Question:

Jim:  Have you ever had a cardiac workup? Bob

Response:

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

Response:

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

snip Marion B.Sc.Pharmacy

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

Question:

Anyway, I have noticed since I have been on the inhalers, intal and azmacort both 2 puffs 3 times a day, I seem to get periods of overheating and sweating.  

I dont know if this is so much an effect of the meds, as it is an effect of the asthma.  After all, you are WORKING at breathing more than a non asthmatic.  I have noticed, though, that my menstrual hot flashes are rather severe, and seem especially bad if I am wheezing. Jennifer

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was recently diagnosed with Asthma (1 month ago).  I had symptoms for approximately 6 months prior and finally went to a doctor when I woke up one night and could barely get a breath. (I used my wife’s proventil inhaler and was able to breathe again – she also has asthma). Anyway, I have noticed since I have been on the inhalers, intal and azmacort both 2 puffs 3 times a day, I seem to get periods of overheating and sweating.  The only relation to exertion is that when I do exert myself, the overheating and sweating increases significantly. My wife has also suffered from these "sweats" for the last couple of years.  She is on azmacort and servent. Is this a side effect of these two medications or one of the medications or is it just one more thing I and my wife have to deal with that goes along with being an asthmatic?  Any thoughts would be appreciated. John The road to wisdom begins somewhere! I tried Flovent and did not like it.  It did not seem to work as well as

Beconase. P. Upchurch

Response:

I was recently diagnosed with Asthma (1 month ago).  I had symptoms for approximately 6 months prior and finally went to a doctor when I woke up one night and could barely get a breath. (I used my wife’s proventil inhaler and was able to breathe again – she also has asthma).   Anyway, I have noticed since I have been on the inhalers, intal and azmacort both 2 puffs 3 times a day, I seem to get periods of overheating and sweating.  The only relation to exertion is that when I do exert myself, the overheating and sweating increases significantly. My wife has also suffered from these "sweats" for the last couple of years.  She is on azmacort and servent. Is this a side effect of these two medications or one of the medications or is it just one more thing I and my wife have to deal with that goes along with being an asthmatic?  Any thoughts would be appreciated. John The road to wisdom begins somewhere!

Response:

Hot flashes do occur in some people using these medicines.  In recent years asthma has been found to be related to the adrenal gland and the release of adrenalin.  It happens to me occassionally but I always attributed it to the Azmacort I use.  Hope this helps.

Response:

Question:

My  12 year old son was the same way, our first Dr. had this kids on 5 different things, 3 and 3 times a day – no adult would want to do that, so why should I expect a 12 year old to?  We changed Drs. last fall.  I explained to him the hassle of getting Aaron to take his meds.  We are now on just Pulmicort and Rhinocort once a day with saline nose spray a few times a day and Claritin as needed. what a difference in compliance!  I don’t pester anymore, life is much nicer in our household – no more crabby mom and dad and a kid who actually takes his meds on schedule.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Sally, My son has been guilty of not taking his meds daily, also.  He is 16 and one would think he would be responsible!  I always note the day he starts a new inhaler and if it isn’t pretty much empty when it should be, then I know he’s not been taking his meds.  His doctor is very good about discussing the need for taking meds on a regular basis.  I think part of the problem is that since his asthma is in good control (the good part) he tends to ignore the importance of preventative meds. Good luck in your campaign to quit smoking!  It’s a tough battle (I quit in 1998) but well worth it! Patrice I took my 12 yr old son to an appointment with a Pulmonologist yesterday. As of the one visit, I liked her no-nonsense attitude.  After reviewing his breathing tests, current meds and recent breathing tests from the Allergist’s office, she flat out told my Son she didn’t trust his age group as they tend to lie about taking their meds.  Turns out she was right on the money. He’s only been taking the Serevent and Pulmicort about half the time, although he does take the Singulair and allergy meds as he should.  She gave him a good lecture about what being on Prednisone too often would do for him, that he’s already a severe asthmatic and isn’t doing himself any good, etc.  He didn’t deny it and finally admitted it.  Seems for 113% effort, his bottom line was only 70%.  She let him know that the meds he’s on should be working great for him.  Feels that if he takes it all as he should then next winter he should be able to participate in ski club like he wanted to this year.  At least there’s no flying allergens on a snow-covered slope!!! The only changes she made to his meds were she ordered him to take him in front of us parents each time, to stay on the nebulized Albuterol for another two weeks, and added Zantac to work along with the Prilosec for his stomach. Today he saw the Family Dr and tomorrow he sees the Allergist.  Within the next few weeks he’ll be seeing a Pediatric Gastro since it’s pretty much felt he has GERD…which isn’t surprising considering his asthma level and meds. The dog leaves Saturday afternoon…being returned to the shelter we got her from three years ago as a small puppy. The cat is in the works as soon as we can reach DH’s niece to arrange the hand-off.  DH will be looking into what wood stuff he wants for Son’s room floor. Here’s the Big One…DH and I have Rx’s for Zyban (and for me the patch too since I’ve been smoking for over 20 years). — Sally Avery

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Glad to see I’m not alone on this.  True, even adults don’t like to take meds all the time…let alone so many and frequently.  Why should a kid? Regardless how intelligent and responsible he is….DS is still only 12. The Family Dr and the Allergist didn’t lecture him as the Pulmonologist did. Basicially, they let him know they were glad he was out of the hospital and okay now…and hopefully he has learned why needs to take his meds unless he wants to experience a close encounter again. Sally Avery

