Question:

Jim:  Have you ever had a cardiac workup? Bob

Response:

I’ve told her.  She didn’t seem highly concerned.  In fact, she began tapering my other meds.  (My peak flow was up.)  So now what? Aleta – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi!     If your albuterol (which is the same thing as salbuterol) isn’t working – tell your doctor NOW!  When you have a severe attack albuterol and drugs related are the first line of treatment used to get you breathing again.  It is very serious if these types of drugs do not work for you as it gives the emergeny treatment team few options to use to improve your breathing quickly.  Please don’t panic when you read this – there can be many reasons why it doesn’t seem to be working for you such as inhalation techniques, expiration dates, over reliance on rescue medication, etc. but do look into this now. Marion B.Sc.Pharmacy And I use Albuterol, and it’s never let me down, either. Good thing there are medications that always work! So what does it mean when your albuterol inhaler doesn’t do anything?  My asthma is fairly mild, but when I get an attack, I cough and cough.  Sometimes the albuterol stopes it right away, but other times it doesn’t seem to have any effect.  I don’t notice any difference in the coughing between the times that it does work and when it doesn’t (which I would expect if something other than asthma caused the non-responsive cough). Aleta

Response:

Hi!    If your albuterol (which is the same thing as salbuterol)

snip Marion B.Sc.Pharmacy

Hi, "Salbutamol" [not salbuterol]  is the WHO recommended name generally in use outside of the USA for  "Albuterol". See Asthma FAQ medications: ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/medicine/asthma/medications  Colleen

Response:

Hi Colleen! I see I made a spelling error. Thanks for pointing it out, Marion – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi!    If your albuterol (which is the same thing as salbuterol) snip Marion B.Sc.Pharmacy Hi, "Salbutamol" [not salbuterol]  is the WHO recommended name generally in use outside of the USA for  "Albuterol". See Asthma FAQ medications: ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/medicine/asthma/medications  Colleen

Response:

And I use Albuterol, and it’s never let me down, either. Good thing there are medications that always work!

So what does it mean when your albuterol inhaler doesn’t do anything?  My asthma is fairly mild, but when I get an attack, I cough and cough.  Sometimes the albuterol stopes it right away, but other times it doesn’t seem to have any effect.  I don’t notice any difference in the coughing between the times that it does work and when it doesn’t (which I would expect if something other than asthma caused the non-responsive cough). Aleta

Response:

And I use Albuterol, and it’s never let me down, either. Good thing there are medications that always work! So what does it mean when your albuterol inhaler doesn’t do anything?  My asthma is fairly mild, but when I get an attack, I cough and cough.  Sometimes the albuterol stopes it right away, but other times it doesn’t seem to have any effect.  I don’t notice any difference in the coughing between the times that it does work and when it doesn’t (which I would expect if something other than asthma caused the non-responsive cough). Aleta

Not all cough is caused by asthma; you could have a co-existing condition contributing to the cough. See: http://www.ummed.edu/dept/pulmonary/irwin/pitfalls.htm Common Pitfalls in Managing Patients with Chronic Cough "If patients continue to complain of persistently troublesome cough even after an extensive evaluation, reconsider the following pitfalls in management as possible contributing factors: 4.not considering that more than one condition is  simultaneously contributing to the cough;

Response:

Hi!     If your albuterol (which is the same thing as salbuterol) isn’t working – tell your doctor NOW!  When you have a severe attack albuterol and drugs related are the first line of treatment used to get you breathing again.  It is very serious if these types of drugs do not work for you as it gives the emergeny treatment team few options to use to improve your breathing quickly.  Please don’t panic when you read this – there can be many reasons why it doesn’t seem to be working for you such as inhalation techniques, expiration dates, over reliance on rescue medication, etc. but do look into this now. Marion B.Sc.Pharmacy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And I use Albuterol, and it’s never let me down, either. Good thing there are medications that always work! So what does it mean when your albuterol inhaler doesn’t do anything?  My asthma is fairly mild, but when I get an attack, I cough and cough.  Sometimes the albuterol stopes it right away, but other times it doesn’t seem to have any effect.  I don’t notice any difference in the coughing between the times that it does work and when it doesn’t (which I would expect if something other than asthma caused the non-responsive cough). Aleta

Response:

I seem to get a violent chest compressing asthma attack in the last few years once a day or so, that feels like somoene is sitting on my chest and I am about to strangulate. I have life long asthma and it is much worse in the spring and fall, I am on Flovent, and here is my point: Ventolin is amazing! I have used it for 20 years, but it is still amazing the little off blue inhaler buddy has saved my life hundreds of times.

Response:

Question:

Hi. I am female, and have had severe asthma for 30yrs. I am looking to connect with anyone who has had severe asthma (frequent hospital emergency visits, multiple daily steroid and flovent use) and has found any tangible means, other than flovent and steroid use, to lessen its severity. I know my triggers well, and controlling them has minimal effect-I can’t live in a bubble. Does someone have a personal victory to share? Thanks, S

Hiya – Im 32, and Im presently disabled for asthma, but I am to the point now (after 3 years) where I can have a life, and going out the door doesnt mean Im going to have an attack. I take Proventil inhaler, albuterol + Atrovent in the neb, flovent, serevent, prednisone 15mg, claritin and prilosec.  It took a LONG time for the Flovent and Serevent combo to get me down to 15mgs on the prednisone.  At one point I was up to 60/day.   Right before I went on disability I was going to the ER at least once a week, it was awful.  The first year on disability was really pretty bad too.  But little by little I have gotten better.  Could I go back to work?  I’m not sure, especially since I was a chef.  Plus, who would hire me with my history? I can tell you that the Flovent Serevent combo really has worked for me and I seem to have very drug-resistant asthma, not a lot of the new stuff works for me, like Singulair, Accolate, they did nothing. I wish you the best of luck. Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

Response:

Hi. I am female, and have had severe asthma for 30yrs. I am looking to connect with anyone who has had severe asthma (frequent hospital emergency visits, multiple daily steroid and flovent use) and has found any tangible means, other than flovent and steroid use, to lessen its severity. I know my triggers well, and controlling them has minimal effect-I can’t live in a bubble. Does someone have a personal victory to share? Thanks, S

Response:

test

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi. I am female, and have had severe asthma for 30yrs. I am looking to connect with anyone who has had severe asthma (frequent hospital emergency visits, multiple daily steroid and flovent use) and has found any tangible means, other than flovent and steroid use, to lessen its severity. I know my triggers well, and controlling them has minimal effect-I can’t live in a bubble. Does someone have a personal victory to share? Thanks, S

Response:

Question:

: I’ve never had zits as an adult but now can’t get rid of them. I stopped : taking Astelin nose spray since it caused a massive breakout. Two weeks : later I still wake up with a new zit or two every day. I take Serevent and : Flovent. Is this something I’ll have to live with? I tend to get acne when my asthma goes out of control.  It took me a while to relate one to the other .  Have you talked to your doctor about this? There are some relatively safe medications available for controlling acne (eg. antibiotics), and I suppose after that, you have to figure out what happened.  It may be, and I am only guessing, that if the spray caused the reaction, it might be an immune response (allergy related, perhaps?), which would likely take a while to go down .  Best talk to your doctor. Cheers, Kin Hoong

Response:

I have asthma and a skin condition called Rosacea which is often mistaken for acne.  I am not aware of any connection between the two so I’m not suggesting that this is what you are experiencing, but I always mention it to people having pimple problems because Rosacea is an underdiagnosed life-long condition that responds well to treatment and is disfiguring in the long-term if not treated.  If you would like more information you can e-mail me or there are a couple of good websites that come up on a Yahoo search for rosacea. Kerry

Response:

I’ve never had zits as an adult but now can’t get rid of them. I stopped taking Astelin nose spray since it caused a massive breakout. Two weeks later I still wake up with a new zit or two every day. I take Serevent and Flovent. Is this something I’ll have to live with? Lynda

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – you have the right to ask him this very question-there may be enumerable reasons why he wants you to go off zoloft-some may even be valid, but that does not mean you have to, or he is right. It is fine for a doc to change their mind,  but their principal obligation is to you as your medical doctor who’s goal is to make your life better, not more confusing or anxiety producing. Please don’t spend time worrying about his motives his comments or his attitude. Enjoy your holiday as best as you can and deal with this next week. If he does not give you a reasonable explanation, it may be time to find another doctor-you may have outgrown this one. LM, Brilliant post.  You know, now that you mention it, one of my main complaints with him  is that I don’t think this particular doc specializes in Anxiety disorders.  Thus, if we are talking about anxiety or GAD, he doesn’t mind saying what "could" happen.  As in: "Yes, zoloft works for you, but it ‘could’ fail you.", etc.  I feel like saying:  Well, Gee whiz doc, I had never thought of what ‘could’ happen….Why don’t you tell me something else that COULD happen? Could Zoloft cause any permanent physical problems?  "There is no evidence that it causes heart valve failure, but similar drugs do, so heart valve failure ‘could’ happen." I have left many appointments feeling more anxious than when I went in. I think for the new year I’ll hunt for a new Pdoc  (by the way, why do people use the term Pdoc in here?)

Hi, Ron — I think it’s the convention of the group to use the term pdoc to refer to the doctor one sees to treat one’s complaints/problems or whatnot.  For a lot of people, if not most, I think the word pdoc is seen as a shortened term for psychiatrist.  However, there are instances in which people are being treated for their anxiety/panic disorder by someone who is not a psychiatrist – be it psychologist, general practice doctor, or medicine man. Best Wishes — Blue (one who is now seeing a psychiatrist – FINALLY!… ) Remove mypants to email me

Response:

Yes that’s me…sigh.  I don’t know.  5 years ago he said I’d probably be on it the rest of my life.  Now this year, there is this push for me to scale back.  I don’t get it.

you have the right to ask him this very question-there may be enumerable reasons why he wants you to go off zoloft-some may even be valid, but that does not mean you have to, or he is right. It is fine for a doc to change their mind,  but their principal obligation is to you as your medical doctor who’s goal is to make your life better, not more confusing or anxiety producing. Please don’t spend time worrying about his motives his comments or his attitude. Enjoy your holiday as best as you can and deal with this next week. If he does not give you a reasonable explanation, it may be time to find another doctor-you may have outgrown this one. LM

Response:

Ron, Find a new psychiatrist. Run away from this guy.  Run don’t walk !!!! Start looking now while you still have a prescription. Try to speak to potential psychiatrists and explain the situation to them. See how they respond and go with the pdoc that you feel understands you. You are the customer. Find a new source for your health care. Tony

Response:

Well, I just got back from meeting with my Psychiatrist.  I told him I am feeling much better now that I am back up to my original dose of 100mg. of Zoloft.  And the whole nine yards… After I finished my speal about "whew, I’m glad all that (anxiety) is over…."  He then took that opportunity to tell me he recommends I still scale down if not off completely from zoloft and that I see a therapist to work through some issues I have with my childhood.  He said this process will take a long time possibly years, but it would be for the best.

It’s time to go doctor shopping, Ron. Finally something works again and he wants to take you off it…that is not only bad medicine, it’s also downright cruel. Many people need meds and at this pojt you seem to be one of them (as am I). Moreover *working through issues you have with your childhood* is totally useless as a therapy to get rid of anxiety symptoms as any doc worth his salt should know. The therapy of choice is *Cognitive Behavioral Therapy* which is very much a here-and-now therapy. Have you ever tried it? If not, it is highly recommended. I asked him what gave him the idea that I could be off of meds and still function?  His response was that my depression/anxiety was at a moderate to moderate/low level and as such, doesn’t necessarily require medication to fight.

I see…*he* know what you go through better than *you* do? I don’t think so. I am feeling totally confused now.  I’ve tried to scale off of zoloft twice now.  Perhaps I went too rapidly both times, I don’t know.  I dropped off Zoloft completely the first time in about 8 weeks.  The second time I dropped my dosage by .25mg increments and started having anxiety attacks when I hit .50mg (1/2 my optimal dose)   How am I supposed to scale off this time?  Drop by 12.5mg increments and pray?

I wouldn’t stop taking it. It helps you. I *would* do CBT, see what that gets me and if I can maybe do without meds then. If not, that’s fine too. I don’t know folks…what do you think?  Cut my dose in half?  I’d love to.  Elliminate it completely?  There is nothing I’d like better – I’d even do back flips.

Why? If it works, it works. And a med that works is a thing to cherish.  But I just don’t know how I’m going to do it unless I could be hospitalized or something.  I lost 6 months of my life to anxiety the first time I agressively quit zoloft.  When I scaled back, I suffered for 3 weeks till I got stabilized again.  

Please find another pdoc, someone who knows what (s)he is talking about,. Don’t let this clown confuse you. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

:Also, this whole situation is causing me alot of anxiety as well. amn.  After almost 2 weeks without Xanax I am feeling like I need one :now. {{{{{Ron}}}}} Your pdoc is suppose to help decrease your anxiety, not add to it. Your anxiety might be trying to tell you that you aren`t ready to stop taking zoloft. Listen to your gut. Jackie ~*~The bad things of life were very transitory.It was the good things , the ribbed sand, the wind blowing over the white capped waves , the sunshine and the stars, that were so tough and durable~*~

Response:

.S. I am going out of town tomorrow to spend the day and night at the :in-laws….that has me anxious as well – I suppose many of you can :relate. Very understandable! Happy Thanksgiving I hope you are able to enjoy yourself. Jackie ~*~The bad things of life were very transitory.It was the good things , the ribbed sand, the wind blowing over the white capped waves , the sunshine and the stars, that were so tough and durable~*~

Response:

I just got back from meeting with my Psychiatrist. he recommends I still scale down if not off completely from zoloft and that I see a therapist to work through some issues I have with my childhood.

That’s bullshit. Going into all the perils of your childhood won’t replace the zoloft and your being anxiety free, – what is done is done, (in my opinion).  I think it’s time you shopped around for someone who knows how to treat anxiety disorders. I wish you well – K  

Response:

you have the right to ask him this very question-there may be enumerable reasons why he wants you to go off zoloft-some may even be valid, but that does not mean you have to, or he is right. It is fine for a doc to change their mind,  but their principal obligation is to you as your medical doctor who’s goal is to make your life better, not more confusing or anxiety producing. Please don’t spend time worrying about his motives his comments or his attitude. Enjoy your holiday as best as you can and deal with this next week. If he does not give you a reasonable explanation, it may be time to find another doctor-you may have outgrown this one.

LM, Brilliant post.  You know, now that you mention it, one of my main complaints with him  is that I don’t think this particular doc specializes in Anxiety disorders.  Thus, if we are talking about anxiety or GAD, he doesn’t mind saying what "could" happen.  As in: "Yes, zoloft works for you, but it ‘could’ fail you.", etc.  I feel like saying:  Well, Gee whiz doc, I had never thought of what ‘could’ happen….Why don’t you tell me something else that COULD happen? Could Zoloft cause any permanent physical problems?  "There is no evidence that it causes heart valve failure, but similar drugs do, so heart valve failure ‘could’ happen." I have left many appointments feeling more anxious than when I went in. I think for the new year I’ll hunt for a new Pdoc  (by the way, why do people use the term Pdoc in here?)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ron, Find a new psychiatrist. Run away from this guy.  Run don’t walk !!!! Start looking now while you still have a prescription. Try to speak to potential psychiatrists and explain the situation to them. See how they respond and go with the pdoc that you feel understands you. You are the customer. Find a new source for your health care. Tony

Tony, I think you are right.  I’ve still got some time – time to go pdoc shopping. Ron

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, I just got back from meeting with my Psychiatrist.  I told him I am feeling much better now that I am back up to my original dose of 100mg. of Zoloft.  And the whole nine yards… After I finished my speal about "whew, I’m glad all that (anxiety) is over…."  He then took that opportunity to tell me he recommends I still scale down if not off completely from zoloft and that I see a therapist to work through some issues I have with my childhood.  He said this process will take a long time possibly years, but it would be for the best. I asked him what gave him the idea that I could be off of meds and still function?  His response was that my depression/anxiety was at a moderate to moderate/low level and as such, doesn’t necessarily require medication to fight. I am feeling totally confused now.  I’ve tried to scale off of zoloft twice now.  Perhaps I went too rapidly both times, I don’t know.  I dropped off Zoloft completely the first time in about 8 weeks.  The second time I dropped my dosage by .25mg increments and started having anxiety attacks when I hit .50mg (1/2 my optimal dose)   How am I supposed to scale off this time?  Drop by 12.5mg increments and pray? I don’t know folks…what do you think?  Cut my dose in half?  I’d love to.  Elliminate it completely?  There is nothing I’d like better – I’d even do back flips.  But I just don’t know how I’m going to do it unless I could be hospitalized or something.  I lost 6 months of my life to anxiety the first time I agressively quit zoloft.  When I scaled back, I suffered for 3 weeks till I got stabilized again.   Ron

Dear Ron. My suggestion is to get a second opinion… You are doing better by being on that dose of zoloft. It is imo that you should remain on that while you talk with a therapist and not worry about weaning. I don’t understand why your pysch would even mention this to you at this point. You need to get your meds adjusted, then work with a therapist. I don’t want to sound negative but I would get a second viewpoint regarding your anxiety, medications etc. I feel when a doctor or pyschiatrist starts to disgust tapering off BEFORE any set therapy or mentions that you should be off it altogether is not in your best intersests at this point in your recovery. Some people, regardless of therapy, have to maintain medications through out there life time. That shouldn’t be the issue. SO I suggest the second opinion. My doc has been so good regarding the Effexor and Ativan that I take. I wish everyone had a doctor as compassionate and patient as mine. I tried to wean off the effxor and got down to 150 per day when I started to feel so sad and anxious. So I am taking the 300 per day and am doing just fine. I take the Ativan as needed. I had childhood issues to deal with and even though I am comfortable with the results, I am still taking the medications. Maybe in a year or so I can try and wean again but my doctor says it is when I AM READY to do it… I wish you all the best and please let me know if and when you see another doctor regarding your anxiety and medications. Julie

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – :I don’t know folks…what do you think?  Cut my dose in half?  I’d :love to.  Elliminate it completely?  There is nothing I’d like better :- I’d even do back flips.  But I just don’t know how I’m going to do :it unless I could be hospitalized or something.  I lost 6 months of my :life to anxiety the first time I agressively quit zoloft.  When I :scaled back, I suffered for 3 weeks till I got stabilized again.   Dear Ron, Aren`t you the poster that increased their zoloft dose about 3 1/2 weeks ago because you were having a setback? If so, then I really don`t understand why your doctor would want you to stop taking a med after you just got stabilized on it. I also question his recommending "analyze your childhood" type of therapy. A lot of people, myself included have done the talk therapy, rehashing one`s childhood and the past with very little to no impact on our anxiety disorder. That`s not saying that no one benefits from disorders is congnitive behavioral therapy. You can also do therapy while on medication. If I were you I would get a second opinion. What do you want to do? You seem hesitant about getting off zoloft which is understandable. Take care Jackie ~*~The bad things of life were very transitory.It was the good things , the ribbed sand, the wind blowing over the white capped waves , the sunshine and the stars, that were so tough and durable~*~

Jackie, Yes that’s me…sigh.  I don’t know.  5 years ago he said I’d probably be on it the rest of my life.  Now this year, there is this push for me to scale back.  I don’t get it. Also, this whole situation is causing me alot of anxiety as well. Damn.  After almost 2 weeks without Xanax I am feeling like I need one now. Ron

Response:

Hey Ron, He sounds like he needs those TALK sessions in HIS piggy bank, you just aren’t worth the effort for him if you are so easily managed on meds. sorry to sound so cold and heartless, but thats my NSHO ( NOT so humble opinion) Once in this anx/pan thing we seem to go round on a merry go round, maybe its NOT childhood issues but real life/real time issues. My GP and I do not always see eye to eye on details, but his philosophy here in this hospitality/resort area is that most of us in hospitality professions need medication support because our jobs are so seasonally whacky, we go from 100 MPH to zip  and back and must always be cheerful, helpful, and  NOT STRESSED~~, the epitome of   Yassa Massta. He has joked with me in the past that he thinks he ought to sneak a patent ~~~~~~~ not serious. He’s your doc, but you don’t have to be Yassa Massta.  Good point that you are comfortable at your current dose and want to stay there for a while…… in 3 or 6 or 9 months  or more you may have different insights. Feel Well Ron.  Make it a body memory like walking, running, breathing, eating, laughing, sleeping.   Most of us get stable on a med and then want to get off, we don’t take the time to internalize the good feeling and  own it. Thanks for bringing this up, disagreements with docs should give us opportunities to express our own thoughts. have a happy gobbleday, stay in your PJ/s as long as possible and absolutely indulge in the after meal nap. Sue

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, I just got back from meeting with my Psychiatrist.  I told him I am feeling much better now that I am back up to my original dose of 100mg. of Zoloft.  And the whole nine yards… After I finished my speal about "whew, I’m glad all that (anxiety) is over…."  He then took that opportunity to tell me he recommends I still scale down if not off completely from zoloft and that I see a therapist to work through some issues I have with my childhood.  He said this process will take a long time possibly years, but it would be for the best. I asked him what gave him the idea that I could be off of meds and still function?  His response was that my depression/anxiety was at a moderate to moderate/low level and as such, doesn’t necessarily require medication to fight. I am feeling totally confused now.  I’ve tried to scale off of zoloft twice now.  Perhaps I went too rapidly both times, I don’t know.  I dropped off Zoloft completely the first time in about 8 weeks.  The second time I dropped my dosage by .25mg increments and started having anxiety attacks when I hit .50mg (1/2 my optimal dose) How am I supposed to scale off this time?  Drop by 12.5mg increments and pray? I don’t know folks…what do you think?  Cut my dose in half?  I’d love to.  Elliminate it completely?  There is nothing I’d like better – I’d even do back flips.  But I just don’t know how I’m going to do it unless I could be hospitalized or something.  I lost 6 months of my life to anxiety the first time I agressively quit zoloft.  When I scaled back, I suffered for 3 weeks till I got stabilized again. Ron

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – :I don’t know folks…what do you think?  Cut my dose in half?  I’d :love to.  Elliminate it completely?  There is nothing I’d like better :- I’d even do back flips.  But I just don’t know how I’m going to do :it unless I could be hospitalized or something.  I lost 6 months of my :life to anxiety the first time I agressively quit zoloft.  When I :scaled back, I suffered for 3 weeks till I got stabilized again.   Dear Ron, Aren`t you the poster that increased their zoloft dose about 3 1/2 weeks ago because you were having a setback? If so, then I really don`t understand why your doctor would want you to stop taking a med after you just got stabilized on it. I also question his recommending "analyze your childhood" type of therapy. A lot of people, myself included have done the talk therapy, rehashing one`s childhood and the past with very little to no impact on our anxiety disorder. That`s not saying that no one benefits from disorders is congnitive behavioral therapy. You can also do therapy while on medication. If I were you I would get a second opinion. What do you want to do? You seem hesitant about getting off zoloft which is understandable. Take care Jackie ~*~The bad things of life were very transitory.It was the good things , the ribbed sand, the wind blowing over the white capped waves , the sunshine and the stars, that were so tough and durable~*~

P.S. I am going out of town tomorrow to spend the day and night at the in-laws….that has me anxious as well – I suppose many of you can relate.

Response:

If you are comfortable on the med and doing well, then I fail to understand your pdoc’s point of view.  I think you are right to stay on it. Take care, Liz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, I just got back from meeting with my Psychiatrist.  I told him I am feeling much better now that I am back up to my original dose of 100mg. of Zoloft.  And the whole nine yards… After I finished my speal about "whew, I’m glad all that (anxiety) is over…."  He then took that opportunity to tell me he recommends I still scale down if not off completely from zoloft and that I see a therapist to work through some issues I have with my childhood.  He said this process will take a long time possibly years, but it would be for the best. I asked him what gave him the idea that I could be off of meds and still function?  His response was that my depression/anxiety was at a moderate to moderate/low level and as such, doesn’t necessarily require medication to fight. I am feeling totally confused now.  I’ve tried to scale off of zoloft twice now.  Perhaps I went too rapidly both times, I don’t know.  I dropped off Zoloft completely the first time in about 8 weeks.  The second time I dropped my dosage by .25mg increments and started having anxiety attacks when I hit .50mg (1/2 my optimal dose)   How am I supposed to scale off this time?  Drop by 12.5mg increments and pray? I don’t know folks…what do you think?  Cut my dose in half?  I’d love to.  Elliminate it completely?  There is nothing I’d like better – I’d even do back flips.  But I just don’t know how I’m going to do it unless I could be hospitalized or something.  I lost 6 months of my life to anxiety the first time I agressively quit zoloft.  When I scaled back, I suffered for 3 weeks till I got stabilized again.   Ron

Response:

:I don’t know folks…what do you think?  Cut my dose in half?  I’d :love to.  Elliminate it completely?  There is nothing I’d like better :- I’d even do back flips.  But I just don’t know how I’m going to do :it unless I could be hospitalized or something.  I lost 6 months of my :life to anxiety the first time I agressively quit zoloft.  When I :scaled back, I suffered for 3 weeks till I got stabilized again.   Dear Ron, Aren`t you the poster that increased their zoloft dose about 3 1/2 weeks ago because you were having a setback? If so, then I really don`t understand why your doctor would want you to stop taking a med after you just got stabilized on it. I also question his recommending "analyze your childhood" type of therapy. A lot of people, myself included have done the talk therapy, rehashing one`s childhood and the past with very little to no impact on our anxiety disorder. That`s not saying that no one benefits from disorders is congnitive behavioral therapy. You can also do therapy while on medication. If I were you I would get a second opinion. What do you want to do? You seem hesitant about getting off zoloft which is understandable. Take care Jackie ~*~The bad things of life were very transitory.It was the good things , the ribbed sand, the wind blowing over the white capped waves , the sunshine and the stars, that were so tough and durable~*~

Response:

Well, I just got back from meeting with my Psychiatrist.  I told him I am feeling much better now that I am back up to my original dose of 100mg. of Zoloft.  And the whole nine yards… After I finished my speal about "whew, I’m glad all that (anxiety) is over…."  He then took that opportunity to tell me he recommends I still scale down if not off completely from zoloft and that I see a therapist to work through some issues I have with my childhood.  He said this process will take a long time possibly years, but it would be for the best. I asked him what gave him the idea that I could be off of meds and still function?  His response was that my depression/anxiety was at a moderate to moderate/low level and as such, doesn’t necessarily require medication to fight. I am feeling totally confused now.  I’ve tried to scale off of zoloft twice now.  Perhaps I went too rapidly both times, I don’t know.  I dropped off Zoloft completely the first time in about 8 weeks.  The second time I dropped my dosage by .25mg increments and started having anxiety attacks when I hit .50mg (1/2 my optimal dose)   How am I supposed to scale off this time?  Drop by 12.5mg increments and pray? I don’t know folks…what do you think?  Cut my dose in half?  I’d love to.  Elliminate it completely?  There is nothing I’d like better – I’d even do back flips.  But I just don’t know how I’m going to do it unless I could be hospitalized or something.  I lost 6 months of my life to anxiety the first time I agressively quit zoloft.  When I scaled back, I suffered for 3 weeks till I got stabilized again.   Ron

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -salarmy4me wrote:

I am trying Serzone and Visken and am on only the second day. Visken is a beta-blocker with anti-anxiety and   anti-depressant properties. The initial testing of visken with ADs showed good results. People recovered faster than with   antidepressants alone. Visken has to be used only with certain antidepressants, though. Only Paxil, Prozac, Effexor, and   Serzone have been augmented. Of course, the combo has to be studied more, but maybe I am the guinea pig for the   combo. Dr. Bob’s discussion on this showed that 15 mg is the right dose: 5mg three times a day. The side effect profile is   benign. Interestingly, I had a burst of crying in joy today. I never had that with serzone alone, but perhaps its actually the   Serzone that has finally kicked in. If anyone is interested, I will tell you more about the augmentation strategy. * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

I’m interested…I tried Serzone but it didn’t help with my OCD. Am now on Effexor-XR. What is Visken? Thanks!

Response:

I am trying Serzone and Visken and am on only the second day. Visken is a beta-blocker with anti-anxiety and   anti-depressant properties. The initial testing of visken with ADs showed good results. People recovered faster than with   antidepressants alone. Visken has to be used only with certain antidepressants, though. Only Paxil, Prozac, Effexor, and   Serzone have been augmented. Of course, the combo has to be studied more, but maybe I am the guinea pig for the   combo. Dr. Bob’s discussion on this showed that 15 mg is the right dose: 5mg three times a day. The side effect profile is   benign. Interestingly, I had a burst of crying in joy today. I never had that with serzone alone, but perhaps its actually the   Serzone that has finally kicked in. If anyone is interested, I will tell you more about the augmentation strategy. * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have used valerian, esp. before I finally broke down, admitted I had a mood disorder, and was put on depakote, then lamictal (another mood stabilizer with fewer side effects — for me — than the depakote).  The valerian made me sleepy consistently, and I felt physically tired and mentally vague, which perhaps mitigated my mood disorder by making me too sleepy to notice how depressed I was.  It didn’t do anything when I was manic, however.  The mania was far stronger than the relatively mild effects of the valerian (I never took a high dose of it).  On the other hand, I’ve never tried it with effexor or wellbutrin, both of which I now take and both of which are fairly activating so I suppose they would offset the dullness factor.  I see no reason why you shouldn’t try it if your pdoc won’t give you a mood stabilizer and you feel you need one.  Why won’t your pdoc give you one?  or an anti-psychotic?  Does he/she not trust your reporting of symptoms that would indicate a need for them?  Maybe you just need a new, and hopefully better-informed, pdoc.  I’ve had five pdocs since beginning medication and not one of them has ever had any problems with prescribing anti-convulsants as mood stabilizers.  What about lithium?  No question that it’s a mood stabilizer, and nothing else.  Don’t overdose on the valerian, though. Start low and see how it goes.  But if I were in your place I’d find another pdoc. Let us know how it goes for you.  Luck. –Allegra

Thanks for the info Allegra… I was thinking of trying Valerian… since my pdoc thinks that i don’t need any kind of medicataion im kinda on my own… wanted to see if ti would help. Tried a veyr low dose for sleep, but it din’t have any effect – wonder if a much larger one would help… Don’t know about Jame’s pdoc, but mine says that there’s nothing biochemically wrong with me… so theres nothing for a pill to fix… how’s that? a pdoc who DOESN’T want to shove medication down your throat!!! last year I wouild have been thinking WOW, but now i’m not so sure… i mean, this guy saw me on Tuesday when i was about readuy to cut my wrists, and told me that my issues would deal with themselves gfiven time! — Kaji/Karenji – dragon/human Shifter depending on mood… *New Dragon Code COMING (one blue moon or another) *ICQ 55339701 – feel free to message me to chat *http://www.labyrinth.net.au/~gsj/Index.html *Wingsister to Viriatha, Tanith, Hespa and Caitlin/Amberynth *Lover of Chocolate, and Occasional Giver of Chocolate Points *Self-Appointed Guardian of the Southern Spring *Keeper of the Sunnydale Lost and Found

Response:

Hey folks: Well, since my pdoc won’t give me some good mood stabalizers or low dose antopsychotic, I am gonna try my 150mg Effexor XR, with a benzo, and Vallerian Root which I HOPE acts in SOME kind of mood stabalizing way. Ya, I know…far from being anything "medically" correct, but it’s much better than the previous cocktail of benzos and codiene I was taking. One thing I noticed with Effexor though is that it can really mess up your memory and alertness all day long. What I may try and do is beg, beg, beg my family doc to take on my psch meds for now, and ask to give a shot at another mood stabalizer or antipsychotic with Effexor or Welbutrin. My family doc was much more enthusiastic about using a mood stabalizer, he started me on depakote, than using benzos. The pdocs don’t seem to want to use ANYTHING not stricly "labled", as I see there is that whole controversy over using different meds for bp. (I guess even if the anticonvulsants are officially "labled" for use in bp, many pdocs still won’t use them.) Yes, there must be a bit of caution in mix and match pharmacy, but we are only here for a limited time, and I want to live as healthy, happy life like everybody does. I think even pdocs (some..not all) don’t realize how painful a mental disorder is. Yes, it’s "different" than physical pain, put the intensity is just as bad. James

Response:

I have used valerian, esp. before I finally broke down, admitted I had a mood disorder, and was put on depakote, then lamictal (another mood stabilizer with fewer side effects — for me — than the depakote).  The valerian made me sleepy consistently, and I felt physically tired and mentally vague, which perhaps mitigated my mood disorder by making me too sleepy to notice how depressed I was.  It didn’t do anything when I was manic, however.  The mania was far stronger than the relatively mild effects of the valerian (I never took a high dose of it).  On the other hand, I’ve never tried it with effexor or wellbutrin, both of which I now take and both of which are fairly activating so I suppose they would offset the dullness factor.  I see no reason why you shouldn’t try it if your pdoc won’t give you a mood stabilizer and you feel you need one.  Why won’t your pdoc give you one?  or an anti-psychotic?  Does he/she not trust your reporting of symptoms that would indicate a need for them?  Maybe you just need a new, and hopefully better-informed, pdoc.  I’ve had five pdocs since beginning medication and not one of them has ever had any problems with prescribing anti-convulsants as mood stabilizers.  What about lithium?  No question that it’s a mood stabilizer, and nothing else.  Don’t overdose on the valerian, though. Start low and see how it goes.  But if I were in your place I’d find another pdoc. Let us know how it goes for you.  Luck. –Allegra

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey folks: Well, since my pdoc won’t give me some good mood stabalizers or low dose antopsychotic, I am gonna try my 150mg Effexor XR, with a benzo, and Vallerian Root which I HOPE acts in SOME kind of mood stabalizing way. Ya, I know…far from being anything "medically" correct, but it’s much better than the previous cocktail of benzos and codiene I was taking. One thing I noticed with Effexor though is that it can really mess up your memory and alertness all day long. What I may try and do is beg, beg, beg my family doc to take on my psch meds for now, and ask to give a shot at another mood stabalizer or antipsychotic with Effexor or Welbutrin. My family doc was much more enthusiastic about using a mood stabalizer, he started me on depakote, than using benzos. The pdocs don’t seem to want to use ANYTHING not stricly "labled", as I see there is that whole controversy over using different meds for bp. (I guess even if the anticonvulsants are officially "labled" for use in bp, many pdocs still won’t use them.) Yes, there must be a bit of caution in mix and match pharmacy, but we are only here for a limited time, and I want to live as healthy, happy life like everybody does. I think even pdocs (some..not all) don’t realize how painful a mental disorder is. Yes, it’s "different" than physical pain, put the intensity is just as bad. James

Response:

Question:

I was wondering if anyone is living with person who has Attention Deficit, my husband was diagnosed 2 years ago, he is currently taken ritailin sr 20 mg twice a day. He still has mood swings and alot of other symptoms, I am trying to be real strong but sometimes he can be real harsh  with his words.  I just want someone who can understand and give adivce to me. Shannon    

Response:

Tell his MD to recommend an SSRI like Prozac, Effexor, Paxil or Zoloft. These are mood stablizers and can balance out the mood swings.

I agree:  I have found that I was much less irritable when I was on Prozac, and then Effexor; I didn’t feel it neccessary to express anger towards people by snapping at them.  Being on SSRI’s made me a lot more laid back in general, so that things that I would normally fume about just didn’t get to me. From this post and your previous one, it sounds like your husband could really benifit.  I think I remember you saying that he had been on an antidepressant at one point.  Since stimulants often result in irritability as a side effect (particularly a reboud effect), the combonation may really suit your husband.

Response:

Tell his MD to recommend an SSRI like Prozac, Effexor, Paxil or Zoloft. These are mood stablizers and can balance out the mood swings.  

Response:

kevin wrote… Tell his MD to recommend an SSRI like Prozac, Effexor, Paxil or Zoloft.

If his MD is anything like me, you won’t be able to tell him anything. Sincerely, Dr. Jackass, M.D.

Response:

Some of the meds that have been recommended so far are worth checking out.  My advice when it comes to your husband’s mood swings is to let him be by himself, if possible.  I wouldn’t advise trying to "talk sense" into him.  When someone is in a mood swing they do not think rationally and they will only say things that are mean and hurtful, things that they (most of the time) will later regret.  So try to get out of the house by taking a long walk, visiting a friend, or seeing a movie, etc.   When I lived at home, my dad would have mood swings (which he still does).  I would just make up any excuse to get out of the house so that he wouldn’t turn around and focus his anger on me.  By the time I got back he, usually, was in a good mood. – Mike       – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anyone is living with person who has Attention Deficit, my husband was diagnosed 2 years ago, he is currently taken ritailin sr 20 mg twice a day. He still has mood swings and alot of other symptoms, I am trying to be real strong but sometimes he can be real harsh  with his words.  I just want someone who can understand and give adivce to me. Shannon    

Response:

Yes but if he/she is like MINE he will ASK what the patient thinks is a good idea. kevin wrote… Tell his MD to recommend an SSRI like Prozac, Effexor, Paxil or Zoloft. If his MD is anything like me, you won’t be able to tell him anything. Sincerely, Dr. Jackass, M.D.

Nessa — everyone has a photographic mind, some of us just don’t have any film.

Response:

I used to try to get my hubby into "a better mood". Guess what? : ) I think Mike has some real good ideas. And it does help to remember that he doesn’t get into these moods on purpose, or just to annoy you, he can’t help it. Try not to take things too personally. Lisa- wife to ADD hubby and two ADHD sons – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some of the meds that have been recommended so far are worth checking out.  My advice when it comes to your husband’s mood swings is to let him be by himself, if possible.  I wouldn’t advise trying to "talk sense" into him.  When someone is in a mood swing they do not think rationally and they will only say things that are mean and hurtful, things that they (most of the time) will later regret.  So try to get out of the house by taking a long walk, visiting a friend, or seeing a movie, etc.

Response:

Question:

dear jm, one more thing the zolof ( not sure of the spelling, )  but it kept me awake also.  But imipramine which is for depression  didnt.  It took about a week for my mind to shut off at night and now i sleep real well most of the time only once in a while i wake with the rapid heart beat of anxiety.  

Response:

– I am a 33 year old married mother of 3. And I have anxiety attacks and depression, I also suffer from migraines that leave me sick for days. Sometimes I don:t want to face the world, This is hard for my husband to understand, And even harded on the kids.

I sympathize with you completely….did you ever snap at your family because they bothered you in the middle of an attack?  I have (not meaning to of course).  My husband just barely understands my problem…..but I don’t he really gets the full picture of it. I take medication Zoloft.Xanax andAlprazolam Plus St. John Wort. Hopeing something will help. Everytime I have a pain I think I am dieing. I can"t sleep at night. And I am up all alone, which makes it worst. I want to be happy and enjoy life.

Usually I prefer to be alone when my attacks happen because I feel no one has to see me go looney (I’ve caught my daughter watch me once and I think it kinda scared her).  My doctor (family) tells me I am to young for the other medications. But I need help. I can"t go on like this. I would like a piece of mind. And maybe for someone to understand want I am going though. Does anyone have any answers? I guess it"s been harder because both of my brothers have pass away. and I only have my husband,kids and my mother. People think you can just jump up and be happy. But it doesn"t work that way for me. help.

It’s funny, my father has this condition and now that he’s on Paxil and feeling better, he’s less sympathic with me (although in some cases, he understands). I definitely feel the same way you do, and I’m glad you came out with your feelings.  It’s good to know someone else out there feels the same way. Believe me, you are not alone.  I just discovered that now when I found this group. Thank you guys for being here.  Now I don’t feel so isolated. ANDI http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/6104/index.html (The Monkees Pics N Stuff Webpage) "And in the end, the love you take,  is equal to the love you make." – Lennon/McCartney

Response:

my attacks seemed to stem rom an obsession with my heart rate. my doctor gave me a beta bloacker, inderal, which took care of this. it did wonders. talk that over with your doc. once i got rid of the heart rate thing i could deal with the attacks much more effectively. "funny thing i learned about food, the more you eat…the more you NEW BOLLARD WEB PAGE…. http://members.aol.com/papilln/index.html                           cider,lost love and road trips.    

Response:

Usually I prefer to be alone when my attacks happen because I feel no one has

to see me go looney< Touche Andrea, I can’t stand to have anyone around. It is not *normal* to crawl around on all fours like an animal that’s wounded.  To have someone watching me makes it worse. On the bright side, I haven’t had a P/A in 4 months and consider myself lucky that I have triggers and could easily eliminate them. Kathi Kathi

Response:

hi – we all know what you are going through in this group.  It is very hard for families to understand this illness – everyone is always telling us to "snap out of it" and "if you make up your mind to do something, you can do it".  If they had to live with this for only one day, I think they might be more sympathetic.  I am 48 and have 2 children.  They do understand to a point and my 19 year old is a big help to me, as is my husband – but only when it is convenient for them.  Otherwise, I get  that disgusted look people are so quick to give.  I take Xanax when I feel I need it.  That alprazolam is just a generic form of Xanax – you don’t need both.  I never took my Zoloft or Paxil long enough for it to do me any good – I have a thing about being dependent on pills.  How long have you taken this stuff?  It takes at least a month to "kick in".  And how long have you been suffering with the attacks?  I believe the depression comes from having them.  For you to have migraines as well must be very debilitating.  I had agoraphobic and attacks in my 20’s; then for some mysterious reason I was well for 18 years.  That first time, I had horrible headaches (migraines?), too.  But it was from the stress, I think.  Maybe it is with you, too, and as you start feeling better they will lessen.  I can relate to everything you said.  Now that I’m sick again, worse than ever, I can sympathize.  Just try to take it one day at a time.  Try to keep busy – I find when I get involved with something – housework or reading, whatever, I don’t think about every little thing that is going on with my body.  We anxious people have a tendency to feel too much of what is going on and get that "feel like we’re going to die" feeling a lot.  If you feel like talking to me and it AOL.com  -  stay calm Cheryl

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -hi – we all know what you are going through in this group.  It is very hard for families to understand this illness – everyone is always telling us to "snap out of it" and "if you make up your mind to do something, you can do it". If they had to live with this for only one day, I think they might be more sympathetic.  I am 48 and have 2 children.  They do understand to a point and my 19 year old is a big help to me, as is my husband – but only when it is convenient for them.  Otherwise, I get  that disgusted look people are so quick to give.  I take Xanax when I feel I need it.  That alprazolam is just a generic form of Xanax – you don’t need both.  I never took my Zoloft or Paxil long enough for it to do me any good – I have a thing about being dependent on pills.  How long have you taken this stuff?  It takes at least a month to "kick in".  And how long have you been suffering with the attacks?  I believe the depression comes from having them.  For you to have migraines as well must be very debilitating.  I had agoraphobic and attacks in my 20’s; then for some mysterious reason I was well for 18 years.  That first time, I had horrible headaches (migraines?), too.  But it was from the stress, I think.  Maybe it is with you, too, and as you start feeling better they will lessen.  I can relate to everything you said.  Now that I’m sick again, worse than ever, I can sympathize.  Just try to take it one day at a time.  Try to keep busy – I find when I get involved with something – housework or reading, whatever, I don’t think about every little thing that is going on with my body.  We anxious people have a tendency to feel too much of what is going on and get that "feel like we’re going to die" feeling a lot.  If you feel like talking to me and it AOL.com  -  stay calm Cheryl

Thank you for understanding (sorry if I’m being redundant) and I appreciate the support you and the rest of the newsgroup is giving me.  I could sure use the helping hand.  ANDI http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/6104/index.html (The Monkees Pics N Stuff Webpage) "And in the end, the love you take,  is equal to the love you make." – Lennon/McCartney

Response:

Andi – I am sorry that you are going threw this type of thing. No one will ever really understand unless they have lived threw it. I know this may sound mean, but I have been so mad at one point at my co workers and family – that I have WISHED this on them – just for 2 days and 2 nights at it’s WORST. I hope that doesn’t make me an evil person. I think that if they did experience some of what you are going threw – then they’d understand. At least there is this newsgroup so you can relate to  others dealing with the same types of things. Take care. – Spoon.

Response:

Frombufalo schreef: Usually I prefer to be alone when my attacks happen because I feel no one has to see me go looney< Touche Andrea, I can’t stand to have anyone around. It is not *normal* to crawl around on all fours like an animal that’s wounded.  To have someone watching me makes it worse. On the bright side, I haven’t had a P/A in 4 months and consider myself lucky that I have triggers and could easily eliminate them. Kathi Kathi

Hey Kath! There’s two of you now? Philip

Response:

Usually I prefer to be alone when my attacks happen because I feel no one has to see me go looney<

I find that, if someone else is around and I share what I’m going through, it only makes them nervous as there’s nothing they can do and usually they are afraid of doing something wrong. OTOH, it’s sometimes scary to be alone inthe middle of a real PA. I guess I just like to have my close persons know I’m having a problem and there’s nothing for them to do, so they won’t wonder why I can’t concentrate, etc., and try to help with no results or negative results. Gordon Held

Response:

Andi – I am sorry that you are going threw this type of thing. No one will ever really understand unless they have lived threw it. I know this may sound mean, but I have been so mad at one point at my co workers and family – that I have WISHED this on them – just for 2 days and 2 nights at it’s WORST. I hope that doesn’t make me an evil person. I think that if they did experience some of what you are going threw – then they’d understand. At least there is this newsgroup so you can relate to  others dealing with the same types of things. Take care. – Spoon.

You are not mean…..I’ve wished this on a person or two, just so they could see that I’m not trying to make excuses for not going places or doing things.  I especially wish it on them 2 fold, when they made stupid remarks like "get over it" or "you just don’t want to deal with (a particular situation)", or my favorite "not that excuse again!"  ANDI http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/6104/index.html (The Monkees Pics N Stuff Webpage) "And in the end, the love you take,  is equal to the love you make." – Lennon/McCartney

Response:

Dear Andi5555   I am so sorry to hear that you feel the way I do.  The headaches get so bad that I spend 2 or 3  days in the bed. No one understands., they think it"s a small headache. I have to be in a dark room with no sound. I can"t eat and I don"t feel like moving. And when they do go away, I feel week for acouple of days. My 2 older kids 16 & 14 get by o.k. But it is hard on the 3 year old. I just hope that as I get older they will go away. People have tolded me that sometimes they do. I just pray and ask God to help me get though it.  This is alot of help to talk to other people who feel the same way. Have a Happy New Years and here"s  to a new year without PAD &

Response:

Dear Andi5555   I am so sorry to hear that you feel the way I do.  The headaches get so bad that I spend 2 or 3  days in the bed. No one understands., they think it"s a small headache. I have to be in a dark room with no sound. I can"t eat and I don"t feel like moving. And when they do go away, I feel week for acouple of days. My 2 older kids 16 & 14 get by o.k. But it is hard on the 3 year old. I just hope that as I get older they will go away. People have tolded me that sometimes they do. I just pray and ask God to help me get though it.  This is alot of help to talk to other people who feel the same way. Have a Happy New Years and here"s  to a new year without PAD &

Hi Mechelle, I was reading your post and your description of your headaches caught my attention. Have you been to the doctor and explained how bad your suffering with these headaches??  This IMO,  is  more than a tension or stress related headache……sounds like a migraine. I suffer from migraines, my last one lasted two or three days, I get incredibly nauseous and can`t eat or drink, I need quiet( a joke with a 4 year old) and no lights. I can`t concentrate and it hurts to talk, can`t drive either, and I usually end up anxious because the pain is so intense. There are many new meds for migraines, you should really press your doctor on this issue, tylenol or aspirin doesn`t cut it with migraines…. I white-knuckle my pain, because I am a med-phobic, strangely enough, since being on Paxil I have been having them much less……which makes me quite happy!!  Hope you are feeling better soon, and remember there is no reason to suffer with these headaches!! Jackie ) Love is as much of an object as an obsession, everybody wants it, everybody seeks it, but few ever achieve it, those who do will cherish it, be lost in it, and among all.. never…never forget it.

Response:

I suffer from migraines, my last one lasted two or three days, snipped I white-knuckle my pain, because I am a med-phobic, strangely enough, since being on Paxil I have been having them much less……which makes me quite happy!!   Jackie )

Nothing strange about that Jackie. The newer migraine meds affect the brain’s serotonin pathways, although in a slightly different way to SSRIs. Ian

Response:

My wife also suffers from severe migraines and has tried dozens of meds with little or no success, except for one. Amitriptyline is the only thing that has ever worked for her, but it takes weeks to kick in and stop the migraines. YMMV but have watched her suffer for years and have never seen her feeling so good – she takes only 25 mg/day. Also it was prescriber by a neurologist who has seen more success with this than any of the new "wonder" drugs for migraines. I wish you lots of luck in finding a remedy. Purple Panic – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Andi5555   I am so sorry to hear that you feel the way I do.  The headaches get so bad that I spend 2 or 3  days in the bed. No one understands., they think it"s a small headache. I have to be in a dark room with no sound. I can"t eat and I don"t feel like moving. And when they do go away, I feel week for acouple of days. My 2 older kids 16 & 14 get by o.k. But it is hard on the 3 year old. I just hope that as I get older they will go away. People have tolded me that sometimes they do. I just pray and ask God to help me get though it.  This is alot of help to talk to other people who feel the same way. Have a Happy New Years and here"s  to a new year without PAD & Hi Mechelle, I was reading your post and your description of your headaches caught my attention. Have you been to the doctor and explained how bad your suffering with these headaches??  This IMO,  is  more than a tension or stress related headache……sounds like a migraine. I suffer from migraines, my last one lasted two or three days, I get incredibly nauseous and can`t eat or drink, I need quiet( a joke with a 4 year old) and no lights. I can`t concentrate and it hurts to talk, can`t drive either, and I usually end up anxious because the pain is so intense. There are many new meds for migraines, you should really press your doctor on this issue, tylenol or aspirin doesn`t cut it with migraines…. I white-knuckle my pain, because I am a med-phobic, strangely enough, since being on Paxil I have been having them much less……which makes me quite happy!!  Hope you are feeling better soon, and remember there is no reason to suffer with these headaches!! Jackie ) Love is as much of an object as an obsession, everybody wants it, everybody seeks it, but few ever achieve it, those who do will cherish it, be lost in it, and among all.. never…never forget it.

Response:

I know exactly what you are going through. I also have three children and anxiety is ruining my life.  I haven’t been to work in three weeks because it has gotten so bad. The bills are mounting and I still don’t feel up to going back.  I can’t even get through the grocery store yet      I just want to feel normal again.  I’m learning to deal with the attacks right when they start..but sometimes they are much stronger than me.  Those are the ones that worry me as far as returning to work goes.      I want my kids to enjoy their lives and I want to be a part of that. There are times I just feel like giving up, but I can’t because of them.  They want to go to movies and I always have to make some excuse up because I don’t want them to know that their mother can’t stand to venture too far from home. The worst part is that home is starting to make me crazy because I really need to get out more…….but my anxiety doesn’t allow that all too often.      All I can do is just pray this thing will go away and I can get my life back.  I’m going to fight to get my life back…it may be the hardest thing I’ll ever have to do…..but what other choice do I have???.

Response:

I understand, and i am sorry to see you go through this too.  I am also a mother of two with my boyfriend of 10 years.  I have had anxieties for the 10years accompanied with panic attacks just recently in the past month.  I am agoraphobic and can’t drive at the time, but will again, soon i am hoping.  I am depressed alot too, but i think of my kids and that is why i am here for them.  If it means dealing with anxiety daily i will do it for them and for me to get better soon.  You must trust in the Lord and look for strength and guidance and direction, you will find it and you will be happy again, you must believe that.

Response:

I feel for you. My daughter has panic attacks. It started when she was ten. She didnt want to go to school. It got so bad she dint want to go anywhere.  She had to be with me at all times. Shes been on Zoloft. Shes happy back at school.  She still has episodes. Shell make plans to go to the mall and then cancel at the last minute.Sometimes shell go and sometimes she wont.

Response:

I am a 33 year old married mother of 3. And I have anxiety attacks and depression, I also suffer from migraines that leave me sick for days. Sometimes I don:t want to face the world, This is hard for my husband to understand, And even harded on the kids. I take medication Zoloft.Xanax andAlprazolam Plus St. John Wort. Hopeing something will help. Everytime I have a pain I think I am dieing. I can"t sleep at night. And I am up all alone, which makes it worst. I want to be happy and enjoy life. My doctor (family) tells me I am to young for the other medications. But I need help. I can"t go on like this. I would like a piece of mind. And maybe for someone to understand want I am going though. Does anyone have any answers? I guess it"s been harder because both of my brothers have pass away. and I only have my husband,kids and my mother. People think you can just jump up and be happy. But it doesn"t work that way for me. help.

Response:

Dear Jm,     I too am a mother of 4 boys and I started having anxiety in august while driving my kids to our local rec. center.  Since then i went to my family doctor for a number of test because i thought i was having a heart problem.  we could never find anything and her dignoses was panic/anxiety.  she gave me pills that made me hyper and i thought i was going to loose my mind.  so my husband found a pysc. to help me he put me on xanax and imipramine to help control this.  i still have these rapid heart beats and wake in the middle of the night and still cant accept that it is anxiety.  but i am trying.  My pill are lessening the symptoms and making the attacks much less, but it was 3:00am when i woke with this heart racing.  maybe you just need an other type of med to help you.  I hate to have to rely on meds, but i couldnt leave my house and still cant drive very far.  crazy I know.  I hope you know you are not a lone there are a lot of us out there.  Even if this didnt help which i hope it did .

Response:

Question:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

Question:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response: