred vision, and abnormal ejaculation/orgasm and impotence in men. __ The long term effects could be far more drastic http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/depression/treatment/antidepr… But perhaps the most troubling problem with the newer drugs is that no one is sure just what their long-term effects might be. There are some new, troubling reports that Effexor may cause tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder that may be permanent, involving writhing, wormlike movements of the body, lips, and tongue. But many chronically depressed people say they don’t care. They’re willing to pay the price of future uncertainty to buy freedom from depression today.
"Great" <k…@xyz.com wrote in message news:b90428$e7ruh$1@ID-189619.news.dfncis.de… There is no doubt about this fact. It causes impotense. "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com wrote in message news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is this true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? TIA
"When society turns a blind eye to the dangers of drugs and rushes to embrace a pharmaceutical cure for nearly every condition, there is almost no end to the harm that may result". http://www.schizoaffective.org/ Thomas.J.Moore
There is doubt. It doesn’t cause it in me. It can cause it. "Great" <k…@xyz.com
wrote in message
news:b90428$e7ruh$1@ID-189619.news.dfncis.de… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> There is no doubt about this fact. It causes impotense. > "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
> news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… > > I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is > this > > true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? > > TIA
There is no doubt about this fact. It causes impotense. "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is
this
true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? TIA
On Fri, 02 May 2003 23:03:52 GMT, "No kidding!" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<nokidd…@NOSPAMria.net
wrote: I took Paxil for many years and the first few times I tried to come off of it, I had really *bad* discontinuation symptoms myself- dizziness so bad I’d have to go and lie down, "electric shock" sensations that would go through my body. Even when going down to the minimum dose of 5 mg I would suffer side effects when stopping. I finally went to the http://www.quitpaxil.org/ website and it gave me lots of good advice for weaning from it. I was able to get liquid Paxil and taper off 1 mg at a time (over a period of weeks) and this was the only way I could wean myself off the medication without side effects. If I remember, Effexor gave me side effects, too but not as bad as the Paxil. Antidepressants aren’t candy so I don’t recommend them for minor depression but if you’re sick enough, I still think they’re worth it. They helped me out a lot.
sure..with the emphasis on IF you are sick enough with genuine profound depression..and with informed consent. Where the profit motive and a drive to expand markets are the motivation, history shows it takes legal action to compel pharmaceutical companies to provide the information needed for any kind of informed consent worth its name. And as for highpowered TV advertising to entice people to badger an uninformed GP to prescribe for the variety of ailments they claim it suitable for…….criminal prosecution . Of course in most advanced countries other than the USA , such activities are in fact illegal.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
"jake" <inva…@invalid.com wrote in message news:2qe4bvsohuqflnkqf52m7o7743v1knghcv@4ax.com… On Fri, 2 May 2003 00:22:01 -0500, "Poop Dogg" <nos…@nospam.com wrote: "kevin" wrote in message … Are you sure about this? I thought I’ve seen many posts about how effexor xr makes people a uniuch. I took a 37.5 mg capulse the other day and while it made me feel more motivated, I didn’t have any sexual feelings/thoughts either. This scared me. Try it and see how it affects you. You can always stop taking it if you don’t like the side-effects, Sadly this is not always the case Re: Effexor Withdrawal NIghtmare. Class act lawsuit. Not one told us about this. http://www.pandamedicine.com/rt_health/160-41.html I have been on effexor for years. I haven\’t had any weight gain, on the contrary, it kills my appetite, but I cannot wean myself off it. I get a racing heart, and feel like I am having a heart atack, heart palpatations, pounding heart,pounding in my ears,and hearing loss. I also experience body tremors and convulsion-like body jerks. I also get the \"brain shivers\" but entire BODY SHIVERS as well. These symptoms dissappear when I re-take my dose, but then I am back on the nightmare cycle. No one told me about this, and I don\’t believe the drug company put out a disclaimer regarding withdrawl symptoms(anyone know about that?). I am interested in filing a class-action lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. Anyone who is interested, please contact me @ ceciliari…@aol.com. This is SERIOUS! it’s not like the loss of libido is permanent. "When society turns a blind eye to the dangers of drugs and rushes to embrace a pharmaceutical cure for nearly every condition, there is almost no end to the harm that may result". http://www.schizoaffective.org/ Thomas.J.Moore
"When society turns a blind eye to the dangers of drugs and rushes to embrace a pharmaceutical cure for nearly every condition, there is almost no end to the harm that may result". http://www.schizoaffective.org/ Thomas.J.Moore
On Fri, 02 May 2003 18:39:12 GMT, pet…@chariot.net.au (Peter Hodges) wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
X-No-Archive: Yes On Fri, 02 May 2003 10:41:44 +0100, jake <inva…@invalid.com wrote: <snip Sadly this is not always the case Re: Effexor Withdrawal NIghtmare. Class act lawsuit. Not one told us about this. http://www.pandamedicine.com/rt_health/160-41.html I have been on effexor for years. I haven\’t had any weight gain, on the contrary, it kills my appetite, but I cannot wean myself off it. I get a racing heart, and feel like I am having a heart atack, heart palpatations, pounding heart,pounding in my ears,and hearing loss. I also experience body tremors and convulsion-like body jerks. I also get the \"brain shivers\" but entire BODY SHIVERS as well. These symptoms dissappear when I re-take my dose, but then I am back on the nightmare cycle. No one told me about this, and I don\’t believe the drug company put out a disclaimer regarding withdrawl symptoms(anyone know about that?). I am interested in filing a class-action lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. Anyone who is interested, please contact me @ ceciliari…@aol.com. This is SERIOUS! I had terrible sides from Effexor XR; after only 6 weeks I’d lost 9kg – a lot for someone of my build. Some 5% of people develop anorexia – not something you normally associate with 47 y.o. males, but I got it. I had no energy, no stamina, could barely get out of bed and lost *all* interest in food. If I hadn’t realised what was going on – and a mate hadn’t visited a few times and said I was looking *really* sick & gaunt I may have ended up in hospital or dead. I put a post on the newsgroup and got quite a few emails from people who’ve had terrible side’s from Effexor XR. There is an excellent page run by a woman called Belynda with stories about bad times from Effexor & Effexor XR; the URL is: <http://members.tripod.com/~BWarner/effexor.html. The page is called "Effexor Withdrawal" and gives a brief description of her own Effexor history, as well as comments by people who have had trouble with it – believe it or not, these pages of people’s troubles run for 480-odd pages: quite a few problems.
