Question:

You have learned a very important thing about there being no upward bound.  The key is to make sure the patient is titrated upward properly.  Many doctors mistakenly believe that at a certain dosage, resp failure will ensue.  That is BS just as long as the patient has been *gradually* taken up to their dosages. As for cost, Oxy and MS-Con are VERY expensive.  Oramorph is about the same price also.   90 Oxycontin of 40 mg strength can run anywhere from $400 to $500. (I’ve heard that the methadone equivalent of these is about $15-$25. You can see why some patients might need to use methadone). That is ALOT of dough for either Oxy or MS-Contin.  It is important for pain physicians to discuss what insurance their patients have and to work with them to make sure they can afford the meds.  Before the doc even pulls out the prescription pad, a discussion should take place about what insurance the patient has (if any).  Most people can simply not afford paying over $1000 per month out of pocket (assuming prescriptions for Oxycontin and a breakthru med like Oxyfast). – Jon  (:o)}< – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – First, this is my own personal preferences.  Doctors are allowed to be fickle too (most are MORE so).  I guess if I start using it more and get more comfortable with it, then I’ll start to use it more.  The hospice I direct has contracts for MS Contin/Oxy Contin so they get it cheaper.  The residency program I came from had a pharmacy that had both Oxy/MS and methadone.  I just preferred the first two. Now allow me to clear up one misconception you stated: there are no upper limits for ANY opiate that is not mixed with something else.  So there is no upper limit for morphine, oxycodone or methadone.  You keep taking more until you get the dose that benefits you.  That is one simple rule that many docs don’t like.  Some incorrectly believe that there is some "magic" number that if they pass that dose, the patient (still in horrible pain) will stop breathing.  That is simply NOT true.  No one will be dying from respiratory failure from too much narcotic while they still have significant pain.  Pain is the PERFECT antagonist for opiates…better than naloxone. Cost can be a significant factor, but I have not encountered that yet.  I know I will, just not yet. It does sound like you have a great pain doc.  Stick with her and tell your friends about her too. — Bill Work Personally, it is my last choice for long-acting, oral narcotics. Notice I said "personally".  It has a half-life of 24 hours but you must take it three times a day for pain relief. Is the 3x/day dosing the reason you don’t like the methadone, or is there another reason for not liking it? It surely is a life saver cost wise for those who cannot afford the high prices of OxyContin and other meds which have no generics. My pain-management physician also says that there is no upper limit on methadone. She prescribes whatever it takes to reach the goal that one is seeking for pain relief and gives breakthrough medication also. Now a few questions…who in the world put you on OxyContin four times a day?  What if you took 80 mg every 12 hours (not twice a day but every 12 hours)?  Does it make you too sleepy?  Do you get too much breakthrough pain? I was on OxyContin a while back and found it to be practically useless for me. My first pain-management physician started me out on 3x/day because he said that it didn’t last longer than 8 hours for most people. I can’t see any difference between taking OxyContin 3x/day and methadone 3x/day except for the fact that methadone works much better for me than OxyContin, and I have saved a bundle of money. Annie B.

Response:

Thank you Harley for the inforation you provided….printed alot of it off and have it ready for my Dr appointment  on Thursday. It should give him some idea on what I’m talking about. Thanks again…I appreciate all the help everyone has given me…….Joan

Response:

Hi Joan. I am 28yrs. and I would like to share my medication history with you.  I have been on narcotics for the treatment of Avascular Necrosis for the past 3yrs  I am currently taking 30mg of methadone every 6hrs; 120mg/day.  75mg of morphine ER/day ;30-45mg twice a day . Also, oxycodone 10mg every 4hrs.; 60mg/day.  However, I am still in a great deal of pain every second of the day.  Before switching to Methadone, I was on oxycontin 80mg/day along with the same dose of oxycodone and things where pretty much the same.  So, if cost is the only issue, I would give methadone a try.But i was recently told that methadone can damage the bones.  Therefor, I am now lookng for a drug to replace methadone since I already have a bone disease. I pray that you will soon find the right medication for you.

Response:

I agree…so I guess I need to only treat patients with good insurance????? No, you made some good points. — Bill Work

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You have learned a very important thing about there being no upward bound.  The key is to make sure the patient is titrated upward properly.  Many doctors mistakenly believe that at a certain dosage, resp failure will ensue.  That is BS just as long as the patient has been *gradually* taken up to their dosages. As for cost, Oxy and MS-Con are VERY expensive.  Oramorph is about the same price also. 90 Oxycontin of 40 mg strength can run anywhere from $400 to $500. (I’ve heard that the methadone equivalent of these is about $15-$25. You can see why some patients might need to use methadone). That is ALOT of dough for either Oxy or MS-Contin.  It is important for pain physicians to discuss what insurance their patients have and to work with them to make sure they can afford the meds.  Before the doc even pulls out the prescription pad, a discussion should take place about what insurance the patient has (if any).  Most people can simply not afford paying over $1000 per month out of pocket (assuming prescriptions for Oxycontin and a breakthru med like Oxyfast). – Jon  (:o)}< First, this is my own personal preferences.  Doctors are allowed to be fickle too (most are MORE so).  I guess if I start using it more and get more comfortable with it, then I’ll start to use it more.  The hospice I direct has contracts for MS Contin/Oxy Contin so they get it cheaper. The residency program I came from had a pharmacy that had both Oxy/MS and methadone.  I just preferred the first two. Now allow me to clear up one misconception you stated: there are no upper limits for ANY opiate that is not mixed with something else.  So there is no upper limit for morphine, oxycodone or methadone.  You keep taking more until you get the dose that benefits you.  That is one simple rule that many docs don’t like.  Some incorrectly believe that there is some "magic" number that if they pass that dose, the patient (still in horrible pain) will stop breathing.  That is simply NOT true.  No one will be dying from respiratory failure from too much narcotic while they still have significant pain. Pain is the PERFECT antagonist for opiates…better than naloxone. Cost can be a significant factor, but I have not encountered that yet.  I know I will, just not yet. It does sound like you have a great pain doc.  Stick with her and tell your friends about her too. — Bill Work Personally, it is my last choice for long-acting, oral narcotics. Notice I said "personally".  It has a half-life of 24 hours but you must take it three times a day for pain relief. Is the 3x/day dosing the reason you don’t like the methadone, or is there another reason for not liking it? It surely is a life saver cost wise for those who cannot afford the high prices of OxyContin and other meds which have no generics. My pain-management physician also says that there is no upper limit on methadone. She prescribes whatever it takes to reach the goal that one is seeking for pain relief and gives breakthrough medication also. Now a few questions…who in the world put you on OxyContin four times a day?  What if you took 80 mg every 12 hours (not twice a day but every 12 hours)?  Does it make you too sleepy?  Do you get too much breakthrough pain? I was on OxyContin a while back and found it to be practically useless for me. My first pain-management physician started me out on 3x/day because he said that it didn’t last longer than 8 hours for most people. I can’t see any difference between taking OxyContin 3x/day and methadone 3x/day except for the fact that methadone works much better for me than OxyContin, and I have saved a bundle of money. Annie B.

Response:

May I ask why you are on so many different narcotics?????  You should be on only ONE narcotic and maximize that to its fullest potential. Reminds me of hospice referrals we would get from the Internal Medicine teams.  They would discharge someone on Duragesic patches, OxyContin, Percocets and MS IR (no joke!).  BTW, the patient would still be in 7/10 pain. So, your dose of methadone is too small.  If this is the drug of choice for you (I hadn’t heard about the bone stuff), then it should be maximized. What is the limit?  There is NO limit.  You take an increasing dose until you either have the pain to a manageable level or you get tired of taking so many pills. As a pain physician, I would be VERY uncomfortable giving you that diverse of a medication regimen.  It sounds too complex and more likely to have problems getting the proper doses. Just my two cents…and I didn’t even bill you for it… — Bill Work

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Joan. I am 28yrs. and I would like to share my medication history with you.  I have been on narcotics for the treatment of Avascular Necrosis for the past 3yrs  I am currently taking 30mg of methadone every 6hrs; 120mg/day.  75mg of morphine ER/day ;30-45mg twice a day . Also, oxycodone 10mg every 4hrs.; 60mg/day.  However, I am still in a great deal of pain every second of the day.  Before switching to Methadone, I was on oxycontin 80mg/day along with the same dose of oxycodone and things where pretty much the same.  So, if cost is the only issue, I would give methadone a try.But i was recently told that methadone can damage the bones.  Therefor, I am now lookng for a drug to replace methadone since I already have a bone disease. I pray that you will soon find the right medication for you.

Response:

Ironman is quite right. Trying to last 12 hours on one pill did not come close to helping me anyway. I have found the change to QID, yes every 6 hours for oxycontin has a made major improvement in my quality of life – at least for me. TID is a near norm with many I’ve read over the last year. Some thoughts I wanted to pass along. My previous pain doc used methadone as his fist narcotic of choice for some chronic patients because of it being affordable. This enabled him to treat all folks with pain both rich and the poor uninsured – me. Fortunately I now receive help due to past employment before I could not work. I’m still paying on the previous bills for medication over several years.  I hope and pray each month my medications go through one more time. I could never afford the meds and would be back to my past situation borrowing money. Oxy works best for me, unfortunately. Thought you might find this interesting. Have a good day, Matt

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Personally, it is my last choice for long-acting, oral narcotics.  Notice I said "personally".  It has a half-life of 24 hours but you must take it three times a day for pain relief. Now a few questions…who in the world put you on OxyContin four times a day?  What if you took 80 mg every 12 hours (not twice a day but every 12 hours)?  Does it make you too sleepy?  Do you get too much breakthrough pain? Dr. Work, While OxyContin is a very good pain reliever, it doesn’t last 12 hours. IMHO it stops being effective after 6-8 hours. YMMV, but she could need to take 40 mg. 4x per day. This is just my spin on the situation. ironman Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

Dear Doc.  Thank you for the info.  I am certainly going to request that my medications be re_ evaluated.  My pain alway ranges 7to 10.  I was starting to feel that there was no hope of having my pain managed.  My doc said that 120mg of methadone was as high as it could be.  That is why morphine er was added.  The oxycodone is for breakthrough pain and my pain is so grea that I take it every 4hrs. around the clock. THANKS FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE

Response:

William: I know you were joking, but no…..the key is to use drugs that have generic formularies with under- or noninsured patients. Methadone comes to mind for a "long-term" delivery drug. Another option is to use a suspension form of hydrocodone in syrup form.  This tends to stay in the body for an extended period of time. Bunch of these on the market for people with severe coughing. Still nothing wrong with Percocet/dan.  Keep in mind that the drug companies have now come out with 2.5/5/10 mg formulations.  Drs need to specify which strength they are writing for. Vicoden ES or its generics are cheaper (by comparison).  Norco is not all that expensive either. OR…..if you have a compounding pharmacy near your practice and you want to avoid APAP toxicity……have the pharmacist compound pure hydrocodone.  IT CAN BE DONE. With poorer folks, you just need to be a little bit more creative. They will thank you for it 1000% over tho  (:o) – Jon  (:o)}< – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I agree…so I guess I need to only treat patients with good insurance????? No, you made some good points. — Bill Work You have learned a very important thing about there being no upward bound.  The key is to make sure the patient is titrated upward properly.  Many doctors mistakenly believe that at a certain dosage, resp failure will ensue.  That is BS just as long as the patient has been *gradually* taken up to their dosages. As for cost, Oxy and MS-Con are VERY expensive.  Oramorph is about the same price also. 90 Oxycontin of 40 mg strength can run anywhere from $400 to $500. (I’ve heard that the methadone equivalent of these is about $15-$25. You can see why some patients might need to use methadone). That is ALOT of dough for either Oxy or MS-Contin.  It is important for pain physicians to discuss what insurance their patients have and to work with them to make sure they can afford the meds.  Before the doc even pulls out the prescription pad, a discussion should take place about what insurance the patient has (if any).  Most people can simply not afford paying over $1000 per month out of pocket (assuming prescriptions for Oxycontin and a breakthru med like Oxyfast). – Jon  (:o)}< First, this is my own personal preferences.  Doctors are allowed to be fickle too (most are MORE so).  I guess if I start using it more and get more comfortable with it, then I’ll start to use it more.  The hospice I direct has contracts for MS Contin/Oxy Contin so they get it cheaper. The residency program I came from had a pharmacy that had both Oxy/MS and methadone.  I just preferred the first two. Now allow me to clear up one misconception you stated: there are no upper limits for ANY opiate that is not mixed with something else.  So there is no upper limit for morphine, oxycodone or methadone.  You keep taking more until you get the dose that benefits you.  That is one simple rule that many docs don’t like.  Some incorrectly believe that there is some "magic" number that if they pass that dose, the patient (still in horrible pain) will stop breathing.  That is simply NOT true.  No one will be dying from respiratory failure from too much narcotic while they still have significant pain. Pain is the PERFECT antagonist for opiates…better than naloxone. Cost can be a significant factor, but I have not encountered that yet.  I know I will, just not yet. It does sound like you have a great pain doc.  Stick with her and tell your friends about her too. — Bill Work Personally, it is my last choice for long-acting, oral narcotics. Notice I said "personally".  It has a half-life of 24 hours but you must take it three times a day for pain relief. Is the 3x/day dosing the reason you don’t like the methadone, or is there another reason for not liking it? It surely is a life saver cost wise for those who cannot afford the high prices of OxyContin and other meds which have no generics. My pain-management physician also says that there is no upper limit on methadone. She prescribes whatever it takes to reach the goal that one is seeking for pain relief and gives breakthrough medication also. Now a few questions…who in the world put you on OxyContin four times a day?  What if you took 80 mg every 12 hours (not twice a day but every 12 hours)?  Does it make you too sleepy?  Do you get too much breakthrough pain? I was on OxyContin a while back and found it to be practically useless for me. My first pain-management physician started me out on 3x/day because he said that it didn’t last longer than 8 hours for most people. I can’t see any difference between taking OxyContin 3x/day and methadone 3x/day except for the fact that methadone works much better for me than OxyContin, and I have saved a bundle of money. Annie B.

