Question:

Can Azmacort cause swelling ankles?  I get at least 40 minutes of exercise a day so it is not inactivity (plus a toddler).

Response:

Can Azmacort cause swelling ankles?  I get at least 40 minutes of exercise a day so it is not inactivity (plus a toddler).

I had a swollen face (moon face) from using High Dose Azmacort for 3 months; so I would think it might be responsible; any such effect is dose dependent and time dependent. Azmacort seems to have more severe side effects than other steroid inhalers; also it’s singled out as the steroid inhaler for pregnant women to avoid, in an article at the JAMA asthma site. So it would be worth trying switching to another steroid inhaler. I find that Vanceril DS doesn’t cause this problem for me. Even better would be the new generation steroid inhalers, Flovent and Pulmicort. There are other things that can cause swollen ankles. Ellis

Response:

Can Azmacort cause swelling ankles?  I get at least 40 minutes of exercise a day so it is not inactivity (plus a toddler).

My son has ankle and other joint pain whenever he is on steroids.  The higher the dose, the more intense the symptoms Hulahoops

Response:

Can Azmacort cause swelling ankles?  I get at least 40 minutes of exercise a day so it is not inactivity (plus a toddler).

You would be wise to check with your doctor.  I don’t mean to alarm you, but swollen ankles and shortness of breath are symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure. It would be a good idea to have this ruled out.

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Question:

I rinse with 1/2 peroxide and water this doesn’t cure the thrush but it will get rid of the symptoms. The best thing is to use Nystatin to get rid of the thrush forever! Thrush makes my asthma worse. Take Care Pam

Response:

I rinse with 1/2 peroxide and water this doesn’t cure the thrush but it will get rid of the symptoms. The best thing is to use Nystatin to get rid of the thrush forever! Thrush makes my asthma worse. Take Care Pam

If I’ve got the symptoms, I use an anti-fungal mouthwash such as Oraldene (Hexetidene) or Betadine (Povidone Iodine) for more serious cases. If I act quickly, these usually sort it out, so I haven’t had to resort to Nystatin/Diflucan etc. Chris — Chris King                    | Information provided here should NOT be used http://www.csking.demon.co.uk | practitioner.

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I know thrush can be a side effect of inhaled steroids, but can it trigger asthma as well.  I think I have a little right now and it seems as if my inhalers aren’t doing much. Also, is there any over-the-counter treatment for thrush?  In the past, my pulmonologist was so upset that I would get some thrush while using a spacer and rinsing after Flovent that he wanted to take me off Flovent (220, 2 puffs BID).  His reaction seemed a little severe to me, so sure would like to try to deal with this without involving him.   Thanks. Susan — Bob LeBailly Northwestern University

Response:

Gentian Violet.  You have to ask for it but it is OTC. Kavelina – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know thrush can be a side effect of inhaled steroids, but can it trigger asthma as well.  I think I have a little right now and it seems as if my inhalers aren’t doing much. Also, is there any over-the-counter treatment for thrush?  In the past, my pulmonologist was so upset that I would get some thrush while using a spacer and rinsing after Flovent that he wanted to take me off Flovent (220, 2 puffs BID).  His reaction seemed a little severe to me, so sure would like to try to deal with this without involving him. Thanks. Susan — Bob LeBailly Northwestern University

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Question:

I don’t know much about what melatonin would do, or have any authority in the medical area at all. This is widely hyped as a ‘natural’ sleep aid. A good write up on it can be found at:

http://www.hcrc.org/cgi-bin/mfs.cgi/20/web/u7/www11417/www/contrib/ac… cles/melaton.html I use melatonin once in a while.  If I’m having trouble sleeping I much prefer a combination of valerian, skullcap and passion flower.  You can’t take valerian every night though, so I only add that if I really need it or at a maximum of 3 nights a week.  You can take everyday the first week you use it or if you do not use it often (IOW if a break of several weeks occurs between usages) but don’t take it every day for longer than a week. Valerian is also a natural muscle relaxant.  If it were me, I’d use it every night for 7 nights and then 3 times a week thereafter if I had chronic muscle cramps.  It works quite well and you should find that you don’t actually need it every night after the first go.   Skullcap and passionflower can be used more often.  Skullcap is a lovely soothing herb that helps the nervous system as well as helping with sleep. I prefer to use melatonin only when traveling internationally or across several time zones.   Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body but the amount the body produces decreases with age. I have not found it to react with my asthma medications which include Flovent, Serevent, Singulair and Albuterol.   Loki

Response:

He’s probably thinking of Levbid – used for colonic spasm and such.

Response:

Ellis; thank you for your reply, I looked up some of the reactions of drugs I took, CECLOR,ASMACORT, PREDNISONE,AEROBID,VANCANASE, MEDROL, DELTASONE. HISMANOL, AND INTAL(THIS ONE JUST LOST ANY HELP AFTER OVER A YEAR ON IT.  hives, 43#  rapid gain wt. headaches and abdominal cramps, and fluid accumclations in large amounts.  the preventil-albuterol and the intal, accolate,  was good, the singular switch seemed o.k.     I also have tried over and over to use the flo-meter and can never get it over 140 course I havent blown up a bloon since I was a kid.     Because this doctor  is good enough to see me after I challenged the other one I am afraid to make waves     again thanks for the concern i will read the other comments as they help my attitude, glad i was older before I got this problem, really can’t complain as I had a good life. MRS ehoward

Response:

I don’t know much about what melatonin would do, or have any authority in the medical area at all.

This is widely hyped as a ‘natural’ sleep aid. A good write up on it can be found at: http://www.hcrc.org/cgi-bin/mfs.cgi/20/web/u7/www11417/www/contrib/ac…

Response:

For two years I took melatonin every day , I have asthma and was taking abuterol,x2 puffs, 4times a day and at night taking singular before bed. about three months ago I had over twenty attacts of sever muscular cramps in my rt. upper quadrant, so severe I was in tears.  My dr. put me on LIVBID and it corrected  the pain quickly, the day I started livbid i quit the melatonin.(took it to help sleep and my hair grew longer than ever in my whole life)  Now if I go off the livbid my pain returns in my right Quadrant  This pain has been an off again on again problem with me four or more years before I was diagnosed with asthma, say about 14 years and I have been through the standard upper, lower, etc  type exaimes.

Re: Pain in upper right quadrant; could be liver problems. There is a warning on Accolate (similar to Singulair) to notify doctor if this happens; liver function tests may be needed. Re: Singulair; this is a new drug that helps about 2/3 astmatics who take it. If it doesn’t help it shouldn’t be continued. Sometimes a smaller dose is prescribed; the 5 mg (child’s dose) instead of 10 mg adult dose. Older adults metabolize the drug more slowly. Re: albuterol 2 pf x4. New asthma guidelines indicate if you need more than 1 pf/day, inhaled steroids should be added or increased. You didn’t mention taking any inhaled steroids (Vanceril, Azmacort, Pulmicort, Flovent, Aerobid). These are the main treatment drugs for asthma. Another drug to try in your case is Atrovent inhaler. It’s also available as Combivent, a combination of Atrovent and albuterol. Re: LIVBID  I think you must have the name wrong. It isn’t listed in drug books and a web search came up with nothing. Re: melatonin–Here’s a link: http://209.67.220.19/mayo/9708/htm/melaton.htm Melatonin http://209.67.220.19/mayo/9708/htm/mela_1sb.htm side effects Re: leg cramps–you could have a potassium deficiency from the albuterol or other drugs. Be sure to eat lots of bananas and drink orange juice; and eat other fruits and vegetables. I would recommend reading up on asthma. A couple of good books are The Asthma Sourcebook by Francis Adams, MD  A new edition just came out. Dr. Adams is a pulmonologist specializing in asthma. Another good book by the same author is The Breathing Disorders Sourcebook. Both can be ordered at your bookstore or available at amazon.com online. By understanding asthma better, you can tell whether your doctor is treating it effectively. If you aren’t on a steroid inhaler, I would want to know why not. (Pulmicort or Flovent best) You might benefit from a 2nd opinion from a major asthma clinic or teaching hospital. Ellis   My asthma is chemically induced  and the list of – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – chemicals is extremely long, plus other sources such as burning wood  in chimneys, dyes and so on.  I also have leg cramps and foot cramps after    seven years of asthma treatments and many reactions to drugs I thought the singular was my answer now I am mixed up after reading all your post.   I cannot sleep as well as i did when I took the melatonin, I cannot find out why the pain returns within 24 hrs of the stopping of livbid and I get no better socially as i have not been to a show in a decade, every time i try to go too church I am run over with cough drops and embarrased  I can not shop at a mall and am slowly becoming a house prisoner and it makes me dam mad that I have spent so much money and taken so dam many pills and now I  seem worst than before,  the last time I changed drs. I got a misss diagnosis as he read the X-ray report wrong and then when I called him on it he reused totreat me futher which I then went to a pulmonary spec, who i follow  as well as I can every afford, am 65 yrs old  what would you do next??//.

Response:

For two years I took melatonin every day , I have asthma and was taking abuterol,x2 puffs, 4times a day and at night taking singular before bed. about three months ago I had over twenty attacts of sever muscular cramps in my rt. upper quadrant, so severe I was in tears.  My dr. put me on LIVBID and it corrected  the pain quickly, the day I started livbid i quit the melatonin.(took it to help sleep and my hair grew longer than ever in my whole life)  Now if I go off the livbid my pain returns in my right Quadrant  This pain has been an off again on again problem with me four or more years before I was diagnosed with asthma, say about 14 years and I have been through the standard upper, lower, etc  type exaimes.   My asthma is chemically induced  and the list of chemicals is extremely long, plus other sources such as burning wood  in chimneys, dyes and so on.  I also have leg cramps and foot cramps after    seven years of asthma treatments and many reactions to drugs I thought the singular was my answer now I am mixed up after reading all your post.   I cannot sleep as well as i did when I took the melatonin, I cannot find out why the pain returns within 24 hrs of the stopping of livbid and I get no better socially as i have not been to a show in a decade, every time i try to go too church I am run over with cough drops and embarrased  I can not shop at a mall and am slowly becoming a house prisoner and it makes me dam mad that I have spent so much money and taken so dam many pills and now I  seem worst than before,  the last time I changed drs. I got a misss diagnosis as he read the X-ray report wrong and then when I called him on it he reused totreat me futher which I then went to a pulmonary spec, who i follow  as well as I can every afford, am 65 yrs old  what would you do next??//.

Response:

: wrong and then when I called him on it he reused totreat me futher which : I then went to a pulmonary spec, who i follow  as well as I can every : afford, am 65 yrs old  what would you do next??//. I have heard of a saline spray for blocked throat in glandular fever. Also the lungs are high in sodium compared to other body tissues. Cramp can be a result of too little salt. Have you changed your diet apart from melatonin? Perhaps salt helps to slow the heart, a little, too, maybe if it is with some potassiium chloride, too, and helps sleep. That would be if your kidneys are not hanging on to salt because of lack of the hormone aldosterone. Or perhaps if you take diuretic. Sometimes you are told you should not reduce salt intake when on certain diuretics. The sodium/potassium balance deserves care, also when experimenting. I don’t know much about what melatonin would do, or have any authority in the medical area at all. Dodo Dolphin

Response:

Question:

I had major side effects with Zoloft. I’m now using Welbutrin and things are better for me.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you read Jonathans post dated 5/25/02 ("Hear me out.") you will have a good idea of what I’ve experienced. Right now my doctor is putting me on Wellbutrin and slowly off of Zoloft. But it is in all probability too late to reverse any adverse side effects. What choice do I have, I would rather be how I am than miserable with depression. I know that I wouldn’t have been able to hold a job and get to where I am without the medication. I am close to 50 years old, and in my present job occupation for 15 years which is the same time I’ve been on Zoloft. Before that I was never able to hold a job for longer than 18 months. Very hard to deal with and raise a family that way. With my present troubles (feeling like the medication isn’t working as effectively as before and new stresses at work) I feel very vulnerable. So far I’ve seen some improvement with the combo of Zoloft and Wellbutrin. I’ve been on 100mg of Zoloft for 15 years. Just be glad that is the only problem you are having. If you don’t mind me asking, what long-term and short-term side-effects ahve you experienced? — Regards, .

Response:

I’ve been on 100mg of Zoloft for 15 years. Just be glad that is the only problem you are having.

If you don’t mind me asking, what long-term and short-term side-effects ahve you experienced? — Regards, .

Response:

If you read Jonathans post dated 5/25/02 ("Hear me out.") you will have a good idea of what I’ve experienced. Right now my doctor is putting me on Wellbutrin and slowly off of Zoloft. But it is in all probability too late to reverse any adverse side effects. What choice do I have, I would rather be how I am than miserable with depression. I know that I wouldn’t have been able to hold a job and get to where I am without the medication. I am close to 50 years old, and in my present job occupation for 15 years which is the same time I’ve been on Zoloft. Before that I was never able to hold a job for longer than 18 months. Very hard to deal with and raise a family that way. With my present troubles (feeling like the medication isn’t working as effectively as before and new stresses at work) I feel very vulnerable. So far I’ve seen some improvement with the combo of Zoloft and Wellbutrin.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been on 100mg of Zoloft for 15 years. Just be glad that is the only problem you are having. If you don’t mind me asking, what long-term and short-term side-effects ahve you experienced? — Regards, .

Response:

I’m taking 200mg per day for 1 yr now.  I’ve noticed that my hands are

shaky and sometimes my arms twitch while in bed.  Is this a normal side-effect of Zoloft?  Anyone else having symptoms like this? I’ve been on 100mg of Zoloft for 15 years. Just be glad that is the only problem you are having.

Response:

For a more serious respone – yes.  My friend is on Zoloft and started having shakiness.  Since she’s on many different drugs we did an extensive search on the web and narrowed down the cause to the Zoloft.  So I yes – it can cause the symptoms you’re having. -Jessica

I’m taking 200mg per day for 1 yr now.  I’ve noticed that my hands are

shaky and sometimes my arms twitch while in bed.  Is this a normal side-effect of Zoloft?  Anyone else having symptoms like this? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Don’t take Zoloft if you have a dog!!!!!

hehe The Dangers of Bread A recent Cincinnati Enquirer headline read, "Smell of baked bread may be health hazard." The article went on to describe the dangers of the smell of baking bread. The main danger, apparently, is that the organic components of this aroma may break down ozone (I’m not making this stuff up). I was horrified. When are we going to do something about bread- induced global warming? Sure, we attack tobacco companies, but when is the government going to go after Big Bread? Well, I’ve done a little research, and what I’ve discovered should make anyone think twice…. More than 98 percent of convicted felons are bread eaters. Fully HALF of all children who grow up in bread-consuming households score below average on standardized tests. In the 18th century, when virtually all bread was baked in the home, the average life expectancy was less than 50 years; infant mortality rates were unacceptably high; many women died in childbirth; and diseases such as typhoid, yellow fever and influenza ravaged whole nations. More than 90 percent of violent crimes are committed within 24 hours of eating bread. Bread is made from a substance called "dough." It has been proven that as little as one pound of dough can be used to suffocate a mouse. The average American eats more bread than that in one month! Primitive tribal societies that have no bread exhibit a low occurrence of cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and osteoporosis. Bread has been proven to be addictive. Subjects deprived of bread and given only water to eat begged for bread after only two days. Bread is often a "gateway" food item, leading the user to "harder" items such as butter, jelly, peanut butter and even cold cuts. Bread has been proven to absorb water. Since the human body is more than 90 percent water, it follows that eating bread could lead to your body being taken over by this absorptive food product, turning you into a soggy, gooey bread-pudding person. Newborn babies can choke on bread. Bread is baked at temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit! That kind of heat can kill an adult in less than one minute. Most American bread eaters are utterly unable to distinguish between significant scientific fact and meaningless statistical babbling. In light of these frightening statistics, we propose the following bread restrictions: No sale of bread to minors. No advertising of bread within 1000 feet of a school. A 300 percent federal tax on all bread to pay for all the societal ills we might associate with bread. No animal or human images, nor any primary colors (which may appeal to children) may be used to promote bread usage. A $4.2 zillion fine on the three biggest bread manufacturers. Please send this e-mail on to everyone you know who cares about this crucial issue. — Regards, .

Response:

I’m taking 200mg per day for 1 yr now.  I’ve noticed that my hands are shaky and sometimes my arms twitch while in bed.  Is this a normal side-effect of Zoloft?  Anyone else having symptoms like this?

Response:

I’m taking 200mg per day for 1 yr now.   I’ve noticed that my hands are shaky and sometimes my arms twitch while in bed.   Is this a normal side-effect of Zoloft?   Anyone else having symptoms like this?

normal. — Regards, .

Response:

I’m taking 200mg per day for 1 yr now.  I’ve noticed that my hands are shaky and sometimes my arms twitch while in bed.  Is this a normal side-effect of Zoloft? Anyone else having symptoms like this?

You’re lucky those are the only symptoms you have.  Zoloft has been known to make people go on shooting sprees (Phil Hartman’s wife).

Response:

You’re lucky those are the only symptoms you have.  Zoloft has been known to make people go on shooting sprees (Phil Hartman’s wife).

What a load of shit. — Regards, .

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i have to agree they all tell me that zoloft isn’t addicting either, but screw them all i go off it for 2 days and then have to start it again they say hardly any of the newer drugs are addicting, well i say, that they should try them themselves and then they will see Zoloft Withdrawal–The Darkest Period of my Life Antidepressants  "I had all the classic symptoms of a junkie coming off of heroine."

Well, in my experience, if you taper off of the drug, much the same as you slowly build up to a dose perscribed by your pdoc, you will experience less side effects.  The reason why it seems like you are addicted is because your nervous system has become dependant on the drug, and if you were to just stop it, you will experience severe side effects for several months afterwards, which happened to me a few years ago.  However, it’s not anywhere near as severe of an *addiction* as heroine or alcohol. Frost

Response:

i have to agree they all tell me that zoloft isn’t addicting either, but screw them all i go off it for 2 days and then have to start it again they say hardly any of the newer drugs are addicting, well i say, that they should try them themselves and then they will see

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Zoloft Withdrawal–The Darkest Period of my Life Antidepressants  "I had all the classic symptoms of a junkie coming off of heroine." My name is Virginia and I just finished seeing a segment on 2020 regarding withdrawal symptoms after getting off of an antidepressant. THANK GOD!!! There are other people out there that have experienced the same symptoms I have experienced! Every doctor in the past, (3), I have told about my withdrawal symptoms have told me that it’s not possible or that they’ve never heard of anyone having these

symptoms months after – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – attempting to get off Zoloft. I even got very upset at one of the doctor’s and told him that the symptoms I was experiencing were "real" and that I was not crazy! To make a long story short– The six months I was off the Zoloft was the darkest period of my life. I had all the classic symptoms of a junkie coming off of heroine. For three weeks straight, I had dry heaves, nausea, dizziness, panic attacks so severe I thought I was having a heart attack, cold sweats, a weird sound in my head, like breaking glass every time I’d blink my eyes, the disconnection of your brains ability to catch up with your vision when you look sharply to the left or right (almost like the old slide projectors that take a second and then click to the next picture), severe paranoia, and continual suicidal thoughts. If it were not for my husband taking time of from work to watch over me, I would not be here today! Unfortunately, I lost my job, and ended up having to get back on the Zoloft in order to live a so-called "normal life". And I can honestly say, it was like a miracle how quickly my nausea and dry heaves went away. I only wish that the first doctor I saw would have informed me about the possibility of becoming addicted to this drug, and given me the choice of alternative treatment or a life long commitment to Zoloft. Now the only symptoms I have are dry mouth and a stiff jaw…Oh, and paranoia about ever losing my health insurance. Virginia — Psychiatry is to Science as Astrology is to Astronomy

Response:

Question:

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) works great for me (a formerly rapid cycling bi polar).

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – http://www.mhsanctuary.com/bipolar/network.htm (The Below Bipolar Disorder Research Comes From Bipolar Network News & Various Other Resources) "(The BNN is published four times a year by an international group of investigators working with patients with bipolar disorder to better understand the long-term course and treatment of the illness. The goal of the Network is to help develop new and more effective treatments for bipolar disorder. http://www.bipolarnetwork.org, email: Genetics 378 genetic markers were examined and a linkage was found "between bipolar illness vulnerability and loci on chromosomes 15q14 and 7q11. Lithium Lithium: The literature was reviewed of patients taking lithium long term to patients that discontinued it. "Suicidal acts rose 22-fold, and fatalities increased 14-fold, within the first year after discontinuing the lithium." There are increased cases of goiter in 100 patients taking lithium that was related to dose and duration. This was prevented by thyroxine. Bipolar Disord 1999 Sep;1(1):5-10 Perspectives on lithium treatment of bipolar disorder: action, efficacy, effect on suicidal behavior. Schou M. The Psychiatric Hospital, Risskov, Denmark In bipolar disorder the choice of prophylactic drug must be based on a weighing of efficacy against tolerability, interactions, ease of management, use during pregnancy and lactation, and expense. Lithium should be the preferred prophylactic drug in patients with typical bipolar disorder and in patients who are at high risk of committing suicide, that is, patients with severe depressions or depressions combined with persistent suicidal ideas or with suicide attempts in the past. Antidepressants Mood stabilizers taken with newer (second generation) antidepressants induce mania less than older antidepressants – tricyclics and MAOI. Bupropion (Wellbutrin), sertraline (Zoloft), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are examined in consumers with the bipolar disorder who experience "break through depression," even though medicated. There is a moderate antidepressant response in 33% and a 12% rate of triggering mania in this study of 100 bipolars. Buproprion (Wellbutrin) vs. Desipramine (Norpramin) were studied. The rate of cycling between mania and hypomania was significantly greater in the Desipramine group (37%). Buproprion (13%,p<0.05). Paxil studied in a randomized, controlled six week trial. It was found to be "equally effective for depression breaking through ongoing mood stabilizer treatment as an addition of a second mood stabilizer, typically valproate to lithium, or vice versa." "…the risk of depressive relapse for 27 bipolar patients after antidepressant discontinuation was 67% versus 39% in the 18 patients who" stayed on their antidepressants. Mood Stabilizers The treatment of combining one or more mood stabilizers with an antidepressant to prevent manic episodes, needs to be explored further. "…using the newer antidepressants earlier to supplement mood stabilizers should be considered." New medication and combining medications can produce remarkable improvement. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Lamotrigine (Lamictal) has assisted many consumers whose illness has not responded to other treatments. (Frye et al, 2000, J Clin Psychopharmacol, in press; Calabrese et al., 1999, J Clin Psychiatry 60: 79-88). Proceed slowly with Lamictal to reduce risk of rash and other side effects. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) was superior to both gabapentin and placebo in a six-week monotherapy trial for refractory patients. 437 outpatient study, double-blind, placebo-controlled; Lamotrigine is equal to desipramine and superior to placebo in unipolar depression. Gabapentin (Neurontin) Gabapentin (Neurontin) is helpful for residual manic and depressive symptoms, but not rapid cycling. Neurontin has better response with patients who are associated with younger age, shorter duration of illness, and lower initial body weight. Gabapentin failed to exceed placebo in an outpatient study of acute mania. Gabapentin is not an effective medication for acute mania. Study: 10 wk., double-blind, placebo-controlled trial dosed between 900 and 3600 mg/day. Gabapentin was "not superior to the placebo for bipolar I symptoms of hypomania, mania, or mixed states." Gabapentin has also been "effective in some anxiety disorders including social phobia and is widely used for adjunctive treatment in pain syndromes." 218 patient study of Gabapentin in the treatment of bipolar disorder shows that if it is "combined with antidepressants, neuroleptics, lithium, and other anticonvulsants, had a high rate of response in combination (69%) and in monotherapy (42%)." Bipolar Disord 1999 Sep;1(1):61-5 Altshuler LL, Keck PE Jr, McElroy SL, Suppes T, Brown ES, Denicoff K, Frye M, Gitlin M, Hwang S, Goodman R, Leverich G, Nolen W, Kupka R, Post R. UCLA Mood Disorders Research Program, UCLA Medical Plaza, CA 90095-7057, USA Gabapentin appears to have acute anti-manic and anti-depressant properties as an adjunctive agent for refractory bipolar illness. Prospective double-blind studies are needed to further delineate its acute efficacy when used as monotherapy and its prophylactic efficacy as monotherapy or in conjuction with other mood stabilizers. Divalproex (Depakote) Divalproex (Depakote) vs. Lithium were both equally effective in 43 patients. The patients that did not respond to Lithium, responded to Depakote and vice versa. "Depakote monotherapy was notably effective in treating depressive symptoms." Topiramate (Topamax) Topiramate (Topamax) find a 56% much or very much improved response in "16 patients after 6 weeks, four of the 16 had unpleasant sense of touch and two had word finding difficulties," in the treatment of bipolar disorder. All patients lost weight at an average of 10 pounds. "Dr. R. McIntyre and colleagues at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, compared topiramate (50-300 mg/day) to bupropion SR (Wellbutrin, 100-400 mg/day) for eight weeks as adjuncts to mood stabilizers in 26 bipolar out patients with major depression. Both bupropion SR and topiramate showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and were not statistically different from each other. No patients switched into a manic episode on either treatment. These preliminary results suggest that topiramate may have comparable antidepressant activity to bupropion SR, a remarkable finding if replicated." Mexiletine (Mexitil) Mexiletine (Mexitil) has anticonvulsant, antiarrhythmic, and analgesic properties. In a study of 13 treatment resistant bipolars at doses from 200 – 1200 mg/day had a full response in 45% of patients. Another study: 8 out of 26 patients treated with Mexiletine had a positive therapeutic effect. ECT (Electro Convulsive Therapy) "…low dose, right unilateral (one-sided) was ineffective in two different studies of major depression (i.e., 23% improvement or 17% improvement respectively). However, high dose right unilateral ECT was as effective as bilateral (two-sided) ECT, and bilateral ECT clearly produced more lasting amnesia and memory defects. (Sackeim et al, 2000; Arch Gen Psychiatry 57: 425-434). rTMS and ECT are generally equally effective in "patients with nondelusional major depression. ECT superior to patients with delusional depression than rTMS. Bipolar Brains Study of 10 bipolar brains during autopsy compared with "11 nonpsychiatric control subjects. Dr. Rajkowska found decreased density of layer 3 in the dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex (Brodman’s area nine), comprised of a decrease in the numbers of pyramidal cells but not other neuronal elements, a decrease in glial cell density, and an increase in glial size." "…bipolar patients showed: 1) decreased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex NAA bilaterally; 2) decreased prefrontal white matter NAA bilaterally; and, 3) increased thalamic NAA bilaterally. These data thus supplement a growing amount of structural imaging data suggesting alterations in size or chemistry of the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus in bipolar patients compared with controls." Neuroleptics Olanzapine (Zyprexa) Olanzapine (Zyprexa) was statistically significantly superior to placebo in the treatment of rapid cycling Bipolar I patients. Bipolar Disord 2000 Sep;2(3 Pt 1):196-9 Ghaemi SN, Cherry EL, Katzow JA, Goodwin FK. Harvard Bipolar Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Consolidated Department of Psychiatry, Boston 02114, USA. "Olanzapine appears to be moderately effective in open add-on treatment in patients with mainly depressive symptoms. Accumulating evidence suggests that olanzapine, and atypical antipsychotics in general, possess mild to moderate adjunctive antidepressant properties." "Dr. R. Baker and co-workers from Lilly Research Laboratories and Harvard Medical School found that in two inpatient double-blind, randomized trials investigating the efficacy of olanzapine for acute mania, worsening of mania occurred more often on placebo than on olanzapine, in contrast to previous reports in open trials that olanzapine induced or exacerbated mania." "Dr. J. Frazier from Harvard Medical School and colleagues conducted a study of olanzapine monotherapy (2.5-20 mg/day) in 23 juvenile bipolar patients (ages 5-14) with mania or mixed symptoms. Sixty-one percent of patients responded, and 22

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Response:

I take mine at night as well.  I don’t find it making me sleepy though. Carrie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gained 5 or 10 pounds, have to take it at night. No, not sleepy at all.  I don’t believe there has been any weight gain from it.  But I’ve not jumped on the scales and only started Zyprexa last week. Any weight gain for you?  That is one side effect that just sucks with some meds! Carrie Does it make you sleepy too? Gain any weight? Works well for me, too.  This is the best I’ve ever felt in 3 years. I take it with Neurontin.  I’m nearly normal and ready to take on the world. Well, some of it.  I’ll leave the thorny parts until I’m at my very best. LOL. Carrie Olanzapine (Zyprexa) works great for me (a formerly rapid cycling bi polar). http://www.mhsanctuary.com/bipolar/network.htm (The Below Bipolar Disorder Research Comes From Bipolar Network News & Various Other Resources)

Response:

Does it make you sleepy too? Gain any weight?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Works well for me, too.  This is the best I’ve ever felt in 3 years.  I take it with Neurontin.  I’m nearly normal and ready to take on the world. Well, some of it.  I’ll leave the thorny parts until I’m at my very best.  LOL. Carrie Olanzapine (Zyprexa) works great for me (a formerly rapid cycling bi polar). http://www.mhsanctuary.com/bipolar/network.htm (The Below Bipolar Disorder Research Comes From Bipolar Network News & Various Other Resources)

Response:

No, not sleepy at all.  I don’t believe there has been any weight gain from it.  But I’ve not jumped on the scales and only started Zyprexa last week. Any weight gain for you?  That is one side effect that just sucks with some meds! Carrie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does it make you sleepy too? Gain any weight? Works well for me, too.  This is the best I’ve ever felt in 3 years.  I take it with Neurontin.  I’m nearly normal and ready to take on the world. Well, some of it.  I’ll leave the thorny parts until I’m at my very best. LOL. Carrie Olanzapine (Zyprexa) works great for me (a formerly rapid cycling bi polar). http://www.mhsanctuary.com/bipolar/network.htm (The Below Bipolar Disorder Research Comes From Bipolar Network News & Various Other Resources)

Response:

Gained 5 or 10 pounds, have to take it at night.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No, not sleepy at all.  I don’t believe there has been any weight gain from it.  But I’ve not jumped on the scales and only started Zyprexa last week. Any weight gain for you?  That is one side effect that just sucks with some meds! Carrie Does it make you sleepy too? Gain any weight? Works well for me, too.  This is the best I’ve ever felt in 3 years. I take it with Neurontin.  I’m nearly normal and ready to take on the world. Well, some of it.  I’ll leave the thorny parts until I’m at my very best. LOL. Carrie Olanzapine (Zyprexa) works great for me (a formerly rapid cycling bi polar). http://www.mhsanctuary.com/bipolar/network.htm (The Below Bipolar Disorder Research Comes From Bipolar Network News & Various Other Resources)

Response:

Works well for me, too.  This is the best I’ve ever felt in 3 years.  I take it with Neurontin.  I’m nearly normal and ready to take on the world.  Well, some of it.  I’ll leave the thorny parts until I’m at my very best.  LOL. Carrie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Olanzapine (Zyprexa) works great for me (a formerly rapid cycling bi polar). http://www.mhsanctuary.com/bipolar/network.htm (The Below Bipolar Disorder Research Comes From Bipolar Network News & Various Other Resources) "(The BNN is published four times a year by an international group of investigators working with patients with bipolar disorder to better understand the long-term course and treatment of the illness. The goal of the Network is to help develop new and more effective treatments for bipolar disorder. http://www.bipolarnetwork.org, email: Genetics 378 genetic markers were examined and a linkage was found "between bipolar illness vulnerability and loci on chromosomes 15q14 and 7q11. Lithium Lithium: The literature was reviewed of patients taking lithium long term to patients that discontinued it. "Suicidal acts rose 22-fold, and fatalities increased 14-fold, within the first year after discontinuing the lithium." There are increased cases of goiter in 100 patients taking lithium that was related to dose and duration. This was prevented by thyroxine. Bipolar Disord 1999 Sep;1(1):5-10 Perspectives on lithium treatment of bipolar disorder: action, efficacy, effect on suicidal behavior. Schou M. The Psychiatric Hospital, Risskov, Denmark In bipolar disorder the choice of prophylactic drug must be based on a weighing of efficacy against tolerability, interactions, ease of management, use during pregnancy and lactation, and expense. Lithium should be the preferred prophylactic drug in patients with typical bipolar disorder and in patients who are at high risk of committing suicide, that is, patients with severe depressions or depressions combined with persistent suicidal ideas or with suicide attempts in the past. Antidepressants Mood stabilizers taken with newer (second generation) antidepressants induce mania less than older antidepressants – tricyclics and MAOI. Bupropion (Wellbutrin), sertraline (Zoloft), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are examined in consumers with the bipolar disorder who experience "break through depression," even though medicated. There is a moderate antidepressant response in 33% and a 12% rate of triggering mania in this study of 100 bipolars. Buproprion (Wellbutrin) vs. Desipramine (Norpramin) were studied. The rate of cycling between mania and hypomania was significantly greater in the Desipramine group (37%). Buproprion (13%,p<0.05). Paxil studied in a randomized, controlled six week trial. It was found to be "equally effective for depression breaking through ongoing mood stabilizer treatment as an addition of a second mood stabilizer, typically valproate to lithium, or vice versa." "…the risk of depressive relapse for 27 bipolar patients after antidepressant discontinuation was 67% versus 39% in the 18 patients who" stayed on their antidepressants. Mood Stabilizers The treatment of combining one or more mood stabilizers with an antidepressant to prevent manic episodes, needs to be explored further. "…using the newer antidepressants earlier to supplement mood stabilizers should be considered." New medication and combining medications can produce remarkable improvement. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Lamotrigine (Lamictal) has assisted many consumers whose illness has not responded to other treatments. (Frye et al, 2000, J Clin Psychopharmacol, in press; Calabrese et al., 1999, J Clin Psychiatry 60: 79-88). Proceed slowly with Lamictal to reduce risk of rash and other side effects. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) was superior to both gabapentin and placebo in a six-week monotherapy trial for refractory patients. 437 outpatient study, double-blind, placebo-controlled; Lamotrigine is equal to desipramine and superior to placebo in unipolar depression. Gabapentin (Neurontin) Gabapentin (Neurontin) is helpful for residual manic and depressive symptoms, but not rapid cycling. Neurontin has better response with patients who are associated with younger age, shorter duration of illness, and lower initial body weight. Gabapentin failed to exceed placebo in an outpatient study of acute mania. Gabapentin is not an effective medication for acute mania. Study: 10 wk., double-blind, placebo-controlled trial dosed between 900 and 3600 mg/day. Gabapentin was "not superior to the placebo for bipolar I symptoms of hypomania, mania, or mixed states." Gabapentin has also been "effective in some anxiety disorders including social phobia and is widely used for adjunctive treatment in pain syndromes." 218 patient study of Gabapentin in the treatment of bipolar disorder shows that if it is "combined with antidepressants, neuroleptics, lithium, and other anticonvulsants, had a high rate of response in combination (69%) and in monotherapy (42%)." Bipolar Disord 1999 Sep;1(1):61-5 Altshuler LL, Keck PE Jr, McElroy SL, Suppes T, Brown ES, Denicoff K, Frye M, Gitlin M, Hwang S, Goodman R, Leverich G, Nolen W, Kupka R, Post R. UCLA Mood Disorders Research Program, UCLA Medical Plaza, CA 90095-7057, USA Gabapentin appears to have acute anti-manic and anti-depressant properties as an adjunctive agent for refractory bipolar illness. Prospective double-blind studies are needed to further delineate its acute efficacy when used as monotherapy and its prophylactic efficacy as monotherapy or in conjuction with other mood stabilizers. Divalproex (Depakote) Divalproex (Depakote) vs. Lithium were both equally effective in 43 patients. The patients that did not respond to Lithium, responded to Depakote and vice versa. "Depakote monotherapy was notably effective in treating depressive symptoms." Topiramate (Topamax) Topiramate (Topamax) find a 56% much or very much improved response in "16 patients after 6 weeks, four of the 16 had unpleasant sense of touch and two had word finding difficulties," in the treatment of bipolar disorder. All patients lost weight at an average of 10 pounds. "Dr. R. McIntyre and colleagues at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, compared topiramate (50-300 mg/day) to bupropion SR (Wellbutrin, 100-400 mg/day) for eight weeks as adjuncts to mood stabilizers in 26 bipolar out patients with major depression. Both bupropion SR and topiramate showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and were not statistically different from each other. No patients switched into a manic episode on either treatment. These preliminary results suggest that topiramate may have comparable antidepressant activity to bupropion SR, a remarkable finding if replicated." Mexiletine (Mexitil) Mexiletine (Mexitil) has anticonvulsant, antiarrhythmic, and analgesic properties. In a study of 13 treatment resistant bipolars at doses from 200 – 1200 mg/day had a full response in 45% of patients. Another study: 8 out of 26 patients treated with Mexiletine had a positive therapeutic effect. ECT (Electro Convulsive Therapy) "…low dose, right unilateral (one-sided) was ineffective in two different studies of major depression (i.e., 23% improvement or 17% improvement respectively). However, high dose right unilateral ECT was as effective as bilateral (two-sided) ECT, and bilateral ECT clearly produced more lasting amnesia and memory defects. (Sackeim et al, 2000; Arch Gen Psychiatry 57: 425-434). rTMS and ECT are generally equally effective in "patients with nondelusional major depression. ECT superior to patients with delusional depression than rTMS. Bipolar Brains Study of 10 bipolar brains during autopsy compared with "11 nonpsychiatric control subjects. Dr. Rajkowska found decreased density of layer 3 in the dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex (Brodman’s area nine), comprised of a decrease in the numbers of pyramidal cells but not other neuronal elements, a decrease in glial cell density, and an increase in glial size." "…bipolar patients showed: 1) decreased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex NAA bilaterally; 2) decreased prefrontal white matter NAA bilaterally; and, 3) increased thalamic NAA bilaterally. These data thus supplement a growing amount of structural imaging data suggesting alterations in size or chemistry of the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus in bipolar patients compared with controls." Neuroleptics Olanzapine (Zyprexa) Olanzapine (Zyprexa) was statistically significantly superior to placebo in the treatment of rapid cycling Bipolar I patients. Bipolar Disord 2000 Sep;2(3 Pt 1):196-9 Ghaemi SN, Cherry EL, Katzow JA, Goodwin FK. Harvard Bipolar Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Consolidated Department of Psychiatry, Boston 02114, USA. "Olanzapine appears to be moderately effective in open add-on treatment in patients with mainly depressive symptoms. Accumulating

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Response:

Question:

Hello,     Went to the doctor’s and he has increased my dosage of Paxil from 20 mg to 40 mg. I did not realize there was going to be a yoyo effect from not taking amitriptilene. I am looking forward to a normal night’s sleep (for me 6 or 7 hours) whenever that will occur, I cannot say, but I am trying to optimistic. Many thanks to all for the moral support.

Dear Mike, Please don`t increase your Paxil dose by 20 mgs, that is a huge increase at one time and there is a chance you will experience really uncomfortable side-effects. People with anxiety disorders need to start at a low dose and wean slowly. It is best to increase your dose in 5mg increments. It took me 6 weeks to go from 5 mgs to 20 mgs on Paxil, I can`t imagine a 20mg increase at one time Take care!! Jackie

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello,     Went to the doctor’s and he has increased my dosage of Paxil from 20 mg to 40 mg. I did not realize there was going to be a yoyo effect from not taking amitriptilene. I am looking forward to a normal night’s sleep (for me 6 or 7 hours) whenever that will occur, I cannot say, but I am trying to optimistic. Many thanks to all for the moral support. Dear Mike, Please don`t increase your Paxil dose by 20 mgs, that is a huge increase at one time and there is a chance you will experience really uncomfortable side-effects. People with anxiety disorders need to start at a low dose and wean slowly. It is best to increase your dose in 5mg increments. It took me 6 weeks to go from 5 mgs to 20 mgs on Paxil, I can`t imagine a 20mg increase at one time Take care!! Jackie

Jackie, as usual, is quite right here! Philip

Response:

Mike, I agree with the other replies, don’t initially take the full 20 mgs.  If nothing else, at least cut it in half.  I hope you are able to get some sleep… smiles, elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello,     Went to the doctor’s and he has increased my dosage of Paxil from 20 mg to 40 mg. I did not realize there was going to be a yoyo effect from not taking amitriptilene. I am looking forward to a normal night’s sleep (for me 6 or 7 hours) whenever that will occur, I cannot say, but I am trying to optimistic. Many thanks to all for the moral support. Cheers, Mike Mike, Hope your appt goes well and do let us know how it goes… smiles, elise     Many thanks for the info. I am going to the doctor today. For reasons which I cannot relate here I am not able to take benzos. I feel so tightly wound up, that I cannot relax at all. I have become so jumpy, too. I do not dare drink any coffee, for obvious reasons. When the doctor said that it was all right to just stop taking amitriptilene, I had no idea that I would feel this badly. I have always been tightly wound up, even as a child. It was nice while I did not feel so wound up, until recently. All of this anxiety is making it impossible for me to exercise, (I usually ride a bicycle to and from work) I live in Brooklyn, and I normally ride into Manhattan every day. But, the last 5 months of all this anxiety has made it impossible. I used to ride 30 miles a day. I try to take a walk every evening, just a few miles, to help burn off my nervous energy. I will let you know how I make out at the doctors, and my thanks to those who answered my query, and to those who have had good thoughts for me. Cheers, Mike one supposed to feel like shit, a week and half after not taking Amitriptilene? yes if you abruptly stopped-it takes a week to leave your system -taking both paxil and amitriptyline together is bad medicine imo-they compete quite viruntly for specific receptor sites there are other tca ssri combos that are safer-so you now are feeling the full brunt of the paxil and the abrupt ceasation of the ami-get another doc-btw paxil is less effective in treating ibs then the sedating tca’s even though it may be the most sedating ssri and certainly the most anticholinergic it still doesn’t equate to ami your ami dose was low and buttricing it with a benzo may have provided better relief even now a benzo would do wonders LM

Response:

Hi All,     I have been taking Paxil for about a month and a half, and have a good started taking Paxil, I was taking 75mg of Amitriptilene for a number of months before I started taking Paxil. I was taking Amitriptilene for IBS, but my symptoms had gotten so bad, that the doctor put me on Paxil, and a few weeks later told me it was all right to stop taking the Amitriptilene. There was no tapering down, or anything. Last week, I started waking at night for no reason, and then the symptoms got so bad. I now have a feeling of "impending doom" and I am so fatigued, irritable, etc. Is this normal? Is one supposed to feel like shit, a week and half after not taking Amitriptilene? I would expect some minor discomfort, for a few days, and that is a maybe, but these feelings are horrible. Any ideas? Should I wait a few more days, before caling the doctor? Many thanks in advance. Cheers, Mike

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All,     I have been taking Paxil for about a month and a half, and have a good started taking Paxil, I was taking 75mg of Amitriptilene for a number of months before I started taking Paxil. I was taking Amitriptilene for IBS, but my symptoms had gotten so bad, that the doctor put me on Paxil, and a few weeks later told me it was all right to stop taking the Amitriptilene. There was no tapering down, or anything. Last week, I started waking at night for no reason, and then the symptoms got so bad. I now have a feeling of "impending doom" and I am so fatigued, irritable, etc. Is this normal? Is one supposed to feel like shit, a week and half after not taking Amitriptilene? I would expect some minor discomfort, for a few days, and that is a maybe, but these feelings are horrible. Any ideas? Should I wait a few more days, before caling the doctor? Many thanks in advance. Cheers, Mike

I’d call your doc today, and try to get some relief. Chip

Response:

one supposed to feel like shit, a week and half after not taking Amitriptilene?

yes if you abruptly stopped-it takes a week to leave your system -taking both paxil and amitriptyline together is bad medicine imo-they compete quite viruntly for specific receptor sites there are other tca ssri combos that are safer-so you now are feeling the full brunt of the paxil and the abrupt ceasation of the ami-get another doc-btw paxil is less effective in treating ibs then the sedating tca’s even though it may be the most sedating ssri and certainly the most anticholinergic it still doesn’t equate to ami your ami dose was low and buttricing it with a benzo may have provided better relief even now a benzo would do wonders LM

Response:

    Many thanks for the info. I am going to the doctor today. For reasons which I cannot relate here I am not able to take benzos. I feel so tightly wound up, that I cannot relax at all. I have become so jumpy, too. I do not dare drink any coffee, for obvious reasons. When the doctor said that it was all right to just stop taking amitriptilene, I had no idea that I would feel this badly. I have always been tightly wound up, even as a child. It was nice while I did not feel so wound up, until recently. All of this anxiety is making it impossible for me to exercise, (I usually ride a bicycle to and from work) I live in Brooklyn, and I normally ride into Manhattan every day. But, the last 5 months of all this anxiety has made it impossible. I used to ride 30 miles a day. I try to take a walk every evening, just a few miles, to help burn off my nervous energy. I will let you know how I make out at the doctors, and my thanks to those who answered my query, and to those who have had good thoughts for me. Cheers, Mike

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – one supposed to feel like shit, a week and half after not taking Amitriptilene? yes if you abruptly stopped-it takes a week to leave your system -taking both paxil and amitriptyline together is bad medicine imo-they compete quite viruntly for specific receptor sites there are other tca ssri combos that are safer-so you now are feeling the full brunt of the paxil and the abrupt ceasation of the ami-get another doc-btw paxil is less effective in treating ibs then the sedating tca’s even though it may be the most sedating ssri and certainly the most anticholinergic it still doesn’t equate to ami your ami dose was low and buttricing it with a benzo may have provided better relief even now a benzo would do wonders LM

Response:

Mike, Hope your appt goes well and do let us know how it goes… smiles, elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     Many thanks for the info. I am going to the doctor today. For reasons which I cannot relate here I am not able to take benzos. I feel so tightly wound up, that I cannot relax at all. I have become so jumpy, too. I do not dare drink any coffee, for obvious reasons. When the doctor said that it was all right to just stop taking amitriptilene, I had no idea that I would feel this badly. I have always been tightly wound up, even as a child. It was nice while I did not feel so wound up, until recently. All of this anxiety is making it impossible for me to exercise, (I usually ride a bicycle to and from work) I live in Brooklyn, and I normally ride into Manhattan every day. But, the last 5 months of all this anxiety has made it impossible. I used to ride 30 miles a day. I try to take a walk every evening, just a few miles, to help burn off my nervous energy. I will let you know how I make out at the doctors, and my thanks to those who answered my query, and to those who have had good thoughts for me. Cheers, Mike one supposed to feel like shit, a week and half after not taking Amitriptilene? yes if you abruptly stopped-it takes a week to leave your system -taking both paxil and amitriptyline together is bad medicine imo-they compete quite viruntly for specific receptor sites there are other tca ssri combos that are safer-so you now are feeling the full brunt of the paxil and the abrupt ceasation of the ami-get another doc-btw paxil is less effective in treating ibs then the sedating tca’s even though it may be the most sedating ssri and certainly the most anticholinergic it still doesn’t equate to ami your ami dose was low and buttricing it with a benzo may have provided better relief even now a benzo would do wonders LM

Response:

Hello,     Went to the doctor’s and he has increased my dosage of Paxil from 20 mg to 40 mg. I did not realize there was going to be a yoyo effect from not taking amitriptilene. I am looking forward to a normal night’s sleep (for me 6 or 7 hours) whenever that will occur, I cannot say, but I am trying to optimistic. Many thanks to all for the moral support. Cheers, Mike

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mike, Hope your appt goes well and do let us know how it goes… smiles, elise     Many thanks for the info. I am going to the doctor today. For reasons which I cannot relate here I am not able to take benzos. I feel so tightly wound up, that I cannot relax at all. I have become so jumpy, too. I do not dare drink any coffee, for obvious reasons. When the doctor said that it was all right to just stop taking amitriptilene, I had no idea that I would feel this badly. I have always been tightly wound up, even as a child. It was nice while I did not feel so wound up, until recently. All of this anxiety is making it impossible for me to exercise, (I usually ride a bicycle to and from work) I live in Brooklyn, and I normally ride into Manhattan every day. But, the last 5 months of all this anxiety has made it impossible. I used to ride 30 miles a day. I try to take a walk every evening, just a few miles, to help burn off my nervous energy. I will let you know how I make out at the doctors, and my thanks to those who answered my query, and to those who have had good thoughts for me. Cheers, Mike one supposed to feel like shit, a week and half after not taking Amitriptilene? yes if you abruptly stopped-it takes a week to leave your system -taking both paxil and amitriptyline together is bad medicine imo-they compete quite viruntly for specific receptor sites there are other tca ssri combos that are safer-so you now are feeling the full brunt of the paxil and the abrupt ceasation of the ami-get another doc-btw paxil is less effective in treating ibs then the sedating tca’s even though it may be the most sedating ssri and certainly the most anticholinergic it still doesn’t equate to ami your ami dose was low and buttricing it with a benzo may have provided better relief even now a benzo would do wonders LM

Response:

For reasons which I cannot relate here I am not able to take benzos.

Mike, you already do.  Diazepam (Valium) and other benzodiazepine type chemicals are in every mouthful of food you eat. Ian

Response:

I took Zoloft for 2 days, I had very little sleep and completely horrifying dreams when I did get to sleep. I felt really shaky and nervous as well. I thought I would be nuts in a week if I would have stayed on. It affects people very differently!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone.I’m on my 2nd dose of Zoloft,25 mgs,my first day I had extreme nausea.On the 2nd day my husband took me to the hospital.I completely zoned out.It was very scary.I plan on completing my treatment because over-coming this awful way of life is important to me.What I’m asking is,was this normal? Should I just lower my dosage?Thanks in advance. Hi Julie! I wish I could help you with the Zoloft question.  I just wanted to welcome you to a very caring group!!! Hugs, Di

Response:

Hi everyone.I’m on my 2nd dose of Zoloft,25 mgs,my first day I had extreme nausea.On the 2nd day my husband took me to the hospital.I completely zoned out.It was very scary.I plan on completing my treatment because over-coming this awful way of life is important to me.What I’m asking is,was this normal? Should I just lower my dosage?Thanks in advance. Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

HI Julie, Call your prescribing doctor but I don’t see what it would hurt weaning on at say 12.5 for a few days then upping the dose. Sometimes the side effects are just increased anxiety over taking the med. What do you mean by Zoned out? Hope you are feeling better. Hugs Charla —

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone.I’m on my 2nd dose of Zoloft,25 mgs,my first day I had extreme nausea.On the 2nd day my husband took me to the hospital.I completely zoned out.It was very scary.I plan on completing my treatment because over-coming this awful way of life is important to me.What I’m asking is,was this normal? Should I just lower my dosage?Thanks in advance. Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

Hi everyone.I’m on my 2nd dose of Zoloft,25 mgs,my first day I had extreme nausea.On the 2nd day my husband took me to the hospital.I completely zoned out.It was very scary.I plan on completing my treatment because over-coming this awful way of life is important to me.What I’m asking is,was this normal? Should I just lower my dosage?Thanks in advance.

It’s best to start at 12.5mg with Z if you have anxiety problems.  It’s difficult to know what to say about your side effects, though.  It can cause nausea, but I’m not sure what you mean by "zoned out" though it must have been serious to go to the hospital.  Make sure you describe in detail what happened to your psychiatrist.  If you give the ng better details on the side effects you may get better advice. Best of luck to you, Matt

Response:

Thanks!It really helps to know there are people here who can relate to how I feel.Well after only 3 days my dr. took me off Zoloft.My body couldn’t handle the side-effects.I feel really disappointed because I’ve heard others have good results from this.He said we would try something different in about a week.Any ideas on something that may be better for me? Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

Thanks!It really helps to know there are people here who can relate to how I feel.Well after only 3 days my dr. took me off Zoloft.My body couldn’t handle the side-effects.I feel really disappointed because I’ve heard others have good results from this.He said we would try something different in about a week.Any ideas on something that may be better for me?

There are lots of possibilities. Another SSRI like Celexa would be a possibility. If one SSRI doesn’t work another might. It may be augmented by a benzo like (preferably IMO) Xanax. But if you try Celexa start at *5 mg* and no more. I am not totally convinced that you wouldn’t be able to benefit from Zoloft if it had been administered in the right low dose but Celexa works as well and supposedly has a lower side effect profile. There are many other possibilites: a TCA like imipramine, desipramine etc. preferably in a combo with a benzo, or newer AD’s like especially Effexor. Etc.etc. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

Hi everyone.I’m on my 2nd dose of Zoloft,25 mgs,my first day I had extreme nausea.On the 2nd day my husband took me to the hospital.I completely zoned out.It was very scary.I plan on completing my treatment because over-coming this awful way of life is important to me.What I’m asking is,was this normal? Should I just lower my dosage?Thanks in advance.

Hi Julie! I wish I could help you with the Zoloft question.  I just wanted to welcome you to a very caring group!!! Hugs, Di

Response:

You shouldn’t take Zoloft on an empty stomach.  Actually you shouldn’t take an pills (e.g. vitamins) on an empty stomach unless the pharmacist tells you to do so.

Actually since taking Z (though Z is somewhat unique in this) on a full stomach increases absorption of the med, if she wanted an even smaller effect than 12.5 mg would give her she could try it on an empty stomach. Matt

Response:

In the UK, my doctor said that there is no dosage less than 50mg. And so I had bad stuff hapening to me. Which included nausea, I assume you were not sick tho. I would have carried on but I had to work and so I stopped after two days, the side effects are ment to go away.

In the US we have scored 25mg tablets.  You could get a pill cutter which would would take the 50mg, if scored, down to 12.5mg.  (But I suppose this is a little after the fact.) Matt

Response:

After what I experienced I would be terrified to take 50mgs! I’m hoping to do better on a low dosage. Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

In the UK, my doctor said that there is no dosage less than 50mg. And so I had bad stuff hapening to me. Which included nausea, I assume you were not sick tho. I would have carried on but I had to work and so I stopped after two days, the side effects are ment to go away. — If I could start again. A million milles away I would keep myself. I would find a way. It’s a damn mad world. And It will get madder before it ends. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone.I’m on my 2nd dose of Zoloft,25 mgs,my first day I had extreme nausea.On the 2nd day my husband took me to the hospital.I completely zoned out.It was very scary.I plan on completing my treatment because over-coming this awful way of life is important to me.What I’m asking is,was this normal? Should I just lower my dosage?Thanks in advance. Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

Thanks everyone for the advice.This was really a scary reaction I had.It’s hard to explain what happened.I’m seeing my dr. tomorrow.The hospital gave me benadryl for the reaction,it helped.I’m thinking maybe I started at too high a dose,my body wasn’t ready.I intend to continue my treatment.I will be 40 this month,it seems like I’ve lived most of my life in fear. Maybe with the help of my dr. and people who understand what this is like,I will find a successful treatment.Thanks All! Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

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Hi everyone.I’m on my 2nd dose of Zoloft,25 mgs,my first day I had extreme nausea.On the 2nd day my husband took me to the hospital.I completely zoned out.It was very scary.I plan on completing my treatment because over-coming this awful way of life is important to me.What I’m asking is,was this normal? Should I just lower my dosage?Thanks in advance.

Nausea and feeling zoned out are common initial side effects of Zoloft but it seems you had a really bad reaction. It is advisable IMO to start Zoloft at 12,5 mgs, stay there for a week and then raise the dose in increments of 12,5 mgs every week or at whatever pace is comfortable for you. *Starting low & going slow* will minimize the initial side effects. Moreover this could be helped by taking a benzo like Xanax on the side *as needed*, at least during the time you are weaning on Zoloft. You should give Zoloft a 6-8 week trial to be able to properly assess its effect but it’s likely that you will feel better much earlier. What does your doctor say? Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

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Julie, Sorry I can’t help you with the zoloft question because I don’t take that, but just wanted to say I hope everything goes well for you and you can get back to a more normal life. smiles, elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone.I’m on my 2nd dose of Zoloft,25 mgs,my first day I had extreme nausea.On the 2nd day my husband took me to the hospital.I completely zoned out.It was very scary.I plan on completing my treatment because over-coming this awful way of life is important to me.What I’m asking is,was this normal? Should I just lower my dosage?Thanks in advance. Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

I don’t know where you live but do you think that it ia normal, to give somebody shock treatment for anxiety and panic??

NO! It is something like a last resort for depression but there is no evidence AFAIK that it works for PAD. No ECT! I don’t think so, maybe for people who  have only depression. but that I am depri is because of the fakt that I have try’d now so many med; and the only one who helpt me was Remeron. But the side effect where so bad that I had to stop.

But we know now that those side effects were from the fillers. You found that out yourself! And soon Remeron will be available in loquid form and your troubles may be over…. they may be over earlier when the Dutonin (Serzone) will start to work…. I am optimistic…. love Diana.

Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is it normal that I feel very depri? When I was in Ireland I had not a very good time, I had than for med; selexa and clonazepam. I felt very depri. Now I am back for 14 days and I have other med; Dutonin( serzone) but I feel more and more depri. I know the new med need it’s time. But this is something that  is for me well known. I had this feeling before and it’s make’s me afraid, not for myself because I wish that I had the opportunitie to……. But for not my family. I am so tired from al this, every 8 weeks other med; sometimes less than 4 weeks. because I have sometimes very bad side effects, and than I have to stop. this is now going on for 18 mounths and I am fed up with all this. I don’t want no more, I had it. Before I went to Ireland I brought all the pills that I had safe’t to my gp. That was not a very good idea from me, so I start over again. the first I have already, I don’t know anymore for this moment what to do.everything that I try is going wrong. WHY, I feel my self worthless that I can get myself under control. Love Diana. Please no answer on my pc. {{{Diana}}} You are *not* worthless. You just feel that way because you are depressed. It is a symptom of depression. Give the Serzone some more time to work. If no med is able to help your depression, there is shock treatment as a last resort. Love, Chip Before you buy.

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Dear Diana, Yes I would say it is very normal to feel depressed and frustrated after 18 months of trying so many different drugs and sometimes feeling worse. This can be a very long road. I am doing the same thing but thankful when the good days DO come, and they will! Sorry you are having such a hard time. I am just sticking with the Klonopin and no more antidepressants. None of them helped me – too many side effects – and life is OK most of the time. I hope the Serzone starts to help you soon. Is it giving you side effects?? Love,

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Is it normal that I feel very depri? When I was in Ireland I had not a very good time, I had than for med; selexa and clonazepam. I felt very depri. Now I am back for 14 days and I have other med; Dutonin( serzone) but I feel more and more depri. I know the new med need it’s time. But this is something that  is for me well known. I had this feeling before and it’s make’s me afraid, not for myself because I wish that I had the opportunitie to……. But for not my family. I am so tired from al this, every 8 weeks other med; sometimes less than 4 weeks. because I have sometimes very bad side effects, and than I have to stop. this is now going on for 18 mounths and I am fed up with all this. I don’t want no more, I had it. Before I went to Ireland I brought all the pills that I had safe’t to my gp. That was not a very good idea from me, so I start over again. the first I have already, I don’t know anymore for this moment what to do.everything that I try is going wrong. WHY, I feel my self worthless that I can get myself under control. Love Diana. Please no answer on my pc.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is it normal that I feel very depri? When I was in Ireland I had not a very good time, I had than for med; selexa and clonazepam. I felt very depri. Now I am back for 14 days and I have other med; Dutonin( serzone) but I feel more and more depri. I know the new med need it’s time. But this is something that  is for me well known. I had this feeling before and it’s make’s me afraid, not for myself because I wish that I had the opportunitie to……. But for not my family. I am so tired from al this, every 8 weeks other med; sometimes less than 4 weeks. because I have sometimes very bad side effects, and than I have to stop. this is now going on for 18 mounths and I am fed up with all this. I don’t want no more, I had it. Before I went to Ireland I brought all the pills that I had safe’t to my gp. That was not a very good idea from me, so I start over again. the first I have already, I don’t know anymore for this moment what to do.everything that I try is going wrong. WHY, I feel my self worthless that I can get myself under control. Love Diana. Please no answer on my pc.

{{{Diana}}} You are *not* worthless. You just feel that way because you are depressed. It is a symptom of depression. Give the Serzone some more time to work. If no med is able to help your depression, there is shock treatment as a last resort. Love, Chip Before you buy.

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I don’t know where you live but do you think that it ia normal, to give somebody shock treatment for anxiety and panic?? I don’t think so, maybe for people who  have only depression. but that I am depri is because of the fakt that I have try’d now so many med; and the only one who helpt me was Remeron. But the side effect where so bad that I had to stop. love Diana. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is it normal that I feel very depri? When I was in Ireland I had not a very good time, I had than for med; selexa and clonazepam. I felt very depri. Now I am back for 14 days and I have other med; Dutonin( serzone) but I feel more and more depri. I know the new med need it’s time. But this is something that  is for me well known. I had this feeling before and it’s make’s me afraid, not for myself because I wish that I had the opportunitie to……. But for not my family. I am so tired from al this, every 8 weeks other med; sometimes less than 4 weeks. because I have sometimes very bad side effects, and than I have to stop. this is now going on for 18 mounths and I am fed up with all this. I don’t want no more, I had it. Before I went to Ireland I brought all the pills that I had safe’t to my gp. That was not a very good idea from me, so I start over again. the first I have already, I don’t know anymore for this moment what to do.everything that I try is going wrong. WHY, I feel my self worthless that I can get myself under control. Love Diana. Please no answer on my pc. {{{Diana}}} You are *not* worthless. You just feel that way because you are depressed. It is a symptom of depression. Give the Serzone some more time to work. If no med is able to help your depression, there is shock treatment as a last resort. Love, Chip Before you buy.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is it normal that I feel very depri? When I was in Ireland I had not a very good time, I had than for med; selexa and clonazepam. I felt very depri. Now I am back for 14 days and I have other med; Dutonin( serzone) but I feel more and more depri. I know the new med need it’s time. But this is something that  is for me well known. I had this feeling before and it’s make’s me afraid, not for myself because I wish that I had the opportunitie to……. But for not my family. I am so tired from al this, every 8 weeks other med; sometimes less than 4 weeks. because I have sometimes very bad side effects, and than I have to stop. this is now going on for 18 mounths and I am fed up with all this. I don’t want no more, I had it. Before I went to Ireland I brought all the pills that I had safe’t to my gp. That was not a very good idea from me, so I start over again. the first I have already, I don’t know anymore for this moment what to do.everything that I try is going wrong. WHY, I feel my self worthless that I can get myself under control. Love Diana. Please no answer on my pc.

Hi Diana! I feel so bad for you!  You are depressed and I’ve been depressed lately.  Just in the last day or two I’ve been feeling a little better.  The doc raised the Desipramine over the weekend and it made me more depressed.  I’m not taking the extra anymore and I feel better.  Please keep calling your doctor to see what else he can do and hang in there.  It has to get better for you and I believe it will!   {{{{{{{Diana}}}}}}} Diane

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Question:

  I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.  I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

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I tend to do that a lot too, but when I take a xanax before bed, I never wake up before I’m supposed to, and I have many very clear dreams that I always remember.  It’s a huge difference.  YMMV. -deb

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You just explained me to a TEE, unfortunately. I am on the Trazodone for day #3 now, and Zoloft for 3 years. I thought the Trazadone would be alot easier on me than it is. I am EXHAUSTED! I dont know whether my body is just making up for all the sleep deprivation all of this time or what, but I cannot wake-up all this weekend. I feel like I have been weighted down with bricks…I am questioning which is the lesser of two evils: staying up all night, having nightmares and twilight sleep when I can sleep, or this damned Trazadone. I am ready to call it quits to everything! Geesh! I find myself angry with everyone right now. I keep thinking my counsellor is good, helpful, knowledgeable… Okay, so why cant I seem to get better? Two and a half years ago of Zoloft I was about 90% panic free. Now, I am upping dosages, taking more meds, feeling like I am crazy, taking my frustration out on anyone within shouting distance (Including the jerk who had the AUDACITY to steal my parking spot!). I feel like I am on this constant spiral downward lately, and no matter how much I want to believe I am going to be on the "up" side, it doesnt happen. I had one small success recently, and even that isnt enough to help me. I am depressed, I cry at the drop of a hat… Tonight was so bad any slightest noise went straight for my spine and reverbarated (SP?) the whole way. Hard to have peace and quiet with little ones running aorund…My kids jokingly call me the grump now. It isnt funny any more. I dont enjoy anything, I dont want to go anywhere, I sit and cry, and that is all… Why bother going out? RIght now it is better to hide, which is scary- been there, done that– told myself I would never go down to that level again. My husband was always my biggest support person and now even he is losing his patience with me,… I dont understand how other people seem to handle this. Whats worse, the depression, the panic, the combonation of the two?… I am sick of hearing myself moan groan and complain. I find myself always apologising for being such a broken record….Good Lord, how much is my family supposed to take of me?? I dont know the answer to your question about stronger meds. I wanted to try something like Xanax or Ativan, but I was told no, they were too habit forming… What are we to do?? I havent a clue! When you find an answer, be sure to let me in on the secret, wont you???? Wishing you the best of luck!! — Miriam The Complainer    (These opinions are mine and mine alone… YMMV) It’s hard to make a comeback when you haven’t been anywhere.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.     I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

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  I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.  I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

I think, if it were me, I’d go back to my doctor and have a complete review of my treatment. You don’t say whether it has been effective for your anxiety but, assuming it has been, there must be more effective sleeping aids s/he could give you. This ‘racing mind syndrome’ is something I suffer from too and it’s a swine, I know. I do find that a benzo knocks it right out, but I’m not sure whether I’d be willing to use one to do that on a very regular basis. Then again, sleep does seem to be quite dependent on patterns and habits so might it be that if you could re-establish a new sleeping pattern with occasional use of a benzo, that might help? Just a thought, FWIW — Gary Cooper

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I know how you feel.  I had the same problem for two months.  I have two pieces of advice for you. 1. set up a normal sleep time and stick to it. go to bed and wake at the same time every day.  I found this a real pain, since I would sometimes find myself lying in bed somewhere between asleep and wide awake for a couple of hours.  2.  Keep your house as cool as possible, this one really helps me.  It sucks when you get the electric bill, but I find the extra money worth it.  I believe the book that I read said between 60 and 70.  I keep mine at 70, at night. I am not saying that you still wont wake up to go to the bathroom (when you gotta go you gotta go!). What I am saying you should get a little more consistent about falling back to sleep. of course YMMV and IMO. This took me about a month or so, but it really helped. Good luck d – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.     I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

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  I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.  I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

Used to have this problem until I started taking Klonopin (3mgs per day) and Xanax (.25 to 1 mg. per day) Now, I sleep very well. I rarely wake up before I am "supposed to". I alos no longer have nocturnal panic attacks, which had plagued me since I was 16 (38 now). The other benefit is that I was diagnosed withfibromyalgia a few years back. The symptoms are worse with interrupted sleep. I no longer have symptoms since being on the meds. I also have no side-effects from the meds. Best Wishes, Jen

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I’m afraid I can’t offer much advice but I can empathize with your experience. I sometimes wake up in the middle night with my stress meter fully pegged. It doesn’t sound like much, but I have found that if I concentrate on asking myself why I would need to feel so stressed I am able to eventually ease back down. josh   I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off. — Gary Cooper

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In article <   I usually wake up after 4 or 5 hours (usually to go to the bathroom), and can*t get back to sleep.  My doctor has me on Zoloft for anxiety and Trazadone for insomnia.  These help, but I don*t think he can find anything else wrong with me (I exercise, there*s no stress in my life, I don*t work shifts, I don*t do drugs, I feel great, etc).  Sometimes my mind races, and I can*t shut it off.  I*m afraid of more powerful drugs.     I*ve tried relaxation, but thought it was dumb.  My (ex)psychologist suggested computerized biofeedback.  (I*m dealing with the insurance now)  I D E A S ? T H A N K S

This person’s an idiot-"I DONT DO DRUGS" – of course you do!-ZOLOFT/coffee and who knows how many wines/beers a week they consume, much less cigarettes!!!

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Question:

Rabbitt, how do you know you’re in the placebo group?  Were you told or is this based upon the fact that it’s not working for you?  Just curious since it’s not good science to tell people which group they’re in.  It biases the results.   In response to your question, Prozac is the only one I’ve tried.  I got lucky my first time out finding an AD that worked.  I hope the research drug works for you! Nancy S+13 Depression Guide, The Mining Company http://depression.miningco.com/

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Hey howdy, I was wondering if some kind people could tell me their experiences with Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac.  Is one better than the other?  Why?  Are there any side effects?  How quickly do they work? I’m asking because I’m involved in a depression study and I’m taking a research antidepressant.  It appears that I’m in the placebo control group and I’m not feeling any better.  After the study has ended (in about 4 weeks), I’m going to be given the real stuff free of charge for about 3 or 4 months and those are my choices. Any help would be appreciated! Rabbitt

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I tried Prozac first. Had a terrible reaction. Became very anxious, and somewhat manic, and couldn’t sleep. Then Zoloft. Liked it, but for reasons I won’t go into (insurance etc.) switched to Paxil. I hate Paxil. I feel like a friggin’ zombie. Tired ALL THE TIME! Short term memory lapse. Emptiness. I’m hoping to switch back to Zoloft now that my insurance is set. I really felt better with it. Accomplished stuff. Had energy, but not too much. Felt a little less hopeless. Of course, everyone is different, as I’m sure you know. I have anxiety as well as depression, complicated by Benign Essential Tremor. Best of luck. — trevor "ratgirl" pratt "Nobody told me there’d be days like these." John Lennon

|Hey howdy, |

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Question:

Chandra, Yes, I have been there and done that! I suffer from both severe panic (or anxiety) disorder and chronic depression. I had a wonderful family doctor (younger-around 30ish) that was working with me before I became pregnant and at the time I became pregnant. He was super! He was willing to work in the "gray area" and help give me and my unborn child the best of what there was to offer. New doctor’s seem to be better at this. After I voiced my concerns to him (pretty much the same as your’s) he told me that what it came down to was what was best for both mother and child. Sure we all want to be "medication-free" but is that the best thing- even for the unborn child when the mother is not able to be out in the world, lying in bed day after day, terrified unable to care for herself let alone a new baby that’s going to be born, etc…  We all know what effects STRESS has on the already born! Can medication-which hasn’t been proven to cause ill-effects on the fetus be more dangerous than the illness the mother suffers from? No one can know for sure, but both my doctor and I opted for "me" being HEALTHY with medicine over me being gravely unhealthy without needed medication. During my full-term wonderful pregancy, I was taking Prozac, Effexor(an anti-anxiety medication), and another med. I can’t remember at this time. I delivered a superhealthy boy. He weighed 9lbs.13oz. and was 22&1/2 inches long! I only gained 30 lbs. during my pregnancy. Yes, we did tests every trimester, nothing major `just double checking, and had an ulrasound twice (which are nerve racking like everything when your pregnant-your so scared for your baby, but they are such an unbelieveable experience). We even had to induce-he was late! This all happened FIVE YEARS AGO!!! Technology has come along way since then! The question your doctor, and you, needs to answer is which problem will be worse for your unborn baby—medication or a "mentally" unhealthy mother! You should be with a doctor that allows you to help make decisions that are affecting you and you baby! If he doesn’t agree or understand your concerns , or whatever….remember he is YOUR employee and you can find a different doctor. Lots, if not most, have delt with patients such as yourself! I have NO DOUBTS that you will have a beautiful and healthy baby! NONE!!! God is with you! I’d love to talk to you more about it if you like-all you *Also, as far as "hormones" especially during  pregnancy they increase and make worse any problem I’ve found. *F.Y.I. I was 30 at the time of my delivery and am 36 ( just turned) now. Please let me know how things go!

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Hello,      I am new to this message board, but I have been trying to find ANYBODY who can help me out!  I am two months pregnant and I have panic disorder (diagnosed in March of this year) and severe anxiety.  My doctor is weaning me off my paxil (I was on 20 mg. a day) and I had really bad side effects because of it.  Well now I am having severe relapses of panic, which I hadn’t had one for a few months.  I am also suffering severe depression, which I never had before.  I even think about suicide, which I never did before either.  I’m only 22 and this is my first baby and I’m really scared that I’m gonna loose it and not be able to make it. Can anyone else tell me if there was any drug they took while pregnant that won’t hurt my baby?  Also, I wonder if my symptoms are worse because of hormonal changes.  Has anyone one been there, done that?  Please e-mail me any words of wisdom.  I am really scared and wigged out.  I don’t think I can do this without help!  Thanks!

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