Oh well it seems to have gone, unfortunately.. I am not too suprised there were so many complaints it is the No 2 drug for withdrawal problems __ Sorrow is knowledge, those that know the most must mourn the deepest, the tree of knowledge is not the tree of life. -Lord Byron http://www.schizoaffective.org/
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"No kidding!" wrote:
I took Paxil for many years and the first few times I tried to come off of it, I had really *bad* discontinuation symptoms myself- dizziness so bad I’d have to go and lie down, "electric shock" sensations that would go through my body. Even when going down to the minimum dose of 5 mg I would suffer side effects when stopping. I finally went to the http://www.quitpaxil.org/ website and it gave me lots of good advice for weaning from it. I was able to get liquid Paxil and taper off 1 mg at a time (over a period of weeks) and this was the only way I could wean myself off the medication without side effects. If I remember, Effexor gave me side effects, too but not as bad as the Paxil. Antidepressants aren’t candy so I don’t recommend them for minor depression but if you’re sick enough, I still think they’re worth it. They helped me out a lot. NK
Is this pretty much normal for coming off Paxil? I took a look at the website you recommended and there seem to be a lot of side effects. I’m asking on behalf of my 10 year old nephew. Today his doctor changed his medication from Paxil to something else (can’t remember – began with an R). He was on 20mg a day and he’s cutting the dose in half for the next three days, then having him take the half dose every other day. His mom is already at the end of her rope and if there are going to be side effects from this, she’s totally unprepared for them.
I took Paxil for many years and the first few times I tried to come off of it, I had really *bad* discontinuation symptoms myself- dizziness so bad I’d have to go and lie down, "electric shock" sensations that would go through my body. Even when going down to the minimum dose of 5 mg I would suffer side effects when stopping. I finally went to the http://www.quitpaxil.org/ website and it gave me lots of good advice for weaning from it. I was able to get liquid Paxil and taper off 1 mg at a time (over a period of weeks) and this was the only way I could wean myself off the medication without side effects. If I remember, Effexor gave me side effects, too but not as bad as the Paxil. Antidepressants aren’t candy so I don’t recommend them for minor depression but if you’re sick enough, I still think they’re worth it. They helped me out a lot. NK "jake" <inva…@invalid.com
wrote in message
news:2qe4bvsohuqflnkqf52m7o7743v1knghcv@4ax.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
On Fri, 2 May 2003 00:22:01 -0500, "Poop Dogg" <nos…@nospam.com wrote: "kevin" wrote in message … Are you sure about this? I thought I’ve seen many posts about how
effexor
xr makes people a uniuch. I took a 37.5 mg capulse the other day and
while
it made me feel more motivated, I didn’t have any sexual
feelings/thoughts
either. This scared me. Try it and see how it affects you. You can always stop taking it if you don’t like the side-effects, Sadly this is not always the case Re: Effexor Withdrawal NIghtmare. Class act lawsuit. Not one told us about this. http://www.pandamedicine.com/rt_health/160-41.html I have been on effexor for years. I haven\’t had any weight gain, on the contrary, it kills my appetite, but I cannot wean myself off it. I get a racing heart, and feel like I am having a heart atack, heart palpatations, pounding heart,pounding in my ears,and hearing loss. I also experience body tremors and convulsion-like body jerks. I also get the \"brain shivers\" but entire BODY SHIVERS as well. These symptoms dissappear when I re-take my dose, but then I am back on the nightmare cycle. No one told me about this, and I don\’t believe the drug company put out a disclaimer regarding withdrawl symptoms(anyone know about that?). I am interested in filing a class-action lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. Anyone who is interested, please contact me @ ceciliari…@aol.com. This is SERIOUS! it’s not like the loss of libido is permanent. "When society turns a blind eye to the dangers of drugs and rushes to
embrace a
pharmaceutical cure for nearly every condition, there is almost no end to
the
harm that may result". http://www.schizoaffective.org/ Thomas.J.Moore
"kevin" wrote in message …
Are you sure about this? I thought I’ve seen many posts about how effexor xr makes people a uniuch. I took a 37.5 mg capulse the other day and while it made me feel more motivated, I didn’t have any sexual feelings/thoughts either. This scared me.