Response:

What this demonstrates is that everyone is different and everything about the person must be taken into account…..snippage I am never concerned about a chronic pain patient over-medicating.  They would have to prove to me that they are incompetant with their meds before I begin to get worried.  I know a pain doc here in town who on the first visit, gives the patient a large amount of MS IR to use and asks them to write down each day how much and how often they use it.  He then re-evaluates them in one month and starts them on a chronic dose.  I personally don’t do that but instead make an educated guess as to how much to start and give breakthrough MS IR/Oxy IR then make the adjustment.

When I began methadone I was prescribed 100 5 mg tablets. I was instructed to start at 5 mg every 6 hours for three days and then titrate the doseage by 5 mg increments every three days till I felt comfortable. I then settled at 10mg every 6 hours, a relatively small dose. I am now at 20 mg every 6 hours but I have only needed two small adjustments in 18 months. It took me two years of agony to get into that doctor’s care, I certainly don’t recommend that you take that long to find the right MD! I never take stuff for granted after having gone through so much. I know how fortunate I am because I don’t live in this NG anymore! I actually have days now, where I forget about this stuff entirely. Jim S Jim S

Response:

Many many patients find that Oxycontin does not last 12 hours.  It is more like 8 hours.  Many Oxy prescriptions are now for dosing one TID. I’ve read reports of patients on 4x daily dosing.  Since the drug comes in so many different strengths, it is very useful for the clinician since they can easily titrate the dose. Since different patients metabolize oxycodone at different rates, I can imagine patients who might need QID dosing.  We’ve had patients on this newsgroup that were/are taking "heroic" amounts of Oxycontin on a daily basis and their pain was barely in check. Pain management requires an "exploratory" mindset.  Just because the manufacturer promises a certain delivery, does not mean a given patient will achieve that. If I had lost my insurance, I would give methadone major consideration.  It is dirt cheap and works very well. – Jon  (:o)}< – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Personally, it is my last choice for long-acting, oral narcotics.  Notice I said "personally".  It has a half-life of 24 hours but you must take it three times a day for pain relief. Now a few questions…who in the world put you on OxyContin four times a day?  What if you took 80 mg every 12 hours (not twice a day but every 12 hours)?  Does it make you too sleepy?  Do you get too much breakthrough pain? — Bill Work I have been lurking for several months and have gotten alot of help from this group. I am looking for information on methodone…how well does it work for pain control and where could I find web sites to learn more about it? I am on oxycontine 40 mg 4 x a day right now for neck and arm pain (cervical injury)…..however my insurance company, workers comp, has stopped paying for my meds and I am having a very difficult time paying for all the meds my dr. prescribes. I have heard that methodone is cheaper, but want to know if it is some thing I should , or would want to start on in place of oxycontine. I have a very compassionate dr who is willing to help me in any way he can, however admits he does not know enough about the methadone, being used for chronic pain, to tell me if it would be the right drug for me, or how well it really works. I would appreciate any help that you could give me on this. Thank you…..Joan

Response:

First, this is my own personal preferences.  Doctors are allowed to be fickle too (most are MORE so).  I guess if I start using it more and get more comfortable with it, then I’ll start to use it more.  The hospice I direct has contracts for MS Contin/Oxy Contin so they get it cheaper.  The residency program I came from had a pharmacy that had both Oxy/MS and methadone.  I just preferred the first two. Now allow me to clear up one misconception you stated: there are no upper limits for ANY opiate that is not mixed with something else.  So there is no upper limit for morphine, oxycodone or methadone.  You keep taking more until you get the dose that benefits you.  That is one simple rule that many docs don’t like.  Some incorrectly believe that there is some "magic" number that if they pass that dose, the patient (still in horrible pain) will stop breathing.  That is simply NOT true.  No one will be dying from respiratory failure from too much narcotic while they still have significant pain.  Pain is the PERFECT antagonist for opiates…better than naloxone. Cost can be a significant factor, but I have not encountered that yet.  I know I will, just not yet. It does sound like you have a great pain doc.  Stick with her and tell your friends about her too. — Bill Work

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Personally, it is my last choice for long-acting, oral narcotics. Notice I said "personally".  It has a half-life of 24 hours but you must take it three times a day for pain relief. Is the 3x/day dosing the reason you don’t like the methadone, or is there another reason for not liking it? It surely is a life saver cost wise for those who cannot afford the high prices of OxyContin and other meds which have no generics. My pain-management physician also says that there is no upper limit on methadone. She prescribes whatever it takes to reach the goal that one is seeking for pain relief and gives breakthrough medication also. Now a few questions…who in the world put you on OxyContin four times a day?  What if you took 80 mg every 12 hours (not twice a day but every 12 hours)?  Does it make you too sleepy?  Do you get too much breakthrough pain? I was on OxyContin a while back and found it to be practically useless for me. My first pain-management physician started me out on 3x/day because he said that it didn’t last longer than 8 hours for most people. I can’t see any difference between taking OxyContin 3x/day and methadone 3x/day except for the fact that methadone works much better for me than OxyContin, and I have saved a bundle of money. Annie B.

Response:

I was wondering if you or anyone else would know where I can find information on methodone for pain management that I can print out for my Dr to read.

Joan–.–    I’ll find you something and either post it or send it to you directly, your choice.  Methadone is `wonderful` stuff!  It, at the very LEAST, doubled the quality and intensity of my life! –

Question:

Theoretically the canisters should last 30 days, but I find them running low quicker than that.  So with Advair you wouldn’t have to worry about that.

Right 28 days with a counter which reduces after each dose,

Response:

there is a major advantage in patient compliance having only one product to use instead of two. Another advantage is that the dose is adjustable. – it comes in low and high doses. It seems that the attractive package does make it more patient compliant, as soon as he recovers from the sticker shock. Murray Grossan, M.D. http://www.ent-consult.com http://www.TinnitusRelief.net http://www.emedicine.com/ent/topic516.htm

Response:

My doctor told me the Advair was more expensive.   Is it really true that the Servent/Flovent is more expensive?  And, I’m talking about the real cost, not the fact that I’d have one copay instead of two. Another factor is, for me, I don’t get

Advair is more expensive versus one inhaler but if you add the Flovent inhaler and the Serevent inhaler they will be less.

Response:

 The final question is cost: does your health insurance cover Advair.

It should as you save around $30.00 by using the advair rather then the Flovent and Serevent separately.I would think if you presented this to the insurance people they would appreciate you trying to save them money.

Response:

 The final question is cost: does your health insurance cover Advair. It should as you save around $30.00 by using the advair rather then the Flovent and Serevent separately.I would think if you presented this to the insurance people they would appreciate you trying to save them money.

My doctor told me the Advair was more expensive.   Is it really true that the Servent/Flovent is more expensive?  And, I’m talking about the real cost, not the fact that I’d have one copay instead of two. Another factor is, for me, I don’t get the 120 doses per canister of Serevent and Flovent.  Theoretically the canisters should last 30 days, but I find them running low quicker than that.  So with Advair you wouldn’t have to worry about that.

Response:

Is there something about combining Flovent and Serevent into one package that is more effective than taking them separately?

There are two advantages. 1) The delivery system takes less kill/practice and since MDI technique is notoriously horrible it is hoped that the delivery will be better. 2) Cost. The Advair discuss is priced less than the two inhalers separately and if you pay by the copay it will probably be only one instead of two. — CBI, MD "Believe those who are seeking the truth; doubt those who find it." -Andre Gide

Response:

My doctor told me the Advair was more expensive.   Is it really true that the Servent/Flovent is more expensive?  And, I’m talking about the real cost, not the fact that I’d have one copay instead of two.

All prices are AWP (average wholesale price). Induhvidual indusurers may make special deals. That said: Advair is more expensive that either Flovent or Serevent alone but less expensive than both. Since the Pulmicort Turbuhaler has three months worth of medicine in each device it is less expensive than Flovent and the combo od Pulmicort and Serevent is about the same as Advair. Oc course, if it cuts two co-pays to one it is cheaper for you regardless of AWP. In my experience the only insurers that won’t pay for Advair also don’t pay for Serevent. Another factor is, for me, I don’t get the 120 doses per canister of Serevent and Flovent.  Theoretically the canisters should last 30 days, but I find them running low quicker than that.  So with Advair you wouldn’t have to worry about that.

Correct. Since it has a numerical counter and a delivery device that does not rely on gas pressures you would not have to guess exactly when it will run out either. — CBI, MD

Response:

Why all this hype about Advair?  All it is, is a combination of Flovent’s active ingredient + Serevent’s active ingredient, in a funny new package. Is there something about combining Flovent and Serevent into one package that is more effective than taking them separately? — Steven D. Litvintchouk                   Advair cuts down on number of inhalers used: from two to one. Also  the

delivery system is different: Advair uses a powder and Flovent is a mdi. If you have problems with an mdi, then, on that basis, the switch to advair could be indicated. The problem with Advair is that during an exacerbation you cannot vary the Advair dosage, you will have to supplement with Flovent in whatever strength is required. In terms of efficacy, from personal experience, I find no difference and this is supported by my pulmonologist.  The final question is cost: does your health insurance cover Advair. John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Why all this hype about Advair?  All it is, is a combination of Flovent’s active ingredient + Serevent’s active ingredient, in a funny new package. Is there something about combining Flovent and Serevent into one package that is more effective than taking them separately?

According to my Pulmologist the powder form is more effective in getting into your lungs and does a better job.

Response:

Only a couple of differences. — It’s a dry powder inhaler, so no propellant to react to. — It’s one puff twice daily, not 2 each twice daily (i.e., 1 not 4, twice daily)  Helps compliance — There’s a counter on the device.  Helps keep track of when to replace. There were studies about it being more effective than just flovent, but I haven’t seen anything about it being better than the pair of medications prescribed separately.  Other than what’s listed above, it would appear to be a compliance issue.  I prefer it since I cough after taking the 4 puffs, but not after taking advair.  YMMV. Liam

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My pulmonologist wants to try switching me from Flovent to Advair. And I’ve heard so many other asthma and COPD patients praising Advair. Why all this hype about Advair?  All it is, is a combination of Flovent’s active ingredient + Serevent’s active ingredient, in a funny new package. Is there something about combining Flovent and Serevent into one package that is more effective than taking them separately? — Steven D. Litvintchouk

Response:

My pulmonologist wants to try switching me from Flovent to Advair. And I’ve heard so many other asthma and COPD patients praising Advair. Why all this hype about Advair?  All it is, is a combination of Flovent’s active ingredient + Serevent’s active ingredient, in a funny new package. Is there something about combining Flovent and Serevent into one package that is more effective than taking them separately? — Steven D. Litvintchouk                  

Response:

Question:

[Uthur] I’m trying to remember the name of a drug someone told me about a while back. It begins with ‘z’ (in Europe) and is used for treating anxiety. It *might* be a newish one.  I’d remember it if I heard it again. Can you help me out please?

Xanax (alprazolam) ? zolpidem? (more a sleeping pil) zopiclon?  (more a sleeping pil) Kind regards, Henk J. van Dijk — The charter is available at:

Question:

I am currently taking Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Dalmane.  I lost my father to terminal lung cancer in March 2000, my husband of 20 years left me 4 months later for someone he’d been having an affair with for quite some time which I was unaware of. We are now divorced ( I initiated it) and he will no longer speak to me as per his significant other. I am in therapy, but feel as though I have reached the end of my rope. There are no friends to call any more, not that there were in the beginning. No one likes bad news apparently it is contagious. What can I do to keep going with feeling lilke I’m going to "Hemingway" every morning. Thanks for any response. M

Response:

I am currently taking Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Dalmane.  I lost my father to terminal lung cancer in March 2000, my husband of 20 years left me 4 months later for someone he’d been having an affair with for quite some time which I was unaware of. We are now divorced ( I initiated it) and he will no longer speak to me as per his significant other. I am in therapy, but feel as though I have reached the end of my rope. There are no friends to call any more, not that there were in the beginning. No one likes bad news apparently it is contagious. What can I do to keep going with feeling lilke I’m going to "Hemingway" every morning. Thanks for any response. M

Hi,  I wonder why you are on both Zoloft and Welbutrin? Do you have any kids? Do you know if Margo Hemingway is related to Ernest? She went out the Hemingway too didn’t she? hope you feel better soon.

Response:

Welcome to ASD. I understand how you are feeling. You can talk about things here. And you will most likely make friends here. Stan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently taking Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Dalmane.  I lost my father to terminal lung cancer in March 2000, my husband of 20 years left me 4 months later for someone he’d been having an affair with for quite some time which I was unaware of. We are now divorced ( I initiated it) and he will no longer speak to me as per his significant other. I am in therapy, but feel as though I have reached the end of my rope. There are no friends to call any more, not that there were in the beginning. No one likes bad news apparently it is contagious. What can I do to keep going with feeling lilke I’m going to "Hemingway" every morning. Thanks for any response. M

Response:

I know, people think that misfortune is like a disease. Everyone was all over me while I was pregnant, and nobody wants to come near me since my son has died, except the ones who really matter. It hurts though. Some people are ignorant assholes. That is really horrible shit to go through. Do anything for yourself that makes you feel better, the meds, talk therapy, a whole tub of chocolate icecream… You deserve it. Your husband’s actions would make a lot of people feel worthless, but I hope you know you’re not, now, and taking the initiative in leaving him was a step in the right direction, in building a new life for yourself where _you_ are important. The same thing happened to my best friend’s mother, she also lost her father to cancer and her husband cheated on her and is now living with the other woman. She did go through a really depressed period where she was hospitalised and tried to take her life, but now she’s studying fine art and is a much happier and more successful person than she ever was with her husband. It does happen, but give yourself time, and love. What doesn’t kill you will eventually make you stronger, so for now I too am just concentrating on staying alive. Amy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently taking Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Dalmane.  I lost my father to terminal lung cancer in March 2000, my husband of 20 years left me 4 months later for someone he’d been having an affair with for quite some time which I was unaware of. We are now divorced ( I initiated it) and he will no longer speak to me as per his significant other. I am in therapy, but feel as though I have reached the end of my rope. There are no friends to call any more, not that there were in the beginning. No one likes bad news apparently it is contagious. What can I do to keep going with feeling lilke I’m going to "Hemingway" every morning. Thanks for any response. M

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently taking Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Dalmane.  I lost my father to terminal lung cancer in March 2000, my husband of 20 years left me 4 months later for someone he’d been having an affair with for quite some time which I was unaware of. We are now divorced ( I initiated it) and he will no longer speak to me as per his significant other. I am in therapy, but feel as though I have reached the end of my rope. There are no friends to call any more, not that there were in the beginning. No one likes bad news apparently it is contagious. What can I do to keep going with feeling lilke I’m going to "Hemingway" every morning. Thanks for any response. M

Hi M I’m taking 40mg Prozac and two hundred mg Welbutrin now for the past 30 days or so.  I think that I’m feeling better, but that just may be the Glenn Livet. I see many parallels in your story to mine, although I have *always* had a predisposition toward clinical depression. This is a good place to be.  You will find that just "being" with similarly afflicted souls will make you feel better (at least that is my experience). Welcome.  Read, and post whne you feel like it. -=oc=-

Response:

Hope you feel better soon, but just thought that I would add that Wellbutrin kept me awake for 2 weeks before I gave up.  Just something to keep in mind. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently taking Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Dalmane.  I lost my father to terminal lung cancer in March 2000, my husband of 20 years left me 4 months later for someone he’d been having an affair with for quite some time which I was unaware of. We are now divorced ( I initiated it) and he will no longer speak to me as per his significant other. I am in therapy, but feel as though I have reached the end of my rope. There are no friends to call any more, not that there were in the beginning. No one likes bad news apparently it is contagious. What can I do to keep going with feeling lilke I’m going to "Hemingway" every morning. Thanks for any response. M

Response:

Well, a man is only as faithful as his options…I guess it’s their payback for being the buyer in the dating game….since women have a sex life while men have ’sex years’.  But you can get a little satisfaction from the probability that he’ll do the same thing to her….who know’s, maybe you stole him from one upstream?  But what are we supposed to make stop?  If you don’t want pain, avoid humans. They’re always gonna disappoint.  Get a dog…..or you can be unoriginal like 99.9% of the other women pet owners on the planet and get a cat. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am currently taking Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Dalmane.  I lost my father to terminal lung cancer in March 2000, my husband of 20 years left me 4 months later for someone he’d been having an affair with for quite some time which I was unaware of. We are now divorced ( I initiated it) and he will no longer speak to me as per his significant other. I am in therapy, but feel as though I have reached the end of my rope. There are no friends to call any more, not that there were in the beginning. No one likes bad news apparently it is contagious. What can I do to keep going with feeling lilke I’m going to "Hemingway" every morning. Thanks for any response. M

Response:

  Margaux Hemingway was a granddaughter of Ernest.  She died from an overdose of sedatives, probably Klonopin per CNN.  She was the fifth person in her family to suicide. sad. Erminia

yes very sad, seems like a legacy for them. it just shows how suicide causes more suicide.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently taking Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Dalmane.  I lost my father to terminal lung cancer in March 2000, my husband of 20 years left me 4 months later for someone he’d been having an affair with for quite some time which I was unaware of. We are now divorced ( I initiated it) and he will no longer speak to me as per his significant other. I am in therapy, but feel as though I have reached the end of my rope. There are no friends to call any more, not that there were in the beginning. No one likes bad news apparently it is contagious. What can I do to keep going with feeling lilke I’m going to "Hemingway" every morning. Thanks for any response. M Hi,  I wonder why you are on both Zoloft and Welbutrin? Do you have any kids? Do you know if Margo Hemingway is related to Ernest? She went out the Hemingway too didn’t she? hope you feel better soon.

Margaux Hemingway was a granddaughter of Ernest.  She died from an overdose of sedatives, probably Klonopin per CNN.  She was the fifth person in her family to suicide. sad. Erminia

Response:

Question:

Candy, It could be the Celexa.  I am banking on the fact that it may be your routine being goofed up.  Most SSRI’s have the possibility of anxiety as a side affect.  You know I have had no problems, but thats just me. What dosage are you on? Chad Love is true when you can’t see eye to eye, but can still walk hand in hand.

Response:

:Hi I havent posted for a while but i have some questions. I have been on :the xanax for about 1 yr now for the second time around. I used to take anax and zoloft but the zoloft didnt do anything for me really. now i :am on the xanax again and i am taking celexa. I feel like i am ready to :go back on zoloft. With the celexa i feel a little jittery and i have :been having alot of anxiety which i think is strange because i am taking :my xanax regularly. does celexa cause or make anxiety heighten?

All the antidepressants may increase anxiety initially. However, this usually stops when they "kick-in," but that may take 3-8 weeks. You can reduce this side effect by starting on a low dose, usually 1/4 the smallest dose tablet (in this case 5mg) and upping the dose by 1/4 tablet every 7-10 days. Those that are particularly sensitive may need to start on and ramp up by only 1/8th of a tablet. :i have :been on the celexa for 4 weeks now and im trying to give it time but i :am so tired of feeling certin ways because of a med or no med. i jsut :dont know why im feeling this way  is it the celexa or is it just the :anxiety?

It may be a combination of both a chemical effect, and also a psychological one. A lot of us have pill phobia too. :why would i do this after taking my xanax though. i have never :had this problem before.

There are limits to how much anxiety any med, including the benzos, can control at any given dose. It seems that the Xanax dose you’re on isn’t sufficient to handle the increased anxiety Celexa is producing. Talk to your doctor about increasing Xanax for a few weeks. :i know m xanax use to last for about 8 hours :then it was about down to six and that is about all the time now but :since taking celexa about 4 hours after taking my xanax i feell lie im :going to have a panic attack.

Although it varies from person to person, Xanax is usually only effective for 4-5 hours. :i just dont understand. i have gone on 3rd :shift working now which has everything all screwed up anyway. my sleep :is screwed up and i am irritable.

All of which is probably contributing to the increased anxiety. :i hope none of this has to do with the :new med(celexa) my psychiatrist told me to give it some time.Any :suggestions or help, i really could use it right now.Thanks :

Only to hang in for a few more weeks. Antidepressants are generally very effective anxiety medications, but they do make matters worse initially. But when they begin working they make the pain and misery worthwhile. Its a bit like giving birth, but "labour" lasts much longer. :Candy Harvey

Best wishes Ian

Response:

Candy, Stick with it a couple more weeks.  The other posts are very informative.  I have worked 3rd shift, and the effects that gave me were almost as bad as the panic.  Your sleep pattern is all out of whack, plus the other things that are going on ith you.  Slow down, relax, and try to be nice to yourself, I am praying the Celexa will work for you! Chad Love is true when you can’t see eye to eye, but can still walk hand in hand.

Response:

Thanks for the info everyone. i will hang in there for a while and see what hapens. it is realy great to have you guys ther all of the time. hanks a million and i love yaall. Candy

Response:

Chad Im only on 20mg a day. but i tell you it is rough. one med always has to alter the other or symptoms  everythign is so messed up sometimes. Thanks for the advice. Candy

Response:

Hi Candy- I just switched from paxil to celexa.  For the first month I had increased anxiety and the jitters.  My pdoc said that if it didn’t subside I might need a higher dose, but she wanted to wait till I had been taking it eight weeks before any adjustments were made.  Even with low dose xanax I was still anxious.   The good news, is that at about five weeks the anxiety subsided and I am now doing better at six weeks into celexa than I did in ten months on paxil. If I were you I’d call the doc and try to hang in just a little bit longer.   YMMV Take care, Jess – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi I havent posted for a while but i have some questions. I have been on the xanax for about 1 yr now for the second time around. I used to take xanax and zoloft but the zoloft didnt do anything for me really. now i am on the xanax again and i am taking celexa. I feel like i am ready to go back on zoloft. With the celexa i feel a little jittery and i have been having alot of anxiety which i think is strange because i am taking my xanax regularly. does celexa cause or make anxiety heighten? i have been on the celexa for 4 weeks now and im trying to give it time but i am so tired of feeling certin ways because of a med or no med. i jsut dont know why im feeling this way  is it the celexa or is it just the anxiety? why would i do this after taking my xanax though. i have never had this problem before. i know m xanax use to last for about 8 hours then it was about down to six and that is about all the time now but since taking celexa about 4 hours after taking my xanax i feell lie im going to have a panic attack. i just dont understand. i have gone on 3rd shift working now which has everything all screwed up anyway. my sleep is screwed up and i am irritable. i hope none of this has to do with the new med(celexa) my psychiatrist told me to give it some time.Any suggestions or help, i really could use it right now.Thanks Candy Harvey

Response:

Hi I havent posted for a while but i have some questions. I have been on the xanax for about 1 yr now for the second time around. I used to take xanax and zoloft but the zoloft didnt do anything for me really. now i am on the xanax again and i am taking celexa. I feel like i am ready to go back on zoloft. With the celexa i feel a little jittery and i have been having alot of anxiety which i think is strange because i am taking my xanax regularly. does celexa cause or make anxiety heighten? i have been on the celexa for 4 weeks now and im trying to give it time but i am so tired of feeling certin ways because of a med or no med. i jsut dont know why im feeling this way  is it the celexa or is it just the anxiety? why would i do this after taking my xanax though. i have never had this problem before. i know m xanax use to last for about 8 hours then it was about down to six and that is about all the time now but since taking celexa about 4 hours after taking my xanax i feell lie im going to have a panic attack. i just dont understand. i have gone on 3rd shift working now which has everything all screwed up anyway. my sleep is screwed up and i am irritable. i hope none of this has to do with the new med(celexa) my psychiatrist told me to give it some time.Any suggestions or help, i really could use it right now.Thanks Candy Harvey

Response:

Question:

Folks,           I’ve been on the Paxil for about five weeks now,  feeling better but really experiencing the sexual side effects of the Paxil. I have heard that Serzone gives you all the benefits of Paxil and No sexual side effects.          Can anyone respond both pro and con for switching to Serzone. I’d like to get my drive/libido back. Also if you have made the switch from Paxil how did you do it, were you weaned off the Paxil slowly or just a cold turkey switch to the serzone. Thanks in advance for any and all responses. — Dan ICQ 108553906

Response:

         I’ve been on the Paxil for about five weeks now,  feeling better but really experiencing the sexual side effects of the Paxil. I have heard that Serzone gives you all the benefits of Paxil and No sexual side effects.         Can anyone respond both pro and con for switching to Serzone. I’d like to get my drive/libido back. Also if you have made the switch from Paxil how did you do it, were you weaned off the Paxil slowly or just a cold turkey switch to the serzone.

My doctor switched me from paxil to serzone just before new year’s. No weaning — quit paxil one day, started serzone the next. I can definitely attest to the fact that serzone doesn’t depress libido the way paxil did. However, I’m not as certain that the serzone is as effective as paxil was in controlling anxiety. I *do* know that I’m prepared to stick with the serzone….. — Tom

Response:

I have had no sexual side effects as a result of taking Serzone. It has also gotten rid of my insomnia. I took Paxil for one day and it freaked me out!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –          I’ve been on the Paxil for about five weeks now,  feeling better but really experiencing the sexual side effects of the Paxil. I have heard that Serzone gives you all the benefits of Paxil and No sexual side effects.         Can anyone respond both pro and con for switching to Serzone. I’d like to get my drive/libido back. Also if you have made the switch from Paxil how did you do it, were you weaned off the Paxil slowly or just a cold turkey switch to the serzone. My doctor switched me from paxil to serzone just before new year’s. No weaning — quit paxil one day, started serzone the next. I can definitely attest to the fact that serzone doesn’t depress libido the way paxil did. However, I’m not as certain that the serzone is as effective as paxil was in controlling anxiety. I *do* know that I’m prepared to stick with the serzone….. — Tom

Response:

Danny, I didn’t go from Paxil to Serzone but did go Zoloft-Wellbutrin-Serzone, which I now have been on for about five months.  With the Wellbutrin I ramped off, and then began the "starter pack" of Serzone.  But even the lowest dosage I found intolerable at first – it upset my stomach and made me feel like I had drank ten cups of coffee.  I had to break the beginning pills in half to make it comfortable and move up from there.  Once you’re on it it’s fine, but it’s bumpy getting there. As far as libido or sexual side effects there were none . . . . at first. However (and this could just be me, obviously) at about the four month mark I did start to have problems, similar to what the Zoloft was doing.  It disperses my concentration to the point where it’s very difficult to "finish" in bed.  I don’t know why it took this long to kick in, but it did. I’m currently at 150mg twice a day, and at one point my doc tried to increase it to 400 total.  That DIDN’T work, made me feel like a zombie and totally screwed with my physical coordination, so I went back to 300.  But I’m seriously thinking of ramping off it entirely, not just because of the sexual problem but other side effects as well.  I’ll call my doc and talk about it. Good luck to you, however, and don’t take my experience as a negative for trying Serzone.  I’ve noticed on the other meds many times I have an unusual reaction which just proves we all react differently to some degree. Wayne

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Folks,           I’ve been on the Paxil for about five weeks now,  feeling better but really experiencing the sexual side effects of the Paxil. I have heard that Serzone gives you all the benefits of Paxil and No sexual side effects.          Can anyone respond both pro and con for switching to Serzone. I’d like to get my drive/libido back. Also if you have made the switch from Paxil how did you do it, were you weaned off the Paxil slowly or just a cold turkey switch to the serzone. Thanks in advance for any and all responses. — Dan ICQ 108553906

Response:

Question:

No, it’s not just you.  Me, too.  In fact, I took it once with great success, stopped for a year, resumed it and couldn’t hold it down for more than a half hour. Switch meds. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, has anybody that’s taken Zoloft had a really upset stomach and messed up vision (by messed up I mean cloudy, darkened, or seeing spots)?  Or is it just me?

Response:

well, that certainly sounds like a "bad" reaction to the med. I don’t know if it’s common, but I’d give your doc a call, just to be safe.  There are lote of ADs out there, and while you may have a reaction to one, it’s pretty sure that you can find one that will be ok.  Good luck!

Response:

did this just start when you were put on Zoloft? The upset stomach seems benign enough, but the vision changes probably warrant a call to the Dr…… yeah, all this started when I was put on Zoloft.  I’ve never been on any AD before, so I don’t really know what to expect.

Response:

did this just start when you were put on Zoloft? The upset stomach seems benign enough, but the vision changes probably warrant a call to the Dr……

Response:

Hi, has anybody that’s taken Zoloft had a really upset stomach and messed up vision (by messed up I mean cloudy, darkened, or seeing spots)?  Or is it just me?

Response:

If Zoloft works for you it will help with your symptoms. It gave me back a life.

Response:

for me zoloft did wonders.  yes, it took away the urge to cry and took away the dark cloud that followed me around everywhere i went.  my doctor took me off it for 6 months, thought i was "cured" but i am going back on it come monday.  it gave me a feeling of well-being basically. maybe not to the extent that all the happy people in this world feel, but good enough for me to be able to cope with things a little.  hope it all goes well for you. raelene.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well the Doc gave me Zoloft… And apparently I have to not drink which is not to big a deal but, I can’t have more them a cup or two of caffeine! That may just kill me ! I am SUCH a SUPER tired person with out it Also my Doc is now on vacation can any of you tell me if it’ll help with the feelings that I am going to cry or need to cry?  Or the "foggy",  bogged down , disconnected feelings? –Demise

Response:

Demise: Also my Doc is now on vacation can any of you tell me if it’ll help with the feelings that I am going to cry or need to cry?  Or the "foggy",  bogged down , disconnected feelings?

It helps me enormously with both of those. Best, Diamant.

Response:

writes Thanks so much for your responses!!  I am going to cut my coffee in half for now and see how it’s going in a month.

when I went on that medication, I wasn’t told to cut my caffeine intake at all, and didn’t. Can you tell me more about if it’ll help with the feelings that I am going to cry or need to cry?  Or the "foggy",  bogged down , disconnected feelings?

they *should* go away in a while. if after a month or so you’re still all foggy and weepy and stuff, I’d go back to the doctor and ask for advice. Also what was the major difference you noticed? I hoping to end the disconnected feelings like when your sad but you can’t seem to "snap" back into focus on the things around you.. and the yelling..Oh Man, do I yell! I’m like a three year old throwing a tantrum!

the only difference I noticed was that I had to fight to be awake at all on it.  But that’s not a normal reaction to it. — Laz Spashett       "damaged people are dangerous, they know they can survive" "I can categorically say that you are not a bigger banana head." (Empire Records) * Please visit European Relief Aid and help our work with Romanian children * *                   http://www.gwenhwys.demon.co.uk/era/                    *

Response:

Well the Doc gave me Zoloft… And apparently I have to not drink which is not to big a deal but, I can’t have more them a cup or two of caffeine! That may just kill me ! I am SUCH a SUPER tired person with out it Also my Doc is now on vacation can any of you tell me if it’ll help with the feelings that I am going to cry or need to cry?  Or the "foggy",  bogged down , disconnected feelings? –Demise

When I first went on Zoloft I found that a little bit of coffee went a long way. It seemed to magnify the effects of coffee. That eventually subsided as I adjusted to the Zoloft and its stimulating effects diminished. k

Response:

Thanks so much for your responses!!  I am going to cut my coffee in half for now and see how it’s going in a month. Can you tell me more about if it’ll help with the feelings that I am going to cry or need to cry?  Or the "foggy",  bogged down , disconnected feelings? Also what was the major difference you noticed? I hoping to end the disconnected feelings like when your sad but you can’t seem to "snap" back into focus on the things around you.. and the yelling..Oh Man, do I yell! I’m like a three year old throwing a tantrum! — Demise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well the Doc gave me Zoloft… And apparently I have to not drink which is not to big a deal but, I can’t have more them a cup or two of caffeine! That may just kill me ! I am SUCH a SUPER tired person with out it Also my Doc is now on vacation can any of you tell me if it’ll help with the feelings that I am going to cry or need to cry?  Or the "foggy",  bogged down , disconnected feelings? –Demise When I first went on Zoloft I found that a little bit of coffee went a long way. It seemed to magnify the effects of coffee. That eventually subsided as I adjusted to the Zoloft and its stimulating effects diminished. k

Response:

I’ve never heard the warnings about caffeine/alcohol.  I believe all things in moderation.  If you DO cut the caffeine, do it very slow, a cup at a time. I have given up caffeine for other reasons, and a slow approach helped me.   as for whether or not zoloft can help with what you mentioned, well I dont have anything more useful to say than it is different with everybody.  Fiddling with doses helps too.  Both my boyfriend and my mom have taken zoloft quite successfully for years.  on the other hand, it didn’t do a lot for me.  Best of luck to you, Heather Well the Doc gave me Zoloft… And apparently I have to not drink which is not to big a deal but, I can’t have more them a cup or two of caffeine! That may just kill me ! I am SUCH a SUPER tired person with out it Also my Doc is now on vacation can any of you tell me if it’ll help with the feelings that I am going to cry or need to cry?  Or the "foggy",  bogged down , disconnected feelings? –Demise

http://treefrog99.homestead.com/home.html

Response:

thusly: Well the Doc gave me Zoloft… And apparently I have to not drink which is not to big a deal but, I can’t have more them a cup or two of caffeine! I drank alcohol ON OCCASION while on Zoloft. You can, just be aware that the effect of the alcohol will be stronger. I also drank as much coffee as I wanted. I was on Zoloft for 2 1/2 or more years. It worked well. The first coule of weeks I had some stomach irritation and other minor side effects but they went away. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

See, it’s been just the opposite for me.  I drink like a fucking fish, and i’ve been on Zoloft for 3 1/2 years.  I can’t really tell a difference…when i went of Zoloft for a month, it seemed like it took less to get me drunk…go fig. Oh, and don’t get me started on caffeine.  My blood type is Mt Dew.   Viq (yeah, i’m kinda unhealthy) Viq (Vauxhall) Official ASD Flirt

Question:

Can someone tell me if Xanax and Zoloft are different, or are they just different meds for different people?  I’m on Xanax, and I wonder if Zoloft would be better?  I take Xanax just for when I need it. Pip

Response:

Zoloft is an SSRI type anti-depresant.  Xanax is a Benzo.  Difference is Xanax is fast acting, and wears off quickly.  Zoloft is more preventitive (in other words you can not take it per needed basis, you must take it everyday).  It takes several weeks to see full benefit, and the results for everyone may vary.  I will not even begin to go into the side effects, but if you want more info on that you can do a search at deja news for zoloft. I would suggest trying the Zoloft in conjunction with the Xanax if you want to.  What you may find over time that you can ween off of the xanax, or use it per needed basis.  What you are going to find is ssri’s work for some, but not for all.  YMMV, and IMO. Good Luck. d – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can someone tell me if Xanax and Zoloft are different, or are they just different meds for different people?  I’m on Xanax, and I wonder if Zoloft would be better?  I take Xanax just for when I need it. Pip

Response:

Philippa lomax schreef: Can someone tell me if Xanax and Zoloft are different, or are they just different meds for different people?  I’m on Xanax, and I wonder if Zoloft would be better?  I take Xanax just for when I need it. Pip

Xanax is a benzodiazepine (a so-called minor tranquillizer). Its anxiolyutic effects are undisputed. It can be taken *as needed* por as a maintenance med. Also a combo with another, longer-acting benzo like Klonopin works well for many people and Xanax can also be combined with an antidepressant of whatever type and often is. Benzo’s have mainly some drowsiness in the beginning as side effect.Zoloft is a SSRI-type antidepressant. These antidepressants work for anxiety/panic as well, as PAD and depression are sort of cousins, chemically. Unlike benzo’s which have immediate effect, with the SSRI’s (which block the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin so that you have enough of it at the right time at the right place, to be very simplistic about it) you need to give them between 3-8 weeks to be able to evaluate their effects. In the first few weeks your symptoms may worsen as your body adjust to the med. Therefore it is necessary to start at a real low dose and slowly raise it to therapeutic level which is a personal matter of trial and error. Often a benzo is added in these first weeks and this combo can also be taken long-term. A very unpleasant side effect of most SSRI’s with most people is sexual dysfunction. If I were you (but I’m not and I’m also not a doctor) I would try and see if raising my Xanax dose and taking it as a maintenance med (taking 4-5 times a day, say, .5 mgs = 2.5 mgs in total while average therapeutic dosage is 2-5 mgs) won’t do the trick for me. If it wouldn’t I would start to think about a combo. I feel that it is important to start out with just one med (so that you know for sure that the results are from that particular med) and to give it a full trial. YMMV etc. Philip

Response:

Can someone tell me if Xanax and Zoloft are different, or are they just different meds for different people?

Dear Pip,   I don’t know the medical terms for the meds, but I do know that they are two different drugs.   I take Zoloft everyday and it has helped restore my pre-panic disorder disposition. (Which was pretty nice.)   I only take the Xanax when I push to travel (still have some problems with distance from home, but is much better. I now can go 20 miles from home.) Anyway, the Xanax just takes the edge off.   If you have an opportunity to try Zoloft, go for it. It really does help.   All the best.                            Sharon

Response:

Dear Sharon, I am interested to know how much Zoloft and Xanax you take each day.My MD has suggested  I take 100mg a day of Zoloft, along with 0.5mg of Xanax 4 – 5 times a day for panic attacks and anxiety.  I would appreciate any feedback from you.  Thanks for your help.

Response:

Question:

I started trying to get pregnant.  This is my first cycle without the Zoloft and I am due for AF any day now and I am soooooooo cranky and most of all sooooooooo sad all the time.  Does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with this?  Today is so bad that I had to take my 2 yr old daughter over to my mom’s house because she doesn’t understand why I cry so much and it makes her so sad to see my crying.  I feel like a total failure because I can’t even take care of the daughter I do have when I am like this.         Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. KD Pearce remove the 4 before replying

Response:

Hi- It sounds as though maybe you are having zoloft withdrawal.  Do you know a lot about this med?  Did your doctor explain to you that zoloft is a strong anti depressant?  Maybe you could benefit by taking something milder.  Good luck to you.

Response:

as soon as I started trying (seriouly) to get pregnant 1.5 years ago my dr. took me off all meds. even the one for pms and it has been a huge ajustment and my poor husband and 4 year old are always the butt end of all my anger and sadness! My only suggestion is to ask your husband to help more. And ask your Re if you can take an over the counter drug for pms. they told me I could , but so far I have’nt. good luckMissy

Response:

Question:

drownproofing it could save your life first, take a deep breath and hold it. next, relax. float with your arms level with your shoulders. legs pointed down, head under water, with the top of your head at the surface. do not tread water. to breathe, make one stroke down with both hands and arms simultaneously. blow out air as your face breaks the water surface, inhale a full breath quickly when your mouth and nose break the surface, and relax again going back to the float mode with the head not out of the surface. dump items that cause negative buoyancy as coins ,watch, keys chains, etc. repeat the steps continuously as needed.

Response:

Paul’s list on saving your life by drownproofing is well-timed for this part of the year. Thank you Paul. However, I seem to recall that within the last few years, there has been further information given out about how drownproofing can speed up hypothermia. Too much time with head in water, too much energy out-put, those sorts of things. drownproofing it could save your life first, take a deep breath and hold it. next, relax. float with your arms  level with your shoulders. legs pointed down, head under water, with

   the top of your head at the surface. do not tread water. to breathe, make one stroke down with both hands and arms simultaneously. blow out air as your face breaks the water surface, inhale a full breath

  quickly when your mouth and nose break the surface, and relax again   going back to the float mode with the head not out of the surface. dump items that cause negative buoyancy as coins ,watch, keys chains, etc. repeat the steps continuously as needed.

Any input from someone up to date on the latest in water-related hypothermia would be appreciated. Now is the season for such problems. Oh, and let’s try to stay on the boat, wear a pfd of some style of our choosing, or wear a survival suit. I don’t have a "Gumby" style suit, but do have a padded "Cruiser" suit by Mustang. Wonderful thing. Keeps me warm at the wheel, and even when sleeping off watch at night off shore. Hard to get out of if need to use the head, and the crotch is too low for short me, but otherwise, a very good thing. We wore our suits at night along the Washington coast this *summer* and felt very comfortable. One has to get out of the suit in the morning as the sun warms the air or you get wet from the inside. ANNE  (thanks Paul, again, for reminding us of the water being a danger) Public Access UNIX and Internet at (503) 220-1016 (2400-28800, N81)

Response:

Paul’s list on saving your life by drownproofing is well-timed for this part of the year. Thank you Paul. However, I seem to recall that within the last few years, there has been further information given out about how drownproofing can speed up hypothermia. Too much time with head in water, too much energy out-put, those sorts of things.

 I doubt that energy expenditure could be too much.  Drownproofing allows even poor swimmers to stay afloat for hours.  The hypothermia risk I think is a significant increased risk.  You can drown-proof with your legs tucked up.  This will reduce heat loss, but the head underwater is a worry.  A floatcoat would be a much better option. Especially compared to basic drownproofing, but not as good as a "gumby".  If caught overboard in a floatcoat, or other jacket, tighten the collar and waist drawstring to minimize the cold water exchange. Mark Anderson

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Paul’s list on saving your life by drownproofing is well-timed for this part of the year. Thank you Paul. However, I seem to recall that within the last few years, there has been further information given out about how drownproofing can speed up hypothermia. Too much time with head in water,  I doubt that energy expenditure could be too much.  Drownproofing allows even poor swimmers to stay afloat for hours.  The hypothermia risk I think is a significant increased risk.  You can drown-proof with your legs tucked up.  This will reduce heat loss, but the head underwater is a worry.  A floatcoat would be a much better option. exchange. Mark Anderson

At the risk of repeating what the previous post wrote, I don’t think the following can be said enough: Drownproofing is a life saving technique that is now somewhat discredited. From recent literature I have from the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Red Cross ‘drownproofing’ will SUBSTANTIALLY reduce the amount of time a person can expect to remain alive in the water compared to other techniques. This includes simply treading water. As the other posts have stated this is becuase of the greatly increased heat loss through the head when is it is in the better thermal conducter; water. Most of our body’s heat loss is through the head. However, if the water is very warm, then it might make sense if a person is starting to have difficulty treading water. Of course if a PFD is in the equation then treading water ceases to be much of a concern. But hypothermia is still a very real problem in the cooler waters this time of year.Our lake was 3 degrees celsius when we pulled out last week-end. The Coast Guard literature went on to state that wearing a ‘float coat’ can increase one’s survival time many times over what it would be with a standard key-hole lifejacket.  

Response: