Question:

Anyway, I have noticed since I have been on the inhalers, intal and azmacort both 2 puffs 3 times a day, I seem to get periods of overheating and sweating.  

I dont know if this is so much an effect of the meds, as it is an effect of the asthma.  After all, you are WORKING at breathing more than a non asthmatic.  I have noticed, though, that my menstrual hot flashes are rather severe, and seem especially bad if I am wheezing. Jennifer

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was recently diagnosed with Asthma (1 month ago).  I had symptoms for approximately 6 months prior and finally went to a doctor when I woke up one night and could barely get a breath. (I used my wife’s proventil inhaler and was able to breathe again – she also has asthma). Anyway, I have noticed since I have been on the inhalers, intal and azmacort both 2 puffs 3 times a day, I seem to get periods of overheating and sweating.  The only relation to exertion is that when I do exert myself, the overheating and sweating increases significantly. My wife has also suffered from these "sweats" for the last couple of years.  She is on azmacort and servent. Is this a side effect of these two medications or one of the medications or is it just one more thing I and my wife have to deal with that goes along with being an asthmatic?  Any thoughts would be appreciated. John The road to wisdom begins somewhere! I tried Flovent and did not like it.  It did not seem to work as well as

Beconase. P. Upchurch

Response:

I was recently diagnosed with Asthma (1 month ago).  I had symptoms for approximately 6 months prior and finally went to a doctor when I woke up one night and could barely get a breath. (I used my wife’s proventil inhaler and was able to breathe again – she also has asthma).   Anyway, I have noticed since I have been on the inhalers, intal and azmacort both 2 puffs 3 times a day, I seem to get periods of overheating and sweating.  The only relation to exertion is that when I do exert myself, the overheating and sweating increases significantly. My wife has also suffered from these "sweats" for the last couple of years.  She is on azmacort and servent. Is this a side effect of these two medications or one of the medications or is it just one more thing I and my wife have to deal with that goes along with being an asthmatic?  Any thoughts would be appreciated. John The road to wisdom begins somewhere!

Response:

Hot flashes do occur in some people using these medicines.  In recent years asthma has been found to be related to the adrenal gland and the release of adrenalin.  It happens to me occassionally but I always attributed it to the Azmacort I use.  Hope this helps.

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Question:

Is there any research indicating that Singulair can have a beneficial effect for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease? I’ve asked my doctor, an internist with a subspecialty in pulmonology, about this, and he was doubtful that the drug would be helpful to me. Since the various "classic" asthma meds are used in treating COPD symptoms, it seems strange that the anti-leukotrienes (and Singulair, in particular) have not been recommended by the drug mfrs. [I posted this question to this list several months ago. I'm asking it again, on the outside chance that there is possibly some new data available.] — Neal Blank http://p3.net/~nealb/

Response:

I am just taking a guess from what I know about Singulair.  I am sure If I am way off base here aleast one of you will correct me.  Singulair, goes after the chemical that at the root of the problem causes the bronchial spasms.  By stopping the spasms there will be less inflammation, in turn lessing the asthma attacks.  Bronchistis, and emphysema are due to inflamed bronchial tubes, but are not caused by the spasms that causes the inflammations of asthma, so Singulair will not help.  I am not sure if I am right but, this may (or may not)help.

Response:

Is there any research indicating that Singulair can have a beneficial effect for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease? I’ve asked my doctor, an internist with a subspecialty in pulmonology, about this, and he was doubtful that the drug would be helpful to me. Since the various "classic" asthma meds are used in treating COPD symptoms, it seems strange that the anti-leukotrienes (and Singulair, in particular) have not been recommended by the drug mfrs. [I posted this question to this list several months ago. I'm asking it again, on the outside chance that there is possibly some new data available.]

No I don’t think there is any data available. I note that in the UK the drug is only licensed for asthma. However, I have COPD with a ‘reversible componant’, which means that I respond to corticosteroid therapy with an improvement in PF and FEV1. I also respond to bronchodilators. Call this asthma if you like, and yes I have been perscribed Singulair and yes it seems to have definitely improved things for me. I have now just finished the first months treatment and the improvement I felt within days of taking it seems to have been maintained. Yesterday was the *first day for over ten years* that I have not used a single puff of Ventolin If you can persuade them to let you have it I would say it is worth a try. Regards Rob Remove the spam from address if replying by email

Response:

I am just taking a guess from what I know about Singulair.  I am sure If I am way off base here aleast one of you will correct me.  Singulair, goes after the chemical that at the root of the problem causes the bronchial spasms.  By stopping the spasms there will be less inflammation, in turn lessing the asthma attacks.  Bronchistis, and emphysema are due to inflamed bronchial tubes, but are not caused by the spasms that causes the inflammations of asthma, so Singulair will not help.  I am not sure if I am right but, this may (or may not)help.

Not wrong, but an oversimplification. Yes, LTD is a potent broncho-constrictor. BUt it appears to be having at least mild anti-inflammatory effects at least in mild to moderate asthmatics.  THe reasons arent clear yet, but bronchospasm can lead to secondary release of mediators (prostaglandin D, Thromboxane A, cytokines, etc) which ARE inflammatory. If LTD even partially inhibits the release of such mediators from mast cells, eosinophils etc, it would have anti-inflammatory effects. BUT – *I* don’t know of any evidence that LTD is a precipitating agent in COPD.  If it’s not a major player in that disease, SIngulair/Accolate’s impact is likely to be far less than in asthma.  To date, there are no scientific studies of the question.  Both LTE and LTB (a leukotriene NOT targeted by Accolate/Singulair) have been shown to be elevated in COPD, but whether reducing that elevation has any effect in the disease doesnt appear to have been studied.  IF LTB is importand, COPD may be better treated with Zyflo than with the LT-RAs.

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After this I tried Celexa, Effexor and Zoloft.  Each helped for a week or two and then the irritability and aggression began to steadily increase until it became urgent that I stop the drug. Hi Louise, I had feelings and thoughts of aggression for a few weeks after starting to raise the Zoloft dose to high levels. What I did was take a little bit of Benadryl, about a few grains from a broken store-brand capsule, to settle the agitation.  Eventually after a few days of the Benadryl the agitation stopped and never came back again. I also started raising the dose very gradually. I have a family history of bipolar (called manic depressive back then), and my pdoc concluded that I should NEVER take any more SSRIs because I have the biological tendency to become manic from them. Are you sure you are manic on them permanently? Some of us get manic on them for a while, but only for a while. I was euphorically hypomanic from Zoloft for four months, with some jitters thrown in.  Eventually all that left. How long were you on any of the SSRIs? So, does anyone know whether the Klonopin would prevent the irritable, agitated and aggressive symptoms that I always get after a few weeks on an SSRI?  Would it be worth trying an SSRI now that I am solidly on Klonopin or is it likely that the same thing will happen? Well, I took Benadryl for a few days to calm down the agitation. It wasn’t much–just a few grains once or twice a day–not enough to make one sleepy. It worked for me.  It is used to help those who go through akathisia/ agressiveness when having starting SSRIs.  It may or may not work for you.

I was never on an SSRI for more than a month or two because my I and my pdoc and my therapist became fearful that my anger and irritation were so intense that I would lose control and they felt I should get off of them. I guess I was wondering whether the Klonopin would be like the Benedryl. Louise — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ::Two people I was very close to have passed away in the last ::6 months and another is moving far away in about 6 weeks. ::The moving has thrown me over the line and I am becoming ::more and chronically depressed, hopeless and it’s getting ::real hard to function in the mornings. <gently snipped Dear Louise, Sorry about all the loss in your life. (((((Louise))))) You seem so sensitive to lots of medication. Have you thought about getting some therapy to help deal with your feelings of loss? It could help you a lot. Healing thoughts being sent your way. Jackie ~*~If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude~*~  ~~ Maya Angelou quote

I’m sorry, I should have said that I am in therapy.  In fact, in January, my therapist of 10 years suddenly had a stroke and died – that is one of the "losses". I have started with someone else….but it’s not the same and I don’t know if it ever will be. Louise — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::I’m sorry, I should have said that I am in therapy.  In ::fact, in January, my therapist of 10 years suddenly had a ::stroke and died – that is one of the "losses". I’m so sorry (((((Louise))))) Jackie ~*~Life is not the way it’s supposed to be. It’s the way it    is. The way you deal with it is what makes the difference~*~   ~~ Virginia Satir   — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Over the last 10+ years, I’ve tried several SSRIs to treat a chronic low level, lifelong depression.  I have also suffered from a lot of anxiety and panic attacks and have usually been thought to have an "agitated depression" when I’ve sought psychiatric help. The only ADs that ever helped were the ones that put me to sleep and made me just able to function, but not "live", because I’d rather be sleeping, almost no matter what.  That was Luvox.  But when the dose of Luvox was raised, I didn’t become more sleepy, I became more agitated, argumentative and intolerably irritable.  I was on the verge of destruction – myself and others. After this I tried Celexa, Effexor and Zoloft.  Each helped for a week or two and then the irritability and aggression began to steadily increase until it became urgent that I stop the drug. I have a family history of bipolar (called manic depressive back then), and my pdoc concluded that I should NEVER take any more SSRIs because I have the biological tendency to become manic from them. I used Lamictal for several years with minimal success.  I need to take lots of benzos to counter the panic attacks and eventually began getting them in a variety of ways because the pdoc didn’t want me to take them every day (ativan mostly). Then I stopped the lamictal and felt better, as I suspected I would.  I was off all medication except for ativan prn for about 8 months. Then, last May (06), there were some serious changes in my life and I became extremely anxious.  I went to see a new pdoc who suggested that we focus on the panic attacks and the anxiety and see what happens.  I am now taking 2mg Klonopin daily and it has definitely helped to level me out and yet, to leave me able to feel and think clearly and have good judgment.  It has provided a lot of relief with minimal side effects.  I don’t really care that it might be addictive. Two people I was very close to have passed away in the last 6 months and another is moving far away in about 6 weeks. The moving has thrown me over the line and I am becoming more and chronically depressed, hopeless and it’s getting real hard to function in the mornings. Seroquel was suggested but I refused it because of its potential to cause diabetes.  This is a disease I dread and I will not take a drug that makes it happen to some people and they don’t know why! So, does anyone know whether the Klonopin would prevent the irritable, agitated and aggressive symptoms that I always get after a few weeks on an SSRI?  Would it be worth trying an SSRI now that I am solidly on Klonopin or is it likely that the same thing will happen? Thanks for reading this long post and for any experiences and/or suggestions you have. Louise — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Over the last 10+ years, I’ve tried several SSRIs to treat a chronic low level, lifelong depression.  I have also suffered from a lot of anxiety and panic attacks and have usually been thought to have an "agitated depression" when I’ve sought psychiatric help. The only ADs that ever helped were the ones that put me to sleep and made me just able to function, but not "live", because I’d rather be sleeping, almost no matter what.  That was Luvox.  But when the dose of Luvox was raised, I didn’t become more sleepy, I became more agitated, argumentative and intolerably irritable.  I was on the verge of destruction – myself and others. After this I tried Celexa, Effexor and Zoloft.  Each helped for a week or two and then the irritability and aggression began to steadily increase until it became urgent that I stop the drug. I have a family history of bipolar (called manic depressive back then), and my pdoc concluded that I should NEVER take any more SSRIs because I have the biological tendency to become manic from them. I used Lamictal for several years with minimal success.  I need to take lots of benzos to counter the panic attacks and eventually began getting them in a variety of ways because the pdoc didn’t want me to take them every day (ativan mostly). Then I stopped the lamictal and felt better, as I suspected I would.  I was off all medication except for ativan prn for about 8 months. Then, last May (06), there were some serious changes in my life and I became extremely anxious.  I went to see a new pdoc who suggested that we focus on the panic attacks and the anxiety and see what happens.  I am now taking 2mg Klonopin daily and it has definitely helped to level me out and yet, to leave me able to feel and think clearly and have good judgment.  It has provided a lot of relief with minimal side effects.  I don’t really care that it might be addictive. Two people I was very close to have passed away in the last 6 months and another is moving far away in about 6 weeks. The moving has thrown me over the line and I am becoming more and chronically depressed, hopeless and it’s getting real hard to function in the mornings. Seroquel was suggested but I refused it because of its potential to cause diabetes.  This is a disease I dread and I will not take a drug that makes it happen to some people and they don’t know why! So, does anyone know whether the Klonopin would prevent the irritable, agitated and aggressive symptoms that I always get after a few weeks on an SSRI?

Klonopin isn’t a mood stabilizer, so my guess is that it wouldn’t prevent a mood swing to hypomania/mania. Our resident psychiatrist Margrove might be able to suggest a good med combo. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is used for depression in bipolars cause it is thought it is less likely than other antidepressants to result in a mood swing . Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Two people I was very close to have passed away in the last ::6 months and another is moving far away in about 6 weeks. ::The moving has thrown me over the line and I am becoming ::more and chronically depressed, hopeless and it’s getting ::real hard to function in the mornings. <gently snipped Dear Louise, Sorry about all the loss in your life. (((((Louise))))) You seem so sensitive to lots of medication. Have you thought about getting some therapy to help deal with your feelings of loss? It could help you a lot. Healing thoughts being sent your way. Jackie ~*~If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude~*~  ~~ Maya Angelou quote — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

After this I tried Celexa, Effexor and Zoloft.  Each helped for a week or two and then the irritability and aggression began to steadily increase until it became urgent that I stop the drug.

Hi Louise, I had feelings and thoughts of aggression for a few weeks after starting to raise the Zoloft dose to high levels. What I did was take a little bit of Benadryl, about a few grains from a broken store-brand capsule, to settle the agitation.  Eventually after a few days of the Benadryl the agitation stopped and never came back again. I also started raising the dose very gradually. I have a family history of bipolar (called manic depressive back then), and my pdoc concluded that I should NEVER take any more SSRIs because I have the biological tendency to become manic from them.

Are you sure you are manic on them permanently? Some of us get manic on them for a while, but only for a while. I was euphorically hypomanic from Zoloft for four months, with some jitters thrown in.  Eventually all that left. How long were you on any of the SSRIs? So, does anyone know whether the Klonopin would prevent the irritable, agitated and aggressive symptoms that I always get after a few weeks on an SSRI?  Would it be worth trying an SSRI now that I am solidly on Klonopin or is it likely that the same thing will happen?

Well, I took Benadryl for a few days to calm down the agitation. It wasn’t much–just a few grains once or twice a day–not enough to make one sleepy. It worked for me.  It is used to help those who go through akathisia/ agressiveness when having starting SSRIs.  It may or may not work for you. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Question:

By the manufacturer’s own admission, "discontinuation effects are well-known to occur with anti-depressants".  Mr. Pittasso’s list is a very accurate one, and it’s very unfortunate that your 70 year old father did what he did, I am sure he suffered considerably.  This will happen with all of the SSRI medications if stopped abruptly, particularly after higher doses and long periods of use.  The syndrome WILL end, but not without some degree of torment to the patient. I hope that your Dad does not suffer any permanent injury from having fallen, as is so often the case with elderly people. Gary

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – From http://www.adrugrecall.com/zoloft/effects.html "In addition to the Zoloft side effects that occur while taking the drug, patients who have decided to stop treatment have found that the Zoloft side effects resulting from withdrawal can be even worse. Although all SSRIs carry the risk of withdrawal, with Paxil’s among the worst, Zoloft side effects tend to rank as a close second. Patients who have stopped taking the drug have reported Zoloft side effects from withdrawal that include jolting electric "zaps", dizziness, extreme nausea and vomiting, high fever, abdominal discomfort, flu symptoms, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, aggression, nightmares, tremor, seizure, and confusion. The Zoloft side effects stemming from withdrawal can become so painful that some patients have committed suicide to end their misery. A more common result of Zoloft withdrawal is misinterpretation by the physician and/or patient, with a wrongful diagnosis of regression. " Can someone please tell me the side effects of a fit 70 year old man stopping Zoloft abruptly?  Dad has been taking 100mg of Zoloft for at least 2 years, maybe longer.  He stopped about 2-2 1/2 weeks ago.  Didn’t taper, just stopped.  Yesterday he was taken by ambulance and admitted to the hospital for having fallen off a ladder.  He’s been dizzy, he passed out and vomited.  He’s been sick at his stomach.  In the ER, he started shaking/tremors violently.  Looked like he was convulsing.  After two hours and 2 rounds of Atavan, he stopped.  He thought he was dying  All tests, including CTscan of the head, EKG, blood tests, blood oxygen, chest x-rays were normal.  BP normal except during the convulsions.  I know you shouldn’t stop this medication abruptly but I can’t find on the net WHAT to expect if you do. Thanks, Monica

Response:

Can someone please tell me the side effects of a fit 70 year old man stopping Zoloft abruptly?  Dad has been taking 100mg of Zoloft for at least 2 years, maybe longer.  He stopped about 2-2 1/2 weeks ago.  Didn’t taper, just stopped.  Yesterday he was taken by ambulance and admitted to the hospital for having fallen off a ladder.  He’s been dizzy, he passed out and vomited.  He’s been sick at his stomach.  In the ER, he started shaking/tremors violently.  Looked like he was convulsing.  After two hours and 2 rounds of Atavan, he stopped.  He thought he was dying  All tests, including CTscan of the head, EKG, blood tests, blood oxygen, chest x-rays were normal.  BP normal except during the convulsions.  I know you shouldn’t stop this medication abruptly but I can’t find on the net WHAT to expect if you do. Thanks, Monica

Response:

From http://www.adrugrecall.com/zoloft/effects.html "In addition to the Zoloft side effects that occur while taking the drug, patients who have decided to stop treatment have found that the Zoloft side effects resulting from withdrawal can be even worse. Although all SSRIs carry the risk of withdrawal, with Paxil’s among the worst, Zoloft side effects tend to rank as a close second. Patients who have stopped taking the drug have reported Zoloft side effects from withdrawal that include jolting electric "zaps", dizziness, extreme nausea and vomiting, high fever, abdominal discomfort, flu symptoms, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, aggression, nightmares, tremor, seizure, and confusion. The Zoloft side effects stemming from withdrawal can become so painful that some patients have committed suicide to end their misery. A more common result of Zoloft withdrawal is misinterpretation by the physician and/or patient, with a wrongful diagnosis of regression. "

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can someone please tell me the side effects of a fit 70 year old man stopping Zoloft abruptly?  Dad has been taking 100mg of Zoloft for at least 2 years, maybe longer.  He stopped about 2-2 1/2 weeks ago.  Didn’t taper, just stopped.  Yesterday he was taken by ambulance and admitted to the hospital for having fallen off a ladder.  He’s been dizzy, he passed out and vomited.  He’s been sick at his stomach.  In the ER, he started shaking/tremors violently.  Looked like he was convulsing.  After two hours and 2 rounds of Atavan, he stopped.  He thought he was dying  All tests, including CTscan of the head, EKG, blood tests, blood oxygen, chest x-rays were normal.  BP normal except during the convulsions.  I know you shouldn’t stop this medication abruptly but I can’t find on the net WHAT to expect if you do. Thanks, Monica

Response:

Can someone please tell me the side effects of a fit 70 year old man stopping Zoloft abruptly?  Dad has been taking 100mg of Zoloft for at least 2 years, maybe longer.  He stopped about 2-2 1/2 weeks ago.  Didn’t taper, just stopped.  Yesterday he was taken by ambulance and admitted to the hospital for having fallen off a ladder.  He’s been dizzy, he passed out and vomited.  He’s been sick at his stomach.  In the ER, he started shaking/tremors violently.  Looked like he was convulsing.  After two hours and 2 rounds of Atavan, he stopped.  He thought he was dying  All tests, including CTscan of the head, EKG, blood tests, blood oxygen, chest x-rays were normal.  BP normal except during the convulsions.  I know you shouldn’t stop this medication abruptly but I can’t find on the net WHAT to expect if you do.

Abrupt cessation of SSRI’s will cause the kind of symptoms your father experienced. A planned taper off  these medications should always be undertaken!! See: http://www.namiscc.org/News/2002/Summer/PaxilWithdrawal.htm

Response:

Thank you both for the information you posted!!  This describes dad’s symptoms exactly. Monica

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can someone please tell me the side effects of a fit 70 year old man stopping Zoloft abruptly?  Dad has been taking 100mg of Zoloft for at least

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Question:

Has anyone heard of Zoloft withdrawal lasting longer than a couple of weeks? I was taking 200 to 250 mg Zoloft daily (increased during PMS) and then switched to Celexa. I was frustrated with neither of them helping my depression, so I unwisely abruptly discontinued the medication. My withdrawal symptoms ranged from moderate to severe…initially, I experienced extreme agitation, anxiety, crying, uncharacteristic rage, and formication (sensation that bugs were crawling on me). With the help of my doctor, I restarted a low dose of Celexa (I had been on 20 mg prior to this) and tapered off–but still quicker than I should have because I’m stubborn. The main problems that persisted for a couple of weeks were numbness and tingling in my arms and legs, and then spontaneous pain or muscle spasms in my legs. (Pretty darn painful). That and gastro-intestinal distress. My doctor felt that most of this was actually withdrawal from the Zoloft, not Celexa. She felt that the Celexa had prevented me from going into Zoloft withdrawal, but when I discontinued Celexa, the Zoloft withdrawal kicked in. From what I’ve read about other people’s experiences with Zoloft withdrawal, my symptoms do appear to match theirs. I had been taking Zoloft (at different doses) for about 4 years. I tried other medications during that time, but I was unable to tolerate most of them. I am very sensitive to medications and tend to have side effects with just about everything I take, usually to the point where I don’t want to take anything. Back to the symptoms–after 2-1/2 weeks, these symptoms diminished. 3-1/2 weeks after the initial discontinuation, however, I had a flare-up of gastro-intenstinal distress that lasted a day or two. Then, 4-1/2 weeks after the initial discontinuation (maybe 2 weeks since stopping the mild tapering-off) I experienced the leg pain, numbness, tingling along with severe stomach cramps and such. I did not expect to still be experiencing withdrawal symptoms, so I’m confused. Am I imagining things? Is this something else? Thank you for any help you can provide.

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Question:

How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Never happened for me. — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. Ringer

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How many take meds for their disorder?

Neurontin and prozac As needed klonopin (for bruxism and occasional panic attacks), but I try not to take it Are they effective?

Somewhat, sometimes.  I’m still in the process of having the Neurontin dosage raised though, so we’ll see. How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo?

I started out with the diagnosis of major depression, dysthymia and PTSD several years ago.  It took over a year to find an AD that would help at all.  I tried Wellbutrin and Serzone and neither one helped my depression. When I got on Prozac I finally felt some relief from the depression but only part of the time.  I would feel better for awhile and then crash very hard. Finally last October my pdoc suggested I was bipolar II and put me on Neurontin.  I am still undecided about it.  There are days I think it helps a lot but not always.  My pdoc says that is because I am not at a high enough dosage so I am raising it slowly. So I guess I still don’t know if I have the right combo or not.  All I know is that it sure is a pain trying to find the right one. Bonnie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Never happened for me. — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. Ringer

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How many take meds for their disorder?

Keep trying Are they effective?

Until they crash or a complication comes up – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Still in that race. Never happened for me. Ditto — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. Ringer

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder?

That would be me, Remeron. Are they effective?

Oh yea! This is most likely the reason, thanks LyndaNP for the reference. http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/2030E2.htm How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo?

The Remeron was the third. Was given Buspar, didn’t work out. Took Triazolam for sleep, that worked well. I now rarely use the Triazolam and take 45 MG Remeron daily. I have been at this for about 18 months and what a difference! The best advice, if you find something good, stay with it! Never happened for me.

Sorry:( The pioneers usually are the ones with the arrows in their backs.

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I was lucky – I stabilized pretty well fairly quickly on Lithium and Effexor.  With my son, on the other hand, it’s been a two and a half year ride I wouldn’t want to repeat (but unfortunately isn’t over).  He started on Depakote and Risperdal in his first hospital stay.  The next hospitalization added Lithium, which I saw a dramatic change for the better on.  Then he gained 70+ pounds on the Risperdal, so we moved him to Geodon last summer.  In October/November he began having acute anxiety symptoms, so a minimal dose of Risperdal was added to the Geodon.  The anxiety isn’t really falling, and he’s had yet another hospital stay, so his pdoc and i are considering an anti-anxiety med, but we want to wait and see how much of the anxiety was fueled by the holidays before adding another med to his cocktail. Sigh.  All this and weekly therapy outside of school, weekly therapy inside of school, and putting him into a special program at school to remove him from the mainstream (he has a tremendous amount of school phobia). Is it any wonder I’m a bit wacko these days? — CJ ((((((((((((still handing out hugs))))))))))))))))

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Never happened for me. — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. Ringer

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder?

I take Paxil and Seroquel, and rarely a little Ambien to help me sleep. I’m also in therapy. Are they effective?

Not yet 100%, but I am getting better. How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo?

I’ve lost count, it’s been nearly three years so far. Fiona — If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste the adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.      – Anne Bradstreet, Meditations Divine and Moral, 1664

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder?

I do.  Lots. Are they effective?

For the most part.  My doctor is always tweaking, trying to make things better. How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo?

Countless and I’m not done yet.

Response:

i used to take prozac but now i dont take any meds xxx angel xxx

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Never happened for me. — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. Ringer

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder?

currently, none, but lithium is in my cabinet Are they effective?

yes, when i take it How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo?

in past have tried prozac, trazadone, klonopin, ativan & lithium. the only thing that helps is the lithium. highly effective from the first few doses.

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder?

I am currently on Effexor and Gabapentin (Neurontin). Are they effective?

We’re still working on tweaking the dosages, but I am feeling a little improvement from the depression. How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med

combo? Prior drugs I’ve taken were lithium (I was a zombie) , sinequan (great sleeps, but not much else), anafranil (excellent for my OCD, but was really shaky). I took anafranil for about 5 years, and then switched to Prozac, which was great for about 10 years, with virtually no side effects. Then it just died on me (went up to 60 mg. a day with no success). I am hoping this current duo will do the trick. Compucat

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? yes they are effective. i take triafon(perphenazine) and wellbutrin

i suffer from both a mood and thought disorder N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? it has evolved. i have been mentally ill for 26 years.in 1981 iwas

stabilized on trilifon. then in 1996 i was hospitalized and went through a few drugs like a pair of shoes. i tried prozac but that gave me akathasia(the feeling of jumping out of your skin) then i tried risperdal for a month or two and then went to wellbutrin which at first made me sleepless but then i cut the pill in half and weened myself on it. so  now i take wellbutrin and trilifon

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Never happened for me. — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. RingerDon’t take meds any more. Pdoc retired, no new one. Business is poor, and I am limited in methods to pick up other cash as my arm is still buggered up. Starting to think of ways to make it look like an accident, as I have insurance for that. Any suggestions?

Don’t take meds any more. Pdoc retired, no new one. Business is poor, and I am limited in methods to pick up other cash as my arm is still buggered up. Starting to think of ways to make it look like an accident, as I have insurance for that. Any suggestions? jodelli The Twenty First Century, you can have it.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Never happened for me. — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. RingerDon’t take meds any more. Pdoc retired, no new one.

Business is poor, and I am limited in methods to pick up other cash as my arm is still buggered up. Starting to think of ways to make it look like an accident, as I have insurance for that. Any suggestions? Don’t take meds any more. Pdoc retired, no new one. Business is poor, and I am limited in methods to pick up other cash as my arm is still buggered up. Starting to think of ways to make it look like an accident, as I have insurance for that. Any suggestions? jodelli The Twenty First Century, you can have it.

Its got to look like an accident!  My podc either will or will not be on Tuesday.  I just don’t know.  But in this province it’s 6 months wait list. And my left hand is a piece of crap too!  I can’t keep the brace on.  The more depressed I get, the less I want to wear it.  I think a little surgery may be required. No meds huh?  I could be singing the same song, too soon. Take Care Carrie

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – x-no-archive:yes How many take meds for their disorder? Three, Trileptal, Depakote and Xanax Are they effective?  My husband says I am a bit better than I was at the beginning of my treatment.  I don’t see or feel it.  The Xanax does help the anxiety sometimes.  But I still swing rapidly. How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? I haven’t been under treatment long (6-8 months), but SSRI’s and anti-psychotics did not work.  Trileptal alone doesn’t stabilize, but then so far neither does Depakote and it made me pass out in higher doeses. Shib

You look great! Carrie

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder?

Five  Are they effective? Partially How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo?

Five months in the hospital pax Dei, Night Hawk

Response:

It took me three but still the pdocs can not get it right.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many take meds for their disorder? Five  Are they effective? Partially How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Five months in the hospital pax Dei, Night Hawk

Response:

It took me three but still the pdocs can not get it right.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many take meds for their disorder? Five  Are they effective? Partially How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Five months in the hospital pax Dei, Night Hawk

Response:

Really, I take Topamax!  Lowered your IQ?  How do you know?  I’ve never figured out the VCR anyway, but what are we talking about? eirraC

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ‘Just read someone asking about Topomax.  YIKES!  We are all different in the way we react to meds BUT Topomax lowered my IQ to the point I had trouble working the VCR (really, my wife had to help me)  It’s slow though so anyone who tries it , imo, should titrate VERY slowly to examine all the way their cognition. Celexa had no effect on my mania whatsoever.  ’Different Strokes. Peas, Steve T (remove "puppy" to email) I’ve taken Depakote and Anafranil for ten years (I also have ocd). Depakote helped a lot until 2 years ago and then my manic would burst through every one in a while. Prozac made me more manic. (I’ve heard others say that)  I tend toward Currently, I’ve been taking Zyprexa for a  month and I have never, ever, felt this stable in my life.  I am, however, afraid of the weight gain.  I’ve gained five pounds in a month.  I hear horror stories of 20 to 60 pound gains. As far as I can tell the weight is more psychological than metabolic (like lithium).  It has increase my appetite and I have to talk myself out of not succumbing to eating urges. I’m fat to begin with, so we’ll see.  I’m not scheduled to see my pdoc for 3 months.  I may call before then if things get out of hand weight-wise.   But God, I love this wooonderful respite from mania. Peas, Steve T (remove "puppy" to email) x-no-archive:yes To add to my previous list of meds, they have also previously tried Prozac, Zoloft, Serzone, Paxil and Effexor before it was discovered that I had BP and not simple depression.  Then Risperdone and Seroquel was also added to Effexor prior to the mood stabilizer trials began. For anxiety, I have also been on BuSpar and Xanax.  Several pain killers for migraines which the mood stabilizers aggravate. And don’t even get me started on my heart and digestive problems meds. Shib How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Never happened for me. — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. Ringer

Response:

‘Just read someone asking about Topomax.  YIKES!  We are all different in the way we react to meds BUT Topomax lowered my IQ to the point I had trouble working the VCR (really, my wife had to help me)  It’s slow though so anyone who tries it , imo, should titrate VERY slowly to examine all the way their cognition. Celexa had no effect on my mania whatsoever.  ’Different Strokes. Peas, Steve T (remove "puppy" to email) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve taken Depakote and Anafranil for ten years (I also have ocd). Depakote helped a lot until 2 years ago and then my manic would burst through every one in a while. Prozac made me more manic. (I’ve heard others say that)  I tend toward Currently, I’ve been taking Zyprexa for a  month and I have never, ever, felt this stable in my life.  I am, however, afraid of the weight gain.  I’ve gained five pounds in a month.  I hear horror stories of 20 to 60 pound gains. As far as I can tell the weight is more psychological than metabolic (like lithium).  It has increase my appetite and I have to talk myself out of not succumbing to eating urges. I’m fat to begin with, so we’ll see.  I’m not scheduled to see my pdoc for 3 months.  I may call before then if things get out of hand weight-wise.   But God, I love this wooonderful respite from mania. Peas, Steve T (remove "puppy" to email) x-no-archive:yes To add to my previous list of meds, they have also previously tried Prozac, Zoloft, Serzone, Paxil and Effexor before it was discovered that I had BP and not simple depression.  Then Risperdone and Seroquel was also added to Effexor prior to the mood stabilizer trials began. For anxiety, I have also been on BuSpar and Xanax.  Several pain killers for migraines which the mood stabilizers aggravate. And don’t even get me started on my heart and digestive problems meds. Shib How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Never happened for me. — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. Ringer

Response:

I’ve taken Depakote and Anafranil for ten years (I also have ocd). Depakote helped a lot until 2 years ago and then my manic would burst through every one in a while. Prozac made me more manic. (I’ve heard others say that)  I tend toward Currently, I’ve been taking Zyprexa for a  month and I have never, ever, felt this stable in my life.  I am, however, afraid of the weight gain.  I’ve gained five pounds in a month.  I hear horror stories of 20 to 60 pound gains. As far as I can tell the weight is more psychological than metabolic (like lithium).  It has increase my appetite and I have to talk myself out of not succumbing to eating urges. I’m fat to begin with, so we’ll see.  I’m not scheduled to see my pdoc for 3 months.  I may call before then if things get out of hand weight-wise.   But God, I love this wooonderful respite from mania. Peas, Steve T (remove "puppy" to email) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -x-no-archive:yes To add to my previous list of meds, they have also previously tried Prozac, Zoloft, Serzone, Paxil and Effexor before it was discovered that I had BP and not simple depression.  Then Risperdone and Seroquel was also added to Effexor prior to the mood stabilizer trials began. For anxiety, I have also been on BuSpar and Xanax.  Several pain killers for migraines which the mood stabilizers aggravate. And don’t even get me started on my heart and digestive problems meds. Shib How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Never happened for me. — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. Ringer

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder?

Five  Are they effective? Partially How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo?

Five months in the hospital pax Dei, Night Hawk

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – x-no-archive:yes How many take meds for their disorder? Three, Trileptal, Depakote and Xanax Are they effective?  My husband says I am a bit better than I was at the beginning of my treatment.  I don’t see or feel it.  The Xanax does help the anxiety sometimes.  But I still swing rapidly. How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? I haven’t been under treatment long (6-8 months), but SSRI’s and anti-psychotics did not work.  Trileptal alone doesn’t stabilize, but then so far neither does Depakote and it made me pass out in higher doeses. Shib

You look great! Carrie

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Never happened for me. — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. RingerDon’t take meds any more. Pdoc retired, no new one.

Business is poor, and I am limited in methods to pick up other cash as my arm is still buggered up. Starting to think of ways to make it look like an accident, as I have insurance for that. Any suggestions? Don’t take meds any more. Pdoc retired, no new one. Business is poor, and I am limited in methods to pick up other cash as my arm is still buggered up. Starting to think of ways to make it look like an accident, as I have insurance for that. Any suggestions? jodelli The Twenty First Century, you can have it.

Its got to look like an accident!  My podc either will or will not be on Tuesday.  I just don’t know.  But in this province it’s 6 months wait list. And my left hand is a piece of crap too!  I can’t keep the brace on.  The more depressed I get, the less I want to wear it.  I think a little surgery may be required. No meds huh?  I could be singing the same song, too soon. Take Care Carrie

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Never happened for me. — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. RingerDon’t take meds any more. Pdoc retired, no new one. Business is poor, and I am limited in methods to pick up other cash as my arm is still buggered up. Starting to think of ways to make it look like an accident, as I have insurance for that. Any suggestions?

Don’t take meds any more. Pdoc retired, no new one. Business is poor, and I am limited in methods to pick up other cash as my arm is still buggered up. Starting to think of ways to make it look like an accident, as I have insurance for that. Any suggestions? jodelli The Twenty First Century, you can have it.

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? yes they are effective. i take triafon(perphenazine) and wellbutrin

i suffer from both a mood and thought disorder N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? it has evolved. i have been mentally ill for 26 years.in 1981 iwas

stabilized on trilifon. then in 1996 i was hospitalized and went through a few drugs like a pair of shoes. i tried prozac but that gave me akathasia(the feeling of jumping out of your skin) then i tried risperdal for a month or two and then went to wellbutrin which at first made me sleepless but then i cut the pill in half and weened myself on it. so  now i take wellbutrin and trilifon

Response:

i used to take prozac but now i dont take any meds xxx angel xxx

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Never happened for me. — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. Ringer

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder?

currently, none, but lithium is in my cabinet Are they effective?

yes, when i take it How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo?

in past have tried prozac, trazadone, klonopin, ativan & lithium. the only thing that helps is the lithium. highly effective from the first few doses.

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder?

I am currently on Effexor and Gabapentin (Neurontin). Are they effective?

We’re still working on tweaking the dosages, but I am feeling a little improvement from the depression. How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med

combo? Prior drugs I’ve taken were lithium (I was a zombie) , sinequan (great sleeps, but not much else), anafranil (excellent for my OCD, but was really shaky). I took anafranil for about 5 years, and then switched to Prozac, which was great for about 10 years, with virtually no side effects. Then it just died on me (went up to 60 mg. a day with no success). I am hoping this current duo will do the trick. Compucat

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder?

    Currently, I take three – Zoloft, Depakote, and Risperdal Are they effective?

     I just started Depakote on Wednesday, so I’m not sure, yet. Zoloft has worked great for my depression, though. How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo?

     Neurontin, Tegretol, Topamax, Klonopin, Ativan, BuSpar, Trazodone – in various combinations. I had severe allergic reactions to both Neurontin and Tegretol; Trazodone did nothing; BuSpar helped my anxiety, but what I had really needed was a mood stabilizer; Ativan and Klonopin helped my anxiety, also, but I prefer to use benzos as little as possible; Topamax didn’t really help my mood, and the change in taste and tingling sensations in my hands and feet annoyed me.       I’m considering adding Topamax to my current med combo, because of it’s unique side effects profile(i.e. promoting weight loss). I’m going to talk to my pdoc in a couple weeks, about adding either that, or Meridia. So far, Risperdal and Depakote have not caused weight gain, but I’m seriously overweight as it is, and the thought of more weight gain frightens me.       Any suggestions(Oh, just for the record, I’m 16 years old)? -Jonathan

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder?

I do.  Lots. Are they effective?

For the most part.  My doctor is always tweaking, trying to make things better. How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo?

Countless and I’m not done yet.

Response:

I started out with Lithium and Tegretol. Within six months I had developed psoraisis from head to toe. My skin turned very gray. I had severe tremors. The doctor took me off the above two drugs and tried many others over the next four years. I can’t remember how many different ones but the list came out to three computer pages long. We finally found the right drugs: Prozac and Xanax. And a year and a half ago I started Depakote. This year we added Vicadan (sp?) for migraine headaches. I avoid the Xanax and Vicadan as much as possible because they are so addictive. I’m usually pretty sick before I take either one. I still see and hear things that are not there. But most of the time I can handle the voices and visions. I still fight the suicide urges every moment of my life. If I was crooked I could con people and start a new religion. But I’m not made that way. And I would have to account for my behavior in the next life. No thanks. Enough of my senseless ramblings. Richard

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder?

I take Paxil and Seroquel, and rarely a little Ambien to help me sleep. I’m also in therapy. Are they effective?

Not yet 100%, but I am getting better. How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo?

I’ve lost count, it’s been nearly three years so far. Fiona — If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste the adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.      – Anne Bradstreet, Meditations Divine and Moral, 1664

Response:

I was lucky – I stabilized pretty well fairly quickly on Lithium and Effexor.  With my son, on the other hand, it’s been a two and a half year ride I wouldn’t want to repeat (but unfortunately isn’t over).  He started on Depakote and Risperdal in his first hospital stay.  The next hospitalization added Lithium, which I saw a dramatic change for the better on.  Then he gained 70+ pounds on the Risperdal, so we moved him to Geodon last summer.  In October/November he began having acute anxiety symptoms, so a minimal dose of Risperdal was added to the Geodon.  The anxiety isn’t really falling, and he’s had yet another hospital stay, so his pdoc and i are considering an anti-anxiety med, but we want to wait and see how much of the anxiety was fueled by the holidays before adding another med to his cocktail. Sigh.  All this and weekly therapy outside of school, weekly therapy inside of school, and putting him into a special program at school to remove him from the mainstream (he has a tremendous amount of school phobia). Is it any wonder I’m a bit wacko these days? — CJ ((((((((((((still handing out hugs))))))))))))))))

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Never happened for me. — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. Ringer

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder?

Keep trying Are they effective?

Until they crash or a complication comes up – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Still in that race. Never happened for me. Ditto — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. Ringer

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Never happened for me. — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. Ringer

Response:

How many take meds for their disorder?

Neurontin and prozac As needed klonopin (for bruxism and occasional panic attacks), but I try not to take it Are they effective?

Somewhat, sometimes.  I’m still in the process of having the Neurontin dosage raised though, so we’ll see. How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo?

I started out with the diagnosis of major depression, dysthymia and PTSD several years ago.  It took over a year to find an AD that would help at all.  I tried Wellbutrin and Serzone and neither one helped my depression. When I got on Prozac I finally felt some relief from the depression but only part of the time.  I would feel better for awhile and then crash very hard. Finally last October my pdoc suggested I was bipolar II and put me on Neurontin.  I am still undecided about it.  There are days I think it helps a lot but not always.  My pdoc says that is because I am not at a high enough dosage so I am raising it slowly. So I guess I still don’t know if I have the right combo or not.  All I know is that it sure is a pain trying to find the right one. Bonnie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many take meds for their disorder? None Are they effective? N/A How many attempts did it take before you found the most effective med combo? Never happened for me. — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. Ringer

Response:

Question:

Not a peep out of Thomas this time, not a peep out of him last time. Every other justice is in the fray, peppering both sides with questions. Thomas, of course, is the kind of Associate Justice Dubya Dumb likes…he’s got his eyes, ears and mouth shut. — Harry Krause We ought to make the pie higher. -GW Bush

Response:

Not a peep out of Thomas this time, not a peep out of him last time. Every other justice is in the fray, peppering both sides with questions. Thomas, of course, is the kind of Associate Justice Dubya Dumb likes…he’s got his eyes, ears and mouth shut.

That’s what you get with affirmative action. You might show a bit more sensibility and patience. Perhaps you’d benefit from diversity training? — Skipper

Response:

That’s what you get with affirmative action.

Absolutely unbelievable. That’s a troll, right? Chuck Gould Float and let float.

Response:

Not a peep out of Thomas this time, not a peep out of him last time. Every other justice is in the fray, peppering both sides with questions. Thomas, of course, is the kind of Associate Justice Dubya Dumb likes…he’s got his eyes, ears and mouth shut.

Or perhaps he’s got his eyes and ears open open, but keeping his mouth shut…Unlike Harry, whose mouth is the only thing he keeps open.

Response:

Not a peep out of Thomas this time, not a peep out of him last time. Every other justice is in the fray, peppering both sides with questions. Thomas, of course, is the kind of Associate Justice Dubya Dumb likes…he’s got his eyes, ears and mouth shut. That’s what you get with affirmative action. You might show a bit more sensibility and patience. Perhaps you’d benefit from diversity training? — Skipper

There are and were plenty of quality minority judges who could have been raised to Associate Justice. Instead, we got a dimwit. A judge Bush likes. — Harry Krause I think he needs to stand up and say if he thought the president were wrong on policy and issues, he ought to say where. -GW Bush

Response:

Not a peep out of Thomas this time, not a peep

out of him last time. Every other justice is in the fray, peppering

both sides with questions. Thomas, of course, is the kind of Associate

Justice Dubya Dumb likes…he’s got his eyes, ears and mouth shut. — Harry Krause

Thomas has always remained silent during oral arguments.  True in this hearing. true in all other hearings.   To make a negative assumption on that fact alone is ridiculous. To insult him is juvenile.

Response:

Nothing wrong with responding to

a troll with another troll is there?<< — Steve If only they would go off together and beat each other to death and leave the rest of us alone.

Response:

Nothing wrong with responding to a troll with another troll is there?<< — Steve If only they would go off together and beat each other to death and leave the rest of us alone.

You republithugs are really into violence… — Harry Krause The only things that I can tell you is that every case I have reviewed I have been comfortable with the innocence or guilt of the person that I’ve looked at. I do not believe we’ve put a guilty … I mean innocent person to death in the state of Texas. -GW Bush

Response:

There are and were plenty of quality minority judges who could have been raised to Associate Justice. Instead, we got a dimwit. A judge Bush likes.

And we have another justice who apparently rides to court on her broom. — Skipper

Response:

Nothing wrong with responding to a troll with another troll is there? If only they would go off together and beat each other to death and leave the rest of us alone.

Which bar admitted you, sweetie? — Skipper

Response:

First of all Harry, stop being such a racist, bigoted pig. Just because Justice Thomas doesn’t meet your (and most libs) idea of what an African-American should be(beholden to the new Massa-the Demonrat party) does not give you the right to utter such garbage. Secondly, you are not worthy to serve as the wiping device for Justice Thomas’ gluteal cleft. Ted – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not a peep out of Thomas this time, not a peep out of him last time. Every other justice is in the fray, peppering both sides with questions. Thomas, of course, is the kind of Associate Justice Dubya Dumb likes…he’s got his eyes, ears and mouth shut. — Harry Krause We ought to make the pie higher. -GW Bush

Response:

Peggie, Ouch, I have never seen Harry get to you like this.  The thing that amazes me about this is how biased everyone sees the issues, based upon their party affiliations, including Chuck Gould who normally tries to avoid off topic wars. I do have to admit that I am the only person who is really completely unbiased, and I know Bush should win.  ;) — Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not a peep out of Thomas this time, not a peep out of him last time. Every other justice is in the fray, peppering both sides with questions. Thomas, of course, is the kind of Associate Justice Dubya Dumb likes…he’s got his eyes, ears and mouth shut. Or perhaps he’s got his eyes and ears open open, but keeping his mouth shut…Unlike Harry, whose mouth is the only thing he keeps open.

Response:

I obviously have too much time on my hands these days…’cuz I never got into off topic discussions before either! Peggie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Peggie, Ouch, I have never seen Harry get to you like this.  The thing that amazes me about this is how biased everyone sees the issues, based upon their party affiliations, including Chuck Gould who normally tries to avoid off topic wars. I do have to admit that I am the only person who is really completely unbiased, and I know Bush should win.  ;) — Jim Not a peep out of Thomas this time, not a peep out of him last time. Every other justice is in the fray, peppering both sides with questions. Thomas, of course, is the kind of Associate Justice Dubya Dumb likes…he’s got his eyes, ears and mouth shut. Or perhaps he’s got his eyes and ears open open, but keeping his mouth shut…Unlike Harry, whose mouth is the only thing he keeps open.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I obviously have too much time on my hands these days…’cuz I never got into off topic discussions before either! Peggie Peggie, Ouch, I have never seen Harry get to you like this.  The thing that amazes me about this is how biased everyone sees the issues, based upon their party affiliations, including Chuck Gould who normally tries to avoid off topic wars. I do have to admit that I am the only person who is really completely unbiased, and I know Bush should win.  ;) — Jim Not a peep out of Thomas this time, not a peep out of him last time. Every other justice is in the fray, peppering both sides with questions. Thomas, of course, is the kind of Associate Justice Dubya Dumb likes…he’s got his eyes, ears and mouth shut. Or perhaps he’s got his eyes and ears open open, but keeping his mouth shut…Unlike Harry, whose mouth is the only thing he keeps open.

What a delight to be insulted by the rec.boats Queen of Head. — Harry Krause We’ll let our friends be the peacekeepers and the great country called America will be the pacemakers. -GW Bush

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <SNIP That’s why GWB works out in the gym every day.  If it comes down to it, he’s ready to kick some Gore booty. BillS Are you kidding? Dubya Dumb is a short little twerp and because of his years of drug and booze abuse, his reflexes are shot, too. He does twitch nicely. — Harry Krause The short wirey guys are the ones you gotta watch out for.  They get in close because you’re overconfident and the next thing you know they’re punching you in the kidneys and head buttin’ your sternum.  When you try to grab em they’ll dart between you legs, kick you behind the knee and you’re down before you know it. Gore is too big and slow with one eye always on the camera while he’s thinking to himself;  "did you guys get the shot?  Is this a cool pose or what?"  It would be like Jackie Chan against Steven Segal. BillS

I was thinking more along the lines of Sugar Ray Leonard versus Lennox Lewis. — Harry Krause This is still a dangerous world. It’s a world of madmen and uncertainty and potential mential losses. -GW Bush

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Dubya Dumb is a short little twerp and because of his years

of drug and booze abuse, his reflexes are shot, too. He does twitch nicely.<< — Lu Powell Maybe he has Benign Essential Tremor.  It’s harmless, and doesn’t progress into anything serious.

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<SNIP That’s why GWB works out in the gym every day.  If it comes down to it, he’s ready to kick some Gore booty. BillS Are you kidding? Dubya Dumb is a short little twerp and because of his years of drug and booze abuse, his reflexes are shot, too. He does twitch nicely. — Harry Krause

The short wirey guys are the ones you gotta watch out for.  They get in close because you’re overconfident and the next thing you know they’re punching you in the kidneys and head buttin’ your sternum.  When you try to grab em they’ll dart between you legs, kick you behind the knee and you’re down before you know it. Gore is too big and slow with one eye always on the camera while he’s thinking to himself;  "did you guys get the shot?  Is this a cool pose or what?"  It would be like Jackie Chan against Steven Segal. BillS —

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Nothing wrong with responding to a troll with another troll is there?<< — Steve If only they would go off together and beat each other to death and leave the rest of us alone. You republithugs are really into violence… That’s why GWB works out in the gym every day.  If it comes down to it, he’s ready to kick some Gore booty. BillS

Are you kidding? Dubya Dumb is a short little twerp and because of his years of drug and booze abuse, his reflexes are shot, too. He does twitch nicely. — Harry Krause When I was coming up, it was a dangerous world, and you knew exactly who they were, he said. It was us vs. them, and it was clear who them was. Today, we are not so sure who the they are, but we know they’re there. -GW Bush

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Poor Hairy. Must be terribly frustrating, being perfect in such an imperfect world…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Nothing wrong with responding to a troll with another troll is there?<< — Steve If only they would go off together and beat each other to death and leave the rest of us alone. You republithugs are really into violence… That’s why GWB works out in the gym every day.  If it comes down to it, he’s ready to kick some Gore booty. BillS

Are you kidding? Dubya Dumb is a short little twerp and because of his years of drug and booze abuse, his reflexes are shot, too. He does twitch nicely. — Harry Krause When I was coming up, it was a dangerous world, and you knew exactly who they were, he said. It was us vs. them, and it was clear who them was. Today, we are not so sure who the they are, but we know they’re there. -GW Bush

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Nothing wrong with responding to a troll with another troll is there?<< — Steve If only they would go off together and beat each other to death and leave the rest of us alone. You republithugs are really into violence…

That’s why GWB works out in the gym every day.  If it comes down to it, he’s ready to kick some Gore booty. BillS —

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I obviously have too much time on my hands these days…’cuz I never got

into off topic discussions before either! << — Peggie Obviously your boat is winterized.  That makes all of us a little crazy.

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Nope…I haven’t winterized but once in 15 years. Had the boat out on Saturday, in fact. However, I am about to be boatless for the first time in at least 15 years…I’ve accepted an offer on her. Saturday was actually the sea trial…survey is scheduled for Wednesday. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I obviously have too much time on my hands these days…’cuz I never got into off topic discussions before either! << — Peggie Obviously your boat is winterized.  That makes all of us a little crazy.

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I am about to be boatless for the first time in at least 15 years.<< —

Peggie OK, then that’s what’s making you crazy, not winterizing!

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I am about to be boatless for the first time in at least 15 years.<< — Peggie OK, then that’s what’s making you crazy, not winterizing!

No…I just haven’t quite figured out what to do with myself, now that I don’t have to work 14 hours a day.

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No…I just haven’t quite figured out what to do with myself, now that I don’t have to work 14 hours a day. …buy a boat?

I HAVE a boat…at least until the sale closes. A friend at work boat a repo at auction, and had a great deal of fun getting it back into good condition.

Peter, I spent the last 4 years turning a boat I bought in non-running and unihabitable condition into the boat you now see on her website. In fact, when he was done, he was sort of bored — their wasn’t enough to do.

Which is at least one of the reasons I’ve sold it. He sold it, and is looking for another.

Imagine how bored he’d be if he he no longer goes to work every day either.   However, I’m just in transition…exploring opportunities. This too shall pass. Peggie http://www.solitairef32.homestead.com/

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Question:

The worst time of day for my crying and upset begin shortly after waking and continues through shaving and breakfast, and lasts until about noon, often very severe crying.  Somewhere in mid-day I usually stop crying and can function.  Occasionally the crying will spill over into the afternoon, but not normally.  This general pattern has been present for some months and with various medications. My medications at present are: Welbutrin    200 mg in morning Zyprexa      10 mg at night Nortriptyline  75 mg at night I also had 14 electro-shock treatments in June/July. My question for this post is to ask whether others have a ‘bad morning’ experience. Thank you. John

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Thanks jai for your suggestions.  Yes my pdoc is well aware of the continued failure of various medications over the past several months; I have used a variety of medications both singly and in combination over the past year: prozac, zoloft, effexor, remeron, etc. none of which brought me out of the pit. I will keep on searching as where I am now is not a life I want to lead. John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m sorry you’re having so much trouble John. I don’t know what Nortriptyline is for. My worst times for anxiety are in the mornings. I don’t want to wake up some days because that means I have a whole day to get through.This sometimes actually leads to me waking up earlier and earlier in anticipation of the fear and anxiety. It’s worse in the winter. It sounds like perhaps this med combo isn’t working for you. Have you been on it very long? There is no magic pill or med of course, but some of us do find different meds/combos to be of help. Have you told your pdoc about this? Take care. Jai — For more information about this posting service, contact: If you want an anonymous account, visit our sign-up page: http://asarian-host.org/emailform.html

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says… My question for this post is to ask whether others have a ‘bad morning’ experience.

Mine’s usually late afternoon. Mornings are reserved for that wonderful "severe fatigue". So tired I can hardly focus. — Amelia

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says… I will keep on searching as where I am now is not a life I want to lead. John

I’m sorry you’re having a hard time, John. But at least you’ve got lots of company in this dark hole. When just 1 of us gets a few inches up out of that hole we need to yell back down and make sure the others know that we see light. Deal? — Amelia

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I’m sorry you’re having a hard time, John. But at least you’ve got lots of company in this dark hole. When just 1 of us gets a few inches up out of that hole we need to yell back down and make sure the others know that we see light. Deal?

Yes ma’am that is a deal.  Thanks for the encouragement. John [age 63]

Response:

what and when are you eating?

Usually breakfast around 9 or 10 a.m., I simply ‘can’t’ get myself up earlier — I used to but not this year.  Lunch around 1 or 2 p.m.  Dinner at about 7 p.m.  I consider the food I eat to be plain ordinary meals. if you are not eating before these times you could be experiencing low blood sugar which could cause/contribute to depression.

At one time in my life I did have a problem with ’sugar dips’ [ hypoglycemia] and the resulting feeling faint….what I have now doesn’t seem at all like the old sugar dip problem [which has been gone for several years]. since you experience these feelings even while taking meds, have you considered other factors?

Good point — my pdoc did have an MRI done of my head to rule out something physical there…she says she checked my thyroid, but I have no record of it, and plan to raise that question again next visit [which is next Tuesday]. Thanks for the input. John [age 63]

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says… I’m sorry you’re having a hard time, John. But at least you’ve got lots of company in this dark hole. When just 1 of us gets a few inches up out of that hole we need to yell back down and make sure the others know that we see light. Deal? Yes ma’am that is a deal.  Thanks for the encouragement. John [age 63]

63! Look at the smarts and common sense you’ve got on me! I’m only 40! And for all you 20 yr olds with your mouths hanging open at the thought of "only 40" all I got to say is, "Yea, just you wait…." — Amelia

Response:

<< My question for this post is to ask whether others have a ‘bad morning’ experience. My worst anxiety also is in the morning. THis has been happeing for the last seven months of this depression/anxiety illness. I am not currently taking anti’s as I have tried them and they only made me worse. The anxiety and panic attacks are getting better and some of the detachment syptoms, however the depression is still very bad. I have been praying and trusting God for the rest of the healing with proper nutrition, excercise and rest. Yvonne

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Question:

Ari, I wonder if he meant that hair loss is not an issue with SSRIs in general, or specifically not a problem with Zoloft?  If it’s the latter, maybe I’ll switch from Prozac, which seems to be causing some mild & subtle hair loss for me. But I do think that all SSRIs warn that it is a rare side effect. — Ari

I was pretty amazed to see all sorts of discussion lists on the web with lots of people saying that all sorts of different SSRIs were causing hair loss.  The two worst offenders seemed to be Paxil and Zoloft.  But Prozac was in there, too.  Now, maybe it was just that the people with the hair loss were posting, and actually very few people had hair loss.  But, from what I read (spent many hours reading all this stuff one night, all the while checking my hair to make sure it indeed still was up there), it seems to be more than rare. Matt

Response:

Well, I logged in to post a question about hairloss with serzone.  I may be imagining it (but I don’t think so), but it seems my scalp has been itching more than usual since starting serzone, and after washing my hair I lose lots of hair (more than usual by about half).  Anyone else?

Response:

I didn’t have much before I started Serzone! (8 ^O —— Ahhhhh! OH NO I’M BALD *Grin* But anything’s possible…. Cheers, Mike from OZ

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Well, I logged in to post a question about hairloss with serzone.  I may be imagining it (but I don’t think so), but it seems my scalp has been itching more than usual since starting serzone, and after washing my hair I lose lots of hair (more than usual by about half).  Anyone else?

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ari, I wonder if he meant that hair loss is not an issue with SSRIs in general, or specifically not a problem with Zoloft?  If it’s the latter, maybe I’ll switch from Prozac, which seems to be causing some mild & subtle hair loss for me. But I do think that all SSRIs warn that it is a rare side effect. — Ari I was pretty amazed to see all sorts of discussion lists on the web with lots of people saying that all sorts of different SSRIs were causing hair loss.  The two worst offenders seemed to be Paxil and Zoloft.  But Prozac was in there, too.  Now, maybe it was just that the people with the hair loss were posting, and actually very few people had hair loss.  But, from what I read (spent many hours reading all this stuff one night, all the while checking my hair to make sure it indeed still was up there), it seems to be more than rare. Matt

It’s too early to tell if it’s working, but I got myself on the same kind of vitamin regimen adopted by some depakote users.  The consensus on a few online forums seems that selenium and zinc (and to a lesser degree choline, inositol, vitamin B and folic acid) is sometimes useful for people on mood stabilizers (is that the right term?).  I have been taking them for two months, and perhaps there has been less hair loss recently (25 hairs/day versus 45), but it’s still early.  Mind you, my wife thinks I’m imagining things, but I have definitely noticed some subtle fallout since I began Prozac in November 97.  But at this point, since the hair loss is so mild, I prefer to stick with Prozac a bit longer; it works too well otherwise for me not to. Ari

Response:

    Interesting, I know it can be a problem with depakote, but I haven’t heard of antidepressant doing it. Tim, Try an altavista with +hair +zoloft (or prozac or paxil or effexor, for that matter). Matt

I never had that problem when I was on zoloft but it is listed as a side effect. John

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : : I’m currently on Zoloft, and it’s working great for me. Some mild side : effects, but nothing I can’t live with. I haven’t noticed any hair loss : after five weeks, but then, I haven’t got much hair left to lose . : : I’m seeing my psychiatrist this afternoon. I’ll ask him how common this : problem is and get back to you. : : –Ed : Thanks Ed–I look forward to the report. : Best, : Matt Matt, According to my doc (who’s a good guy, very smart), hair loss is *not* a side effect of Zoloft. It is with other meds (which, he didn’t say), but not with this one. I can see it now: TV ads for Zoloft which proclaim, "With Zoloft, your hair is safe!" –Ed

I wonder if he meant that hair loss is not an issue with SSRIs in general, or specifically not a problem with Zoloft?  If it’s the latter, maybe I’ll switch from Prozac, which seems to be causing some mild & subtle hair loss for me. But I do think that all SSRIs warn that it is a rare side effect. — Ari

Response:

Have any of you had any hair loss/thinning with zoloft? Thanks Matt

Response:

Have any of you had any hair loss/thinning with zoloft? I wouldn’t rule it out, Matt – I’ve certainly heard of it with Serzone. — Gary Cooper

So it looks like just about all of the new antidepressants can do this–I know that Effexor and the SSRIs can have this effect.  Now Serzone too, eh? One thing that I don’t know is exactly how common this is with each; since I’m on Zoloft I was interested in hearing other’s experiences with this drug. Thanks Matt

Response:

Have any of you had any hair loss/thinning with zoloft?

I wouldn’t rule it out, Matt – I’ve certainly heard of it with Serzone. — Gary Cooper

Response:

: So it looks like just about all of the new antidepressants can do this–I : know that Effexor and the SSRIs can have this effect.  Now Serzone too, : eh? : One thing that I don’t know is exactly how common this is with each; since : I’m on Zoloft I was interested in hearing other’s experiences with this : drug. : Thanks : Matt Hi Matt, I’m currently on Zoloft, and it’s working great for me. Some mild side effects, but nothing I can’t live with. I haven’t noticed any hair loss after five weeks, but then, I haven’t got much hair left to lose . I’m seeing my psychiatrist this afternoon. I’ll ask him how common this problem is and get back to you. –Ed

Response:

I’m currently on Zoloft, and it’s working great for me. Some mild side effects, but nothing I can’t live with. I haven’t noticed any hair loss after five weeks, but then, I haven’t got much hair left to lose . I’m seeing my psychiatrist this afternoon. I’ll ask him how common this problem is and get back to you. –Ed

Thanks Ed–I look forward to the report. Best, Matt

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m currently on Zoloft, and it’s working great for me. Some mild side effects, but nothing I can’t live with. I haven’t noticed any hair loss after five weeks, but then, I haven’t got much hair left to lose . I’m seeing my psychiatrist this afternoon. I’ll ask him how common this problem is and get back to you. –Ed Thanks Ed–I look forward to the report. Best, Matt

    Interesting, I know it can be a problem with depakote, but I haven’t heard of antidepressant doing it.

Response:

: : I’m currently on Zoloft, and it’s working great for me. Some mild side : effects, but nothing I can’t live with. I haven’t noticed any hair loss : after five weeks, but then, I haven’t got much hair left to lose . : : I’m seeing my psychiatrist this afternoon. I’ll ask him how common this : problem is and get back to you. : : –Ed : Thanks Ed–I look forward to the report. : Best, : Matt Matt, According to my doc (who’s a good guy, very smart), hair loss is *not* a side effect of Zoloft. It is with other meds (which, he didn’t say), but not with this one. I can see it now: TV ads for Zoloft which proclaim, "With Zoloft, your hair is safe!" –Ed

Response:

    Interesting, I know it can be a problem with depakote, but I haven’t heard of antidepressant doing it.

Tim, Try an altavista with +hair +zoloft (or prozac or paxil or effexor, for that matter). Matt

Response:

Question:

Thanks for the information David.  I suggest you visit this site for more information on Lamictal (lamotrigine)  Depression Central:             http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html There’s some great infomration there!                                             Juliet                                   Ring the bells that still can ring                                   Forget your perfect offering.                                   There is a crack in everything.                                   That’s how the light gets in.                                   – Leonard Cohen, "Athem"-

Response:

Hi Surfs Edge/ Juliet: I’ve been on lamactal for about 3 months. I am a very rapid cycler (I have cycled three time a day.), however lamictal was help to stop my mania. The only real problem that I have is that I am resistant to these meds. Over the last three years I have been on over a 100 different combinations of meds.  One combination lasted nine months until it broke down (frustrating). the lamictal has work very well for me until this week. I was up to 300mg per day plus 300mg of lithium.  I was previously on 1200 mg of lithium until I started lamictal. I have not experienced any side effect from lamictal. But, as you were told in a previous letter, each of us is unique and reacts differently to various meds. Good luck to you. Arne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone had first hand expierence with lamotrigine (lamictal)? I am considering taking this med and am trying to learn more about it. I have found about the stats, etc but haven’t spoken to someone who takes this med.  Any information would be appreciated.         Thanks.                                           Juliet                                   Ring the bells that still can ring                                   Forget your perfect offering.                                   There is a crack in everything.                                   That’s how the light gets in.                                   – Leonard Cohen, "Athem"-

Response:

Hi, I’ve been on Lamictal for a month and a half with no problems and some benefit, see my post in alt.support.depression.manic, which just goes to show what sucks about this illness .. The only way to find out how you are going to react to a medication is to take it. Rapid cyclers seem to be particularly problematic. In my case over the summer I was on Paxil an SSRI anti depressant similar to Prozac. It made me depressed and sleepy.  When I went off it I went slightly manic for several weeks. Go figure. Try to be philosophical as you experience the adventure of taking a new medication(See my posting to MoiraArwen Re Depakote in alt support depression.manic) In any case hang in there everyone. David – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone had first hand expierence with lamotrigine (lamictal)? I am i just switched off it. in my experience: good antimanic. supposedly has AD effects, but i went into a long depression on it, even though i’m usually a rapid-cycler. made me very drowsy. required me doubling my effexor dose, and i had to add atenolol for the tremors. and it’s not coated, so it tastes icky, if anyone but me cares. brooke — the further i get from the things that i care about, the less i care about how much further away i get (cure)

Response:

An FAQ on lamotrigine (Lamictal) may be found at:        http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.lamotrigine.html Best regards . . . Ivan

: Has anyone had first hand expierence with lamotrigine (lamictal)? I am : considering taking this med and am trying to learn more about it. I have : found about the stats, etc but haven’t spoken to someone who takes this : med.  Any information would be appreciated.         Thanks. :                                           Juliet :                                   Ring the bells that still can ring :                                   Forget your perfect offering. :                                   There is a crack in everything. :                                   That’s how the light gets in. :                                   – Leonard Cohen, "Athem"- — —                                                         \\           ||                          Ivan Goldberg, MD                ~          || || V: 212 876 7800  /  1346 Lexington Ave NYC 10128  /  F: 212 737 0473 || ||             http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html            || ||                   http://www.psycom.net/ijppp.html                   ||

Response:

Has anyone had first hand expierence with lamotrigine (lamictal)? I am considering taking this med and am trying to learn more about it. I have found about the stats, etc but haven’t spoken to someone who takes this med.  Any information would be appreciated.         Thanks.                                           Juliet                                   Ring the bells that still can ring                                   Forget your perfect offering.                                   There is a crack in everything.                                   That’s how the light gets in.                                   – Leonard Cohen, "Athem"-

Response:

Greetings Juliet: Below is some information that I found about Lamictal on the www. I’ve been taking it for 6 weeks so far. I’ve gradually been increasing the dose. I am up to 37.5 mg/day along with 500 mg/day Depakote. I think the lamictal is helping me. It is making a depression that I am going through now less severe than it would be otherwise. I am at a rather low dose as yet. People typically take 3 times the dose that I am taking. The only side effect that I have had is a slight headache for the first day when I increase the dose each time. I started taking only a half a 25mg pill every other day. I found out about this medication on my own via the internet and my Dr. got more information from the drug comany. It seems to be safe and has been used outside of the us by a lot of people. Anti depressants have never helped me. Lithium has never helped me. Depakote seems to make my cycles less extreme but mainly helps with mania. I’ve used that for several years. I am guardedly optimistic about Lamictal. If you have other information besides what I’ve attached and what is in the PDR, I’d be interested in hearing about it. If there is anything else you’d like to know please feel free to ask. In any case hang in there, David David Vogel Hackensack NJ Online Coverage from the 149th Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association Lamotrigine in Treatment-Refractory Bipolar Disorder Robert M. Smith, MD Lamotrigine was effective in both phases of bipolar disorder in an open trial, with its most significant role anticipated for treatment of the depressed phase. Joseph Calabrese, MD, of Case Western Reserve Medical Center reported on the first 6 months of a 12-month, multicenter, open inital study of lamotrigine in treatment-resistant or -intolerant bipolar patients. Lamotrigine is an anticonvulsant derived from an antimalarial agent which has now been used in over 200,000 patients. Initial case reports in patients taking the drug showed it was effective in rapid-cycling patients with severe, refractory depression. It is well known that the depressed phase of bipolar disorder is particularly difficult to treat. The study reported on by Dr. Calabrese included 218 patients with bipolar disorder I or II, in any phase except euthymic; patients with epilepsy or active substance abuse were excluded. Positive response to lamotrigine was seen in 64% of depressed patients, and 76% of hypomanic/manic/mixed patients, as reflected in standardized measures. The study included some patients who received lamotrigine alone, and others who had a combination of antimanic agent(s) plus lamotrigine. The most common side effect and reason for discontinuing the drug was development of a rash. Lamotrigine was generally well tolerated and the results suggest efficacy in both the manic and depressed phases in bipolar disorder. Dr. Calabrese stated that the guidelines listed in the PDR may be used as a reference for dosage and estimated that the average required dose will be approximately 150mg. The drug must be titrated slowly, especially if given concurrently with medications that inhibit hepatic metabolism, such as valproate. A double-blind study is currently being conducted. Robert M. Smith, MD Robert M. Smith, MD is Attending Psychiatrist at St. Lukes/Roosevelt Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic; Candidate at The New York Psychoanalytic Institute; and Medical Director of the Villa Outpatient Substance Abuse Center. Dr. Smith was Chief Resident in Psychiatry from 1992 to 1993 at NYU Medical Center.                     http://www.medscape.com Antidepressants that once induced mood-cycling do not do so when administered along with lamotragine (Lamictal). It seems that this newly released (in the USA) anticonvulsant will play at least as large a role as valproate in the treatment of pholks with bipolar mood disorders. See also: general info on lamotrigine and its use in seizure disorders. I have found lamotrigine often to be effective in the treatment of patients:     with rapid cycling bipolar disorder     with hard-to-treat mixed states     with depression in whom     antidepressants cause mania or cycling Lamotrigine is tolerated best when introduced slowly. A rash that may necessitate discontinuation is more likely to develop in patients started on too high a dose or in those patients in whom the dose is increased too rapidly. There are some pharmacokinetic interactions of lamotrigine that should be kept in mind. Carbamazepine levels are increased by lamotrigine, and valproate levels are decreased somewhat by lamotrigine. Enzyme inducers such as carbamazepine decrease the t-1/2 of lamotrigine to the point where it should be administered q12h rather than q.o.d. In a patient not taking carbamazepine I usually initiate tx with 25 mg h.s. and increase the dose by 25 mg per day per week until a dose of 100 mg h.s. is reached. If a response is not seen after one week at this dose, I then increase the dose to 200 mg h.s. With a few patients I have had to go higher. Most impressive have been the results with rapidly cycling bipolar individuals who have not responded to valproate and/or carbamazepine. Also, the protection against antidepressant-induced cycling and mania has been very useful. I have also had good experiences using lamotrigine to treat the mood lability of so called "borderline" patients. There are no double-blind placebo-controlled studies to confirm the observations above. Charles Bowden has reported worthwhile preliminary results with lamotragine in bipolar patients, N = about 50, not published yet… Manufacturer reportedly somewhat concerned about high incidence of rashes and isn’t sure if they are comfortable investigating it for new use until there is more post-marketing data. At 07:30 AM 4/28/96 -0400,

    You mention that you begin with     a dose of 25 mg h.s. on patients     not taking carbamazepine. How     about patients on valproate? The     PDR suggests that one begins     with a dose of 25 mg every other     day for two weeks. Other     questions: Do your patients end     up only on lamotrigine? How     frequently do they end up on a     combination of lamotrigine and     carbamazepine? With patients on valproate I begin with 1/2 of a 25 mg tablet at bedtime and slowly increase the dose from there. As I see few people on carbamazepine these days, I have few who end up on the combination of carbamazepine + lamotrigine. Those who are asked for a reference regarding the innovative use of lamotrigine with patients who have treatment-resistant mood disorders may find Lamotrigine in Treatment-Refractory Bipolar Disorder useful. (EDT) "Start low and go slow" to minimize the risk of rash or other significant adverse events. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Has anyone had first hand expierence with lamotrigine (lamictal)? I am considering taking this med and am trying to learn more about it. I have found about the stats, etc but haven’t spoken to someone who takes this med.  Any information would be appreciated.         Thanks.                                          Juliet ***                                  Ring the bells that still can ring                                  Forget your perfect offering.                                  There is a crack in everything.                                  That’s how the light gets in.                                  - Leonard Cohen, "Athem"- ***

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