Try it and see how it affects you. You can always stop taking it if you don’t like the side-effects, it’s not like the loss of libido is permanent.
On Fri, 2 May 2003 00:22:01 -0500, "Poop Dogg" <nos…@nospam.com
wrote:
"kevin" wrote in message … Are you sure about this? I thought I’ve seen many posts about how effexor xr makes people a uniuch. I took a 37.5 mg capulse the other day and while it made me feel more motivated, I didn’t have any sexual feelings/thoughts either. This scared me. Try it and see how it affects you. You can always stop taking it if you don’t like the side-effects,
Sadly this is not always the case Re: Effexor Withdrawal NIghtmare. Class act lawsuit. Not one told us about this. http://www.pandamedicine.com/rt_health/160-41.html I have been on effexor for years. I haven\’t had any weight gain, on the contrary, it kills my appetite, but I cannot wean myself off it. I get a racing heart, and feel like I am having a heart atack, heart palpatations, pounding heart,pounding in my ears,and hearing loss. I also experience body tremors and convulsion-like body jerks. I also get the \"brain shivers\" but entire BODY SHIVERS as well. These symptoms dissappear when I re-take my dose, but then I am back on the nightmare cycle. No one told me about this, and I don\’t believe the drug company put out a disclaimer regarding withdrawl symptoms(anyone know about that?). I am interested in filing a class-action lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. Anyone who is interested, please contact me @ ceciliari…@aol.com. This is SERIOUS! it’s not like the loss of libido
is permanent.
"When society turns a blind eye to the dangers of drugs and rushes to embrace a pharmaceutical cure for nearly every condition, there is almost no end to the harm that may result". http://www.schizoaffective.org/ Thomas.J.Moore
Prozac didn’t affect my sex drive at all but everyone is different. Taking antidepressants is like a crap shootas far as side effects are concerned. Don’t refuse to take it on the possibility you *might* have a certain side effect because maybe it won’t happen. I’ve tried several, several antidepressants before I found one I was able to stay on for 13 years. I recently weaned off of them but if I need to take them again, I will. I’ve learned to try them out for a few weeks and see what happens before I pass judgement. If the side effects are intolerable, then I try something else. NK "Poop Dogg" <nos…@nospam.com
wrote in message
news:2OqdnWf1R7E-5SyjXTWcow@bravo.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
"kevin" wrote in message <5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is
this
true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? Effexor is supposed to be very good in this respect. I take Effexor XR, first 150mg, then 225mg, now 75mg, and I have never had any sexual side effects from it. My doctor said I might notice a delay in orgasm but it never happened. Other anti-depressants, the SSRIs like Prozac, etc. are notorious for the sexual side-effects, users claim they kill the sex drive completely. You should give the Effexor a chance, if it causes sexual problems then switch to Wellbutrin, another antidepressant with few sexual side-effects.
Has definitely not caused me any sexual side effects. "No kidding!" <nokidd…@NOSPAMria.net
wrote in message
news:fAZra.49107$4P1.4594324@newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It definitely caused me sexual side effects > NK > "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
> news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… > > I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is > this > > true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? > > TIA
kevin wrote:
I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is this true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? TIA
Many antidepressant, Effexor among them, can cause all sorts of sexual dysfunction. There are some ways around it. http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/medsdysfunction Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
"kevin" wrote in message <5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03
… I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is this true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees?
Effexor is supposed to be very good in this respect. I take Effexor XR, first 150mg, then 225mg, now 75mg, and I have never had any sexual side effects from it. My doctor said I might notice a delay in orgasm but it never happened. Other anti-depressants, the SSRIs like Prozac, etc. are notorious for the sexual side-effects, users claim they kill the sex drive completely. You should give the Effexor a chance, if it causes sexual problems then switch to Wellbutrin, another antidepressant with few sexual side-effects.
Are you sure about this? I thought I’ve seen many posts about how effexor xr makes people a uniuch. I took a 37.5 mg capulse the other day and while it made me feel more motivated, I didn’t have any sexual feelings/thoughts either. This scared me. "Poop Dogg" <nos…@nospam.com
wrote in message
news:2OqdnWf1R7E-5SyjXTWcow@bravo.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
"kevin" wrote in message <5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is
this
true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? Effexor is supposed to be very good in this respect. I take Effexor XR, first 150mg, then 225mg, now 75mg, and I have never had any sexual side effects from it. My doctor said I might notice a delay in orgasm but it never happened. Other anti-depressants, the SSRIs like Prozac, etc. are notorious for the sexual side-effects, users claim they kill the sex drive completely. You should give the Effexor a chance, if it causes sexual problems then switch to Wellbutrin, another antidepressant with few sexual side-effects.
I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is this true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? TIA
Don’t know much about Effexor, but isn’t that an SNRI, like Strattera? I’m not sure. I can tell you that I’m currently taking Celexa (which is an SSRI), and that has had some pretty negative sexual side effects. Like taking an hour to masturbate (delayed ejaculation is a side effect). Sheesh. I’m also taking Strattera (again, an SNRI), which I started a few weeks after the Celexa, and I can’t say that it has made the sexual side effects any better or worse. The only anti-depressent that I’m aware of that doesn’t seem to have any negative sexual side effects is Wellbutrin. But it can make you feel jittery, which can make any anxiety problems worse. Mike "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is
this
true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? TIA
"kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is this true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? TIA
Most ADs including Effexor frequently cause sexual dysfunction. However it’s very individualistic — some men aren’t affected by some drugs, or only at higher dosages. But as a general statement, yes most ADs affect many men this way. The exceptions are Mirtazapine (Remeron), and Bupropion (Wellbutrin). — Joe D.
It definitely caused me sexual side effects NK "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is
this
true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? TIA
Hi, need some quick advise, i took effexor last night, 37.5 mg. I woke up today, in a state of panic, and my pupils were BIG as a watermealon. Is this a normal side effect,and what could i take to counteract this? need advise geno
Hi, need some quick advise, i took effexor last night, 37.5 mg. I woke up today, in a state of panic, and my pupils were BIG as a watermealon. Is this a normal side effect,and what could i take to counteract this? need advise geno
If I were you, I would, for starters, abstain from anything that contains caffeine or even aspartame.
geno, big pupils is a normal side effect. no worries ) there’s not much you can do about it. ~*~nwysca~*~ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, need some quick advise, i took effexor last night, 37.5 mg. I woke up today, in a state of panic, and my pupils were BIG as a watermealon. Is this a normal side effect,and what could i take to counteract this? need advise geno If I were you, I would, for starters, abstain from anything that contains caffeine or even aspartame.
On or about Mon, 15 Jan 2001 15:19:41 GMT, "MS" <marshmall…@yahoo.com
did apparently write: commonly used slow serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
ROTFL! What a load of BS … — -john
I am interested in info. on St. John’s Wort and Kava for OCD and anxiety. Thank you.
R.P. <addr…@reply-to.is.accurate
wrote in message
news:9325bq$640$1@slb7.atl.mindspring.net…
I am interested in info. on St. John’s Wort and Kava for OCD and anxiety. Thank you.
I had a lot of luck with Kava Kava for anxiety, but it brought back eczema that had lain dormant for over 6 years (and which I have yet to get rid of). Take care if you have any dermatological problems.
My psychiatrist said it was useless for OCD. Only good for *mild* depression. Ida R.P. <addr…@reply-to.is.accurate
wrote in message
news:9325bq$640$1@slb7.atl.mindspring.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
I am interested in info. on St. John’s Wort and Kava for OCD and anxiety. Thank you.
In article < 933137$vs…@slb6.atl.mindspring.net
,
"Bill & Ida Kern" < clooney…@mindspring.com
wrote: My psychiatrist said it was useless for OCD. Only good for *mild* depression. Ida
The interesting thing with St. John’s Wort, is that it alters the ‘mood/mind’ enough to allow an objective and clear perspective of the Self. And therefore a clear insight into those parts of the Self that causes the depression. Is your intent to clear yourself of the depression?… or clear yourself of the sources of that depression? The Wort (like LSD; magic mushrooms; kava-kava) open-up the psyche for deeper investigation… rather than offer a cure-all. Later Gerrit Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
On Fri, 05 Jan 2001 00:44:03 GMT, Gerrit Deppe <gerrit_de…@my-deja.com
wrote:
The interesting thing with St. John’s Wort, is that it alters the ‘mood/mind’ enough to allow an objective and clear perspective of the Self. And therefore a clear insight into those parts of the Self that causes the depression. Is your intent to clear yourself of the depression?… or clear yourself of the sources of that depression?
Translation: SJW is not strong enough to cure many cases of depression by itself, and works best with psychotherapy combination. By extension, an SSRI plus that kind of psychotherapy ought to be better yet? — The above from: address is spamblocked. Use wherrera (at) lynxview (dot) com for the reply address.
Dear R.P., I have used Kava for anxiety and it does help though if your anxiety is high it may take a few days for it to really catch up with you. To be on it is to be mellow but alert at the same time so I think it would help with OCD. Rusty "R.P." <addr…@reply-to.is.accurate
wrote in message
news:9325bq$640$1@slb7.atl.mindspring.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
I am interested in info. on St. John’s Wort and Kava for OCD and anxiety. Thank you.
"R.P." <addr…@reply-to.is.accurate
wrote in message
news:9325bq$640$1@slb7.atl.mindspring.net…
I am interested in info. on St. John’s Wort and Kava for OCD and anxiety.