Hello Sally, My son has been guilty of not taking his meds daily, also.  He is 16 and one would think he would be responsible!  I always note the day he starts a

new

Response:

I believe that as he begins to take his meds as he should, eventually we may be able to cut some things down….hopefully.  Thanks for the message.  It helps to know others have same problems. Sally Aver

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My  12 year old son was the same way, our first Dr. had this kids on 5 different things, 3 and 3 times a day – no adult would want to do that, so why should I expect a 12 year old to?  We changed Drs. last fall.  I

Response:

The most important part is your not smoking.   Hard! Hard! Hard! to do and I wish only you the best and may your willpower be strong enough to overcome the addiction.  I was very happy 19 years ago when I quit cold turkey. I had a nightmare about being in a hospital and the Doc telling me I had emphysema.  I woke the next day and have not smoked since, however; this last year my doc made my dream come true (50% FEV1).  I feel that by quitting when I did at 33 that I am much better off with my lungs that had I not. Good Luck and keep the faith!!! Tim Washington State

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I took my 12 yr old son to an appointment with a Pulmonologist yesterday. As of the one visit, I liked her no-nonsense attitude.  After reviewing his breathing tests, current meds and recent breathing tests from the Allergist’s office, she flat out told my Son she didn’t trust his age group as they tend to lie about taking their meds.  Turns out she was right on the money. He’s only been taking the Serevent and Pulmicort about half the time, although he does take the Singulair and allergy meds as he should.  She gave him a good lecture about what being on Prednisone too often would do for him, that he’s already a severe asthmatic and isn’t doing himself any good, etc.  He didn’t deny it and finally admitted it.  Seems for 113% effort, his bottom line was only 70%.  She let him know that the meds he’s on should be working great for him.  Feels that if he takes it all as he should then next winter he should be able to participate in ski club like he wanted to this year.  At least there’s no flying allergens on a snow-covered slope!!! The only changes she made to his meds were she ordered him to take him in front of us parents each time, to stay on the nebulized Albuterol for another two weeks, and added Zantac to work along with the Prilosec for his stomach. Today he saw the Family Dr and tomorrow he sees the Allergist.  Within the next few weeks he’ll be seeing a Pediatric Gastro since it’s pretty much felt he has GERD…which isn’t surprising considering his asthma level and meds. The dog leaves Saturday afternoon…being returned to the shelter we got her from three years ago as a small puppy. The cat is in the works as soon as we can reach DH’s niece to arrange the hand-off.  DH will be looking into what wood stuff he wants for Son’s room floor. Here’s the Big One…DH and I have Rx’s for Zyban (and for me the patch too since I’ve been smoking for over 20 years). — Sally Avery

Response:

Hello Sally, My son has been guilty of not taking his meds daily, also.  He is 16 and one would think he would be responsible!

You do have to watch these kids.When they have something chronic like asthma, I think they just want to try and ignore it sometimes. My son was like that . I put my daughter’s meds out for her even though she is 16 so she can’t "forget". The scary thing is I have to watch to see that she doesn’t decide to take an extra dose of something when she feels she isn’t getting relief. This has happened before(luckily not harmful) and I never would have dreamed she would be so careless. Hopefully now she does understand the seriousness of this.

Response:

I took my 12 yr old son to an appointment with a Pulmonologist yesterday. As of the one visit, I liked her no-nonsense attitude.  After reviewing his breathing tests, current meds and recent breathing tests from the Allergist’s office, she flat out told my Son she didn’t trust his age group as they tend to lie about taking their meds.  Turns out she was right on the money. He’s only been taking the Serevent and Pulmicort about half the time, although he does take the Singulair and allergy meds as he should.  She gave him a good lecture about what being on Prednisone too often would do for him, that he’s already a severe asthmatic and isn’t doing himself any good, etc.  He didn’t deny it and finally admitted it.  Seems for 113% effort, his bottom line was only 70%.  She let him know that the meds he’s on should be working great for him.  Feels that if he takes it all as he should then next winter he should be able to participate in ski club like he wanted to this year.  At least there’s no flying allergens on a snow-covered slope!!! The only changes she made to his meds were she ordered him to take him in front of us parents each time, to stay on the nebulized Albuterol for another two weeks, and added Zantac to work along with the Prilosec for his stomach. Today he saw the Family Dr and tomorrow he sees the Allergist.  Within the next few weeks he’ll be seeing a Pediatric Gastro since it’s pretty much felt he has GERD…which isn’t surprising considering his asthma level and meds. The dog leaves Saturday afternoon…being returned to the shelter we got her from three years ago as a small puppy. The cat is in the works as soon as we can reach DH’s niece to arrange the hand-off.  DH will be looking into what wood stuff he wants for Son’s room floor. Here’s the Big One…DH and I have Rx’s for Zyban (and for me the patch too since I’ve been smoking for over 20 years). — Sally Avery

Response:

Hello Sally, My son has been guilty of not taking his meds daily, also.  He is 16 and one would think he would be responsible!  I always note the day he starts a new inhaler and if it isn’t pretty much empty when it should be, then I know he’s not been taking his meds.  His doctor is very good about discussing the need for taking meds on a regular basis.  I think part of the problem is that since his asthma is in good control (the good part) he tends to ignore the importance of preventative meds. Good luck in your campaign to quit smoking!  It’s a tough battle (I quit in 1998) but well worth it! Patrice

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I took my 12 yr old son to an appointment with a Pulmonologist yesterday. As of the one visit, I liked her no-nonsense attitude.  After reviewing his breathing tests, current meds and recent breathing tests from the Allergist’s office, she flat out told my Son she didn’t trust his age group as they tend to lie about taking their meds.  Turns out she was right on the money. He’s only been taking the Serevent and Pulmicort about half the time, although he does take the Singulair and allergy meds as he should.  She gave him a good lecture about what being on Prednisone too often would do for him, that he’s already a severe asthmatic and isn’t doing himself any good, etc.  He didn’t deny it and finally admitted it.  Seems for 113% effort, his bottom line was only 70%.  She let him know that the meds he’s on should be working great for him.  Feels that if he takes it all as he should then next winter he should be able to participate in ski club like he wanted to this year.  At least there’s no flying allergens on a snow-covered slope!!! The only changes she made to his meds were she ordered him to take him in front of us parents each time, to stay on the nebulized Albuterol for another two weeks, and added Zantac to work along with the Prilosec for his stomach. Today he saw the Family Dr and tomorrow he sees the Allergist.  Within the next few weeks he’ll be seeing a Pediatric Gastro since it’s pretty much felt he has GERD…which isn’t surprising considering his asthma level and meds. The dog leaves Saturday afternoon…being returned to the shelter we got her from three years ago as a small puppy. The cat is in the works as soon as we can reach DH’s niece to arrange the hand-off.  DH will be looking into what wood stuff he wants for Son’s room floor. Here’s the Big One…DH and I have Rx’s for Zyban (and for me the patch too since I’ve been smoking for over 20 years). — Sally Avery

Response:

Question:

Hi everyone, i’ve suffered headaches off and on my whole life, but over the past 8 days, I have had a severe morning headache every single morning.  It is more in the back of my head, my neck muscles are very sore and my jaw and bottom molars are sore as well. I take two excedrin migraine and the headache is completely gone within an hour, if I don’t take the excedrin, then well the headache stays with me for most of the day until after lunch.  Also my eyes are very light sensitive with these headaches. I had been on zoloft 50mg for about 8 months and two months ago I stopped taking it, I slowly weaned myself off of it.  I’m thinking these headaches could be from the zoloft withdrawal?  I also feel that I may be grinding my teeth at night but i’m not sure.  Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Response:

I had been on zoloft 50mg for about 8 months and two months ago I stopped taking it, I slowly weaned myself off of it. I’m thinking these headaches could be from the zoloft withdrawal? I also feel that I may be grinding my teeth at night but i’m not sure. Any thoughts?

IMHO, it may well be the grinding of your teeth, as well as not taking zoloft anymore.  Doctors say that anti-depressants are not addictive as benzo’s, but they are so wrong.  I  weaned myself off prozac very slowly, and I felt ok for  a few months.  Then all of a sudden, I developed dizzy spells, felt very sad and awful.  So…I took the prozac again, and bingo, the dizziness went away, my crying fits stopped, and felt better (but still have that same underlying feelings of sadness and feelings of despair , guilt, etc.  Try taking the zoloft again in small doses, and see if the headaches stop.  Then you know it was the brain yelling out for the zoloft.  The brain does not forget these little pills we take, and lets us know that it wants it again.  Of course, I could be entirely wrong about this.  Maybe your headaches are caused by tension.  Maybe this, or maybe that.  Good luck and be well.   Art Decco… nyc, usa

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Question:

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery… But somebody just ripped off my whole Keywords: line! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Lynd…@bigfoot.com (LyndaNP) wrote:

One of the best ways to learn about medication effects–both positive and negative–is by comparing notes with other patients.  The following index links to forum posts discussing each particular medication.  Read what others have had to say about your medication and share your own experiences. Adapin, Sinequan (doxepin) Anafranil (clomipramine) Buspar (buspirone) Desyrel (trazodone) Celexa (citalopram) Effexor (venlafaxine) Elavil, Endep (amitriptyline) Luvox (fluvoxamine) Nardil (phenelzine) Norpramin, Pertofrane (desipramine) Pamelor (nortryptyline) Parnate (tranylcypromine) Paxil, Seroxat (paroxetine) Prozac (fluoxetine) Remeron (mirtazapine) Serzone  (nefazodone) Surmontil (trimipramine) Tofranil (imipramine) Vestra (reboxetine) Wellbutrin (bupropion) Zoloft (sertraline) — LyndaNP

— "Thou shalt not suffer a witch [poisoner] to live" – Exodus 22:18 "A man or a woman who is a medium or a wizard shall be put to death" – Leviticus 20:27 More more info, visit http://www.drugawareness.org

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No Shit?

Response:

Question:

Lamictal

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Worn_Out,  you seem to be feeling a little better, are you?  hopefully  

Response:

I am doing better.  My wife says I am talking more & I have started kidding with my 24 year old daughter, again.  I think the tofranil is helping & I am on my third week on testosterone injections. I have decided that bi-polar disorder is forever.  I woke up this morning in very bad shape, but have gotten over it.  Somehow we must all manage to survive because the bad times come and go and if things are bad now, they WILL get better. Thanks Worn_Out,  you seem to be feeling a little better, are you? hopefully

Before you buy.

Response:

What % of manic depressives commit suicide?

I have heard that one in five commit suicide, but I wouldn’t swear by it. I hope you find a treatment that works for you. The future brings us the hope of new drugs and new treatments. Web Page at: www.robertpo.com For email replies remove the ****

Response:

What % of manic depressives commit suicide? I have heard that one in five commit suicide, but I wouldn’t swear by it. I hope you find a treatment that works for you. The future brings us the hope of new drugs and new treatments. Web Page at: www.robertpo.com For email replies remove the ****

I’ve seen studies that showed that 1 in 5 bipolars who refused treatment committed suicide. But…these were bipolars sick enough that they had been hospitalized, that’s where they were found for the study. Also, it stands to reason that those who refuse treatment are sicker with more personality problems than average. Also, these were people who were hospitalized in public hospitals, which again indicates that they were sicker…someone in a private hospital probably has been able to work until recently, and hasn’t alienated or shoved away family and friends yet. Still, taking your meds and working with your doctor is the best way to keep from getting worse…and worse can be very, very bad.

Response:

Paxil worked for me. Not to high though-Reached an even – level of comfort. It sounds like you have to find a MD (preferably, a psychopharmacologist) who knows how to mix different combinations of drugs. Don’t lose hope, though.  If you do you start asking questions about suicide, and you might have to live it all again in the next life.  At this point, paying for drugs is a bigger problem for the long haul than taking them.  Any advice? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After 13 years with BiPolar Disorder I have yet to find effective treatment for its depression. What is the most effective treatment for BiPolar Depression? What % of manic depressives commit suicide? Before you buy.

Response:

At this point, paying for drugs is a bigger problem for the long haul than taking them.  Any advice?

I have been started on Tofranil/Imipramine and my pharmacy dispensed it in its generic form.  Instead of paying a copay of $7.00 for the name brand I pay $2.00 for the generic.  The book, "The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs", shows that the name brand would be $.62/pill and the generic would be $.05/pill (the book was published in 1990). If this is still true, a great deal can be saved by buying generic, if possible. The book, "The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs", by Jack M. Gorman, MD. is the best help in this area that I have found.  If you can find a recent edition, I highly reccomend it. Good luck! Before you buy.

Response:

Drop trou Nihil  You know you get a spanking for saying bad stuff like that. Bend over,  ten whacks with the leather strap. 1   *[SMACK]*      ( oouch) 2   *[WACK]*         (stop) 3   *[CRACK]*        ( I take it back,  please stop) Let those warm yer buns a while,  I’ll fix you a few fresh ones in a bit. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – x-no-archive: yes After 13 years with BiPolar Disorder I have yet to find effective treatment for its depression. What is the most effective treatment for BiPolar Depression? Personally, I think that Doctor Kevorkian, whom I consider to be a Saint, has the best treatment.

Response:

Everyone is different.  Tell me what you’ve tried, kay?  Also, let me know what your additional symptoms are, etc.  Have you had partial relief with certain drugs? There may be treatments that are better for BPI and treatments that are better for BPII.  A lot of people take different drug cocktails, as I’m sure you know.  A friend of mine is on lithium AND neurontin, among other things. I’ve been on lots of diff. stuff simultaneously: buspar, trazodone, klonopin, prozac, lithium, depakote, and neurontin are the bulk of the things I’ve been on.  Are you taking an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer? -bpkittycat – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After 13 years with BiPolar Disorder I have yet to find effective treatment for its depression. What is the most effective treatment for BiPolar Depression? What % of manic depressives commit suicide? Before you buy.

Response:

I am now on Tofranil and Lithobid. I have had about 35 ECT treatments (unilateral and bilateral). I have been on: Xanax Elavil Dexedrine Anafranil Welbutrin Buspar Tegretol Librium Valium Effexor Prozac Tofranil Librium Eskalith Ritalin Nardil Serzone Pamelor Parnate Paxil Prozac Risperdal Zoloft Xanax Thyroid Hormone Testosterone I appreciate your interest. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Everyone is different.  Tell me what you’ve tried, kay?  Also, let me know what your additional symptoms are, etc.  Have you had partial relief with certain drugs? There may be treatments that are better for BPI and treatments that are better for BPII.  A lot of people take different drug cocktails, as I’m sure you know.  A friend of mine is on lithium AND neurontin, among other things. I’ve been on lots of diff. stuff simultaneously: buspar, trazodone, klonopin, prozac, lithium, depakote, and neurontin are the bulk of the things I’ve been on.  Are you taking an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer? -bpkittycat

Before you buy.

Response:

Worn Out- I can see why you are frustrated I’ve forgotten what Tofranil is for.  Antipsychotic?  Antidepressant?  MAOI or Tricyclic? What symptoms do you have the most trouble with?  I seem to be depressed a lot, and have had depression for most of my life, and "only" a few major manic episodes.  I suffer from migraines as well, and hope that the neurontin that I’ve just started will help in preventing the attacks (mania and migraine). I am wondering what you have tried and what you know about diet and how it affects mood.  I would suggest, if you are not already doing so, to severely cut down on all carbohydrates, have lots of protein, and consume 3T of flax seed oil every day.  Always use olive oil when you can, too (like in salad dressings, for dipping bread in, etc.). These new drugs for seizures are supposed to work for many treatment-resistant patients.  check out the Neurontin facts posted earlier today if you haven’t already. Good luck, and I hope you get some good advice and new ideas from others… -bpkittycat – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am now on Tofranil and Lithobid. I have had about 35 ECT treatments (unilateral and bilateral). I have been on: Xanax Elavil Dexedrine Anafranil Welbutrin Buspar Tegretol Librium Valium Effexor Prozac Tofranil Librium Eskalith Ritalin Nardil Serzone Pamelor Parnate Paxil Prozac Risperdal Zoloft Xanax Thyroid Hormone Testosterone I appreciate your interest. Everyone is different.  Tell me what you’ve tried, kay?  Also, let me know what your additional symptoms are, etc.  Have you had partial relief with certain drugs? There may be treatments that are better for BPI and treatments that are better for BPII.  A lot of people take different drug cocktails, as I’m sure you know.  A friend of mine is on lithium AND neurontin, among other things. I’ve been on lots of diff. stuff simultaneously: buspar, trazodone, klonopin, prozac, lithium, depakote, and neurontin are the bulk of the things I’ve been on.  Are you taking an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer? -bpkittycat Before you buy.

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After 13 years with BiPolar Disorder I have yet to find effective treatment for its depression. What is the most effective treatment for BiPolar Depression? What % of manic depressives commit suicide? Before you buy.

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re: question #1: that’s the question, all right re: question #2: between 15 & 20% (some confusion, apparently, about whether this means *all* people with bipolar or just the untreated ones). What about the undiagnosed ones, then? I interpolate all this to indicate that the figure refers to all bipolars. — Deep – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After 13 years with BiPolar Disorder I have yet to find effective treatment for its depression. What is the most effective treatment for BiPolar Depression? What % of manic depressives commit suicide? Before you buy.

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: After 13 years with BiPolar Disorder I have yet to find effective : treatment for its depression. : : What is the most effective treatment for BiPolar Depression?    There is no most effective treatment, it varies with the    circumstances and individual.  Passage of time usually    brings with it some relief of symptoms. : : What % of manic depressives commit suicide?   It is higher for untreated sufferers……15-20% if I recall   correctly.   nm : : : Before you buy. :

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Question:

Maybe it’s me on effexor withdrawal, but the proliferation of these multiple threads sucks.  Is there a problem with some people’s browsers?  Why can’t people continue the thread instead of splintering it into another category?  It’s really irritating, especially since my browser is slow and so the extra scrolling, guessing if the discussion is a continuation or new takes a lot of time and money. basically, I’m otta here.  Too slow. Best, AD Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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Actually, a lot of your problem is your browser. Sure, people should be careful not to splinter threads, but a good browser will put most of that back where it goes. I see that you use Netscape3.01 Gold and Windows 95. Chances are that you have room on your hard drive for Agent, which will solve most of your problems. I used to get irritated at the same thing. Keith – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Maybe it’s me on effexor withdrawal, but the proliferation of these multiple threads sucks.  Is there a problem with some people’s browsers? Why can’t people continue the thread instead of splintering it into another category?  It’s really irritating, especially since my browser is slow and so the extra scrolling, guessing if the discussion is a continuation or new takes a lot of time and money. basically, I’m otta here.  Too slow. Best, AD Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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Question:

snipped Hmmmmmmmmmmmm  now see here, after 3 years of hindsight, continuing weirdness in the monthly department, (Just now missing my second in a row and having predictable hot flashes,) I stand to tell you that there MUST be a strong connection for me between hormone levels and my state of mind. Depression, panic attacks and anxiety are ALWAYS worse around my menstrual time.   sue

Hi Sue, Emotional disorders (anxiety/panic/depression etc) are believed to be centered in the parts of our brain that make up the Limbic system. This is, in the main, our primitive brain, that which we share with most animals, incl reptiles and probably dinosaurs. Oestrogen receptors are prevelant in the Limbic, particularly the Hypothalamus. Indeed many hormones are neurotransmitters, so hormonal fluctuations can, and almost certainly do, trigger many PAs etc. All part of the joy of being female, I guess!   Ian (who is glad he isn’t) Phobias:  Menophobia- Fear of menstruation.

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Hi Blue, Thanks for your words of encouragement! I am feeling better today, and am taking off work to go see my Doc re the hormone bit. Am also going to sit in my Attys office until he has the time to see me re the fact that I am going to have to declare bankruptcy. This is all a bit much for me. So many issues to deal with, so confused and upset. So, if all you fine folks here at ASAP start hearing me "shout" a bit more, please do not be surprised, or offended. Just riding the rollercoaster for awhile. Hope to get off it, someday soon..Thank you all, for your love and support. I do so appreciate it  (((((ASAP GROUP HUG)))))))) Take Care   Stephanie  :-)

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Blue, Thanks for your words of encouragement! I am feeling better today, and am taking off work to go see my Doc re the hormone bit. Am also going to sit in my Attys office until he has the time to see me re the fact that I am going to have to declare bankruptcy. This is all a bit much for me. So many issues to deal with, so confused and upset. So, if all you fine folks here at ASAP start hearing me "shout" a bit more, please do not be surprised, or offended. Just riding the rollercoaster for awhile. Hope to get off it, someday soon..Thank you all, for your love and support. I do so appreciate it  (((((ASAP GROUP HUG)))))))) Take Care   Stephanie  :-)

Well, Steph, if it makes you feel any better to know YOU’RE NOT ALONE, I can tell you that I’ve been contemplating taking bankruptcy myself.  It’s not been much fun, and I’m trying to figure out a way that I can avoid it.   Now that I am once again able to feel hopeful, it isn’t such a depressing topic for me to consider — or for that matter, to talk about!  Just do what you think is best, and remember that sometimes we project the worse and then discover it wasn’t as bad as we imagined.  (I’ll not add the inverse of that statement, at this time ) Best Wishes — Blue (maybe I should change my name to Green? )

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No!! Don’t change your name! I rather like it. The best therapist I ever had once told me: Ask yourself what is the worst thing that can happen, and can you live with that? I have often had to ask myself this! Thank you for your kind words. You are a very caring and supportive person. We here on ASAP are lucky to have you with us! Hope your situation works out ok..Thinking of you  :-) Stephanie

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I just need to get this out, so please be patient, ok? I am going through early menopause (40) And I swear to god…I almost lost it today!!!! My body…is so out of whack, I do not even know myself, anymore. This ALWAYS happens, one week before my…"monthly". I needed to go and buy cigarretes, it took all I could muster, to go get in my jeep, and drive…1 Mile!!!!!! I go there everyday….After work…..So..why was it so hard?  The hormones! They will kill me yet! Before the PA/Phobia!!!  Crying all weekend…..Sorry to unload…  I cannot stop the tears. Dread going to work in the AM….But..is good for me….. Thank you all for listening  :-)  Stephanie

Hi, Steph — Gosh, it sounds like you had a really rough time.  Please, here is your apology returned, as it is not necessary.  Were it not for the times that I unloaded to ASAP, I feel I might have run too dangerously close to the point of no return.  So, I, for one, am extremely sympathetic to anyone who feels the urge to post about what they’re feeling or experiencing — and it doesn’t always have to be a pretty picture, as often times what we feel is NOT *pretty* — at times our pictures may look quite ugly. Today I listened as someone told three others of us a story about a guy who had been a client at the place I work.  This person relayed that this man said he suffered from anxiety, and then the story was told of the must-have-been-at-least-twenty meds that the guy was on.  The story teller said they had not heard of any of the meds the guy was taking, but figured they must be psych meds.  Sure ’nuff, they were.  Story Teller then said, "The guy’s not working, he’s too *anxious* to do anything," and Story Teller felt that the guy just needed to be working and then not have time for such nonsense — to paraphrase in a major way. And I sat there and listened to Story Teller speak, and listened to the quiet of the others who were there also,  as each of us there — excluding Story Teller, apparently — have had or are continuing to have encounters with anxiety and or depression and/or whatnot.  I managed to keep my mouth shut, as it was the politically expedient thing to do, but it hit me hard as I thought of ASAP and those of us here now, and those who have been here in times past, and those that will surely be here in times to come…  I consoled myself with the thought that a wise person knows when to speak, and perhaps more importantly, when not to.  There’s comfort to be found hanging out with others who have been where you are now, or who are, yes, there WITH you now — knowing of the feelings you are experiencing. {{{ ASAP }}}  I just know you’ll be feeling better after having unloaded a bit (so I hope ) Best to Steph — Blue (I can see clearly now, my tears have dried…;)

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Hey Sue, Thanks for the words of encouragement! And a good laugh! Ifeel much better today (the cycle began) GOD!!! The feeling is right up there…right with the PA….I wanted to kill myself yesterday! I curled up, in a ball, wishing to be rid of it. I know that this is because I bore a child, at the age of 17..I had been forewarned. But, with my PA/ Agoraphobic  condition, it is pure hell!!!! Thank You, for understanding  :-) Stephanie  Glad you are here too!

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Hi all, I just need to get this out, so please be patient, ok? I am going through early menopause (40) And I swear to god…I almost lost it today!!!! My body…is so out of whack, I do not even know myself, anymore. This ALWAYS happens, one week before my…"monthly". I needed to go and buy cigarretes,   it took all I could muster, to go get in my jeep, and drive…1 Mile!!!!!!    I go there everyday….After work…..So..why was it so hard?  The hormones! They will kill me yet! Before the PA/Phobia!!!  Crying all weekend…..Sorry to unload…  I cannot stop the tears. Dread going to work in the AM….But..is good for me….. Thank you all for listening  :-)  Stephanie

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I just need to get this out, so please be patient, ok? I am going through early menopause (40) And I swear to god…I almost lost it today!!!! My body…is so out of whack, I do not even know myself, anymore. This ALWAYS happens, one week before my…"monthly". I needed to go and buy cigarretes,   it took all I could muster, to go get in my jeep, and drive…1 Mile!!!!!! I go there everyday….After work…..So..why was it so hard?  The hormones! They will kill me yet! Before the PA/Phobia!!!  Crying all weekend…..Sorry to unload…  I cannot stop the tears. Dread going to work in the AM….But..is good for me….. Thank you all for listening  :-)  Stephanie

Hi Stephanie!  My mom is beginning menopause and is having a bad time also.  I would strongly recommend going to your doctor–there are many options, and I’m certain there is something that could even things out for you.  (I wish my mom would go to her doctor, but that is another story!) I believe there are also some newsgroups that discuss menopause, and that might be something worth checking out too.  Hormones can really be a pain in the a**! Tammy

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Hi all, I just need to get this out, so please be patient, ok? I am going through early menopause (40) And I swear to god…I almost lost it today!!!! My body…is so out of whack, I do not even know myself, anymore. This ALWAYS happens, one week before my…"monthly". I needed to go and buy cigarretes,   it took all I could muster, to go get in my jeep, and drive…1 Mile!!!!!!    I go there everyday….After work…..So..why was it so hard?  The hormones! They will kill me yet! Before the PA/Phobia!!!  Crying all weekend…..Sorry to unload…  I cannot stop the tears. Dread going to work in the AM….But..is good for me….. Thank you all for listening  :-)  Stephanie

wonderful, isn’t it, especially the "erotic" hot flashes <VBG CAthy P.H.O.B.I.A. People Helping Others Become Independent Again Panic/anxiety Support Group, New Jersey http://community.nj.com/cc/phobia

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oooooohhhhhh  Stephanie!!  I hear ya woman!!!! <<<<Hi all, I just need to get this out, so please be patient, ok? I am going through early menopause (40) And I swear to god…I almost lost it today!!!! My body…is so out of whack, I do not even know myself, anymore. This ALWAYS happens, one week before my…"monthly". I just turned 46, and I have a running dialog with my doc about the effects of hormones.  I had my FIRST PA in the fall of 95 after a long string of <sh*t happens life events.  Loss was the key word that year.  My DH and I had spent five years building up a restaruant business for our mutual employer, and that was the year her health problems were found to be advanced colon cancer.  In the course of 9 months, we lost her, then MY job, in October MY DH was hospitalized with a ruptured appendix (no insurance), during which he was permanently replaced at HIS job, and I was only just working parttime myself.  Panic attacks started in November of that year, right around my 43rd birthday.  Life was soooo very difficult for me, I had lots of worries, debts, anger, grief, fear…….  and my monthlies started to get <weird as well. I was taking Xanax, weaning on Zoloft……  monthly crap was tossed off by the doc as—-  well—–  stress. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm  now see here, after 3 years of hindsight, continuing weirdness in the monthly department, (Just now missing my second in a row and having predictable hot flashes,) I stand to tell you that there MUST be a strong connection for me between hormone levels and my state of mind. Depression, panic attacks and anxiety are ALWAYS worse around my menstrual time.  My last visit to the ER, in August of ‘98,  happened in the morning, I came home around noon with a new RX for Xanax and Zoloft, and started my period around 2 pm that very same day.    Hmmmm. sez I, indeed, did I really need a swift kick in the head to FINALLY get the connection? My doc is unwilling to start me on ANY hormne therapy until I have been period free for a year.  Her feeling is that tinkering with the  whore-moans <g could be a LOT worse than continuing the Zoloft.  What <I would  really like is to lose the Zoloft and have Xanax for the BAD times, but she doesn’t go for that either.  So we are in a constant tug of war  watching and waiting to see what will happen next, and where this journey will go. ASAP has been extremely helpful for me in dealing with the PA’s.  I also lurk on Alt.support.menopause, where there is NOTHING NEW about depression, anxiety and panic attacks surrounding the whole Menopause woman. Feel free to e-mail anytime, whether it is to vent or to have a shoulder to cry on.   We can compare notes, and crib on each other’s experiences. BOY this is another time I can say < I am glad I came here because someone ELSE feels this way too!!!! sue

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Question:

Erica– I am also Bulimiarexic…and 15 and on Zoloft and have not had my period for a year and a half. I don’t know about you but my Zoloft doesn’t seem to be helping at all. I think I might start on something different. I am on 175mgs a day now. How much are you on?? I haven’t had birth control pills suggested to me to restore my period but I wouldn’t want them. I hated my period. It is such a mess and a pain. This doesn’t mean I’m afraid of it I just like not having to deal with it.

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Laurie asked: Should I be worried though? I want my "good enough" to not be life-threatening, you know? Am I doing ANYTHING good for myself??

Laurie, You are doing some good things for yourself.  You are taking classes.  You are searching for answers in your life.  You are writing. If you want your "good enough" to not be life threatening you have got to start eating more. Straight out spoilered for dead on painful stuff. s   p     o       i         l           e             r Laurie, if you don’t have periods you are threatening the life of any children you might have in the future.  What does that mean?  It means that someday when your arms ache to hold a baby you won’t be able to.  It means that someday when you share your life with someone and you want your body to hold life inside it, to let it grow inside you, to nourish it from yourself you won’t be able to.  So Laurie, ask yourself.  Is it "good enough"? Mary

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Oui, my doctor wanted me to take BC pills (i’m 16, a virgin) to get my period again, I said NO WAY. Just the thought of it makes me feel ‘unclean’ (is that weird?). I am taking Zoloft, though. I have had my first two panic attacks ON it, I never had one when I wasn’t taking it… Odd… I wouold appreciate feedback from other bulimarexics taking Zoloft- side effects, etc. Merci beaucuop. Erica

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -for awhile i was on birth control pills to "motivate" my body to have a period. has anyone else done this?  i hated taking them (hated having a period) and i don’t need them now (for either of their purposes!)  but, i’m sooooo scared of getting osteoporosis that i was very good about taking them–i hate taking meds. just an fyi for the general public:  i’m taking a science of nutrition class (which i don’t suggest for anyone struggling.  it’s been tough disassociating the class from my ed…but that’s another subject).  anyway, we just finished up talking about calcuim.  the worst kind of supplements you can take are oyster shell–they’re literally ground up oyster shells, so there’s no way to know exactly what’s in them.  the best (according to my prof) are tums–they’re the cheapest and absorb the easiest.  everyone happy with their nutrition lesson for the day?

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Why has the nutrition class been triggering? (besides the obvious answer that it’s all about food) Sarah – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – for awhile i was on birth control pills to "motivate" my body to have a period. has anyone else done this?  i hated taking them (hated having a period) and i don’t need them now (for either of their purposes!)  but, i’m sooooo scared of getting osteoporosis that i was very good about taking them–i hate taking meds. just an fyi for the general public:  i’m taking a science of nutrition class (which i don’t suggest for anyone struggling.  it’s been tough disassociating the class from my ed…but that’s another subject).  anyway, we just finished up talking about calcuim.  the worst kind of supplements you can take are oyster shell–they’re literally ground up oyster shells, so there’s no way to know exactly what’s in them.  the best (according to my prof) are tums–they’re the cheapest and absorb the easiest.  everyone happy with their nutrition lesson for the day?

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for awhile i was on birth control pills to "motivate" my body to have a period.  has anyone else done this?  i hated taking them (hated having a period) and i don’t need them now (for either of their purposes!)  but, i’m sooooo scared of getting osteoporosis that i was very good about taking them–i hate taking meds. just an fyi for the general public:  i’m taking a science of nutrition class (which i don’t suggest for anyone struggling.  it’s been tough disassociating the class from my ed…but that’s another subject).  anyway, we just finished up talking about calcuim.  the worst kind of supplements you can take are oyster shell–they’re literally ground up oyster shells, so there’s no way to know exactly what’s in them.  the best (according to my prof) are tums–they’re the cheapest and absorb the easiest.  everyone happy with their nutrition lesson for the day?

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Erica, This may be a little late, but maybe you should reconsider not wanting to take BC pills.  I agree with you; it’s hard to get over the "unclean" feeling (I’m a virgin too), but I looked at it as just medicine.  I didn’t take it as birth control, but to get my period again, so is it really any different from any other kind of prescription?  I’m off BC now because I put on enough weight to get my periods on my own, but I went a year and a half without getting a period…I was actually happy to gat it at that point, with or without BC.  Just my two cents, Ophelia Oui, my doctor wanted me to take BC pills (i’m 16, a virgin) to get my period again, I said NO WAY. Just the thought of it makes me feel ‘unclean’ (is that weird?). I am taking Zoloft, though. I have had my first two panic attacks ON it, I never had one when I wasn’t taking it… Odd… I wouold appreciate feedback from other bulimarexics taking Zoloft- side effects, etc. Merci beaucuop. Erica

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi guys. I’ll spoiler this for food mentions and health issue mentions .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Ok. I’m underweight. Given. I haven’t had a period in two and half years. Given.

you don’t have enough of anything in your diet, then. given. if you did, you might be underweight, but you’d have your period. so you’re missing major things. While I don’t eat very much, the things I eat have good stuff in it

you know what? all food is *good stuff* all food has *good stuff* in it. it’s a fuel. that’s all food is. it’s been politicised to hell, but it’s just a fuel.  (I think) Broccolli, Bananas, Nonfat yogurts, etc.,  So that I think I am getting a reasonable amount of calcium and potassium. I also take a children’s multivitamin.

are you a child, laurie? you should be taking a woman’s multivitamin. preferably several of them, because you’re not going to get the right mix in any one; thye’re just not marketed for people who get none. Here’s my question: If I eat TONS of calcium in the things I eat, tons of potassium, etc., can I still get osteoporosis?

yes Can I still be susceptible to heart attack?

yes But the things I eat (habitually, same things, every day, we all know how the story goes) are healthy and have good vitamins.

as opposed to those vitamins that have been taken over by evil?  Should I be worried though? I want my "good enough" to not be life-threatening, you know? Am I doing ANYTHING good for myself??

taking vitamins is a good step. it’s not enough. and you do *not* eat enough. you do *not* get enough of anything, from Cals to vitamin b to sodium. and it will be life-endangering. I hope I haven’t triggered anyone…

you spoilered it. let people take responsibility for themselves. if you read something spoilered for talk of food, you accepted the chance it might trigger you. ased in general probably triggers people somewhat. that’s a choice people make for themselves, not for others. gus — the unconscious, it seems, will not let go of its hoard. the past comes with us and occasionally kidnaps the present, so that the distinctions we depend on for safety, for sanity, disappear. past. present. future. when this happens, we are no longer sure who we are, or perhaps we can no longer pretend to be sure who we are. if time is a river then we shall all meet death by water.                                          -jeanette winterson "gut symmetries" — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

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My dietitian used to say, "yes, you eat very healthy foods….but the problem is that you’re not eating ENOUGH!" Yes, you should be concerned that osteoporosis is lurking around the corner for you…. Yes, you should be concerned that what you are doing to your body, an act of omission, rather than comission, is going to have long-term effects. Last year, I broke a toe when I bashed into a bookcase.  When my foot was x-rayed, the doctor talked a lot about "osteopenia," which is the precursor to osteoporosis. Not having periods is not a good thing. A friend of mine, who is severely anorexic, is currently taking Fosamax (sp?) to try to counteract the effects of her long-term illness.   She’s already experienced broken ribs and a broken hip….and she is only in her mid-thirties.  The meds will probably only stave off the osteoporosis for a brief time…. Even though right now, it doesn’t feel that way, Laurie, you ARE doing damage to your body which can have long-term effects.  My dietitian  also used to say, "nothing in nutrition works fast. "  What was being said was that even though I might feel perfectly fine, even though I was eating "healthy" foods, I was still eating at a subnormal level and was not giving myself the nutrition which was needed….and somewhere down the road, years later, I might pay the price. Think about it… –Connie

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Hi Laurie, One thing I’d like to point out in your response is your reference to your eating "good" food.  I hate to say it but there is no such thing as good or bad food.  Healthy eating involves all different types of food and when certain foods are restricted are cut out, your eating is no longer "healthy" (Sorry!) In response to your question about osteoporosis and heart attacks.  Yes, you are definitely at risk.  For one thing, your not menstruating so this means your body is not making estrogen which is essential for the absorption of Calcium.  Therefore it doesn’t matter really how much calcium rich food you are taking it, it won’t be absorbed properly.  Also, the minerals like potassium and magnesium which can affect the heart are also absorbed through the help of other nutrients so if you aren’t eating a balanced diet you won’t have normal levels of these important electrolytes.  (my doctor has pounded this info. into my head, so I know what I’m talking about) Anyway hope this helps. Kathryn K.

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