Question:

Hi  i always rinse and brush. But i also take        acidophilus,and plain yogurt as it contains live cultures  .it really help and it cut down on fungas . Pricilla.

Response:

I am still trying to figure out how to get rid of the sore throat I have had for the past three years. I would love to get rid of the discomfort, but I have pretty much accepted that I am stuck with it. I have a problem with post nasal drip. I would certainly be open to suggestions for a remedy. Pam

Response:

Brush your teeth after each use – You, your throat, and Dentist will all be happier! Tim Washington State

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Readers: I know that someone has probably already asked this first question, so hopefully you won’t get too bored and will be kind enough to answer if you can.  :-) Are any of you using flovent and finding that you have a problem with sore throats?  I know that this medication can cause yeast infections (if I remember correctly, anyway).  I used to use the aerosol version (the "puffer" version), but my throat was so bad with that stuff that I started using the diskus version.  I rinse regularly, but obviously it isn’t enough.  I figure I probably just don’t have the lung power to suck all that stuff down, and so some of it just sits there and does mean things.  :-)  Does anyone know of some nice home remedy to deal with the soreness?  It’s starting to get sore again, and I don’t want to go off the medication since things have been getting worse lately (and not to mention the fact that people keep giving me heck for going off the medication). I’ve got another question just out of curiosity.  Has anyone had a chest xray done, and then been told that you have granulomas and calcification?  I was told that I have that in my lungs, and that it’s something that can happen to people who have had asthma for a long time (I’ve had problems for most of my life).  I thought it was strange – I thought people only got stuff like that from having things like TB, pneumonia, and whatever else I don’t know about.  I guess asthma is one of the things I didn’t know about.  So now I’m curious to see if other long time asthma sufferers have the same kind of thing going on. Thanks for reading! Vicky

Response:

Brush your teeth after each use – You, your throat, and Dentist will all be happier!

Interesting suggestion.  Now that I think about it, I always brush my teeth first and then use the inhaler.  (don’t know why)  Maybe I’ll start reversing the procedure to see if that helps.  Thanks! Vicky

Response:

That is what I do. — CBI, M.D.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Brush your teeth after each use – You, your throat, and Dentist will all be happier! Interesting suggestion.  Now that I think about it, I always brush my teeth first and then use the inhaler.  (don’t know why)  Maybe I’ll start reversing the procedure to see if that helps.  Thanks! Vicky

Response:

My mom started using Flovent and Serevent last week because she was coughing and wheezing something AWFUL. The inhalers really helped with that. Now she’s hoarse, VERY hoarse. I read that that’s a common side effect of Flovent. While it certainly beats  not being able to take a breath without coughing, etc., it’s still uncomfortable for her. Are there some natural things she could try that DOESN’T involve any more medication? I already told her to rinse her mouth after she finishes the inhaler sessions. (This doesn’t eradicate the good effects of them, does it?) Susan

Response:

I had sore throat and hoarseness (even though I did the mouth rinsing) until I read a posting in this group to always use a spacer.  Soon after I started doing that consistently, the problem disappeared.

Response:

I use Flovent 110. I do not  use the puffer supplied with the Flovent; I use a spacer instead.  Also I rinse my mouth thoroughly after use.  Consequently I never experienced either a sore throat or a yeast infection. Israel Weber

Response:

I use Flovent 110. I do not  use the puffer supplied with the Flovent; I use a spacer instead.  Also I rinse my mouth thoroughly after use.  Consequently I never experienced either a sore throat or a yeast infection. Israel Weber

Wow, those of you who don’t get sore throats are very lucky.  I rinse as much as possible,  and I still get sore throats.  I’ve got a bit of a useless immune system, though, so maybe that makes a difference. Anyway, I just bought some unpasteurized yogurt, so we’ll see if that helps.  It at least feels very soothing!  I have read and also heard from some people that this kind of yogurt helps restore proper balance to certain types of naturally occuring things (such as yeast).  I’m trying to avoid drugging myself for the sore throats because this is an ongoing problem, and the last thing I want is drug resistant yeast infections. Vicky

Response:

You didn’t mention if you were using an extender (Aerochamber) with the aerosol version of Flovent.  I had persistent hoarseness & sore throat until I started using an extender.  Personally, I’ve  found that the diskus versions are harder to use–the powder clings to the nasopharynx instead of going into the airways.  You still need to rinse thoroughly with an extender to prevent thrush… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Readers: I know that someone has probably already asked this first question, so hopefully you won’t get too bored and will be kind enough to answer if you can.  :-) Are any of you using flovent and finding that you have a problem with sore throats?  I know that this medication can cause yeast infections (if I remember correctly, anyway).  I used to use the aerosol version (the "puffer" version), but my throat was so bad with that stuff that I started using the diskus version.  I rinse regularly, but obviously it isn’t enough.  I figure I probably just don’t have the lung power to suck all that stuff down, and so some of it just sits there and does mean things.  :-)  Does anyone know of some nice home remedy to deal with the soreness?  It’s starting to get sore again, and I don’t want to go off the medication since things have been getting worse lately (and not to mention the fact that people keep giving me heck for going off the medication). I’ve got another question just out of curiosity.  Has anyone had a chest xray done, and then been told that you have granulomas and calcification?  I was told that I have that in my lungs, and that it’s something that can happen to people who have had asthma for a long time (I’ve had problems for most of my life).  I thought it was strange – I thought people only got stuff like that from having things like TB, pneumonia, and whatever else I don’t know about.  I guess asthma is one of the things I didn’t know about.  So now I’m curious to see if other long time asthma sufferers have the same kind of thing going on. Thanks for reading! Vicky For me, the yeast infection manifested itself as a sore throat. I just thought I had a particularly persistent sore throat. A specialist looked as part of a unrelated exam and told me it was a yeast infection and perscribed stuff for it ( cleared up a case of athletes foot too). I’d get it checked out. Jerry Freedman,Jr — Creation took 6 days because God didn’t have an installed base Before you buy.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Readers: I know that someone has probably already asked this first question, so hopefully you won’t get too bored and will be kind enough to answer if you can.  :-) Are any of you using flovent and finding that you have a problem with sore throats?  I know that this medication can cause yeast infections (if I remember correctly, anyway).  I used to use the aerosol version (the "puffer" version), but my throat was so bad with that stuff that I started using the diskus version.  I rinse regularly, but obviously it isn’t enough.  I figure I probably just don’t have the lung power to suck all that stuff down, and so some of it just sits there and does mean things.  :-)  Does anyone know of some nice home remedy to deal with the soreness?  It’s starting to get sore again, and I don’t want to go off the medication since things have been getting worse lately (and not to mention the fact that people keep giving me heck for going off the medication). I’ve got another question just out of curiosity.  Has anyone had a chest xray done, and then been told that you have granulomas and calcification?  I was told that I have that in my lungs, and that it’s something that can happen to people who have had asthma for a long time (I’ve had problems for most of my life).  I thought it was strange – I thought people only got stuff like that from having things like TB, pneumonia, and whatever else I don’t know about.  I guess asthma is one of the things I didn’t know about.  So now I’m curious to see if other long time asthma sufferers have the same kind of thing going on. Thanks for reading! Vicky

For me, the yeast infection manifested itself as a sore throat. I just thought I had a particularly persistent sore throat. A specialist looked as part of a unrelated exam and told me it was a yeast infection and perscribed stuff for it ( cleared up a case of athletes foot too). I’d get it checked out. Jerry Freedman,Jr — Creation took 6 days because God didn’t have an installed base Before you buy.

Response:

Dear Readers: I know that someone has probably already asked this first question, so hopefully you won’t get too bored and will be kind enough to answer if you can.  :-) Are any of you using flovent and finding that you have a problem with sore throats?  I know that this medication can cause yeast infections (if I remember correctly, anyway).  I used to use the aerosol version (the "puffer" version), but my throat was so bad with that stuff that I started using the diskus version.  I rinse regularly, but obviously it isn’t enough.  I figure I probably just don’t have the lung power to suck all that stuff down, and so some of it just sits there and does mean things.  :-)  Does anyone know of some nice home remedy to deal with the soreness?  It’s starting to get sore again, and I don’t want to go off the medication since things have been getting worse lately (and not to mention the fact that people keep giving me heck for going off the medication). I’ve got another question just out of curiosity.  Has anyone had a chest xray done, and then been told that you have granulomas and calcification?  I was told that I have that in my lungs, and that it’s something that can happen to people who have had asthma for a long time (I’ve had problems for most of my life).  I thought it was strange – I thought people only got stuff like that from having things like TB, pneumonia, and whatever else I don’t know about.  I guess asthma is one of the things I didn’t know about.  So now I’m curious to see if other long time asthma sufferers have the same kind of thing going on. Thanks for reading! Vicky

Response:

Question:

Fred, andrew, now LyndaNP, always somebody obsessively flooding this poor NG.with CROSSPOSTS!

Does lynda np really have bipolar depression?  Anyway depression is part of bipolar so I suppose it is ok for her to post to the depression group.  But it is very VERY dangerous to medicate bipolar depression the same way you medicate plain old depression. (if there is such a thing)  I say this because some doktors in research think that reoccurring depression is on the bipolar spectrum. Diana has schizoaffective disorder and you have not complained about here being over there, or have you?

Response:

I think it says a great deal. We’re looking at direct reflections back to the self appointed monopolizer of the any ngs she wishes to join. Moll

Then, you may want to check out your ISP’s TOS because lots of you are going to get reported for usenet abuse. if the self appointed monopolizer is abusing her service, report her; if not, kill file her but all of you jerks who do nothing more than repost her articles are no better than she is–in terms of signal to noise, it isn’t she who’s producing the noise. — Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.                Mother Teresa http://home.gwi.net/~mdmpsyd/index.htm for mail remove PETERHOOD69

Response:

I think in this case it goes way beyond monopolizing, because the NEW  NG isnt a bipolar NG. its the much beleaguered,  alt.support. depression.medication, for sufferers of depression, that …This PARTY, suffering bipolar disorder is obsessively flooding with posts also CROSSPOSTED  to the bipolar support groups, DAILY, as in every day, she floods us with 20 NEW threads crossposted to the bipolar NG. If she was a sufferer fo depression, her doing what she is doing be monopoloizing.  But being she sufferers an entirely different disorder, while flooding sufferers of distinctly different disorder and then crossposts them too,  this is outright TROLLING. Fred, andrew, now LyndaNP, always somebody obsessively flooding this poor NG.with CROSSPOSTS! … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think it says a great deal. We’re looking at direct reflections back to the self appointed monopolizer of the any ngs she wishes to join. Moll AboutLyndaNPsXposting wrote nothing: your point is? — Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.                Mother Teresa http://home.gwi.net/~mdmpsyd/index.htm for mail remove PETERHOOD69

Response:

I think it says a great deal. We’re looking at direct reflections back to the self appointed monopolizer of the any ngs she wishes to join. Moll – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – AboutLyndaNPsXposting wrote nothing: your point is? — Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.                Mother Teresa http://home.gwi.net/~mdmpsyd/index.htm for mail remove PETERHOOD69

Response:

AboutLyndaNPsXposting wrote nothing: your point is? — Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.                Mother Teresa http://home.gwi.net/~mdmpsyd/index.htm for mail remove PETERHOOD69

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – http://pharmacology.about.com/health/pharmacology/library/weekly/aa00031 4a.htm Generic Drugs FAQ Prescription drugs can be a costly medical expense, especially for older people and those who are chronically ill. However, in the United States, each state has a law that allows pharmacists to substitute less expensive generic drugs for many brand-name products. Depending on your prescription needs, your savings could be significant. The same reasoning applies also to non-prescription, or over the counter, medications. What’s the difference between a generic and brand-name drug? The names are different, and the price of the generic drug is usually lower than that of a name-brand drug. A generic drug is called by its chemical name; a manufacturer assigns a brand name. Both generic and brand-name products have the same active ingredients. Overall, in a population, the generic drug is just as safe and effective as the brand-name drug. However, generics are not necessarily formulated in an identical manner to corresponding brand-name drugs. Because of that, there can be occasional differences in individual side-effects (nausea, for example; it may be better or worse with a generic versus a brand-name drug). There can also be occasional differences in an individual’s response to a generic drug (compared to the brand-name drug), since formulation differences can affect factors such as how much actually enters the bloodstream after oral administration. Do all drugs have generic equivalents? No. Newer drugs are protected by patents and are supplied by only one company. However, when the patent expires, other manufacturers can produce its generic version. Currently, about half the drugs on the market are available in generic form.  In addition to asking your physician or pharmacist about the availability of a specific generic drug, you can also investigate which drugs are available as generics by using our How To Find Drug Info page. How can I get generic drugs? Talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Explain that you want the most effective drug at the best price. Ask your doctor to write prescriptions for generic drugs when possible. Are there exceptions to the law? Yes. If your doctor writes on the prescription form that a specific brand-name drug is required, your pharmacist must fill the prescription as written. That is, a generic drug cannot be substituted. However, your pharmacist can talk with your doctor about the prescription. Perhaps there’s an acceptable generic drug that your doctor is not aware of. Your pharmacist can compare and evaluate generic and brand-name drugs and may be able to consult with your doctor to provide the right medication at the lowest possible price. Will my doctor automatically prescribe generic drugs? It depends on the physician. You can ask your doctor to write a prescription permitting substitution of a generic drug product when appropriate. You also can ask whether a generic product will be as effective and less costly. Or, you can request that only brand-name products be used to fill your prescriptions. Where can I get more information? See the links below. SOURCE: U.S. Federal Trade Commission; modified and some parts copied, as allowed. Information and links in this article were accurate as of the date near the title of the article. You can search this site or check New Drug Approvals or Drugs in the News for updates or more recent information. Additional InformationFeatured Articles         Other Drug Links Use the back button on your browser to return here. Better yet, bookmark this page Are Generic Drugs Appropriate Substitutes for Brand-name Drugs? – Yes From the American Council on Science and Health. A brief, but thorough, discussion. FDA Approval Process for Generic Medications An excellent explanation of a complicated process. From Stadtlander’s Pharmacy. Generic Drug Review Process The real thing, from the U.S. FDA. An interactive chart that provides an overview of how the FDA determines the safety and bioequivalence of generic drug products before approval for marketing. Generic Drugs From the Merck Manual of Medical Information Home Edition. A clearly-written chapter. Generic Pharmaceuticals: An Inside Look Excellent resource. From the Mylan Institute of Pharmacy, which is associated with generic drugs. Office of Generic Drugs From the U.S. FDA. A good starting point for detailed info. Plain Talk About Generics Very brief article, from Optimal Health. The Value of Generic Drugs Very brief, but a good read. Therapeutic Equivalence of Generic Drugs FDA letter to health practitioners. ABC News also has a story on the letter. Therapeutic Equivalence of Generic Drugs FDA response to U.S. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. A different letter than the one above. How To Find Drug InfoDrug Manufacturer’s Web SitesNew Drug ApprovalsDrugs in the News IndexPharmacology HomeFor more information or details concerning this topic or specific drugs, try searching this web site. If you still need more info concerning individual drugs, it can usually be obtained by following the tips listed on our How To Find Drug Info page. Drug Manufacturer’s Web Sites are also a good source, especially for newer drugs when other information is less readily available. If you’ve tried and still can’t find the info you need, try posting your question on the Pharmacology Bulletin Board. I personally reply to some questions posted on the BB, but if you have a particular interest or expertise, please, feel free to reply to questions or add your comments or opinions. I regret that I can’t answer email questions, although your comments are always welcome. The Contact Information and FAQs Page is also always available. Disclaimer: The material in this Pharmacology web site is provided for education and information purposes only, and should not replace or substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. — 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 — 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:

Thanks to all who responded on my Tilade problem-especially Bill Ellis Fleemore.  I have my medication on the way-thank goodness.  Seems like my mail-order pharmacy had the medicine discontinued when all that happened was another company had bought out the originial manufacturers.  After calling the new manufacturer, they called the pharmacy and sent the Tilade to them.  I had been trying to reduce my Tilade without much success and was really wondering just how I was going to do without any.  My doctor had tried to take me off of it 3 yrs ago to no avail so both he and I were quite concerned that my asthma was going to get out of control again.  Now I don’t have to worry about that!- Pam in TN

Response:

Judy- I can certainly say that I did not expect to here my mail order pharmacy to say that Tilade is no longer available either.  With the help of Ellis in this group, I was able to talk to the manufacturer today and found out that they have temporary stopped the old formula and are waiting for a new one that has already passed trials in Europe.  So it looks like that the new version will be available in the US but they could not give me a definite date.  So I am still looking for some of the old stuff and they are also helping me out there too. I have one canister left so I hope that I can get something worked out within 17 days before this one runs out.- Pam in TN

Response:

I found out this week that one of my mainstay medications is no longer available in the US thanks to that darn little law that was passed earlier regarding the propellants used in the inhalers.  Well, my Tilade has bit the dust-along with my treatment plan that has had me in control since 1993!  My plan was 2 puffs of Tilade 3 times a day and 2 sprays twice a day of FLovent 220.  My pulmonary physician has told me that we will have to try to find another plan that will work since there is no substitution on the market for the Tilade. Pam in TN

– The drug manufacturers have enough CFC’s to last for several years.   There should not be a problem getting Tilade if you check with a few pharmacies.  We have plenty of it in New York. Wellington S. Tichenor, M. D. 642 Park Avenue New York, New York 212 517 6611 Visit our website at: http://www.sinuses.com Sinusitis: A Treatment Plan that Works for Asthma and Allergy too Any information read here should not be viewed as medical advice, as individual medical problems must be addressed by your physician. If you are looking for a physician and cannot get to New York City, please see the FAQ page.

Response:

I have to admit that I need to grumble a little bit and felt like here was the place to do it.  I found out this week that one of my mainstay medications is no longer available in the US thanks to that darn little law that was passed earlier regarding the propellants used in the inhalers.  Well, my Tilade has bit the dust-along with my treatment plan that has had me in control since 1993!  My plan was 2 puffs of Tilade 3 times a day and 2 sprays twice a day of FLovent 220.  My pulmonary physician has told me that we will have to try to find another plan that will work since there is no substitution on the market for the Tilade. Until now, I never realized that my health would be at the hands of someone that knows absolutely nothing about me or my disease-just the "bottom" line boardroom tactics.  It is frustrating enough to have to deal with the uncertainties of the disease but I was always comfortable knowing that my medications were keeping it under control.  Now I have to go back to sqare one again- Pam in TN

Response:

Dosn’t Tilade and Intal have the same propellant ? So if one has been chucked shouldn’t the other one follow suit ? But I was under the understanding this was not going to happen until suitable replacements were available.

Response:

I found out this week that one of my mainstay medications is no longer available in the US thanks to that darn little law that was passed earlier regarding the propellants used in the inhalers.  Well, my Tilade has bit the dust-along with my treatment plan that has had me in control since 1993!  My plan was 2 puffs of Tilade 3 times a day and 2 sprays twice a day of FLovent 220.  My pulmonary physician has told me that we will have to try to find another plan that will work since there is no substitution on the market for the Tilade.

 Pam in TN I forwarded your post to Francis Adams, MD, author of the comprehensive asthma book ‘The Asthma Sourcebook’. Here is his response. "Dear Ellis: Tilade definitely has not been discontinued. I think you must be right that they are bringing out a new formulation, probably with HFA instead of CFC. That means that they won’t supply any more of the current formula and will hopefully ship the new one soon. In terms of finding the original formula, I think it depends on the individual pharmacy and what they have in stock.  I will try to find out more on Monday from the manufacturer. Good luck, Francis V. Adams, M.D." Here are some references to the manufacturer. Reference: http://www.rpr.rpna.com/  Rhone-Poulenc Rorer (mfgr of Tilade) http://www.prnewswire.com/cnoc/exec/menu?764050/ Company News Business Name                         Address                                                      Phone  Rhone-Poulenc Rorer  Incorporated                         500 Arcola Rd, Collegeville, PA                         19426-3930                                                      610-454-8000 Ellis

Response:

Question:

I too have mild, allergy and exercise induced asthma. I started Singulair over a year ago, and have hardly ever had to use any other medicine during that period. I am very happy this way. Erica Steve Freides heeft geschreven in bericht – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I changed a few medications at once a few months back, resulting in a huge improvement in my condition.  I was taking Serevent and Allegra and added Singulair and Flovent. (I didn’t add Flovent but switched from Serevent to Advair.) I know a significant number of people take Advair/Flovent but do not take Singulair.  I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try. Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

The lowest strength of Flovent is 50ug/pf fluticasone, usually prescribed 2 pf twice/day. This could be tapered in half to 1 pf x2; or cut in 1/4 to 1 pf/day.

I have used this method for quite sometime and have had good success.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It makes more sense to just change one drug at a time, so you can see what it’s effect is, independent of the other drugs. It would make sense to go back to Serevent and add Flovent to equal your present dose of Advair. Then taper down the Flovent to the level to control your symptoms and keep peak flows in the Green Zone on your peak flow meter. My Advair is the lowest doseage of Flovent already, so there’s nothing there to taper. The lowest dose strength of Advair is 100ug/pf fluticasone,  usually prescribed twice/day. This could be tapered in half  to 1 pf/day. The lowest strength of Flovent is 50ug/pf fluticasone, usually prescribed 2 pf twice/day. This could be tapered in half to 1 pf x2; or cut in 1/4 to 1 pf/day.

Good points.  I could try my 100/50 Advair only in the mornings, but I like the idea of separating them and trying to lower the Serevent best. -S- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ellis  I’m quite convinced that Singulair has helped me and that I may be able to get by without either Serevent or Flovent. Colin’s suggestion of separating Advair into its components then reducing the Serevent is certainly worth trying as well. I will do a bit of experimenting with what’s in-house here already and report back in a few weeks. -S- The general rule on steroid inhalers is to use the minimum dose to control the problem, especially at Moderate and High dose levels. As a more simplistic approach, you could just try reducing the puffs of Advair. [however this simultaneously reduces the salmeterol and fluticasone]. Note that Advair comes in 3 strengths; if you are not using the lowest strength version you could try switching to that. Note that Singulair only helps about 2/3 who try it; if it doesn’t help it should be dropped. In my case it helps my rhinitis more than the asthma. Ellis Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

It makes more sense to just change one drug at a time, so you can see what it’s effect is, independent of the other drugs. It would make sense to go back to Serevent and add Flovent to equal your present dose of Advair. Then taper down the Flovent to the level to control your symptoms and keep peak flows in the Green Zone on your peak flow meter. My Advair is the lowest doseage of Flovent already, so there’s nothing there to taper.

The lowest dose strength of Advair is 100ug/pf fluticasone,  usually prescribed twice/day. This could be tapered in half  to 1 pf/day. The lowest strength of Flovent is 50ug/pf fluticasone, usually prescribed 2 pf twice/day. This could be tapered in half to 1 pf x2; or cut in 1/4 to 1 pf/day. Ellis  I’m quite convinced that Singulair has helped me and – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – that I may be able to get by without either Serevent or Flovent. Colin’s suggestion of separating Advair into its components then reducing the Serevent is certainly worth trying as well. I will do a bit of experimenting with what’s in-house here already and report back in a few weeks. -S- The general rule on steroid inhalers is to use the minimum dose to control the problem, especially at Moderate and High dose levels. As a more simplistic approach, you could just try reducing the puffs of Advair. [however this simultaneously reduces the salmeterol and fluticasone]. Note that Advair comes in 3 strengths; if you are not using the lowest strength version you could try switching to that. Note that Singulair only helps about 2/3 who try it; if it doesn’t help it should be dropped. In my case it helps my rhinitis more than the asthma. Ellis Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I changed a few medications at once a few months back, resulting in a huge improvement in my condition.  I was taking Serevent and Allegra and added Singulair and Flovent. (I didn’t add Flovent but switched from Serevent to Advair.) I know a significant number of people take Advair/Flovent but do not take Singulair.  I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try. It makes more sense to just change one drug at a time, so you can see what it’s effect is, independent of the other drugs. It would make sense to go back to Serevent and add Flovent to equal your present dose of Advair. Then taper down the Flovent to the level to control your symptoms and keep peak flows in the Green Zone on your peak flow meter.

Thank you and thanks to everyone else who has responded thus far. My Advair is the lowest doseage of Flovent already, so there’s nothing there to taper.  I’m quite convinced that Singulair has helped me and that I may be able to get by without either Serevent or Flovent. Colin’s suggestion of separating Advair into its components then reducing the Serevent is certainly worth trying as well. I will do a bit of experimenting with what’s in-house here already and report back in a few weeks. -S- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The general rule on steroid inhalers is to use the minimum dose to control the problem, especially at Moderate and High dose levels. As a more simplistic approach, you could just try reducing the puffs of Advair. [however this simultaneously reduces the salmeterol and fluticasone]. Note that Advair comes in 3 strengths; if you are not using the lowest strength version you could try switching to that. Note that Singulair only helps about 2/3 who try it; if it doesn’t help it should be dropped. In my case it helps my rhinitis more than the asthma. Ellis Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

It would make sense to go back to Serevent and add Flovent to equal your present dose of Advair. Then taper down the Flovent to the level to control your symptoms and keep peak flows in the Green Zone on your peak flow meter.

IMO, it would make more sense to taper the Serevent since Flovent prevents asthma symptoms and Serevent merely treats those symptoms. — "What Sept. 11 did was remind us that there are times when we must fight for our country, that, indeed, there are things – our liberty, our democracy, our belief in human rights and human dignity – worth fighting for." Newsday.com editorial – 27 May 2002

Response:

I take Advair and singulair with humibid.  This combination works really well for me.  I use proventil hcf for emergencies.  My dr told me that singulair is not a replacement of the inhalers only helps most.  I would recommend you go back to what your dr has told you to take and give it time to see if it works.  If the inhaler isn’t than call your pulmonary and let them know.  I mostly have myself under control with my copd and asthma.  But it take time.  UM MOM Susan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I changed a few medications at once a few months back, resulting in a huge improvement in my condition.  I was taking Serevent and Allegra and added Singulair and Flovent. (I didn’t add Flovent but switched from Serevent to Advair.) I know a significant number of people take Advair/Flovent but do not take Singulair.  I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try. Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

I changed a few medications at once a few months back, resulting in a huge improvement in my condition.  I was taking Serevent and Allegra and added Singulair and Flovent. (I didn’t add Flovent but switched from Serevent to Advair.) I know a significant number of people take Advair/Flovent but do not take Singulair.  I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try.

It makes more sense to just change one drug at a time, so you can see what it’s effect is, independent of the other drugs. It would make sense to go back to Serevent and add Flovent to equal your present dose of Advair. Then taper down the Flovent to the level to control your symptoms and keep peak flows in the Green Zone on your peak flow meter. The general rule on steroid inhalers is to use the minimum dose to control the problem, especially at Moderate and High dose levels. As a more simplistic approach, you could just try reducing the puffs of Advair. [however this simultaneously reduces the salmeterol and fluticasone]. Note that Advair comes in 3 strengths; if you are not using the lowest strength version you could try switching to that. Note that Singulair only helps about 2/3 who try it; if it doesn’t help it should be dropped. In my case it helps my rhinitis more than the asthma. Ellis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

I changed a few medications at once a few months back, resulting in a huge improvement in my condition.  I was taking Serevent and Allegra and added Singulair and Flovent. (I didn’t add Flovent but switched from Serevent to Advair.) I know a significant number of people take Advair/Flovent but do not take Singulair.  I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try. Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try.

Here is my situation: I have had allergic and exercise induced asthma for over 10 years. Even with Albuterol, Severant, or Flovent I could not run more than a mile before having to stop, weeze, and gasp for air.  It was frustrating since I was trying to get back to running as I had done 10 years before, but couldn’t.  My saving medicine was Singulair.  It began to work the first day and has been helping me ever since I started it 2 1/2 years ago.  I got back to running a few weeks after starting Singulair and haven’t stopped since.  I’m 54 and run 4 miles about 4 times per week. Hardly olympic pace, but pretty good for someone my age.  I use my inhaler (Albuterol) about twice a week just to have ‘clear runs’ — I think this is more psychological than physiological, frankly.  I rarely (once every other month?) use my inhaler for any other reason.  I take no other asthma medication. Singulair is worth trying.  Your mileage may vary.  The following statistics come up a lot, but I’m not sure of their accuracy.  Take them as rough values.  About 1/3 of the people trying it are helped a lot (the lucky 1/3 I appear to be in),  1/3 are helped some, 1/3 are not helped at all.  I have zero side effects.  Some people have complained about vivid dreaming in Singulair (I thought I might be experiencing this from time to time, but, if so, I like it — I’m really not sure though).  A few people in this group have complained of headaches or difficulty sleeping.  Maybe others can add to this. Generally, it is free of side effects and for the most part (I’ve only seen one exception in this NG group) it does not lose its effectiveness.   Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  

Same for me, in general. — Lou Pecora   – My views are my own.

Response:

Question:

They say that St John’s Wort can cause a bad reaction when taken with some medications, has anyone any idea what this means?  I mean, are we talking sick and headaches or something more serious? I can’t go to my doctor without calling him STOOOOPID after my Paxil experience and the psychiatrist at the hospital refuses to tell me because he hasn’t seen me for so long. Do I dare just risk it? Michelle

Response:

Take it. There can be some interactions yes. But a) they aren’t likely and b) they are likely to be mild if they happen. Interactions aren’t widely known or studied cos SJW isn’t a prescription med in lots of places and theres not much money in doing it. But you won’t die for sure. Personally i wouldn’t bother taking it cos prescription meds are better. If you had a bad run in with paxil i’d suggest trying something else.

Response:

"Quantum Sleep" <post-your-repl…@thanks.net

wrote in message

news:a8dpqs$a3k$1@newsg1.svr.pol.co.uk…

Take it. There can be some interactions yes. But a) they aren’t likely and b) they are likely to be mild if they happen. Interactions aren’t widely known or studied cos SJW isn’t a prescription med in lots of places and theres not much money in doing it. But you won’t die for sure. Personally

i

wouldn’t bother taking it cos prescription meds are better. If you had a

bad

run in with paxil i’d suggest trying something else.

I had a bad run in with Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft. What else is there for depression/anxiety? I would like to get hold of Xanax or Valium but they are not allowed in this country.  I could get hold of them on the Internet, but I mean should I?  I have an addictive nature and I can see me taking more and more and more until I wake up one day dead of an overdose seeing as I drink like a fish into the bargain. In some countries St John’s Wort is prescribed OVER AND ABOVE stuff like Prozac.  I’ve seen some good reports on it. Michelle

Response:

"Contact One" <no.cont…@nowhere.com

a

Question:

I have been on prozac, effexor. paxil, celexa, and back to prozac over a 15 year period give or take a few years. and i was wondering if there is any way for getting over my depression, panic, personality disorder, and other things that i have, I dont want to be with this stuff for ever, how can i get rid of it….?

Response:

Hi and Welcome to the ng, I have been on prozac, effexor. paxil, celexa, and back to prozac over a 15 year period give or take a few years. and i was wondering if there is any way for getting over my depression, panic, personality disorder, and other things that i have, I dont want to be with this stuff for ever, how can i get rid of it….?

Are you in therapy now? Peace, Lynda — 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 have been on prozac, effexor. paxil, celexa, and back to prozac over a 15 year period give or take a few years. and i was wondering if there is any way for getting over my depression, panic, personality disorder, and other things that i have, I dont want to be with this stuff for ever, how can i get rid of it….?

Have you given therapy with a really good therapist a try? 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:

Yes I am in therapy. I dont see how just talking helps I get to feeling like all i do is cry. Its not like i always have bad things that happen all the time. It just seems like they get me down the most….. how come i dont get happy when good thing happen….Actually i have been to see several therapist…. and counselors….. and psychiatrist……. i just get the feeling like they just sit and agree with me. beckie — "If you have a candle, the light won’t glow any dimmer if I light yours off of mine." (STEVEN TYLER) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are you in therapy now? Peace, Lynda — 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 Have you given therapy with a really good therapist a try? 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:

Hi again, Yes I am in therapy. I dont see how just talking helps I get to feeling like all i do is cry. Its not like i always have bad things that happen all the time. It just seems like they get me down the most….. how come i dont get happy when good thing happen….Actually i have been to see several therapist…. and counselors….. and psychiatrist……. i just get the feeling like they just sit and agree with me. beckie

 Beckie I am so very sorry. Email me anytime. Peace, Lynda

Response:

Question:

Deb, When I first started Zoloft, I had migraines for about the first two weeks.  My Dr. told me tha this is a very common side effect of Zoloft and does subside after  about two weeks….It was very very hard those first two weeks, but I managed to survive it, and after that, was fine….to this day, don’t know how I did survive it ;o)…. Robin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Corna I forget the name of the one that gave me the headache so severly, but I have been on the prozac and the elavil, the prozac was a low dosage so I did not have much problem with that one but the one that gave me the headache…. shish that one you might as well called me a zombie! But I am going to see a new dr for my depression and wanted to get some great advice before talking it over with him deb/fl Hell o Deb, What type of antidepressants are you on that effect your sexlife.  I ask because I have know sexual urges at all and I know that a big part of it is that I am in constant pain which just shrivels up all of my sexualness period, but I am also on Prosac.  Do you know anything about that drug? Thanks, Erica Glynn Cona

I am in no way a physician or any other type of medical professional.  I am just speaking from personal experience or information gained during my treatment or research ;o). Remove NOSPAM from the above email address to contact me.

Response:

Yikes! Migraines for two weeks?!?!?! How awful for you. I take 150 mgs of Zoloft daily and my experience has been good. No headaches. No decrease at all in either sexual desire or the ability to achieve orgasm (my lover has always said I am the most orgasmic woman he’s ever known… I attribute this to his skill <g). Also, the Zoloft has not unduly affected my appetite, which is good since I run to the underweight side anyway. Prozac and Paxil both killed my appetite completely. Of course, everyone is affected differently.

Response:

One of the most reported side effects of Prozac (or any SSRI) is that of sexual dysfunction.  The higher the dose, the more likely you will experience this side effect.  So….if RSD does cause sexual dysfunction…and…the large amount of Prozac you are taking causes sexual dysfunction…   Well, it seems like you’re dealing with a double whammy. Hope you are able to take something like Viagra to overcome this! Sue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The prozac was prescribed by Dr. Robert L. Knobler, One of the foremost authorities in RSD and neurological diseases. If you care to dispute that with him, feel free to do so. He is an MD, Phd, psychiatrist and the professor of neurology at the Thomas Jefferson College Of Medicine. In Philadelphia, Pa. Julio This is pure nonsense. A very large percentage of all people taking Prozac report diminished or absent interest in sex, or delayed or absent orgasm. This is more likely to occur on large doses, and 80 mg./day is a large dose. Make sure that the prescribing MD knows what he/she is doing. Normally, only psychiatrists know enough about the kind of conditions that justify very large doses of Prozac. Tim Miller I am up to 80Mg of Prozac a day, and the doctor said; "it’s not the prozac that dampens the sex drive." He went on to say that due to RSD affecting the lymbic system and the brain stem, (Primitive brain) That dampens the sex drive, and the ability to have an effective erection. My neighbors have the audacity to call me a hard man. LOL Julio It seems that no 2 people react the same to any given anti-depresant. I’ve tried a half dozen or so and can’t take any of them for one reason or another. a few really psycotic reactions convinced me that the whole class of meds probably was not a good thing for me. So far, none of my doctors has managed to convince me otherwise and believe me, they’re NOT likely to. That said, My partner takes Wellbutrin with very few unwanted side effects and only a little damping of the sex drive. (Of course, with a stiff neck and bad shoulders…. but that’s another story) Good luck Ty

Response:

Deb, I’m not a Pharmacist, but I did take Prozac on two different occasions, and do know some.  A dose of 60mg daily of Prozac is a good healthy dose.  Many people start off at 20mg and stay there for a long time or indefinitely.  Also Prozac can take 6-8 weeks before it starts working, so you may not have given it enough time.  Remember, that 6-8 weeks is an average…some may respond faster, while others take longer to respond. May I ask, who Rx’ed the Prozac to you? Someone else just posted about higher doses should really only be Rx’ed by a Psychiatrist who knows all about the drugs.  On the other hand, Prozac just may not have been the drug for you.  I have been on different Antidepressants (AD’s) over the years, be it for pain, depression, or both (some of the AD’s are also used to treat pain…Elavil, the other tricyclics, ad a new one out called Effexor, which is what I take now….).  Some have worked well, while others didn’t do a thing.  Paxil didn’t work at all for me, while Zoloft worked well, but stopped working completely after about two years, even after increasing the dose. Hope this has helped some…please email me off list if I can help you with anythihng else, or you just want to chat, vent, whatever ;o)…. Robin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Julio Nice neighbor hahaha I took prozac once and I didn’t think it seemed to help me much at all as I recall it was only 60mg but I took it for two months and still was in my black mood I wonder if maybe I needed a higher dosage… thanks for the input deb/fl I am up to 80Mg of Prozac a day, and the doctor said; "it’s not the prozac that dampens the sex drive." He went on to say that due to RSD affecting the lymbic system and the brain stem, (Primitive brain) That dampens the sex drive, and the ability to have an effective erection. My neighbors have the audacity to call me a hard man. LOL Julio It seems that no 2 people react the same to any given anti-depresant. I’ve tried a half dozen or so and can’t take any of them for one reason or another. a few really psycotic reactions convinced me that the whole class of meds probably was not a good thing for me. So far, none of my doctors has managed to convince me otherwise and believe me, they’re NOT likely to. That said, My partner takes Wellbutrin with very few unwanted side effects and only a little damping of the sex drive. (Of course, with a stiff neck and bad shoulders…. but that’s another story) Good luck Ty

I am in no way a physician or any other type of medical professional.  I am just speaking from personal experience or information gained during my treatment or research ;o). Remove NOSPAM from the above email address to contact me.

Response:

One anti depressant that isn’t supposed to affect libido is Wellbutrin….. Robin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – K Once you find that anti-depressant that doesn’t suppress the libido, give me a call.  Uh … wait.  Once you find that anti-depressant that doesn’t suppress libido, give me a month or two to switch, and then call me. Still intellectually interested in the abstract idea db I was on zoloft, with a similar problem, and they put me on Luvox, which apparently has less affect on sexual functioning, although they’ve only tested it on *men*. Better, but still not what it was… Libido’s not as much of a problem as the climax issue. I’ve used up lots of batteries…. K. Yikes !!! Nope I think I would rather be happy and not sexually deprived hahaha thanks for your info deb/fl Well Celexa is supposed to be good for that… i am on it and it really did snap me out of my depression BUT despite what the "they say" my libido has definitely been affected along with the ability to climax, which is pretty damn depressing. You may want to try it, everyone is different and it’s supposed to have fewer side affects.

I am in no way a physician or any other type of medical professional.  I am just speaking from personal experience or information gained during my treatment or research ;o). Remove NOSPAM from the above email address to contact me.

Response:

Joani I read your post and had to giggle thanks for the uplifting post and I couldn’t agree with you more even at 44 Your the best deb/fl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been taking Elavil and Zoloft. 100mg. Elavil and 100 mg of Zoloft….taken the Elavil longer, about ten years! So…the dry mouth is really, really a problem because I also have Sjrogren’s! I may be 65….but…I Am Not Dead!  If you get my meaning…but..it is hard to find a "friend" at my age…so in the long run, I guess not having any isn’t to bad a problem. But I sure do Miss It!!!!  Joani

Response:

K Once you find that anti-depressant that doesn’t suppress the libido, give me a call.  Uh … wait.  Once you find that anti-depressant that doesn’t suppress libido, give me a month or two to switch, and then call me. Still intellectually interested in the abstract idea db

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was on zoloft, with a similar problem, and they put me on Luvox, which apparently has less affect on sexual functioning, although they’ve only tested it on *men*. Better, but still not what it was… Libido’s not as much of a problem as the climax issue. I’ve used up lots of batteries…. K. Yikes !!! Nope I think I would rather be happy and not sexually deprived hahaha thanks for your info deb/fl Well Celexa is supposed to be good for that… i am on it and it really did snap me out of my depression BUT despite what the "they say" my libido has definitely been affected along with the ability to climax, which is pretty damn depressing. You may want to try it, everyone is different and it’s supposed to have fewer side affects.

Response:

Corna I forget the name of the one that gave me the headache so severly, but I have been on the prozac and the elavil, the prozac was a low dosage so I did not have much problem with that one but the one that gave me the headache…. shish that one you might as well called me a zombie! But I am going to see a new dr for my depression and wanted to get some great advice before talking it over with him deb/fl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hell o Deb, What type of antidepressants are you on that effect your sexlife.  I ask because I have know sexual urges at all and I know that a big part of it is that I am in constant pain which just shrivels up all of my sexualness period, but I am also on Prosac.  Do you know anything about that drug? Thanks, Erica Glynn Cona

Response:

I have been taking Elavil and Zoloft. 100mg. Elavil and 100 mg of Zoloft….taken the Elavil longer, about ten years! So…the dry mouth is really, really a problem because I also have Sjrogren’s! I may be 65….but…I Am Not Dead!  If you get my meaning…but..it is hard to find a "friend" at my age…so in the long run, I guess not having any isn’t to bad a problem. But I sure do Miss It!!!!  Joani

Response:

The only anti-depressants that I’ve tried were the tricyclics (but I went through over a half-dozen of them) and in anything near an effective dosage, libido wasn’t the only problem — every one of them (and the others I suppose too) are psycho-active drugs and every one of them produces personality changes, after all, they ARE psycho-active drugs. The common side-effects are loss of libido, a general tranquilizing effect (that can be quite severe), and a sometimes separate loss of "will-power". And several of them also have cardiac side effects too. I also found that with Elavil (amytriptaline ?sp?) that the dry-mouth was intolerable in the dosage I required (100 mg).         Norm

Response:

Howard thanks a million for your input! deb/fl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you don’t mind a male entering this discussion – I tried four or five anti-depresants before I found one that works without negatively affecting my sex life or having negative side effects. Zoloft killed my sex drive and so did one or two others. For me Wellbutrin works well (no pun). Howard Aloha! Oh my!  Is this a chicken and egg question? Our pain causes depression which will surpress the libido which is even more depressing. So start on the assumption that once the anti-depressant helps get the pain under control maybe the libido will have a chance to do its thing again. At least, I think so.  Maybe not. Alohas!  Suse  (*_*)   -**** Posted from RemarQ, http://www.remarq.com/?a ****- Search and Read Usenet Discussions in your Browser – FREE –

Response:

Ty thanks for the input I know I have alot of side affects from different ones.. weight gain to headaches etc and I was just trying to get all the imput possible before asking the dr for another type. deb/fl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It seems that no 2 people react the same to any given anti-depresant. I’ve tried a half dozen or so and can’t take any of them for one reason or another. a few really psycotic reactions convinced me that the whole class of meds probably was not a good thing for me. So far, none of my doctors has managed to convince me otherwise and believe me, they’re NOT likely to. That said, My partner takes Wellbutrin with very few unwanted side effects and only a little damping of the sex drive. (Of course, with a stiff neck and bad shoulders…. but that’s another story) Good luck Ty

Response:

Julio Nice neighbor hahaha I took prozac once and I didn’t think it seemed to help me much at all as I recall it was only 60mg but I took it for two months and still was in my black mood I wonder if maybe I needed a higher dosage… thanks for the input deb/fl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am up to 80Mg of Prozac a day, and the doctor said; "it’s not the prozac that dampens the sex drive." He went on to say that due to RSD affecting the lymbic system and the brain stem, (Primitive brain) That dampens the sex drive, and the ability to have an effective erection. My neighbors have the audacity to call me a hard man. LOL Julio It seems that no 2 people react the same to any given anti-depresant. I’ve tried a half dozen or so and can’t take any of them for one reason or another. a few really psycotic reactions convinced me that the whole class of meds probably was not a good thing for me. So far, none of my doctors has managed to convince me otherwise and believe me, they’re NOT likely to. That said, My partner takes Wellbutrin with very few unwanted side effects and only a little damping of the sex drive. (Of course, with a stiff neck and bad shoulders…. but that’s another story) Good luck Ty

Response:

This is pure nonsense. A very large percentage of all people taking Prozac report diminished or absent interest in sex, or delayed or absent orgasm. This is more likely to occur on large doses, and 80 mg./day is a large dose. Make sure that the prescribing MD knows what he/she is doing. Normally, only psychiatrists know enough about the kind of conditions that justify very large doses of Prozac. Tim Miller – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am up to 80Mg of Prozac a day, and the doctor said; "it’s not the prozac that dampens the sex drive." He went on to say that due to RSD affecting the lymbic system and the brain stem, (Primitive brain) That dampens the sex drive, and the ability to have an effective erection. My neighbors have the audacity to call me a hard man. LOL Julio It seems that no 2 people react the same to any given anti-depresant. I’ve tried a half dozen or so and can’t take any of them for one reason or another. a few really psycotic reactions convinced me that the whole class of meds probably was not a good thing for me. So far, none of my doctors has managed to convince me otherwise and believe me, they’re NOT likely to. That said, My partner takes Wellbutrin with very few unwanted side effects and only a little damping of the sex drive. (Of course, with a stiff neck and bad shoulders…. but that’s another story) Good luck Ty

Response:

 It seems that no 2 people react the same to any given anti-depresant. I’ve tried a half dozen or so and can’t take any of them for one reason or another. a few really psycotic reactions convinced me that the whole class of meds probably was not a good thing for me. So far, none of my doctors has managed to convince me otherwise and believe me, they’re NOT likely to. That said, My partner takes Wellbutrin with very few unwanted side effects and only a little damping of the sex drive. (Of course, with a stiff neck and bad shoulders…. but that’s another story) Good luck Ty

Response:

Each antidepressant is a little different, and individual reactions differ, but Luvox is very similar to Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and others. It is prescribed less often because it is more likely to cause problems with nausea, and it is only labled for obsessive-compulsive disorder, though this is stricly a marketing ploy. Tim Miller – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was on zoloft, with a similar problem, and they put me on Luvox, which apparently has less affect on sexual functioning, although they’ve only tested it on *men*. Better, but still not what it was… Libido’s not as much of a problem as the climax issue. I’ve used up lots of batteries…. K. Yikes !!! Nope I think I would rather be happy and not sexually deprived hahaha thanks for your info deb/fl Well Celexa is supposed to be good for that… i am on it and it really did snap me out of my depression BUT despite what the "they say" my libido has definitely been affected along with the ability to climax, which is pretty damn depressing. You may want to try it, everyone is different and it’s supposed to have fewer side affects.

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I was on zoloft, with a similar problem, and they put me on Luvox, which apparently has less affect on sexual functioning, although they’ve only tested it on *men*. Better, but still not what it was… Libido’s not as much of a problem as the climax issue. I’ve used up lots of batteries…. K. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yikes !!! Nope I think I would rather be happy and not sexually deprived hahaha thanks for your info deb/fl Well Celexa is supposed to be good for that… i am on it and it really did snap me out of my depression BUT despite what the "they say" my libido has definitely been affected along with the ability to climax, which is pretty damn depressing. You may want to try it, everyone is different and it’s supposed to have fewer side affects.

Response:

Prozac is well-known to reduce sexual interest, interfere with orgasm, etc. Same is true for other members of Prozac family, including Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox, probably Effexor. Celexa might be better. Not clear yet. Other antidepressants don’t interfere with sexual interest, but the "tricyclic antidepressants" do often cause weight gain. Elavil, Tofranil, Pamelor, and others. (These are brand names. They have all gone generic, but the generics are harder to spell. amitriptylene is one of them. nortriptylene is another. imipramine is a third.) Antidepressants that don’t often cause weight gain and don’t normally interfere with sexual interest include Serzone and Wellbutrin, also Remeron, but watch out for weight gain, and trazadone (brand name is Desyrel). Maybe a few others I didn’t think of. There is a recent trend to help chronic pain sufferers with Depakote and Neurontin, particularly Neurontin. It’s labeled as an anticonvulsant, but has several good psychiatric uses. HTH. Tim Miller – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hell o Deb, What type of antidepressants are you on that effect your sexlife.  I ask because I have know sexual urges at all and I know that a big part of it is that I am in constant pain which just shrivels up all of my sexualness period, but I am also on Prosac.  Do you know anything about that drug? Thanks, Erica Glynn Cona

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Hell o Deb, What type of antidepressants are you on that effect your sexlife.  I ask because I have know sexual urges at all and I know that a big part of it is that I am in constant pain which just shrivels up all of my sexualness period, but I am also on Prosac.  Do you know anything about that drug? Thanks, Erica Glynn Cona

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If you don’t mind a male entering this discussion – I tried four or five anti-depresants before I found one that works without negatively affecting my sex life or having negative side effects. Zoloft killed my sex drive and so did one or two others. For me Wellbutrin works well (no pun). Howard – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Aloha! Oh my!  Is this a chicken and egg question? Our pain causes depression which will surpress the libido which is even more depressing. So start on the assumption that once the anti-depressant helps get the pain under control maybe the libido will have a chance to do its thing again.  At least, I think so.  Maybe not. Alohas!  Suse  (*_*)   -**** Posted from RemarQ, http://www.remarq.com/?a ****- Search and Read Usenet Discussions in your Browser – FREE –

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Hello Everyone I hope you all are having a pain free day.. My question is can anyone give me advice about anti-depressants that do not mess up your sexual urges? Thanks deb/fl

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Aloha!
Oh my!  Is this a chicken and egg question?
Our pain causes depression which will surpress the libido which is even more depressing.
So start on the assumption that once the anti-depressant helps get the pain under control maybe the libido will have a chance to do its thing again.  At least, I think so.  Maybe not.
Alohas!  Suse  (*_*)    -**** Posted from RemarQ, http://www.remarq.com/?a ****-  Search and Read Usenet Discussions in your Browser – FREE –

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Thanks Suse I was also under this impression however I have heard that they have new meds on the market that help with that problem I have seen the commercials on tv about it and just wondered if anyone from the group had tried any of them and how they thought they worked compared to the conventional anti-depressants deb/fl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Aloha! Oh my!  Is this a chicken and egg question? Our pain causes depression which will surpress the libido which is even more depressing. So start on the assumption that once the anti-depressant helps get the pain under control maybe the libido will have a chance to do its thing again. At least, I think so.  Maybe not. Alohas!  Suse  (*_*)    -**** Posted from RemarQ, http://www.remarq.com/?a ****-  Search and Read Usenet Discussions in your Browser – FREE –

Response:

Well Celexa is supposed to be good for that… i am on it and it really did snap me out of my depression BUT despite what the "they say" my libido has definitely been affected along with the ability to climax, which is pretty damn depressing. You may want to try it, everyone is different and it’s supposed to have fewer side affects.

Response:

Yikes !!! Nope I think I would rather be happy and not sexually deprived hahaha thanks for your info deb/fl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well Celexa is supposed to be good for that… i am on it and it really did snap me out of my depression BUT despite what the "they say" my libido has definitely been affected along with the ability to climax, which is pretty damn depressing. You may want to try it, everyone is different and it’s supposed to have fewer side affects.

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Question:

Hi! After a series of severe migraines and several panic attacks related to work, I am now on indefinite medical leave. I’ve been on zoloft (50 mg) for about 6 months for depression, but I guess it’s not doing much. I’m seeing a counselor through the EAP who is working with me on relaxation techniques, and I have an appointment with the psychiatrist for Tues to hopefully find meds which will let me become more relaxed, sleep, and be able to face my co-workers and my 3rd grade students without getting anxious and having headaches, blood pressure surges, and panicy spells. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance. Also, is there anything specific I should tell/ask the psychiatrist? Apparently, I’m only going to see him for a short period, and my counselor will be monitoring my therapy long-term and will help decide when I should return to work. Right now, I’m hiding at home and trying to stay calm-even without going out, I average at least 1-2 panic attacks a day, and it seems that almost anything can spark one. Please tell me this gets better?

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! After a series of severe migraines and several panic attacks related to work, I am now on indefinite medical leave. I’ve been on zoloft (50 mg) for about 6 months for depression, but I guess it’s not doing much. I’m seeing a counselor through the EAP who is working with me on relaxation techniques, and I have an appointment with the psychiatrist for Tues to hopefully find meds which will let me become more relaxed, sleep, and be able to face my co-workers and my 3rd grade students without getting anxious and having headaches, blood pressure surges, and panicy spells. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance. Also, is there anything specific I should tell/ask the psychiatrist? Apparently, I’m only going to see him for a short period, and my counselor will be monitoring my therapy long-term and will help decide when I should return to work. Right now, I’m hiding at home and trying to stay calm-even without going out, I average at least 1-2 panic attacks a day, and it seems that almost anything can spark one. Please tell me this gets better? Hi Donna, I’m Kelly…I also take 50mg. of Zoloft a day for Panic Disorder. I started having them 9 months ago.With me , Zoloft has helped alot. I usually only have 3 bad days a month, and I can control the panic then.I don’t do any type of therapy..in fact hav’nt even seen a doctor in the last 5 months. I have 1 week in a month that I feel pretty much back to normal. Maybe Zoloft is’nt the answer for you? It will get better once the Doctor finds something that will make it better!!Don’t give up, it might take time, but it will get better! Good luck to you, Kelly

– Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! After a series of severe migraines and several panic attacks related to work, I am now on indefinite medical leave. I’ve been on zoloft (50 mg) for about 6 months for depression, but I guess it’s not doing much. I’m seeing a counselor through the EAP who is working with me on relaxation techniques, and I have an appointment with the psychiatrist for Tues to hopefully find meds which will let me become more relaxed, sleep, and be able to face my co-workers and my 3rd grade students without getting anxious and having headaches, blood pressure surges, and panicy spells. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance. Also, is there anything specific I should tell/ask the psychiatrist? Apparently, I’m only going to see him for a short period, and my counselor will be monitoring my therapy long-term and will help decide when I should return to work. Right now, I’m hiding at home and trying to stay calm-even without going out, I average at least 1-2 panic attacks a day, and it seems that almost anything can spark one. Please tell me this gets better?

Hi Donna, Welcome to ASAP. Yes, it can get much better. You just have to give it some time.  I am surprised that your Zoloft dose has not been increased, especially that you say your depression hasn`t really been helped by it. Zoloft 50mgs is not a therapeutic dose( although some people have done well on this dose), therapeutic dose for Zoloft is 100mgs to 200mgs. Your psychiatrist will either increase the Zoloft or change your med. It sounds like you are doing the right things( seeing a pdoc and a counselor) that will get you back on your feet quickly.  Is your counselor just practicing relaxation techniques, or is it part of Cognitive Behavioral therapy? Cognitive Behavioral therapy is a effective therapy for anxiety disorders. It has helped me alot along with the Paxil I take. Take care. Jackie

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! After a series of severe migraines and several panic attacks related to work, I am now on indefinite medical leave. I’ve been on zoloft (50 mg) for about 6 months for depression, but I guess it’s not doing much. I’m seeing a counselor through the EAP who is working with me on relaxation techniques, and I have an appointment with the psychiatrist for Tues to hopefully find meds which will let me become more relaxed, sleep, and be able to face my co-workers and my 3rd grade students without getting anxious and having headaches, blood pressure surges, and panicy spells. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance. Also, is there anything specific I should tell/ask the psychiatrist? Apparently, I’m only going to see him for a short period, and my counselor will be monitoring my therapy long-term and will help decide when I should return to work. Right now, I’m hiding at home and trying to stay calm-even without going out, I average at least 1-2 panic attacks a day, and it seems that almost anything can spark one. Please tell me this gets better?

I hope the psychiatrist is specialized in anxiety disorders.  You should be properly diagnosed and be prescribed some meds. Generally speaking *talk therapy*, however worthwhile for other reasons, is not a  good tool to get rid of anxiety symptoms quickly. The only therapy which can truthfully boast that is *Cognitive Behavioural Therapy* (CBT). I hope that’s what your *counselor* is doing with you. Ask  her/him. All this IMO and all that… ) A combination of meds and CBT is where the smart money is today and yes, it will get better. It may take some trial and error but hopefully you will be able to resume your *normal* life. Philip

Response:

Hi Donna, When you see your psychiatrist on Tuesday tell him you’re still having panic attacks. A change in meds should be able to block them. Either an increase in the Zoloft or the addition of a beno (Xanax, Klonopin, etc.) or possibly both. Strange you’re still on a rather low dose of Zoloft (it’s not blocking your panic attacks). Are you seeing the psychiatrist often enough so he can assess your response to treatment? I guess if it were me, I’d be seeing the psychiatrist more often for med monitoring and response to med treatment. I’ve never found counseling that useful or helpful, although I did like the support I got from it. What I found most useful was taking the right combo of  meds at the right dosages to block PAs and relapse of depression, and then facing my fears in small steps untill they were no longer fears. After the PAs are blocked, you can trying getting outside more. Also, SSRIs (such as the Zoloft you are on) are effective in preventing migraines (especially those related to stress and anxiety). My experience with panic disorder, agoraphobia, and intermittent depression has been that meds are the most helpful (I take Zoloft 150 mg/day and Klonopin 2 mg/day). I learned all the breathing  and relaxation techniques, jogging, spiritual gowth, self help books, diets, exercise, and all the rest. They all help, but I found I really needed the meds to get enough relief from my symptoms to get out in the world again, and back to work and functioning  in the world. Hope this helps, Chip Hi! After a series of severe migraines and several panic attacks related to work, I am now on indefinite medical leave. I’ve been on zoloft (50 mg) for about 6 months for depression, but I guess it’s not doing much. I’m seeing a counselor through the EAP who is working with me on relaxation techniques, and I have an appointment with the psychiatrist for Tues to hopefully find meds which will let me become more relaxed, sleep, and be able to face my co-workers and my 3rd grade students without getting anxious and having headaches, blood pressure surges, and panicy spells. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance. Also, is there anything specific I should tell/ask the psychiatrist? Apparently, I’m only going to see him for a short period, and my counselor will be monitoring my therapy long-term and will help decide when I should return to work. Right now, I’m hiding at home and trying to stay calm-even without going out, I average at least 1-2 panic attacks a day, and it seems that almost anything can spark one. Please tell me this gets better?

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Question:

Thanks to everyone who responded.  It really does make me feel better to read such supportive comments.   No more AOL….. Thanks again! Peace, Dan

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I’d like to introduce myself.  I’m a twenty six year old male, and I’ve read this newsgroup on and off for the last couple years.   Also, I’d like some feedback on my medication.  First, though, my history with panic disorder…  Ever since I was a little kid I’ve had trouble with panic attacks.  In Little League, I was a nervous wreck before games because I thought I might have an attack.  (Of course at the time I didn’t know what they were, and was afraid to tell anyone.)  I quit the basketball team because I thought I was prone to PAs at night, particularly in the lighting of a gymnasium.  These were textbook panic attacks I was having (and worrying about having!) – most of the symptoms, and they’d last about fifteen minutes or so. I had a pretty normal childhood otherwise.  By the time I reached high school, I considered the PAs a thing of the past, something I’d luckily outgrown.  I made it through college without really giving panic attacks any thought. Then — about three years ago (I’d been out of college almost a year), I was going through a somewhat stressful time in my life, trying to figure out my future, looking for a career I cared about, etc.  I had *the* worst panic attack I’d ever had, and the reason it was so bad was because it seemed to not go away.  Without exaggeration, I can honestly say that I felt like I was having a panic attack for two months.  I had no idea what was going on, and grew very depressed.  I was living with my girlfriend, who was supportive as she could be, but she was the only person I told.  This was a very dark, scary time in my life.  Things lightened up a bit when I finally told my mom.  She knew someone who’d had a problem that sounded similar.  Soon, I moved back home.  I met with my mom’s friend, who gave me several books to read (Kernodle, Sheehan, Reid, Weekes), which I read with a frenzy.  She also recommended a psychiatrist, who helped me through medication.  This was a summer of healing for me.  We found a medication combination – 5 mg per day of Xanax, 1mg per day Klonopin, and 150 mg per day Zoloft.  I had tried Imipramine, but it made me feel even more anxious, as though I were about to have a PA at any time. Anyway, this dosage took awhile to reach, but it was the dosage that worked for me.  I also read and practiced many of the self-help techniques such as deep relaxation, breathing exercises, meditation, stopping negative thought patterns, et al.  It took awhile, but I got better.  I finally felt some joy in life again.  Since then, I’ve stayed at the same dosages of the medications, with few side effects, and feel very good.  I’ve had panic attacks begin, but the combination of the medication and learning not to fear the attack enables me to take a deep breath and let it go.  My life isn’t perfect, but I feel sane. I’ve moved away from my parents house, and owe them a HUGE debt of gratitude for letting me free-load for a year as I got better.  It took me awhile to get a job, because I had an immense fear of being stuck somewhere for eight hours. I wasn’t afraid to go out – I was afraid, though, to *have* to be in one place.  When I finally started working, it was a huge step in my recovery.   So, I’m curious what your thoughts are on my medication.  Sometimes I feel a bit guilty, like I should try to taper off the meds.  Other times, I’m perfectly content to stay on them the rest of my life.  I haven’t built up a tolerance for the Xanax, so that’s not a problem.  My doctor mentions tapering every time I see her, which is every three months, but lately I’ve been in so many transitional stages in my life, I just haven’t felt ready to mess with the medication.  (First I moved away from home – far away, actually – and then I got married to the girlfriend who’d been so supportive when I first got sick, and now we have a three month old baby boy….I’d call all that "transitional".)   That’s my story, and I’m curious what you all have to say about my medication. I know the dosages are pretty high, but I also know that quality of life is not something to take for granted. Peace, Dan "Is a dream a lie if it don’t come true  Or is it something worse?"              - Bruce Springsteen

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It is hard enough to find medications that take care of the symptoms. If these meds work for you, then you have achieved your goal and I would not try to change them right now, just to get your life back in shape while you are still feeling well.  Make sure your doc. informs you about all possible side effects, but basically I wouldn’t touch a thing for as long as possible if you find a set of meds that really work for you. Dr.S. There are no false alarms http://www.algy.com/pdi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -(SYMKTB) writes: I’d like to introduce myself.  I’m a twenty six year old male, and I’ve read this newsgroup on and off for the last couple years.   Also, I’d like some feedback on my medication.  First, though, my history with panic disorder…  Ever since I was a little kid I’ve had trouble with panic attacks.  In Little League, I was a nervous wreck before games because I thought I might have an attack.  (Of course at the time I didn’t know what they were, and was afraid to tell anyone.)  I quit the basketball team because I thought I was prone to PAs at night, particularly in the lighting of a gymnasium.  These were textbook panic attacks I was having (and worrying about having!) – most of the symptoms, and they’d last about fifteen minutes or so. I had a pretty normal childhood otherwise.  By the time I reached high school, I considered the PAs a thing of the past, something I’d luckily outgrown.  I made it through college without really giving panic attacks any thought. Then — about three years ago (I’d been out of college almost a year), I was going through a somewhat stressful time in my life, trying to figure out my future, looking for a career I cared about, etc.  I had *the* worst panic attack I’d ever had, and the reason it was so bad was because it seemed to not go away.  Without exaggeration, I can honestly say that I felt like I was having a panic attack for two months.  I had no idea what was going on, and grew very depressed.  I was living with my girlfriend, who was supportive as she could be, but she was the only person I told.  This was a very dark, scary time in my life.  Things lightened up a bit when I finally told my mom.  She knew someone who’d had a problem that sounded similar.  Soon, I moved back home.  I met with my mom’s friend, who gave me several books to read (Kernodle, Sheehan, Reid, Weekes), which I read with a frenzy.  She also recommended a psychiatrist, who helped me through medication.  This was a summer of healing for me.  We found a medication combination – 5 mg per day of Xanax, 1mg per day Klonopin, and 150 mg per day Zoloft.  I had tried Imipramine, but it made me feel even more anxious, as though I were about to have a PA at any time. Anyway, this dosage took awhile to reach, but it was the dosage that worked for me.  I also read and practiced many of the self-help techniques such as deep relaxation, breathing exercises, meditation, stopping negative thought patterns, et al.  It took awhile, but I got better.  I finally felt some joy in life again.  Since then, I’ve stayed at the same dosages of the medications, with few side effects, and feel very good.  I’ve had panic attacks begin, but the combination of the medication and learning not to fear the attack enables me to take a deep breath and let it go.  My life isn’t perfect, but I feel sane. I’ve moved away from my parents house, and owe them a HUGE debt of gratitude for letting me free-load for a year as I got better.  It took me awhile to get a job, because I had an immense fear of being stuck somewhere for eight hours. I wasn’t afraid to go out – I was afraid, though, to *have* to be in one place. When I finally started working, it was a huge step in my recovery.   So, I’m curious what your thoughts are on my medication.  Sometimes I feel a bit guilty, like I should try to taper off the meds.  Other times, I’m perfectly content to stay on them the rest of my life.  I haven’t built up a tolerance for the Xanax, so that’s not a problem.  My doctor mentions tapering every time I see her, which is every three months, but lately I’ve been in so many transitional stages in my life, I just haven’t felt ready to mess with the medication.  (First I moved away from home – far away, actually – and then I got married to the girlfriend who’d been so supportive when I first got sick, and now we have a three month old baby boy….I’d call all that "transitional".)   That’s my story, and I’m curious what you all have to say about my medication. I know the dosages are pretty high, but I also know that quality of life is not something to take for granted. Peace, Dan "Is a dream a lie if it don’t come true Or is it something worse?"             – Bruce Springsteen

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SYMKTB schreef: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – < snipped life story for space  We found a medication combination – 5 mg per day of Xanax, 1mg per day Klonopin, and 150 mg per day Zoloft. with few side effects, and feel very good.  I’ve had panic attacks begin, but the combination of the medication and learning not to fear the attack enables me to take a deep breath and let it go.  My life isn’t perfect, but I feel sane. So, I’m curious what your thoughts are on my medication.  Sometimes I feel a bit guilty, like I should try to taper off the meds.  Other times, I’m perfectly content to stay on them the rest of my life.  I haven’t built up a tolerance for the Xanax, so that’s not a problem.  My doctor mentions tapering every time I see her, which is every three months, but lately I’ve been in so many transitional stages in my life, I just haven’t felt ready to mess with the medication.  (First I moved away from home – far away, actually – and then I got married to the girlfriend who’d been so supportive when I first got sick, and now we have a three month old baby boy….I’d call all that "transitional".) That’s my story, and I’m curious what you all have to say about my medication. I know the dosages are pretty high, but I also know that quality of life is not something to take for granted. Peace, Dan

Hi Dan! Good to hear you’re doing so much better. It seems you have a nice family and your parents seem to have an OK son who will surely be a great father himself. It’s a kind of success story which is always inspirational and it seems there is much warmth around you. About the meds: it’s a lot of benzodiazepine but if it works, it works and if you don’t notice side effects like motor or cognitive impairment I wouldn’t worry about it. The combo of SSRI and benzo is a common one and the Zoloft dose is not unusually high. I’m happy that it works for you the way it does. If and when you feel like it you can always experiment with reducing the Xanax dosage but if it turns out that need 5 mgs that’s fine too IMO. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "Is a dream a lie if it don’t come true  Or is it something worse?"              - Bruce Springsteen

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We found a medication combination – 5 mg per day of Xanax, 1mg per day Klonopin, and 150 mg per day Zoloft…… I’ve stayed at the same dosages of the medications, with few side effects, and feel very good.  I’ve had panic attacks begin, but the combination of the medication and learning not to fear the attack enables me to take a deep breath and let it go.  My life isn’t perfect, but I feel sane.

This is great you have had such support and found a combo that works for you and given you back your life. So, I’m curious what your thoughts are on my medication.  Sometimes I feel a bit guilty, like I should try to taper off the meds.  Other times, I’m perfectly content to stay on them the rest of my life.  I haven’t built up a tolerance for the Xanax, so that’s not a problem.

My first reaction is – if it ain’t broken, why fix it?  I think many of us get to a point we feel we can do this without meds and you are certainly free to try and lower your doses and see what happens.  I did that once and found I didn’t need as much K as I was taking.  Went a little lower and found I had pushed it too far.  Anyways,  I don’t know why you feel guilty, as IMO, there is no need to.  Better to be on meds and functioning than a suffering *warrior*.  Plus you have already been there and know what it is like. My doctor mentions tapering every time I see her, which is every three months, but lately I’ve been in so many transitional stages in my life, I just haven’t felt ready to mess with the medication

An excellent reason for NOT making changes at this time.  If you do want to try that….I hope you will do it at a time when life is relatively stable and nonchaotic – and having a new baby sure doesn’t seem the time.  Congrats by the way.  :) That’s my story, and I’m curious what you all have to say about my medication. I know the dosages are pretty high, but I also know that quality of life is not something to take for granted.

Dan…I think you just answered your own question.  Dosages are irrelevent – all that matters is what works for the individual.  Alot to be said for that quality of life thing. Best wishes… Gwen

Response:

(SYMKTB) writes: That’s my story, and I’m curious what you all have to say about my medication.

Hi Dan, good story. It gives people hope when they read that someone is doing well. I can’t give you much input on the meds. Please don’t ever feel guilty about taking the medication you need to control the PD. I suffered for years without them. I tried going to therapy and CBT  but nothing ever worked for me.  I’m considering asking my Dr about taking Klonopin. I’ve taken Xanax .5 mg PRN for the past 2 years. I’ve had PD since I was a child as well, but it was only 2 years ago that I decided to go to a Dr and ask for medication. You’re fortunate to have a supporting family and spouse. It’s much easier to deal with your PD if you know someone actually "believes" what’s going on. My husband always thought I was "making it up" until he saw our (at the time 4 yr old) daughter going through a PA. First he started to yell at her, then he saw the fear on her little face and said,"my God, what’s wrong with her?" Of course, I knew what was happening to her and told him. Then he felt awful for all those years of actually yelling at me to "knock off the bullsh*t" during my PA’s. Now whenever he witnesses one, he comes close to tears and tries everything he can to help. I can really relate to your comment on not being afraid to go out, but  being afraid of *having* to be somewhere for 8 hours. I have to return to work as soon as my daughter starts school, and I know I can only handle a few hours a day. That’s why I’m thinking about the Klonopin. I’m sure you’ll get a lot of helpful information from your post. I really learn a lot from here as long as I skip over the useless "wars" that go on. I don’t post here that often myself, but , what prompted me to was to congratulate you on your new baby boy!  And that I see you are a fellow BOSS fan! good luck with the little 3 month old "transition"!! (that’s a biggie isn’t it? LOL!) adp

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Sally, beware of drugs touting false promises for BPs. St. John’s Wort, while very  effective in studies overseas, is only effective for MILD DEPRESSION, not for  bipolar. when you’ve got this particular lion banging at the doors, you need  something different. a mood stabilizer (sorry, i’m not a doctor & i dont play  one on tv) will help prevent the manias (what goes up must come down), and  regulate the neurochemicals. having just been diagnosed as BP during the summer (and misdiagnosed for years  before that, living on klonopin, zoloft, xanax, ritalin, whatever i/the docs  thought would work), i can say i’ve been through the litany of drugs. i’m not  physically tiny, but i am very sensitive to medication, and i am on doses that  would not pass in the PDR for therapeutic. (900 mg of neurontin & 250 to 325  mg of depakote and that’s IT). i’ve had my share of cocktails, mixes, dosages,  and unfortunately, it just does take a while to find the right drug or drugs.  i can’t tolerate lithium, and everything else i’ve tried has produced a  variety of side effects, some bearable, others not. i’m lucky because my doctor believes in simplifying the medication regimen as  much as possible, so we started out with the idea that maybe i’d only need a  single drug. it hasn’t worked out that way, but that’s life. what you DO need, IMO, is a doctor you trust. if you’re scared of the meds and  you’re not being listened to (but you do have to listen, too), then you’re  really doing yourself–and your kids–a disservice. Find a doctor you like and  trust, be willing to deal with some side effects (make sure your doctor  understands that you have kids and responsibilities), and try to have patience  (yeah, right). feel free to email. Miz

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i’m really scared of getting prescribed medication – once, before i was diagnosed as bipolar II, a doctor prescribed paxil. it knocked me out, all i did was sleep. then, when i said i thought it was too strong, he said it was all my imagination. so, i quit going to that doctor and months later i have been diagnosed BP II. i only weigh 90 lbs, and i’m 37. just have very small bone structure so it is a natural weight for me. but i can’t tolerate adult dosage, and docs never seem to take that into account.  anyway, i’m rambling, my mind is a mess right now. sorry. the point is… i’m really afraid of taking these cocktails and such that you all describe. i have two children and i’m on my own with them most of the time (my husband’s work takes him away 3 weeks at a time, then home for 3 weeks). i HAVE to function to take care of them. but then, the doctor says she feels i really need them, and probably always will. do these medications always make people so sick? is there anyone out there who can say the meds are really helping them? i don’t think i understand this at all. also, sorry i’m using a fake email address, i have never been involved in a newsgroup and was afraid of getting weird mail or something.

Yeah,  you’d get weird mail all right.   I wish I’d never given my real address.   My box is full of filthy trash mail every day.  I wish I could e-mail you directly because the posts don’t go to everyone. Try using a fake address and put  decoding directions in your signature.  . . .Now to answer your question. Yes,  meds will help you when you get the right one and the right dose.  Sometimes that is not easy.   Some docs won’t listen to you.  I eventually had to take charge of adjusting the dosage myself.   I too am very sensitive to meds of all types and usually half of the prescribed dosage is about right.   Caution:   if you are suicidal, don’t mess around with the dosage until you are stable.   Also try to find a doctor that is willing to try different meds at different doses until you get it right.   Also give it enough time.  It takes a month or more to stabilize you.   I think the longer you have been depressed, the longer it takes.  Paxil however is one of the fastest acting ones and the quickest to wash out of the system.   Depression also makes a person stuporous sometimes.  I had one doctor who always thought I was zombied out by the depression and needed a higher dose, so he’d prescribe more and more and more.  I finally had to dump him because he refused to listen to me and I was only able to function for one hour a day and gained 30 pounds sleeping all the time. Meds affect each person differently.   Prozac puts me to sleep. Others feel great with it.  Paxil makes me feel great, but puts you to sleep. For Bipolar Disorder, and antidepressant alone may not be the right medication.   It works for me, but I’ve been under treatment for years.  You must find a doc who will listen to you and work with you to help you feel better.   Don’t give up on meds –they really do work! Take Care, –Carroll

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i’m feeling better today but i know it’s because i was out to see my daughter’s play and she was so good in it, it was great to see her so happy with her performance and we gave her 2 dozen roses when it was over. she’s 12, and is able to accomplish whatever she sets her mind to without having a downside, self-esteem problems, all those things i have always had. i love my kids, and i’ll never leave them no matter how down i get. this keeps me going day after day. i’m rambling again.

Dear Sally, You are not rambling. You are a human being who wants to live a normal life, stop worrying what others think of you. DO not let let anyone convince you that you are a broken thing, someone who can not think for herself. Use your eyes, ears, brain and a little help from friends, because that is all you need. Good luck with bringing up your child. I have two kids and it is a great experience, they teach me about life everyday. — Joop Kaashoek INSA Limited http://www.insaltd.com (408) 268-9650

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i’m really scared of getting prescribed medication – once, before i was diagnosed as bipolar II, a doctor prescribed paxil. it knocked me out, all i did was sleep. then, when i said i thought it was too strong, he said it was all my imagination. so, i quit going to that doctor and months later i have been diagnosed BP II. i only weigh 90 lbs, and i’m 37. just have very small bone structure so it is a natural weight for me. but i can’t tolerate adult dosage, and docs never seem to take that into account.  anyway, i’m rambling, my mind is a mess right now. sorry. the point is… i’m really afraid of taking these cocktails and such that you all describe. i have two children and i’m on my own with them most of the time (my husband’s work takes him away 3 weeks at a time, then home for 3 weeks). i HAVE to function to take care of them. but then, the doctor says she feels i really need them, and probably always will. do these medications always make people so sick? is there anyone out there who can say the meds are really helping them? i don’t think i understand this at all. also, sorry i’m using a fake email address, i have never been involved in a newsgroup and was afraid of getting weird mail or something.

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seems like everyone that’s BP has had an awful hell of a time, and it makes me feel like there are finally some people out there who understand in this group. carma – i’m glad you are hanging in there and thanks for the message. going to hang in there myself with the st john’s wort for the 3 weeks the naturopathic doc says it will take for it to begin to have effect. it’s only been a little under 2 weeks but it seems like a lifetime waiting for this change. if this doesn’t work i think i’m forced to go ahead with the prescription meds and from what you say, it is worth the trouble. if there had been help for my mother (who killed herself in ‘67 at my age – 37),  she might have been here today to see her beautiful grandchildren. i miss her every day. by the way, you are an incredibly strong woman with a will to match. thanks for the encouragement. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Once I made that med decision and saw how it did help me I won’t go back. I may trade one non-working med in for new ones but now that I have quit lying about how bad my life really was at times I’ll keep trying until the make the right med combination for me. Carma

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i don’t know what a mood stabilizer is, and don’t know what drugs are considered to be mood stabilizers. so, hopefully i’ll find some sort of alternative (as St. John’s Wort) that will act as a mood stabilizer. as for self education, i’d like to find some resources that will explain how  the brain chemicals are affected when you are BPII. which ones are up, down, etc., so that i can find ways to improve my diet and life (this is optimistic on my part probably, but why not). HarvilleC wrote in article – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Bipolar II patients need a mood stabilizer, in addition to an anti-dperessant (usually).  And anti-depressant alone may bring on wider mood swings and mania. It takes a while for meds to work, and it is a gradual process.  The drugs first have to "prod" the brain out of the swings, then establish a new set point.  It can take months. I am grateful for finding the right combination – it took a while, but with a dedicated doctor, and self-education, meds can and do work. Hang in there, and write to me anytime. Smooth sailing, Cathy

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By the way if it had been there in 1964 it could have helped my aunt DeLorice who killed herself at age 37 as well. Good luck with the SJW. Carma – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – seems like everyone that’s BP has had an awful hell of a time, and it makes me feel like there are finally some people out there who understand in this group. carma – i’m glad you are hanging in there and thanks for the message. going to hang in there myself with the st john’s wort for the 3 weeks the naturopathic doc says it will take for it to begin to have effect. it’s only been a little under 2 weeks but it seems like a lifetime waiting for this change. if this doesn’t work i think i’m forced to go ahead with the prescription meds and from what you say, it is worth the trouble. if there had been help for my mother (who killed herself in ‘67 at my age – 37),  she might have been here today to see her beautiful grandchildren. i miss her every day. by the way, you are an incredibly strong woman with a will to match. thanks for the encouragement. Carma Winfrey-Hayes wrote in article Once I made that med decision and saw how it did help me I won’t go back. I may trade one non-working med in for new ones but now that I have quit lying about how bad my life really was at times I’ll keep trying until the make the right med combination for me. Carma

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another note about mood stabilizers… i have to learn about this! what can you tell me… when i say i’m new to this diagnosis, i mean REALLY new. like, last Friday. i’m feeling better today but i know it’s because i was out to see my daughter’s play and she was so good in it, it was great to see her so happy with her performance and we gave her 2 dozen roses when it was over. she’s 12, and is able to accomplish whatever she sets her mind to without having a downside, self-esteem problems, all those things i have always had. i love my kids, and i’ll never leave them no matter how down i get. this keeps me going day after day. i’m rambling again. can you tell me about mood stabilizers? SMxMS wrote in article – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Are you taking a mood stabilizer as well?  An antidepressant for a bipolar can be activating, and this could be working against your best interests. Please make sure your psychiatrist knows what your naturopath doctor is prescribing for you.  Just make sure everyone is working together. Hang in there–Meds don’t work overnight.  I know it seems forever.  Are you quite sure you’re not supposed to be taking a mood stabilizer? I am NOT a doctor, but I just wanted to clarify this point. Hang in there–we all can sympathize.  We’ve been there.

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but then, the doctor says she feels i really need them, and probably always will. do these medications always make people so sick? is there anyone out there who can say the meds are really helping them? i don’t think i understand this at all. also, sorry i’m using a fake email address, i have never been involved in a newsgroup and was afraid of getting weird mail or something.

Sally, Bipolar II patients need a mood stabilizer, in addition to an anti-dperessant  (usually).  And anti-depressant alone may bring on wider mood swings and  mania. It takes a while for meds to work, and it is a gradual process.  The drugs  first have to "prod" the brain out of the swings, then establish a new set  point.  It can take months. I am grateful for finding the right combination – it took a while, but with a  dedicated doctor, and self-education, meds can and do work.   Hang in there, and write to me anytime. Smooth sailing, Cathy

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They are correct and sorry if I wasn’t explicit earlier. To be stable means you need something for mood cycling like Lithium, Dpakote or Tegretol or one of the more experimental newer meds like Neurotonin that are helping many bipolars. While some BP’s have traded in their anti-depressants for SJW in general this would  probably only work for people whose depressive cycles are milder than average. To be really stable most BP’s need a good mood drug AND a good anti-depressant and some with more difficult to treat BP take multiple combinations of these two med categories. The 2 1/2 years I took only an anti-depressant made no dent on my hypomanic anger or rage. That didn’t happen until after I started the lithium. Like I said the lithium side affects have been a pain in the butt but I’m still willing to hang in there until something better comes along. Carma – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i don’t know what a mood stabilizer is, and don’t know what drugs are considered to be mood stabilizers. so, hopefully i’ll find some sort of alternative (as St. John’s Wort) that will act as a mood stabilizer. as for self education, i’d like to find some resources that will explain how  the brain chemicals are affected when you are BPII. which ones are up, down, etc., so that i can find ways to improve my diet and life (this is optimistic on my part probably, but why not). HarvilleC wrote in article Bipolar II patients need a mood stabilizer, in addition to an anti-dperessant (usually).  And anti-depressant alone may bring on wider mood swings and mania. It takes a while for meds to work, and it is a gradual process.  The drugs first have to "prod" the brain out of the swings, then establish a new set point.  It can take months. I am grateful for finding the right combination – it took a while, but with a dedicated doctor, and self-education, meds can and do work. Hang in there, and write to me anytime. Smooth sailing, Cathy

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