Both to varying degrees. — CBI, M.D. Please note: It is impossible to accurately diagnose medical problems without seeing the patient and reviewing the entire history. These posts are intended to be helpful and informative. Always check with your doctor before following any advice given.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m curious about meds. Would Flovent and Serevent be prescribed for Emphysema or are they usually just dxed for asthma?
I’m curious about meds. Would Flovent and Serevent be prescribed for Emphysema or are they usually just dxed for asthma?
: : :Is there any asthma medication I can ask my doctor for, just to get me :thru the cold? This last bout started in my sinuses, and I was just :praying it wouldn’t reach my lungs, but it has…now I’m coughing like :a heavy smoker, and it seems to last an eternity. : : :There is not a whole lot that you can do. Colds are caused by viruses :and the only thing that can defeat them is the body’s immune system. : :In an attempt to make life more comfortable, you might discuss (with :your doctor) going on an increased regimen of asthma medications while :you wait for the cold to go away. : My experience suggests:- 1) When a cold starts, immediately double up on inhaled steroids (assuming you take them! – I suspect your doctor may recommend them); it is important not to wait until you start to feel worse. If one doubling does not succeed, do it again. Your doctor should advise on how much is the safe maximum. Depending on how serious your asthma actually is you may be well advised to start monitoring your ability to breath out using a "PFL" (Peak Flow Meter, or "puff-meter as my wife calls it). 2) The suggestion that your sinuses may be involved should be followed up. I had an ever more frequent series of "colds" and other infections, culminating in about 6 months during which I was hardly ever free of something. This was eventually diagnosed as a blocked infected sinus, and I had an operation to get it draining again. This still flares up from time to time, but I quickly take antibiotic and avoid nasty consequences. For mild sinus/cold symptoms, some of the old fashioed cures still work, and work well: steam inhalation (or use of a steam room in a health suite) is very good. Barry Landy Computer Laboratory:+44 1223 334600 University of Cambridge Computing Service New Museums Site Email: Remove "nospam" from above Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QG
Hi Colleen: Thank you SO much for sharing your knowledge and information. I will make an appointment with my doctor to see if I can get on some antibiotics which will, hopefully, kick this thing! Again, many thanks! Kathy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Colleen: Thanks for your response! I’m presently taking Flovent 250 (2 puff 3x daily), and Singulair in the evenings. Hi Kathy, If those two drugs control your asthma, then there isn’t any point in changing them. I believe, however, that "all" asthmatics should have access to a short-acting bronchodilator medication for use in an emergency. You really should get a script from your doctor for one. I’ve heard the medication "Pulmicort" being mentioned on this newsgroup. Some say that they take this only when they have a chest cold, just to get them thru it. Should I be looking at talking to my doctor about this medication? All inhaled corticosteroids should be taken daily as prescribed. I use Pulmicort via nebulizer (twice a day). It is an inhaled corticosteroid similar to Flovent and must be used on a regular basis to be effective. You may be confusing Pulmicort with Prednisone (an oral corticosteroid) which is often prescribed (short term) for asthmatics when they have a severe chest infection (cold). However, I sure don’t recommend the use of oral steroids unless there is absolutely no other choice. You may need an antibiotic though. Ceftin and Cipro are both good for upper respiratory infections. Talk to your doctor Kathy, you may need one to help you get over this infection, otherwise, your asthma could become more serious. Cheers, Colleen Thanks again! Kathy
Is there any asthma medication I can ask my doctor for, just to get me thru the cold? This last bout started in my sinuses, and I was just praying it wouldn’t reach my lungs, but it has…now I’m coughing like a heavy smoker, and it seems to last an eternity.
There is not a whole lot that you can do. Colds are caused by viruses and the only thing that can defeat them is the body’s immune system. In an attempt to make life more comfortable, you might discuss (with your doctor) going on an increased regimen of asthma medications while you wait for the cold to go away. "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits." Einstein
Hi Colleen: Thanks for your response! I’m presently taking Flovent 250 (2 puff 3x daily), and Singulair in the evenings.
Hi Kathy, If those two drugs control your asthma, then there isn’t any point in changing them. I believe, however, that "all" asthmatics should have access to a short-acting bronchodilator medication for use in an emergency. You really should get a script from your doctor for one. I’ve heard the medication "Pulmicort" being mentioned on this newsgroup. Some say that they take this only when they have a chest cold, just to get them thru it. Should I be looking at talking to my doctor about this medication?
All inhaled corticosteroids should be taken daily as prescribed. I use Pulmicort via nebulizer (twice a day). It is an inhaled corticosteroid similar to Flovent and must be used on a regular basis to be effective. You may be confusing Pulmicort with Prednisone (an oral corticosteroid) which is often prescribed (short term) for asthmatics when they have a severe chest infection (cold). However, I sure don’t recommend the use of oral steroids unless there is absolutely no other choice. You may need an antibiotic though. Ceftin and Cipro are both good for upper respiratory infections. Talk to your doctor Kathy, you may need one to help you get over this infection, otherwise, your asthma could become more serious. Cheers, Colleen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thanks again! Kathy
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there… I’m fairly new to this asthma thing; having been diagnosed around two years ago at the age of 38. I have a quick question….. Everytime I contract a cold (which seems to be too often lately), once it reaches my lungs, it sets me WAY back…takes forever to get thru the cold. Is there any asthma medication I can ask my doctor for, just to get me thru the cold? This last bout started in my sinuses, and I was just praying it wouldn’t reach my lungs, but it has…now I’m coughing like a heavy smoker, and it seems to last an eternity. Thanks for any advise! Kathy Hi Kathy, What medication are you taking for your asthma? If you are not taking inhaled steroids, you should be. Also Singulair may be helpful to you too. Sinus infections could be the root of your problem. Some of the "colds" you are experiencing may not actually be "colds" at all, but inflammation caused by purulence draining into your lungs from your sinus. What are you doing to try to keep your sinus infections under control? Warm salt water nasal irrigation is really helpful to me. The advice offered by Dr. Murray Grossan MD (ENT on-line consultant) below is definitely worth taking. http://www.ent-consult.com/ http://www.ent-consult.com/abstract.html http://www.ent-consult.com/cough.html You may also want to check the alt. support.sinusitis newsgroup. Cheers, Colleen
Hi Colleen: Thanks for your response! I’m presently taking Flovent 250 (2 puff 3x daily), and Singulair in the evenings. Interesting point about the draining sinuses causing infection. I’m presently not taking anything other than vitamins. I’ve heard the medication "Pulmicort" being mentioned on this newsgroup. Some say that they take this only when they have a chest cold, just to get them thru it. Should I be looking at talking to my doctor about this medication? Thanks again! Kathy
Hi, I had the same problem. Then the phlegm is really thick and makes you choke. First I was told when I first felt a cold coming on to use my rescue inhaler (Proventil) 4 times daily rather than as needed. Then I was given Entex LA (decongestant/expectorant) and this has helped me a lot. I am not a Dr/Professional so check with YOUR doctor before using your rescue inhaler more often that was told to you. (my disclaimer) Good luck to you—– Lynn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there… I’m fairly new to this asthma thing; having been diagnosed around two years ago at the age of 38. I have a quick question….. Everytime I contract a cold (which seems to be too often lately), once it reaches my lungs, it sets me WAY back…takes forever to get thru the cold. Is there any asthma medication I can ask my doctor for, just to get me thru the cold? This last bout started in my sinuses, and I was just praying it wouldn’t reach my lungs, but it has…now I’m coughing like a heavy smoker, and it seems to last an eternity. Thanks for any advise! Kathy
Hi there… I’m fairly new to this asthma thing; having been diagnosed around two years ago at the age of 38. I have a quick question….. Everytime I contract a cold (which seems to be too often lately), once it reaches my lungs, it sets me WAY back…takes forever to get thru the cold. Is there any asthma medication I can ask my doctor for, just to get me thru the cold? This last bout started in my sinuses, and I was just praying it wouldn’t reach my lungs, but it has…now I’m coughing like a heavy smoker, and it seems to last an eternity. Thanks for any advise! Kathy
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there… I’m fairly new to this asthma thing; having been diagnosed around two years ago at the age of 38. I have a quick question….. Everytime I contract a cold (which seems to be too often lately), once it reaches my lungs, it sets me WAY back…takes forever to get thru the cold. Is there any asthma medication I can ask my doctor for, just to get me thru the cold? This last bout started in my sinuses, and I was just praying it wouldn’t reach my lungs, but it has…now I’m coughing like a heavy smoker, and it seems to last an eternity. Thanks for any advise! Kathy
Hi Kathy, What medication are you taking for your asthma? If you are not taking inhaled steroids, you should be. Also Singulair may be helpful to you too. Sinus infections could be the root of your problem. Some of the "colds" you are experiencing may not actually be "colds" at all, but inflammation caused by purulence draining into your lungs from your sinus. What are you doing to try to keep your sinus infections under control? Warm salt water nasal irrigation is really helpful to me. The advice offered by Dr. Murray Grossan MD (ENT on-line consultant) below is definitely worth taking. http://www.ent-consult.com/ http://www.ent-consult.com/abstract.html http://www.ent-consult.com/cough.html You may also want to check the alt. support.sinusitis newsgroup. Cheers, Colleen
Those spacers are good. . .but the neatest thing I have seen is a product called MDI Tutor. It is tiny [barely adds any size to the inhaler] and helps you use your inhaler properly.
My Aerochamber makes a whistleing sound when I inhale too fast. Is that what you’re talking about? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those spacers are good. . .but the neatest thing I have seen is a product called MDI Tutor. It is tiny [barely adds any size to the inhaler] and helps you use your inhaler properly.
Please email your mailing address. I will send you a complete package of information on what has finally given me drug free relief after thirty years of suffering!!!
I can’t imagine taking inhalers anymore without the Aerochamber. It cuts out that hoarse throat, and just all around seems to be more efficient at getting the medicine where its supposed to go. Before it would land on my upper pallette (sp?) and leave a spot of medicine there. Now I don’t have to pay so much attention to how I’m taking it except for expelling my breath before. Sue M.
I agree with you … Aerochambers are great. There’s a really good one out there called an OptiHaler, made by Healthscan Products. I don’t know if you’ve tried it but I personally like to use it a little better than those clear AeroChamber ones. The OptiHaler is more compact so it’s easier to carry around, and I like how it functions. You can store your medication inside it, too. It’s hard to find though at the pharmacies. 
http://www.europa.com/~bjknotts/
I can’t imagine taking inhalers anymore without the Aerochamber. It cuts out that hoarse throat, and just all around seems to be more efficient at getting the medicine where its supposed to go. Before it would land on my upper pallette (sp?) and leave a spot of medicine there. Now I don’t have to pay so much attention to how I’m taking it except for expelling my breath before. Sue M.
What is an aerochamber? Kathy Anderson fellow-sufferer
What is an aerochamber? Kathy Anderson fellow-sufferer
See the alt.support.asthma FAQ – I wrote a bit on Aerochambers in the FAQ. Briefly, it is a holding chamber that makes inhalers easier and more efficient to use: you spray your medication into it and then inhale the medication from it, at your own comfortable rate. Certainly worth having, since the inhalation speed required for matching the inhaler’s spray speed is difficult for many to achieve (especially during a flare), and since, without one, those who take inhaled steroids are more likely to get thrush. — Mark Feblowitz, GTE Laboratories Inc., 40 Sylvan Rd. Waltham, MA 02254
When I posted my first note about a month ago I got a lot of wonderful advice from people and many asked for an update after I saw the doctor. Here it is! I went to the doctor today and by the time I left I was so elated! What a relief to finally get professional help, I feel so relaxed. He put me on Methylprednisolone tabs for 6 days and I also have Flovent and Serevent that I take two puffs of twice a day. I got Albuterol for when/if I have any problems. He also gave me an AeroChamber and a peak flow meter. Now I’m cooking with gas! :) Thanks for all the concern. Tammy
Personally, I would not reccommend TheoDur as a substitute to Serevent. They’re somewhat different medications. The route in which they’re taken is different making Serevent much safer, with less concern over blood levels… and just a darn newer med. Many allergists prefer it over a xantine medication. Not that it isn’t effective. In fact, it is probably still prefferred in children. Possibly because pills are an easier management tool than inhalers… and since children aren’t on as many other medications as adults, there are fewer concerns over drug interactions… and there are quite a few of them with xanthine. Still, the doctor is the best place to start.
Personally, I would not reccommend TheoDur as a substitute to Serevent. They’re somewhat different medications. The route in which they’re taken is different making Serevent much safer, with less concern over blood levels… and just a darn newer med. Many allergists prefer it over a xantine medication. Not that it isn’t effective. In fact, it is probably still prefferred in children. Possibly because pills are an easier management tool than inhalers… and since children aren’t on as many other medications as adults, there are fewer concerns over drug interactions… and there are quite a few of them with xanthine. Still, the doctor is the best place to start.
The 1997 Expert Panel Report recommends the use of a long-acting bronchodilator, especially for nocturnal asthma . The choices shown in Fig 3-4b are either long-acting inhaled beta2-agonist (Serevent), sustained-release theophylline, or long-acting beta-agonist tablets (usually albuterol tablets). I personally use both Serevent and low-dose theophylline SR (Theo-Dur). Both drugs are steroid-sparing drugs; theophylline has the additional advantage of having a mild anti-inflammatory effect. I don’t recommend albuterol tablets due to side effects. Of the 3 drugs, theophylline is the only one to have both bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effects. Each 200 mg TheoDur tablet has an effect similar to a cup of Starbucks coffee. When I get an asthma exacerbation and am on high dose inhaled steroids (10 puffs/day Vanceril Double Strength), I find that adding 2 or 3-200 mg TheoDur tablets has an additive effect. As far as safety goes, it all depends. There have been some reports on this newgroup of miscarriages in pregnancy that may be linked to Serevent and have been reported to the FDA. So for pregnancy, theophylline is the safer drug; its been around for over 30 years. The FDA has only approved Serevent for ages 12 and up, theophylline is approved for children. However many allergists prescribe it at younger ages. Serevent is usually prescribed 2 puffs x 2. This is also the maximum dose; so it could be dangerous if confused with another inhaler. When theophylline is used in high doses, blood tests are needed to confirm the level. When used at so called sub-therapeutic or low levels, blood level testing is not needed. I agree that for most asthmatics, Serevent is the easiest way to go. Ellis
Hello. My pulmonologist switched me from Vanceril to Flovent. So far I like it. This is being posted to the group because I want to thank the person who was the catalyst for this change. I’d been taking 10 puffs 2x day of Vanceril and someone mentioned there was a double strength version. My pulmonologist suggested Flovent 220 mcg would fit the bill. Joyce Odum
Anybody switched from Vanceril to Flovent? Did it help? I just switched today – here’s why.cut Sunday night my tonsils were still swollen, and when I got up this morning. I now have a very bad cough also. I called the allergist as soon as they opened, and went in. She decided to do a PFT, even though I was coughing. But in general she has decided to scrap the Vanceril & Intal regimen, and started me on Flovent 110 2 puffs twice a day, ad to drop the Maxair back to "as needed."
I tried to switch from Vanceril (42) to Flovent 44 but its not on the formulary of my HMO; they substituted Vanceril Double Strength (84). You are now taking a Medium Dose of inhaled steroids (440 ug fluticasone/day) whereas before you were taking a Low Dose (6 puffs/day beclomethasone 42) The higher strength steroid inhaler should be more convenient & effective. Current asthma guidelines also recommend the use of a long-term bronchodilator; usually Serevent inhaler 2 puffs twice a day. TheoDur tablets could be substituted. If you are not taking this, ask your doctor about it. Ellis
Anybody switched from Vanceril to Flovent? Did it help? I just switched today – here’s why. Well, it’s been a frustrating weekend. After 2 weeks with peak flows above 500, I went from 560 Thursday morning to 490 Friday morning. (Apparently caused by catching a cold a weeka ago.) And by lunch time, when I got a chance to call my doctor, I was down to 470. My rescue inhaler (Maxair Autohaler) brought me back up to 490 or 500, but only for an hour or two, and then I’d start going down again. Went to the doctor (GP, not allergist – the allergist isn’t in on Fridays), who had me increase my Vanceril to 2 puffs 3 times a day, and had me keep taking the Maxair and added Intal. Saturday, I was about the same, bouncing between 450 and 500 depending on how long since the last puff of Maxair. Then my tonsils swelled up. This dropped the peak flows below 450, even though I wasn’t having the kind of symptoms I associate with those kinds of readings. Sunday I called the doctor who was on call for my regular doctor. He said it was probably bronchitis, and not to worry, and if the readings didn’t go up, just to keep taking the medicine. Arrgghh!!!!! Sunday night my tonsils were still swollen, and when I got up this morning. I now have a very bad cough also. I called the allergist as soon as they opened, and went in. She decided to do a PFT, even though I was coughing. But in general she has decided to scrap the Vanceril & Intal regimen, and started me on Flovent 110 2 puffs twice a day, ad to drop the Maxair back to "as needed." At least she believes in minimizing the amount of stuff I have to carry around. Hopefully, this works, because I’m tired of being sick, and tired of missing class for doctor’s appointments and because I’m sick.
Increasing one’s albuterol is not one of the recommended answers to falling peak flows. Inhaled steroids… yes. The overall goal is to use as little of the albuterol as possible. This should have been something that your doctor discussed. I would certainly call your doctor if your peak flows fall below 80%… and I would expect some immediate treatment.
I have a question. I recently started on Pulmicort and Accolate. For the past week, I have had very few symptoms and haven’t used any albuterol. My peak flow is running from 80% to 85% of peak. This means my peak flow is about 400 most of the time with my max at 500. The question is this, should I use albuterol when I reach the 80% mark? Or should I pass it up since I feel OK? I haven’t been using it on the theory that the least medicine is the best. I’d like to see your opinions on this. I haven’t had a chance to get back to my doctor for a while. Probably won’t see him until April. Thanks, Jim
Thanks… Right now, I am doing quite well handling my depression / not having depression. I have surounded myself with as many supportive people as possible, and I am doing everything I can to deal with issues cognitivly… However, If I dont get this pain a little better under controal, I am afarid that I might slip into a state of depression, which I of course would perfer not to, as I have worked so hard to get out of it…. jamie
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As Mel has mentioned, Jamie, and Gabe indicates here, the advice we give you and others is from our own experiences and different meds affect people in different ways. In my experience, Buspar was a no-winner for anxiety! I have been on Doxepin (a TCA) for years, and it works better than anything else I have taken for anxiety. In fact, that was what it was first prescribed for: anxiety and an aid for sleep. Some of the older TCAs are better than some of the newer meds, in my own opinion, and certainly cheaper. For me, an exception would be Elavil, which my Rheumy had me on just to see how I would do on that vs. Doxepin. After a couple months, I was back to Doxepin, so that is my med of choice. I must add that I have Clinical Depression, so your experience may be different, but anxiety goes hand in hand with depression, of which I’m well aware! So, the 2 antidepressants that I take are Paxil during the day and Doxepin in late afternoon/evening/bedtime. Both work well for me. Nanny Hey, I’m a bit confused about what you are on but I’ve had a lot of experience with TCAs. First of all, ditch Elavil (amitryptilene). It is the king of side effects, a dinosaur. Nortryp really is a toss-up. It has helped a lot of people and it is marked for pain relief. It hits NE with a negligible effect on serotonin. It’s pretty good for anxiety. My experience is — and I’ve seen this echoed in the anxiety group — if you are having anxiety don’t be afraid of the TCAs. Nortryp is prob the best and most balanced. As for going off Effexor it’s tough to tell. I can tell you that wellbutrin in prob 90 percent of people worsens anxiety. Effexor withdrawl is tough and long-lasting for many. So it could be the source of the anxiety if you hadn’t really had it before. I don’t know jack about Cymbalta except that it hits NE faster and at lower doses than Effexor. Supposedly. This is all anecdotal- based on some reseach- but mainly other people’s and my experiences. Finally, sometimes you really have to choose btwn depression and anxiety. Like WB for example, won’t do shit for anxiety, but may lift you into a less depressed, more anxious state. So you have to think?? There is prob no perfect solution, which is worse. I find anxiety much easier to live with honestly. There’s excersise of course, or just getting used to it. As for sexual side effects, the serotonin drugs hit that harder than the NE dopamine drugs. And buspar is a total mystery for me. Gabe
Years ago I was prescribed Zoloft for Anxiety and light OCD symptoms. Buspar was later added on top of the Zoloft for anxiety…but I can’t say it did anything. To me, it was like taking vitamin C. However, being many years ago, I don’t remember how large the dose was.
Hi, Matt, I was on Buspar many years ago for a short period of time for anxiety also. I also felt it didn’t do much for my anxiety level. Then I was put on Xanax for many years and now onto Klonopin. I prefer the Klonopin, though it isn’t as fast acting as Xanax, since it stays in the body longer. I take 1 mg twice daily and it does help a lot. smiles, Elise
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Years ago I was prescribed Zoloft for Anxiety and light OCD symptoms. Buspar was later added on top of the Zoloft for anxiety…but I can’t say it did anything. To me, it was like taking vitamin C. However, being many years ago, I don’t remember how large the dose was.
Research has shown in a couple of studies that high doses of buspar can actually recruit anxiety, whereas the lower doses did not. I find that the people who are on less than (or equal to) 30 mgs a day seem happiest with it.
I certinally can use it at lower doses. Then if I find it doesnt do anything then I can drop it… I think that makes sence, because getting up to 30mg a day should not take too long to get used to… Thanks Jamie
Actually for some people, the stimulant meds DO have anxiolytic effect, so it’s really not fair to say that they "don’t do shit" for anxiety. That is true for "most people", but for some, stimulants are calming, which is almost diagnostic for ADD. G
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HI, I am off of Effexor now, with my doctors permission. Only thing I have really noticed in that my Anxeity is up a little bit, and I cant decide if this is: a. a withdrawl symptom from effexor b. effexor was doing a little more to help with my anxeity than I thought…. but anyway, I am feeling pretty decent, and really not too depressed,,, I guess a little stressed, but not to depressed at all… The initial plan I made with my doctor was to start wellbutrin 150XL and buspar now. Since I made that plan, I have seen the rheumy, who wants me to try, nortriptline or Amitriptyline, and after discussing this with several of you, it sounds like this is worth a try… Here is where I am stuck… I don’t want to take more meds than I have to… I know I can always dc them later, but,,, I am wondering if I should start WB and buspar if I know I am going to start a TCA? The question I have that I dont really know the answer to at all is this, Can WB and buspar help reduce the side effects of a TCA the way they can help reduce the side effects of a SSRI? Would it be reasonalbe to try WB, buspar and a TCA all together and see what happends, and reduce if necessary? I really really really want to avoid the majority of sexual side effects if I can, as I am quite sure I will be depressed from that if I have major sexular side effects… I know there will be a transition period where I have to take time to get used to the tca, but I cant live on a ongoing basis (espically long term, as using the tca for fibro could be a life long type of thing) with major sexual disfunction…… One last question is this, Is it worth thinking about trying cymbalta first before the TCA, or not since I have already tried effexor? I know larry commented on this and said that the TCA’s can be quite different from effexor, but does the same hold true for cymbalta, I am guessing it does since they are in the same class (effexor and cymbalta = ssnri) but I have heard thatt cymbalta is a lot better with pain and such from some people….. Any thoughs on this? Sorry to make this so confusing…. Thanks again for your time, and your comments on this…. Jamie
Gabe’s statement about Cymbalta is correct, however the mechanism by which it has impact on pains (neuropathic) is different than the TCA group, and it’s a little harder to tolerate initially than Effexor. I would like to hear what the definition of the pains / symptoms are, prior to commenting on this much more.
My pain has been wide spread, in most all of my muscles, but much more severe is some than others. My legs, often ache, even with rest, then they can progress to sharp pain with exersize. My hands, arms sholders are in pain with a minumal amount of movement. Also have neck and back pain, which doesnt usally stay as bad because the chiro treats that… Well it would be WB, buspar, and one of the TCA’s… Plus tricor, and a painkiller like ultram (but ultram is not working well now), and hopefull with the pain more undercontroal, I will be less fatigured and we can reduce / drop dexidrine. There is also inderal for migranes, that has helped sooo much that I dont really see droping that… jamie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I do not agree that one has to choose betw. being depressed or being anxious, nor does the medical community at large. From a strictly statistical standpoint, anxiety is indeed "easier to live with", given the mortality rates of depression, however, again, see above. Buspar has little, if any effect on sexual function, but it also takes a fair amount of time for it to start working – it’s a "partial serotonin agonist", and takes usually 4 to 6 weeks to really start working well – not going to cover that wellbutrin awfully well. Honestly, I’m not so sure I really like this plan Jamie. What is the total med list going to be? Gary Hey, I’m a bit confused about what you are on but I’ve had a lot of experience with TCAs. First of all, ditch Elavil (amitryptilene). It is the king of side effects, a dinosaur. Nortryp really is a toss-up. It has helped a lot of people and it is marked for pain relief. It hits NE with a negligible effect on serotonin. It’s pretty good for anxiety. My experience is — and I’ve seen this echoed in the anxiety group — if you are having anxiety don’t be afraid of the TCAs. Nortryp is prob the best and most balanced. As for going off Effexor it’s tough to tell. I can tell you that wellbutrin in prob 90 percent of people worsens anxiety. Effexor withdrawl is tough and long-lasting for many. So it could be the source of the anxiety if you hadn’t really had it before. I don’t know jack about Cymbalta except that it hits NE faster and at lower doses than Effexor. Supposedly. This is all anecdotal- based on some reseach- but mainly other people’s and my experiences. Finally, sometimes you really have to choose btwn depression and anxiety. Like WB for example, won’t do shit for anxiety, but may lift you into a less depressed, more anxious state. So you have to think?? There is prob no perfect solution, which is worse. I find anxiety much easier to live with honestly. There’s excersise of course, or just getting used to it. As for sexual side effects, the serotonin drugs hit that harder than the NE dopamine drugs. And buspar is a total mystery for me. Gabe
Atleast anxeity responds very quickly to benzos…. I have not heard of WB causing any weight gain… Wonder if the buspar is causing that?? Jamie
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Crossposted reply: Gabe is correct about wellbutrin and anxiety for sure. I personally would not want to start that if I was coming off Effexor, but you and your MD Elavil and Pamelor both do the same thing in terms of pain relief, so it’s really a matter of side effect toleration, and yes, Elavil causes more. Usually the starting dose is around 10 mgs of Elavil for sodium channel blockade/NMDA antagonism for chronic pain mgmt. Gabe’s statement about Cymbalta is correct, however the mechanism by which it has impact on pains (neuropathic) is different than the TCA group, and it’s a little harder to tolerate initially than Effexor. I would like to hear what the definition of the pains / symptoms are, prior to commenting on this much more. I do not agree that one has to choose betw. being depressed or being anxious, nor does the medical community at large. From a strictly statistical standpoint, anxiety is indeed "easier to live with", given the mortality rates of depression, however, again, see above. Buspar has little, if any effect on sexual function, but it also takes a fair amount of time for it to start working – it’s a "partial serotonin agonist", and takes usually 4 to 6 weeks to really start working well – not going to cover that wellbutrin awfully well. Honestly, I’m not so sure I really like this plan Jamie. What is the total med list going to be? Gary I’ll add that from what happened to me and others is that Wellbutrin and Buspar. WILL MAKE YOU FAT! Now that is depressing! And I agree with Gary that Anxiety is easier to control than depression. (IMHO) SnL Hey, I’m a bit confused about what you are on but I’ve had a lot of experience with TCAs. First of all, ditch Elavil (amitryptilene). It is the king of side effects, a dinosaur. Nortryp really is a toss-up. It has helped a lot of people and it is marked for pain relief. It hits NE with a negligible effect on serotonin. It’s pretty good for anxiety. My experience is — and I’ve seen this echoed in the anxiety group — if you are having anxiety don’t be afraid of the TCAs. Nortryp is prob the best and most balanced. As for going off Effexor it’s tough to tell. I can tell you that wellbutrin in prob 90 percent of people worsens anxiety. Effexor withdrawl is tough and long-lasting for many. So it could be the source of the anxiety if you hadn’t really had it before. I don’t know jack about Cymbalta except that it hits NE faster and at lower doses than Effexor. Supposedly. This is all anecdotal- based on some reseach- but mainly other people’s and my experiences. Finally, sometimes you really have to choose btwn depression and anxiety. Like WB for example, won’t do shit for anxiety, but may lift you into a less depressed, more anxious state. So you have to think?? There is prob no perfect solution, which is worse. I find anxiety much easier to live with honestly. There’s excersise of course, or just getting used to it. As for sexual side effects, the serotonin drugs hit that harder than the NE dopamine drugs. And buspar is a total mystery for me. Gabe
As Mel has mentioned, Jamie, and Gabe indicates here, the advice we give you and others is from our own experiences and different meds affect people in different ways. In my experience, Buspar was a no-winner for anxiety! I have been on Doxepin (a TCA) for years, and it works better than anything else I have taken for anxiety. In fact, that was what it was first prescribed for: anxiety and an aid for sleep. Some of the older TCAs are better than some of the newer meds, in my own opinion, and certainly cheaper. For me, an exception would be Elavil, which my Rheumy had me on just to see how I would do on that vs. Doxepin. After a couple months, I was back to Doxepin, so that is my med of choice. I must add that I have Clinical Depression, so your experience may be different, but anxiety goes hand in hand with depression, of which I’m well aware! So, the 2 antidepressants that I take are Paxil during the day and Doxepin in late afternoon/evening/bedtime. Both work well for me. Nanny
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey, I’m a bit confused about what you are on but I’ve had a lot of experience with TCAs. First of all, ditch Elavil (amitryptilene). It is the king of side effects, a dinosaur. Nortryp really is a toss-up. It has helped a lot of people and it is marked for pain relief. It hits NE with a negligible effect on serotonin. It’s pretty good for anxiety. My experience is — and I’ve seen this echoed in the anxiety group — if you are having anxiety don’t be afraid of the TCAs. Nortryp is prob the best and most balanced. As for going off Effexor it’s tough to tell. I can tell you that wellbutrin in prob 90 percent of people worsens anxiety. Effexor withdrawl is tough and long-lasting for many. So it could be the source of the anxiety if you hadn’t really had it before. I don’t know jack about Cymbalta except that it hits NE faster and at lower doses than Effexor. Supposedly. This is all anecdotal- based on some reseach- but mainly other people’s and my experiences. Finally, sometimes you really have to choose btwn depression and anxiety. Like WB for example, won’t do shit for anxiety, but may lift you into a less depressed, more anxious state. So you have to think?? There is prob no perfect solution, which is worse. I find anxiety much easier to live with honestly. There’s excersise of course, or just getting used to it. As for sexual side effects, the serotonin drugs hit that harder than the NE dopamine drugs. And buspar is a total mystery for me. Gabe
No, buspar is weight neutral. As a partial agonist, it functions as a sort of "dimmer switch" (like you might find in a dining room for the light fixture). If you don’t have enough serotonin, it will boost it up some, and if you have too much it will dampen the serotonin down. It has limitations on how high or low it can change the levels though, and is really not a particularly great medicine (for a lot of people – maybe not you though…) for anxiety control. Psychiatrists tell me that it yields particularly poor results in patients who have previously taken benzodiazepines for anxiety. The most common side-effects that people tell me they get from taking it – a disconcerting feeling of dizziness, some nausea, inability to tolerate loud or sharp sounds (all these usually go away in about a month or so) and almost everyone tells me that this drug causes them vivid dreams, often frightening and very colorful and/or violent. I have never had a single person tell me that this drug caused them to gain weight – there may be people who have though, I just haven’t met them. Prescribing literature describes weight gain as "infrequent", which means it happens more often than if it was cited as "rare". The dizziness is BY FAR the thing that is most bitterly complained about, and almost virtually universal. Research has shown in a couple of studies that high doses of buspar can actually recruit anxiety, whereas the lower doses did not. I find that the people who are on less than (or equal to) 30 mgs a day seem happiest with it. Gary
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Atleast anxeity responds very quickly to benzos…. I have not heard of WB causing any weight gain… Wonder if the buspar is causing that?? Jamie Crossposted reply: Gabe is correct about wellbutrin and anxiety for sure. I personally would not want to start that if I was coming off Effexor, but you and your MD Elavil and Pamelor both do the same thing in terms of pain relief, so it’s really a matter of side effect toleration, and yes, Elavil causes more. Usually the starting dose is around 10 mgs of Elavil for sodium channel blockade/NMDA antagonism for chronic pain mgmt. Gabe’s statement about Cymbalta is correct, however the mechanism by which it has impact on pains (neuropathic) is different than the TCA group, and it’s a little harder to tolerate initially than Effexor. I would like to hear what the definition of the pains / symptoms are, prior to commenting on this much more. I do not agree that one has to choose betw. being depressed or being anxious, nor does the medical community at large. From a strictly statistical standpoint, anxiety is indeed "easier to live with", given the mortality rates of depression, however, again, see above. Buspar has little, if any effect on sexual function, but it also takes a fair amount of time for it to start working – it’s a "partial serotonin agonist", and takes usually 4 to 6 weeks to really start working well – not going to cover that wellbutrin awfully well. Honestly, I’m not so sure I really like this plan Jamie. What is the total med list going to be? Gary I’ll add that from what happened to me and others is that Wellbutrin and Buspar. WILL MAKE YOU FAT! Now that is depressing! And I agree with Gary that Anxiety is easier to control than depression. (IMHO) SnL Hey, I’m a bit confused about what you are on but I’ve had a lot of experience with TCAs. First of all, ditch Elavil (amitryptilene). It is the king of side effects, a dinosaur. Nortryp really is a toss-up. It has helped a lot of people and it is marked for pain relief. It hits NE with a negligible effect on serotonin. It’s pretty good for anxiety. My experience is — and I’ve seen this echoed in the anxiety group — if you are having anxiety don’t be afraid of the TCAs. Nortryp is prob the best and most balanced. As for going off Effexor it’s tough to tell. I can tell you that wellbutrin in prob 90 percent of people worsens anxiety. Effexor withdrawl is tough and long-lasting for many. So it could be the source of the anxiety if you hadn’t really had it before. I don’t know jack about Cymbalta except that it hits NE faster and at lower doses than Effexor. Supposedly. This is all anecdotal- based on some reseach- but mainly other people’s and my experiences. Finally, sometimes you really have to choose btwn depression and anxiety. Like WB for example, won’t do shit for anxiety, but may lift you into a less depressed, more anxious state. So you have to think?? There is prob no perfect solution, which is worse. I find anxiety much easier to live with honestly. There’s excersise of course, or just getting used to it. As for sexual side effects, the serotonin drugs hit that harder than the NE dopamine drugs. And buspar is a total mystery for me. Gabe
I am not sure they are quite calming, but they normally dont make my anxeity freak out like I would have though they would. The pschylogists have always diagnosised me with ADD and GAD, so maybe I am getting a patial benefit from the stimulant in terms of anxeity, or atleast that might explain why it doesnt make it much worse… jamie
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Actually for some people, the stimulant meds DO have anxiolytic effect, so it’s really not fair to say that they "don’t do shit" for anxiety. That is true for "most people", but for some, stimulants are calming, which is almost diagnostic for ADD. G HI, I am off of Effexor now, with my doctors permission. Only thing I have really noticed in that my Anxeity is up a little bit, and I cant decide if this is: a. a withdrawl symptom from effexor b. effexor was doing a little more to help with my anxeity than I thought…. but anyway, I am feeling pretty decent, and really not too depressed,,, I guess a little stressed, but not to depressed at all… The initial plan I made with my doctor was to start wellbutrin 150XL and buspar now. Since I made that plan, I have seen the rheumy, who wants me to try, nortriptline or Amitriptyline, and after discussing this with several of you, it sounds like this is worth a try… Here is where I am stuck… I don’t want to take more meds than I have to… I know I can always dc them later, but,,, I am wondering if I should start WB and buspar if I know I am going to start a TCA? The question I have that I dont really know the answer to at all is this, Can WB and buspar help reduce the side effects of a TCA the way they can help reduce the side effects of a SSRI? Would it be reasonalbe to try WB, buspar and a TCA all together and see what happends, and reduce if necessary? I really really really want to avoid the majority of sexual side effects if I can, as I am quite sure I will be depressed from that if I have major sexular side effects… I know there will be a transition period where I have to take time to get used to the tca, but I cant live on a ongoing basis (espically long term, as using the tca for fibro could be a life long type of thing) with major sexual disfunction…… One last question is this, Is it worth thinking about trying cymbalta first before the TCA, or not since I have already tried effexor? I know larry commented on this and said that the TCA’s can be quite different from effexor, but does the same hold true for cymbalta, I am guessing it does since they are in the same class (effexor and cymbalta = ssnri) but I have heard thatt cymbalta is a lot better with pain and such from some people….. Any thoughs on this? Sorry to make this so confusing…. Thanks again for your time, and your comments on this…. Jamie
HI, I am off of Effexor now, with my doctors permission. Only thing I have really noticed in that my Anxeity is up a little bit, and I cant decide if this is: a. a withdrawl symptom from effexor b. effexor was doing a little more to help with my anxeity than I thought…. but anyway, I am feeling pretty decent, and really not too depressed,,, I guess a little stressed, but not to depressed at all… The initial plan I made with my doctor was to start wellbutrin 150XL and buspar now. Since I made that plan, I have seen the rheumy, who wants me to try, nortriptline or Amitriptyline, and after discussing this with several of you, it sounds like this is worth a try… Here is where I am stuck… I don’t want to take more meds than I have to… I know I can always dc them later, but,,, I am wondering if I should start WB and buspar if I know I am going to start a TCA? The question I have that I dont really know the answer to at all is this, Can WB and buspar help reduce the side effects of a TCA the way they can help reduce the side effects of a SSRI? Would it be reasonalbe to try WB, buspar and a TCA all together and see what happends, and reduce if necessary? I really really really want to avoid the majority of sexual side effects if I can, as I am quite sure I will be depressed from that if I have major sexular side effects… I know there will be a transition period where I have to take time to get used to the tca, but I cant live on a ongoing basis (espically long term, as using the tca for fibro could be a life long type of thing) with major sexual disfunction…… One last question is this, Is it worth thinking about trying cymbalta first before the TCA, or not since I have already tried effexor? I know larry commented on this and said that the TCA’s can be quite different from effexor, but does the same hold true for cymbalta, I am guessing it does since they are in the same class (effexor and cymbalta = ssnri) but I have heard thatt cymbalta is a lot better with pain and such from some people….. Any thoughs on this? Sorry to make this so confusing…. Thanks again for your time, and your comments on this…. Jamie
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HI, I am off of Effexor now, with my doctors permission. Only thing I have really noticed in that my Anxeity is up a little bit, and I cant decide if this is: a. a withdrawl symptom from effexor b. effexor was doing a little more to help with my anxeity than I thought…. but anyway, I am feeling pretty decent, and really not too depressed,,, I guess a little stressed, but not to depressed at all… The initial plan I made with my doctor was to start wellbutrin 150XL and buspar now. Since I made that plan, I have seen the rheumy, who wants me to try, nortriptline or Amitriptyline, and after discussing this with several of you, it sounds like this is worth a try… Here is where I am stuck… I don’t want to take more meds than I have to… I know I can always dc them later, but,,, I am wondering if I should start WB and buspar if I know I am going to start a TCA? The question I have that I dont really know the answer to at all is this, Can WB and buspar help reduce the side effects of a TCA the way they can help reduce the side effects of a SSRI?
Just a guess: Probably, except that the TCA is likely to have more unpleasant side effects than the SSRI. Would it be reasonalbe to try WB, buspar and a TCA all together and see what happends, and reduce if necessary?
As much sense as it would to take an SSRI with the others and tailer the others. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I really really really want to avoid the majority of sexual side effects if I can, as I am quite sure I will be depressed from that if I have major sexular side effects… I know there will be a transition period where I have to take time to get used to the tca, but I cant live on a ongoing basis (espically long term, as using the tca for fibro could be a life long type of thing) with major sexual disfunction…… One last question is this, Is it worth thinking about trying cymbalta first before the TCA, or not since I have already tried effexor? I know larry commented on this and said that the TCA’s can be quite different from effexor, but does the same hold true for cymbalta, I am guessing it does since they are in the same class (effexor and cymbalta = ssnri) but I have heard thatt cymbalta is a lot better with pain and such from some people….. Any thoughs on this? Sorry to make this so confusing…. Thanks again for your time, and your comments on this…. Jamie
– Nom dePlume, Ph.D. Why, yes, in fact, I am a rocket scientist. Guide to Medications for Mental Illness: http://www.geocities.com/nomdeplume1000/ =====
Hey, I’m a bit confused about what you are on but I’ve had a lot of experience with TCAs. First of all, ditch Elavil (amitryptilene). It is the king of side effects, a dinosaur. Nortryp really is a toss-up. It has helped a lot of people and it is marked for pain relief. It hits NE with a negligible effect on serotonin. It’s pretty good for anxiety. My experience is — and I’ve seen this echoed in the anxiety group — if you are having anxiety don’t be afraid of the TCAs. Nortryp is prob the best and most balanced. As for going off Effexor it’s tough to tell. I can tell you that wellbutrin in prob 90 percent of people worsens anxiety. Effexor withdrawl is tough and long-lasting for many. So it could be the source of the anxiety if you hadn’t really had it before. I don’t know jack about Cymbalta except that it hits NE faster and at lower doses than Effexor. Supposedly. This is all anecdotal- based on some reseach- but mainly other people’s and my experiences. Finally, sometimes you really have to choose btwn depression and anxiety. Like WB for example, won’t do shit for anxiety, but may lift you into a less depressed, more anxious state. So you have to think?? There is prob no perfect solution, which is worse. I find anxiety much easier to live with honestly. There’s excersise of course, or just getting used to it. As for sexual side effects, the serotonin drugs hit that harder than the NE dopamine drugs. And buspar is a total mystery for me. Gabe
Gabe is correct about wellbutrin and anxiety for sure. I personally would not want to start that if I was coming off Effexor, but you and your MD must Elavil and Pamelor both do the same thing in terms of pain relief, so it’s really a matter of side effect toleration, and yes, Elavil causes more. Usually the starting dose is around 10 mgs of Elavil for sodium channel blockade/NMDA antagonism for chronic pain mgmt. Gabe’s statement about Cymbalta is correct, however the mechanism by which it has impact on pains (neuropathic) is different than the TCA group, and it’s a little harder to tolerate initially than Effexor. I would like to hear what the definition of the pains / symptoms are, prior to commenting on this much more. I do not agree that one has to choose betw. being depressed or being anxious, nor does the medical community at large. From a strictly statistical standpoint, anxiety is indeed "easier to live with", given the mortality rates of depression, however, again, see above. Buspar has little, if any effect on sexual function, but it also takes a fair amount of time for it to start working – it’s a "partial serotonin agonist", and takes usually 4 to 6 weeks to really start working well – not going to cover that wellbutrin awfully well. Honestly, I’m not so sure I really like this plan Jamie. What is the total med list going to be? Gary
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey, I’m a bit confused about what you are on but I’ve had a lot of experience with TCAs. First of all, ditch Elavil (amitryptilene). It is the king of side effects, a dinosaur. Nortryp really is a toss-up. It has helped a lot of people and it is marked for pain relief. It hits NE with a negligible effect on serotonin. It’s pretty good for anxiety. My experience is — and I’ve seen this echoed in the anxiety group — if you are having anxiety don’t be afraid of the TCAs. Nortryp is prob the best and most balanced. As for going off Effexor it’s tough to tell. I can tell you that wellbutrin in prob 90 percent of people worsens anxiety. Effexor withdrawl is tough and long-lasting for many. So it could be the source of the anxiety if you hadn’t really had it before. I don’t know jack about Cymbalta except that it hits NE faster and at lower doses than Effexor. Supposedly. This is all anecdotal- based on some reseach- but mainly other people’s and my experiences. Finally, sometimes you really have to choose btwn depression and anxiety. Like WB for example, won’t do shit for anxiety, but may lift you into a less depressed, more anxious state. So you have to think?? There is prob no perfect solution, which is worse. I find anxiety much easier to live with honestly. There’s excersise of course, or just getting used to it. As for sexual side effects, the serotonin drugs hit that harder than the NE dopamine drugs. And buspar is a total mystery for me. Gabe
Crossposted reply:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gabe is correct about wellbutrin and anxiety for sure. I personally would not want to start that if I was coming off Effexor, but you and your MD Elavil and Pamelor both do the same thing in terms of pain relief, so it’s really a matter of side effect toleration, and yes, Elavil causes more. Usually the starting dose is around 10 mgs of Elavil for sodium channel blockade/NMDA antagonism for chronic pain mgmt. Gabe’s statement about Cymbalta is correct, however the mechanism by which it has impact on pains (neuropathic) is different than the TCA group, and it’s a little harder to tolerate initially than Effexor. I would like to hear what the definition of the pains / symptoms are, prior to commenting on this much more. I do not agree that one has to choose betw. being depressed or being anxious, nor does the medical community at large. From a strictly statistical standpoint, anxiety is indeed "easier to live with", given the mortality rates of depression, however, again, see above. Buspar has little, if any effect on sexual function, but it also takes a fair amount of time for it to start working – it’s a "partial serotonin agonist", and takes usually 4 to 6 weeks to really start working well – not going to cover that wellbutrin awfully well. Honestly, I’m not so sure I really like this plan Jamie. What is the total med list going to be? Gary
I’ll add that from what happened to me and others is that Wellbutrin and Buspar. WILL MAKE YOU FAT! Now that is depressing! And I agree with Gary that Anxiety is easier to control than depression. (IMHO) SnL – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey, I’m a bit confused about what you are on but I’ve had a lot of experience with TCAs. First of all, ditch Elavil (amitryptilene). It is the king of side effects, a dinosaur. Nortryp really is a toss-up. It has helped a lot of people and it is marked for pain relief. It hits NE with a negligible effect on serotonin. It’s pretty good for anxiety. My experience is — and I’ve seen this echoed in the anxiety group — if you are having anxiety don’t be afraid of the TCAs. Nortryp is prob the best and most balanced. As for going off Effexor it’s tough to tell. I can tell you that wellbutrin in prob 90 percent of people worsens anxiety. Effexor withdrawl is tough and long-lasting for many. So it could be the source of the anxiety if you hadn’t really had it before. I don’t know jack about Cymbalta except that it hits NE faster and at lower doses than Effexor. Supposedly. This is all anecdotal- based on some reseach- but mainly other people’s and my experiences. Finally, sometimes you really have to choose btwn depression and anxiety. Like WB for example, won’t do shit for anxiety, but may lift you into a less depressed, more anxious state. So you have to think?? There is prob no perfect solution, which is worse. I find anxiety much easier to live with honestly. There’s excersise of course, or just getting used to it. As for sexual side effects, the serotonin drugs hit that harder than the NE dopamine drugs. And buspar is a total mystery for me. Gabe
Carol: I took Paxil for a year, then switched to Celexa. The latter had far fewer side effects for me. Have you discussed this with your doctor? Best, Anne
I have been on Celexa, 30mg, for 6-8 weeks now. I have not noticed any side effect whatsoever. I am quite happy with it. AnxiousCollegeKid
This is a just a "me-too" to SSRI side-effects. The zoloft and effexor I tried out caused nothing but problems… -Doug (remove "botizer" from email addy to respond)
Hi all, Having a great deal of difficulty with the side effects of the SSRIs, and also having trouble sticking w/them as a result. Which SSRIs do you think have the least side effects? Thanks, Carol
:Hi all, : :Having a great deal of difficulty with the side effects of the SSRIs, and :also having trouble sticking w/them as a result. : :Which SSRIs do you think have the least side effects? : :Thanks, :Carol Dear Carol, There really is no easy answer to your question being reactions to meds are so very individualized. One SSRI that quite a few are having good luck with is Celexa. However, there is no guarantee that this AD would cause you the least amount of side-effects. How many SSRI`s have you tried? There is also a chance that you just can`t tolerate SSRI`s. You might want to talk to your doctor about the Tricyclic class of antidepressants, they are as effective as the SSRI`s. Take care Jackie ~*~In Everything You Hope Or Do, I`ll Encourage And Believe In You~*~
Hi all, Having a great deal of difficulty with the side effects of the SSRIs, and also having trouble sticking w/them as a result. Which SSRIs do you think have the least side effects? Thanks, Carol
This is very much an YMMV matter, our reactions to meds are so individual. In theory Celexa is supposed to have the lowest side effects profile of the SSRI’s. You are not married to SSRI’s by the way, there are other antidepressants out there too (such as the TCA’s). Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Hello everyone! I haven’t posted in quite awhile, but now I have questions I hope to get some help with. I use a CPAP at 6 cm, and I’ve been sleeping fine until a few weeks ago, when I started having some pre-CPAP symptoms, especially waking up once or twice a night to use the bathroom. Around the same time I also started experiencing insomnia, which I’ve never had a problem with before. A month ago, my neurologist started me on Effexor for migraine headache prevention. I spent a week taking 37.5 mg daily, then bumped up to 75 mg daily, taken in the morning. The list of side effects for Effexor includes insomnia, so I’m wondering if the drug could be responsible for that, as well as for the return of the pre-CPAP symptoms. Thoughts? Anyone here taking Effexor? It’s helping with the headaches, and I’d like to try increasing the dosage, but not if it’s going to screw up my sleep. On to another issue: in late March, my long-term live-in relationship with my boyfriend ended. Long story, which I won’t go into in detail. I moved out (we were living in his house). The last two months have been enormously painful and stressful, but things are beginning to settle down. I’ve been seeing a psychologist, and the Effexor has certainly helped stabilize my moods. No more wild roller-coaster emotions. And speaking of stress, my mother is having a recurrence of some serious health problems, and as an only child, I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed and alone in dealing with that. So…. could my sleep problems be some sort of delayed reaction to the stress of the break-up, and/or my mom’s problems? Oddly enough, I had no sleep problems at all during late March and throughout April, when the break-up was in process and I was dealing with finding a place to live and all the hassles of moving. Finally, I’ve dropped about five or 6 pounds in the last few weeks, which I attribute to loss of appetite due to stress and some stomach upset the first couple of weeks I was in the Effexor. But I weigh 177 pounds now, and I don’t think five pounds would be enough to necessitate a pressure change. (For the record, I started on CPAP in September 2000 at a pressure of 7 cm, and was dropped to 6 cm last November after a second sleep study.) Is there anything besides weight loss that might require a pressure change? I’m not sure my insurance will pay for another sleep study only eight months after the last one. I’ve been thinking about trying a small amount of an OTC sleep aid for the insomnia. Is this a really bad idea? Well, I think that’s all my questions. :-) Thanks! Donna sleepless in Pa.
Donna Higgins <Do…@Misty.com
wrote:
My experience with Effexor was pre-CPAP. I didn’t have any problem falling asleep, but you can’t draw any conclusions from that. But you’re experiencing migraines, nocturia, and (recently) having problems coping, these are all well known side effects of OSA. Clean your filters and check for leaks. If everything’s ok, then I’d talk to your doctor about going back to your original pressure, you shouldn’t need a re-test. Most OTC sleep aids contain the same active ingredients as Benadryl, it’s a very good temporary sleep aid. Just pick up a bottle of the cheapest generic equivalent at your local drug store. (Avoid the Non-Drowsy versions, you _want_ drowsy.) Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
Hello everyone! I haven’t posted in quite awhile, but now I have questions I hope to get some help with. I use a CPAP at 6 cm, and I’ve been sleeping fine until a few weeks ago, when I started having some pre-CPAP symptoms, especially waking up once or twice a night to use the bathroom. Around the same time I also started experiencing insomnia, which I’ve never had a problem with before. A month ago, my neurologist started me on Effexor for migraine headache prevention. I spent a week taking 37.5 mg daily, then bumped up to 75 mg daily, taken in the morning. The list of side effects for Effexor includes insomnia, so I’m wondering if the drug could be responsible for that, as well as for the return of the pre-CPAP symptoms. Thoughts? Anyone here taking Effexor? It’s helping with the headaches, and I’d like to try increasing the dosage, but not if it’s going to screw up my sleep. On to another issue: in late March, my long-term live-in relationship with my boyfriend ended. Long story, which I won’t go into in detail. I moved out (we were living in his house). The last two months have been enormously painful and stressful, but things are beginning to settle down. I’ve been seeing a psychologist, and the Effexor has certainly helped stabilize my moods. No more wild roller-coaster emotions. And speaking of stress, my mother is having a recurrence of some serious health problems, and as an only child, I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed and alone in dealing with that. So…. could my sleep problems be some sort of delayed reaction to the stress of the break-up, and/or my mom’s problems? Oddly enough, I had no sleep problems at all during late March and throughout April, when the break-up was in process and I was dealing with finding a place to live and all the hassles of moving. Finally, I’ve dropped about five or 6 pounds in the last few weeks, which I attribute to loss of appetite due to stress and some stomach upset the first couple of weeks I was in the Effexor. But I weigh 177 pounds now, and I don’t think five pounds would be enough to necessitate a pressure change. (For the record, I started on CPAP in September 2000 at a pressure of 7 cm, and was dropped to 6 cm last November after a second sleep study.) Is there anything besides weight loss that might require a pressure change? I’m not sure my insurance will pay for another sleep study only eight months after the last one. I’ve been thinking about trying a small amount of an OTC sleep aid for the insomnia. Is this a really bad idea? Well, I think that’s all my questions. :-) Thanks! Donna sleepless in Pa.
On Wed, 12 Jun 2002 13:34:25 -0400, Donna Higgins <Do…@Misty.com
wrote:
Hello everyone! I haven’t posted in quite awhile, but now I have questions I hope to get some help with. A month ago, my neurologist started me on Effexor for migraine headache prevention. I spent a week taking 37.5 mg daily, then bumped up to 75 mg daily, taken in the morning. The list of side effects for Effexor includes insomnia, so I’m wondering if the drug could be responsible for that, as well as for the return of the pre-CPAP symptoms. Anyone here taking Effexor? Thoughts?
I was on it until the XR form came out… then my doctor switched me so I had fewer pills. The list of side effects for Effexor also includes somnolence.
It’s helping with the headaches, and I’d like to try increasing the dosage, but not if it’s going to screw up my sleep.
I’d say it might be worth a try… Effexor gets out of your system fairly quickly (unlike that darn Prozac).
Finally, I’ve dropped about five or 6 pounds in the last few weeks, which I attribute to loss of appetite due to stress and some stomach upset the first couple of weeks I was in the Effexor.
Effexor also seems to have a mild anorexiant effect for some patients.
I’ve been thinking about trying a small amount of an OTC sleep aid for the insomnia. Is this a really bad idea?
It might work, if you do it occasionally. — Found elsewhere on USENET: "yes invite more — but PLEASSSSSSSE NOT Jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjulie"
hello, my son has been diagnosed with bipolar. he is an adult now and living in another state. we have been through alot together, were close but only talk everyother week. he starts college this fall. i worry about the stress hes under. hes 18 just finishing h.s. i love him and try to give him the distance he ask for, it is quite possible he is in this cafe as it is new to me. i came to this section in need of help in how i can stay out of his way and still be there when he needs me. what i’v found most interesting here is i have taken effexor before, last year. can my mild depression be a link to my sons manic depression. i sometimes blame myself- and for no reason. i did’nt know effexor was used for bipolar disorder also. love, tilly
Hello! My wife keeps switching doctors so she can get different diagnoses so she can try different medicines. I know from previous experience that AD’s without a mood stabilizer makes her manic. I was hoping someone would tell me Effexor would not do this. I am just waiting for the fireworks now. It probably won’t take long from what I am hearing! Once when they put her on Amitryptiline she decided it would be great to take the whole bottle. She almost ended her life that night. So I don’t understand what her newest doc is trying to prove by giving her Effexor w/o a mood stabilizer. Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Daniel Do you know from all the posts you have read that XR Effexor (that’s what I use too) is dangerous for your wife if she is diagnosed bipolar? I do hope she isn’t bipolar or you’re in for a real treat. Sympathetically, Gandalf |Hi | |Thanks for the story. The doctor now has my wife on 150mg of sustained |release Effexor. But she is not taking any mood stabilizer like Lithium or |anything. I don’t know why. I guess they have changed her diagnoses |or something. I just hope the Effexor doesn’t send her up the wall or |anything. | |Good luck getting off the Effexor! | |Dan | | | Hi Daniel | | Effexor is same as the other AD, possible with bipolar if you are solid on a | mood stabilizer. My personal situation is that I was unipolar manic until 3 | years ago, when a triple whammy stress threw me into my first clinical | depression. So doctors fought me for 2 years, resisting any AD. After being | depressed for 2 years and not being able to work or go to school for 1 year I | insisted on an AD. My pdoc decided on effexor because of its short half life | (3 days and half of it is out of your system). My ramped up VERY slowly, 5 | months until full therapeutic dosage. It did not work for me until I was at | the full dosage. But once I reached critical AD mass the stuff cleared away | my depression. I stayed on it for 16 months, just going off it now. | | -Gandalf | | |Hi | | | |What would taking Effexor do to a person who has Bipolar Disorder? | |Would it help or possibly make them more manic? | | | |Dan | | |
Hi What would taking Effexor do to a person who has Bipolar Disorder? Would it help or possibly make them more manic? Dan
What would taking Effexor do to a person who has Bipolar Disorder? Would it help or possibly make them more manic?
About any AD can activate mania or hypomania. I’m on both Depakote and Effexor and find the combination quite agreeable. — IMPORTANT: Remove the edible part of the E-mail address before replying.
I took Effexor for 3 months. I loved its affects. It was way cool. Everything was bright and clear. Then I began to get headaches and it bottomed out. So much for that. I don’t remember ever getting really out of hand on Effexor. Then again I don’t remember yesterday. <sigh Becky who is really not much help
Hi Thanks for the reply to my post. I take it that the Depakote keeps the Effexor from causing mania? Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What would taking Effexor do to a person who has Bipolar Disorder? Would it help or possibly make them more manic? About any AD can activate mania or hypomania. I’m on both Depakote and Effexor and find the combination quite agreeable. — IMPORTANT: Remove the edible part of the E-mail address before replying.
Hi My wife just started on Effexor and is having a slight headache so far. Also blurry vision for an hour or so after taking it. And some dizziness. Just wondering if there is anything else that is about to happen! Thanks for the reply! Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I took Effexor for 3 months. I loved its affects. It was way cool. Everything was bright and clear. Then I began to get headaches and it bottomed out. So much for that. I don’t remember ever getting really out of hand on Effexor. Then again I don’t remember yesterday. <sigh Becky who is really not much help
Thanks for the reply to my post. I take it that the Depakote keeps the Effexor from causing mania?
Possibly. Although I can say that I’m definitely worse off without an AD. — IMPORTANT: Remove the edible part of the E-mail address before replying.
Hi Dan, Welcome to ASDM My wife just started on Effexor and is having a slight headache so far. Also blurry vision for an hour or so after taking it. And some dizziness.
All of these are potential side effects of Effexor. Just wondering if there is anything else that is about to happen!
Effexor can also increase blood pressure, so monitoring of it is necessary. Alcohol should be avoided while taking Effexor. Report any rash or hives to the doctor immediately I suggest she notify her pdoc and report the headache and blurry vision. This may be dose related and perhaps starting at a lower dose and increasing slowly may help to avoid these unpleasant side effects. Peace, Reach beyond your grasp!
Thanks for the reply to my post. I take it that the Depakote keeps the Effexor from causing mania? Possibly. Although I can say that I’m definitely worse off without an AD. — IMPORTANT: Remove the edible part of the E-mail address before replying.
I’d have to agree with this completely too. I think some are more suseptable to the "mania", and some more to the "depression", but can easily switch. I think the Depakote adds a "balance" to the a.d. James — "Get some honesty… "Don’t Let The BASTARDS Grind You Down..".Latin Proverb take the best of me And the rest let go… When you’re tired of the Rage, Step outside your cage And let the real fool show.." Tears for Fear’s "Goodnight Song" Remember "Life is A Highway"?? Visit Tom Cochrane’s Official Homepage Http://www.tomcochrane.ca
Hi Daniel Effexor is same as the other AD, possible with bipolar if you are solid on a mood stabilizer. My personal situation is that I was unipolar manic until 3 years ago, when a triple whammy stress threw me into my first clinical depression. So doctors fought me for 2 years, resisting any AD. After being depressed for 2 years and not being able to work or go to school for 1 year I insisted on an AD. My pdoc decided on effexor because of its short half life (3 days and half of it is out of your system). My ramped up VERY slowly, 5 months until full therapeutic dosage. It did not work for me until I was at the full dosage. But once I reached critical AD mass the stuff cleared away my depression. I stayed on it for 16 months, just going off it now. -Gandalf
|Hi | |What would taking Effexor do to a person who has Bipolar Disorder? |Would it help or possibly make them more manic? | |Dan |
Hi So the Depakote would be a stabilizer and the Effexor helps with the depressive side of things. Ok. I think I am starting to understand! Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the reply to my post. I take it that the Depakote keeps the Effexor from causing mania? Possibly. Although I can say that I’m definitely worse off without an AD. — IMPORTANT: Remove the edible part of the E-mail address before replying.
Hello! My wife was having high blood pressure, dizziness, blurry vision and sleeping problems even before she came out of the hospital. And the prescription she has now is stronger than before. But is a sustained release version (150mg). So hopefully the side effects will not be as bad as they have been. Thanks for the helpful reply! Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Dan, Welcome to ASDM My wife just started on Effexor and is having a slight headache so far. Also blurry vision for an hour or so after taking it. And some dizziness. All of these are potential side effects of Effexor. Just wondering if there is anything else that is about to happen! Effexor can also increase blood pressure, so monitoring of it is necessary. Alcohol should be avoided while taking Effexor. Report any rash or hives to the doctor immediately I suggest she notify her pdoc and report the headache and blurry vision. This may be dose related and perhaps starting at a lower dose and increasing slowly may help to avoid these unpleasant side effects. Peace, Reach beyond your grasp!
Hi Thanks for the story. The doctor now has my wife on 150mg of sustained release Effexor. But she is not taking any mood stabilizer like Lithium or anything. I don’t know why. I guess they have changed her diagnoses or something. I just hope the Effexor doesn’t send her up the wall or anything. Good luck getting off the Effexor! Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Daniel Effexor is same as the other AD, possible with bipolar if you are solid on a mood stabilizer. My personal situation is that I was unipolar manic until 3 years ago, when a triple whammy stress threw me into my first clinical depression. So doctors fought me for 2 years, resisting any AD. After being depressed for 2 years and not being able to work or go to school for 1 year I insisted on an AD. My pdoc decided on effexor because of its short half life (3 days and half of it is out of your system). My ramped up VERY slowly, 5 months until full therapeutic dosage. It did not work for me until I was at the full dosage. But once I reached critical AD mass the stuff cleared away my depression. I stayed on it for 16 months, just going off it now. -Gandalf |Hi | |What would taking Effexor do to a person who has Bipolar Disorder? |Would it help or possibly make them more manic? | |Dan |
Daniel Do you know from all the posts you have read that XR Effexor (that’s what I use too) is dangerous for your wife if she is diagnosed bipolar? I do hope she isn’t bipolar or you’re in for a real treat. Sympathetically, Gandalf
|Hi | |Thanks for the story. The doctor now has my wife on 150mg of sustained |release Effexor. But she is not taking any mood stabilizer like Lithium or |anything. I don’t know why. I guess they have changed her diagnoses |or something. I just hope the Effexor doesn’t send her up the wall or |anything. | |Good luck getting off the Effexor! | |Dan |
| | Hi Daniel | | Effexor is same as the other AD, possible with bipolar if you are solid on a | mood stabilizer. My personal situation is that I was unipolar manic until 3 | years ago, when a triple whammy stress threw me into my first clinical | depression. So doctors fought me for 2 years, resisting any AD. After being | depressed for 2 years and not being able to work or go to school for 1 year I | insisted on an AD. My pdoc decided on effexor because of its short half life | (3 days and half of it is out of your system). My ramped up VERY slowly, 5 | months until full therapeutic dosage. It did not work for me until I was at | the full dosage. But once I reached critical AD mass the stuff cleared away | my depression. I stayed on it for 16 months, just going off it now. | | -Gandalf |
| |Hi | | | |What would taking Effexor do to a person who has Bipolar Disorder? | |Would it help or possibly make them more manic? | | | |Dan | | |
be cautious with effexor, my mother was on it and it caused her to flatline meaning she had no hi’s or lows, no emotion what so ever…also a close friend was on it and had petite mal seizures. be sure to read all info on depakote as well, it has some nasty side effects. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Chandra, Yes, I have been there and done that! I suffer from both severe panic (or anxiety) disorder and chronic depression. I had a wonderful family doctor (younger-around 30ish) that was working with me before I became pregnant and at the time I became pregnant. He was super! He was willing to work in the "gray area" and help give me and my unborn child the best of what there was to offer. New doctor’s seem to be better at this. After I voiced my concerns to him (pretty much the same as your’s) he told me that what it came down to was what was best for both mother and child. Sure we all want to be "medication-free" but is that the best thing- even for the unborn child when the mother is not able to be out in the world, lying in bed day after day, terrified unable to care for herself let alone a new baby that’s going to be born, etc… We all know what effects STRESS has on the already born! Can medication-which hasn’t been proven to cause ill-effects on the fetus be more dangerous than the illness the mother suffers from? No one can know for sure, but both my doctor and I opted for "me" being HEALTHY with medicine over me being gravely unhealthy without needed medication. During my full-term wonderful pregancy, I was taking Prozac, Effexor(an anti-anxiety medication), and another med. I can’t remember at this time. I delivered a superhealthy boy. He weighed 9lbs.13oz. and was 22&1/2 inches long! I only gained 30 lbs. during my pregnancy. Yes, we did tests every trimester, nothing major `just double checking, and had an ulrasound twice (which are nerve racking like everything when your pregnant-your so scared for your baby, but they are such an unbelieveable experience). We even had to induce-he was late! This all happened FIVE YEARS AGO!!! Technology has come along way since then! The question your doctor, and you, needs to answer is which problem will be worse for your unborn baby—medication or a "mentally" unhealthy mother! You should be with a doctor that allows you to help make decisions that are affecting you and you baby! If he doesn’t agree or understand your concerns , or whatever….remember he is YOUR employee and you can find a different doctor. Lots, if not most, have delt with patients such as yourself! I have NO DOUBTS that you will have a beautiful and healthy baby! NONE!!! God is with you! I’d love to talk to you more about it if you like-all you *Also, as far as "hormones" especially during pregnancy they increase and make worse any problem I’ve found. *F.Y.I. I was 30 at the time of my delivery and am 36 ( just turned) now. Please let me know how things go!
Hello, I am new to this message board, but I have been trying to find ANYBODY who can help me out! I am two months pregnant and I have panic disorder (diagnosed in March of this year) and severe anxiety. My doctor is weaning me off my paxil (I was on 20 mg. a day) and I had really bad side effects because of it. Well now I am having severe relapses of panic, which I hadn’t had one for a few months. I am also suffering severe depression, which I never had before. I even think about suicide, which I never did before either. I’m only 22 and this is my first baby and I’m really scared that I’m gonna loose it and not be able to make it. Can anyone else tell me if there was any drug they took while pregnant that won’t hurt my baby? Also, I wonder if my symptoms are worse because of hormonal changes. Has anyone one been there, done that? Please e-mail me any words of wisdom. I am really scared and wigged out. I don’t think I can do this without help! Thanks!