Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Of Flovent And » insomnia

insomnia

Question:

If I have to take Theo-dur too late at night it keeps me awake.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anyone has insomnia from their asthma medications.  I’m taking Flovent 2x a day 2 puffs. AJ

Response:

I was wondering if anyone has insomnia from their asthma medications.  I’m taking Flovent 2x a day 2 puffs. AJ

Response:

I have experienced insomnia and I am on the same amount of Flovent. The doctor says that it would not cause it but I don’t know. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. *smile* Shannon

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anyone has insomnia from their asthma medications.  I’m taking Flovent 2x a day 2 puffs. AJ

Response:

Hello! Absolutely…I’ve not enjoyed more than 4 hours (undisturbed) sleep since I began taking Flovent and Serevent last year. Patrice – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anyone has insomnia from their asthma medications.  I’m taking Flovent 2x a day 2 puffs. AJ

Response:

Is Flovent a newer inhaled steroid?  Is it better than Flunisolide (brand name of Aerobid in US)?  Is it more effective than Aerobid?  I didn’t think inhaled steroids were that notorious for causing sleep problems, but I could be wrong. Is Serevent a Beta Antagonist (sp?)?  That could be very well be your problem.  Albuterol (Salbuterol), a Beta Antagonist, Theophylline, and the older family of bronchodilators (Metaproterenol Sulfate being one) are notorious for causing sleep problems. By the way, I’m curious to find out if anybody is still using Metaproterenol Sulfate (Metaprel) and/or Isoproterenol(Isoprel) as one their main medicines to control their asthma anymore and if so why?   I remember having really bad side effects from Metaprel, but that was once one of the main stay asthma medicines 20 years ago. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello! Absolutely…I’ve not enjoyed more than 4 hours (undisturbed) sleep since I began taking Flovent and Serevent last year. Patrice

Response:

Does anyone have any ideas on trying to get some sleep when you can’t.  I’ve tried everything I can think of.  I don’t know if it’s my meds or what.  I just need sleep.  I’m too hyper to sleep, too sleepy to do a lot of things (hyper-running around house and playing w/ daughter , etc. I will do to some extent when supposed to be asleep).  I’ve ran out of ideas (literally).  please help.  I’m going on 2 hours sleep for the past 2 days combined and I have still 1 more 12 hour night shift left before I am off and need some sleep.

Response:

what are you taking? jen * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Seroquel balances my sleep/wake schedule, otherwise I decline to a near annihilating dose of barbituates. Gabriel * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

I’ve been taking trazodone at bedtime for a few months, and it’s great. Fall right to sleep and stay that way all night. If you’re taking stimulating ADs like Wellbutrin, don’t take them near bedtime.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have any ideas on trying to get some sleep when you can’t.  I’ve tried everything I can think of.  I don’t know if it’s my meds or what.  I just need sleep.  I’m too hyper to sleep, too sleepy to do a lot of things (hyper-running around house and playing w/ daughter , etc. I will do to some extent when supposed to be asleep).  I’ve ran out of ideas (literally).  please help.  I’m going on 2 hours sleep for the past 2 days combined and I have still 1 more 12 hour night shift left before I am off and need some sleep.

Response:

Put a fan or something in your room that makes a noise loud enough to drown out small noises. Focus your attention on your breathing…until it becomes regular…as you do let your awareness go to different parts of your body. Any where you find tension…try to relax the muscles in that area, continue to go around your body until you’ve completely relaxed it…and your breathing is deep and regular. If your mind is not still and that is keeping you awake,..try repeating a phrase. The one I use is "I will develope and use my positive potentials thus becomeing a fully actualized and intergrated self." This should work, ..antother thing that works for me is to pretend it’s 100 years in the future and that I’m dead…nothing matters…no thoughts…no tension….just eternity….sometimes that works…even in very tense situations. It’s like surrender. Drink some milk before bed, or take trytophan. Go to bed the same time each night. Don’t drink before bed. Don’t do anything physical for a few hours before bed. That being said, If your getting that little sleep, you might want to get some meds for it. Antihistimines that don’t have a decongestant can help if you don’t have anything else. Try ASH Alternatives to Suicide Homepage http://members.home.net/askash/index.html – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have any ideas on trying to get some sleep when you can’t.  I’ve tried everything I can think of.  I don’t know if it’s my meds or what.  I just need sleep.  I’m too hyper to sleep, too sleepy to do a lot of things (hyper-running around house and playing w/ daughter , etc. I will do to some extent when supposed to be asleep).  I’ve ran out of ideas (literally).  please help.  I’m going on 2 hours sleep for the past 2 days combined and I have still 1 more 12 hour night shift left before I am off and need some sleep.

Response:

I am currently taking 40 mg of Prozac (20/20 am/pm), 100 mg Luvox (between 5 & 10 pm), and 1 mg of Lorazapan (Ativan) every 4 – 8 hrs.  I have even tried taking my lorazapan, but I go into a light (very light) sleep, more of a rest than anything.  I sleep with a fan on.  I also sleep during the day and work all night. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – what are you taking? jen * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

go to bed with a good book and TRY to stay awake. a lot of us are what a pdoc of mine called contra-suggestible aka bloody-minded. Isabel

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have any ideas on trying to get some sleep when you can’t.  I’ve tried everything I can think of.  I don’t know if it’s my meds or what.  I just need sleep.  I’m too hyper to sleep, too sleepy to do a lot of things (hyper-running around house and playing w/ daughter , etc. I will do to some extent when supposed to be asleep).  I’ve ran out of ideas (literally).  please help.  I’m going on 2 hours sleep for the past 2 days combined and I have still 1 more 12 hour night shift left before I am off and need some sleep.

Response:

Talk to your doctor about dropping the Prozac and starting on a mood stabilizer. Antidepressants are notorious for triggering mania in a bipolar person. Insomnia as you describe is a classic sign of mania. Also ask about Klonopin – it is a good med to take for bipolar insomnia. Before I was dx’ed I tried all the usual home remedies (warm milk, meditation, OTC sleeping pills) to no effect. My GP put me on Ambien (a prescrip sleeping med) but even at doses high enough to knock out a horse, I still couldn’t sleep. That’s what tipped him off that I might be bipolar. At one point in my treatment I was on nothing but Prozac (had dropped lithium in state of denial/rebellion), and it flipped me into the worst insomnia ever – went 9 days without a wink of sleep at one point. You need your sleep – please seek medical attention. jen * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

I was wondering how many people have noted vision changes as a result of chronic seroquel use.   I was also wondering if seroquel increased the level of your creativity or your sense of being in touch with the afterlife or "grand scheme" of things in whatever sense you consider those things. Thumper – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Put a fan or something in your room that makes a noise loud enough to drown out small noises. Focus your attention on your breathing…until it becomes regular…as you do let your awareness go to different parts of your body. Any where you find tension…try to relax the muscles in that area, continue to go around your body until you’ve completely relaxed it…and your breathing is deep and regular. If your mind is not still and that is keeping you awake,..try repeating a phrase. The one I use is "I will develope and use my positive potentials thus becomeing a fully actualized and intergrated self." This should work, ..antother thing that works for me is to pretend it’s 100 years in the future and that I’m dead…nothing matters…no thoughts…no tension….just eternity….sometimes that works…even in very tense situations. It’s like surrender. Drink some milk before bed, or take trytophan. Go to bed the same time each night. Don’t drink before bed. Don’t do anything physical for a few hours before bed. That being said, If your getting that little sleep, you might want to get some meds for it. Antihistimines that don’t have a decongestant can help if you don’t have anything else. Try ASH Alternatives to Suicide Homepage http://members.home.net/askash/index.html Does anyone have any ideas on trying to get some sleep when you can’t.  I’ve tried everything I can think of.  I don’t know if it’s my meds or what.  I just need sleep.  I’m too hyper to sleep, too sleepy to do a lot of things (hyper-running around house and playing w/ daughter , etc. I will do to some extent when supposed to be asleep).  I’ve ran out of ideas (literally).  please help.  I’m going on 2 hours sleep for the past 2 days combined and I have still 1 more 12 hour night shift left before I am off and need some sleep.

Response:

Hi Tammy- You got some really good responses–so I’ll only add to them. Inositol–a b-vitamin will help–250 mg at bed time Instead of milk, try a carbohydrate.  Dry corn flakes was suggested–I tend to eat macaroons. LOL  it works! Calm’s Forte is available at GNC stores–and it is great–you can take it with any med–it is basically minerals. Isotonic minerals and calcium work wonders for me. Tryptohpan is a script.  So, try 5htp–its precursor and OTC.  But check any possible reactions with your meds.  You should not take 5htp or tryptophan if you are taking SSRIs. That should give you lots of things to try to see what works for you. Trazadone does not keep me asleep.  I take it at bedtime and when I wake up at around 4AM, I take another dose.   And finally, I’m ramping up on Neurontin–but so far it has definately helped me sleep better–but nothing esle yet–too low a dose. HTH, Nancy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Does anyone have any ideas on trying to get some sleep when you can’t.  I’ve tried everything I can think of.  I don’t know if it’s my meds or what.  I just need sleep.  I’m too hyper to sleep, too sleepy to do a lot of things (hyper-running around house and playing w/ daughter , etc. I will do to some extent when supposed to be asleep).  I’ve ran out of ideas (literally).  please help.  I’m going on 2 hours sleep for the past 2 days combined and I have still 1 more 12 hour night shift left before I am off and need some sleep.

Response:

Hi Tammy, Does anyone have any ideas on trying to get some sleep when you can’t.  I’ve tried everything I can think of.  I don’t know if it’s my meds or what.  I just need sleep.  I’m too hyper to sleep, too sleepy to do a lot of things (hyper-running around house and playing w/ daughter , etc. I will do to some extent when supposed to be asleep).  I’ve ran out of ideas (literally).  please help.  I’m going on 2 hours sleep for the past 2 days combined and I have still 1 more 12 hour night shift left before I am off and need some sleep.

What meds are you now taking? Is your doctor away of your lack of sleep? For me, the sleep disorder specialist prescribed Melatonin 3 mg daily.Also, nocaffeine has helped as well. I can empathazie with you as I only was getting 2-3 hours of sleep anight and then had to nap during the daytime. Peace, Lynda

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I was wondering how many people have noted vision changes as a result of chronic seroquel use.  

My doctor says that although the likelyhood is very low, there is a chance seroquel can cause cataracts. She wanted me to have my eyes checked after a month of being on a low dose of it and wrote me a referal to an eye doctor. I haven’t seen any changes in my vision, but if you’re experiencing any, I’d recommend a routine eye exam. Sincerely, Little Girl "Lead paint : Delicious, but deadly."

Response:

Hi Thumper, What sort of vision changes? I don’t know anything about Seroquel, but I have had some weird vision problems coinciding with onset of bipolar symptoms. These are characterized mostly by double vision/blurring. It occurs on and off – i.e., fine for weeks then I’ll get a full week in which I just can’t seem to focus. It is bad enough that I will have trouble reading those big green signs of the freeway. I’ve also had halos and floaters, but not as often. All of this is in one eye only. Had my vision thoroughly checked out, nothing wrong there. Had a cursory neurological exam by my GP, nothing wrong there. Tried going off my lithium for awhile, but still had problems. Was finally told it must be related to my migraines – perhaps a prodomal type thing. But sometimes I’m not so sure…. I wonder if the blurred vision gets so bad, it gives me a headache? Oh well…. thought I’d jump in and whine a little. ;-) jen * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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I have found that seroquel has made me more creative, or lucid; whereas other anti-psychotics tend to make me become zombee-like. As for ‘increased spirituality,’ . . . If this is a referance to myself, I wasn’t referring to the anti-psychotics as causing me to become more spiritual, and am not going to divulge my experience here so. . . Gabriel * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Thank you to everyone who had written back or thought about it.  Received a lot of good feedback.  I did try a lot of them, including calling the Dr.  He has changed my meds around again.  I’m still taking everything, the only 2 exceptions are the I now take the Luvox in the morning before I go to bed and he cut my Prozac in 1/2 and take just 20 mg in the morning as well.  I immediately could see the difference in the fact I became more irritable, still insomniac to a point, still nauseated, and started back smoking again after quitting a couple of months ago.  I eat less now and am loding more weight.  I can handle everything but the irritability.  I am irritable at everyone around me without realizing it until later, then I feel guilty.  I try to not be irritable and apologize.  I don’t like this part of me and no one else does either and tell me.  I don’t like feeling like this at all.  Some times I hate myself because of it, even though I know it will be better.  My family asks me if I took my meds. when they begin to see me cycle through either being real irritable or real hyper.  They keep me in check some seeing my moods change, sometimes quickly.  I will call my doc Monday morning to tell him what is still going on.  I will be taking some copies of the suggestions with me at my next visit.  I’m sorry if I am writing on, I will try not to go this long next time, just had as lot on my mind. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have any ideas on trying to get some sleep when you can’t.  I’ve tried everything I can think of.  I don’t know if it’s my meds or what.  I just need sleep.  I’m too hyper to sleep, too sleepy to do a lot of things (hyper-running around house and playing w/ daughter , etc. I will do to some extent when supposed to be asleep).  I’ve ran out of ideas (literally).  please help.  I’m going on 2 hours sleep for the past 2 days combined and I have still 1 more 12 hour night shift left before I am off and need some sleep.

Response:

Hi Tammy, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thank you to everyone who had written back or thought about it.  Received a lot of good feedback.  I did try a lot of them, including calling the Dr.  He has changed my meds around again.  I’m still taking everything, the only 2 exceptions are the I now take the Luvox in the morning before I go to bed and he cut my Prozac in 1/2 and take just 20 mg in the morning as well.  I immediately could see the difference in the fact I became more irritable, still insomniac to a point, still nauseated, and started back smoking again after quitting a couple of months ago.  I eat less now and am loding more weight.  I can handle everything but the irritability.  I am irritable at everyone around me without realizing it until later, then I feel guilty.  I try to not be irritable and apologize.  I don’t like this part of me and no one else does either and tell me.  I don’t like feeling like this at all.  Some times I hate myself because of it, even though I know it will be better.  My family asks me if I took my meds. when they begin to see me cycle through either being real irritable or real hyper.  They keep me in check some seeing my moods change, sometimes quickly.  I will call my doc Monday morning to tell him what is still going on.  I will be taking some copies of the suggestions with me at my next visit.  I’m sorry if I am writing on, I will try not to go this long next time, just had as lot on my mind.

Are you taking a mood stabilizer Tammy? If not then the irritability could be dysphoria triggered by taking an AD without the coverage of a MS. If you are taking a MS then another look at the ADS may be in order as well as perhaps adding an adjunct MS to the med combo. I hope you feel better soon. Please keep us posted. Peace, Lynda

Response:

Funny how you mentioned your family asking you if you have taken your meds. My wife has started the same regular line "have you taken you tablet today" since we both found out I was a manic depreccant sufferer. Interesting point you’ve made there. Opened my eyes. Darrell

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Tammy, Thank you to everyone who had written back or thought about it.  Received a lot of good feedback.  I did try a lot of them, including calling the Dr.  He has changed my meds around again.  I’m still taking everything, the only 2 exceptions are the I now take the Luvox in the morning before I go to bed and he cut my Prozac in 1/2 and take just 20 mg in the morning as well.  I immediately could see the difference in the fact I became more irritable, still insomniac to a point, still nauseated, and started back smoking again after quitting a couple of months ago.  I eat less now and am loding more weight.  I can handle everything but the irritability.  I am irritable at everyone around me without realizing it until later, then I feel guilty.  I try to not be irritable and apologize.  I don’t like this part of me and no one else does either and tell me.  I don’t like feeling like this at all.  Some times I hate myself because of it, even though I know it will be better.  My family asks me if I took my meds. when they begin to see me cycle through either being real irritable or real hyper.  They keep me in check some seeing my moods change, sometimes quickly.  I will call my doc Monday morning to tell him what is still going on.  I will be taking some copies of the suggestions with me at my next visit.  I’m sorry if I am writing on, I will try not to go this long next time, just had as lot on my mind. Are you taking a mood stabilizer Tammy? If not then the irritability could be dysphoria triggered by taking an AD without the coverage of a MS. If you are taking a MS then another look at the ADS may be in order as well as perhaps adding an adjunct MS to the med combo. I hope you feel better soon. Please keep us posted. Peace, Lynda

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi!  I’m looking for help from anyone out there who may have experienced symptoms similiar to mine. I have had a depression followed by a mild manic episode which has possibly caused 8 months of insomnia (ie early morning waking, and very light sleep). I have been told that I probably have manic depression but that the sleeping pattern I have  (ie extended insomnia) is unusual. I’m on trycyclic anti-depressants but they have been no help. Has anyone reading this had the same long-term sleeping problems? I would like to know what helped you! I’m using a friends e-mail at the moment, so , if you have any information for me would you be able to write to- Emma. C. Buninyong VIC  3357 Australia If you cannot rwrite you could reply by e-mail but please put EMMA as the subject. Thankyou! Emma, I haven’t been good and high in about 10 years, but in the past the most usual sign was insomnia, 3-5 days of it usually meant I was well on my way to a full blown episode. Lithium and wellbutrin (and time) have ended this pattern. -Doug    Hang in there, the sleep problems sound all to familiar.  I used klonopin at first but it is addictive, then Desyrl(sp?) which is a modern form of tricyclic that may have a serotonin effect as well and it helped tremendously….it will make some of us light headed and disoriented but it is a good sleep inducer.    I have found that sleep is the main area that changes regardless of whether i am high or low….it is tough.    i did try trcyclics at first and they helped.    we are all different i think, but there is a combination of meds that will kick in for you.    Ad you are not alone by a long shot, bpd, is simiply not publicized alot and when it is only he most extreme cases are mentioned.  those of us living a

‘normal’ Let’s start out setting the record straight.  Bipolar disorder, manic depression, uni-polor clinical depression on a good day or night for that fact, is a major pain in the ass!  The med merry-go-round gets so old; so very old.  I have started to feel like they’re I’m the brass ring everyone reaches for while reading the merry-go-rounds.  Sleep?  Who sleeps?  What is a normal sleep pattern?  Sometimes all I do is sleep 20 – 22 hours per day.  Others I sleep 2-3 hours and am wide awake for several days. I must add I am extremely cranky when going through this.  Will be glad to answer any other questions you may have. The Wild Woman (Claire)

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: Hi! :  I’m looking for help from anyone out there who may have experienced symptoms similiar : to mine. I have had a depression followed by a mild manic episode which has snip : I’m using a friends e-mail at the moment, so , if you have any : information for me would you be able to write to- : Emma. C. : Buninyong : VIC  3357 : Australia Emma, I am in Melbourne. I realise Buninyong isn’t very large but will "Emma C." be sufficient to find you at the P.O. there? I’ve got Bipolar disorder too, I’ve got a very good PsyDr at Royal Melbourne Hospital who my GP ("Dr Feelgood" from the radio show Pillowtalk – yep, shes a real GP!) referred me to. I’ll email an innocuous reply to your friend with subject line "emma" as instructed, look forward to hearing from you? — Graham. B’Doing!

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Sleep management has been number one in stabilizing my whole cycle. I targeted sleep as a major issue to get under control with meds. Ativan has consistently performed for me in this area. Some persons note a hangover with this med. I blooming well welcomed this, as reaching for a coffee in the morning had meaning again. It works for me in combination with Tegretol challenges as required

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi!  I’m looking for help from anyone out there who may have experienced symptoms similiar to mine. I have had a depression followed by a mild manic episode which has possibly caused 8 months of insomnia (ie early morning waking, and very light sleep). I have been told that I probably have manic depression but that the sleeping pattern I have  (ie extended insomnia) is unusual. I’m on trycyclic anti-depressants but they have been no help. Has anyone reading this had the same long-term sleeping problems? I would like to know what helped you! I’m using a friends e-mail at the moment, so , if you have any information for me would you be able to write to- Emma. C. Buninyong VIC  3357 Australia If you cannot rwrite you could reply by e-mail but please put EMMA as the subject. Thankyou! Emma, I haven’t been good and high in about 10 years, but in the past the most usual sign was insomnia, 3-5 days of it usually meant I was well on my way to a full blown episode. Lithium and wellbutrin (and time) have ended this pattern. -Doug

        Hang in there, the sleep problems sound all to familiar.  I used klonopin at first but it is addictive, then Desyrl(sp?) which is a modern form of tricyclic that may have a serotonin effect as well and it helped tremendously….it will make some of us light headed and disoriented but it is a good sleep inducer.         I have found that sleep is the main area that changes regardless of whether i am high or low….it is tough.         i did try trcyclics at first and they helped.         we are all different i think, but there is a combination of meds that will kick in for you.         Ad you are not alone by a long shot, bpd, is simiply not publicized alot and when it is only he most extreme cases are mentioned.  those of us living a ‘normal’ life with it are just a silent group i guess, busy dealing with it. regards Ernie ising

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Hi!   I’m looking for help from anyone out there who may have experienced symptoms similiar to mine. I have had a depression followed by a mild manic episode which has possibly caused 8 months of insomnia (ie early morning waking,  and very light sleep). I have been told that I probably have manic depression but that the sleeping pattern I have  (ie extended insomnia) is unusual. I’m on trycyclic anti-depressants but they have been no help. Has anyone reading this had the same long-term sleeping problems? I would like to know what helped you! I’m using a friends e-mail at the moment, so , if you have any information for me would you be able to write to- Emma. C. Buninyong VIC  3357 Australia If you cannot rwrite you could reply by e-mail but please put EMMA as the subject. Thankyou!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi!  I’m looking for help from anyone out there who may have experienced symptoms similiar to mine. I have had a depression followed by a mild manic episode which has possibly caused 8 months of insomnia (ie early morning waking, and very light sleep). I have been told that I probably have manic depression but that the sleeping pattern I have  (ie extended insomnia) is unusual. I’m on trycyclic anti-depressants but they have been no help. Has anyone reading this had the same long-term sleeping problems? I would like to know what helped you! I’m using a friends e-mail at the moment, so , if you have any information for me would you be able to write to- Emma. C. Buninyong VIC  3357 Australia If you cannot rwrite you could reply by e-mail but please put EMMA as the subject. Thankyou!

Emma, I haven’t been good and high in about 10 years, but in the past the most usual sign was insomnia, 3-5 days of it usually meant I was well on my way to a full blown episode. Lithium and wellbutrin (and time) have ended this pattern. -Doug

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I have had insomnia for as long as I can remember.  I have taken trazadone, klonipin, ativan, xanax, restorial, and I usually always get perscribed Ambien because it works.  I am on Depakote, Topamax, Seroquel, and Effexor XR so you think that would make me fall asleep but it doesn’t. Betsy Ach – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – jack and lisa"  I have been annoyed by it for 3 years.  But, I now have a p doc who will give me prescrip. for Clonipin, telling me to only take 1/2 pill when possible, instead of whole one. Last year, I used to lay my head down for half hour at a time, never sleeping all night, finally get dressed at 5:30 AM, go to diner, to keep house quiet for husband, trying to sleep.He has no trouble sleeping, unless I am roaming around. the clonipin can give a side affect or 2, but when I need it, which is usually the case, I take it. GGOODD luck. Dot

Response:

jack and lisa"  I have been annoyed by it for 3 years.  But, I now have a p doc who will give me prescrip. for Clonipin, telling me to only take 1/2 pill when possible, instead of whole one. Last year, I used to lay my head down for half hour at a time, never sleeping all night, finally get dressed at 5:30 AM, go to diner, to keep house quiet for husband, trying to sleep.He has no trouble sleeping, unless I am roaming around. the clonipin can give a side affect or 2, but when I need it, which is usually the case, I take it. GGOODD luck. Dot

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I have suffered from insomnia off and on all my life, well all my life that I can remember, even as a young girl like age 9 and upwords.. Tonight I am having insomnia and I know why..it is called alarm clock anxiety..When I have to wake up to an alarm clock I either can not sleep or I sleep restlessly.. So far I have not been able to fall asleep tonigh..it is almost 5:30am now and my alarm will go off at 11:30am..I have an appt to go to at 1:15pm.. In my early 20’s I was under a lot of stress because of bad relationships with my mother and my boyfriend so my anxiety would last for a week at a time..finally I had to go to the Dr. to get some Xanax..this knocked the shit out of me and I could sleep for days on that stuff.. I take 1mg of Klonopin twice a day but it doesn’t make me tired.. Now when I don’t have to get up to an alarm clock I usually fall asleep by 4:30am and sleep till about 3:30pm..I don’t work right now so that if why I have these crazy hours for sleeping..I am a night owl by nature..               MELISSA

HAPPY NEWYEAR–2000!!

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Melissa,     You sound alot like me, I’m a night owl too. I can remember not being able to sleep as young as 9 or 10 too. I usually try and go to bed before 2am, but not always successful. Getting to sleep isn’t usually that hard but staying asleep is my real problem. Waking up over and over and not being able to fall back asleep is really difficult to cope with. If I know that I’m going to have to get up via alarm clock I have a hard time sleeping too. It is almost unimaginable at the slightest things that can keep my brain awake and unable to drift off. It literally drives me nuts until one night I will finally just crash and sleep all night. Lisa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have suffered from insomnia off and on all my life, well all my life that I can remember, even as a young girl like age 9 and upwords.. Tonight I am having insomnia and I know why..it is called alarm clock anxiety..When I have to wake up to an alarm clock I either can not sleep or I sleep restlessly.. So far I have not been able to fall asleep tonigh..it is almost 5:30am now and my alarm will go off at 11:30am..I have an appt to go to at 1:15pm.. In my early 20’s I was under a lot of stress because of bad relationships with my mother and my boyfriend so my anxiety would last for a week at a time..finally I had to go to the Dr. to get some Xanax..this knocked the shit out of me and I could sleep for days on that stuff.. I take 1mg of Klonopin twice a day but it doesn’t make me tired.. Now when I don’t have to get up to an alarm clock I usually fall asleep by 4:30am and sleep till about 3:30pm..I don’t work right now so that if why I have these crazy hours for sleeping..I am a night owl by nature..               MELISSA HAPPY NEW YEAR–2000!!

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I have had insomnia almost as long as I can remember back into my childhood. I’m Bipolar II and continue to be VERY annoyed by it. I was wondering how many bipolars out there have this constant insomnia thing too? So raise your hand and speak up! Lisa

Can I ever sympathize with that! My mom tells me that I was prescribed sleeping meds even as a toddler :) However I find that whatever I get now tends to work for about a week and then loses its effectiveness sharply after that.  My problem is falling asleep — sleeping in the morning wouldn’t be a problem, if it weren’t for that pesky job I have to go to :) Usually I end up sleeping about 5 hours a night, except when I get totally exhausted. Cheers, TAE

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20 years of insomnia.  Lamactil and trazodone for me did the trick so far. Too soon to tell for sure.  Tried it all before.  Good luck.  Not sleeping and bipolar are a bad mix.   TW – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     I have had insomnia almost as long as I can remember back into my childhood. I’m Bipolar II and continue to be VERY annoyed by it. I was wondering how many bipolars out there have this constant insomnia thing too? So raise your hand and speak up! Lisa

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20 years of insomnia.  Lamactil and trazodone for me did the trick so far. Too soon to tell for sure.  Tried it all before.  Good luck.  Not sleeping and bipolar are a bad mix.   TW

My problem isn’t so much getting to sleep, but getting "good sleep". I usually wake up two or three times a night. Then even when I do sleep, I wake up the next day more tired than when I went to bed. My PDoc has siad it might be anxiety or maybe sleep apnea. My theory is that I am half asleep when I am awake, so I’m half awake when I am asleep.                       Ralph

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Hi Lisa,     I have had insomnia almost as long as I can remember back into my childhood. I’m Bipolar II and continue to be VERY annoyed by it. I was wondering how many bipolars out there have this constant insomnia thing too? So raise your hand and speak up!

I have aninterrupted sleep cycle and was evaluated at the sleep disorders lab at UNC here in Chapel Hill. I was told the following: 1. Go to bed the same time nightty…30 min. leeway here 2. Get up the same time daily even if I didn’t sleep 3. Go outside and saty there for about 3o min, to receive the morning light (which is the strongest) 4. Take 3 mg of Melatonin nightly to reset my circadian Rhythm  which can take weeks to months. 5. Stop taking any sleeping medication 6. NO caffeine 7. NO exercise at night So, perhaps a consultation with a sleep disorders specialist would be a prudent thing to do. I do not recommend that you take any OTC drugs including Melatonin without your doc’s approval. My sleep cycle has been awry for over 10 years but it is improving with the suggestions I was given. Best of luck to you. Peace, Lynda

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Hi Lisa: My hand is up.  I’m also BPII and have had insomnia most of my life.  I take 100 mg. of trazodone at bedtime and it normally keeps me asleep most of the night. Toni – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     I have had insomnia almost as long as I can remember back into my childhood. I’m Bipolar II and continue to be VERY annoyed by it. I was wondering how many bipolars out there have this constant insomnia thing too? So raise your hand and speak up! Lisa

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    I have had insomnia almost as long as I can remember back into my childhood. I’m Bipolar II and continue to be VERY annoyed by it. I was wondering how many bipolars out there have this constant insomnia thing too? So raise your hand and speak up! Lisa

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   I have had insomnia almost as long as I can remember back into my childhood. I’m Bipolar II and continue to be VERY annoyed by it. I was wondering how many bipolars out there have this constant insomnia thing too? So raise your hand and speak up! Lisa

I’ve had insomnia problems all my life, its now under control through medications used to treat my bipolar disorder. I take risperdol, depakote, xanax, and remeron at bed time. Quite a lot of drugs, but my sleep pattern is much improved since I started taking this mix. Hammer on you doctor, tell him that you’ve had these troubles all your life. I complained about it over several appointments over a few months and finally he listened. Web Page at: http://www.robertpo.com

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My 24 year old girlfriend can’t get to sleep and stay asleep.  Often she gets only two hours of sleep a night.  Any suggestions?  Please reply direct to me.  Thanks. Randy

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My 24 year old girlfriend can’t get to sleep and stay asleep.  Often she gets only two hours of sleep a night.  Any suggestions?  Please reply direct to me.  Thanks. Randy

Your girlfriend should try Reishi.  I used to have insomnia but since I started taking Reishi daily over a year ago, I have no more sleeping problem.  Furthermore, I wake up fresh in the morning without relying on an alarm clock and can start working almost immediately. I know over 200 friends who are on Reishi daily.  They report the same experience with Reishi. Dosage is important.  We take 4 capsules of 370 mg each of a 100% pure mycelium extract of Ganoderma Lucidum before going to bed.  The concentration of polysaccharides is over 40%.   500-1,000mg of Vitamin C should also be taken daily (after meals) to help the absorption of Reishi polysaccharides. Good health! Gilbert Ng, Ph.D.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I occasionally have bouts of insomnia and had a couple of questions which may or may not have answers. 1)During a cycle of insomnia which may last several days or longer, why   will I wake up at amost the same time in the wee hours, say 3:45 a.m. every time? This is regardless of what time I went to bed, or got up the previous morning, whether I fell immediately asleep or not, what I did during the day, etc. 2)Why, when I wake up suddenly in the middle of the night will I be unable to return to sleep until perhaps 20 or 30 minutes before I have to get up, after laying awake for perhaps two hours or more?  Many people told me they have had the same experience.  When I do fall asleep in that short time before having to rise, it always seem to be a very deep sleep and when the alarm goes off, I usually feel even more exhausted than when I was lying awake trying to falling asleep. 3)Finally, are there any known natural remedies for insomnia?  I have never taken anything like Sominex or other over the counter (or prescription drugs) for insomnia?  I was once told these drugs don’t really cause you to sleep, but rather put you in a "drugged state" and rather than asleep you are rather more unconscious, and what you get is not really as restful and healthful as "real sleep." Thanks. Deborah

I recently started taking a product made by Twin Labs called GABA Plus to see if it would help with insomnia.  Each capsule contains 100 mg. GABA, 600 mg. inositol, and 200 mg. niacinamide.  I take 4-5 capsules at bedtime.  I have been sleeping much better and in deeper stages of sleep.  I have tried many natural products that are supposed to help sleep, but this seems to have helped me the most.   Hope you find benefit also.   Also, I have read that if one wakes up at 3:00 in the morning, it may indicate a lack of calcium and magnesium.  Try taking some before bed. Another thing I think is helping me is to engage in aerobic exercise 3-4 times a week (the kind where you get your heart rate in the correct zone for you and keep it there for 15-20 minutes).  Let me know how it goes. I know how frustrating it can be to have insomnia.  I’m with you–natural remedies are the best.–ms

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What you describe are known in homeopathy as modalities. Modalities are the things that make a particular health problem worse or better. As my doctor, Peter Hinderberger said, "Homeopathy lives in the modalities." They’re the most important clue to the selection of the proper remedy. The particular modalities you describe (wakes up at 3 AM, has trouble falling back asleep, and wakes up feeling wretched) are well known modalities of the homeopathic medicine Nux Vomica. While I can’t conclude on the basis of your post that Nux Vomica is the correct medicine for you, you may want to consult a homeopathic book on self-care such as "Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicine" for the proper use of homeopathic medicines against insomnia. — Bernie Simon          Confucius said, "It is after the coldest weather that

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my aunt is tryiong out a ayurvedic formula commercially available as "Trimax" and she sais it is helping her with uneasy sleep… maybe it’ll help with insomnia… an herb known as valerian puts me right out but i heard it shouldnt be used continually… tryptophan is supposed to be very effective but the us government outlawed it for who-knows-why… it is present in milk… used to be able to find a food supplement for horses that contained 20% tryptophan but now i cant even find that… itxs the war on medicine i guess… GABA is upposed to help with sleep also, i believe you can still get that… …x

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     Finally, are there any known natural remedies for insomnia?   A music teacher of mine from South India used to drink warm milk with saffron and honey before retiring. While I can’t vouch for it as a remedy for insomnia, I must say it certainly is delicious. JB.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I occasionally have bouts of insomnia and had a couple of questions which may or may not have answers. 1)During a cycle of insomnia which may last several days or longer, why   will I wake up at amost the same time in the wee hours, say 3:45 a.m. every time? This is regardless of what time I went to bed, or got up the previous morning, whether I fell immediately asleep or not, what I did during the day, etc. 2)Why, when I wake up suddenly in the middle of the night will I be unable to return to sleep until perhaps 20 or 30 minutes before I have to get up, after laying awake for perhaps two hours or more?  Many people told me they have had the same experience.  When I do fall asleep in that short time before having to rise, it always seem to be a very deep sleep and when the alarm goes off, I usually feel even more exhausted than when I was lying awake trying to falling asleep. 3)Finally, are there any known natural remedies for insomnia?  I have never taken anything like Sominex or other over the counter (or prescription drugs) for insomnia?  I was once told these drugs don’t really cause you to sleep, but rather put you in a "drugged state" and rather than asleep you are rather more unconscious, and what you get is not really as restful and healthful as "real sleep." Thanks. Deborah

There is a homeopathic remedy, Nux Vomica, that fits your symptoms pretty well.  A quote from Boericke’s Materica Medica:         Sleep–*Cannot sleep after 3 a.m. until early towards;         early morning; awakes feeling wretchedly*  Drowsy after         meals, and in early evening.  Dreams full of bustle and         hurry.  *Better after a short sleep,* unless aroused. Your symptoms don’t have to fit this description exactly, and if you fit just the emphasized portions you should definitely try it.  Nux is for people who suffer from mental strain due to overwork and seek relief from stimulants, tobacco, wine, sex, or over-indulging in food. It is the "hangover remedy" and will definitely help when you have a hangover, but you should use it only rarely for this.  I took Nux 200c for sleep problems (prescribed by my doctor), but maybe you should start with 30c and if it helps but the effect isn’t long lasting then try 200c.   BTW you should get a book on homeopathy if you decide to try this and read up on how to use homeopathic remedies safely. Karen Allen

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I occasionally have bouts of insomnia and had a couple of questions which may or may not have answers. 1)During a cycle of insomnia which may last several days or longer, why   will I wake up at amost the same time in the wee hours, say 3:45 a.m. every time? This is regardless of what time I went to bed, or got up the previous morning, whether I fell immediately asleep or not, what I did during the day, etc. 2)Why, when I wake up suddenly in the middle of the night will I be unable to return to sleep until perhaps 20 or 30 minutes before I have to get up, after laying awake for perhaps two hours or more?  Many people told me they have had the same experience.  When I do fall asleep in that short time before having to rise, it always seem to be a very deep sleep and when the alarm goes off, I usually feel even more exhausted than when I was lying awake trying to falling asleep. 3)Finally, are there any known natural remedies for insomnia?  I have never taken anything like Sominex or other over the counter (or prescription drugs) for insomnia?  I was once told these drugs don’t really cause you to sleep, but rather put you in a "drugged state" and rather than asleep you are rather more unconscious, and what you get is not really as restful and healthful as "real sleep." Thanks. Deborah

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Bill try it with hypnosis Guenther – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large doses), Restoril (bad side effects.) I used to have troubles sleeping (I’d wake at 3am and be wide awake for 2 hours) until a friend asked me how much coffee I drank. I said 3 cups…two in the morning and one at 3pm. He told me to completely stop. Well, I love coffee so I decided to just stop at the 2 cups in the morning. The next night I slept clear through the night. Caffiene does really weird things to sleep patterns… Something else that really helps is a hot mug of Ovaltine before bed. The regular cocoa flavor, not the darker chocolate…too much sugar… Also, you ever notice how hard it is to stay awake when you’re tired and you’re trying to watch something like the news on TV? A radio station here used to play the old Suspense shows at 11pm. I’d get into bed and hit the sleep button on the clock radio so I could listen to it and the radio would shut off in an hour. I never made it through a show. Books on tape do the same thing! I hope these suggestions help. Nothing is worse than insomnia. Good Luck Bill

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Alcohol interferes with stage four sleep.  If you are using it for insomnia, you are just compounding the problem. As always, all opinions are purely those of the author, who accepts full responsibility for their ability to upset people. Michael P.Acord, MD

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I have had good experience with Nikken magnetic relaxation products. I was waking up in the night and having a hard time getting back to sleep. After four days with the mattress I now sleep completely through the night and wake up feeling more refreshed and withless stiffness. I would be happy to share this information. Clive Scullion Bodywork Central http://www.bodyworkcentral.com

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Steven, I have known quite a few people to have been helped by certain herbs and supplements.  I have some information if you would like some.  E-mail me your address and I will mail you off some information if you would like.

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Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply

 My recommendation is that she try massage therapy.  This is a great method for helping a person to relax.  There are techniques that can assist with insomnia.  Check your local yellow pages under massage therapy.  A therapist who is a member of the AMTA should be a good one.  Also, you can check out the NCTMB web page for more info on how to select a massage therapist. Sincerely, Ann

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I had the same problem all my life. Then someone recommended this to me & it really worked! Plus it has other benificial qualities, especially for women. Calcium!!!! It’s a natural calming agent. Try taking a supplement of 500mg’s one with breakfast one with dinner (this equals the RDA too). Get a supplement that also contains magnesium as this is needed for the body to absorbe calcium. [The body can only absorbe 500mg's of calcium at a time (hence the morning & nite dose).] It takes about 2 weeks to have effect. It has been bliss!!! If you do a search for calcium on the web, you can confirm these facts. Best. Love, Elizabeth Fiend         ‘;’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’         ;    slide guitar player in the psycho-thrash band    ;         ; http://philae.sas.upenn.edu/music/rock/morefiends/  ;         ‘                    215-551-1945                     ‘                       ‘;’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’

: Dear readers: : : My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply : suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried : valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried : chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed : Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large : doses), Restoril (bad side effects.)   : : The one remedy which really worked was L-tryptophane which the FDA : took off the market after a contaminated batch from Japan made various : people very sick, and now they refuse to allow it to be reintroduced : to the American market. : : Her symptoms include:  inability to get to sleep until 2-3 a.m.   : Irritability and anxiety if not rested.  Severe sleep : deprivation–which occurs usually without the intervention of one of : the above drugs–causes wild mood swings.  ANy help would be : appreciated. : I had the same problem. All the traditional herbal cures either did : not work or only worked for a short period. L-tryptophan worked on me : but I became a bit worried about taking it after all the adverse : publicity it got a few years ago. All the prescription drugs that I : have tried either stop working after a few weeks or they carry on : working until about half way through the following day. I have tried a : bit of diet "tuning" over the last few months and the best thing I : have found to get a good nights sleep is a generous glass of red wine : just before going to bed. The second best is a double Irish whiskey : with chilled water. So, it’s alcohol for me every night. : Steve : Stephen Wolstenholme: Author of Neural Network Shareware : web:    http://www.tropheus.demon.co.uk

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Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large doses), Restoril (bad side effects.)

I used to have troubles sleeping (I’d wake at 3am and be wide awake for 2 hours) until a friend asked me how much coffee I drank. I said 3 cups…two in the morning and one at 3pm. He told me to completely stop. Well, I love coffee so I decided to just stop at the 2 cups in the morning. The next night I slept clear through the night. Caffiene does really weird things to sleep patterns… Something else that really helps is a hot mug of Ovaltine before bed. The regular cocoa flavor, not the darker chocolate…too much sugar… Also, you ever notice how hard it is to stay awake when you’re tired and you’re trying to watch something like the news on TV? A radio station here used to play the old Suspense shows at 11pm. I’d get into bed and hit the sleep button on the clock radio so I could listen to it and the radio would shut off in an hour. I never made it through a show. Books on tape do the same thing! I hope these suggestions help. Nothing is worse than insomnia. Good Luck Bill

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large doses), Restoril (bad side effects.)   The one remedy which really worked was L-tryptophane which the FDA took off the market after a contaminated batch from Japan made various people very sick, and now they refuse to allow it to be reintroduced to the American market. Her symptoms include:  inability to get to sleep until 2-3 a.m.   Irritability and anxiety if not rested.  Severe sleep deprivation–which occurs usually without the intervention of one of the above drugs–causes wild mood swings.  ANy help would be appreciated.

I had the same problem. All the traditional herbal cures either did not work or only worked for a short period. L-tryptophan worked on me but I became a bit worried about taking it after all the adverse publicity it got a few years ago. All the prescription drugs that I have tried either stop working after a few weeks or they carry on working until about half way through the following day. I have tried a bit of diet "tuning" over the last few months and the best thing I have found to get a good nights sleep is a generous glass of red wine just before going to bed. The second best is a double Irish whiskey with chilled water. So, it’s alcohol for me every night. Steve Stephen Wolstenholme: Author of Neural Network Shareware web:    http://www.tropheus.demon.co.uk

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Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large doses), Restoril (bad side effects.)   The one remedy which really worked was L-tryptophane which the FDA took off the market after a contaminated batch from Japan made various people very sick, and now they refuse to allow it to be reintroduced to the American market. Her symptoms include:  inability to get to sleep until 2-3 a.m.   Irritability and anxiety if not rested.  Severe sleep deprivation–which occurs usually without the intervention of one of the above drugs–causes wild mood swings.  ANy help would be appreciated.

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AMBIEN is the brand name for zolpidem which is a short acting drug used only for short term relief of insomnia. It is the best drug for sleep inducing for lupus patients and sleep is very important in the treatment of the syndrome. j.mills,dph

Hmmmm… Is that the same as Zopiclon. (Imovane)? If not, this stuff isn’t available in Norway… — Best regards,                 Visit my homepage: Med vennlig hilsen,          <URL:http://home.newmedia.no/flaker/ _Aase Marit_ :) ))))))

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Could you please tell me what the active ingredient in Ambien is? (Had to dig through claim forms…)  Sorry; my receipt just calls it "ambien".  My MD said it was new (this was Fall of ‘95) and the "base

How did Ambien get started in the Arthritis newsgroup? Just wondering… I work for the R&D department of the company that makes it… For more info, you may wish to check out www.searlehealthnet.com. I’m not sure what the active ingredient is (I’m a graphic artist) but I’m sure you can find out through the web site.

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How did Ambien get started in the Arthritis newsgroup? Just wondering… I

How did a graphic artist come to join an RA newsgroup? (G) work for the R&D department of the company that makes it… For more info, you may wish to check out www.searlehealthnet.com. I’m not sure what the active ingredient is (I’m a graphic artist) but I’m sure you can find out through the web site.

My DR prescribed Ambien for my sleeping problems resulting from my RA in my neck (and other locations). I’ve found that 5mg about 30 min before bedtime works great most of the time. On a few occasions, I’ve need to take another 5mg an hour or so later. The benefits of a rest-filled night of sleep, vis-a-vis my RA, cannot be overstated. I’m just sorry that I refused to take sleeping pills for so long. Jima Adams

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You have to have great insurance to take Ambien around $2 a pill.

Hmmm… more like $.33 each for me.  My receipt says 30 tabs for $9.99 at Fay’s Drugs.  Maybe I have great insurance. Beth

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        Ambien is zolpidem tartrate, a non benozodiazepine (hence not related to valium, ativan etc) hypnotic of the imiazopyridine class. It is an effective sleep inducing agent for some people; I use it in fibromyalgia a lot.  However, some people have no effect or feel quite drugged. Regards, Susan Hoch, M.D. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Beth! Could you please tell me what the active ingredient in Ambien is? — Best regards,                 Visit my homepage: Med vennlig hilsen,          <URL:http://home.newmedia.no/flaker/ _Aase Marit_ :) )))))) I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – (snip) He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I get hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – You might want to ask your doctor about Ambien.  It is the best sleeping aid I have ever used.   (snip) I don’t know how it would interact with the Tylenol3.  Perhaps if you could sleep you wouldn’t need the Tylenol3? I want to heartily second the Ambien!  I am extremely sensitive to OTC sleep aids (take 1/2 dose and still fuzzy the next day) but I wasn’t getting my deep sleep.  My MD gave me the Ambien and it worked wonders! He told me there is no problem taking it with anything else I am on – which is Tylenol 3, anti-histamine/decongestant, a muscle relaxant, and Daypro (no, not all at once!  Each "as needed"). It truly is a "miracle drug" for me.  MD expressed a little concern about addiction to the Ambien though, and so he is rather stingy on prescribing it and I save it for "special occasions".  But as Laura/Sarah suggested, when I get the sleep I require, I don’t need so much in the line of pain meds. Good luck to you – Beth Floro

Susan Hoch                    

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He told me there is no problem taking it with anything else I am on – which is Tylenol 3, anti-histamine/decongestant, a muscle relaxant, and Daypro (no, not all at once!  Each "as needed").

You have to have great insurance to take Ambien around $2 a pill.   Kathi

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I take felxeril and it also doesn’t make me sleepy so much as it keeps in the deeper stges of sleep so I do not wake up every hour on the hour. Fortunatley, I have not had to take it much lately, but I had no problems with it when I was.  and at the time I was also on prenisone, relafin, and sulfasalizine.  Take Care. Nan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – (snip) He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I get hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list –

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – I finally doze from about six am to 9:30 or ten and thats it. My rd gave me 30 mgms of seraz (serax), but it only helped if I took 2 at a time.  Which is definately too many.  She gave up and sent me to my family doctor with this one.  He first gave me trypto something that didn’t help at all, and now he gives me immovane, which is only margianlly better, plus its addictive.  He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I ge hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – -methotrexate -cyclosporine -plaquenil tylenol #3 -paxil -immovane I feel like a toxic waste site. I’ve tried a couple of herbal remedies, but no luck at all there.  HELP PLEASE. Thanks, Aline

I tried some guaifenesin for fibromyalgia and low energy,   and found out that it helped me sleep better,   and dream a lot. I don’t take it AT bedtime,   just 400mg 2 or 3 times during the day. The only problem with this is you can’t take any salicylates,  that means no NSAIDS,  no aspirin,  etc. Guaifenesin is an OTC medicine,   $8.49 for 100 from a company on the ‘net. It is not a prescription drug.   — Shari Soza

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Hi, Beth! Could you please tell me what the active ingredient in Ambien is? — Best regards,                 Visit my homepage: Med vennlig hilsen,          <URL:http://home.newmedia.no/flaker/ _Aase Marit_ :) )))))) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – (snip) He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I get hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – You might want to ask your doctor about Ambien.  It is the best sleeping aid I have ever used.   (snip) I don’t know how it would interact with the Tylenol3.  Perhaps if you could sleep you wouldn’t need the Tylenol3? I want to heartily second the Ambien!  I am extremely sensitive to OTC sleep aids (take 1/2 dose and still fuzzy the next day) but I wasn’t getting my deep sleep.  My MD gave me the Ambien and it worked wonders! He told me there is no problem taking it with anything else I am on – which is Tylenol 3, anti-histamine/decongestant, a muscle relaxant, and Daypro (no, not all at once!  Each "as needed"). It truly is a "miracle drug" for me.  MD expressed a little concern about addiction to the Ambien though, and so he is rather stingy on prescribing it and I save it for "special occasions".  But as Laura/Sarah suggested, when I get the sleep I require, I don’t need so much in the line of pain meds. Good luck to you – Beth Floro

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Hi all, I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – I finally doze from about six am to 9:30 or ten and thats it. My rd gave me 30 mgms of seraz (serax), but it only helped if I took 2 at a time.  Which is definately too many.  She gave up and sent me to my family doctor with this one.  He first gave me trypto something that didn’t help at all, and now he gives me immovane, which is only margianlly better, plus its addictive.  He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I ge hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – -methotrexate -cyclosporine -plaquenil tylenol #3 -paxil -immovane I feel like a toxic waste site. I’ve tried a couple of herbal remedies, but no luck at all there.  HELP PLEASE. Thanks, Aline

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – I finally doze from about six am to 9:30 or ten and thats it. My rd gave me 30 mgms of seraz (serax), but it only helped if I took 2 at a time.  Which is definately too many.  She gave up and sent me to my family doctor with this one.  He first gave me trypto something that didn’t help at all, and now he gives me immovane, which is only margianlly better, plus its addictive.  He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I ge hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – -methotrexate -cyclosporine -plaquenil tylenol #3 -paxil -immovane I feel like a toxic waste site. I’ve tried a couple of herbal remedies, but no luck at all there.  HELP PLEASE. Thanks, Aline

Aline, You might want to ask your doctor about Ambien.  It is the best sleeping aid I have ever used.  I think I may even be approaching a normal sleep schedule–something I’ve never had before–since I am now finding myself getting sleepy around 10 pm and able to nod off at least half the time without any medication at all. I don’t know how it would interact with the Tylenol3.  Perhaps if you could sleep you wouldn’t need the Tylenol3? Good luck getting some shut-eye. Laura

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – -methotrexate -cyclosporine -plaquenil tylenol #3 -paxil -immovane I feel like a toxic waste site. I’ve tried a couple of herbal remedies, but no luck at all there.  HELP PLEASE. Thanks, Aline

Aline- I take or have taken most of the medications you’re on and I can relate to the insomnia problem. I’m wondering if you noticed an increased problem with sleep after starting the Paxil.  I take Zoloft which is chemically related to Paxil and Prozac and even though I take it in the morning it causes sleep problems for me and for a lot of other people. My doctor ordered doxepin to take at bedtime which has helped alot.  My psychiatrist said that taking one of the more sedating tricyclic antidepressants at bedtime can help offset the insomnia of the Zoloft/Paxil/Prozac.(I’ve tried all 3). Unlike sleeping pills, the anti-depressants are not addicting.  Deb

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I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – (snip) He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I get hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – You might want to ask your doctor about Ambien.  It is the best sleeping aid I have ever used.   (snip) I don’t know how it would interact with the Tylenol3.  Perhaps if you could sleep you wouldn’t need the Tylenol3?

I want to heartily second the Ambien!  I am extremely sensitive to OTC sleep aids (take 1/2 dose and still fuzzy the next day) but I wasn’t getting my deep sleep.  My MD gave me the Ambien and it worked wonders! He told me there is no problem taking it with anything else I am on – which is Tylenol 3, anti-histamine/decongestant, a muscle relaxant, and Daypro (no, not all at once!  Each "as needed"). It truly is a "miracle drug" for me.  MD expressed a little concern about addiction to the Ambien though, and so he is rather stingy on prescribing it and I save it for "special occasions".  But as Laura/Sarah suggested, when I get the sleep I require, I don’t need so much in the line of pain meds. Good luck to you – Beth Floro

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My 24 year old girlfriend can’t get to sleep and stay asleep.  Often she gets only two hours of sleep a night.  Any suggestions?  Please reply direct to me.  Thanks. Randy

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My 24 year old girlfriend can’t get to sleep and stay asleep.  Often she gets only two hours of sleep a night.  Any suggestions?  Please reply direct to me.  Thanks. Randy

Your girlfriend should try Reishi.  I used to have insomnia but since I started taking Reishi daily over a year ago, I have no more sleeping problem.  Furthermore, I wake up fresh in the morning without relying on an alarm clock and can start working almost immediately. I know over 200 friends who are on Reishi daily.  They report the same experience with Reishi. Dosage is important.  We take 4 capsules of 370 mg each of a 100% pure mycelium extract of Ganoderma Lucidum before going to bed.  The concentration of polysaccharides is over 40%.   500-1,000mg of Vitamin C should also be taken daily (after meals) to help the absorption of Reishi polysaccharides. Good health! Gilbert Ng, Ph.D.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I occasionally have bouts of insomnia and had a couple of questions which may or may not have answers. 1)During a cycle of insomnia which may last several days or longer, why   will I wake up at amost the same time in the wee hours, say 3:45 a.m. every time? This is regardless of what time I went to bed, or got up the previous morning, whether I fell immediately asleep or not, what I did during the day, etc. 2)Why, when I wake up suddenly in the middle of the night will I be unable to return to sleep until perhaps 20 or 30 minutes before I have to get up, after laying awake for perhaps two hours or more?  Many people told me they have had the same experience.  When I do fall asleep in that short time before having to rise, it always seem to be a very deep sleep and when the alarm goes off, I usually feel even more exhausted than when I was lying awake trying to falling asleep. 3)Finally, are there any known natural remedies for insomnia?  I have never taken anything like Sominex or other over the counter (or prescription drugs) for insomnia?  I was once told these drugs don’t really cause you to sleep, but rather put you in a "drugged state" and rather than asleep you are rather more unconscious, and what you get is not really as restful and healthful as "real sleep." Thanks. Deborah

I recently started taking a product made by Twin Labs called GABA Plus to see if it would help with insomnia.  Each capsule contains 100 mg. GABA, 600 mg. inositol, and 200 mg. niacinamide.  I take 4-5 capsules at bedtime.  I have been sleeping much better and in deeper stages of sleep.  I have tried many natural products that are supposed to help sleep, but this seems to have helped me the most.   Hope you find benefit also.   Also, I have read that if one wakes up at 3:00 in the morning, it may indicate a lack of calcium and magnesium.  Try taking some before bed. Another thing I think is helping me is to engage in aerobic exercise 3-4 times a week (the kind where you get your heart rate in the correct zone for you and keep it there for 15-20 minutes).  Let me know how it goes. I know how frustrating it can be to have insomnia.  I’m with you–natural remedies are the best.–ms

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What you describe are known in homeopathy as modalities. Modalities are the things that make a particular health problem worse or better. As my doctor, Peter Hinderberger said, "Homeopathy lives in the modalities." They’re the most important clue to the selection of the proper remedy. The particular modalities you describe (wakes up at 3 AM, has trouble falling back asleep, and wakes up feeling wretched) are well known modalities of the homeopathic medicine Nux Vomica. While I can’t conclude on the basis of your post that Nux Vomica is the correct medicine for you, you may want to consult a homeopathic book on self-care such as "Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicine" for the proper use of homeopathic medicines against insomnia. — Bernie Simon          Confucius said, "It is after the coldest weather that

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my aunt is tryiong out a ayurvedic formula commercially available as "Trimax" and she sais it is helping her with uneasy sleep… maybe it’ll help with insomnia… an herb known as valerian puts me right out but i heard it shouldnt be used continually… tryptophan is supposed to be very effective but the us government outlawed it for who-knows-why… it is present in milk… used to be able to find a food supplement for horses that contained 20% tryptophan but now i cant even find that… itxs the war on medicine i guess… GABA is upposed to help with sleep also, i believe you can still get that… …x

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     Finally, are there any known natural remedies for insomnia?   A music teacher of mine from South India used to drink warm milk with saffron and honey before retiring. While I can’t vouch for it as a remedy for insomnia, I must say it certainly is delicious. JB.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I occasionally have bouts of insomnia and had a couple of questions which may or may not have answers. 1)During a cycle of insomnia which may last several days or longer, why   will I wake up at amost the same time in the wee hours, say 3:45 a.m. every time? This is regardless of what time I went to bed, or got up the previous morning, whether I fell immediately asleep or not, what I did during the day, etc. 2)Why, when I wake up suddenly in the middle of the night will I be unable to return to sleep until perhaps 20 or 30 minutes before I have to get up, after laying awake for perhaps two hours or more?  Many people told me they have had the same experience.  When I do fall asleep in that short time before having to rise, it always seem to be a very deep sleep and when the alarm goes off, I usually feel even more exhausted than when I was lying awake trying to falling asleep. 3)Finally, are there any known natural remedies for insomnia?  I have never taken anything like Sominex or other over the counter (or prescription drugs) for insomnia?  I was once told these drugs don’t really cause you to sleep, but rather put you in a "drugged state" and rather than asleep you are rather more unconscious, and what you get is not really as restful and healthful as "real sleep." Thanks. Deborah

There is a homeopathic remedy, Nux Vomica, that fits your symptoms pretty well.  A quote from Boericke’s Materica Medica:         Sleep–*Cannot sleep after 3 a.m. until early towards;         early morning; awakes feeling wretchedly*  Drowsy after         meals, and in early evening.  Dreams full of bustle and         hurry.  *Better after a short sleep,* unless aroused. Your symptoms don’t have to fit this description exactly, and if you fit just the emphasized portions you should definitely try it.  Nux is for people who suffer from mental strain due to overwork and seek relief from stimulants, tobacco, wine, sex, or over-indulging in food. It is the "hangover remedy" and will definitely help when you have a hangover, but you should use it only rarely for this.  I took Nux 200c for sleep problems (prescribed by my doctor), but maybe you should start with 30c and if it helps but the effect isn’t long lasting then try 200c.   BTW you should get a book on homeopathy if you decide to try this and read up on how to use homeopathic remedies safely. Karen Allen

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I occasionally have bouts of insomnia and had a couple of questions which may or may not have answers. 1)During a cycle of insomnia which may last several days or longer, why   will I wake up at amost the same time in the wee hours, say 3:45 a.m. every time? This is regardless of what time I went to bed, or got up the previous morning, whether I fell immediately asleep or not, what I did during the day, etc. 2)Why, when I wake up suddenly in the middle of the night will I be unable to return to sleep until perhaps 20 or 30 minutes before I have to get up, after laying awake for perhaps two hours or more?  Many people told me they have had the same experience.  When I do fall asleep in that short time before having to rise, it always seem to be a very deep sleep and when the alarm goes off, I usually feel even more exhausted than when I was lying awake trying to falling asleep. 3)Finally, are there any known natural remedies for insomnia?  I have never taken anything like Sominex or other over the counter (or prescription drugs) for insomnia?  I was once told these drugs don’t really cause you to sleep, but rather put you in a "drugged state" and rather than asleep you are rather more unconscious, and what you get is not really as restful and healthful as "real sleep." Thanks. Deborah

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Bill try it with hypnosis Guenther – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large doses), Restoril (bad side effects.) I used to have troubles sleeping (I’d wake at 3am and be wide awake for 2 hours) until a friend asked me how much coffee I drank. I said 3 cups…two in the morning and one at 3pm. He told me to completely stop. Well, I love coffee so I decided to just stop at the 2 cups in the morning. The next night I slept clear through the night. Caffiene does really weird things to sleep patterns… Something else that really helps is a hot mug of Ovaltine before bed. The regular cocoa flavor, not the darker chocolate…too much sugar… Also, you ever notice how hard it is to stay awake when you’re tired and you’re trying to watch something like the news on TV? A radio station here used to play the old Suspense shows at 11pm. I’d get into bed and hit the sleep button on the clock radio so I could listen to it and the radio would shut off in an hour. I never made it through a show. Books on tape do the same thing! I hope these suggestions help. Nothing is worse than insomnia. Good Luck Bill

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Alcohol interferes with stage four sleep.  If you are using it for insomnia, you are just compounding the problem. As always, all opinions are purely those of the author, who accepts full responsibility for their ability to upset people. Michael P.Acord, MD

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I have had good experience with Nikken magnetic relaxation products. I was waking up in the night and having a hard time getting back to sleep. After four days with the mattress I now sleep completely through the night and wake up feeling more refreshed and withless stiffness. I would be happy to share this information. Clive Scullion Bodywork Central http://www.bodyworkcentral.com

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Steven, I have known quite a few people to have been helped by certain herbs and supplements.  I have some information if you would like some.  E-mail me your address and I will mail you off some information if you would like.

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Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply

 My recommendation is that she try massage therapy.  This is a great method for helping a person to relax.  There are techniques that can assist with insomnia.  Check your local yellow pages under massage therapy.  A therapist who is a member of the AMTA should be a good one.  Also, you can check out the NCTMB web page for more info on how to select a massage therapist. Sincerely, Ann

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I had the same problem all my life. Then someone recommended this to me & it really worked! Plus it has other benificial qualities, especially for women. Calcium!!!! It’s a natural calming agent. Try taking a supplement of 500mg’s one with breakfast one with dinner (this equals the RDA too). Get a supplement that also contains magnesium as this is needed for the body to absorbe calcium. [The body can only absorbe 500mg's of calcium at a time (hence the morning & nite dose).] It takes about 2 weeks to have effect. It has been bliss!!! If you do a search for calcium on the web, you can confirm these facts. Best. Love, Elizabeth Fiend         ‘;’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’         ;    slide guitar player in the psycho-thrash band    ;         ; http://philae.sas.upenn.edu/music/rock/morefiends/  ;         ‘                    215-551-1945                     ‘                       ‘;’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’

: Dear readers: : : My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply : suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried : valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried : chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed : Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large : doses), Restoril (bad side effects.)   : : The one remedy which really worked was L-tryptophane which the FDA : took off the market after a contaminated batch from Japan made various : people very sick, and now they refuse to allow it to be reintroduced : to the American market. : : Her symptoms include:  inability to get to sleep until 2-3 a.m.   : Irritability and anxiety if not rested.  Severe sleep : deprivation–which occurs usually without the intervention of one of : the above drugs–causes wild mood swings.  ANy help would be : appreciated. : I had the same problem. All the traditional herbal cures either did : not work or only worked for a short period. L-tryptophan worked on me : but I became a bit worried about taking it after all the adverse : publicity it got a few years ago. All the prescription drugs that I : have tried either stop working after a few weeks or they carry on : working until about half way through the following day. I have tried a : bit of diet "tuning" over the last few months and the best thing I : have found to get a good nights sleep is a generous glass of red wine : just before going to bed. The second best is a double Irish whiskey : with chilled water. So, it’s alcohol for me every night. : Steve : Stephen Wolstenholme: Author of Neural Network Shareware : web:    http://www.tropheus.demon.co.uk

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Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large doses), Restoril (bad side effects.)

I used to have troubles sleeping (I’d wake at 3am and be wide awake for 2 hours) until a friend asked me how much coffee I drank. I said 3 cups…two in the morning and one at 3pm. He told me to completely stop. Well, I love coffee so I decided to just stop at the 2 cups in the morning. The next night I slept clear through the night. Caffiene does really weird things to sleep patterns… Something else that really helps is a hot mug of Ovaltine before bed. The regular cocoa flavor, not the darker chocolate…too much sugar… Also, you ever notice how hard it is to stay awake when you’re tired and you’re trying to watch something like the news on TV? A radio station here used to play the old Suspense shows at 11pm. I’d get into bed and hit the sleep button on the clock radio so I could listen to it and the radio would shut off in an hour. I never made it through a show. Books on tape do the same thing! I hope these suggestions help. Nothing is worse than insomnia. Good Luck Bill

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large doses), Restoril (bad side effects.)   The one remedy which really worked was L-tryptophane which the FDA took off the market after a contaminated batch from Japan made various people very sick, and now they refuse to allow it to be reintroduced to the American market. Her symptoms include:  inability to get to sleep until 2-3 a.m.   Irritability and anxiety if not rested.  Severe sleep deprivation–which occurs usually without the intervention of one of the above drugs–causes wild mood swings.  ANy help would be appreciated.

I had the same problem. All the traditional herbal cures either did not work or only worked for a short period. L-tryptophan worked on me but I became a bit worried about taking it after all the adverse publicity it got a few years ago. All the prescription drugs that I have tried either stop working after a few weeks or they carry on working until about half way through the following day. I have tried a bit of diet "tuning" over the last few months and the best thing I have found to get a good nights sleep is a generous glass of red wine just before going to bed. The second best is a double Irish whiskey with chilled water. So, it’s alcohol for me every night. Steve Stephen Wolstenholme: Author of Neural Network Shareware web:    http://www.tropheus.demon.co.uk

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Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large doses), Restoril (bad side effects.)   The one remedy which really worked was L-tryptophane which the FDA took off the market after a contaminated batch from Japan made various people very sick, and now they refuse to allow it to be reintroduced to the American market. Her symptoms include:  inability to get to sleep until 2-3 a.m.   Irritability and anxiety if not rested.  Severe sleep deprivation–which occurs usually without the intervention of one of the above drugs–causes wild mood swings.  ANy help would be appreciated.

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AMBIEN is the brand name for zolpidem which is a short acting drug used only for short term relief of insomnia. It is the best drug for sleep inducing for lupus patients and sleep is very important in the treatment of the syndrome. j.mills,dph

Hmmmm… Is that the same as Zopiclon. (Imovane)? If not, this stuff isn’t available in Norway… — Best regards,                 Visit my homepage: Med vennlig hilsen,          <URL:http://home.newmedia.no/flaker/ _Aase Marit_ :) ))))))

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Could you please tell me what the active ingredient in Ambien is? (Had to dig through claim forms…)  Sorry; my receipt just calls it "ambien".  My MD said it was new (this was Fall of ‘95) and the "base

How did Ambien get started in the Arthritis newsgroup? Just wondering… I work for the R&D department of the company that makes it… For more info, you may wish to check out www.searlehealthnet.com. I’m not sure what the active ingredient is (I’m a graphic artist) but I’m sure you can find out through the web site.

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How did Ambien get started in the Arthritis newsgroup? Just wondering… I

How did a graphic artist come to join an RA newsgroup? (G) work for the R&D department of the company that makes it… For more info, you may wish to check out www.searlehealthnet.com. I’m not sure what the active ingredient is (I’m a graphic artist) but I’m sure you can find out through the web site.

My DR prescribed Ambien for my sleeping problems resulting from my RA in my neck (and other locations). I’ve found that 5mg about 30 min before bedtime works great most of the time. On a few occasions, I’ve need to take another 5mg an hour or so later. The benefits of a rest-filled night of sleep, vis-a-vis my RA, cannot be overstated. I’m just sorry that I refused to take sleeping pills for so long. Jima Adams

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You have to have great insurance to take Ambien around $2 a pill.

Hmmm… more like $.33 each for me.  My receipt says 30 tabs for $9.99 at Fay’s Drugs.  Maybe I have great insurance. Beth

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        Ambien is zolpidem tartrate, a non benozodiazepine (hence not related to valium, ativan etc) hypnotic of the imiazopyridine class. It is an effective sleep inducing agent for some people; I use it in fibromyalgia a lot.  However, some people have no effect or feel quite drugged. Regards, Susan Hoch, M.D. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Beth! Could you please tell me what the active ingredient in Ambien is? — Best regards,                 Visit my homepage: Med vennlig hilsen,          <URL:http://home.newmedia.no/flaker/ _Aase Marit_ :) )))))) I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – (snip) He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I get hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – You might want to ask your doctor about Ambien.  It is the best sleeping aid I have ever used.   (snip) I don’t know how it would interact with the Tylenol3.  Perhaps if you could sleep you wouldn’t need the Tylenol3? I want to heartily second the Ambien!  I am extremely sensitive to OTC sleep aids (take 1/2 dose and still fuzzy the next day) but I wasn’t getting my deep sleep.  My MD gave me the Ambien and it worked wonders! He told me there is no problem taking it with anything else I am on – which is Tylenol 3, anti-histamine/decongestant, a muscle relaxant, and Daypro (no, not all at once!  Each "as needed"). It truly is a "miracle drug" for me.  MD expressed a little concern about addiction to the Ambien though, and so he is rather stingy on prescribing it and I save it for "special occasions".  But as Laura/Sarah suggested, when I get the sleep I require, I don’t need so much in the line of pain meds. Good luck to you – Beth Floro

Susan Hoch                    

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He told me there is no problem taking it with anything else I am on – which is Tylenol 3, anti-histamine/decongestant, a muscle relaxant, and Daypro (no, not all at once!  Each "as needed").

You have to have great insurance to take Ambien around $2 a pill.   Kathi

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I take felxeril and it also doesn’t make me sleepy so much as it keeps in the deeper stges of sleep so I do not wake up every hour on the hour. Fortunatley, I have not had to take it much lately, but I had no problems with it when I was.  and at the time I was also on prenisone, relafin, and sulfasalizine.  Take Care. Nan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – (snip) He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I get hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list –

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – I finally doze from about six am to 9:30 or ten and thats it. My rd gave me 30 mgms of seraz (serax), but it only helped if I took 2 at a time.  Which is definately too many.  She gave up and sent me to my family doctor with this one.  He first gave me trypto something that didn’t help at all, and now he gives me immovane, which is only margianlly better, plus its addictive.  He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I ge hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – -methotrexate -cyclosporine -plaquenil tylenol #3 -paxil -immovane I feel like a toxic waste site. I’ve tried a couple of herbal remedies, but no luck at all there.  HELP PLEASE. Thanks, Aline

I tried some guaifenesin for fibromyalgia and low energy,   and found out that it helped me sleep better,   and dream a lot. I don’t take it AT bedtime,   just 400mg 2 or 3 times during the day. The only problem with this is you can’t take any salicylates,  that means no NSAIDS,  no aspirin,  etc. Guaifenesin is an OTC medicine,   $8.49 for 100 from a company on the ‘net. It is not a prescription drug.   — Shari Soza

Response:

Hi, Beth! Could you please tell me what the active ingredient in Ambien is? — Best regards,                 Visit my homepage: Med vennlig hilsen,          <URL:http://home.newmedia.no/flaker/ _Aase Marit_ :) )))))) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – (snip) He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I get hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – You might want to ask your doctor about Ambien.  It is the best sleeping aid I have ever used.   (snip) I don’t know how it would interact with the Tylenol3.  Perhaps if you could sleep you wouldn’t need the Tylenol3? I want to heartily second the Ambien!  I am extremely sensitive to OTC sleep aids (take 1/2 dose and still fuzzy the next day) but I wasn’t getting my deep sleep.  My MD gave me the Ambien and it worked wonders! He told me there is no problem taking it with anything else I am on – which is Tylenol 3, anti-histamine/decongestant, a muscle relaxant, and Daypro (no, not all at once!  Each "as needed"). It truly is a "miracle drug" for me.  MD expressed a little concern about addiction to the Ambien though, and so he is rather stingy on prescribing it and I save it for "special occasions".  But as Laura/Sarah suggested, when I get the sleep I require, I don’t need so much in the line of pain meds. Good luck to you – Beth Floro

Response:

Hi all, I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – I finally doze from about six am to 9:30 or ten and thats it. My rd gave me 30 mgms of seraz (serax), but it only helped if I took 2 at a time.  Which is definately too many.  She gave up and sent me to my family doctor with this one.  He first gave me trypto something that didn’t help at all, and now he gives me immovane, which is only margianlly better, plus its addictive.  He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I ge hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – -methotrexate -cyclosporine -plaquenil tylenol #3 -paxil -immovane I feel like a toxic waste site. I’ve tried a couple of herbal remedies, but no luck at all there.  HELP PLEASE. Thanks, Aline

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – I finally doze from about six am to 9:30 or ten and thats it. My rd gave me 30 mgms of seraz (serax), but it only helped if I took 2 at a time.  Which is definately too many.  She gave up and sent me to my family doctor with this one.  He first gave me trypto something that didn’t help at all, and now he gives me immovane, which is only margianlly better, plus its addictive.  He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I ge hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – -methotrexate -cyclosporine -plaquenil tylenol #3 -paxil -immovane I feel like a toxic waste site. I’ve tried a couple of herbal remedies, but no luck at all there.  HELP PLEASE. Thanks, Aline

Aline, You might want to ask your doctor about Ambien.  It is the best sleeping aid I have ever used.  I think I may even be approaching a normal sleep schedule–something I’ve never had before–since I am now finding myself getting sleepy around 10 pm and able to nod off at least half the time without any medication at all. I don’t know how it would interact with the Tylenol3.  Perhaps if you could sleep you wouldn’t need the Tylenol3? Good luck getting some shut-eye. Laura

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – -methotrexate -cyclosporine -plaquenil tylenol #3 -paxil -immovane I feel like a toxic waste site. I’ve tried a couple of herbal remedies, but no luck at all there.  HELP PLEASE. Thanks, Aline

Aline- I take or have taken most of the medications you’re on and I can relate to the insomnia problem. I’m wondering if you noticed an increased problem with sleep after starting the Paxil.  I take Zoloft which is chemically related to Paxil and Prozac and even though I take it in the morning it causes sleep problems for me and for a lot of other people. My doctor ordered doxepin to take at bedtime which has helped alot.  My psychiatrist said that taking one of the more sedating tricyclic antidepressants at bedtime can help offset the insomnia of the Zoloft/Paxil/Prozac.(I’ve tried all 3). Unlike sleeping pills, the anti-depressants are not addicting.  Deb

Response:

I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – (snip) He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I get hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – You might want to ask your doctor about Ambien.  It is the best sleeping aid I have ever used.   (snip) I don’t know how it would interact with the Tylenol3.  Perhaps if you could sleep you wouldn’t need the Tylenol3?

I want to heartily second the Ambien!  I am extremely sensitive to OTC sleep aids (take 1/2 dose and still fuzzy the next day) but I wasn’t getting my deep sleep.  My MD gave me the Ambien and it worked wonders! He told me there is no problem taking it with anything else I am on – which is Tylenol 3, anti-histamine/decongestant, a muscle relaxant, and Daypro (no, not all at once!  Each "as needed"). It truly is a "miracle drug" for me.  MD expressed a little concern about addiction to the Ambien though, and so he is rather stingy on prescribing it and I save it for "special occasions".  But as Laura/Sarah suggested, when I get the sleep I require, I don’t need so much in the line of pain meds. Good luck to you – Beth Floro

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Of Flovent And » Parkinsons like side effects from Azmacort ?

Parkinsons like side effects from Azmacort ?

Question:

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

Response:

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

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Flovent 220 » Vanceril, Flovent, and frustration with doctors

Vanceril, Flovent, and frustration with doctors

Question:

Personally, I would not reccommend TheoDur as a substitute to Serevent. They’re somewhat different medications. The route in which they’re taken is different making Serevent much safer, with less concern over blood levels… and just a darn newer med. Many allergists prefer it over a xantine medication. Not that it isn’t effective. In fact, it is probably still prefferred in children. Possibly because pills are an easier management tool than inhalers… and since children aren’t on as many other medications as adults, there are fewer concerns over drug interactions… and there are quite a few of them with xanthine. Still, the doctor is the best place to start.

Response:

Personally, I would not reccommend TheoDur as a substitute to Serevent. They’re somewhat different medications. The route in which they’re taken is different making Serevent much safer, with less concern over blood levels… and just a darn newer med. Many allergists prefer it over a xantine medication. Not that it isn’t effective. In fact, it is probably still prefferred in children. Possibly because pills are an easier management tool than inhalers… and since children aren’t on as many other medications as adults, there are fewer concerns over drug interactions… and there are quite a few of them with xanthine. Still, the doctor is the best place to start.

The 1997 Expert Panel Report recommends the use of a long-acting bronchodilator, especially for nocturnal asthma . The choices shown in Fig 3-4b are either long-acting inhaled beta2-agonist (Serevent), sustained-release theophylline, or long-acting beta-agonist tablets (usually albuterol tablets). I personally use both Serevent and low-dose theophylline SR (Theo-Dur). Both drugs are steroid-sparing drugs; theophylline has the additional advantage of having a mild anti-inflammatory effect. I don’t recommend albuterol tablets due to side effects. Of the 3 drugs, theophylline is the only one to have both bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effects. Each 200 mg TheoDur tablet has an effect similar to a cup of Starbucks coffee. When I get an asthma exacerbation and am on high dose inhaled steroids (10 puffs/day Vanceril Double Strength), I find that adding 2 or 3-200 mg TheoDur tablets has an additive effect. As far as safety goes, it all depends. There have been some reports on this newgroup of miscarriages in pregnancy that may be linked to Serevent and have been reported to the FDA. So for pregnancy, theophylline is the safer drug; its been around for over 30 years. The FDA has only approved Serevent for ages 12 and up, theophylline is approved for children. However many allergists prescribe it at younger ages. Serevent is usually prescribed 2 puffs x 2. This is also the maximum dose; so it could be dangerous if confused with another inhaler. When theophylline is used in high doses, blood tests are needed to confirm the level. When used at so called sub-therapeutic or low levels, blood level testing is not needed. I agree that for most asthmatics, Serevent is the easiest way to go. Ellis

Response:

Hello.  My pulmonologist switched me from Vanceril to Flovent.  So far I like it.  This is being posted to the group because I want to thank the person who was the catalyst for this change.  I’d been taking 10 puffs 2x day of Vanceril and someone mentioned there was a double strength version. My pulmonologist suggested Flovent 220 mcg would fit the bill. Joyce Odum

Response:

Anybody switched from Vanceril to Flovent?  Did it help?  I just switched today – here’s why.cut Sunday night my tonsils were still swollen, and when I got up this morning.   I now have a very bad cough also.  I called the allergist as soon as they opened, and went in.  She decided to do a PFT, even though I was coughing.  But in general she has decided to scrap the Vanceril & Intal regimen, and started me on Flovent 110 2 puffs twice a day, ad to drop the Maxair back to "as needed."  

I tried to switch from Vanceril (42) to Flovent 44 but its not on the formulary of my HMO; they substituted Vanceril Double Strength (84). You are now taking a Medium Dose of inhaled steroids (440 ug fluticasone/day) whereas before you were taking a Low Dose (6 puffs/day beclomethasone 42) The higher strength steroid inhaler should be more convenient & effective. Current asthma guidelines also recommend the use of a long-term bronchodilator; usually Serevent inhaler 2 puffs twice a day. TheoDur tablets could be substituted. If you are not taking this, ask your doctor about it. Ellis

Response:

Anybody switched from Vanceril to Flovent?  Did it help?  I just switched today – here’s why. Well, it’s been a frustrating weekend.  After 2 weeks with peak flows above 500, I went from 560 Thursday morning to 490 Friday morning. (Apparently caused by catching a cold a weeka ago.)  And by lunch time, when I got a chance to call my doctor, I was down to 470.  My rescue inhaler (Maxair Autohaler) brought me back up to 490 or 500, but only for an hour or two, and then I’d start going down again. Went to the doctor (GP, not allergist – the allergist isn’t in on Fridays), who had me increase my Vanceril to 2 puffs 3 times a day, and had me keep taking the Maxair and added Intal.   Saturday, I was about the same, bouncing between 450 and 500 depending on how long since the last puff of Maxair.  Then my tonsils swelled up.  This dropped the peak flows below 450, even though I wasn’t having the kind of symptoms I associate with those kinds of readings. Sunday I called the doctor who was on call for my regular doctor.  He said it was probably bronchitis, and not to worry, and if the readings didn’t go up, just to keep taking the medicine.  Arrgghh!!!!! Sunday night my tonsils were still swollen, and when I got up this morning.   I now have a very bad cough also.  I called the allergist as soon as they opened, and went in.  She decided to do a PFT, even though I was coughing.  But in general she has decided to scrap the Vanceril & Intal regimen, and started me on Flovent 110 2 puffs twice a day, ad to drop the Maxair back to "as needed."  At least she believes in minimizing the amount of stuff I have to carry around. Hopefully, this works, because I’m tired of being sick, and tired of missing class for doctor’s appointments and because I’m sick.

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Flovent 220 » Flovent and Pulmicort?

Flovent and Pulmicort?

Question:

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with taking Pulmicort  in addition to Flovent?  My daughter was changed from Flovent 220 4 puffs 2x daily to 2 puffs of Flovent as well as 2 puffs of Pulmicort both twice daily. Dr. thinks she may be able to get the pulmicort deeper into her lungs, but wants to keep her on Flovent as well. She also is on an oral regimen.  Thanx in advance. Sorry to always ask so many questions, but am interested in others feedback.

Response:

Doesn’t make much sense to me. If he thinks the Pulmicort will penetrate deeper then why still use the FLovent? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with taking Pulmicort  in addition to Flovent?  My daughter was changed from Flovent 220 4 puffs 2x daily to 2 puffs of Flovent as well as 2 puffs of Pulmicort both twice daily. Dr. thinks she may be able to get the pulmicort deeper into her lungs, but wants to keep her on Flovent as well. She also is on an oral regimen.  Thanx in advance. Sorry to always ask so many questions, but am interested in others feedback.

Response:

To be honest the deeper pentration of Pulmicort is a promotional trick of the Pharmaceutical Company. Deeper penetration does not mean better action because the asthma inflamation is restricted to medium bronchi. Deeper steroid penetration may be joined with greater side effects as the drug is easily distributed to the blood from the pulmonary alveoli. Flovent has greater therapeutic index what means greater efficacy and less side effects. Rather stay with this drug. Marcin STrzondala MD

Response:

To be honest the deeper pentration of Pulmicort is a promotional trick of the Pharmaceutical Company. Deeper penetration does not mean better action because the asthma inflamation is restricted to medium bronchi. Deeper steroid penetration may be joined with greater side effects as the drug is easily distributed to the blood from the pulmonary alveoli. Flovent has greater therapeutic index what means greater efficacy and less side effects. Rather stay with this drug. Marcin STrzondala MD

I don’t knew, what you knew, but I think… …you have some friends from glaxo, …you don’t knew what Astra says, …you aren’t helpful for most ng-members, because your minds are indifferent and you make presumption of the work of an home-medician. You are right with the connexion of deeper penetration and Alveolitis. Lothar.

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Discontinue Use Of Zoloft In Lewy Body Caus » I'm back – My brief conclusion on my SSRI/Effexor/Buspar studies.

I'm back – My brief conclusion on my SSRI/Effexor/Buspar studies.

Question:

They still do not know for sure if Ecstasy even cause brain damage.

Yes it does!! Go to Medscape and use the key words "Ecstasy and brain damage", and see all the info there is. We`ve had two posters at this newsgroup that know of people that have devastating brain damage from using Ecstasy. In many case, the brain damage is a fate worse than death. Not to mention that people have died after using Ecstasy just ONE time. Jackie Here is a small sample of what is at Medscape: [Clinical and toxicologic aspects of the use of Ecstasy (see comments)] [Klinische en toxicologische aspecten van ecstasygebruik.] Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 1998 Aug 29;142(35):1942-6   (ISSN: 0028-2162) Pennings EJ; Konijn KZ; de Wolff FA [Find other articles with these Authors] Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Klinische Chemie, Leiden. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, the active compound of ecstacy (XTC) tablets) is a psychoactive amphetamine congener which in humans has a stimulatory effect and enhances feelings of openness and solidarity. MDMA is neurotoxic in animals. It depletes axonal serotonin stores, it inhibits serotonin synthesis by inhibiting tryptophan hydroxylase, and it inhibits the reuptake of serotonin into the neuron. These events lead to destruction of serotonergic axon terminals in animal brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors protect against the neurotoxic effects of MDMA. Binding of (+)[11C]McN-5652, a selective neuroligand for the serotonin transporter, is decreased in the brains of XTC-users. This indicates that XTC damages serotonergic axon terminals in human brain, also. We strongly advise against the use of XTC as the long-term clinical consequences are not known. In man, somatic life-threatening complications after XTC use include hyperthermia, hyponatraemia and liver failure. Psychiatric complications include psychosis, depression, panic disorder, and impulsive behaviour. The chronic psychosis responds poorly to therapy. Comment in: Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 1998 Oct 17; 142(42):2321-2 [Ecstasy: psychostimulant, hallucinogen and toxic substance] [L'ecstasy: psychostimulant, hallucinogene et toxique.] Presse Med 1996 Sep 14;25(26):1208-12   (ISSN: 0755-4982) Burnat P; Le Brumant-Payen C; Huart B; Ceppa F; Pailler FM [Find other articles with these Authors] Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Toxicologie cliniques, Hopital d’Instruction des Armees Begin, Saint-Mande. MDMA or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, more commonly called "ecstasy", is a drug classified as a stupefiant and increasingly used by young people for its stimulant and hallucinogen effects. This popular designer drug is often used in techno or rave parties and perceived by users as relatively harmless. It has however been associated with disorders of thermoregulation and has been the cause of several deaths. In addition, the drug has been shown to destroy serotonin receptors in the brain in the monkey and leads to serious physchiatric disorders and liver damage in man. Adverse reactions with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ‘ecstasy’). Drug Saf 1996 Aug;15(2):107-15   (ISSN: 0114-5916) McCann UD; Slate SO; Ricaurte GA [Find other articles with these Authors] Unit on Anxiety Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ‘ecstasy’) is an increasingly popular recreational drug in the US, Western Europe and Australia. In animals, including nonhuman primates, MDMA is known to damage brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) neurons. It is not known whether MDMA damages serotonin neurons in the human brain but there is some indication that it may. Although the large majority of individuals who have used MDMA recreationally do not develop acute complications, as the popularity of MDMA has increased, so have reports of adverse nonpsychiatric and psychiatric consequences associated with use of the drug. Further, since manifestations of MDMA-induced serotonin injury might only become apparent with age, or under periods of stress, it is possible that some individuals with no apparent abnormalities might develop complications over time. High intensity dependence of auditory evoked dipole source activity indicates decreased serotonergic activity in abstinent ecstasy (MDMA) users. Neuropsychopharmacology 2000 Jun;22(6):608-17   (ISSN: 0893-133X) Tuchtenhagen F; Daumann J; Norra C; Gobbele R; Becker S; Pelz S; Sass H; Buchner H; Gouzoulis-Mayfrank E [Find other articles with these Authors] Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty of the University of Technology, Pauwelsstrasse 30, D-52074, Aachen, Germany. Neurotoxic damage of central serotonergic systems has been demonstrated in numerous animal studies after exposure to methylenedioxyamphetamines (ecstasy). A high intensity dependence of auditory evoked potentials and, particularly, of the tangential N1/P2 source activity has been associated with low levels of serotonergic neurotransmission in humans. We performed an auditory evoked potentials study in 28 abstinent recreational ecstasy users and two equally sized groups of cannabis users and nonusers. The ecstasy users exhibited an increase of the amplitude of the tangential N1/P2 source activity with higher stimulus intensities; whereas, both control groups failed to exhibit this feature. These data are in line with the hypothesis that abstinent ecstasy users present with diminished central serotonergic activity. This feature of information processing is probably related to the well-recognized neurotoxic potential of ecstasy. Our data indicate that recreational ecstasy use may cause long-term alterations in the function (and possibly structure) of the human brain.

Response:

Hi, I was

here before talking about worries I had about SSRI’s. I am not a doctor. I do

have a degree in Sociology (a B.A.), but this whole informal study of mine was

due to some concerns I had about restarting taking SSRIs. It seemed to some

of you that I thought they were awful, but that really was not the case. I’d

like to start posting non-related concerns, posts, etc., so I thought I should

clear up this old one first. Ok, here goes…. My Conclusion as of Now

(conclusions can always change): #1 – In light of the fact that panic and

anxiety can be debilitating and these meds have shown positive effects in

people, they are worth a shot and have few concerns attached to them. They are

almost totally harmless to the point that I would almost say they are not

harmless at all. *see note #1* #2 – It is my opinion and the opinion of many

doctors(at least I get the impression) that these meds are best used to "pick you up" out of a period of stress/depression and not for a lifetime. I say this mostly because one cannot always count on a medicine to work or to be available. There may be some very small long term concerns with the meds as

well. They are very small but worth a little "concern". In my opinion and from

what I have gathered, the best way to use an SSRI, Effexor, or Buspar is for a

short period of time to help you to overcome the problems. It is best to

actually overcome one’s problems by oneself and it is my belief that the meds

act as aides in your OWN recovery process, which when fully complete will see you medicine free. #3 – While I do not wish to put down these meds, I believe from experience that one should go about solving one’s problems with stress in

the following manner (a) Therapy of any sort in which no medicine is administered (b) Medicine with therapy (c) However one chooses to go when

one is "better" (relatively speaking- I am an optimist so I DO – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -think one can get 100% better). #4 – This might be a bit of a rehash of another point, but it only makes logical sense to first try everything besides medication for the anxiety unless the anxiety becomes somewhat debilitating. Then, it makes sense to take a med for a period of time while working on the causes of the anxiety. This may seem like common sense so far. What I am REALLY trying to say is that there are SLIGHT risks associated with these meds and SIDE EFFECTS, so obviously the best approach possible would be to take no

meds at all. I say this because some of us have not tried everything out there

yet. EXAMPLE: Some of my major problems are specific phobias that grip me in

certain situations. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprogramming is supposed

to work for this. Also, Reiki or "the Healing Touch" has been proven

scientifically legitimate as a method of relieving stress. Some of us rush to

the medication without trying enough of the alternatives. I think it is wise to

FIRST try to deal with it without the meds or at least use the meds as a

"helper" while doing other therapy that will ultimately bring you to a stage of being as well as possible. #5 – When calculating the risks of the meds, one

should factor in what having the stress itself could possibly cause. In my case, I came to the conclusion that taking an SSRI again might be worth it to me because stress can cause heart attacks. Even if the SSRI itself may cause some minor physical problems (if they do they would be minor), the effect of taking away the stress would outweight the bad parts. #6 – The actual

concerns I still have to a small degree: Heart- Although, many medical

studies concluded that SSRI’s have no effect on the heart, I did find a couple

noting some problems in some people and in animals in the cardio area. One

noted that SSRIs affected Calcium and Sodium in some manner related to the heart – I don’t remember but the effect was related to Calcium and Sodium. I did not fully understand the significance of this, but I believe it is small. I also found some articles in which EKG’s were affected SLIGHTLY due to SSRIs.

HOWEVER, it should be noted that even people who have had heart attacks have

taken SSRIs and MOST do not have any problems. MOST of the elderly who take

these meds do not have cardio problems because of the meds. SO, what I would

say to do here is periodically get your heart checked to ensure that you do not

have any cardio problems. My main fear here comes from the fact that Trycyclics

and drugs such as Phen-Fen DID have effects on the heart that were

significantly bad. Studies show that the SSRIs are almost completely safe, but

*personally* I would periodically get my heart checked to ensure nothing was developing. Blood Pressure – Effexor does cause an elevation in blood pressure. For this reason, I will not even take Effexor. My blood pressure is perfect so, *personally* I will not take Effexor unless nothing helps at all. OR, I would perhaps try Effexor and see if it did not do this… If it did not, I might go with it. Brain – The study I noted about rats and

SSRIs and brain damage was not fully completed. That particular study showed

that rat brain cells shrunk and also took on "corkscrew-like" shapes. This was with a high dosage. I have since been alerted that my logic was wrong in this regard. Taking lower doses of the meds over time will not likely have this effect. However, the study did say "this raises concerns". For myself, I am considering the usage of the medicine a short term aide that

is part of a bigger plan. I wish there were more studies on the effect of SSRIs on the brain in the long term. I do not think they will cause serious problems unless one notices them during treatment. Most of the problems, such as tics, go away when the medicine is discontinued. Liver – There was some

literature that found that there were some concerns with liver enzymes but

these were again just concerns. They did not seem enough to make someone not

take the medicine. I believe the concerns were based on Prozac more than any other SSRI. Mental/Emotional Effects – I would like to further research this area. Sometimes and for some people, these meds can cause negative mental events, such as mania .04% in Sertraline (too much for me personally). Does anyone know if this is something that will either happen right away or could these pop up all of sudden??? I would hate to be taking an SSRI and then after 2 years or so on the med have an episode of mania. Is this

possible? I just don’t know right now. I tend to believe if the medicine does

not cause these effects after it is started that it will not cause them in the

future. Can anyone validify that??? Anyway, the point here is, as with anything

uncertain, the better path would be to use the meds to cope until one could get off of them. The actual risk of "going crazy" is really low. I apologize that I do not fully understand this aspect. Does anyone know if the people who "flip out" have it happen right away or if that can happen out of the blue once treatment is well underway????? Note: It is not unfair to say that these effects have happened. In some people they have. Parkinson’s –

They are not sure, but they believe the drug Ecstasy may cause Parkinson’s.

They found in the infamous rat study that the effects of SSRIs were similar to

that of Ecstasy. However, these studies did not have any definitive answers and

it should be noted that Ecstasy is a lot more potent of a medicine with a

different chemistry. I only used it here for comparison. So far, there is no

evidence linking SSRIs to Parkinson’s or brain damage. They still do not know for sure if Ecstasy even cause brain damage. Other: Some people get movement

disorders (small %). Circulatory problems have been noted as a possibility

(nothing life threatening I believe and in a small % people). The normal side effects have been reported as "not worth it" by some. How I have decided to

deal with these concerns: (a) Consider the treatment with an SSRI to be a short term solution. (b) Consider the small risk of mostly minor problems (most of the concerns- even minor brain damage can be overcome) to be insignificant in

comparison of the help the meds may bring to me. (c) Realize that the

percentages of people reporting any problems of any magnitude is very small. (d) Realize that right now it is all speculation, as it is possible that any long term "side effect" could be due to something else in that person’s life. Ex: Someone having a heart attack while on an SSRI does not necessarily mean they cause heart attacks. The most important

realization I have had: My psychiatrist(I hate the term "pdoc" -sorry) told

me that taking these meds is like taking Aspirin, Tylenol, or Advil. You can choose which to take and you can choose to stop them. I feel this is the best attitude. I still would heartily recommend checking oneself medically more frequently than other people may. I do not say this to cause anxiety in anyone. I say this because there are SLIGHT issues that are still being looked into regarding these medicines. I can show anyone who wants to see it the article on the actual effect on the heart (sounds minor- would

have to look up what this effect actually means/ it could mean really nothing at all). Also, I used to take Paxil and I think it did help me. It is very hard to tell for me as regular life can sometimes cause things to get better and worse. Anyway, I believe it did help and I know that the only real annoying problem was that if I took an entire 20mg pill before bed I would wake up exactly  6 hours later. I am considering going back on Paxil

or trying Zoloft. I don’t think I gave Paxil enough of a chance because I drank

coffee while taking it, so – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I will perhaps go with it again.

… read more »

Response:

NOTE: I lumped Effexor and Buspar in here. Effexor had many of the same effects of an SSRI. There really wasn’t too much info on Buspar. I read somewhere that they think Buspar might actually *help* people with Parkinson’s (read this in "Beyond Prozac") so that’s kind of encouraging as far as the safety issue.

Response:

Before you take an SSRI I think you should read about this. You won’t likely get it from taking too much of one SSRI (allegedly impossible to get it from just taking a lot of one SSRI), but you can get it when you mix certain meds. They think it only applies with MAO-Inhibitors and SSRIs. I could have sworn I read that it’s possible to get from mixing two different SSRIs, but that may not be true. Nonetheless, you should at least be aware of it as a phenomenon.

Response:

Hi, I was here before talking about worries I had about SSRI’s. I am not a doctor. I do have a degree in Sociology (a B.A.), but this whole informal study of mine was due to some concerns I had about restarting taking SSRIs. It seemed to some of you that I thought they were awful, but that really was not the case. I’d like to start posting non-related concerns, posts, etc., so I thought I should clear up this old one first. Ok, here goes…. My Conclusion as of Now (conclusions can always change): #1 – In light of the fact that panic and anxiety can be debilitating and these meds have shown positive effects in people, they are worth a shot and have few concerns attached to them. They are almost totally harmless to the point that I would almost say they are not harmless at all. *see note #1* #2 – It is my opinion and the opinion of many doctors(at least I get the impression) that these meds are best used to "pick you up" out of a period of stress/depression and not for a lifetime. I say this mostly because one cannot always count on a medicine to work or to be available. There may be some very small long term concerns with the meds as well. They are very small but worth a little "concern". In my opinion and from what I have gathered, the best way to use an SSRI, Effexor, or Buspar is for a short period of time to help you to overcome the problems. It is best to actually overcome one’s problems by oneself and it is my belief that the meds act as aides in your OWN recovery process, which when fully complete will see you medicine free. #3 – While I do not wish to put down these meds, I believe from experience that one should go about solving one’s problems with stress in the following manner (a) Therapy of any sort in which no medicine is administered (b) Medicine with therapy (c) However one chooses to go when one is "better" (relatively speaking- I am an optimist so I DO think one can get 100% better). #4 – This might be a bit of a rehash of another point, but it only makes logical sense to first try everything besides medication for the anxiety unless the anxiety becomes somewhat debilitating. Then, it makes sense to take a med for a period of time while working on the causes of the anxiety. This may seem like common sense so far. What I am REALLY trying to say is that there are SLIGHT risks associated with these meds and SIDE EFFECTS, so obviously the best approach possible would be to take no meds at all. I say this because some of us have not tried everything out there yet. EXAMPLE: Some of my major problems are specific phobias that grip me in certain situations. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprogramming is supposed to work for this. Also, Reiki or "the Healing Touch" has been proven scientifically legitimate as a method of relieving stress. Some of us rush to the medication without trying enough of the alternatives. I think it is wise to FIRST try to deal with it without the meds or at least use the meds as a "helper" while doing other therapy that will ultimately bring you to a stage of being as well as possible. #5 – When calculating the risks of the meds, one should factor in what having the stress itself could possibly cause. In my case, I came to the conclusion that taking an SSRI again might be worth it to me because stress can cause heart attacks. Even if the SSRI itself may cause some minor physical problems (if they do they would be minor), the effect of taking away the stress would outweight the bad parts. #6 – The actual concerns I still have to a small degree: Heart- Although, many medical studies concluded that SSRI’s have no effect on the heart, I did find a couple noting some problems in some people and in animals in the cardio area. One noted that SSRIs affected Calcium and Sodium in some manner related to the heart – I don’t remember but the effect was related to Calcium and Sodium. I did not fully understand the significance of this, but I believe it is small. I also found some articles in which EKG’s were affected SLIGHTLY due to SSRIs. HOWEVER, it should be noted that even people who have had heart attacks have taken SSRIs and MOST do not have any problems. MOST of the elderly who take these meds do not have cardio problems because of the meds. SO, what I would say to do here is periodically get your heart checked to ensure that you do not have any cardio problems. My main fear here comes from the fact that Trycyclics and drugs such as Phen-Fen DID have effects on the heart that were significantly bad. Studies show that the SSRIs are almost completely safe, but *personally* I would periodically get my heart checked to ensure nothing was developing. Blood Pressure – Effexor does cause an elevation in blood pressure. For this reason, I will not even take Effexor. My blood pressure is perfect so, *personally* I will not take Effexor unless nothing helps at all. OR, I would perhaps try Effexor and see if it did not do this… If it did not, I might go with it. Brain – The study I noted about rats and SSRIs and brain damage was not fully completed. That particular study showed that rat brain cells shrunk and also took on "corkscrew-like" shapes. This was with a high dosage. I have since been alerted that my logic was wrong in this regard. Taking lower doses of the meds over time will not likely have this effect. However, the study did say "this raises concerns". For myself, I am considering the usage of the medicine a short term aide that is part of a bigger plan. I wish there were more studies on the effect of SSRIs on the brain in the long term. I do not think they will cause serious problems unless one notices them during treatment. Most of the problems, such as tics, go away when the medicine is discontinued. Liver – There was some literature that found that there were some concerns with liver enzymes but these were again just concerns. They did not seem enough to make someone not take the medicine. I believe the concerns were based on Prozac more than any other SSRI. Mental/Emotional Effects – I would like to further research this area. Sometimes and for some people, these meds can cause negative mental events, such as mania .04% in Sertraline (too much for me personally). Does anyone know if this is something that will either happen right away or could these pop up all of sudden??? I would hate to be taking an SSRI and then after 2 years or so on the med have an episode of mania. Is this possible? I just don’t know right now. I tend to believe if the medicine does not cause these effects after it is started that it will not cause them in the future. Can anyone validify that??? Anyway, the point here is, as with anything uncertain, the better path would be to use the meds to cope until one could get off of them. The actual risk of "going crazy" is really low. I apologize that I do not fully understand this aspect. Does anyone know if the people who "flip out" have it happen right away or if that can happen out of the blue once treatment is well underway????? Note: It is not unfair to say that these effects have happened. In some people they have. Parkinson’s – They are not sure, but they believe the drug Ecstasy may cause Parkinson’s. They found in the infamous rat study that the effects of SSRIs were similar to that of Ecstasy. However, these studies did not have any definitive answers and it should be noted that Ecstasy is a lot more potent of a medicine with a different chemistry. I only used it here for comparison. So far, there is no evidence linking SSRIs to Parkinson’s or brain damage. They still do not know for sure if Ecstasy even cause brain damage. Other: Some people get movement disorders (small %). Circulatory problems have been noted as a possibility (nothing life threatening I believe and in a small % people). The normal side effects have been reported as "not worth it" by some. How I have decided to deal with these concerns: (a) Consider the treatment with an SSRI to be a short term solution. (b) Consider the small risk of mostly minor problems (most of the concerns- even minor brain damage can be overcome) to be insignificant in comparison of the help the meds may bring to me. (c) Realize that the percentages of people reporting any problems of any magnitude is very small. (d) Realize that right now it is all speculation, as it is possible that any long term "side effect" could be due to something else in that person’s life. Ex: Someone having a heart attack while on an SSRI does not necessarily mean they cause heart attacks. The most important realization I have had: My psychiatrist(I hate the term "pdoc" -sorry) told me that taking these meds is like taking Aspirin, Tylenol, or Advil. You can choose which to take and you can choose to stop them. I feel this is the best attitude. I still would heartily recommend checking oneself medically more frequently than other people may. I do not say this to cause anxiety in anyone. I say this because there are SLIGHT issues that are still being looked into regarding these medicines. I can show anyone who wants to see it the article on the actual effect on the heart (sounds minor- would have to look up what this effect actually means/ it could mean really nothing at all). Also, I used to take Paxil and I think it did help me. It is very hard to tell for me as regular life can sometimes cause things to get better and worse. Anyway, I believe it did help and I know that the only real annoying problem was that if I took an entire 20mg pill before bed I would wake up exactly  6 hours later. I am considering going back on Paxil or trying Zoloft. I don’t think I gave Paxil enough of a chance because I drank coffee while taking it, so I will perhaps go with it again. As far as other meds, I have not found anything really worrisome about Clonazepam except that some believe one can become addicted to it. I definitely have not become addicted to it. Anyway, I hope everyone realizes that I do think taking … read more »

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Weight Gain A Side Effect Of Zoloft » zoloft/hair loss

zoloft/hair loss

Question:

My hair is thinning, a side effect of zoloft. Any one else have this problem? If I change meds, will my hair come back? Thank you. < Some Prozac people report hair loss, as well. Try MDMA. Lizy

What is MDA

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My hair is thinning, a side effect of zoloft. Any one else have this problem?

If I change meds, will my hair come back? Thank you. < Some Prozac people report hair loss, as well. Try MDMA. Lizy

Response:

My hair is thinning, a side effect of zoloft. Any one else have this problem? If I change meds, will my hair come back? Thank you.

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Venlafaxine Effexor » venlafaxine/effexor

venlafaxine/effexor

Question:

I have just been prescribed  venlafaxine for anxiety.  Could anybody tell me anything about this drug i.e. positive and negative results. Thank you. Tracy

Basically it’s a TCA. It may well work. But other TCA’s are better researched and I would never try velafaxine as a first choice med. It it should be a TCA- which may well work and can be combined with a benzo – I’d opt for imipramine first (the mother of all TCA’s ;) ) But of course YMMV. Philip

Response:

My understanding is that effexor is one of the ‘newer’ antidepressants that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin – like the the ssri’s [paxil zoloft] but also controls levels of noradrenaline [as the old TCAs do]. Effexor is thought to be very ‘effective’ .. but also a bit prone to producing side-effects — high blood pressure, nausea, weight -loss, sexual dysfunction etc — very similar really to the SSRIs Hope this helps Chris

Response:

I have just been prescribed  venlafaxine for anxiety.  Could anybody tell me anything about this drug i.e. positive and negative results.   Thank you. Tracy

Response:

Did not work for me at all.  The side effects were terrible.  But remember that everybody is different and it may work for you. JP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just been prescribed  venlafaxine for anxiety.  Could anybody tell me anything about this drug i.e. positive and negative results. Thank you. Tracy

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Prozac Effexor » Zoloft side effect?

Zoloft side effect?

Question:

Doda1207 schreef: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body. I feel as if I can’t breath, my entire body chills over, I feel detatched and unreal, my heart beats really fast, and it is almost a panicky state that I’m in, but not quite.  I’m starting to get terrified about going to sleep.  Now, I’ve had panic attacks in the past, but never two in a two days.  My symptoms are generally more chronic (chest pain, headache, on edge feelings).  It just seems wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me? Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head? If I were you I would tell my doc to change your medication, I had a similar reaction on Prozac, and it is frustrating to have the medication CAUSE what it is supposed to help. I am now on Paxil (started it today) and hoping for more success. My doctor says it is very common to have to change meds due to side effects, so talk to your doctor.  Hope this helps, take care,  Dody

  All SSRI’s (and Zoloft belongs to this group as do Paxil and Prozac) will worsen your symptoms during the first 2-8 weeks. To assess if this is really the med for you or not the best thing to do is to wait a few weeks. I know what it’s like, believe me. But it does take a while for these meds to kick in. You might ask your doctor for a benzo on the soide as this softens the side effects of the first weeks. Xanax and Ativan come to mind, which are fast-working meds with a very short half-life. A combo of SSRI and benzo for maintenance is quite common these days as well. Don’t give up too quickly…(I know how hard this can be) Philip Peters

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body. (It just seems wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me? Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head? If I were you I would tell my doc to change your medication, I had a similar reaction on Prozac, and it is frustrating to have the medication CAUSE what it is supposed to help. I am now on Paxil (started it today) and hoping for more success. My doctor says it is very common to have to change meds due to side effects, so talk to your doctor.

It is not uncommon to have exagerrated anxiety while adjusting to an SRI.  I would recommend calling your doc and asking for something to help while you adjust.  It takes weeks before one can assess if Zoloft is right or wrong for you.  When I started Paxil I had attacks too. That ended after a few weeks.  I couldn’t possibly have made a decision after 4 days. Gwen

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body. (It just seems wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me? Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head? If I were you I would tell my doc to change your medication, I had a similar reaction on Prozac, and it is frustrating to have the medication CAUSE what it is supposed to help. I am now on Paxil (started it today) and hoping for more success. My doctor says it is very common to have to change meds due to side effects, so talk to your doctor. It is not uncommon to have exagerrated anxiety while adjusting to an SRI.  I would recommend calling your doc and asking for something to help while you adjust.  It takes weeks before one can assess if Zoloft is right or wrong for you.  When I started Paxil I had attacks too. That ended after a few weeks.  I couldn’t possibly have made a decision after 4 days. Gwen

Nothing snipped so as to cause no annoyance Steve replied: I have tried Prozac, Effexor and Zoloft.  All were a nightmare for me (ME, Steve) I can speak for no one else.  The dreaded ‘benzos’ seem to work for me.  Good luck,  Steve Treloar

Response:

Zoloft did this to me too. I just dealt with it (a little xanex helped) and eventually, it passed. Scary stuff though…                               cathy

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body. I feel as if I can’t breath, my entire body chills over, I feel detatched and unreal, my heart beats really fast, and it is almost a panicky state that I’m in, but not quite.  I’m starting to get terrified about going to sleep.  Now, I’ve had panic attacks in the past, but never two in a two days.  My symptoms are generally more chronic (chest pain, headache, on edge feelings).  It just seems wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me? Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head?

Many people here (including myself) have experienced that starting an SRI such as Zoloft will actually increase panic in the early going. For most, this side effect will wear off in a few weeks.  There are a couple of ways to get around it.  One way is to start on a very low dose of Zoloft, and gradually increase the dose until you reach a therapeutic level (possibly taking several months to do it).  This low start and slow increase eliminates most of the side effects.  Another way to reduce side effects is to take a benzo on a temporary basis, until you are established on the Zoloft.  The benzo can help control the anxiety produced by the medication.  Do talk to your doctor about this, as increased anxiety is a common early side effect of SRIs, and there are ways to get around the problem.   Best wishes, Hirsch address in header has been changed to avoid junk mail. To reach me by email, substitute erols for nospam in my reply-to address.

Response:

I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body. I feel as if I can’t breath, my entire body chills over, I feel detatched and unreal, my heart beats really fast, and it is almost a panicky state that I’m in, but not quite.  I’m starting to get terrified about going to sleep.  Now, I’ve had panic attacks in the past, but never two in a two days.  My symptoms are generally more chronic (chest pain, headache, on edge feelings).  It just seems wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me? Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head?

I’m terribly sorry to read this but, if it’s any consolation, it isn’t at all uncommon – indeed, Zoloft did that to me, too. All the SSRIs seem capable of causing increased anxiety when first started and to counter this some doctors start patients at very low doses, slowly increasing them till the desired effect is achieved. Some also prescribe anxiolytics (typically benzodiazepines) to offset this side effect. If it’s very bad, I’d really recommend you talk to your doctor about it. Hope that’s some help – good luck! — Gary Cooper

Response:

I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body. I feel as if I can’t breath, my entire body chills over, I feel detatched and unreal, my heart beats really fast, and it is almost a panicky state that I’m in, but not quite.  I’m starting to get terrified about going to sleep.  Now, I’ve had panic attacks in the past, but never two in a two days.  My symptoms are generally more chronic (chest pain, headache, on edge feelings).  It just seems wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me? Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head?

If I were you I would tell my doc to change your medication, I had a similar reaction on Prozac, and it is frustrating to have the medication CAUSE what it is supposed to help. I am now on Paxil (started it today) and hoping for more success. My doctor says it is very common to have to change meds due to side effects, so talk to your doctor.  Hope this helps, take care,  Dody

Response:

the two most common benzodiazapines (that I come across in reading posts) used to bridge the adjustment period to a SSRI  are Xanax or Klonopin I was given klonopin to get over the adjustment to paxil.

+AD4- +AD4- +AD4-Doda1207 schreef: +AD4- +AD4APg- +AD4- +AD4APg- +AD4-I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic +AD4APg- +AD4-disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a +AD4APg- +AD4-really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly +AD4APg- +AD4-woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body. +AD4APg- +AD4-I feel as if I can’t breath, my entire body chills over, +AD4APg- +AD4-I feel detatched and unreal, my heart beats really fast, and it is almost a +AD4APg- +AD4-panicky state that I’m in, but not quite.  I’m starting to get terrified +AD4APg- +AD4-about +AD4APg- +AD4-going to sleep.  Now, I’ve had panic attacks in the past, but never +AD4APg- +AD4-two in a two days.  My symptoms are generally more chronic +AD4APg- +AD4-(chest pain, headache, on edge feelings).  It just seems +AD4APg- +AD4-wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more +AD4APg- +AD4-panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me? +AD4APg- +AD4-Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head? +AD4APg- +AD4APg- If I were you I would tell my doc to change your medication, I had a similar +AD4APg- reaction on Prozac, and it is frustrating to have the medication CAUSE what it +AD4APg- is supposed to help. I am now on Paxil (started it today) and hoping for more +AD4APg- success. My doctor says it is very common to have to change meds due to side +AD4APg- effects, so talk to your doctor. +AD4APg-  Hope this helps, take care, +AD4APg-  Dody +AD4- +AD4-  All SSRI’s (and Zoloft belongs to this group as do Paxil and Prozac) will worsen +AD4-your symptoms during the first 2-8 weeks. To assess if this is really the med for +AD4-you or not the best thing to do is to wait a few weeks. I know what it’s like, +AD4-believe me. But it does take a while for these meds to kick in. You might ask your +AD4-doctor for a benzo on the soide as this softens the side effects of the first +AD4-weeks. Xanax and Ativan come to mind, which are fast-working meds with a very +AD4-short half-life. A combo of SSRI and benzo for maintenance is quite common these +AD4-days as well. Don’t give up too quickly…(I know how hard this can be) +AD4- +AD4-Philip Peters +AD4-

Response:

I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a

really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly

woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body.

I feel as if I can’t breath, my entire body chills over, I feel detatched and unreal, my heart beats really fast, and it is almost a

panicky state that I’m in, but not quite.  I’m starting to get terrified about

going to sleep.  Now, I’ve had panic attacks in the past, but never two in a two days.  My symptoms are generally more chronic

(chest pain, headache, on edge feelings).  It just seems

wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more

panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me?

Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head?   Hi,   From what I hear (I can’t remember myself) Many times when you start on an antidepressant, your symtoms can become worse at first.  It is always a good idea to give a new med a couple of weeks, for the medication to build up in your system and let the side effects die down.  Unless of course the side effects are really bad, in that case I would immediately talk to your doctor. Hope that helps. Lee "Life is too important to be taken seriously"

Response:

I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression  Now, I’ve had panic attacks in the past, but never two in a two days.  My symptoms are generally more chronic (chest pain, headache, on edge feelings).  It just seems wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more panic attacks

Very common for SRI’s to increase anxiety (even to the point of panic) in the first few weeks.  You might want to talk to your doc about adding or increasing a benzo til your body adjusts.  I don’t take Zoloft – but had a heck of a time adjusting to Paxil. Gwen

Response:

I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body. I feel as if I can’t breath, my entire body chills over, I feel detatched and unreal, my heart beats really fast, and it is almost a panicky state that I’m in, but not quite.  I’m starting to get terrified about going to sleep.  Now, I’ve had panic attacks in the past, but never two in a two days.  My symptoms are generally more chronic (chest pain, headache, on edge feelings).  It just seems wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me? Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head?

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Zoloft Wellbutrin » Meds that seem to work transiently

Meds that seem to work transiently

Question:

Has anyone else been on meds that worked only transiently? I finally had some relief from my depression a few weeks ago, but now I am becoming depressed again and it seems so much worse after having felt somewhat "normal" for a brief period. Does this mean that the dose is too low? or that I am simply out of luck? Martha

Response:

Has anyone else been on meds that worked only transiently? I finally had some relief from my depression a few weeks ago, but now I am becoming depressed again and it seems so much worse after having felt somewhat "normal" for a brief period. Does this mean that the dose is too low? or that I am simply out of luck?

I have had this experience with Prozac, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and Depakote.  It would work at first, then my body (or mind?) would "adjust" I suppose, and the dosage would have to be increased.  I’ve maxed out my current meds (Depakote & Wellbutrin).  I don’t know if you’re out of luck, but I hope not, because then I am too. June "word I was in my life alone, word I had no one left but God."                                                   — Robert Frost

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YES-SOME BIPOLAR SUBJECTS ONLY RESPOND A SHORT TIME. I HAD TAKEN EVERY ANTI-DEPRESENT ON THE MARKET EXCEPT PARNATE(MOAI0) MONOAMINE OXIDASE IN- HIBITOR. THIS IS NOT A NEW DRUG BUT REQUIRES SPECIAL DIET. THIS IS THE FIRST TO EVER WORK MORE THAN THREE MONTHS WITHOUT A MAJOR DEPRESSION.OUT OF FRUSTATION TO FINE A PHYCIATRIST THAT REALLY KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING, MY SEARCH TOOK ME TO STANFORD UNIVERSITY MEDICAL WHERE THEY SPECIALIZE IN BIPOLAR DISORDERS. BELEIVE ME THEY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING.KEEP LOOKING UNTIL YOU FIND THE RIGHT COMBO OF DRUGS AND DOCTOR. TOOK ME 5 YEARS BUT WAS WORTH IT. GOOD LUCK.   TOM D.

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It would be helpful to know what the med is and how much you are taking, but it sounds as though it might need to be titrated up until you start to feel better. Regards, Randy.

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Eessential Tremor Effexor » Encouragement

Encouragement

Question:

All of you seem to have such encourement for those afflicted with this condition.  I know I have felt a lot of support reading the postings.  My husband is going through a very difficult time at the moment.  We have had 2 very emotional days, and usually this is a very strong man.  A month ago he had a heart attack and had angioplasty.  Not that the spasmodic torticollis isn’t bad enough, now he is worried about his heart also even though the cardiologist says there is no relation (I certainly question that with all the stress he has been under for the past 18 months).  He seems to be giving up telling me he can’t fight this thing anymore.  He take Baclofen and Artane and of course gets Botox every three months.  The Botox has not taken the pain away but it has allowed his head to remain in an upright position.  He suffers every waking moment with spasms and we have yet to find the right combination to relieve the pain.  Do any of you have any words of encouragement I can pass on to him.  Some of you have suffered with this for many, many years and seem to have found a way to deal with it even through you are in pain and my heart expecially goes out to the children who have to suffer with this.  Would love to hear from you and I will print the messages out and read to him as he cannot sit at the computer.  BethThanks to all of you. Virginia

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writes: He seems to be giving up telling me he can’t fight this thing anymore.  He take Baclofen and Artane and of course gets Botox every three months. The Botox has not taken the pain away but it has allowed his head to remain in an upright position.  He suffers every waking moment with spasms and we have yet to find the right combination to relieve the pain.  Do any of you have any words of encouragement I can pass on to him.  Some of you have suffered with this for many, many years and seem to have found a way to deal with it even through you are in pain and my heart expecially goes out to the children who have to suffer with this.  

I wish I could think of the right thing to say…its so hard.  I feel so bad for what you and your husband are going through.  Cant they admit him for awhile, like they did Jeremy, break the cycle and try other meds until something works?  I know what you must be going through, its so hard to watch someone you love suffer and feel so helpless.  My son has suffered for his whole 13 years of life and he often asked why I kept trying so hard to find a diagnosis and remedy….he had adjusted to it as a part of his life.  (Children adjust so much better than us adults!)  I told him that I would never give up and he was finally diagnosed about 7 months ago…..after 13 years of mis-diagnosis.  He is going through all the trials of medication and I think we have hit on a good combo now, but who knows how long it will last.   He encourages me more than I do him!  He always says *it will pass, dont worry, I’m fine*….as I bite off all my fingernails.   Since I dont know what to say….I asked for Jeremys input.  He found it hard to come up with something concrete except to say that he will pray for him, not to give up….that there is a light at the end of the tunnel sometimes, if God thought it was his time to go….he would, that he will get his reward in heaven for the suffering he has done on earth (I taught him that years ago….hes hoping heaven has alot of Super Nintendo games…you know kids) and that he has a family that loves him very much. I wish I could do better than this, but I am new at the dystonia diagnosis so I dont know exactly what can be done to find the relief he needs.  I am sure that  the more expercienced people on this newsgroup will have much better responses for you.  I just wanted you and your husband to know that we are praying for you and wishing you better days. Love, Cyndie and Jeremy

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writes: This may be a start in bombarding the networks.  

Lets do it!  And thanks for the info! Cyndie

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I finally found some addresses which I will pass along to all of you. NBC is Http://TVnet.com/tv/NYtv/wNBC.html – FAX 212-456-2290 CBS fax is, 212-975-5656 (did not locate an email address) I found a Donahue but not sure if this is Phil, it was just listed by last start in bombarding the networks.  

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Mary Beth you are wonderful!  You speak from your heart and since you have dealt with this condition for such a long time you can understand what he is going through.  I have mentioned you to Doug several times especially reinterating how long you have suffered with this, have raised a family, and, have such a terrific outlook on life.  This is a terrifying time for both of us, I try to give support and guess I am too much of an optimist. I always feel today isn’t so good, but tomorrow will be better.  Thank you for mentioning the depression after surgery, this may be what is hitting him now.  We have been the "I think I’m going crazy" route but that was due to medication which has now been corrected and he is back to normal. We do have to be careful what is prescribed because he takes so many other meds for his dystonia and the 2 doctors are not in the same group, or same city so I am the intermediary trying to make sure he is not taking drugs that will contridict each other.  I will speak with him regarding the possibility of a phone conversation I know if he could sit at this computer and read the messages posted he would find much support from all.  Thanks again for your concern, support, and very good advice. Fondly, Virginia

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mary Beth you are wonderful!  You speak from your heart and since you have dealt with this condition for such a long time you can understand what he is going through.  I have mentioned you to Doug several times especially reinterating how long you have suffered with this, have raised a family, and, have such a terrific outlook on life.  This is a terrifying time for both of us, I try to give support and guess I am too much of an optimist. I always feel today isn’t so good, but tomorrow will be better.  Thank you for mentioning the depression after surgery, this may be what is hitting him now.  We have been the "I think I’m going crazy" route but that was due to medication which has now been corrected and he is back to normal. We do have to be careful what is prescribed because he takes so many other meds for his dystonia and the 2 doctors are not in the same group, or same city so I am the intermediary trying to make sure he is not taking drugs that will contridict each other.  I will speak with him regarding the possibility of a phone conversation I know if he could sit at this computer and read the messages posted he would find much support from all. Thanks again for your concern, support, and very good advice. Fondly, Virginia

Hi Virginia: I have ST with accompanying essential tremor, I also have panic disorder which causes depression at times for me.  Panic disorder can do a really good job of convincing you that you must be going crazy.  Tell Doug that it’s only the brightest, most brilliant minds that suffer from this kind of depression…….look at me!  <VBG  Having surgery can really knock you down hard, especially if you have other medical conditions that have to be treated properly at the same time.  I hope Doug is well on the way to recovery.  The depression will go, that I know.  No way is he going crazy.  There *will* be a cure for dystonia very soon – I’m convinced of that.  Give him a big hug from me and tell him I’m thinking of  both of you. All the best. Mally   :)

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Cyndie and Jeremy, Your touching note brought tears to my eyes and I want to thank you for your prayers.  I have pursued this horrible affliction much the same as you but of course not nearly as long.  I have searched for the very best medical Dr.s available and in the beginning, we he wasn’t as bad and was much stronger we would have gone anywhere to get the proper treatment, at least one that would give him relief.  We were lucky in a sense that the first neurologist we saw was familiar with dystonia and put him in touch with a doctor that was a researcher in the field and gave the botox injections.  He has not had any trouble with the blepharospasms after having 4 treatments which was back in October of 1994.  We were so hoping that the Botox would have the same affect on the torticollis, but so far it hasn’t, but we will keep trying.  We live in the Los Angeles area and there are many very fine centers and wonderful doctors here and believe me we have tried them all.  We have even been to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ.  All the doctors we have seen are knowledgable, but they need to come up with the right combination of meds.  My very best to you and many, many kudos to your valiant son. Virginia

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