Question:

Has anyone ordered from here? I am instrested in the Kramer that is $179 (I forgot the model and am to lazy to load up the browser I has 2 "quad rail" humbukers and 1 double rail humbuker in the middle. Also comes with a Floyd Rose tremolo and some kick ass tuners. So, any good? Or has anyone ordered from their yet? Thanks Nicola

I’m interested too… it’d be nice to have a backup guitar with a floyd for gigs if my JEM breaks a string… *sigh* why can’t I be endorsed for JEMs?   Hehehe…  Where is the company located?  *crosses fingers* please say Canada… -=Devon Lougheed=- "if politics is the blind leading the blind, entertainment is the f**ked up leading the hypnotised" to reply remove NOSPAM from email adress

Response:

I bought the same guitar your looking at. I love it! Right now I own two Les Pauls, a JB player PRS copy, and a Cort Flying V. This guitar doesn’t sound like any of them. The sound is close to a Jackson or Ibanez but a little beefier. I play mainly hard rock in the vain of Ratt and it does great for what I need it for. I haven’t played out with it yet but I’ve recorded with it and it did great!! No Noise. I have a Line 6 Flextone 300 watt head through a Peavy 412e cab. So just about any guitar would sound great to me!! It will depend a lot on what type of setup you have and what style of music you play. The guitar stays in tune providing you have it setup correctly. It seems like it will hold up against the test of a musicians time!! My experience with music yo was very good. I placed my order and got a receipt number right away, then a thank you for your order the next day as well as a confirmation of shipment with a UPS tracking number. It was here in 6 days. These Krammers are made by Gibson and are shipped from the Gibson factory in Nash. Tenn. You can email Gibson for more info on the Krammer line. (since they are real quite about it online) Visit www.gibson.com Good Luck Laura

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone ordered from here? I am instrested in the Kramer that is $179 (I forgot the model and am to lazy to load up the browser I has 2 "quad rail" humbukers and 1 double rail humbuker in the middle. Also comes with a Floyd Rose tremolo and some kick ass tuners. So, any good? Or has anyone ordered from their yet? Thanks Nicola

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I bought the same guitar your looking at. I love it! Right now I own two Les Pauls, a JB player PRS copy, and a Cort Flying V. This guitar doesn’t sound like any of them. The sound is close to a Jackson or Ibanez but a little beefier. I play mainly hard rock in the vain of Ratt and it does great for what I need it for. I haven’t played out with it yet but I’ve recorded with it and it did great!! No Noise. I have a Line 6 Flextone 300 watt head through a Peavy 412e cab. So just about any guitar would sound great to me!! It will depend a lot on what type of setup you have and what style of music you play. The guitar stays in tune providing you have it setup correctly. It seems like it will hold up against the test of a musicians time!! My experience with music yo was very good. I placed my order and got a receipt number right away, then a thank you for your order the next day as well as a confirmation of shipment with a UPS tracking number. It was here in 6 days. These Krammers are made by Gibson and are shipped from the Gibson factory in Nash. Tenn. You can email Gibson for more info on the Krammer line. (since they are real quite about it online) Visit www.gibson.com Good Luck

Just that everyone understands, the new Kramer Strikers may be "shipped" from Gibson’s factory in Nashville TN but they are made in Korea. I’m still looking for someone here to post a review of the guitar. I’m looking for quality and playability.  I have to be honest in that I am intrested in picking one up (can’t beat the price) but the one thing that holds me back in the "rail" pickups that the guitar comes with. The MusicYo site states that the rail pickup’s have a 2/4 configuration where you can pull up on the tone knob to turn on all four pickup rails.  The problem for me is if I don’t like the pickups it doens’t seem like it would be very easy to just replace them with better pickups. The 2/4 pickup selector switch may have to be replaced as well.  I have played the new Kramer Baretta’s with the rail pickups and I wasn’t that impressed. The Jackson DK’s sounded much better (with the Duncan design pickups).   So can anyone who has purchased a new Kramer Striker from MusicYo post an in-depth review of the guitar (quility, sound, opinion of the "rail" pickups etc..). Regards, — — Matt Costanza Austin, TX USA

Response:

Very good company for their guitars, great service. For strings, give www.stringsdirect.co.uk a try – they are also apparently excellent but have far cheaper delivery costs. Stu

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Has anybody else had any dealings with MusicYo.com ? I logged on a couple of days ago to look at buying a few items, which initially looked good on pricing. However when it actually came to delivery costs, sheesh, it worked out more expensive than buying it from my local retailer ! I am based in the UK, and delivery for 1 (or 10) sets of strings worked out at 39.85 dollars standard delivery ( from the European warehouse) or $97.13 dollars for express delivery ( from the European warehouse) – I nearly fell off my chair ….. Any feedback mush appreciated Rgds Gary

Response:

Hi, Has anybody else had any dealings with MusicYo.com ? I logged on a couple of days ago to look at buying a few items, which initially looked good on pricing. However when it actually came to delivery costs, sheesh, it worked out more expensive than buying it from my local retailer ! I am based in the UK, and delivery for 1 (or 10) sets of strings worked out at 39.85 dollars standard delivery ( from the European warehouse) or $97.13 dollars for express delivery ( from the European warehouse) – I nearly fell off my chair ….. Any feedback mush appreciated

I purchased a guitar (Steinberger Spirit GT-Pro), gigbag, etc. from them.  I’ve been very pleased with their service, incl. customer service & tech support (I used email for both). Dave Morgenlender

Response:

I’ve dealt with them pretty extensively and have been happy with the instruments I purchased. I have purchased strings from them, but since I live in the US, shipping cost is not a major concern. My guess is you might be better off purchasing strings locally as suggested, unless they are the sole source (like for my Steinberger). If these are regular strings, I’d recommend also checking out musicians friend or American Musical Supply for bulk discounts and shipping. If you’r not concerned with brand names, they may have generic bulk strings you may purchase. Another possibility with Music Yo is to contact them to see if they will ship via your preffered shipper. They might be willing to do it for you. Contact is by email only, however, they have responded to some requests in the past and have been a pleasure to deal with. Toby

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anybody else had any dealings with MusicYo.com ? I logged on a couple of days ago to look at buying a few items, which initially looked good on pricing. However when it actually came to delivery costs, sheesh, it worked out more expensive than buying it from my local retailer ! I am based in the UK, and delivery for 1 (or 10) sets of strings worked out at 39.85 dollars standard delivery ( from the European warehouse) or $97.13 dollars for express delivery ( from the European warehouse) – I nearly fell off my chair ….. Well, I don’t know about their shipping prices on small items like Christmas gift last year…….but I think if I was going to actually buy anything from them, it would be something like a guitar or amp and not strings.  Is there a reason you can’t go to a local store for strings? Charles — Head Papershuffler Paper Airplane Division (currently assigned to the Rubber Band Flight Dynamics project)

Response:

Hi, Has anybody else had any dealings with MusicYo.com ? I logged on a couple of days ago to look at buying a few items, which initially looked good on pricing. However when it actually came to delivery costs, sheesh, it worked out more expensive than buying it from my local retailer ! I am based in the UK, and delivery for 1 (or 10) sets of strings worked out at 39.85 dollars standard delivery ( from the European warehouse) or $97.13 dollars for express delivery ( from the European warehouse) – I nearly fell off my chair

I noticed the UK prices are much higher. I have no idea about tariffs or costs in the US. The prices in the US are lower and you can use the US postal service to lower the delivery costs – something a lot of places are now using after the tech bubble collapsed and freebies and subsidies went out the window as wel las the feeling that online sales was the future of retailing. Fuel costs also rose with the rise of oil prices causing a rise a shipping prices. I got my bass delviered I think for $12 or so by the postal service and it got here in about a week about the same as UPS which would have cost $30-40.  

Response:

Has anybody else had any dealings with MusicYo.com ? I logged on a couple of days ago to look at buying a few items, which initially looked good on pricing. However when it actually came to delivery costs, sheesh, it worked out more expensive than buying it from my local retailer ! I am based in the UK, and delivery for 1 (or 10) sets of strings worked out at 39.85 dollars standard delivery ( from the European warehouse) or $97.13 dollars for express delivery ( from the European warehouse) – I nearly fell off my chair …..

Well, I don’t know about their shipping prices on small items like gift last year…….but I think if I was going to actually buy anything from them, it would be something like a guitar or amp and not strings.  Is there a reason you can’t go to a local store for strings? Charles — Head Papershuffler Paper Airplane Division (currently assigned to the Rubber Band Flight Dynamics project)

Response:

Hi, Has anybody else had any dealings with MusicYo.com ? I logged on a couple of days ago to look at buying a few items, which initially looked good on pricing. However when it actually came to delivery costs, sheesh, it worked out more expensive than buying it from my local retailer ! I am based in the UK, and delivery for 1 (or 10) sets of strings worked out at 39.85 dollars standard delivery ( from the European warehouse) or $97.13 dollars for express delivery ( from the European warehouse) – I nearly fell off my chair ….. Any feedback mush appreciated Rgds Gary

Response:

Question:

My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there (positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

Janet,    Most importantly, remember that serevent is not a resuce med…If you are having trouble right now use albuterol.  Serevent is a long term med use it twice a day….say 7a-7p.  Some meds givwe some people nightmares…funny, but I have nightmares if I take my multivitamin before bed!?   Never skip your serevent even if you are feeling good.  This also goes for any inhaled steroids you are taking…Steroids (inhaled) take a couple of weeks to build up in the body…so never skip your inhaled steroids! bill

Response:

I’ve been using Serevent for about 2 years and it’s enabled me to cut out Ventolin almost totally. Initially it gave me cramps in my feet- still does occasionally and I’ve noticed my eyesight has deteriorated (need to use glasses for reading larger print than before) but this may have happened anyway. I would give this drug 9.9 marks out of 10! As someone else mentioned you can use it early (borrow a puff ahead of next dose) if you feel your chest tightening and provided you are resting you will avoid need to use Ventolin as all will be well within 15 mins.

Response:

I’ve used Serevent for around 6 months or so.  I personally think it is wonderful.  I take 2 puffs twice a day.  I used to use 2 inhalers of proventil a month, and now I barely need to use one.   I also take atrovent and proventil 2 puffs, 4 times a day, and flovent 2 puffs twice a day.  It all seems to work pretty good. My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there

(positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

Response:

I tried SereVent a couple of weeks ago.  Results were somewhat beneficial but the doctor had to take me off of it because it made me too shaky.  I was practically unable to do anything manipulative with my hands while I was on it.  The shakiness would last until about 10 hours after using it. Angela

This is a side effect some people have when initially prescribed the maximum dose of 2 puffs twice a day (of the MDI). Some of these people can build up a tolerance for it by starting at a reduced dose, eg 1 puff once/day in the evening. A dry powder form, the Serevent Diskus, has recently been approved by the FDA, expected to be available next year. The DPI form is twice the strength of the MDI form so you use 1 puff twice a day. See http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/97/09/22/glx_y0022_1.html Ellis

Response:

My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there (positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

I love this stuff!  I will probably only take it during the winter, but it has helped even out my peak flow readings (they used to stay in the green area, but were all over the place, now they are very consistently within a 40 point range), it makes it so I don’t cough when I’m out in cold weather (2 block walk to campus was terrible, and getting from the edge of campus to my classes was worse) and I haven’t had nearly the number of side effects from it as I did from my rescue inhaler (MaxAir).  It’s kind of a pain to do 2 puffs twice a day from 2 different inhalers (I’ve started carrying it all in an insulated lunch bag), but if it means I don’t cough until I choke, I think I’ll put up with it. janet (so there *are* some other people out there named Janet –  I never knew anybody else with my name until about a year ago!)  :)

Response:

My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there (positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

I have used Serevent before. It made me shaky for quite a while. Interestingly, the shorter acting Ventolin, a similar drug, does not affect me as badly. For prevention, I an on Flovent, and it lessens my need for bronchodilators like Serevent and Ventolin. Many have good experiences with Serevent, though, so if it works well and has little or no side effects, stick with it. Donald Hellen (Note: Anti-Spam Measure… remove the "1" in front of our address to reply by email.)

Response:

I tried SereVent a couple of weeks ago.  Results were somewhat beneficial but the doctor had to take me off of it because it made me too shaky.  I was practically unable to do anything manipulative with my hands while I was on it. The shakiness would last until about 10 hours after using it. Angela

Try sticking with the Serevent for a few months.  Some people on this type of medication get over the shakiness after a while; I did (with Brethine, a tablet). — David Matthews, Boston University

Response:

I tried SereVent a couple of weeks ago.  Results were somewhat beneficial but the doctor had to take me off of it because it made me too shaky.  I was practically unable to do anything manipulative with my hands while I was on it.  The shakiness would last until about 10 hours after using it. Angela That which doesn’t break us makes us stronger.

Response:

My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there (positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

It works very well for me. —                 Read about the new book from Brustas Consulting                     at  http://users.abac.com/pbrustas                 Computer Renaissance  8396 Parkway Drive                      La Mesa, CA  91942  (619) 464-3711

Response:

My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there (positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

Janet, I love my Serevent inhaler!  I have been taking this medicine for a little over a year now, and my asthma has really improved with continued and concientious use (paired with Flovent 110).  I started noticing results in about one month.  I think I  like it so much because I don’t have to take the Proventil four times a day anymore. It was hard for me to meet that dosage and very inconvienient.  As always, pay attention to your own symptoms.  If you don’t notice a change, or if you feel like you are getting worse, call your doctor right away!  Good luck! We are each of us angels with only one wing. And we can only fly embracing each other.                    –Luciano De Creschenzo

Response:

I have used serevent now for nearly 2 years. It is brilliant, it works so well for me. It just enforces what your reliever does but it is active for about 12 hours. The only problem I have is that with the accuhaler you can taste it and it doesn’t taste too good but other than that it is great. I don’t know if you have been told, but it is worth using it before your preventer. Hope this helps. love Hannah – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there (positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

Response:

My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there (positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

It works great for me, 2 puffs twice a day. Initially I had to get my allergist to put in a special request to my HMO 3 years ago to get them to approve it–because of my nocturnal asthma. If I’m going folk dancing in the evening, I often take one of the 2 evening puffs early, it works for exercise too, takes about 15 min to start taking effect. However the max dose is 4 puffs/day, so if I need more bronchodilation, I use Ventolin. The only side effects I noticed, initially I seemed to have nightmares if I used it just before going to bed, but it was OK if I used it at least 2 hr before. After a couple months that phenomenon went away. I also use Vanceril DS 2 pf x2, Intal and TheoDur 200mg x2. I just recently added the TheoDur back in. It seems to give better overall control. Ellis

Response:

My doc put me on a new inhaler called SereVent. Any experience out there (positive or negative) with this drug? I have done some research on it but I would also be interested in personal experiences. Thanks. Janet

Response:

Question:

x-no-archive: yes When I see my doctor again, I’m going to try a new inhaler.  Any suggestions from people about what ones are the best?  I need something better that I can use that won’t cause migraines. Rechelle

There are 4 beta2-agonist bronchodilator inhalers recommended by the NHLBI EPR2 national asthma guidelines; albuterol (MDI or DPI) [Ventolin] terbutaline  MDI [Breathaire] pirbuterol breath-actuated MDI [Maxair] bitolterol MDI [Tornalate] They all have similar action and side effects. Albuterol is the most popular and cheapest as its available in generic form. The asthma guidelines state that if you need to use the above rescue inhaler more than once per day, it indicates the need to increase your dose of inhaled steroids; Pulmicort Turbuhaler and Flovent MDI or DPI or the new most effective ones. Ellis — Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)

Response:

you may be right about the connection between headaches and albuterol. i have had no problems with my maxair inhaler, but when i do my nebulizer those days are full of pain and suffering due to powerful headaches. and i never get headaches normally and when i do nothing can compete with these doozies.

Response:

x-no-archive: yes When I see my doctor again, I’m going to try a new inhaler.  Any suggestions from people about what ones are the best?  I need something better that I can use that won’t cause migraines. Rechelle

For bronchodilators I think Albuterol is considered one of the safest – but they all tend to have similiar side effects.  Another popular bronchodilator is terbutaline – never used it myself so I don’t know what the side effects are like.  In Canada (not sure about US) – Berotec is another bronchodilator – and that was the first bronchodilator I used (I now use albuterol) – I found the side effects to be worse with Berotec vs albuterol – but than everyone is different.  I have also used one called ProAir (Procaterol HCl Hemihydrate) for a bronchodilator – I found that it worked a little slower for me than berotec – but it worked well and the sideeffects will almost nil.  Again I am not sure if this drug is in the US or not.  I hear mention of Maxair too – not sure if that is an older bronchodilator or not. As people have alos probably told you here – it is important to be on an inhaled steroid drug (ask the doctor about this) – so you shouldn’t have to use the bronchodilator short acintg) very often.  Perhaps you are getting headaches from too frequent use of albuterol and if you use it less you might find it alright.  You might also find that Serevent (long acting bronchodilator) gives you less side-effects – though because it takes about 30 minutes to kick it  - it isn’t a replacement for a shortacting bronchodilator.  Some countries have access to formoterol which is both fast acting and long acting (I don’t think it is approved in the US though not sure about Canada).

Response:

I hear mention of Maxair too – not sure if that is an older bronchodilator or not.

Not sure how long Maxair has been around, but my son, daughter and I all three use it.(for about 5 years)  I don’t think it is one of the "older" ones though.It gives better delivery of the med. without a spacer and is breath activated. This makes it hard to take if you are to the point of not being able to breathe well enough to actuate it, but by this point you need a neb anyway.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – x-no-archive:yes I’ve been lurking for about a day now and wanted to find out if anyone here has had any trouble taking Albuterol USP inhalers?  I’ve been asthmatic for several years now and was in bad shape Sunday night/Monday morning due to severe broncitis & sinus infection.  My peak flow was only 200 and I usually blow a 750.  I started the Albuterol yesterday and by last night had a severe migraine.  I was wondering if it was fluke or if I may have a problem with this.  I moved to the States from Canada and had a couple old inhalers but the dr. yesterday but me on a new one that he said was comparable.  Any advice on rescue inhalers would be greatly appreciated. Warmest regards, Rechelle

A side effect of albuterol at high dose is headache. However with a peak flow of only 27% PB, you would need a lot more than just albuterol. Most would head for the emergency room at this point. Some would try high dose inhaled steroids, like Pulmicort; the usual regimen is a burst dose of prednisone, along with albuterol. There are other rescue inhalers, like terbutaline; they’re all beta2 agonist bronchodilators; and all have similar side effects. Ellis — Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)

Response:

I also had a steriod injection, and am on Prednisone for now.  After this, we’re going to look at other alternatives.  Just wanted to find out about the Albuterol. Rechelle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – x-no-archive:yes I’ve been lurking for about a day now and wanted to find out if anyone here has had any trouble taking Albuterol USP inhalers?  I’ve been asthmatic for several years now and was in bad shape Sunday night/Monday morning due to severe broncitis & sinus infection.  My peak flow was only 200 and I usually blow a 750.  I started the Albuterol yesterday and by last night had a severe migraine.  I was wondering if it was fluke or if I may have a problem with this.  I moved to the States from Canada and had a couple old inhalers but the dr. yesterday but me on a new one that he said was comparable.  Any advice on rescue inhalers would be greatly appreciated. Warmest regards, Rechelle A side effect of albuterol at high dose is headache. However with a peak flow of only 27% PB, you would need a lot more than just albuterol. Most would head for the emergency room at this point. Some would try high dose inhaled steroids, like Pulmicort; the usual regimen is a burst dose of prednisone, along with albuterol. There are other rescue inhalers, like terbutaline; they’re all beta2 agonist bronchodilators; and all have similar side effects. Ellis — Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)

Response:

Question:

writes – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My Pulmonologist has suggested getting the flu shot this year and would welcome any advice for or against.  I’m still trying to get stablized with my medication and sure don’t want any complications or even a mild case of the flu right now.  The doctor assured me that they inject a dead vaccine and not the live one given years ago….. but am still very leery since vacation is pretty close for me.  Would welcome any advice?  Thanks! Denice Hi Denice: I was diagnosed with asthma 2 years ago.  Last year was the first time I ever got a flu injection.  My GP and allergist insisted I get one.  Your immune system is already damaged and coming down with the flu could be fatal.

I don’t think my immune system is damaged – I don’t get any more of the general run of coughs & colds than anyone else in the office (possibly less in fact) – but if I *do* get them I will often be iller. Good Luck, Maria

– Surfer!

Response:

If you can’t get the flu from the shot, then how come I always get sick for two or three days after I get the shot? You CANNOT get the flu from the flu shot. Possible answers: 1A.  Coincidence.  You would have gotten sick anyway.

One of the funniest things that ever happened to me:  About 4 years ago, I was standing in a long line of folks to receive a flu shot.  And guess what–the nurse who was doing the shots was herself sneezing and coughing and blowing her nose from a bad cold!  The medical office didn’t realize that those of us who were trying to avoid the flu were probably not too interested in catching a bad cold either.  :-) Needless to say, I washed my hands and arms thoroughly afterward.  But I wonder what happened to the others who weren’t that fastidious.  :-) — Steven D. Litvintchouk                   Disclaimer:  As far as I am aware, the opinions expressed herein             are not those of my employer.

Response:

Your dr. is correct. The most common side effect of the flu shot is soreness at the injection site (hardly a sign of the flu), although occasionally people feel flu-like joint soreness and fatigue. Get the shot – the flu can literally kill susceptible people, the shot just makes you a bit uncomfortable. – tg (an RN w/ asthma) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My Pulmonologist has suggested getting the flu shot this year and would welcome any advice for or against.  I’m still trying to get stablized with my medication and sure don’t want any complications or even a mild case of the flu right now.  The doctor assured me that they inject a dead vaccine and not the live one given years ago….. but am still very leery since vacation is pretty close for me.  Would welcome any advice?  Thanks! Denice

Response:

The only thing to watch out for (at least with the UK version) is allergy to eggs.  They always ask me before putting the needle in.  Now that reminds me – it must be time to make that appointment. Real flu (lots of people call a bad cold flu) is a debilitating illness at best, and quite dangerous for the elderly, and those with chronic lung, heart or kidney problems or diabetes.  All these groups can get free flu jabs in the UK – apparently the government has about 10,000,000 shots lined up. My Pulmonologist has suggested getting the flu shot this year and would welcome any advice for or against.  I’m still trying to get stablized with my medication and sure don’t want any complications or even a mild case of the flu right now.  The doctor assured me that they inject a dead vaccine and not the live one given years ago….. but am still very leery since vacation is pretty close for me.  Would welcome any advice?  Thanks! Denice

– Surfer!

Response:

I was wondering, what are oral steriods?  I mean, can someone give me an example?  I always get the different types of medications all mixed up.  There are so many of them!!!  I’m on Flovent, Singulair, and Provental, are any of those oral steroids?

Oral steroids come in pill form.  These medications are the ‘big hammer’ used to get the asthma back under control fast during times when your normal medications are not working.  (For example, if you get the flu your doctor is probably going to put you on oral steroids.) Flovent is an inhaled steroid.  This medication has a huge advantage over oral steroids in that it uses a dosage that is somewhere around 1/30th of that of the oral version.  The disadvantage is that this medication works slowly over time. Singulair is a leukotrine receptor antagonist.  This medication blocks the receptor sites for a chemical that is crucial to the inflammation process that drives asthma symptoms. Proventil is a beta-agonist.  This medication activates the beta receptor sites in the airways causing the muscles to relax and open the airways. "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."    General Colin Powell

Response:

None of those are oral steroids. Predisone, prednisolone, pediapred, prelone, dexamethasone, decadron are all steroids.  Check out my web site at www.ibabydoc.com for a discussion on all asthma meds. Dr. Michael Bornstein, M.D. F.A.A.P. www.ibabydoc.com

Response:

If you can’t get the flu from the shot, then how come I always get sick for two or three days after I get the shot?

Because your immune system thinks you have the flu.  The idea here is to trick the body so that it produces the appropriate antibodies. (BTW, if the immunization makes you feel bad – think of what the real disease will do to you.) "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."    General Colin Powell

Response:

My Pulmonologist has suggested getting the flu shot this year and would welcome any advice for or against.  I’m still trying to get stablized with my medication and sure don’t want any complications or even a mild case of the flu right now.  The doctor assured me that they inject a dead vaccine and not the live one given years ago….. but am still very leery since vacation is pretty close for me.  Would welcome any advice?  Thanks! Denice I have never had a flu shot, neither has my DH or either of our kids. We

looked at the number of viruses out there, the very small number covered by this shot, and the possible reactions to it and opted not to have them. During the last 12 years, I have had a mild flu once.  DH & the kids never have.

Response:

My Pulmonologist has suggested getting the flu shot this year and would welcome any advice for or against.  I’m still trying to get stablized with my medication and sure don’t want any complications or even a mild case of the flu right now.  The doctor assured me that they inject a dead vaccine and not the live one given years ago….. but am still very leery since vacation is pretty close for me.  Would welcome any advice?  Thanks! Denice

Hi Denice: I was diagnosed with asthma 2 years ago.  Last year was the first time I ever got a flu injection.  My GP and allergist insisted I get one.  Your immune system is already damaged and coming down with the flu could be fatal. Good Luck, Maria

Response:

I have always heard it gives you a ‘touch’ of the virus so your body can build up resistance to it.

Response:

If you can’t get the flu from the shot, then how come I always get sick for two or three days after I get the shot?

Maybe because the flu shot covers only a few small varieties of the flu, and there are many more out there.  You may be susesptible to a variety that its not expected many people will be suspectible to and wasn’t incluced in the shot.  Or maybe it was a cold, not the flu; there are hundreds of cold viruses. The flu shot is not a panacea for all illness.  Its simply a highly probable prevention for a small few.

Response:

If you can’t get the flu from the shot, then how come I always get sick for two or three days after I get the shot?

You CANNOT get the flu from the flu shot. Possible answers: 1A.  Coincidence.  You would have gotten sick anyway. 1B.  Coincidence.  The flu shot alters your immune response and so you get sick with a critter that perhaps you wouldn’t have gotten as sick with. 2.  You caught Something Evil from the sick people visting your doctor’s office when you got the flu shot. 3.  Your immune system responds to the vaccine with: "wow! dead critters!  better wage biochemical warfare *just* to be sure!!"; kind of like how it goes "wow! pollen!  time to wage biochemical-thermonuclear war to protect this body from the Evil Invader!!"…

Response:

If you can’t get the flu from the shot, then how come I always get sick for two or three days after I get the shot? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would definitely get the flu shot. You cannot catch the flu from it and it will prevent some pretty serious illness in an asthmatic. Dr. Michael Bornstein, M.D. F.A.A.P. www.ibabydoc.com

Response:

My daughter, who has asthma, got the flu last January, type A and B and was hospitalized for seven days.  It was pretty severe and she was on oxygen for five of those days.  Although she was young, 13 months, the consequences of asthmatics with the flu at any age can’t be a good combination.

Response:

I would definitely get the flu shot. You cannot catch the flu from it and it will prevent some pretty serious illness in an asthmatic. Dr. Michael Bornstein, M.D. F.A.A.P. www.ibabydoc.com

Response:

I say do it. I have gotten them for over 10 years and i am thankful. Flu’s with asthma don’t go over well..

Response:

<~ I’m on Flovent, Singulair, and Provental, are any of those oral steroids? ~ I think Singulair is.

Response:

<~ I’m on Flovent, Singulair, and Provental, are any of those oral steroids? ~ I think Singulair is.

None of these are.  Flovent is an inhaled steroid.   Examples of oral steroids would be : prednisone, medrol or decadron

Response:

My Pulmonologist has suggested getting the flu shot this year and would welcome any advice for or against.  I’m still trying to get stablized with my medication and sure don’t want any complications or even a mild case of the flu right now.  The doctor assured me that they inject a dead vaccine and not the live one given years ago….. but am still very leery since vacation is pretty close for me.  Would welcome any advice?  Thanks!

I get the flu shot the moment it is available.  Last year I and few other people who got the shot were the only people at work who were not out sick for several days.   "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."    General Colin Powell

Response:

I was wondering, what are oral steriods?  I mean, can someone give me an example?  I always get the different types of medications all mixed up.  There are so many of them!!!  I’m on Flovent, Singulair, and Provental, are any of those oral steroids? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My daughter, who has asthma, got the flu last January, type A and B and was hospitalized for seven days.  It was pretty severe and she was on oxygen for five of those days.  Although she was young, 13 months, the consequences of asthmatics with the flu at any age can’t be a good combination. Well, I’m in my forties, but even at my age, asthma and flu just don’t mix!  Therefore I get the flu shot every year. You *CANNOT* contract flu from a flu shot.  The only problem is if you’re on oral steroids.  These drugs can depress the immune response to the flu vaccine, so it won’t give you the immunity. — Steven D. Litvintchouk                   Disclaimer:  As far as I am aware, the opinions expressed herein             are not those of my employer.

Response:

I have had a flu shot every year since about 1970, and I have ONLY had any reaction whatever once. I had a mild feeling of malaise for about four hours the next afternoon. I did have the flu once about 12-15 years ago — a different virus from the vaccine — and was sick for weeks. I do everything possible to avoid risking a recurrence of that experience. Emily – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My Pulmonologist has suggested getting the flu shot this year and would welcome any advice for or against.  I’m still trying to get stablized with my medication and sure don’t want any complications or even a mild case of the flu right now.  The doctor assured me that they inject a dead vaccine and not the live one given years ago….. but am still very leery since vacation is pretty close for me.  Would welcome any advice?  Thanks! Denice

Response:

My daughter, who has asthma, got the flu last January, type A and B and was hospitalized for seven days.  It was pretty severe and she was on oxygen for five of those days.  Although she was young, 13 months, the consequences of asthmatics with the flu at any age can’t be a good combination.

Well, I’m in my forties, but even at my age, asthma and flu just don’t mix!  Therefore I get the flu shot every year. You *CANNOT* contract flu from a flu shot.  The only problem is if you’re on oral steroids.  These drugs can depress the immune response to the flu vaccine, so it won’t give you the immunity. — Steven D. Litvintchouk                   Disclaimer:  As far as I am aware, the opinions expressed herein             are not those of my employer.

Response:

My Pulmonologist has suggested getting the flu shot this year and would welcome any advice for or against.  I’m still trying to get stablized with my medication and sure don’t want any complications or even a mild case of the flu right now.  The doctor assured me that they inject a dead vaccine and not the live one given years ago….. but am still very leery since vacation is pretty close for me.  Would welcome any advice?  Thanks! Denice

Asthmatics are in the high risk group for whom flu shots are especially recommended. See: http://www.kaiserpermanente.org/locations/midatlantic/newsroom/vaccin… Kaiser Permanente launches annual flu vaccination campaign "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kaiser  Permanente particularly recommend flu vaccinations for those  who are at special risk for adverse flu reactions. As part of  its campaign, Kaiser Permanente has sent flu shot reminders  to more than 115,000 local members in high-risk  categories. Those considered at "high-risk" for flu  complications include those who:  Are 65 or older;  Have a chronic illness such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease,  or have a family member with a chronic illness;  Have a weakened immune system, such as from HIV or cancer;  Interact with a lot of people in school, work, or leisure settings; and  Are pregnant and will be in the second or third trimester during  the flu season, or are planning to become pregnant during the  flu season. For additional information, members and others should visit  the Kaiser Permanente web site at            www.kaiserpermanente.org  " Ellis

Response:

My Pulmonologist has suggested getting the flu shot this year and would welcome any advice for or against.  I’m still trying to get stablized with my medication and sure don’t want any complications or even a mild case of the flu right now.  The doctor assured me that they inject a dead vaccine and not the live one given years ago….. but am still very leery since vacation is pretty close for me.  Would welcome any advice?  Thanks! Denice

Response:

My Pulmonologist has suggested getting the flu shot this year and would welcome any advice for or against.  I’m still trying to get stablized with my medication and sure don’t want any complications or even a mild case of the flu right now.  The doctor assured me that they inject a dead vaccine and not the live one given years ago….. but am still very leery since vacation is pretty close for me.  Would welcome any advice?  Thanks! Denice

First flu shots were in 1942 I believe.  I got it in the army.  Had a two-three day mild fever and aching arm from the shot.  Have had many since including during periods of fairly severe asthma.  Never more than an mildly aching arm for a day.  Most  times not even that.  My experience is that they are a pretty trivial experience any more. A respiratory infection on top of asthma could get pretty nasty.  Think you should listen to your doctor.

Response:

If any of you can and want to get the flu shot, get it now!  I was putting it off, I normally get it around the end of October.  However, I ended up with the flu the last couple days.  Terrible headache (I thought my head was going to explode) and a high fever and nausea.  I was sick for a couple days and am still sick.  GET IT NOW!!!  You don’t want this, trust me! Darcy

Response:

i have found that my immune system has been badly affected  due to colitus and then crohns.  a flu shot is no longer something that i can take. it affects me differently than normal people. i get sick almost immediately and it takes me longer to get over it than most people. on a lighter side ,i try to stay away from small children and sneezing coughing adults. hehe mary? merry? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone get this?  Last time I had one, was at work and started to get a reaction and the nurse about scared the crap out of me.  I know the vaccine contains eggs, which I was allergic to when growing up, but grew out of it. With all these new bugs, was thinking about trying it again, but going to my doc for it instead.  Has anyone else experienced problems with it? Thanks. Julie

Response:

a flu shot is no longer something that i can take. it affects me differently than normal people. i get sick almost immediately and it takes me longer to get over it than most people.

I thought I was the only one!  My doc told me that the shot would make me sicker than it was worth!  I used to get them every year, but no more!   Margie

Response:

I got my Fly shot, I am afraid as hell that if I get the flu, it will kill me. I get i every year and have never regretted getting it.

Have you seen "The Fly"?  If so, you know what you’re in for!  :=} Kathi

Response:

They still use eggs to incubate the vaccine. We have been told by the Health Dept. that we have to make sure we ask if a person is allergic to eggs before we can give them the injection. From what I have been given to understand they are incubating it in other tissue now as well but it is going to cost more.   Cathy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (Darcy) writes: Don’t know if they still use the egg product in it though, I know something was changed with the shot, you need to ask! No, they don’t use egg anymore. Kathi

Response:

Hi, I have a shot each winter but my doctor makes sure he weans me down to a lower dose of Pred. before I have the shot and then starts building them up again about a week later.  I feel a bit off color for a few days but listening to "healthy people"  they suffer too.  I think it is worth the effort.  The shot does not have the full effect I had a mild flu this winter (I was off work for a week, flu for 4 days and 1 day resting and having B12 shot and iron supplements at Docs.) some people in the office were away for 3 weeks!!! Keep well, Luv Michelle ( in the Southern Hemi.) — — Michelle Wilhelm 21A Dinton Street, Christchurch 8004, New Zealand Phone: +64 3 342 7877 —-

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Julie, I have been on Prednisone for over 2 years, currently on 15mg, started on Imuran 50mg 2 months ago, and now on 100mg.  I consulted with both my GI and PCP about getting a flu shot being on the immunosuppressants, and both recommended that I get one, even after hearing that I almost always get the flu after getting the shot (got them for 7 years in the military). After talking with both doctors and thinking about it, I would rather be sick for a week now than several times through the winter. My cousin is allergic to eggs and also has Crohn’s but he can’t take the flu shot as he reacts to it and one time it was rather serious.  So I would definitely check with your doctor and maybe an allergist to be tested to see if you are allergic to eggs.  As a child I had lots of allergies, and I still have some, but outgrew quite a few of them. Hope this helps. Ken — CD Class of 97 http://www.augustweb.com/~kjakin/ Does anyone get this?  Last time I had one, was at work and started to get a reaction and the nurse about scared the crap out of me.  I know the vaccine contains eggs, which I was allergic to when growing up, but grew out of it. With all these new bugs, was thinking about trying it again, but going to my doc for it instead.  Has anyone else experienced problems with it? Thanks. Julie

Response:

(Darcy) writes: Don’t know if they still use the egg product in it though, I know something was changed with the shot, you need to ask!

No, they don’t use egg anymore. Kathi

Response:

Gooniebird ???? I have always had problems but I got one last week in the hospital and it went okay.  They are different now anyway.  My Doctor insists that any of his high risk patients get one especially this year since it is suppose to be really bad.  Do it Goonie. jstew — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

Julie,     I have Crohn’s and allergic to eggs. I’ve been on Pred since last week of August, currently I’m on 30mg…..My primary dr, doesn’t reccommend that I have the flu shot Tania

Response:

I’ve had the flu shot two years in a row (recommended by my GI) and have my appt for this years.  Have been on pred each time, and was never told not to have it because of that.  It has sure saved me from that nasty flu so far… Tracy

Response:

Julie – I have gotten the flu shot for the last 5 years and also had the pneumonia shot last year at the recomendation of my GI doctor.  It has helped me to not get sick with the flu at all.  The first year I had a reaction to it, just minor flu (side effect) other than that, nothing.  I have had CD for 8 years now!  I will also be getting it this year, it is recommended for anyone with a chronic disease/autoimmune system problems.  Don’t know if they still use the egg product in it though, I know something was changed with the shot, you need to ask! Have a great day and keep smiling! Darcy

Response:

Julie, I have been on Prednisone for over 2 years, currently on 15mg, started on Imuran 50mg 2 months ago, and now on 100mg.  I consulted with both my GI and PCP about getting a flu shot being on the immunosuppressants, and both recommended that I get one, even after hearing that I almost always get the flu after getting the shot (got them for 7 years in the military). After talking with both doctors and thinking about it, I would rather be sick for a week now than several times through the winter. My cousin is allergic to eggs and also has Crohn’s but he can’t take the flu shot as he reacts to it and one time it was rather serious.  So I would definitely check with your doctor and maybe an allergist to be tested to see if you are allergic to eggs.  As a child I had lots of allergies, and I still have some, but outgrew quite a few of them. Hope this helps. Ken — CD Class of 97 http://www.augustweb.com/~kjakin/

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone get this?  Last time I had one, was at work and started to get a reaction and the nurse about scared the crap out of me.  I know the vaccine contains eggs, which I was allergic to when growing up, but grew out of it. With all these new bugs, was thinking about trying it again, but going to my doc for it instead.  Has anyone else experienced problems with it? Thanks. Julie

Response:

Julie, In addition to my last post, One of the doctors I work with told us yesterday afternoon that they now are incubating the vaccine in tissue as well as eggs. He thought the vaccine is probably more expensive. This vaccine is for those who are allergic to eggs. Cathy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone get this?  Last time I had one, was at work and started to get a reaction and the nurse about scared the crap out of me.  I know the vaccine contains eggs, which I was allergic to when growing up, but grew out of it. With all these new bugs, was thinking about trying it again, but going to my doc for it instead.  Has anyone else experienced problems with it? Thanks. Julie

Response:

Does anyone get this?  Last time I had one, was at work and started to get a reaction and the nurse about scared the crap out of me.  I know the vaccine contains eggs, which I was allergic to when growing up, but grew out of it. With all these new bugs, was thinking about trying it again, but going to my doc for it instead.  Has anyone else experienced problems with it? Thanks. Julie

Julie,     I got mine about 2 weeks ago, and I had a huge welt on my arm from the shot for several days and it hurt like crazy, but it was worth it – the flu I had last winter was brutal!  But I’ve never been allergic to eggs … Sioux — * Remove the word "froggies" from our "reply-to" address (reply to * * http://www3.sympatico.ca/lilypad **

Response:

Does anyone get this?  Last time I had one, was at work and started to get a reaction and the nurse about scared the crap out of me.  I know the vaccine contains eggs, which I was allergic to when growing up, but grew out of it. With all these new bugs, was thinking about trying it again, but going to my doc for it instead.  Has anyone else experienced problems with it? Thanks. Julie

Response:

If you have been on Prednisone in the past year you should inform the nurse, according to the information I have from my pharmacist.  In fact, if you are on any drugs for IBD or otherwise, I’d disclose that information. Related: when I was in the hospital, they mentioned something about TB vacination, but I do not recall the details.  I think the statement was in reference to pred and reduction in immune system response.

: Does anyone get this?  Last time I had one, was at work and started to : get a reaction and the nurse about scared the crap out of me.  I know : the vaccine contains eggs, which I was allergic to when growing up, but : grew out of it. With all these new bugs, was thinking about trying it : again, but going to my doc for it instead.  Has anyone else experienced : problems with it? : Thanks.

Response:

Julie, I was allergic to eggs as a child and thought I outgrew it. My doctor gave me a skin test with the vaccine and I developed a huge hive at the sight of the injection. He told me not to get the vaccine. This was a number of years ago so I had never tried again. When I started working at a clinic there was a doctor who said that if a person is allergic to eggs they can take 1/10 of a cc intradermally and still get up to 80% immunity. I have been doing this for the past 4 years and it has worked out quite well. I still get a giant hive on my arm but feel it is a small price to pay. You could ask your doctor about this. Cathy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone get this?  Last time I had one, was at work and started to get a reaction and the nurse about scared the crap out of me.  I know the vaccine contains eggs, which I was allergic to when growing up, but grew out of it. With all these new bugs, was thinking about trying it again, but going to my doc for it instead.  Has anyone else experienced problems with it? Thanks. Julie

Response:

My drs always strongly recommended the flu shots for me no matter what I was on. Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you are, or have been recently, on any Prednisone or immunosuppressant drugs, you should definately check with your doctor first before receiving *ANY* immunizations.  You could get really sick and maybe even die. Thanks, Mike That is scarey.  I’m supposed to get my flu shot tomorrow, and now I’m concerned.  I asked the Dr at CCFA.COM and he said it’d be ok but I didn’t tell him I was on prednisone and 6mp.  I also take asacol. Now I don’t know what to do. Elise

Response:

Linda- I believe you are supposed to go to the doc within 24 to 48 hours of the onset.  I suppose the sooner you feel it coming on and can start the meds… the sooner it will get you feeling better.  Hope this helps. Be well- Tracy CD class of ‘98 my homepage: http://home.talkcity.com/ParadiseDr/goodboie/index.html  : )  smile – it makes people wonder what you’re up to!

Response:

Elise- I was on pred when I got my flu shot.  Two years ago, I was on Asacol, Imuran (similar to 6mp) and Pred.  I haven’t had any adverse reactions.  But if you are unsure, call your doc. Be well- Tracy CD class of ‘98 my homepage: http://home.talkcity.com/ParadiseDr/goodboie/index.html  : )  smile – it makes people wonder what you’re up to!

Response:

It all depends on whether the vaccine contains live or dead virus. I think the flu vaccine is dead strains so it’s safe, but by all means ask your dr. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you are, or have been recently, on any Prednisone or immunosuppressant drugs, you should definately check with your doctor first before receiving *ANY* immunizations.  You could get really sick and maybe even die. Thanks, Mike That is scarey.  I’m supposed to get my flu shot tomorrow, and now I’m concerned.  I asked the Dr at CCFA.COM and he said it’d be ok but I didn’t tell him I was on prednisone and 6mp.  I also take asacol. Now I don’t know what to do. Elise

Response:

I thought we had overactive immune systems that is why we take stuff like 6mp to supress our immune systems? I had the flu shot last week no problems. But you are right each person should research it on their own. Rachael – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not a chance!!  I’ll never take a flu shot again. Last week in the Vancouver Paper headlines were 20 deaths linked to the flu shot. Us IBD’ers already have a weakened immune system I’m not about to throw a flu shot at it also.I haven’t taken a flu shot since I started researching nutrition. Your best bet is to keep on researching it yourself and decide from there.. whether you want to have them or not..Weigh all the pros and cons. Hi there, Have any of you been able to get the flu shot?  I have CD and was wondering if it is an option.    I did catch the flu last year and it was pretty bad. Thank you. Pam

Response:

If you are, or have been recently, on any Prednisone or immunosuppressant drugs, you should definately check with your doctor first before receiving *ANY* immunizations.  You could get really sick and maybe even die. Thanks, Mike

That is scarey.  I’m supposed to get my flu shot tomorrow, and now I’m concerned.  I asked the Dr at CCFA.COM and he said it’d be ok but I didn’t tell him I was on prednisone and 6mp.  I also take asacol. Now I don’t know what to do. Elise

Response:

Elise, I am on 6MP and received the flu shot.  My GI said I’d be fine to get it and I insisted on talking w/ my allergist on how effective it would be. What convinced me was when he said if it was him he’d get the shot. Talk it over with your GI or regular doctor if you have any doubts.  mgbio CD Class of ‘99 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you are, or have been recently, on any Prednisone or immunosuppressant drugs, you should definately check with your doctor first before receiving *ANY* immunizations.  You could get really sick and maybe even die. Thanks, Mike That is scarey.  I’m supposed to get my flu shot tomorrow, and now I’m concerned.  I asked the Dr at CCFA.COM and he said it’d be ok but I didn’t tell him I was on prednisone and 6mp.  I also take asacol. Now I don’t know what to do. Elise

Response:

Hi Tracy, How soon is soon enough?  It was 3 days before I could get to my doctor and I was crawling from the bed to the bathroom. I don’t think I’ve ever been so sick in my whole life!  Would those three days have been too late?  I’ll definitely remember the inhaler if I become ill with the flu again.  Thanks for the info. Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just one more thing to add… if anyone does get the flu, make sure you get to the doc early… there is a drug available (called Relenza, I believe).  My husband got the flu last year, and was able to use this inhaler.  It cut down his time being sick from the average of 7-10 days to 3-4.  But you have to catch it early, or the docs won’t give it to you.  Just a suggestion in case anyone gets hit by it this year. Be well- Tracy CD class of ‘98 my homepage: http://home.talkcity.com/ParadiseDr/goodboie/index.html : )  smile – it makes people wonder what you’re up to!

Response:

i had a flu shot about 6 weeks ago, no problem. pia

Response:

P14, If you are, or have been recently, on any Prednisone or immunosuppressant drugs, you should definately check with your doctor first before receiving *ANY* immunizations.  You could get really sick and maybe even die. Thanks, Mike — To reply via email remove the (SPAM_BLOCKER) from my email address: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there, Have any of you been able to get the flu shot?  I have CD and was wondering if it is an option.    I did catch the flu last year and it was pretty bad. Thank you. Pam

Response:

Not this year.  Last year I got sick from the flu shot (granted, I was run-down when I got the shot).  I suffered a "mini" flu for seven days (fever, weak). And then when my husband and son got the flu, I got it again!!  This year I got treated homeopathically for the flu (for the first time).  We’ll see how it goes.  Either way, it will be a long time until I get the flu shot again. Diana  CD ‘81

Response:

Pam, I have gotten them every year for a long time except for this year. I got the flu last year in spite of the shot, so this year I am going to wing it and see what happens. I have never had an adverse effect on my IBD from the shot, to answer your question. Mark CD c/o 88

Response:

I got the flu shot in October.  I just can’t risk having it knock me down and out…. Be well- Tracy CD class of ‘98 my homepage: http://home.talkcity.com/ParadiseDr/goodboie/index.html  : )  smile – it makes people wonder what you’re up to!

Response:

Just one more thing to add… if anyone does get the flu, make sure you get to the doc early… there is a drug available (called Relenza, I believe).  My husband got the flu last year, and was able to use this inhaler.  It cut down his time being sick from the average of 7-10 days to 3-4.  But you have to catch it early, or the docs won’t give it to you.  Just a suggestion in case anyone gets hit by it this year. Be well- Tracy CD class of ‘98 my homepage: http://home.talkcity.com/ParadiseDr/goodboie/index.html  : )  smile – it makes people wonder what you’re up to!

Response:

Hi Pam, I’ve been getting a flu shot for years.  I don’t think I’d go without as I came down with it a few yrs back when another strain of flu came out they weren’t expecting.  I don’t think I’ve ever, ever felt so bad in my life!!!  I’d have abdominal surgery before having the flu again.  That case, unfortunately, ended in pneumonia.  Even colds, for me, end up with bronchitis.  I finally was able to get my shot last week at Kroger no less!  My doctor’s office is still waiting for their shipment of vaccines and I was afraid to wait any longer. Linda p.s.  I also had the one time only pneumonia shot a few years ago and would advise others that have trouble with upper respiratory problems to have it too.

Response:

What?! Do you have a link to this article? I haven’t heard anything about any problems expect the shortage. Rebecca

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not a chance!!  I’ll never take a flu shot again. Last week in the Vancouver Paper headlines were 20 deaths linked to the flu shot. Us IBD’ers already have a weakened immune system I’m not about to throw a flu shot at it also.I haven’t taken a flu shot since I started researching nutrition. Your best bet is to keep on researching it yourself and decide from there.. whether you want to have them or not..Weigh all the pros and cons. Hi there, Have any of you been able to get the flu shot?  I have CD and was wondering if it is an option.    I did catch the flu last year and it was pretty bad. Thank you. Pam

Response:

Hi there, Have any of you been able to get the flu shot?  I have CD and was wondering if it is an option.    I did catch the flu last year and it was pretty bad. Thank you. Pam

Hi Pam I got the flu shot 3 weeks ago. My main reason was that i take imuran which supresses the imunesystem, and therefore it takes longer to recover. An ordinary cold takes me 2-3 weeks to recover from. Take care Lars cd class of 98

Response:

Yes, I had the flu shot in oktober, like the last years. It doesn’t give me trouble. But I was the only one at work who has not been sick this year! — Martin The Netherlands http://www.dahlhaus.demon.nl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there, Have any of you been able to get the flu shot?  I have CD and was wondering if it is an option.    I did catch the flu last year and it was pretty bad. Thank you. Pam

Response:

Not a chance!!  I’ll never take a flu shot again. Last week in the Vancouver Paper headlines were 20 deaths linked to the flu shot. Us IBD’ers already have a weakened immune system I’m not about to throw a flu shot at it also.I haven’t taken a flu shot since I started researching nutrition. Your best bet is to keep on researching it yourself and decide from there.. whether you want to have them or not..Weigh all the pros and cons.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there, Have any of you been able to get the flu shot?  I have CD and was wondering if it is an option.    I did catch the flu last year and it was pretty bad. Thank you. Pam

Response:

Pam, I got the shot, on the advice of my allergist.  I ran a fever for several days afterwards but my GI and I are not sure if it was due to the shot or the abscess I developed from my fistula (neither of which are related).  mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there, Have any of you been able to get the flu shot?  I have CD and was wondering if it is an option.    I did catch the flu last year and it was pretty bad.  Thank you. Pam

Response:

Hi there, Have any of you been able to get the flu shot?  I have CD and was wondering if it is an option.    I did catch the flu last year and it was pretty bad.  Thank you. Pam

Response:

I’ve gotten the flu shot every year since I was dxed (in 97 or so). I’ve had no problem with it. My GI believes very strongly in IBD patients getting the shot. I got mine (when there weren’t *any* to be had) at his office. Rebecca

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there, Have any of you been able to get the flu shot?  I have CD and was wondering if it is an option.    I did catch the flu last year and it was pretty bad. Thank you. Pam

Response:

Question:

Advair is a combo drug and you may have better luck with something else. I use Pulmicort and a rescue inhaler and it work well for me as I can adjust the Pulmicort steroid independently. Lane

Response:

My son takes the 500/50 dose every day for a year now and is LOSING weight…what gives? Good question. My Brother-In-Law is taking Serevent and having the same problem and so am I. Just wondering if it is the Serevent.

There are some lung diseases that tend to have weight loss as a side effect, like NTM. See: http://www.ntminfo.com/ Nontuberculous Micobacteria "Common Symptoms of NTM: Loss of Weight and Loss of Appetite – It is not uncommon to lose weight and therefore it is important to be aware of weight changes. Please consult with your doctor and/or a nutritionist to determine how to modify and augment your diet so that you get enough calories to maintain your weight at an ideal level that helps your body fight the illness and keep up your strength. Eat, eat, eat. The mycobacteria may compete with your body for calories. "

Response:

My son takes the 500/50 dose every day for a year now and is LOSING weight…what gives?

Good question. My Brother-In-Law is taking Serevent and having the same problem and so am I. Just wondering if it is the Serevent.

Response:

My son takes the 500/50 dose every day for a year now and is LOSING weight…what gives?

Response:

Steroids should be used in the minimum dose to control the problem.

  [Side effects are a function of the dose] National asthma guidelines recommend that a Patient Action plan

  be followed, to adjust doses of asthma drugs according to symptoms   and peak flow readings. Typically the steroid inhaler dose is   doubled and bronchodilator used as needed when peak flow drops   into the Yellow Zone [50-80% personal best] http://www.vh.org/Providers/ClinGuide/AsthmaIM/comp1/AssessmentB.html

   Periodic Assessment and Monitoring http://www.NationalJewish.org/medfacts/asthma_action_plan.html Ellis

Are peak flow readings really dependable enough to determine when to use steroid inhaler and bronchodilator?  I think the way the person feels is more dependable.  My first peak flow meter had strange highs, up to 770.  Sometimes I felt chest tightness above 600 or might feel good at 300.  I called the tollfree product information phone number, and after several steps, they offered a free peak flow meter of a new model, which of course I accepted. That newer peak flow meter is not prone to unreasonable highs, but still is not the whole story.  I don’t use it regularly.

Response:

I have adult onset asthma (come from family where childhood asthma was frequent, usually outgrown) diagnosed 15 years ago.  I am 61 and have been on a variety of medications over the years.  Right now I am on Uniphyl, singular and about a year ago I switched from two different inhaled medicines (one steroid) to Advair Discus –cut–   I was on 500/50 dosage until about a month ago. About a month ago I asked my doctor to reduce the dosage and went down to the 250/50  About 10 days ago I went to the 100 and do not have any significant changes. Two days ago I decided to skip several days to see if I could do without.  I can tell no difference (I expected to wake up wheezing in the middle of the night and have to use my Ventolin).

Steroids should be used in the minimum dose to control the problem. [Side effects are a function of the dose] National asthma guidelines recommend that a Patient Action plan be followed, to adjust doses of asthma drugs according to symptoms and peak flow readings. Typically the steroid inhaler dose is doubled and bronchodilator used as needed when peak flow drops into the Yellow Zone [50-80% personal best] http://www.vh.org/Providers/ClinGuide/AsthmaIM/comp1/AssessmentB.html  Periodic Assessment and Monitoring http://www.NationalJewish.org/medfacts/asthma_action_plan.html Ellis

Response:

If your other medications control your asthma well – and please do check with your doctor to see that your symptoms are under control to his/her satisfaction as well – then the fact that you can do without an inhaled steroid is good news, indeed. If I were you, I would spend a month or two on the 100/50 Advair before getting off it completely, just to ease the transition, or at least be prepared to go back on it if the need arises. Singulair is a miracle medicine, in my opinion.  My son, who suffers from mild asthma, takes Singulair every day of his life now but no other asthma medication on a regular basis.  He does use a Serevent diskus beforehand when he knows he’ll have an active day and that does seem to help, and you might consider that option as well.  Although I have noticed it is a distinctly unpopular opinion to hold on this newsgroup, there are some people, my son among them, for whom the Serevent component without the Flovent steroid provides effect treatment. (For what it’s worth, I, too, tried Serevent without Flovent but I seem to need them both.) Best of luck with it all. -S- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have adult onset asthma (come from family where childhood asthma was frequent, usually outgrown) diagnosed 15 years ago.  I am 61 and have been on a variety of medications over the years.  Right now I am on Uniphyl, singular and about a year ago I switched from two different inhaled medicines (one steroid) to Advair Discus — which is a combined medicine, definitely  including an inhaled steroid.  It has controlled the asthma very well. However I started gaining weight and am now 35 lbs heavier — all in my stomach, neck and face (funny pouches of fat on the sides of my neck) — definitely cushingoid  effects (I have no official diagnosis, only read about it on the internet)   Also bruising red easily.  I was on 500/50 dosage until about a month ago.  I was on a pretty rigorous exercise/diet program for 6 weeks and lost not a lb. I finally determined  that the steroids were the cause — though I have been told that the inhaled steroids did not have side effects. About a month ago I asked my doctor to reduce the dosage and went down to the 250/50  About 10 days ago I went to the 100 and do not have any significant changes. Two days ago I decided to skip several days to see if I could do without.  I can tell no difference (I expected to wake up wheezing in the middle of the night and have to use my Ventolin).  I am calling my allergist tomorrow to make an appointment with him.  Maybe my pretty serious asthma is better (have been doing a lot of breath work and yoga) and maybe I can stop the steroids. I feel like I have a bowling ball instead of a stomach and my waistline has disappeared. On the otherhand I have pretty serious asthma — had to be hospitalized 4 years ago with an attack and have had pneumonia twice in the last 3 years.  I surely don’t want to lose control of the asthma, but am hoping there is some alternative to the daily use of inhaled steroids. Sorry this is so long.  My first chance to talk to my peers about our common bond — asthma. . — Judy Turnipseed

Response:

I have adult onset asthma (come from family where childhood asthma was frequent, usually outgrown) diagnosed 15 years ago.  I am 61 and have been on a variety of medications over the years.  Right now I am on Uniphyl, singular and about a year ago I switched from two different inhaled medicines (one steroid) to Advair Discus — which is a combined medicine, definitely  including an inhaled steroid.  It has controlled the asthma very well. However I started gaining weight and am now 35 lbs heavier — all in my stomach, neck and face (funny pouches of fat on the sides of my neck) — definitely cushingoid  effects (I have no official diagnosis, only read about it on the internet)   Also bruising red easily.  I was on 500/50 dosage until about a month ago.  I was on a pretty rigorous exercise/diet program for 6 weeks and lost not a lb. I finally determined  that the steroids were the cause — though I have been told that the inhaled steroids did not have side effects. About a month ago I asked my doctor to reduce the dosage and went down to the 250/50  About 10 days ago I went to the 100 and do not have any significant changes. Two days ago I decided to skip several days to see if I could do without.  I can tell no difference (I expected to wake up wheezing in the middle of the night and have to use my Ventolin).  I am calling my allergist tomorrow to make an appointment with him.  Maybe my pretty serious asthma is better (have been doing a lot of breath work and yoga) and maybe I can stop the steroids. I feel like I have a bowling ball instead of a stomach and my waistline has disappeared. On the otherhand I have pretty serious asthma — had to be hospitalized 4 years ago with an attack and have had pneumonia twice in the last 3 years.  I surely don’t want to lose control of the asthma, but am hoping there is some alternative to the daily use of inhaled steroids. Sorry this is so long.  My first chance to talk to my peers about our common bond — asthma. . — Judy Turnipseed

Response:

Question:

Hello, I am new to this group and hope to find some support for my panic attacks. I used zoloft for 10 years to control panic, and have been off it for 1 year. (I tapered off very slowly over the course of a year.) Now panic attacks are returning in full force. I am trying to control them with gaba, but not having much success. Does anyone have any thoughts or information on wjether the brain can recover after 10 years of anti-depressant use? Or suggestions for alternative approaches. I am desperate because my anxiety is leading to diahrea, lack of sleep, loss of weight. Thanks for any help.

Gaba doesn’t pass the blood-brain barrier and anyway it’s not a *lack of Gaba* that’s causing PD. I would suggest trying a benzodiazepine like Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium which, unlike the antidepressants, *do* work on the Gaba system. Benzos will cause *dependence* (as do many ADs and a myriad of other meds) for which reason some doctors won’t prescribe them, confusing dependence and addiction. Benzos are first choice meds for panic and dependence means you shouldn’t stop taking them suddenly but by way of a slow taper. Philip — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

:I am new to this group and hope to find some support for my panic attacks. :I used zoloft for 10 years to control panic, and have been off it for 1 year. I tapered off very slowly over the course of a year.) Now panic attacks are :returning in full force. I am trying to control them with gaba, but not having :much success. Welcome to ASAPM! Sorry you are having a setback. That`s par for the course when it comes to living with an anxiety disorder GABA hasn`t been proven having any luck with it. oes anyone have any thoughts or information on wjether the brain can :recover after 10 years of anti-depressant use? Or suggestions for alternative :approaches. I am desperate because my anxiety is leading to diahrea, lack f sleep, loss of weight. Thanks for any help. When you ask about the brain recovering from 10 year antidepressant use, do you think your brain was hurt by using zoloft for 10 years? Let me assure you that what you are experiencing is quite normal for people with anxiety disorders, meds or not. Setbacks after the cessation of medication is unfortunately…. too common. I urge you to seek professional help as soon as possible. If you are very adverse to taking another antidepressant, than ask your doctor about benzodiazepines. If you are against meds period, then look into cognitive behavioral therapy. It is the most effective therapy for anxiety disorders. Here are two informative links on CBT: http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/therapycbt/ http://www.cognitivetherapy.com/ Here`s a link to a great website on anxiety disorders, there is a wealth of information at this site. http://panicdisorder.about.com/index.htm?once=true&COB=home&PID=2791 Take care Jackie ~*~My grandfather always said that living is like licking honey off a thorn~*~ — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

 nothing perfect in life, the zoloft was effective enough to eliminate your anxiety and you (might) never had to learn how to deal with your disorder, so if for some reason you have to quite taking it your anxiety disorder can come back   if you are genetically prone to a anxiety disorder you have to work a lot harder than normal people to help deal with anxiety and this would be to learn many different coping techniques along with medication as needed and there very well could be a time in your life where medication is the only effective answer and possibly a time when you might be able to work to diminish many of the symptoms without med Jim     Hello,   I am new to this group and hope to find some support for my panic attacks. I used zoloft for 10 years to control panic, and have been off it for 1 year. (I tapered off very slowly over the course of a year.) Now panic attacks are returning in full force. I am trying to control them with gaba, but not having much success.   Does anyone have any thoughts or information on wjether the brain can recover after 10 years of anti-depressant use? Or suggestions for alternative approaches. I am desperate because my anxiety is leading to diahrea, lack of sleep, loss of weight. Thanks for any help.