Here is some info. I found on St. John’s Wort and OCD: "Gridrunner: Have you heard of some success using St. John’s Wort or 5-htp to lessen OCD? Dr. Jenike: Yes, there are a few cases where St. John’s Wort has helped OCD. In Germany, there are dozens of studies using SJW for mild to moderate depression, but its use for treating OCD is relatively new. I have tried it in quite a few patients, with not much success. But then again, most of the patients I see now, are on the more severe end of the spectrum." – http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/OCD/site/transcripts/obsession s_ocd.htm See also: http://www.biopsychiatry.com/stjohnocd.htm
Recent studies have shown SJW to be equally as effective as Zoloft (sertraline) and Prozac (fluoxetine) in mild to moderate depression. It also seems to have a better side-effect profile. See the references below: – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – Equivalence of St John’s wort extract (Ze 117) and fluoxetine: a randomized, controlled study in mild-moderate depression. Schrader E Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2000 Mar;15(2):61-8 Treatment with St John’s wort extract tablets (hypericum Ze 117) and the commonly used slow serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine was compared in patients with mild-moderate depression with entry Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) (21-item) in the range 16-24, in a randomized, double-blind, parallel group comparison in 240 subjects; fluoxetine: 114 (48%), hypericum: 126 (52%). After 6 weeks’ treatment, mean HAM-D at endpoint decreased to 11.54 on hypericum and to 12.20 on fluoxetine (P < 0.09), while mean Clinical Global Impression (CGI) item I (severity) was significantly (P < 0.03) superior on hypericum, as was the responder rate (P = 0.005). Hypericum safety was substantially superior to fluoxetine, with the incidence of adverse events being 23% on fluoxetine and 8% on hypericum. The commonest events on fluoxetine were agitation (8%), GI disturbances (6%), retching (4%), dizziness (4%), tiredness, anxiety/nervousness and erectile dysfunction (3% each), while on hypericum only GI disturbances (5%) had an incidence greater than 2%. We concluded that hypericum and fluoxetine are equipotent with respect to all main parameters used to investigate antidepressants in this population. Although hypericum may be superior in improving the responder rate, the main difference between the two treatments is safety. Hypericum was superior to fluoxetine in overall incidence of side-effects, number of patients with side-effects and the type of side-effect reported. – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – "Comparison of an extract of hypericum (LI 160) and sertraline in the treatment of depression: a double-blind, randomized pilot study." Brenner R, Azbel V, Madhusoodanan S, Pawlowska M Clin Ther 2000 Apr;22(4):411-9 BACKGROUND: Hypericum (St. John’s wort) has been shown to be as efficacious and well tolerated as standard antidepressants in the treatment of depression but has not been compared with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). OBJECTIVE: This study compared hypericum and the SSRI sertraline in the treatment of depression. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized study conducted in a community hospital, 30 male and female outpatients (19 women, 11 men; mean age, 45.5 years) with mild to moderate depression received 600 mg/d of a standardized extract of hypericum (LI 160) or 50 mg/d sertraline for I week, followed by hypericum 900 mg/d or sertraline 75 mg/d for 6 weeks. RESULTS: The severity of symptoms, as assessed by scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Clinical Global Impression scale, was significantly reduced in both treatment groups (P < 0.01). Clinical response (defined as a
or =50%
reduction in HAM-D scores) was noted in 47% of patients receiving hypericum and 40% of those receiving sertraline. The difference was not statistically significant. Both agents were well tolerated. A post hoc power analysis indicated that failure to reach statistical significance between treatments resulted primarily from an absence of clinical differences rather than the small sample size. CONCLUSION: The hypericum extract was at least as effective as sertraline in the treatment of mild to moderate depression in a small group of outpatients. William Herrera <posting.acco…@lynxview.com
wrote in message
news:3a554404.167049393@news.rmi.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
On Fri, 05 Jan 2001 00:44:03 GMT, Gerrit Deppe <gerrit_de…@my-deja.com wrote: The interesting thing with St. John’s Wort, is that it alters the ‘mood/mind’ enough to allow an objective and clear perspective of the Self. And therefore a clear insight into those parts of the Self that causes the depression. Is your intent to clear yourself of the depression?… or clear yourself of the sources of that depression? Translation: SJW is not strong enough to cure many cases of depression by itself, and works best with psychotherapy combination. By extension, an SSRI plus that kind of psychotherapy ought to be better
yet?
— The above from: address is spamblocked. Use wherrera (at) lynxview (dot)
com for the reply address.
: : Meridia is a seratonin re-uptake inhibitor, not an amphetamine. The drugs are : not related directly, and there is not a "subjective" effect anywhere like : "bennies". Is "bennies" an accepted nick name for benzodiazepines? Best Wishes, Arthur
*Bennies* is a street name for amphetamines in general and more specifically for *benzedrine*. Philip
: : Meridia is a seratonin re-uptake inhibitor, not an amphetamine. The drugs are : not related directly, and there is not a "subjective" effect anywhere like : "bennies". Is "bennies" an accepted nick name for benzodiazepines? Best Wishes, Arthur
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Meridia is a seratonin re-uptake inhibitor, not an amphetamine. The drugs are not related directly, and there is not a "subjective" effect anywhere like "bennies". All drugs are scheduled for prescription purposes, it doesn’t mean that if it’s scheduled, it’s going to be addictive. The contraindications are true. I took it for a while and have to give it up due to heart palpatations. Really, don’t blow off so much steam without more information. Respectively Fred
You are right about sibutramine (Meridia) not being an amphetamine, however it’s not just an SSRI per se but a serotonin-norepinephrine, and to a lesser extent, dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Meridia is not a monoamine releasing agent like amphetamine or some amphetamine congeners. The potency of Meridia is said to be 73% norepinephrine, 54% serotonin, and 16% dopamine reuptake inhibition per one study using plasma samples from volunteers. Meridia does share some side effects with venlafaxine (Effexor) due to the potent effect on norepinephrine reuptake, such as sustained BP elevation. Chris
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last night I saw a new one, apparently some new amphetamine to be used for weight loss called "Meridia". The list of contraindications included high BP, (duh), heart disease, anyone taking medications for anxiety (!!!)….all of which makes it pretty useless for me. But here’s where my ears pointed up: "Meridia is a controlled substance, so there may be some limited dependence." or words to that effect, but I’m sure of the phrase "limited dependence". Aha! So,…it’s not "addictive", it has "limited dependence". This should be of interest to all of us who are accused of being "addicted" to benzos. Our clarification (beaten to death in this newsgroup) has hit the big time! E. Brent Price Brent, Really, you have jumped to some pretty naive conclusions from the tv advert. Meridia is a seratonin re-uptake inhibitor, not an amphetamine. The drugs are not related directly, and there is not a "subjective" effect anywhere like "bennies".
I beg to differ as a web search shows that Meridia (sibutramine) is *not* an SSRI and is *not* used for PAD. The manufacturer claims that it increases the amount of dopamine, increases the effect of serotonin and enhances the effect of norepinephrine "thus actually increasing the basal medtabolic rate. This means that with Meridia a patient will actually increase the amount of calories burned while at rest." If there is any link to anti-anxiety meds it’s with the TCA’s and not with the SSRI’s though I take it that this one works in a totally different way than TCA’s do. All drugs are scheduled for prescription purposes, it doesn’t mean that if it’s scheduled, it’s going to be addictive. The contraindications are true. I took it for a while and have to give it up due to heart palpatations.
Did you take it for weight loss or for anxiety, Fred? Really, don’t blow off so much steam without more information. Respectively Fred
Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The last couple of years here in the US, there has been a controversial explosion in prescription drug advertisements in the mass media. I mean television ads, slick ads in magazines intended for the general public; not just professional journals. Most of the drugs are for things like hair loss, high BP, acid stomach, etc, and some you can’t hardly figure out what the hell the drug is supposed to be for. They end urging you to contact your doctor, then (talking real fast) run through a list of contraindications. Last night I saw a new one, apparently some new amphetamine to be used for weight loss called "Meridia". The list of contraindications included high BP, (duh), heart disease, anyone taking medications for anxiety (!!!)….all of which makes it pretty useless for me. But here’s where my ears pointed up: "Meridia is a controlled substance, so there may be some limited dependence." or words to that effect, but I’m sure of the phrase "limited dependence". Aha! So,…it’s not "addictive", it has "limited dependence". This should be of interest to all of us who are accused of being "addicted" to benzos. Our clarification (beaten to death in this newsgroup) has hit the big time! E. Brent Price
Well, what a difference a few days make! Last night, an entirely *new* ad for Meridia appeared, totally different pictures, and almost the same voiceover except for this: "Patients who abuse Meridia may become dependent." So, here in the US, anti-drug mania still rules. I can just imagine hoards of stockholders besieging the company with pitchforks and torches demanding an end to selling "addicting drugs". Easy as pie, just make the patient responsible for the "addiction" by "abusing" it. This in a country that considers *any* use of an illegal drug "abuse". Smoke a half of a joint once a month? You are an abuser. Who wants to bet that the therapeutic dosage of Meridia is equivalent to abuse? E. Brent Price
I’m reposting this because my message already dropped off of my crummy server. Sorry if it’s a duplicate for you. I get a lot of threads that start with "Re:…." and I seldom get responses to my posts. I took it personal at first, but then decided it was either a lousy server exchange or
Hi Brent, Your post is not a duplicate for me. I have seen you post many times and people do respond to your posts!! Maybe like you said lousy server. Lately I am not recieving whole threads, and sometimes I have no idea what people are talking about. I always enjoy your posts. Hopefully you get this one!! Jackie "Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?"
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m reposting this because my message already dropped off of my crummy server. Sorry if it’s a duplicate for you. I get a lot of threads that start with "Re:…." and I seldom get responses to my posts. I took it personal at first, but then decided it was either a lousy server exchange or I simply write in such crystal clear logic that nobody has anything to add or argue with. Ya think? Anyway, here’s that post: – The last couple of years here in the US, there has been a controversial explosion in prescription drug advertisements in the mass media. I mean television ads, slick ads in magazines intended for the general public; not just professional journals. Most of the drugs are for things like hair loss, high BP, acid stomach, etc, and some you can’t hardly figure out what the hell the drug is supposed to be for. They end urging you to contact your doctor, then (talking real fast) run through a list of contraindications. Last night I saw a new one, apparently some new amphetamine to be used for weight loss called "Meridia". The list of contraindications included high BP, (duh), heart disease, anyone taking medications for anxiety (!!!)….all of which makes it pretty useless for me. But here’s where my ears pointed up: "Meridia is a controlled substance, so there may be some limited dependence." or words to that effect, but I’m sure of the phrase "limited dependence". Aha! So,…it’s not "addictive", it has "limited dependence". This should be of interest to all of us who are accused of being "addicted" to benzos. Our clarification (beaten to death in this newsgroup) has hit the big time! E. Brent Price
Brent, Really, you have jumped to some pretty naive conclusions from the tv advert. Meridia is a seratonin re-uptake inhibitor, not an amphetamine. The drugs are not related directly, and there is not a "subjective" effect anywhere like "bennies". All drugs are scheduled for prescription purposes, it doesn’t mean that if it’s scheduled, it’s going to be addictive. The contraindications are true. I took it for a while and have to give it up due to heart palpatations. Really, don’t blow off so much steam without more information. Respectively Fred
I’m reposting this because my message already dropped off of my crummy server. Sorry if it’s a duplicate for you. I get a lot of threads that start with "Re:…." and I seldom get responses to my posts. I took it personal at first, but then decided it was either a lousy server exchange or I simply write in such crystal clear logic that nobody has anything to add or argue with. Ya think? Anyway, here’s that post: – The last couple of years here in the US, there has been a controversial explosion in prescription drug advertisements in the mass media. I mean television ads, slick ads in magazines intended for the general public; not just professional journals. Most of the drugs are for things like hair loss, high BP, acid stomach, etc, and some you can’t hardly figure out what the hell the drug is supposed to be for. They end urging you to contact your doctor, then (talking real fast) run through a list of contraindications. Last night I saw a new one, apparently some new amphetamine to be used for weight loss called "Meridia". The list of contraindications included high BP, (duh), heart disease, anyone taking medications for anxiety (!!!)….all of which makes it pretty useless for me. But here’s where my ears pointed up: "Meridia is a controlled substance, so there may be some limited dependence." or words to that effect, but I’m sure of the phrase "limited dependence". Aha! So,…it’s not "addictive", it has "limited dependence". This should be of interest to all of us who are accused of being "addicted" to benzos. Our clarification (beaten to death in this newsgroup) has hit the big time! E. Brent Price
You may wish to refer to an article by Dr. Paul Wenders group at U. Utah:: Reimarr, F et al ,An open trial of L-Tyrosine in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder, Residual Type. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY, 144:8 August 1987, pp 1071-3 This study used doses of 50-150mg/kg in adults with ADD. Eight of twelve patients had a "marked to moderate" response after 2 weeks, but all developed tolerance at 6 weeks. In re the comments about tyrosine not effecting CNS levels of dopamine and norepinephrine (as compared to tryptophane — serotonin) I doubt that its that simple. Why would tyrosine/phenylanaine supplementation have a positive effec in some cases of depression? You may wish to look up some writings by Dr. Richard Wurtman that will correlate amino acid loading with increase in central neurotransmitters. Are you also taking supplements of B vitamine (B6) that will aid the production of dopamine? In closing, you may find as I have that tyrosine used concurrently with a stimulant will have even better results than either alone. Good luck Bob
You may wish to refer to an article by Dr. Paul Wenders group at U. Utah:: Reimarr, F et al ,An open trial of L-Tyrosine in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder, Residual Type. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY, 144:8 August 1987, pp 1071-3 This study used doses of 50-150mg/kg in adults with ADD. Eight of twelve patients had a "marked to moderate" response after 2 weeks, but all developed tolerance at 6 weeks. In re the comments about tyrosine not effecting CNS levels of dopamine and norepinephrine (as compared to tryptophane — serotonin) I doubt that its that simple. Why would tyrosine/phenylanaine supplementation have a positive effec in some cases of depression? You may wish to look up some writings by Dr. Richard Wurtman that will correlate amino acid loading with increase in central neurotransmitters.
Just to let you know where I’m coming from, for what it’s worth, here’s a quote from "The Molecular Foundations of Psychiatry" by S.E.Hyman & E.J. Nestler, pg 71: Tyrosine hydroxylase is the rate limiting enzyme of catecholamine [i.e. dopamine and norepinephrine] synthesis…Because tyrosine hydroxylase exists at relatively low levels, and *under normal conditions* is already supersaturated by the amount of tyrosine found in the brain, it is very difficult to influence brain catecholamine synthesis through variations in dietary tyrosine. Notice the qualification "under normal conditions". There could be exceptions, for example, in persons with abnormal brain chemistry. Stanley – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Are you also taking supplements of B vitamine (B6) that will aid the production of dopamine? In closing, you may find as I have that tyrosine used concurrently with a stimulant will have even better results than either alone. Good luck Bob
Which is the reason that L-Dopa is used to treat Parkinson’s disease rather than tyrosine. I beleive that too many people expect too great of results from substances such as amino acids Similarly too many in the medical/scientific community are just as fast to write off any real effect. To simply state that tyrosine hydroxylase is the rate limiting factor may be a simplification. (Does this consider variations depending on time of day?) The Wender writing stated that a period of two weeks passed before an effect was noticed, which he compared to the delayed response found in most antidepressant drugs. (Similarly he found no usefulness beyond 6 weeks, tolerance?) To my understanding, tricyclic antidepressants cause an immediate blockage of reuptake and consequential increase in synaptic transmitter levels but clinical response is delayed 2-6 weeks. Why? This suggests actions beyond the immediate cast of players, be it amino acids, enzymes, neurotransmitters and/or drugs, on an IMMEDIATE basis. I hope to respond to you giving a few other citations later. I invite your comments on a relate issue, ie, the differing actions of d-amphetamine and methylphenidate. As a person with ADD, I had extreme problems (anxiety, dysphoria) with larger doses of Ritalin(40-60mg/dose), which my doctor simply excused to my greater awareness to the world. I have no such problems with ROUGHLY equivalent doses of Dexedrine(15mg). I have read that these two drugs act on different dopamine pools in the brain, and that methylphenidate actually inhibits the actions of amphetamine.(Research I beleive done by a researcher at Duke, McEwen or similar name reported in TIPS mid 80s) Similarly methylphenidate seems to provoke epileptic activity, where amphetamine tends to inhibit it (Dexedrine is marketed as an anticonvulsant in Canada, I doubt this is only for its anti-drowsiness effects re phenobarbital) As a child I experienced nocturnal epilepsy but I have read nothing clinically about the selection of antiADD drugs in epileptics for example. What is the current thinking (theoretically as well as clinically) regarding this diffenence between the actions of thes amphetamine like drugs and the methylphenidate like drugs?. Regards Bob
Tyrosine is a great way to prevent depletion of neurotransmitters as a result of psychostimulant therapy. Phenylalanine competes with tryptophan for entry to the brain and should not even be considered – it made me angry as all hell!! All by itself its probably nowhere near as effective, because the body is good at keeping levels where it thinks they should be. L-Dopa effectively bypasses this mechanism – anyone got any data on it? L-Dopa can [according to a friend] be made by feeding potatoes lots of tyrosine, then eating them [he didnt say whether they were cooked or not] — Its always the same / Im the only one who’s always left to blame / Take what you can take / Hurt is your only idea of a game / To break away / I dont have that within me / And I’m not afraid / So I bite the hand that feeds me… / When all you do is break me / And put me in a cage Front 242, Animal.
Someone posted a message recently about Tyrosine conflicting with antidepressants. Anyone have any details?
: I really hate these kinds of replies. : Why do you bother doing this without getting the facts? Gosh.. You’ve : succeeded in making me angry. : I have probably been diagnosed with ADD more times than you have, Ed. : about 3 or 4. from neurologists and psychiatrists. I have tried every : drug known from stimulants to wellbutrin. : lay off, and find out the facts before you waste your time talking without : knowing. : If you don know, ASK. don’t suggest things that have already been done IN : EXCESS! : Now, if someone could INTELLECTUALLY respond to my message, I would : appreciate it. : I appologize to all reading this, it just makes me upset to have someone : respond to me like this. Jason, you _asked_ for opinions; and that’s what you got. Don’t complain that somebody offered you the best advice that anybody could in response to your description of experimenting with self-treatment for ADD "symptoms". I’ve tried Ritalin, switched to Dexedrine, went back to Ritalin, added Effexor along with Ritalin, and still some of my symptoms persist. However, all through this process (a little over 2 years now) I’ve been seeing a therapist (psychologist) on a regular basis, as well at the less frequent appointments with neurologist, neuropsychologist, and psychiatrist. Oh, can’t forget my general practicioner MD, either. For many people, drugs are not enough–some type of therapy or counselling can help them take control over their life. For some of us it’s the first time ever we’ve felt even close to being in the driver’s seat, and it can be a frightening/frustrating experience–not knowing what we’re supposed to do first, or do next, or do after that, or… Final note: regarding self-prescribed vitamin, mineral, amino acid, "natural" supplements, a biochemical/medical researcher (PhD+) advised me, "I recommend against it; when you start messing with chemical balance in your brain you can really screw things up." _I’d_ recommend taking Ed’s advice: seek professional help and stick with it. (I apologize if the tone of this post started getting hot, but what you’re doing _is_ playing with fire. Be really careful!) "Well, heck. It sounded like a _really_good_idea_, at the time."
I really hate these kinds of replies. Why do you bother doing this without getting the facts? Gosh.. You’ve succeeded in making me angry. I have probably been diagnosed with ADD more times than you have, Ed. about 3 or 4. from neurologists and psychiatrists. I have tried every drug known from stimulants to wellbutrin. lay off, and find out the facts before you waste your time talking without knowing. If you don know, ASK. don’t suggest things that have already been done IN EXCESS! Now, if someone could INTELLECTUALLY respond to my message, I would appreciate it. I appologize to all reading this, it just makes me upset to have someone respond to me like this. Jason —- The fear of the unknown is a response to the excesses of the imagination.