Question:

I take lots of inhalers and have just tried Singulair. How long does it take to start working?

When I was in the worst of the year-long attack I had, I felt the effects of Singulair immediately. Now I wonder whether it’s working at all, but it must be because I get worse if I miss taking it.

Response:

I take lots of inhalers and have just tried Singulair. How long does it take to start working? It doesn’t seem to do anything. It is always hard for me to tell what works since I run into triggers off and on. With that and delayed reactions, it is hard to play detective and tell what is due to what. Thanks for the help.

I found it worked within the first few days.  But it appears to be effect for only 2/3 of the people taking it.  You may be in the 1/3. Check with your allergist.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started it on Tuesday of this week and my experience is it worked almost immediately. My wife said I slept so well…no coughing and no snoring either ( I have sleep apnea….not using my Bi-PAP now because of the 4-5 weeks I’ve had lung problems). She said I hardly moved all night long. YMMV….this is just my experience   Wow! Me too! I had been using my Proventil inhaler regularly along with Serevent. The Dr. put me back on Flovent and added Singulair. I haven’t needed the Proventil even once since then. Since I believe the Flovent takes some time to start working I’m convinced that the Singulair did the job. I’m not 100% better yet – my lungs still hurt when I take a deep breath. But I’m very much improved! Debi

Singulair is practically my god…within 24 hours I felt a *huge* effect. I now use proventil as a rescue inhaler maybe once a week, as opposed to the once/twice/even three times a day I used to have to use it. —  Karen Ingraffea  "I might be a coward; I’m afraid of what I might find out…" -(The Mighty Mighty Bosstones) The Impression That I Get "All things being equal, you lose." -Anon

Response:

I started it on Tuesday of this week and my experience is it worked almost immediately. My wife said I slept so well…no coughing and no snoring either ( I have sleep apnea….not using my Bi-PAP now because of the 4-5 weeks I’ve had lung problems). She said I hardly moved all night long. YMMV….this is just my experience

  Wow! Me too! I had been using my Proventil inhaler regularly along with Serevent. The Dr. put me back on Flovent and added Singulair. I haven’t needed the Proventil even once since then. Since I believe the Flovent takes some time to start working I’m convinced that the Singulair did the job. I’m not 100% better yet – my lungs still hurt when I take a deep breath. But I’m very much improved! Debi

Response:

Your insert should supply this information. If not your pharmacist will tell you.

Response:

I take lots of inhalers and have just tried Singulair. How long does it take to start working? It doesn’t seem to do anything. It is always hard for me to tell what works since I run into triggers off and on. With that and delayed reactions, it is hard to play detective and tell what is due to what. Thanks for the help.

Generally, about 30 days is considered an adequate time to tell if it is or is not working. It’s a terrible responsibility – but somebody has to be the Americans.

Response:

I started it on Tuesday of this week and my experience is it worked almost immediately. My wife said I slept so well…no coughing and no snoring either ( I have sleep apnea….not using my Bi-PAP now because of the 4-5 weeks I’ve had lung problems). She said I hardly moved all night long. YMMV….this is just my experience * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

I take lots of inhalers and have just tried Singulair. How long does it take to start working? It doesn’t seem to do anything. It is always hard for me to tell what works since I run into triggers off and on. With that and delayed reactions, it is hard to play detective and tell what is due to what. Thanks for the help. Before you buy.

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Question:

Looking for another (back-up)source for generic V, probably a reliable Indian source.  Any suggestions out there with regard to quality/price/shipping?  Medicapharma.com, Importeddrugs.com are a couple I’ve seen in this NG, any thoughts on these companies? reg, fcr

Response:

i’ve had good reults with contrademedical.com….check ‘em out…a number of people here have used them successfully Murray

Response:

Looking for another (back-up)source for generic V, probably a reliable Indian source.  Any suggestions out there with regard to quality/price/shipping?  Medicapharma.com, Importeddrugs.com are a couple I’ve seen in this NG, any thoughts on these companies? reg, fcr

I’ve had good luck with Shop Rx online: http://www.shoprxonline.com/ — Regards, Steve Saling aka The Garlic Dude Gilroy, CA The Garlic Capital of The World http://www.pulsareng.com/

Response:

Looking for another (back-up)source for generic V, probably a reliable Indian source.  Any suggestions out there with regard to quality/price/shipping?  Medicapharma.com, Importeddrugs.com are a couple I’ve seen in this NG, any thoughts on these companies? reg, fcr

Here you go…I’ve used them with no hastles and GREAT prices. They don’t have generic Uprima though. http://www.overturepharmacy.com:8080/index.jsp RON

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Question:

Has anyone installed an aftermarket loft in a tent?? I have a Mountain Hardware Thru-Hiker, and would like to put a loft in it. Most of my friends have one that was an option on the tent that they purchased. Any advise is appreciated. Bill…

Response:

Has anyone installed an aftermarket loft in a tent?? I have a Mountain Hardware Thru-Hiker, and would like to put a loft in it. Most of my friends have one that was an option on the tent that they purchased. Any advise is appreciated.

Go back to where you purchased the tent in the first place. Chances are there is a specially designed loft for that tent (just as your friends suggested). — Cheers, Paul Weiss Quote: "To you, it’s a six-pack … to me, it’s a support group!" Quote: "Don’t take life too seriously … nobody gets out alive!"

Response:

Has anyone installed an aftermarket loft in a tent?? I have a Mountain Hardware Thru-Hiker, and would like to put a loft in it. Most of my friends have one that was an option on the tent that they purchased. Any advise is appreciated. Go back to where you purchased the tent in the first place. Chances are there is a specially designed loft for that tent (just as your friends suggested).

Thanks for the suggestion, but the place I have bought the tent is out of business. I have tried two other outdoor speciality stores that sell the Mountain Hardware brand of tent. They could offer no suggestions.  What I think I need to do is just sew in a couple of loops at the seam and attach a piece of netting, but I was hoping for some advice from someone who has already done such a task.

Response:

suggestions.  What I think I need to do is just sew in a couple of loops at the seam and attach a piece of netting, but I was hoping for some advice from someone who has already done such a task.

If there aren’t any loops inside the tent, then the manufacturer probably has not made a loft for that model.  Places like Campmor which sell lots of bits and pieces have generic lofts – usually a piece of mesh with some edge hemming and tie strings on the 4 corners.  Adding loops yourself should be easy if the seams a bound on the inside of the tent, allowing you to sew through the binding tape without penetrating the tent walls.  With other seams (flat fell and such) I’d be reluctant to attach anything for fear of puckering the fabric.  Tents usually use light fabric that is strongest if tension is uniform at all points and directions. Lofts a conventient, but not enough to be worth messing up the cut of the tent. Paul

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I found one at Galyans that has ties that will reach the four corners of my tent top.  I took some strong cord that I bought at a sewing supply shop and sewed four loops in the seams of my tent and then sealed them well with Campdry and seam sealer just for good measure.  Mine works great; good place to stash glasses, keys, etc., so they don’t get lost! Even though mine is made of mesh, it does cut down on the air circulation somewhat though.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone installed an aftermarket loft in a tent?? I have a Mountain Hardware Thru-Hiker, and would like to put a loft in it. Most of my friends have one that was an option on the tent that they purchased. Any advise is appreciated. Go back to where you purchased the tent in the first place. Chances are there is a specially designed loft for that tent (just as your friends suggested). Thanks for the suggestion, but the place I have bought the tent is out of business. I have tried two other outdoor speciality stores that sell the Mountain Hardware brand of tent. They could offer no suggestions.  What I think I need to do is just sew in a couple of loops at the seam and attach a piece of netting, but I was hoping for some advice from someone who has already done such a task.

Try another outfitter and ask them if they have generic Eureka lofts. They used to make mesh lofts with tie loops at two, three or four points that would fit a whole host of tents of various shapes and sizes. — Cheers, Paul Weiss Quote: "To you, it’s a six-pack … to me, it’s a support group!" Quote: "Don’t take life too seriously … nobody gets out alive!"

Response:

Thanks for the suggestion, but the place I have bought the tent is out of business. I have tried two other outdoor speciality stores that sell the Mountain Hardware brand of tent. They could offer no suggestions.  What I think I need to do is just sew in a couple of loops at the seam and attach a piece of netting, but I was hoping for some advice from someone who has already done such a task.

I assume you’ve talked to Mountain Hardwear?  They can be most helpful. http://www.mountainhardwear.com/talkBack.html

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Question:

Hi, I have severe Asthma – My doctor has prescribed Foradil – The product helps me some of the time but I still find myself short of breath on a lot of occasions. Does anyone know of any product that is just as strong and may be more effective than Foradil Thanks in Advance Any advice would be appreciated Ron

Response:

I have severe Asthma – My doctor has prescribed Foradil – The product helps me some of the time but I still find myself short of breath on a lot of occasions. Does anyone know of any product that is just as strong and may be more effective than Foradil Thanks in Advance Any advice would be appreciated Ron

Foradil is a new long lasting beta2 agonist bronchodilator drug; somewhat similar to Serevent. However you should also be prescribed a preventor drug, usually a steroid inhaler, like the Pulmicort Turbuhaler [my favorite] or Flovent]. These drugs treat the underlying bronchial inflammation. Info on Foradil [pdf download] & Pulmicort at: http://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/what/pi.html http://www.twistclickinhale.com/ Pulmicort Turbuhaler Ellis

Response:

Hi, I desperately need a link or info on side effects on this product. I have taken Foradil for a little over a month and it has worked wonders almost right away, but I ended up getting a lot of the side effects, the worst and most annoying being really bad twitches in my legs, up to every few minutes when I was on the twice a day inhalation. My doctor cut me back to 1 inhalation a day which has lessened the effects but not gotten rid of them completely and I am still faced with heart palpitations. This is not listed as a side effect but I am noticing increasingly bad foot cramps in the leg that is more twitchy and I get them at night, coincidentally I take my one dose at night. I talked to a pharmacist who doesn’t carry it, but he said it is uncommon to get muscle cramps from long acting bronchildialtors, any info would be greatly appreciated. P.S. I have reacted with foot and leg cramps from other asthma meds and it all started again shortly after starting this one. Otherwise I never experience them.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I desperately need a link or info on side effects on this product. I have taken Foradil for a little over a month and it has worked wonders almost right away, but I ended up getting a lot of the side effects, the worst and most annoying being really bad twitches in my legs, up to every few minutes when I was on the twice a day inhalation. My doctor cut me back to 1 inhalation a day which has lessened the effects but not gotten rid of them completely and I am still faced with heart palpitations. This is not listed as a side effect but I am noticing increasingly bad foot cramps in the leg that is more twitchy and I get them at night, coincidentally I take my one dose at night. I talked to a pharmacist who doesn’t carry it, but he said it is uncommon to get muscle cramps from long acting bronchildialtors, any info would be greatly appreciated. P.S. I have reacted with foot and leg cramps from other asthma meds and it all started again shortly after starting this one. Otherwise I never experience them.

Here’s a link: http://www.virtualdrugstore.com/asthma/formoterol.html Formoterol (Foradil, United States and Canada) Excerpt: "Side Effects Formoterol or Foradil can affect the cardiovascular system,  especially in high doses." You could try another long-acting bronchodilator; Serevent inhaler or theophylline SR (TheoDur). You could also try increasing steroid inhaler or adding Accolate/Singulair, and not using a long-acting bronchodilator. Foradil is not available in the US, and Canadian law restricts drug information to patients, so its hard to find detailed info. Foradil is also used in the UK and many other countries. Here’s a link on Serevent, a similar drug: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/salmet.htm salmeterol (Serevent) Excerpt: "Adverse Reactions: Adverse reactions to salmeterol are similar in nature to reactions to  other selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonists, i.e., tachycardia;  palpitations; immediate hypersensitivity reactions, including  urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm (see WARNINGS; headache;  tremor; nervousness; and paradoxical bronchospasm (see WARNINGS)." Ellis

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Question:

I watched the Primetime report on Paxil. We all know what sensationalist, alarmist crap many of these media reports are, but here’s what I DID get from the report: 1. I suspect, because it was claimed outright, that the makers of antidepressant drugs haven’t much of a clue how they work. The main evidence claimed was that the drug increases brain weight, so it MUST be getting to the brain. [So does a bullet.] 2. 20-40% of patients on Paxil have significant withdrawal symptoms. Over 100 adolescents committed suicide because of it. These numbers were in internal documents but denied to the public because they were "not statistically significant". . 3. Its main target in many adolescents is headaches . . . yet look at the nature of depression and consider the range of effects any drug must have to fight that many symptoms. SURELY any drug that does THAT many things to our MINDS has a strong potential to be much worse than the hot flashes it’s intended to mitigate in HT patients. 4. Some patients require "months" of agony to withdraw from Paxil. Guess what? IAD resumes in "months". The biggest message I came away with? I’m going to do a lot of reading before I even consider an antidepressant drug. And since the only "cure" I’ ve read about yet for hot flashes is antidepressants, and the "cure" is just a 50% reduction, and hot flashes are virtually guaranteed, I’m going to complete that reading before choosing HT. Now multiply that scenario by the number of SEs of HT, and realize that the fix for many of those SEs is another drug . . . with its own SEs, and that no drug company WILLINGLY admits to SEs. I.P. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was just watching GMA whereby they discussed Paxil and how the withdrawal symptoms have been greatly downplayed.  The side effects can vary from headaches to debilitating electrical shock sensations. Apparently the company producing the drug have this repressed data from their own studies although they state that they have made the physicians aware.  They will be presenting this story tonight on Primetime for those interested.

Response:

I was just watching GMA whereby they discussed Paxil and how the withdrawal symptoms have been greatly downplayed.  The side effects can vary from headaches to debilitating electrical shock sensations. Apparently the company producing the drug have this repressed data from their own studies although they state that they have made the physicians aware.  They will be presenting this story tonight on Primetime for those interested. Sandi

Paxil is about the worst to get off because it has a very short half-life. http://www.citypages.com/databank/23/1141/article10788.asp the 2nd page addresses the half-life issues. HTH Lori

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conviction: Now THAT would worry my wife. I’m irritable enough as it is; is Clarence — and will I become — grouchy because of ADT? Or has ADT made Clarence more pleasant than he was pre-PC by suppressing his emotions? I.P.

When I was a kid, I put my hand on the stove. It was HOT! I’m that sort of person who lives outside the edge. As for being pleasant at any time, my wife has called me "Grumpy" for as long as I can remember. Point is, I’m trying to get in a few days work every week to maintain my "Millionaire" status, branded on me by CentreLink, (our learned Welfare Organisation), 4 yrs ago after I’d been ratting trash cans for sustenance for 3 months due to a slight economic downturn. Believe me, if you get on ADT, you can kiss it all goodbye. I’m starting to feel I’ll end up like Jack Nicholson in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest". Androcur Tabs 50mg/day plus a shot of Lucrin quarterly. and revert to the ADT for another 12 months. What a blast!! — "if you can see it coming, head it off at the pass, else put the wagons in a circle" — Please reply to this ng as: — my email adress is 100% faked to prevent proliferation of SPAM!! — Regards — Clarence Crow

Response:

I.P. wrote The real message of my personal dilemma for others in this forum is this: PC and its treatment are EXTREMELY complicated stuff . . . far more so than any doctor has time to explain thoroughly. Read. And read. And read. Those two points are possibly the most important of any when dealing with this bastard.

Oh . . . you mean the CANCER. I.P.

Response:

The real message of my personal dilemma for others in this forum is this: PC and its treatment are EXTREMELY complicated stuff . . . far more so than any doctor has time to explain thoroughly. Read. And read. And read.

Those two points are possibly the most important of any when dealing with this bastard. — Prostate Cancer Survivor (so far), not a doctor Biopsy 11/01/2000 G7 (3+4), T2c RRP 12/15/2000 G7 (3+4), T3bN0M0 PSA  .1  .1  .1  .27  .37  .75 PSA  .34 .22 .15 .21 .32 PSA  .07 .05 .06 Lupron (3 mo) 8/03 (48), 12/03, 4/04 (49), 09/04 (50) non Illegitimi carborundum

Response:

Now THAT would worry my wife. I’m irritable enough as it is; is Clarence — and will I become — grouchy because of ADT? Or has ADT made Clarence more pleasant than he was pre-PC by suppressing his emotions? I.P.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And a hearty ‘Good Morning’ to you too, Clarence. — Prostate Cancer Survivor (so far), not a doctor Biopsy 11/01/2000 G7 (3+4), T2c RRP 12/15/2000 G7 (3+4), T3bN0M0 PSA  .1  .1  .1  .27  .37  .75 PSA  .34 .22 .15 .21 .32 PSA  .07 .05 .06 Lupron (3 mo) 8/03 (48), 12/03, 4/04 (49), 09/04 (50) non Illegitimi carborundum up off the mat and advised with conviction: Antidepressant treats hot flashes in men taking hormonal therapy for prostate cancer, Mayo study finds Paxil (paroxetine) diminishes hot flashes in men who are receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer. <snip BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!! There’s just too many REAMS of doubtful INFORMATION being posted here!! Listen up, all you pussies, I’m a grouchy old buzzard currently on ADT Hormones  prior to RAD.

Response:

Hi All Men don’t have hot flashes, they have power surges!! Jamie

Response:

Hi Sandi…. I know all about the withdrawal symptoms of these SSRI drugs simply because my daughter and my sister suffer from seratonin deficiency and are on them. One on Welbutrin (Zyban) and the other on Effexor. Our ditz of a family doctor told my daughter to just cut them out in two days.  She couldn’t get off the couch due to dizzy spells and nausea!!  I phoned the pharmacy and they were horrified.  Thanks to them, she cut them down VERY gradually and was OK.  It would have happened to my sister as well, had I not gone thru this with my daughter, and warned her. Who should we blame??  Doctors who do not read the literature and drug companies who do not disclose all the details.  All of these drugs are Prozac derivatives (some 30 of them, I believe) and they do have major withdrawal problems.  Paxil has been found to cause suicidal tendencies……which it is supposed to be eliminating. These anti-depressants are very powerful drugs, so use them as your pharmacist directs you to…..they seem to know more.  And check to see if there are any cross-medication problems as well. And thanks for the info on Primetime….I will look for it tonight. Heather

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was just watching GMA whereby they discussed Paxil and how the withdrawal symptoms have been greatly downplayed.  The side effects can vary from headaches to debilitating electrical shock sensations. Apparently the company producing the drug have this repressed data from their own studies although they state that they have made the physicians aware.  They will be presenting this story tonight on Primetime for those interested. Sandi

Response:

The effects you list, side or not, are but a very small part of the menu, and don’t address the severity some people encounter with some effects or the relative commonality of various effects. Some effects take months to show up, some take months to disappear after ADT cessation, and some can be permanent. And even the benefits of ADT are debatable, regardless of the SEs. If I become convinced I can try ADT for a month or two and realisticaly assess its impacts without being committed to long-term impacts, I’ll jump on the bandwagon. My research so far doesn’t strongly support that approach. I consider the distinction between intended effects and SEs vital because generally, intended effects address benefit and SEs address harm. If a treatment doesn’t work, SEs are irrelevant because I’m not trying it. And many trials study only the intended effect — prolonged heartbeat — without considering QOL. IMO, that renders some studies almost moot. The real message of my personal dilemma for others in this forum is this: PC and its treatment are EXTREMELY complicated stuff . . . far more so than any doctor has time to explain thoroughly. Read. And read. And read. I took several pages of typewritten questions to each of the several doctors I consulted about my PC. Every doctor was very pleased and impressed at this, and some said they wished every patient would do it. I.P.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 10. I did, and it makes me wonder . . . Do I want to spend my last years obsessed with juggling chemicals and side effects with a chemically impaired brain, or spend maybe fewer — or maybe more — years being I.P. Freely rather than a nut case? I imagine most people relatively recently diagnosed obsess of the issues of ‘life as I knew it’ vs. ‘life as it will be or may be.’ But, what you really need to concern yourself with is the effects of the drugs.  Calling some effects "intended" and the others as "side" effects is, IMHO, a distraction.  Everything you put in your body has effects.  Every place you put your body has effects.  Every position you put your body in and the duration you keep your body in that position has effects.  Every day of your life, you make decisions on thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of permutations that have effects on your body.  It is silly to consider them intended and side effects.  They are just plane effects.  You do this, and that, that and that happens.  Some effects may be positive.  They may be negative.  They may be positive now and negative later.  Or visa versa. They may be positive and negative concurrently. What you really have to do is list the effects and possible effects of ADT. They are; 1. extended life.  2. temporary impotence.  3. temporary disinterest.  They may also be; 1. permanent impotence, 2. emotional instability, 3. bone mass loss, 4. hot flashes. Then, decide if some of the effects are worth it in lieu of the others. But, with ADT, you have this great option.  Try it for 30, 60, 90 days. If you don’t like it, send it back… no questions asked.

Response:

And a hearty ‘Good Morning’ to you too, Clarence. — Prostate Cancer Survivor (so far), not a doctor Biopsy 11/01/2000 G7 (3+4), T2c RRP 12/15/2000 G7 (3+4), T3bN0M0 PSA  .1  .1  .1  .27  .37  .75 PSA  .34 .22 .15 .21 .32 PSA  .07 .05 .06 Lupron (3 mo) 8/03 (48), 12/03, 4/04 (49), 09/04 (50) non Illegitimi carborundum

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – up off the mat and advised with conviction: Antidepressant treats hot flashes in men taking hormonal therapy for prostate cancer, Mayo study finds Paxil (paroxetine) diminishes hot flashes in men who are receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer. <snip BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!! There’s just too many REAMS of doubtful INFORMATION being posted here!! Listen up, all you pussies, I’m a grouchy old buzzard currently on ADT Hormones  prior to RAD. The other day I was in a bad mood, so I downed a couple of Amitryptiline (Endep 25) and they damn near killed me. Apart from my being useless for a day and a half, all my Osteo-Arthritis pains magnified, plus a few new ones emerged. I phoned into the Rad Oncology Dept, but was only able to get a nurse, who advised me to CEASE them immediately, and see my GP about some alternative. — "if you can see it coming, head it off at the pass, else put the wagons in a circle" — Please reply to this ng as: — my email adress is 100% faked to prevent proliferation of SPAM!! — Regards — Clarence Crow

Response:

I was just watching GMA whereby they discussed Paxil and how the withdrawal symptoms have been greatly downplayed.

I wonder who is accused of downplaying the withdrawal symptoms.  My wife’s doctor was very frank about the danger of self-unmedicating with it.  To be sure, he called me to tell me, just in case my wife was in a poor state of mind if and when she decided to do it.

Response:

  Each time I’ve seen that yet another antidepressant fixes hot flashes, several thoughts spring to mind: 1. Depression is serious stuff, and antidepressants are serious meds, so any problem requiring antidepressants must be pretty serious.

  (snip) IP is worried about very little. Maybe he should pop a pill The dosage of antidepressant that is required for hot flash control is far less than the therapeutic dosage for depression. Frex, I was prescribed Effexor, an antidepressant, to control the hot flashes caused by Zoladex. The prescription called for a beginning dosage of just 37.5mg. Something similar exists with Proscar, which is used to treat BPH and PCa, and Propecia, which is used to treat male-pattern baldness. Both are finasteride, but the Propecia dosage is far less than Proscar. As it happens, as I reported elsewhere in the NG, I recently switched from Zoladex to Lupron and have far fewer and milder hot flashes so I elected not to proceed with the Effexor. A SE of that decision is that I have saved mucho dinero; Effexor is expensive. Regards, Steve J

Response:

10. I did, and it makes me wonder . . . Do I want to spend my last years obsessed with juggling chemicals and side effects with a chemically impaired brain, or spend maybe fewer — or maybe more — years being I.P. Freely rather than a nut case?

I imagine most people relatively recently diagnosed obsess of the issues of ‘life as I knew it’ vs. ‘life as it will be or may be.’ But, what you really need to concern yourself with is the effects of the drugs.  Calling some effects "intended" and the others as "side" effects is, IMHO, a distraction.  Everything you put in your body has effects.  Every place you put your body has effects.  Every position you put your body in and the duration you keep your body in that position has effects.  Every day of your life, you make decisions on thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of permutations that have effects on your body.  It is silly to consider them intended and side effects.  They are just plane effects.  You do this, and that, that and that happens.  Some effects may be positive.  They may be negative.  They may be positive now and negative later.  Or visa versa. They may be positive and negative concurrently. What you really have to do is list the effects and possible effects of ADT. They are; 1. extended life.  2. temporary impotence.  3. temporary disinterest.  They may also be; 1. permanent impotence, 2. emotional instability, 3. bone mass loss, 4. hot flashes. Then, decide if some of the effects are worth it in lieu of the others. But, with ADT, you have this great option.  Try it for 30, 60, 90 days.  If you don’t like it, send it back… no questions asked.

Response:

I was just watching GMA whereby they discussed Paxil and how the withdrawal symptoms have been greatly downplayed.  The side effects can vary from headaches to debilitating electrical shock sensations. Apparently the company producing the drug have this repressed data from their own studies although they state that they have made the physicians aware.  They will be presenting this story tonight on Primetime for those interested. Sandi

Response:

up off the mat and advised with conviction: Antidepressant treats hot flashes in men taking hormonal therapy for prostate cancer, Mayo study finds Paxil (paroxetine) diminishes hot flashes in men who are receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer. <snip

BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!! There’s just too many REAMS of doubtful INFORMATION being posted here!! Listen up, all you pussies, I’m a grouchy old buzzard currently on ADT Hormones  prior to RAD. The other day I was in a bad mood, so I downed a couple of Amitryptiline (Endep 25) and they damn near killed me. Apart from my being useless for a day and a half, all my Osteo-Arthritis pains magnified, plus a few new ones emerged. I phoned into the Rad Oncology Dept, but was only able to get a nurse, who advised me to CEASE them immediately, and see my GP about some alternative. — "if you can see it coming, head it off at the pass, else put the wagons in a circle" — Please reply to this ng as: — my email adress is 100% faked to prevent proliferation of SPAM!! — Regards — Clarence Crow

Response:

Each time I’ve seen that yet another antidepressant fixes hot flashes, several thoughts spring to mind: 1. Depression is serious stuff, and antidepressants are serious meds, so any problem requiring antidepressants must be pretty serious. 2. Any med that can combat a serious problem must have some pretty serious deliberate effects. If their purpose is to reduce depression, then reducing hot flashes is by definition a SE of the antidepressant. Jeez . . . what are its INTENDED effects? i.e., What changes do they make in my body to achieve their INTENDED effect of reducing depression . . . and obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder, among others? 3. Do I want to add those intended effects to the SEs of my meds, which, after all, are the reasons I need antidepressants in the first place? 4. What are the other SEs of the antidepressant, besides reducing the number and severity of hot flashes? 5. How many of the antidepressant’s SEs need additional meds to combat THEM? 6. Worse yet, look up the SEs of these antidepressants. Some of the lists run into scores of effects, many of them serious. 7. When do we stop ingesting exponentially increasing numbers of meds and just get on with our lives and hope we beat the statistics? 8. Who sez the statistics aren’t skewed by all the freaking cancatenated SE meds? 9. And in case that list of questions didn’t give me pause, ask Google about the side effects of Paxil/Prozac . . . and stand back. 10. I did, and it makes me wonder . . . Do I want to spend my last years obsessed with juggling chemicals and side effects with a chemically impaired brain, or spend maybe fewer — or maybe more — years being I.P. Freely rather than a nut case? My wife prefers I.P. Freely. That’s why she married him. And I can think of 647 things more fun to do than sitting here researching medications and SEs. But in case I’m overreacting, I’ll keep reading. The problem with THAT plan is that as I expand my search into an exponentially increasing fan of links, I find more support than opposition to my tentative plan . . . such as the end of this Mayo Clinic reference itself. But maybe that’s a good thing, because the confusion factor shrinks with every new report like this one. Following this Mayo Clinic study leads to scores — hundreds? — of related studies . . . most of them spiralling towards the same dilemma: do we want to maximize our heartbeats with the certainty of SEs, or maximize our QOL with the possibility of many SE-free years, then when (IF?) the PC hits the fan we decide an optimal course based on data at that point? Hell, I just spent half an hour on this, when I couldda been actually WATCHING West Wing . . . or maybe making out with my wife. Now multiply that dilemma by a thousand and add 645 other activities. I suspect that many of us would LOSE free time, not gain it, by opting for HT and its complications. I’ve already spent most of a month researching it, and I haven’t even had one shot or one symptom or one SE yet. I.P.

Antidepressant treats hot flashes in men taking hormonal therapy for prostate cancer, Mayo study finds Paxil (paroxetine) diminishes hot flashes in men who are receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer, Mayo Clinic researchers report.  An antidepressant medication is an effective treatment to reduce hot flashes in men who are taking hormone therapy for prostate cancer, Mayo Clinic researchers report in the October issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings. The five-week study followed 18 men who completed the therapy, illustrating that their hot flashes decreased from 6.2 per day to 2.5 per day. Hot flash scores, the frequency multiplied by the severity, decreased in the same period from 10.6 per day to 3 per day. "Newer antidepressants have been proven effective in reducing hot flashes in women but have not been studied in men," says Charles Loprinzi, M.D., Mayo Clinic Division of Medical Oncology and the lead author of the study. "Although hot flashes in men with prostate cancer are well documented," he said, "their treatment has not received as much attention." Some doctors treat hot flashes in men receiving hormonal therapy with a short course of a secondary hormone such as Megestrol acetate. But the Mayo team now expresses some "concern" about these secondary treatments (see below). The study looked at men receiving androgen ablation therapy, also known as hormonal deprivation therapy, or hormonal blockade, which is a well-established treatment for various stages of prostate cancer. The antidepressant tested, paroxetine (Paxil), has been used to treat mental depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder, among others. A placebo-controlled trial had previously demonstrated that paroxetine reduced hot flashes in women. The study was conducted between August 2001 and October 2003. Men eligible for the study had to have a history of prostate cancer for which they were receiving androgen ablation therapy. Previous Mayo studies suggested that venlafaxine (Effexor) is effective to treat hot flashes in men undergoing hormonal therapy and that citalopram (Celexa) reduces such hot flashes in women. A commoner, older treatment for hot flashes is Megace (Megestrol acetate). Megace is a progestogen, a man-made form of the female hormone progesterone. Megace is sometimes used to treat prostate cancer and when given with newer hormone blockade drugs like Lupron or Zoladex it reduces hot flashes by up to 90 per cent, according to a Mayo study in 2002. But there have been reports of men whose prostate cancer progressed while taking Megace, In  1999 Oliver Sartor M.D. at Louisiana State University Medical Center, reported "a case in which megestrol acetate (20 mg bid) was administered for symptomatic control of hot flashes in a medically castrated patient with prostate cancer. The patient was subsequently noted to have a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Megestrol acetate administration was discontinued, and the PSA level declined. These data indicate that even the low doses of megestrol acetate used for control of hot flashes can be associated with PSA increases in some patients with prostate cancer." This may be especially a concern because, as another study points out, patients whose doctors prescribed Megace for hot flashes have been found to stay on this treatment for three years or more. The authors of the current Mayo study say this therapy "may affect prostate cancer growth and/or cause significant side effects." Patients who do not wish to take an antidepressant for hot flashes need not feel like mavericks. Most patients who experience hot flashes are not interested in adding a medication to suppress them. In a presentation at ASCO in 2001, a team from University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center said that although over 70 per cent of prostate cancer patients they studied complained of "a little" to "some" discomfort during hot flashes, "of those not receiving treatment, fewer than 50 per cent would consider taking medication to treat them." Hot flashes are "a significant side-effect of hormonal treatment," this team concluded, and drugs are available to manage the flashes, but "a significant percentage of patients do not find it as an acceptable option. Therefore, alternative support/educational interventions should also be considered to help patients better understand manage and cope with this treatment side effect. " Others who worked with Dr. Loprinzi on the Paxil study are: Debra Barton, R.N., Ph.D.; Lisa Carpenter; Jeff Sloan, Ph.D.; Paul Novotny; Matthew Gettman, M.D.; and Bradley Christensen, all from Mayo Clinic. knowledge is power – growing old is mandatory – growing wise is optional "Many more men die with prostate cancer than of it. Growing old is invariably fatal. Prostate cancer is only sometimes so." http://community.webtv.net/PALMER_ENT/doc

Response:

Antidepressant treats hot flashes in men taking hormonal therapy for prostate cancer, Mayo study finds Paxil (paroxetine) diminishes hot flashes in men who are receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer, Mayo Clinic researchers report.  An antidepressant medication is an effective treatment to reduce hot flashes in men who are taking hormone therapy for prostate cancer, Mayo Clinic researchers report in the October issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings. The five-week study followed 18 men who completed the therapy, illustrating that their hot flashes decreased from 6.2 per day to 2.5 per day. Hot flash scores, the frequency multiplied by the severity, decreased in the same period from 10.6 per day to 3 per day. "Newer antidepressants have been proven effective in reducing hot flashes in women but have not been studied in men," says Charles Loprinzi, M.D., Mayo Clinic Division of Medical Oncology and the lead author of the study. "Although hot flashes in men with prostate cancer are well documented," he said, "their treatment has not received as much attention." Some doctors treat hot flashes in men receiving hormonal therapy with a short course of a secondary hormone such as Megestrol acetate. But the Mayo team now expresses some "concern" about these secondary treatments (see below). The study looked at men receiving androgen ablation therapy, also known as hormonal deprivation therapy, or hormonal blockade, which is a well-established treatment for various stages of prostate cancer. The antidepressant tested, paroxetine (Paxil), has been used to treat mental depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder, among others. A placebo-controlled trial had previously demonstrated that paroxetine reduced hot flashes in women. The study was conducted between August 2001 and October 2003. Men eligible for the study had to have a history of prostate cancer for which they were receiving androgen ablation therapy. Previous Mayo studies suggested that venlafaxine (Effexor) is effective to treat hot flashes in men undergoing hormonal therapy and that citalopram (Celexa) reduces such hot flashes in women. A commoner, older treatment for hot flashes is Megace (Megestrol acetate). Megace is a progestogen, a man-made form of the female hormone progesterone. Megace is sometimes used to treat prostate cancer and when given with newer hormone blockade drugs like Lupron or Zoladex it reduces hot flashes by up to 90 per cent, according to a Mayo study in 2002. But there have been reports of men whose prostate cancer progressed while taking Megace, In  1999 Oliver Sartor M.D. at Louisiana State University Medical Center, reported "a case in which megestrol acetate (20 mg bid) was administered for symptomatic control of hot flashes in a medically castrated patient with prostate cancer. The patient was subsequently noted to have a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Megestrol acetate administration was discontinued, and the PSA level declined. These data indicate that even the low doses of megestrol acetate used for control of hot flashes can be associated with PSA increases in some patients with prostate cancer." This may be especially a concern because, as another study points out, patients whose doctors prescribed Megace for hot flashes have been found to stay on this treatment for three years or more. The authors of the current Mayo study say this therapy "may affect prostate cancer growth and/or cause significant side effects." Patients who do not wish to take an antidepressant for hot flashes need not feel like mavericks. Most patients who experience hot flashes are not interested in adding a medication to suppress them. In a presentation at ASCO in 2001, a team from University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center said that although over 70 per cent of prostate cancer patients they studied complained of "a little" to "some" discomfort during hot flashes, "of those not receiving treatment, fewer than 50 per cent would consider taking medication to treat them." Hot flashes are "a significant side-effect of hormonal treatment," this team concluded, and drugs are available to manage the flashes, but "a significant percentage of patients do not find it as an acceptable option. Therefore, alternative support/educational interventions should also be considered to help patients better understand manage and cope with this treatment side effect. "

Question:

Hi, I’ve been on 50mg of Zoloft for 8 weeks which has worked great overall.  My only complaint is a lot of muscle tension.  It’s faded somewhat over these first 2 months, but is it likely to subside even more or am I probably stuck with it? Thanks! Fritz

Response:

Wow, I didn’t get the muscle tension.  I got an upset tummy and the runs for a few weeks and then that went away.  The only lingering side effect I have is lack of sex drive.  Hate it. Hope your tension goes away.  Good luck,  Amanda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’ve been on 50mg of Zoloft for 8 weeks which has worked great overall.  My only complaint is a lot of muscle tension.  It’s faded somewhat over these first 2 months, but is it likely to subside even more or am I probably stuck with it? Thanks! Fritz

Response:

For me zoloft killed my libido seemingly forever…I no longer have ‘the fire’ and i do miss it!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wow, I didn’t get the muscle tension.  I got an upset tummy and the runs for a few weeks and then that went away.  The only lingering side effect I have is lack of sex drive.  Hate it. Hope your tension goes away.  Good luck,  Amanda Hi, I’ve been on 50mg of Zoloft for 8 weeks which has worked great overall.  My only complaint is a lot of muscle tension.  It’s faded somewhat over these first 2 months, but is it likely to subside even more or am I probably stuck with it? Thanks! Fritz

Response:

Wow. I’m glad it wasn’t just me. My doctor warned me about it, but I figured that it was more important to get through every day with a clear head than get a little action once a month. That’s my only side effect, but it’s a doozy! ~Paul For me zoloft killed my libido seemingly forever…I no longer have ‘the fire’ and i do miss it!!

The only lingering side effect – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have is lack of sex drive.  Hate it.

Response:

Question:

Hi, My son & I are both on Paxil.  I think it’s the best drug I’ve ever taken (so far), and it works very well on my son.  For me, it has the least amount of side effects than Zoloft, Buspar & Luvox. Good luck, Mary – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I went to my GP today and he put me on Paxil, I was on prozac before. How have others felt on Paxil, is it any good, is it as good as Prozac, Will it have any adverse side effects. I’m a bit worried to be honest so all help appreciated thanks Smurf

Response:

"Smurf" <Smurf…@btinternet.com

wrote in message

news:8si9ta$k6n$1@neptunium.btinternet.com…

I went to my GP today and he put me on Paxil, I was on prozac before. How have others felt on Paxil, is it any good, is it as good as Prozac, Will

it

have any adverse side effects. I’m a bit worried to be honest so all help appreciated

It’s pretty similar to Prozac in many respects but for some people the *initial* side-effects seem to be a bit more dramatic. It has a much shorter half-life than Prozac which means that a week after you stop taking it, the drug will leave your body – Prozac can stay around for much longer. There isn’t too much difference between the 2 drugs. Gareth.

Response:

http://paxil.bizland.com/ check this out first. it works well but it’s hell on earth to get off it!!!! "Smurf" <Smurf…@btinternet.com

wrote in message

news:8si9ta$k6n$1@neptunium.btinternet.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I went to my GP today and he put me on Paxil, I was on prozac before. How have others felt on Paxil, is it any good, is it as good as Prozac, Will

it

have any adverse side effects. I’m a bit worried to be honest so all help appreciated thanks Smurf

Response:

Paxil helped me a lot more than Prozac ever did. The only bad problem I have ever had with Paxil is when I get a hair up my ass and decide not to take my medicine any more and tried to wean off of it. It is definitely a drug that has to be weaned from slowly. I’ve gotten very dizzy and had these shock like feelings going through my arms if I don’t take it. Ida Smurf <Smurf…@btinternet.com

wrote in message

news:8si9ta$k6n$1@neptunium.btinternet.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I went to my GP today and he put me on Paxil, I was on prozac before. How have others felt on Paxil, is it any good, is it as good as Prozac, Will

it

have any adverse side effects. I’m a bit worried to be honest so all help appreciated thanks Smurf

Response:

Smurf wrote:

I went to my GP today and he put me on Paxil, I was on prozac before. How have others felt on Paxil, is it any good, is it as good as Prozac, Will it have any adverse side effects. I’m a bit worried to be honest so all help appreciated thanks Smurf

I know I’m starting to sound like a walking advertisement for Paxil, but it’s helped me a lot.  I’ve never been on Prozac, so I can’t compare the two.  I did have some side effects, but they faded pretty quickly.  Can I ask why you’re switching from Prozac to Paxil, and what specifically is worrying you about it? Good luck! — Dave Hollinden   david.hollin…@sdrc.com (work) dholl…@iglou.com       (home)

Response:

I went to my GP today and he put me on Paxil, I was on prozac before. How have others felt on Paxil, is it any good, is it as good as Prozac, Will it have any adverse side effects. I’m a bit worried to be honest so all help appreciated thanks Smurf

Response:

Question:

I am about to go through a divorce and gosh who would have guessed, I have lost about 30 lbs in a month and a 1/2, I am sad when I think how much I will miss my wife and kids and have lost the desire to do many things I normally like. My Neuro-psychiatrist wants me to start taking Effexor XR for my depression. My question is this, who wouldn’t be depressed going through this? Am I really clinically depressed or just temporarily in this state because of my circumstances?? How do you know?? Thanks

Hey John, I went through separation, divorce and depression a few years ago. At the time I was seeing a counselor/therapist who helped me work through a lot of the situational depression I had. She told me time and again that if I ever felt like it was too much for me to handle on my own I could try meds. At that time I had a lot of reservations about it and I turned her down. It was hard, too. I remember feeling like nothing would ever matter again, and why even bother? Eventually though with her help (and I was *very* fortunate to have found such an excellent therapist for me), I realized that what *did* matter was me. I ended up discovering this whole other person inside myself I’d never known was there. The thing was, I don’t think this new me could have come into being without me having spent a lot of time alone. Time alone which left me lonely and sad and wishing for someone – anyone – to be with. I don’t know if the meds would have helped me get through it better than I did on my own, but in the end I proved to myself that I could do it and in many ways have been happier than ever before. Now, two years later, I’m on Effexor XR after being diagnosed with major depression last year. (I know that sounds odd after just saying I’m happier with me than I’ve ever been, but it snuck up on me.) The depression manifested itself so physically this time though that I figured it had to be a checmical imbalance so I tried meds. I’m not too thrilled with how they’ve worked out for me. It’s been nine months since I tried the first one, and I’ve been on three others since then with only marginal relief. Personally, if I was experiencing the frustration and despair I’ve had recently over all the issues surrounding me and meds at the same time I was going through a divorce I’d probably be a freaking wreck. Add to that some of the horror stories I’ve seen on the web regarding Effexor withdrawal (which I have yet to try – not looking forward to that), and I’m very tempted to urge you not to try meds, or at least try something else before Effexor. Especially knowing your depression is situational. With meds, not only does it sometimes take some time to find the right one, but during that time you may deal with some pretty nasty side effects, too. There’s a good chance that with good counseling you could recover from a situational depression faster than it might take to get relief with meds. Just my 2 cents. Good luck with whatever you decide. It does get easier. Take care. Julia

Response:

I am about to go through a divorce and gosh who would have guessed, I have lost about 30 lbs in a month and a 1/2, I am sad when I think how much I will miss my wife and kids and have lost the desire to do many things I normally like. My Neuro-psychiatrist wants me to start taking Effexor XR for my depression. My question is this, who wouldn’t be depressed going through this? Am I really clinically depressed or just temporarily in this state because of my circumstances?? How do you know?? Thanks

What difference does it make?? If you are throwing up blood, and the doctor says you have an ulcer, and he wants you to take some medication that might help you stop throwing up blood.  What should you do??  How does the doctor really know that you have an ulcer.  What if it’s just a reaction to that really bad meal you had last night. Get the point??  While it may be interesting and even important to think about the causes, ramifications, and validity of being diagnosed clinically depressed.  If you are throwing up blood, wouldn’t it make some sense to try a medication that the doctor thinks might help that kind of thing.  Antidepressant medications are symptomatic treatments.  Like asprin, they reduce fever, they don’t prevent colds or speed one’s recovery from a cold.  And as you perhaps intimate, fever can be a biological mechanism for getting rid of an infection, thus asprin can prevent a fever but prolong a cold, the opposite of making one "better". I mean, it’s entirely up to you.  Some people describe a little post-nasal nose bleed as throwing up blood. I personally don’t think every dip in the road should be responded to with ECT any more then I think it should require medication.  Some people have bad reactions to effexor.  It’s not like taking an asprin.  (Did I just mix my asprin metaphors??)  Sometimes feeling down is the appropriate and needed reaction/feeling that is required for one to process and move through their grief.  Only you know your family history, your history, your current pain, where you would like to be, etcetera. Unh, welcome to ASD.  Home of the non-answer answer.   Sincerely Stewart — The Metaphor Man  *and*  The Great Defender of the Self (remove the SPAMBLOCK) Please send me an e-mail copy of your posted response.

Response:

Hi John, Welcome to ASD.  I am by no stretch of the imagination a "professional". However, I was/am in a similar situation.  I’ve been separated for about a year and a half, with the actual divorce in the works now.  Prior to the separation when things were really bad I was diagnosed with "Situational Depression".  I have been taking meds since then and have been doing fine. I hope to get off the meds once all this is behind me.  Hopefully you too are situational and things will get better with time. Sorry I don’t have any magic words but I wanted you to know that you are not alone. Be Well Tom posted and emailed

Response:

I am about to go through a divorce and gosh who would have guessed, I have lost about 30 lbs in a month and a 1/2, I am sad when I think how much I will miss my wife and kids and have lost the desire to do many things I normally like. My Neuro-psychiatrist wants me to start taking Effexor XR for my depression. My question is this, who wouldn’t be depressed going through this? Am I really clinically depressed or just temporarily in this state because of my circumstances?? How do you know?? Thanks Before you buy.

Response:

I do believe you are going through a phase, i was divorced too, and i remember not wanting to do anything. I never saw a DR. but didn’t feel i needed to. It’s a horse that takes some tome to get over it’s kick – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am about to go through a divorce and gosh who would have guessed, I have lost about 30 lbs in a month and a 1/2, I am sad when I think how much I will miss my wife and kids and have lost the desire to do many things I normally like. My Neuro-psychiatrist wants me to start taking Effexor XR for my depression. My question is this, who wouldn’t be depressed going through this? Am I really clinically depressed or just temporarily in this state because of my circumstances?? How do you know?? Thanks Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Okay, the fellows and the ladies that don’t want to read a discussion about PMS, periods, symptoms, etc, might want to pick now to get out. Alright, you’ve been warned! Hi Liz. I didn’t realize until very recently that I HAD PMS.  I find that as I get older, the symptoms, which never bothered me when I was younger that I am aware of are getting worse and so is cramping which also didn’t bug me. Well, when I was younger, PMS was still supposedly ‘all in our heads’, so though I had cramping and a fair bit of pain and got quite emotional, I didn’t know it was PMS. After I had my kids, I had my tubes tied.  That’s when I noticed it started getting worse.  They couldn’t do one of those nice little laparoscopic surgeries, too many adhesions and too much scar tissue (which the doc already knew about and he and I both concluded it was likely from the abuse. It was there when I had surgery when I was 19).  So, probably, I ended up adding to the scar tissue and adhesions by having the surgery.  It was my choice, though.  I couldn’t take the pill, and didn’t want to have 10 kids in 11 years.  ;-) As I get older, it does, definitely, get worse.  Matter of fact, I’m calling the doctor today, to make an appointment, to talk to him about it. My problem is I don’t realize I am PMSing until well into it….and if anyone says anything to me along the lines of ‘getting ready to start your period’ I growl at them until they go away.  i feel kind of…I don’t know. Hopeless. My husband has gotten smart about it.  Now he just says to me, "By the way, what’s the date?"  When I ask why, he just says, "Oh, just wondering."  He knows I’ll catch on, and I’ll laugh, too.  He’s good about stuff like that. If I’m particularly angry and stuff, he just goes bowling alot.  hehehe.  I guess he learned something in 23 years. I find the emotional effects of PMS do seem to get worse, as I’ve gotten into my mid to late 30’s.  I get so angry, over such stupid stuff.  I cry easily, but that’s something I have done anyway, since I got in touch with my emotions.  Never used to do either, get angry or cry, at all.  PMS makes it worse. Also, starting about 3 or 4 years ago, I get cyclical migraines.  They are different than the other migraines, in that they are more intense, don’t respond as well to medication, and last for days. My periods are quite regular, so I have the advantage of knowing when it’s coming, and knowing I’m PMSing, when my emotions become difficult to deal with.  I do tend to isolate myself, during that time, somewhat.  I don’t like to be hurtful to others, even those I don’t like.  It makes me feel like I am out of control and they know it.  I don’t like others seeing that, feels like they know my weakness, you know?  So learning to identify when I’m PMSing, and stopping myself from acting out at that time, has become important for me. I AM trying the b complex vitamins and rose something or other that is supposed to help.  Also, to be real honest, a stiff drink does wonders. I take a ’stress tab’ type of multivitamin, I think they help somewhat. Also, I take zoloft, for depression, and I find that does have an effect on the hopelessness and the anger.  Have you ever tried an anti-depressant? They help for more than just depression.  Zoloft is the third one, I’ve been on.  I couldn’t take prozac, it made me sick.  Paxil had some nasty ’sexual dysfunction’ side effects, but zoloft has worked wonders for me. But yeah, sometimes, a stiff drink works wonders. Do you find it got worse with you as you got older? Yes, yes, yes!!!! Not only has the PMS become more intense, but I have a lot more cramping and pain.  The cyclical migraines didn’t start until I was in my mid-30s.  On top of that, my periods have gotten longer, heavier and more painful.  7-9 days is toooo long!!  Last few months my cycle has been shortening, too, from my usual 28 days, to 21.  That is not fun!!! ;-P That’s why I decided I had better see the doctor.  I have heard that can be a sign of being pre-menopausal. (I can only hope!!!) rosee

I hope you don’t mind my asking something personal.  :) How old are you? Just curious. XO Rachel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Liz http://www.geocities.com/wellesley/7368 A closed mind gathers no thoughts. -Anonymous friend — For more information about this posting service, contact: If you want an anonymous account, visit our sign-up page: http://asarian-host.org/emailform.html

Response:

Hi rosee My preference is for docphobia He sounds a nice guy. I am glad he allows someone in with you. I hate these exams and I usually close my eyes and try to imagine I am somewhere where there are palm trees, soft breezes and sweet music, Takes a bit of doing but I concentrate reeeeeal hard Trying it now can you hear the gears grinding hehehheee Ruth — Today, is the tomorrow, you worried about yesterday. Anonymous

| Hi Ruth! | | Now, you are the opposite of me, the crampier I am, the more irritable I am. | That may have something to do with the fact that I am a HUGE suck, when it | comes to pain.  It makes me more cranky, I think. | | | Menopause doesn’t look that bad, just now, even with the hot flashes! | <g | | I see the doc at the end of April, though, about the lengthening periods and | the shortening cycle. | | I start praying now, that I have the courage to go, and don’t chicken out | and cancel like I did the last time I made an appt for a physical.  I hate call that, | medicaphobia, docaphobia? *g*) doesn’t make it any easier. | | It’s so weird too.  I really like my doctor.  I really trust my doctor. | He’s been wonderful about my phobia, has really tried to be accomadating. | He lets my daughter or my husband come in with me and hold my hand. | | Well, at least, now, I get there, most of the time. | | | take care | rosee | |

| Hi rosee | | Yep I find as I get older the cramping gets worse and the | flow is heavier, although I put some of that down to the | fact that I am taking aspirin to thin my blood. I find that | if I am having bad cramps that I am not so irritable and the | times I am really irritable I am not in as much pain. | Like you I hope I do not have much longer to go before they | go away | | Ruth | | | — | Today, is the tomorrow, you worried about yesterday. | Anonymous | |

| | Okay, the fellows and the ladies that don’t want to read a | discussion about | | PMS, periods, symptoms, etc, might want to pick now to get | out. | | | | Alright, you’ve been warned! | | | | | | Hi Liz. | | | | I didn’t realize until very recently that I HAD PMS. I | find that as I get | | older, the symptoms, which never bothered me when I was | younger that I am | | aware | | of are getting worse and so is cramping which also | didn’t bug me. | | | | Well, when I was younger, PMS was still supposedly ‘all in | our heads’, so | | though I had cramping and a fair bit of pain and got quite | emotional, I | | didn’t know it was PMS. | | | | After I had my kids, I had my tubes tied.  That’s when I | noticed it started | | getting worse.  They couldn’t do one of those nice little | laparoscopic | | surgeries, too many adhesions and too much scar tissue | (which the doc | | already knew about and he and I both concluded it was | likely from the abuse. | | It was there when I had surgery when I was 19).  So, | probably, I ended up | | adding to the scar tissue and adhesions by having the | surgery.  It was my | | choice, though.  I couldn’t take the pill, and didn’t want | to have 10 kids | | in 11 years.  ;-) | | | | As I get older, it does, definitely, get worse.  Matter of | fact, I’m calling | | the doctor today, to make an appointment, to talk to him | about it. | | | | | | My problem is I don’t realize I am PMSing until well | into it….and if | | anyone | | says anything to me along the lines of ‘getting ready to | start your | | period’ I | | growl at them until they go away.  i feel kind of…I | don’t know. | | Hopeless. | | | | My husband has gotten smart about it.  Now he just says to | me, "By the way, | | what’s the date?"  When I ask why, he just says, "Oh, just | wondering."  He | | knows I’ll catch on, and I’ll laugh, too.  He’s good about | stuff like that. | | | | If I’m particularly angry and stuff, he just goes bowling | alot.  hehehe.  I | | guess he learned something in 23 years. | | | | I find the emotional effects of PMS do seem to get worse, | as I’ve gotten | | into my mid to late 30’s.  I get so angry, over such | stupid stuff.  I cry | | easily, but that’s something I have done anyway, since I | got in touch with | | my emotions.  Never used to do either, get angry or cry, | at all.  PMS makes | | it worse. | | | | Also, starting about 3 or 4 years ago, I get cyclical | migraines.  They are | | different than the other migraines, in that they are more | intense, don’t | | respond as well to medication, and last for days. | | | | My periods are quite regular, so I have the advantage of | knowing when it’s | | coming, and knowing I’m PMSing, when my emotions become | difficult to deal | | with.  I do tend to isolate myself, during that time, | somewhat.  I don’t | | like to be hurtful to others, even those I don’t like. It | makes me feel | | like I am out of control and they know it.  I don’t like | others seeing that, | | feels like they know my weakness, you know?  So learning | to identify when | | I’m PMSing, and stopping myself from acting out at that | time, has become | | important for me. | | | | | | I AM trying the b complex vitamins and rose something or | other that is | | supposed | | to help.  Also, to be real honest, a stiff drink does | wonders. | | | | I take a ’stress tab’ type of multivitamin, I think they | help somewhat. | | Also, I take zoloft, for depression, and I find that does | have an effect on | | the hopelessness and the anger.  Have you ever tried an | anti-depressant? | | They help for more than just depression.  Zoloft is the | third one, I’ve been | | on.  I couldn’t take prozac, it made me sick.  Paxil had | some nasty ’sexual | | dysfunction’ side effects, but zoloft has worked wonders | for me. | | | | But yeah, sometimes, a stiff drink works wonders. | | | | | | Do you find it got worse with you as you got older? | | | | Yes, yes, yes!!!! | | | | Not only has the PMS become more intense, but I have a lot | more cramping and | | pain.  The cyclical migraines didn’t start until I was in | my mid-30s.  On | | top of that, my periods have gotten longer, heavier and | more painful.  7-9 | | days is toooo long!!  Last few months my cycle has been | shortening, too, | | from my usual 28 days, to 21.  That is not fun!!! ;-P | | | | That’s why I decided I had better see the doctor.  I have | heard that can be | | a sign of being pre-menopausal. (I can only hope!!!) | | | | rosee | | | | | | | | | | Liz | | http://www.geocities.com/wellesley/7368 | | A closed mind gathers no thoughts. -Anonymous friend | | [snip] | | | | | | | | | — | For more information about this posting service, contact: | administrator | | If you want an anonymous account, visit our sign-up page: | | http://asarian-host.org/emailform.html | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Response:

Well, since you asked *G* here it is.  Now, this is herbal stuff and I know some people don’t trust it, but it is what I do.  First off, there are many symptoms attached to PMS and one herb may be more suited to YOUR symptoms than others. Secondly, one person can be more sensitive to specific herbs than others.  This is long, so I am cutting out the previous letters.  <extracted from Herbal Cures for common ailments Borage Oil and Black Currant Oil-  These are both excellent sources of gamma linoleic acid (GLA).  GLA is an effective anti-inflammatory agent that has no side effects.  Both of these oils are an effective treatment for PMS, but they don’t work instantaneously.  You must take one or the other treatment for 6-8 weeks before it takes effect and you notice any changes.  Black currant oil and borage oil also contain an abundant amount of GLA.   Mix teaspoon of borage oil in juice and drink it daily.  Dr. Weil recommend 500mg of black currant oil 2xdaily as the most economical form. BUCHU- This is an ecellent diuretic and is useful in relieving the bloating that is characteristic of PMS.   To make a cup of tea, mix 2 tsp of dried leaves per cup of boiling water.  Steep 20min and drink 3 cups per day.  Or take a teaspoon of tincture 3xdaily.  WARNING: PREGNANT AND NURSING WOMEN SHOULD NOT USE THIS HERB. DANDELION-  This is another diuretic that helps relieve that uncomfortable, bloated feeling.   Make a tea with an ounce of dried leaves per cup of boiling water and steep 10min.  Drink 3 cups per day.  Or take 2tsp of tincture 3xdaily.  In addition, you can add dandelion greens to a salad, but don’t rely on greens alone to counteract bloating.  Combine them with tea or tincture for maximum effectiveness.      WARNING:  PREGNANT AND NURSING WOMEN SHOULD NOT USE THIS HERB. DONG QUAI-  Just as this traditional Chinese herb is useful for menopause, it can relieve the unpleasant symptoms of PMS.  It produces a balancing effect on estrogen activity and a tonic effect on the uterus.  It is great for PMS and menstrual cramps.  The herb also happens to be rich in vitamins A, B12, and E. JUNIPER-  Ass this herb to your list of diuretics.  It may come in handy for the bloating period.  To make a tea, place a tsp of bruised juniper berries in a cup of boiling water and steep for 15-20min.  Drink ONLY 2 cups a day. WARNING:  PREGNANT AND NURSING WOMEN SHOULD NOT USE THIS HERB. MOTHERWORT-  This is excellent for cramps, as well as the irritability and headaches associated with PMS.    Make a tea with 2 tsp of dried herb in a cup of boiling water and steep for 10min.  Or mix 10-15 drops of extract in warm liquid and drink 3xday. PARSLEY-Here’s a diuretic that will also leave you with fresh breath.  Mix 2 tsp of dried leaves in a cup of boiling water and steep for 15min.  Drink 3xday. WARNING:  PREGNANT AND NURSING WOMEN SHOULD NOT USE THIS HERB. RED RASPBERRY LEAVES-  This is an excellent anti-spasmodic that alleviates cramps.   One tsp steep 10 min in a cup of boiling water makes an excellent tea.  Drink one cup a day. THIS HERB IS GREAT FOR NURSING WOMEN. Also, not in this book, is Nettle Tea.  It is a equalizer.  It will equalize the amounts of progesterone and estrogen in your system, which, I believe, is a cause of PMS.  It will also equalize blood pressure.  I take the capsule, 2 capsule 2-3xday.  You can also drink the tea.  Steep 2 tsp to a cup of boiling water 10-15 min and drink 2-3xday. Hope you haven’t fallen asleep already.  I also hope this is useful. Take care, Phoenix — And she rose from the ashes of her past… http://people.delphi.com/sphynx/sfs/index.htm ICQ 24933714            xgrmpflmprxyzzz 87%dragon!  Fanatic When replying, "nospam" must be removed from this address.

Response:

Just a little bit to add if you dont mind. I work in a coed atmosphere. Instead of saying p.m.s or its that time, we say" the painters are coming" lookout!!!!! In Ojibway Fist nations,  that time is refereed to as  the "moon time" Dar – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Okay, the fellows and the ladies that don’t want to read a discussion about PMS, periods, symptoms, etc, might want to pick now to get out. Alright, you’ve been warned! Hi Liz. I didn’t realize until very recently that I HAD PMS.  I find that as I get older, the symptoms, which never bothered me when I was younger that I am aware of are getting worse and so is cramping which also didn’t bug me. Well, when I was younger, PMS was still supposedly ‘all in our heads’, so though I had cramping and a fair bit of pain and got quite emotional, I didn’t know it was PMS. After I had my kids, I had my tubes tied.  That’s when I noticed it started getting worse.  They couldn’t do one of those nice little laparoscopic surgeries, too many adhesions and too much scar tissue (which the doc already knew about and he and I both concluded it was likely from the abuse. It was there when I had surgery when I was 19).  So, probably, I ended up adding to the scar tissue and adhesions by having the surgery.  It was my choice, though.  I couldn’t take the pill, and didn’t want to have 10 kids in 11 years.  ;-) As I get older, it does, definitely, get worse.  Matter of fact, I’m calling the doctor today, to make an appointment, to talk to him about it. My problem is I don’t realize I am PMSing until well into it….and if anyone says anything to me along the lines of ‘getting ready to start your period’ I growl at them until they go away.  i feel kind of…I don’t know. Hopeless. My husband has gotten smart about it.  Now he just says to me, "By the way, what’s the date?"  When I ask why, he just says, "Oh, just wondering."  He knows I’ll catch on, and I’ll laugh, too.  He’s good about stuff like that. If I’m particularly angry and stuff, he just goes bowling alot.  hehehe.  I guess he learned something in 23 years. I find the emotional effects of PMS do seem to get worse, as I’ve gotten into my mid to late 30’s.  I get so angry, over such stupid stuff.  I cry easily, but that’s something I have done anyway, since I got in touch with my emotions.  Never used to do either, get angry or cry, at all.  PMS makes it worse. Also, starting about 3 or 4 years ago, I get cyclical migraines.  They are different than the other migraines, in that they are more intense, don’t respond as well to medication, and last for days. My periods are quite regular, so I have the advantage of knowing when it’s coming, and knowing I’m PMSing, when my emotions become difficult to deal with.  I do tend to isolate myself, during that time, somewhat.  I don’t like to be hurtful to others, even those I don’t like.  It makes me feel like I am out of control and they know it.  I don’t like others seeing that, feels like they know my weakness, you know?  So learning to identify when I’m PMSing, and stopping myself from acting out at that time, has become important for me. I AM trying the b complex vitamins and rose something or other that is supposed to help.  Also, to be real honest, a stiff drink does wonders. I take a ’stress tab’ type of multivitamin, I think they help somewhat. Also, I take zoloft, for depression, and I find that does have an effect on the hopelessness and the anger.  Have you ever tried an anti-depressant? They help for more than just depression.  Zoloft is the third one, I’ve been on.  I couldn’t take prozac, it made me sick.  Paxil had some nasty ’sexual dysfunction’ side effects, but zoloft has worked wonders for me. But yeah, sometimes, a stiff drink works wonders. Do you find it got worse with you as you got older? Yes, yes, yes!!!! Not only has the PMS become more intense, but I have a lot more cramping and pain.  The cyclical migraines didn’t start until I was in my mid-30s.  On top of that, my periods have gotten longer, heavier and more painful.  7-9 days is toooo long!!  Last few months my cycle has been shortening, too, from my usual 28 days, to 21.  That is not fun!!! ;-P That’s why I decided I had better see the doctor.  I have heard that can be a sign of being pre-menopausal. (I can only hope!!!) rosee Liz http://www.geocities.com/wellesley/7368 A closed mind gathers no thoughts. -Anonymous friend — For more information about this posting service, contact: If you want an anonymous account, visit our sign-up page: http://asarian-host.org/emailform.html

Response:

Hi rosee Yep I find as I get older the cramping gets worse and the flow is heavier, although I put some of that down to the fact that I am taking aspirin to thin my blood. I find that if I am having bad cramps that I am not so irritable and the times I am really irritable I am not in as much pain. Like you I hope I do not have much longer to go before they go away Ruth — Today, is the tomorrow, you worried about yesterday. Anonymous

| Okay, the fellows and the ladies that don’t want to read a discussion about | PMS, periods, symptoms, etc, might want to pick now to get out. | | Alright, you’ve been warned! | | | Hi Liz. |

| I didn’t realize until very recently that I HAD PMS.  I find that as I get | older, the symptoms, which never bothered me when I was younger that I am | aware | of are getting worse and so is cramping which also didn’t bug me. | | Well, when I was younger, PMS was still supposedly ‘all in our heads’, so | though I had cramping and a fair bit of pain and got quite emotional, I | didn’t know it was PMS. | | After I had my kids, I had my tubes tied.  That’s when I noticed it started | getting worse.  They couldn’t do one of those nice little laparoscopic | surgeries, too many adhesions and too much scar tissue (which the doc | already knew about and he and I both concluded it was likely from the abuse. | It was there when I had surgery when I was 19).  So, probably, I ended up | adding to the scar tissue and adhesions by having the surgery.  It was my | choice, though.  I couldn’t take the pill, and didn’t want to have 10 kids | in 11 years.  ;-) | | As I get older, it does, definitely, get worse.  Matter of fact, I’m calling | the doctor today, to make an appointment, to talk to him about it. | | | My problem is I don’t realize I am PMSing until well into it….and if | anyone | says anything to me along the lines of ‘getting ready to start your | period’ I | growl at them until they go away.  i feel kind of…I don’t know. | Hopeless. | | My husband has gotten smart about it.  Now he just says to me, "By the way, | what’s the date?"  When I ask why, he just says, "Oh, just wondering."  He | knows I’ll catch on, and I’ll laugh, too.  He’s good about stuff like that. | | If I’m particularly angry and stuff, he just goes bowling alot.  hehehe.  I | guess he learned something in 23 years. | | I find the emotional effects of PMS do seem to get worse, as I’ve gotten | into my mid to late 30’s.  I get so angry, over such stupid stuff.  I cry | easily, but that’s something I have done anyway, since I got in touch with | my emotions.  Never used to do either, get angry or cry, at all.  PMS makes | it worse. | | Also, starting about 3 or 4 years ago, I get cyclical migraines.  They are | different than the other migraines, in that they are more intense, don’t | respond as well to medication, and last for days. | | My periods are quite regular, so I have the advantage of knowing when it’s | coming, and knowing I’m PMSing, when my emotions become difficult to deal | with.  I do tend to isolate myself, during that time, somewhat.  I don’t | like to be hurtful to others, even those I don’t like.  It makes me feel | like I am out of control and they know it.  I don’t like others seeing that, | feels like they know my weakness, you know?  So learning to identify when | I’m PMSing, and stopping myself from acting out at that time, has become | important for me. | | | I AM trying the b complex vitamins and rose something or other that is | supposed | to help.  Also, to be real honest, a stiff drink does wonders. | | I take a ’stress tab’ type of multivitamin, I think they help somewhat. | Also, I take zoloft, for depression, and I find that does have an effect on | the hopelessness and the anger.  Have you ever tried an anti-depressant? | They help for more than just depression.  Zoloft is the third one, I’ve been | on.  I couldn’t take prozac, it made me sick.  Paxil had some nasty ’sexual | dysfunction’ side effects, but zoloft has worked wonders for me. | | But yeah, sometimes, a stiff drink works wonders. | | | Do you find it got worse with you as you got older? | | Yes, yes, yes!!!! | | Not only has the PMS become more intense, but I have a lot more cramping and | pain.  The cyclical migraines didn’t start until I was in my mid-30s.  On | top of that, my periods have gotten longer, heavier and more painful.  7-9 | days is toooo long!!  Last few months my cycle has been shortening, too, | from my usual 28 days, to 21.  That is not fun!!! ;-P | | That’s why I decided I had better see the doctor.  I have heard that can be | a sign of being pre-menopausal. (I can only hope!!!) | | rosee | | | | | Liz | http://www.geocities.com/wellesley/7368 | A closed mind gathers no thoughts. -Anonymous friend | | | | | | — | For more information about this posting service, contact: | administrator | | If you want an anonymous account, visit our sign-up page: | | http://asarian-host.org/emailform.html

Response:

hehe rosee, i’m sure the guys appreciated the warning i just had my first PMS 2 weeks ago. (and i’m 32!!) all those years that i had PCOS undiagnosed, and before that even, never had a "normal" period. (never had enough estrogen.) i thought i was just blessed! 3 days light spotting, no cramps, came around every 6 to 9 weeks, sometimes longer. then my endocrinologist and gyn. started me on BC pills, ones with a "high estrogen producing effect." at first all i had was that breakthrough bleeding, then spotting, but no periods. then 2 weeks ago … i had a period! and i got all bloated up, i whined and cried for 2 days, and i had the nastiest bouts of cramps. YECCCCH!! first thing i said when i saw the endocrinologist last week was "thanks a LOT! PPPP~~~" he laughed, he said most of his patients say the same thing, hehe. at least i don’t get angry or bitchy *knock wood* just cry a lot. well, if this makes me fertile in the long run, i guess it’s worth it. ironic that i have to be on birth control for a year, to become fertile. but i gotta say, there are benefits to androgen and testosterone except for leg shaving, that was a real bitch. my leg and arm hair has gotten much lighter and very fine, the dr. says that’s how they can follow my hormonal progress. so, i shave less, i bleed more peace and laughter, karmagrrl

Response:

I can identify with you PMS problems.  As I told Liz, if anyone wants some herbal remedies for PMS I’ll do my best to email em to you, or post them if no one minds.  I had found (when I was having periods) that these worked for me, in varying degrees, and it shouldn’t hurt to try them.  Let me know if you want to take me up on the offer. LIZ! (IF you are reading this) If I missed a post from you saying you would like to try it, I apologize, just email me the request again, please.  I am still having ISP problems. Take care, Phoenix – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Okay, the fellows and the ladies that don’t want to read a discussion about PMS, periods, symptoms, etc, might want to pick now to get out. Alright, you’ve been warned! Hi Liz. I didn’t realize until very recently that I HAD PMS.  I find that as I get older, the symptoms, which never bothered me when I was younger that I am aware of are getting worse and so is cramping which also didn’t bug me. Well, when I was younger, PMS was still supposedly ‘all in our heads’, so though I had cramping and a fair bit of pain and got quite emotional, I didn’t know it was PMS. After I had my kids, I had my tubes tied.  That’s when I noticed it started getting worse.  They couldn’t do one of those nice little laparoscopic surgeries, too many adhesions and too much scar tissue (which the doc already knew about and he and I both concluded it was likely from the abuse. It was there when I had surgery when I was 19).  So, probably, I ended up adding to the scar tissue and adhesions by having the surgery.  It was my choice, though.  I couldn’t take the pill, and didn’t want to have 10 kids in 11 years.  ;-) As I get older, it does, definitely, get worse.  Matter of fact, I’m calling the doctor today, to make an appointment, to talk to him about it. My problem is I don’t realize I am PMSing until well into it….and if anyone says anything to me along the lines of ‘getting ready to start your period’ I growl at them until they go away.  i feel kind of…I don’t know. Hopeless. My husband has gotten smart about it.  Now he just says to me, "By the way, what’s the date?"  When I ask why, he just says, "Oh, just wondering."  He knows I’ll catch on, and I’ll laugh, too.  He’s good about stuff like that. If I’m particularly angry and stuff, he just goes bowling alot.  hehehe.  I guess he learned something in 23 years. I find the emotional effects of PMS do seem to get worse, as I’ve gotten into my mid to late 30’s.  I get so angry, over such stupid stuff.  I cry easily, but that’s something I have done anyway, since I got in touch with my emotions.  Never used to do either, get angry or cry, at all.  PMS makes it worse. Also, starting about 3 or 4 years ago, I get cyclical migraines.  They are different than the other migraines, in that they are more intense, don’t respond as well to medication, and last for days. My periods are quite regular, so I have the advantage of knowing when it’s coming, and knowing I’m PMSing, when my emotions become difficult to deal with.  I do tend to isolate myself, during that time, somewhat.  I don’t like to be hurtful to others, even those I don’t like.  It makes me feel like I am out of control and they know it.  I don’t like others seeing that, feels like they know my weakness, you know?  So learning to identify when I’m PMSing, and stopping myself from acting out at that time, has become important for me. I AM trying the b complex vitamins and rose something or other that is supposed to help.  Also, to be real honest, a stiff drink does wonders. I take a ’stress tab’ type of multivitamin, I think they help somewhat. Also, I take zoloft, for depression, and I find that does have an effect on the hopelessness and the anger.  Have you ever tried an anti-depressant? They help for more than just depression.  Zoloft is the third one, I’ve been on.  I couldn’t take prozac, it made me sick.  Paxil had some nasty ’sexual dysfunction’ side effects, but zoloft has worked wonders for me. But yeah, sometimes, a stiff drink works wonders. Do you find it got worse with you as you got older? Yes, yes, yes!!!! Not only has the PMS become more intense, but I have a lot more cramping and pain.  The cyclical migraines didn’t start until I was in my mid-30s.  On top of that, my periods have gotten longer, heavier and more painful.  7-9 days is toooo long!!  Last few months my cycle has been shortening, too, from my usual 28 days, to 21.  That is not fun!!! ;-P That’s why I decided I had better see the doctor.  I have heard that can be a sign of being pre-menopausal. (I can only hope!!!) rosee Liz http://www.geocities.com/wellesley/7368 A closed mind gathers no thoughts. -Anonymous friend — For more information about this posting service, contact: If you want an anonymous account, visit our sign-up page: http://asarian-host.org/emailform.html

– And she rose from the ashes of her past… http://people.delphi.com/sphynx/sfs/index.htm ICQ 24933714            xgrmpflmprxyzzz 87%dragon!  Fanatic When replying, "nospam" must be removed from this address.

Response:

Question:

the other day we ran out of zoloft and dint have the money on hand to refill the prescription. (that’s how broke we are..only a $5 co-pay and dint have it!) anyway..noticed last night that head is spinning alittle and feeling kinda dizzy. vision blurring alittle off and on. does anybody know if there is a withdrawal from this stuff? can’t tell if we are feeling this wierd physical stuff cuz of internal stuff (int*gr*t*on, not complete at this time, just a partial thing), new stuff coming up, or cuz of the lack of zoloft in the system. was taking 100 mg. a day.  wonder if we should get a refill now or ride this out or what.  prolly could call dr. but doctor doesn’t know about the other stuff and we are not about to tell him <g. would it be harmful to be off this junk (as former addict, the dr. *official* drugs do not impress me, sorry to say!) and then start up again. just wondering if anybody knows. thanks, jayc p.s.  any other former addicts/DID have trouble telling if an antidepressant *works*?  i am always clueless when questioned.  in my mind, it doesn’t buzz me.. so i think "nope".  but, body is feeling odd now, so who knows.  maybe was doing something, just dint recognize it cuz of no buzz?  (sigh) dr.’s drugs confuse me.  too bad they won’t let me take the ones that i like. (fantasy…dr. perscribed marijauna. oh, heaven. i know, i know..it’ll never happen.) — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

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posted and e-mailed   I’m sorry that you are feeling disoriented. FWIW, taking Zoloft does that to me. I looked up Zoloft in a prescription drug guide. It says that you shouldn’t experience any withdrawal effects even if you suddenly stop taking it bc it’s eliminated from the body very slowly. But you should call your MD if you quit taking the drug for any reason. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – the other day we ran out of zoloft and dint have the money on hand to refill the prescription. (that’s how broke we are..only a $5 co-pay and dint have it!) anyway..noticed last night that head is spinning alittle and feeling kinda dizzy. vision blurring alittle off and on. does anybody know if there is a withdrawal from this stuff? can’t tell if we are feeling this wierd physical stuff cuz of internal stuff (int*gr*t*on, not complete at this time, just a partial thing), new stuff coming up, or cuz of the lack of zoloft in the system. was taking 100 mg. a day.  wonder if we should get a refill now or ride this out or what.  prolly could call dr. but doctor doesn’t know about the other stuff and we are not about to tell him <g. would it be harmful to be off this junk (as former addict, the dr. *official* drugs do not impress me, sorry to say!) and then start up again. just wondering if anybody knows. thanks, jayc p.s.  any other former addicts/DID have trouble telling if an antidepressant *works*?  i am always clueless when questioned.  in my mind, it doesn’t buzz me.. so i think "nope".

I got the "Zoloft buzz" almost immediately when I took it. According to my friend (the walking pharmacy), it’s a common reaction. However, I get a better buzz from a good cup of coffee.  The coffee tastes better and is cheaper, too. But my MD wouldn’t prescribe my favorite local (very strong) brand.  ):   jayc: but, body is feeling odd now, so who knows.  maybe was doing something, just dint recognize it cuz of no buzz?  (sigh) dr.’s drugs confuse me.  too bad they won’t let me take the ones that i like. (fantasy…dr. perscribed marijauna. oh, heaven. i know, i know..it’ll never happen.)

You could move to California, although Bill & Co. seem to have made it difficult for MDs to prescribe it now. There are local places that still sell it at cost if you have a doctor’s prescription, though. (: If you can afford it, I think you should get your prescription refilled (you can use some of the money you’re saving on therapy now that you have good insurance!) and see if it helps. It will probably take a few weeks to tell. If it helps you, keep taking it. If it doesn’t, stop taking it. Just my 2 cents. (And if you get enough of them, you’ll have your $5 <g.) I don’t think there’s any medical danger in going on and off Zoloft, but bc it takes a while to be effective, it’s probably not a good way to take it. Good luck, jayc.  e — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

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hi…just to add that i can’t even miss a day of Zoloft without getting side effects(from withdrawal).  I get the dizzy, spinny feelings. Which is what i got going onto it.  Even if i take it a half-day or quarter day late, i get slight side effects. which is a real pain, since my schedule is so irregular, that i often don’t take it exactly the same time each day.  so, e, i don’t doubt that the guide says this, but it hasn’t been my experience…and i was told that one shoiuldn’t go off any anti-depressant ‘cold turkey’ because of possible side effects and a possible ‘boomerang’ into depression. mouse – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -posted and e-mailed   I’m sorry that you are feeling disoriented. FWIW, taking Zoloft does that to me. I looked up Zoloft in a prescription drug guide. It says that you shouldn’t experience any withdrawal effects even if you suddenly stop taking it bc it’s eliminated from the body very slowly. But you should call your MD if you quit taking the drug for any reason. the other day we ran out of zoloft and dint have the money on hand to refill the prescription. (that’s how broke we are..only a $5 co-pay and dint have it!) anyway..noticed last night that head is spinning alittle and feeling kinda dizzy. vision blurring alittle off and on. does anybody know if there is a withdrawal from this stuff? can’t tell if we are feeling this wierd physical stuff cuz of internal stuff (int*gr*t*on, not complete at this time, just a partial thing), new stuff coming up, or cuz of the lack of zoloft in the system. was taking 100 mg. a day.  wonder if we should get a refill now or ride this out or what.  prolly could call dr. but doctor doesn’t know about the other stuff and we are not about to tell him <g. would it be harmful to be off this junk (as former addict, the dr. *official* drugs do not impress me, sorry to say!) and then start up again. just wondering if anybody knows. thanks, jayc p.s.  any other former addicts/DID have trouble telling if an antidepressant *works*?  i am always clueless when questioned.  in my mind, it doesn’t buzz me.. so i think "nope". I got the "Zoloft buzz" almost immediately when I took it. According to my friend (the walking pharmacy), it’s a common reaction. However, I get a better buzz from a good cup of coffee.  The coffee tastes better and is cheaper, too. But my MD wouldn’t prescribe my favorite local (very strong) brand.  ):   jayc: but, body is feeling odd now, so who knows.  maybe was doing something, just dint recognize it cuz of no buzz?  (sigh) dr.’s drugs confuse me.  too bad they won’t let me take the ones that i like. (fantasy…dr. perscribed marijauna. oh, heaven. i know, i know..it’ll never happen.) You could move to California, although Bill & Co. seem to have made it difficult for MDs to prescribe it now. There are local places that still sell it at cost if you have a doctor’s prescription, though. (: If you can afford it, I think you should get your prescription refilled (you can use some of the money you’re saving on therapy now that you have good insurance!) and see if it helps. It will probably take a few weeks to tell. If it helps you, keep taking it. If it doesn’t, stop taking it. Just my 2 cents. (And if you get enough of them, you’ll have your $5 <g.) I don’t think there’s any medical danger in going on and off Zoloft, but bc it takes a while to be effective, it’s probably not a good way to take it. Good luck, jayc.  e — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

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the other day we ran out of zoloft and dint have the money on hand to refill the prescription. (that’s how broke we are..only a $5 co-pay and dint have it!) anyway..noticed last night that head is spinning alittle and feeling kinda dizzy. vision blurring alittle off and on. does anybody know if there is a withdrawal from this stuff?

I didnt feel this when I stopped taking this and I was on 200 mg at the time ( alittle high but they kept upping it cuz it didnt work switched to wellbutrin) can’t tell if we are feeling this wierd physical stuff cuz of internal stuff (int*gr*t*on, not complete at this time, just a partial thing), new stuff coming up, or cuz of the lack of zoloft in the system. was taking 100 mg. a day.  wonder if we should get a refill now or ride this out or what.  prolly could call dr. but doctor doesn’t know about the other stuff and we are not about to tell him <g.

Its important to stay on your antidepressant cuz you can crash and burn if your body still needs it. I went into a nose dive 4 or 5 months ago when I couldnt afford my med (Its $60 a pop -my insur pays only 1/2) and I hit the floor about 1 week later. So you might want to see if you could get the refill or at least ask your doctor. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – would it be harmful to be off this junk (as former addict, the dr. *official* drugs do not impress me, sorry to say!) and then start up again. just wondering if anybody knows. thanks, jayc p.s.  any other former addicts/DID have trouble telling if an antidepressant *works*?  i am always clueless when questioned.  in my mind, it doesn’t buzz me.. so i think "nope".  but, body is feeling odd now, so who knows.  maybe was doing something, just dint recognize it cuz of no buzz?  (sigh) dr.’s drugs confuse me.  too bad they won’t let me take the ones that i like. (fantasy…dr. perscribed marijauna. oh, heaven. i know, i know..it’ll never happen.)

Sometimes its not the past drugs but with DID often it works for one alter and not another! dang! Good luck and I hope it works out. Adult C Federation of C – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

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Monique,         Yes, you could be experiencing withdrawal from the drug.  I believe it is because the drugs changes your chemistry gradually as you went on it.  A friend of mine stopped taking Zolof and had the same reaction.  It is best to go off these drugs _very slowly_ so as not to bet the side effects.           You may want to ask your physician’s office if they have "samples" which they supply to their clients who are having trouble paying for the drug.  Many places do give the samples to their clients who do not have the ability to pay. Also your pharmacist should be able fill a partical perscription.             I don’t think you would find that an antidepressent would give you a "buzz", maybe in the past they did but things like Zolof probably wouldn’t make you feel that way.  (Maybe unless you are going off them too fast   Good Luck – Noel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – the other day we ran out of zoloft and dint have the money on hand to refill the prescription. (that’s how broke we are..only a $5 co-pay and dint have it!) anyway..noticed last night that head is spinning alittle and feeling kinda dizzy. vision blurring alittle off and on. does anybody know if there is a withdrawal from this stuff?

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