Response:

Hello, I am new to this group and hope to find some support for my panic attacks. I used zoloft for 10 years to control panic, and have been off it for 1 year. (I tapered off very slowly over the course of a year.) Now panic attacks are returning in full force. I am trying to control them with gaba, but not having much success. Does anyone have any thoughts or information on wjether the brain can recover after 10 years of anti-depressant use? Or suggestions for alternative approaches. I am desperate because my anxiety is leading to diahrea, lack of sleep, loss of weight. Thanks for any help.

First of al : Welcome to this group it can be a great help I can see your problem,but (this maybe doesn’t is the info you are looking for) I think the problem isn’t the intake of zoloft for 10 years. When I read your symptoms I can only assume your PAD isn’t under control without medication. I don’t think your brain needs to recover from Zoloft. Jackie gave you some excellent links. Unfortenatly PAD isn’t a disorder that disappears. With very few people it is a temporary thing. Of course you are free to live without medication but then ,like Elliot said, there is a great need for therapy (CBT) so you can control your thinking. You can post here all you want for info and support. We all know what you are talking about ! Take care from Anna — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Laura, I would like to know your experience on zoloft as I am considering it. I deal with a lot of anxiety and probably mini PA’s on a daily basis. I take klonopin as needed, and boy it makes me good. chaz

Hello, I am new to this group and hope to find some support for my panic attacks. I used zoloft for 10 years to control panic, and have been off it for 1 year. (I tapered off very slowly over the course of a year.) Now panic attacks are returning in full force. I am trying to control them with gaba, but not having much success. Does anyone have any thoughts or information on wjether the brain can recover after 10 years of anti-depressant use? Or suggestions for alternative approaches. I am desperate because my anxiety is leading to diahrea, lack of sleep, loss of weight. Thanks for any help. — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Does anyone have any thoughts or information on wjether the brain can recover after 10 years of anti-depressant use? Or suggestions for alternative approaches. I am desperate because my anxiety is leading to diahrea, lack of sleep, loss of weight. Thanks for any help.

I am coming off of Serzone after using it for at least 10 years. I came off the Serzone very slowly and have medical supervision on this. I have been told by my Dr. that if I was to come off the medication too quickly, I would probably trigger an episode of deep depression. My experience so far now that I am off Serzone completely for 3 days is that my tension migraines are a wee be worse but my head has lost much of its "fog." This trade-off is worth it for me but anxiety may in the end cause me to have to go back on meds. Good luck Ron — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Long term use of the SSRIs presents a lot of problems.  It doesn’t usually work forever and at a certain point they need to be stopped. As an episodic problem panic disorder probably is going to do best with an episodic treatment.  Withdrawal after long term use can be much more severe than you describe, and people need to be aware that withdrawal induced suicidal ideation is a problem — as is the induction of new symptoms of anxiety and panic that were not present previously.  Zaps are often confused with panic attacks.  So is withdrawal related visual lag/vertigo and withdrawal related nausea. All that aside, what can one do?  It seems that when a person stops a SSRI, they are relatively serotonin depleted.  My strategy to boos serotonin on the supply side is to prescribe l-tryptophan at a dose of 1000 mg twice daily — to be taken on an empty stomach with a bit of sugar only (juice, soda crackers, etc.)  Tryptophan is converted to serotonin in the brain.  I avoid 5-HTP because it is converted into serotonin to a large extent outside of the brain and this can potentially cause the same sort of cardiac problems that phen-fen caused.  Taking the tryptophan with SAM-e  200 to 400 mg can boost serotonin synthesis even further.  If you have a prior history of manic episodes, avoid the SAM-e. Some of my patients have found significant relief from SSRI/Zoloft withdrawal using this strategy. Stuart Shipko, M.D. Panic Disorders Institute http://www.algy.com/pdi — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hello, I am new to this group and hope to find some support for my panic attacks. I used zoloft for 10 years to control panic, and have been off it for 1 year. (I tapered off very slowly over the course of a year.) Now panic attacks are returning in full force. I am trying to control them with gaba, but not having much success. Does anyone have any thoughts or information on wjether the brain can recover after 10 years of anti-depressant use? Or suggestions for alternative approaches. I am desperate because my anxiety is leading to diahrea, lack of sleep, loss of weight. Thanks for any help. Hi Laura, It sounds like the Zoloft was controlling your anxiety disorder, and after you stopped it, the panic attacks returned. I’d restart the Zoloft. I’ve been on Zoloft for over 10 years, primarily for recurrant depression. In the past when I have discontinued the Zoloft, my depression returns. Chip — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Welcome to the group Laura.  Maybe you should talk to your doctor about going back on Zoloft or another med.  So sorry about the way this disorder is affecting you.  :-(  I’m weaning onto Celexa, but it’s only been 2 weeks so I’m not much help there.  I think you’ll find lots of supportive people here.  Please take care. Hugs, Di   Hello,   I am new to this group and hope to find some support for my panic attacks. I used zoloft for 10 years to control panic, and have been off it for 1 year. (I tapered off very slowly over the course of a year.) Now panic attacks are returning in full force. I am trying to control them with gaba, but not having much success.   Does anyone have any thoughts or information on wjether the brain can recover after 10 years of anti-depressant use? Or suggestions for alternative approaches. I am desperate because my anxiety is leading to diahrea, lack of sleep, loss of weight. Thanks for any help.

Response:

Welcome, Laura!!   I’m sorry you are experiencing this again.  There is no reason you can’t resume your Zoloft if it helped you before, and you need it.  I don’t think you are ‘recovering’ from 10 years of anti-depressant use…I think you are just plain suffering from an anxiety disorder.  It’s really OK to take meds if you need them, Laura.  A diabetic needs insulin…someone with anxiety or depression also needs meds.  It’s the same thing.   If I were you, I would contact the doctor and start something again.   This can cause you other health problems if gone untreated. Healing hugs, Gigglz   Hello,   I am new to this group and hope to find some support for my panic attacks. I used zoloft for 10 years to control panic, and have been off it for 1 year. (I tapered off very slowly over the course of a year.) Now panic attacks are returning in full force. I am trying to control them with gaba, but not having much success.   Does anyone have any thoughts or information on wjether the brain can recover after 10 years of anti-depressant use? Or suggestions for alternative approaches. I am desperate because my anxiety is leading to diahrea, lack of sleep, loss of weight. Thanks for any help.

Response:

Hello, I am new to this group and hope to find some support for my panic attacks. I used zoloft for 10 years to control panic, and have been off it for 1 year. (I tapered off very slowly over the course of a year.) Now panic attacks are returning in full force. I am trying to control them with gaba, but not having much success. Does anyone have any thoughts or information on wjether the brain can recover after 10 years of anti-depressant use? Or suggestions for alternative approaches. I am desperate because my anxiety is leading to diahrea, lack of sleep, loss of weight. Thanks for any help.

Response:

Hello, Laura, and welcome. I used zoloft for 10 years to control panic, and have been off = it for 1 year. … Now panic attacks are returning in full force.

It may be that you could discuss going back on the Zoloft, with your doctor or psychiatrist. If it helped you then, it will probably help you now. I am desperate because my anxiety is leading to = diahrea, lack of sleep, loss of weight.

I’m so sorry to hear this! Laura, there is really no need to suffer when a medication exists that can help you. Please talk to your doctor about resuming the Zoloft! xxoo Anne — The charter is available at:  http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Laura, Welcome to ASAPM!!!  Why make yourself suffer when going back on Zoloft could reduce or eliminate the anxiety and its symptoms. smiles, Elise   Hello,   I am new to this group and hope to find some support for my panic attacks. I used zoloft for 10 years to control panic, and have been off it for 1 year. (I tapered off very slowly over the course of a year.) Now panic attacks are returning in full force. I am trying to control them with gaba, but not having much success.   Does anyone have any thoughts or information on wjether the brain can recover after 10 years of anti-depressant use? Or suggestions for alternative approaches. I am desperate because my anxiety is leading to diahrea, lack of sleep, loss of weight. Thanks for any help.

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor) Try Wellbutrin. It causes a larger output of…er…you know. The intensity  will make you forget about hair loss. Do a google search on ASD-med  using words hair and Wellbutrin. Posters have repeatedly reported hair loss,  and or courser hair from WB. .

My hair is growing faster. I think everything is being produced faster. I just started Rispardol and it put a slight damper on everythiung feelings-wise. (.5 mg)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor) Try Wellbutrin. It causes a larger output of…er…you know. The intensity  will make you forget about hair loss.

Do a google search on ASD-med  using words hair and Wellbutrin. Posters have repeatedly reported hair loss,  and or courser hair from WB. .

Response:

I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs:

LOL. Don’t worry about the hairloss. I’ve never heard of SSRIs causing hairloss. Of the ones you listed I would pick fluoxetine because (I’m assuming you’re in the U.S.), it’s the cheapest – you can get generic fluoxetine now because Eli Lilly’s patent has run out. None of them are necessarily better than any other, but they have slightly different side-effect profiles. Zoloft was very friendly side-effects wise for me, so you may want to consider that. However because it has a short half-life, you may get withdrawals (I did). I don’t think anyone has got withdrawals from fluoxetine because of its very long half life. I would leave Effexor as a second option if the SSRI stops working, or doesn’t work at all. It has very bad withdrawals from what I’ve read. And it seems it’s extremely expensive over there (correct me if I’m wrong). — Regards, .

Response:

stimulants like wellbutrin will only make it worse in the long run and wellbutrin is even more likely to give you tardive dyskinesia than the ssris’s – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor) Try Wellbutrin. It causes a larger output of…er…you know. The intensity  will make you forget about hair loss.

– Steroids caused my depression, infertility, breast development and shrunken testicles …prednisone should be used conservatively Eric

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Try Wellbutrin. It causes a larger output of…er…you know. The intensity  will make you forget about hair loss.

Response:

Why not try mirtazapine? I can’t believe how fast my hair has been growing since i started it. My barber has even commented on it.

Response:

Sorry, too depressed to care about hair loss. — Teilhard Knight The Extraterrestrial Who ate my sandwich? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Shave your head. It’s the *in* thing to do anyway. Lots of girls are liking the "Mr. Clean" look nowadays.

Response:

I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 3. Sertraline (Zoloft)

No 4. Paroxetine (Paxil)

No 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor)

No Don’t know about the others (yet) Monkeyboy ***risk all, go extreme***

Response:

I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Response:

Question:

You seem to be missing my point.  If you are as desparate as you keep saying I don’t understand why you don’t just go have the treatment.  You say you are treatment resistant.  Are you really, or are you just resistant to treatment? You can’t shove it down someone else’s throat while avoiding it yourself. I am not dismissing your situation.  I really feel sorry for the shape you say you are in.  What does bother me is that you sit here and dismiss everyone elses problems like they don’t matter.  You can’t possibly know the situations that other people are in.  How about 30 years of semi-living?  How about attempted su*c*de and no one cared, didn’t even know?  How about throwing friends out the window because you are too tired and depressed to give them the time of day?  How about 30 years of excuses?  Maybe it isn’t major to you, but it sure can be hell on the ones suffering, not to mention the families they created.  I could go on and on, but I hope you can at least get the jest of what I am trying to say.  Who knows, maybe there was some major depression thrown in along the way. All I know is that it is just as hard on us as yours is on you.  You have to stop with all the assumptions, you don’t know.

Response:

The odds of Tylenol actually killing you is low.

Eric!!  Arrgh. If you take a full bottle of extra-strength Tylenol and don’t go to the hospital for the next few days, the odds of Tylenol actually killing you are about 100%. Denise

Response:

Eric!!  Arrgh. If you take a full bottle of extra-strength Tylenol and don’t go to the hospital for the next few days, the odds of Tylenol actually killing you are about 100%. Denise Awww come on now. How come that isnt in that book "Final Exit?" I think your full of crap. Eric

Okay… since you want to press it…  :-) I haven’t read Final Exit, but if it’s not in there, I imagine that’s because: 1) It’s a horrible way to die — very painful and slow, over a period of days or even a couple of weeks; 2) There is a good chance you’ll recover if someone finds you and gets you to the hospital within the first day for treatment (because there are chemical antidotes that can be administered); and 3) If you do survive, you might be left with permanent liver damage. So, I can see why someone writing a "how-to" book like Final Exit would not want to list Tylenol overdose as a recommended method.   Still, people use it frequently.  Some choose it because that’s what they have access to and they know it will work, and others because that’s what they have access to and they *don’t* realize it will work. It’s an especially big problem among teenagers — swallowing a bunch of Tylenol as a suicidal gesture, not realizing how lethal it can be. Also, because Tylenol is perceived to be safe, friends and family don’t always think to get it out of the home of somenoe who is suicidal. Some countries have even looked at limiting how many Tylenol can be bought at one time in order to curb its use in suicides. Anyway, just because you told me I’m full of crap (:-

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <major snippage I’ve been in constant pain for months and they’ve run more tests than I wanted them to, cat scans and ultrasounds in addition to blood tests. They tell me that pain can be from being BP. Are you saying not? brownee Brownee, I’ve had chronic back pain since a teenager, some…er…30 years ago. I even had an operation on a couple of disks back in ‘84, but was still in a lot of pain and used a cane to get around, had a handicapped plate, the whole bit.  When I started on my first antidepressant, I became pain free within three months.  That was 5+ years ago, and I don’t even remember where my cane is now.  So in my case, the pain was certainly related at least to the depressive side of bipolar;  but since I’ve been hypomanic nearly all my life, I’d vote that it’s the BP making me feel the pain.

That makes me think — an occasionally meritorious thing to do IMO — if not carried to excess of course. I wonder if BP-heightened sensitivities could somehow magnify small "normal" aches and pains into what becomes excruciating sensations for us??? It’s like the pain signals are being processed through a mental amplifier before impacting upon the portions of our brains that register pain. Hummm …. So it is all in my head after all. <G Brian

James

Response:

hey mc, same here. recently increased zoloft and all achey all over. also last summer while manic and on no meds i was in terrible pain that i couldn’t explain–neck, back, joints, bones, feet—even my hair hurt. must be that hypersensitivity or maybe the psychic pain manifesting as physical.     best, lny

Response:

Hi Brownee–I have major aches and pains, too. I’ve blamed it on fibromyalgia–or something– for quite some time…… Just read tonight that one of the more obscure side effects of Zoloft ( and the other SSRI’s, I assume ) is major joint aches…..Interesting, since I’ve been alot worse lately and have also recently upped my dose of Z. You might also do a search on Substance P. It’s a neurotransmitter that is related to pain transmission and they’ve also found it to have marvelous AD effects…..They’re making it sound like it’s gonna be the next generation of successful ADs…..and pain relievers.   mc

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <major snippage I’ve been in constant pain for months and they’ve run more tests than I wanted them to, cat scans and ultrasounds in addition to blood tests. They tell me that pain can be from being BP. Are you saying not? brownee Brownee, I’ve had chronic back pain since a teenager, some…er…30 years ago. I even had an operation on a couple of disks back in ‘84, but was still in a lot of pain and used a cane to get around, had a handicapped plate, the whole bit.  When I started on my first antidepressant, I became pain free within three months.  That was 5+ years ago, and I don’t even remember where my cane is now.  So in my case, the pain was certainly related at least to the depressive side of bipolar;  but since I’ve been hypomanic nearly all my life, I’d vote that it’s the BP making me feel the pain.

Hey, thanks for giving me some hope that there will be some relief to this pain. I have a lot of joint pain which they insist is not arthritis and sometimes move so stiffly and awkwardly that I scare the cats. I was not looking forward to that for the rest of my life. That makes me think — an occasionally meritorious thing to do IMO — if not carried to excess of course. I wonder if BP-heightened sensitivities could somehow magnify small "normal" aches and pains into what becomes excruciating sensations for us??? It’s like the pain signals are being processed through a mental amplifier before impacting upon the portions of our brains that register pain. Hummm …. So it is all in my head after all. <G Brian James

That’s kind of what I was thinking throughout the "intrusions" thread. Maybe it’s all the same thing. Maybe we’re just so hypersensitive to everything. On the other hand, when I had surgery to relieve pain, the doctors felt that, based on my behavior, I could wait until the next non-emergency surgery, 2 weeks away. When I woke up, the doctor was there apologizing for making me wait those 2 weeks — what he’d found inside would have made him schedule immediate surgery if he’d known. Maybe we learn to "maintain" in front of the "normals"? Well, speaking of intrusions, today was a nice rainy day in the NW and I didn’t have to leave the house today or even do too much around the house and got to enjoy the peaceful sound of rain on the skylight. No kids shrieking, no bass thrumming, no basketballs thwumping. no dogs barking. Just rain. It was wonderful. brownee

Response:

Question:

You are right: you are best judge of what your body is up to. I now insist my doctor let me titrate. I leave each session with an upper dose I cannot exceed. There is also a suggested rate of increase I should not exceed (fat chance). Then I increase at the rate which is comfortable for me. (Reverse holds true for going off meds.) I note you’ve been on the new stuff only. Is there a reason you haven’t tried tricyclics or MAOIs? Some people report mircles from them, when the new SSRIs and variation are unsuccessful. Good luck. Stuck

Response:

Well…..I’ve tried eight AD’s …..First was zoloft..did that for 8 months, and for a time added trazodone along with it.  It worked so-so…. Next was paxil…did that for about 3 months.  I didn’t have energy to do much of anything.  The withdrawl was 2 weeks of misery.   Next I went without anything for about 2 months.  Signed up for a 10 week self esteem class which used a workbook on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  I felt worse about myself at the end than I did when I started.   Then I tried prozac for 4 months….helped some (any improvement was better than I was).  Started having significant side effects after the dose went beyond 50mg.  Started feeling more depressed as the dose increased. Started effexor…almost stopped it cuz I felt so yucky, but I think it was due to coming off the prozac.  Effexor worked real well for me for about 15 months.  Added wellbutrin for a time, supposedly to help the sexual dysfunction, but it didn’t help. **SOAP BOX TIME** I really don’t think that doctors who work in the field of prescribing antidepressant medications fully appreciate how powerful these drugs are, and how strongly they affect the body.  My doctor, for instance, tends to believe that you can just taper a person (me) off one drug for a week or so and add a new drug at the same time or immediately thereafter, and everything will be hunky dory.  WRONG!!!!  As far as I am concerned, there is always some sort of withdrawl the body goes through when stopping one antidepressant, even if you start another at the same time.  I have gone through this a number of times, and I hope I have been instrumental in helping my doctor learn more about this.  Still, there is that transition period where my life sucks even more when I have changed meds. **END OF SOAP BOX** Anyway, coming off the prozac made it seem like the effexor was giving me a bad reaction at first, but I hung in and after about a week things were ok.   After about 15 months, I was feeling sort of down, more depressed than I had been in a while.  I was also feeling "chemicalized" and kind of wanted to stop.  My pdoc was gonna have me start serzone, but I tapered off the effexor (again with a two week withdrawl) and stopped. So, I then went 3 months taking St. John’s Wort.  It helped some, but I gradually sank down badly again, and when work took a stressful turn, I went down fast.  Back to Depression City. Then I took serzone for 4 months.  It is supposed to make most people a little drowsy, but it had the opposite effect on me.  I felt wired.  It leveled out a bit over time, but during this period I did not sleep very soundly.  It was just moderately effective for the depression. At the beginning of february I started remeron.  Again, in changing meds, I had the usual nausea and stuff associated with withdrawl, but man o man that remeron!! It was like Night of the Living Dead!!  I slept HARD for the 3 weeks I took that stuff.  Supposedly the higher the dose, the more that symptom of sleepiness goes away, but I was still a space cadet even after increasing the dose. So I practically begged my pdoc to let me go back on effexor, which I started again this week.  Right now I’m going through the remeron withdrawls, nausea, diarhea and such, but I feel human again. **THEORY** I believe in my case, having taken antidepressants off and on now for over 3 years, that whatever my depression is, drugs only help it to a moderate degree.  It has been my experience that continually increasing the dosage yields diminishing returns.  It does appear, at least at this time in my life, that I need the help of the antidepressants to handle life.  I am working in other ways on "handling life," and perhaps someday I will obtain some results that will make it unnecessary to take antidepressants. I really don’t know.   But, I think I do best if I take the lowest dose that gives any decent effect. And, I am beginning to believe that my system needs a periodic chemical free period.  So my plan at this point is to take the lowest dose of effexor that will stabilize my mood, which from past experience I think is either 150mg or 225mg.  I think that I will also try to go about a month a year chemical free. I guess to summarize, at least maybe to summarize to myself, it takes a long period of trial and error to find out what works and what doesnt.  The hard part is to somehow hang in there while going through all the ups and downs. Best wishes, Patrick *** To reply by email, remove the zzz from my email address ***

Response: