Question:

Thanks to all who replied to my question about Advair. We were very careful to keep the Flovent the same level (she used the Flovent inhaler in addition to the Advair to keep it equal) and she switched from a Serevent diskus, so all things should have been the same. However, I left the choice to her, and she decided to go back to the Serevent diskus and Flovent MDI. She hasn’t been having any problem since. I guess it’s a case of "different strokes for different folks." sue — Susan Hartman/Dirty Linen The Magazine of Folk and World Music http://www.dirtylinen.com

Response:

Does Advair have the same compounds as Pulmicort. Check with your doctor. Lane – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I’ve read lots of posts about Advair and seen that most people like it. But I’m still slightly concerned. My 13-y.o. daughter has severe asthma and takes Accolate, Serevent, Flovent, and Zyrtec. She’s been well controlled over the summer. In the past she has tried Pulmicort Turbohaler and had disastrous results. She couldn’t sleep at night, couldn’t wake in the morning, and had awful nightmares and almost "psychotic" dreams/nighttime episodes. This occured between 1-3 weeks after starting Pulmicort, and when we made the connection we put her back on Flovent and she was fine. (And this has happened twice, at 18-mo intervals). Well, she just started Advair about a week and a half ago and is starting to have trouble sleeping and waking. This morning she mentioned that she thinks it might be similar to the Pulmicort experience. But since it’s just the first couple of weeks of school, it’s hard to say whether it’s Advair-related or normal teen adjustment to a daytime schedule! Though she did also just yesterday have her first asthma flare in a long while – several weeks at least (used the neb for the first time since the beginning of summer). So my question is, has anyone had similar problems with Pulmicort Turbohaler, and what is the experience of those "sensitive" people to Advair? Is there something related to the delivery method? Or was the Pulmicort/Flovent difference related to the drug involved? I should also mention that’s she’s one of those unfortunate people who responds "over the top" to prednisone…every bad side effect known to woman! Munchies, water retention, screaming meanies, etc. Thanks for any light you can shed. Sue — Susan Hartman/Dirty Linen The Magazine of Folk and World Music http://www.dirtylinen.com

Response:

Her reaction to Advair shouldn’t be any different than her reaction to Flovent and Serevent since Advair is the combination of the 2 drugs in a more convenient form. What dose is she on? And did she increase her dose? For example if she was on Flovent 220 is her Advair 250/50? Or higher?

Response:

Well, she just started Advair about a week and a half ago and is starting to have trouble sleeping and waking. This morning she mentioned that she thinks it might be similar to the Pulmicort experience.

It may be an issue of dose. It is possible that her technique with the MDI is not optimal so what the doctor thinks is an equivalent dose of the dry powder inhalers is actually an increase. Advair comes in three different strengths so it may be possible to reduce her dose safely. — CBI, MD

Response:

I took Advair for about six weeks and finally decided to take a break inasmuch as my nasal passges have been very sore deuring that time.  I don’t know if there’s a connection, thus the break to see what happens.  If it clears up then reappears when I resume the Advair, then I’ve resolved the problem.  I did find that the NIH resume was most helpful … I don’t have it in front of me, but loss of sleep might’ve been one of the side effects. Hope this helps … Al Fisher

Response:

Hello. I’ve read lots of posts about Advair and seen that most people like it. But I’m still slightly concerned.

I loved Advair.  I was down to one puff a day, and was off my ventolin inhalers completely.  <I am one ofthose people who has cats, sleeps with them – and is allergic However, I also had a concern – I began having heart palpitaitons.  I checked the web for side effects, asked the doctor – and my concerns were dismissed.  I ended up in the hospital with Ventricular Tachycardia (VT). Normally a very healthy (other than the asthma) adult who hikes, bikes and climbs stairs, my energy level was dropping off the bottom. I have since read that the Advair guys had done some tests on VT and Advair, but I don’t know what the results were.  Why would they do the tests if there was no concern?  If you do develop VT from using Advair – does it disappear after you stop using it? Does anyone have any anecdotal evidence on this? Connie

Response:

I found on a switch from Aerobid to Flovent, that the switch itself caused me to be extremely sensitive for about 3 weeks. It wasn’t that the new drug didn’t work, I think it was that the old one quit before the new one built up. Time may help? LA – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I’ve read lots of posts about Advair and seen that most people like it. But I’m still slightly concerned. My 13-y.o. daughter has severe asthma and takes Accolate, Serevent, Flovent, and Zyrtec. She’s been well controlled over the summer. In the past she has tried Pulmicort Turbohaler and had disastrous results. She couldn’t sleep at night, couldn’t wake in the morning, and had awful nightmares and almost "psychotic" dreams/nighttime episodes. This occured between 1-3 weeks after starting Pulmicort, and when we made the connection we put her back on Flovent and she was fine. (And this has happened twice, at 18-mo intervals). Well, she just started Advair about a week and a half ago and is starting to have trouble sleeping and waking. This morning she mentioned that she thinks it might be similar to the Pulmicort experience. But since it’s just the first couple of weeks of school, it’s hard to say whether it’s Advair-related or normal teen adjustment to a daytime schedule! Though she did also just yesterday have her first asthma flare in a long while – several weeks at least (used the neb for the first time since the beginning of summer). So my question is, has anyone had similar problems with Pulmicort Turbohaler, and what is the experience of those "sensitive" people to Advair? Is there something related to the delivery method? Or was the Pulmicort/Flovent difference related to the drug involved? I should also mention that’s she’s one of those unfortunate people who responds "over the top" to prednisone…every bad side effect known to woman! Munchies, water retention, screaming meanies, etc. Thanks for any light you can shed. Sue — Susan Hartman/Dirty Linen The Magazine of Folk and World Music http://www.dirtylinen.com

Response:

Hello. I’ve read lots of posts about Advair and seen that most people like it. But I’m still slightly concerned. My 13-y.o. daughter has severe asthma and takes Accolate, Serevent, Flovent, and Zyrtec. She’s been well controlled over the summer. In the past she has tried Pulmicort Turbohaler and had disastrous results. She couldn’t sleep at night, couldn’t wake in the morning, and had awful nightmares and almost "psychotic" dreams/nighttime episodes. This occured between 1-3 weeks after starting Pulmicort, and when we made the connection we put her back on Flovent and she was fine. (And this has happened twice, at 18-mo intervals). Well, she just started Advair about a week and a half ago and is starting to have trouble sleeping and waking. This morning she mentioned that she thinks it might be similar to the Pulmicort experience. But since it’s just the first couple of weeks of school, it’s hard to say whether it’s Advair-related or normal teen adjustment to a daytime schedule! Though she did also just yesterday have her first asthma flare in a long while – several weeks at least (used the neb for the first time since the beginning of summer). So my question is, has anyone had similar problems with Pulmicort Turbohaler, and what is the experience of those "sensitive" people to Advair? Is there something related to the delivery method? Or was the Pulmicort/Flovent difference related to the drug involved? I should also mention that’s she’s one of those unfortunate people who responds "over the top" to prednisone…every bad side effect known to woman! Munchies, water retention, screaming meanies, etc. Thanks for any light you can shed. Sue — Susan Hartman/Dirty Linen The Magazine of Folk and World Music http://www.dirtylinen.com

Response:

Question:

Singulair is known to curb/assist in eczema and uticaria.

Would you provide me a source for this comment.  I have eczema on my hands and used Singulair until recently.  I’ll have to go back and check the dates but the flare of eczema may coincide with my discontinuing the Singulair.

Response:

Singulair is effective in patients who have an atopic component to their asthma. This atopy is more in align with the upper airways (rhinitis etc.) than a skin allergy, however, Singulair is known to curb/assist in eczema and uticaria. When comparing the two different anti-leukotreiens, as noted on the package inserts of Accolate, it is twice a day dosage, has limited safety profile of between 12 and 65yrs, there exists food and drug interactions, may not be taken one hour before food or before two hours after  food as food affects the bioavailabilty of the drug, interacts with warfarin, aspirin, theophylline, terfinadine and erethomicine. Singulair on the other hand is a once a day dosage, no food or drug interactions and a safety profile from 2yrs of age. The drug is currently being trialed in 6month old babies to two year old kids. Singulair has addressed my post-nasal drip, used to take Flixonase. You might find that your allergy is caused by something that your currentmeds do not address, but if I was you, I would try the Singulair, drop the Accolate. My opinion remains my own from personal experience. Good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have some Singulair at the house and have been thinking of taking that instead of Accolate but I doubt that would work. You don’t know until you try it, but has this been prescribed by your doctor?  You would be wise to do things in concert with him/her.  I’m also assuming your doctor is an allergist.  If not, get an allergist fast. You are also taking a lot of asthma medicine and you have a lot of "rhinitis" type symptoms (post-nasal drip, etc.).  Sounds like you want to address those, too (the asthma meds won’t do that, although Singulair might, but that’s another topic). You might want to consider allergy shots, if your allergist determines that indeed you have allergy problems.  They take a long time to build up, but if they work, they are great because you become "immune" to some degree to your allergens.  Very nice.  I speak from experience (took shots for over 10 years then stopped when symptoms were abated for several years). — — Lou Pecora   – My views are my own.

Response:

I suspect the Flovent, especially if you get worse as the dose goes up. Some of Flovent’s side effects are serioius and permanent. Read the warning paper that comes with it. Wheezing is a side effect of Flovent, ( big help). And I never had hives  before Flovent, (another side effect), I only used it for 3 weeks and I still get hives 20 months later.

Response:

I have some Singulair at the house and have been thinking of taking that instead of Accolate but I doubt that would work.

You don’t know until you try it, but has this been prescribed by your doctor?  You would be wise to do things in concert with him/her.  I’m also assuming your doctor is an allergist.  If not, get an allergist fast.   You are also taking a lot of asthma medicine and you have a lot of "rhinitis" type symptoms (post-nasal drip, etc.).  Sounds like you want to address those, too (the asthma meds won’t do that, although Singulair might, but that’s another topic).   You might want to consider allergy shots, if your allergist determines that indeed you have allergy problems.  They take a long time to build up, but if they work, they are great because you become "immune" to some degree to your allergens.  Very nice.  I speak from experience (took shots for over 10 years then stopped when symptoms were abated for several years). — — Lou Pecora   – My views are my own.

Response:

Hi Dana, Some things that might help.  Are your windows in the house closed. Do you keep your windows closed when traveling in the car?  This will keep the pollen out of the house and car.

For the house it might be a better idea to use a window fan with a pollen filter. I mean, what if she’s allergic to indoor things as well like mold spores and dust mite junk? — web: http://www.insecurities.org/jenwolf I keep my air conditioner on with the windows closed.  Of course it’s over 90 here.  If there is a dust mite problem or mold problem then those issues need to be addressed.  I live in a low humidity area so mold and dust mites aren’t that big of a deal here, but I do have my mattresses encased, etc. Also our house is 2 years old, and we are getting rid of the carpets and going to install laminate flooring to elimate other thousands of things that carpets hold. Anything I think will help with my ashtma and allergys I try to do.  Also I live on a farm and no kittys are allowed inside, along with the rest of the animals.  So no pet dander either. Kathy

Response:

Thanks everyone for the input. For the record, I always have the windows closed and the a/c on. Use a top of the line filter as well just for allergies. I have a air purifer in my bedroom. There are no pets in the house. I am extremely allergic to mold and grass pollen both of which have been at high levels in my area for the past 2 wks. I have not had any probs with my allergies or asthma since I developed sinusitus this past winter. I have developed a sinus infection as of this morning and have started on antibiotics. This mess in my nose is starting to flare up my asthma more and more and hope I don’t have to get back on prednisone. Just can’t handle how moody I get on it. I have to take a test this coming Sat. in order to apply to grad school so I am a bit freaked out to say the least. I really hope I start feeling better in the next few weeks. Dana

Response:

For the last couple of weeks my alllergies have really flared up.

Claritin has helped me.  There’s no interaction with my other meds but check with your dr *and* pharmicist. Ted

Response:

Talk to your doctor about adding pseudophedrine decongestant to help with sinuses (there’s a variation of Zyrtec called Zyrtec-D with a 12 hour dose of pseudophedrine included).  There may be reasons against your taking it. Good luck Liam

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For the last couple of weeks my alllergies have really flared up. I take Nasonex and Zyrtec but lately they don’t seem to be doing a thing for me. My sinuses run down my throat especially at night to the point where my throat is raw. MY voice has deepened as well. Now my asthma is flaring up and I don’t know what to do. I take Accolate, Albuterol, Serevent and Flovent for my asthma. I upped my flovent due to increased inflammation. My doctor put me on prednisone for a wk last wk but as soon as I got off the allergies and asthma flared up again. I have some Singulair at the house and have been thinking of taking that instead of Accolate but I doubt that would work. Any suggestions? Dana

Response:

Any suggestions?

Check back with your Doctor and let him know of your problems without self medicating yourself.

Response:

Hi Dana, Some things that might help.  Are your windows in the house closed. Do you keep your windows closed when traveling in the car?  This will keep the pollen out of the house and car.

For the house it might be a better idea to use a window fan with a pollen filter. I mean, what if she’s allergic to indoor things as well like mold spores and dust mite junk? — web: http://www.insecurities.org/jenwolf

Response:

Hi Dana, Some things that might help.  Are your windows in the house closed.  Do you keep your windows closed when traveling in the car?  This will keep the pollen out of the house and car.  Are you rinsing out your nose with salt? Use pickling salt, as it is more pure and warm water with a syringe or water pic.  Do several times a day before you use the flonase.  I also gargle with the salt water mixture.  This helps the sore throat. Also when I am having a bad flare like this, I use the nebulizer instead of the albuterol inhaler.  I take hot showers for the steam to open up also. You could ask the doc for a steroid shot, as they last about 3 weeks. Hope this helps Kathy

Response:

For the last couple of weeks my alllergies have really flared up. I take Nasonex and Zyrtec but lately they don’t seem to be doing a thing for me. My sinuses run down my throat especially at night to the point where my throat is raw. MY voice has deepened as well. Now my asthma is flaring up and I don’t know what to do. I take Accolate, Albuterol, Serevent and Flovent for my asthma. I upped my flovent due to increased inflammation. My doctor put me on prednisone for a wk last wk but as soon as I got off the allergies and asthma flared up again. I have some Singulair at the house and have been thinking of taking that instead of Accolate but I doubt that would work. Any suggestions? Dana

Response:

Question:

I have been on Prilosec for the last two months! I use to take 5-8 tums per day. I have had 4 tums in the last three months. It is an absolute wonder drug!

I took prilosec for twenty eight days as part of the treatment to get rid of h-pylori and it is a good drug but at $3.00 per pill it was a little too much for me.

Response:

You are right that it is very expensive.  I just paid $111 for 30 capsules. No wonder the drug companies have such a big advertising budget!!  Luckily, my insurance reimburses me 80% but that takes several weeks. Tim Washington State

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been on Prilosec for the last two months! I use to take 5-8 tums per day. I have had 4 tums in the last three months. It is an absolute wonder drug! I took prilosec for twenty eight days as part of the treatment to get rid of h-pylori and it is a good drug but at $3.00 per pill it was a little too much for me.

Response:

Good news here, there is a psuedo-generic in the pipeline for prilosec.  I read about a month ago some company reverse engineered a drug to perform the same function as Prilosec.  Prilosec maker’s sued for patent infringement and lost.  Drug is supposed to be in Phase III’s in the U.S..  I hope this competition can only reduce the prices charged.  We’ll see…. -Kevin

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You are right that it is very expensive.  I just paid $111 for 30 capsules. No wonder the drug companies have such a big advertising budget!! Luckily, my insurance reimburses me 80% but that takes several weeks. Tim Washington State I have been on Prilosec for the last two months! I use to take 5-8 tums per day. I have had 4 tums in the last three months. It is an absolute wonder drug! I took prilosec for twenty eight days as part of the treatment to get rid of h-pylori and it is a good drug but at $3.00 per pill it was a little too much for me.

Response:

A third (Aciphex) and fourth (Protonix) proton pump inhibitor has been recently introduced with more on the way. Some of the HMO’s have already written me asking me to change brands. Let’s hope a price war ensues. — CBI, M.D. Please note: It is impossible to accurately diagnose medical problems without seeing the patient and reviewing the entire history. These posts are intended to be helpful and informative. Always check with your doctor before following any advice given.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good news here, there is a psuedo-generic in the pipeline for prilosec.  I read about a month ago some company reverse engineered a drug to perform the same function as Prilosec.  Prilosec maker’s sued for patent infringement and lost.  Drug is supposed to be in Phase III’s in the U.S..  I hope this competition can only reduce the prices charged.  We’ll see…. -Kevin You are right that it is very expensive.  I just paid $111 for 30 capsules. No wonder the drug companies have such a big advertising budget!! Luckily, my insurance reimburses me 80% but that takes several weeks. Tim Washington State I have been on Prilosec for the last two months! I use to take 5-8 tums per day. I have had 4 tums in the last three months. It is an absolute wonder drug! I took prilosec for twenty eight days as part of the treatment to get rid of h-pylori and it is a good drug but at $3.00 per pill it was a little too much for me.

Response:

Her lung specialist said that at a recent conference, it appears that most kids w/asthma actually have acid reflux.

Good thing you changed doctors. Quite a few people with asthma fight acid reflux. I control mine with a tagamet before eating especially at night. Good luck with your chikd and I hope  she outgrows it. I would also recommend that she be checked by an allergist.

Response:

I have been on Prilosec for the last two months! I use to take 5-8 tums per day. I have had 4 tums in the last three months. It is an absolute wonder drug! Tim Washington State

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Her lung specialist said that at a recent conference, it appears that most kids w/asthma actually have acid reflux. Good thing you changed doctors. Quite a few people with asthma fight acid reflux. I control mine with a tagamet before eating especially at night. Good luck with your chikd and I hope  she outgrows it. I would also recommend that she be checked by an allergist.

Response:

My 5 year old daughter is a severe asthmatic. Every time we think we get a grip on it , something new starts it up. We keep oxygen at home. She recently had her adenoids removed, maybe they were contributing. Her lung specialist said that at a recent conference, it appears that most kids w/asthma actually have acid reflux. It may be worth it for any of you to check in to. The meds she’s on are unreal: 220mcg flovent, 2 puffs 2x a day, singulair, and serevent. They also added ryna-12, which made no difference and when she catches a cold, she goes on prelone and albuterol. Talk about a mean child! Her oxygen saturation drops below 90 and we then put her on oxy. Her old lung specialist tried pulmicort and basically gave up when it didn’t work, hoping she would outgrow it. Check in to the reflux issue. Good luck.

Response:

Question:

Thanks. I am curious does a psychiatrist have to prescribe?

No, GPs can do it too. But chances are they will know less about how to treat anxiety disorders than psychiatrists do. I only trust psychiatrists with a lot of experience in the treatment of anxiety disorders and an open mind (not *benzophobic*, for instance). Reason is my psychiatrist can be hard to get a hold of–ie he just have several offices he shares around town. Whereas my general practioner is always at his office day after day in case I need a dosage switch or whatever. Do general practiioner/internal medicine physcians have a enough info to reliably presribe SSRI’s?

Basically the main rule is *start low, go slow* to prevent initial worsening of symptoms. I think you should be able to reach your pdoc when necessary, maybe it will take some calls to find out where he is but it seems you *can* reach him. That would be better IMO.   Also I am very concerned SSRI’s will turn me into a robot–I have never taken any. I really dont want to get drowsy at work, etc.

Most of us are med phobic, it’s always difficult to start a (new) med. You will *not* turn into a robot though, I can assure you. Drowsiness on Zoloft is also not the first thing to expect but YMMV.   But I do want to get these racing anxiety oriented thoughts out of my head. Due to an injury I am nearly impotent at 36 yrs old so obviously those thoughts constantly race through my head—I want them to disappear.

I am very sorry to hear that. I do wonder if an SSRI like Zoloft will be the right med for you as SSRI’s very often cause sexual dysfunction including impotence as a side effect. Maybe a TCA like imipramine would be a more appropriate choice. Possibly even better would be a benzo like Xanax XR. It *is* obvious that you’d better talk to your psychiatrist about this. I find it strange that he prescribed Zoloft while knowing about your problems with impotence. I would certainly ask him about that. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – my psych has me starting out on zoloft at 50mg,,,after doing some reading should I ask him for 25mg starting dose? Yes, that will make for a smoother ride. Ideal starting dose is 12.5 mg IMO. Philip

Response:

my psych has me starting out on zoloft at 50mg,,,after doing some reading should I ask him for 25mg starting dose?

Response:

my psych has me starting out on zoloft at 50mg,,,after doing some reading should I ask him for 25mg starting dose?

Yes, that will make for a smoother ride. Ideal starting dose is 12.5 mg IMO. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Thanks. I am curious does a psychiatrist have to prescribe? Reason is my psychiatrist can be hard to get a hold of–ie he just have several offices he shares around town. Whereas my general practioner is always at his office day after day in case I need a dosage switch or whatever. Do general practiioner/internal medicine physcians have a enough info to reliably presribe SSRI’s? Also I am very concerned SSRI’s will turn me into a robot–I have never taken any. I really dont want to get drowsy at work, etc. But I do want to get these racing anxiety oriented thoughts out of my head. Due to an injury I am nearly impotent at 36 yrs old so obviously those thoughts constantly race through my head—I want them to disappear.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – my psych has me starting out on zoloft at 50mg,,,after doing some reading should I ask him for 25mg starting dose? Yes, that will make for a smoother ride. Ideal starting dose is 12.5 mg IMO. Philip

Response:

Question:

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

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

Response:

"Smurf" <Smurf…@btinternet.com

wrote in message

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

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

it

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

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

Response:

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

wrote in message

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

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

it

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

Response:

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

wrote in message

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

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

it

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

Response:

Smurf wrote:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

Question:

Hello: I am an ultradian rapid cycler who happens to be hypomanic now. In the next five minutes???? Feel free to reply or email so that we can share experiences. Darren. — — — "Nullum illgetium prandium!" ICQ# 31191600

Response:

Hello: I am an ultradian rapid cycler who happens to be hypomanic now. In the next five minutes???? Feel free to reply or email so that we can share experiences. Darren. — — — "Nullum illgetium prandium!" ICQ# 31191600

Is this possible? My therapist said I was scientifically unable to swing that fast. I am no longer seeing that therapist (or anybody else right now) and would like some information. Lady V

Response:

I am a rapid cycler, and after a year of trying different meds, I am on a cocktail that works: 1000mgs of Tegretol daily, 6mgs of Risperadal, 1mg of Klonopin, and 10mgs of Prozac, prozac every other day.  I am an extreme rapid cycler (can cycle in the same hour!) and have been through enough this past year.  I am also seasonal.  Fall depression, spring mania.  I have finally found some peace.  Good luck to you.  Veronica

Response:

I am a rapid cycler, and after a year of trying different meds, I am on a cocktail that works: 1000mgs of Tegretol daily, 6mgs of Risperadal, 1mg of Klonopin, and 10mgs of Prozac, prozac every other day.  I am an extreme rapid cycler (can cycle in the same hour!) and have been through enough this past year.  I am also seasonal.  Fall depression, spring mania.  I have finally found some peace.  Good luck to you.  Veronica

Great news on success stories is always encouraging.  We have lots of rapids here (gee, advanced level water rapids just came to mind as similar),  I get the feeling that most who are, would prefer not to be…..my feeling is that rapid is better for me than anything horrible that would last months.  Also, since so rapid and breakthru hypomanic every few days (at least) I can’t complain about the SSRI’s bad affect on sex life.  The hypomania push is stronger than the drug side effect of long long long long (why even bother) plateau to orgasm. best regards from julie

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yep i sure am ….. is it any wonder that my favorite toy is Bouncing Tigger …boing boing boing….

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Oh, Ralph!  LOVE you! Some BP vanity plates….                                 I M NUTZ                                 HI LO                                 UP DOWN                                 KING worm                                 FUN E FARM

—Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.—

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Not a good idea, keep letting them play with the meds. I work hard at ‘tuning into" my rapid cycling when it happens. Sometimes I can, sometimes I can’t. I have also had great success by eliminating stress where I can. Cheers! Alan P.S. I absolutely HATE it when I am in mixed states and up for 15 minutes, then down for 15. Your meds must be at least limiting the range you have to deal with. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – They work for a while 3-4months and than they fail – a very vicious cycle. Been really depressed past few weeks – kind of dead just watching life pass me by.  If i wasn’t the single Mom of a 14yr old I throw in the bag.  Sometimes I feel like saying the hell with all the meds – since I cycle anyway when I am on them maybe I should just strap in and take the ride drugless.  I don’t know sorry for venting.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello: I am an ultradian rapid cycler who happens to be hypomanic now. In the next five minutes???? Feel free to reply or email so that we can share experiences. Darren. — — — "Nullum illgetium prandium!" ICQ# 31191600 Is this possible? My therapist said I was scientifically unable to swing that fast. I am no longer seeing that therapist (or anybody else right now) and would like some information. Lady V

My mood can swing from normal to deeply depressed or significantly hypo (or the other way) in less than an hour. But it more often takes about 12 hours.  I am fascinated by this. How rapid is rapid? jackie Web page at http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/close/xhq10/mem.htm I’ve been Jay H, Canarybird, Empty Cage, Serin, Phoenix, even Crow. Let’s see if I can stick with this one for a while.

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I’ve been through a variety of meds, too effexor, wellbutrin, depakote. prozac, all with only temporary success. the only mood stabilizer the doc is interested in trying is depakote, and that only helps with the super highs Rapid cycling is a pain because i’m never quite sure how long any given mood is going to last.  It could be weeks or months.  Just to let you know you’re not alone. —

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I was rapid cycling. Lithium stopped it. i take lithium and prozac, but i dont think the prozac is working yet.. it’s supposed to take 2-3 weeks or something. Anyway, i dont think that i’ll always be rapid cycling, it was the onset of my illness, and i read somewhere that females (more than males) are more prone to rapid cycling, and that it can occur at the beginning of an illness. ok,im done molly – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diaganosed with  rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed  into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am  search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should  be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.

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Hi: I’m a rapid cycler myself.  I’m also an aerobics instructor (well that’s what they say I am:).  I agree exercise does help, but I’m still having problems.  Of course I haven’t exactly been good about taking my meds so I’m probably not a good example.  I too have even worse symptoms during PMS (which I now have).  My prob is that the meds I’m taking (Depakote and Paxil) make extremely (yawn) lethargic.  I just now started taking my Depakote again (after taking myself off of it) so we’ll see how it goes.  I seem to be even worse with no meds whatsover after a while so I’m trying to hang in there and let it work. If you ever need to vent, please feel free to write, I could use some friends, especially during times like these. Cat (who has no idea what to use for coreagraphy for her next aerobics class:) Has exercise helped? I’m attempting to quit smoking (notice the attempting), and I can tell you that as a rapid cycler myself, exercise has been my salvation. My pdoc and I disagree on what the result of the meds should be. He wants no mood swings, I want to actually be awake. Anyway, and then there is pms week, which I think serves as a reminder to me of why I’m on meds. So, when too much stress, I still freak out, but in spurts. Anyway, exercising helps that, to relieve my stress. Alex

—Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.—

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Some BP vanity plates….                                 I M NUTZ                                 HI LO                                 UP DOWN                                 KING worm                                 FUN E FARM

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey Katnip! Me three!!! My car license is up for renewal on my birthday – July 1st, Canada Day. I grew up thinking that the fireworks and celebration were for me! What a letdown when I found out the truth. Anyway, I’m thinking of getting vanity plates that read "URC BP2". It would be kind of like the secret handshake among Masons, don’t you think? Anybody have any other suggestions for Bipolar plates? My SO wants me to get BPBEAR cause she calls me her big Bipolar Bear. Awwwwww! This is a really tough time of the year for us RC’s. Hang in there. Peace, GaryO Hi: I’m a rapid cycler myself.  I’m also an aerobics instructor (well that’s what they say I am:).  I agree exercise does help, but I’m still having problems.  Of course I haven’t exactly been good about taking my meds so I’m probably not a good example.  I too have even worse symptoms during PMS (which I now have).  My prob is that the meds I’m taking (Depakote and Paxil) make extremely (yawn) lethargic.  I just now started taking my Depakote again (after taking myself off of it) so we’ll see how it goes.  I seem to be even worse with no meds whatsover after a while so I’m trying to hang in there and let it work. If you ever need to vent, please feel free to write, I could use some friends, especially during times like these. Cat (who has no idea what to use for coreagraphy for her next aerobics class:) Has exercise helped? I’m attempting to quit smoking (notice the attempting), and I can tell you that as a rapid cycler myself, exercise has been my salvation. My pdoc and I disagree on what the result of the meds should be. He wants no mood swings, I want to actually be awake. Anyway, and then there is pms week, which I think serves as a reminder to me of why I’m on meds. So, when too much stress, I still freak out, but in spurts. Anyway, exercising helps that, to relieve my stress. Alex —Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.—

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You bet. I’m thinking of changing my nick to Bouncing Ball. jackie Web page at http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/close/xhq10/mem.htm I’ve been Jay H, Canarybird, Empty Cage, Serin, Phoenix, even Crow. Let’s see if I can stick with this one for a while.

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Just my opinion… from Oct of 98 to to May of 99 hardly seems like enough time to have given all of those meds enough chance to work their magic..??? peace – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diaganosed with  rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed  into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am  search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should  be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.

—Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.—

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yes and i am sick of it, nothing helps lny

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Hey there !! I am a rapid cycler..ultra rapid that is… anyway, I am on lamictal and it is a total life saver, you may want to try it.  I feel good mentally and physically now… I been on the whole gamut too, those meds did me no good either.  Also, lamictal is supposed to work very well for rapid cyclers.  I know that in the past there were a few people that posted to me when I first started on it and they said they were on it and that they were doing wonderfully, I didnt get any negative responses. I dont cycle anymore but I sure do have my moments, you know those moments you could cause more damage in a house than a tornado could?  :)  But I am able to control myself a lot better than I used to, it is as though I have some semblance of reason when I get those feelings. Anna

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I too have been working with this "moody personality" as it was origionally called for four years.  I have been thru almost as many treatments as you. Sept 98′ I was finally diagnosed with Bipolar II.  And as recently as Tuesday as dysphoric mania to boot.  My husband and children are struggling to understand it, but I can’t seem to describe it accurately.  I feel for you because if anyone has to go thru what I do on a DAILY basis, I wish them luck.

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Have you read "An unquiet mind?" Good book, if you get past how "great" she is (maybe I was just in a bad mood). My parents read it, and were like, you felt that way (or feel). Hang in there! Alex

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As a relative "newbie" here, what is "rapid cycling"?  What makes that different from "normal" cycling if there is such a thing?  … I take it that "rapid cycling" doesn’t involve the tour de france vs. a slow bicycle ride around the block Thanks, — Kevin White, Software Engineer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diaganosed with  rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am  search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should  be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.

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Hi LADYREB, I was diaganosed with  rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed  into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace.

Unfortunately that is common for some of us <sigh. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am  search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should  be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.

Having been there…persistence and patience, which is sometimes difficult for me (understatement), I have to force myself to put one foot in front of the other (literally that can be a challenge since I have Multiple Sclerosis Yours,

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His goal is not realistic. To have no mood swings at all, you must be drugged into oblivion. A better goal is to have <manageable mood swings. I guess that is harder for the doctor to manage. Stand firm on this one! And good luck quitting the smokes. I just started Wellbutrin, I hope that will help me. Keith – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My pdoc and I disagree on what the result of the meds should be. He wants no mood swings, I want to actually be awake.

Response:

I was diaganosed with  rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed  into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am  search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should  be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.

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They work for a while 3-4months and than they fail – a very vicious cycle. Been really depressed past few weeks – kind of dead just watching life pass me by.  If i wasn’t the single Mom of a 14yr old I throw in the bag.  Sometimes I feel like saying the hell with all the meds – since I cycle anyway when I am on them maybe I should just strap in and take the ride drugless.  I don’t know sorry for venting.

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Has exercise helped? I’m attempting to quit smoking (notice the attempting), and I can tell you that as a rapid cycler myself, exercise has been my salvation. My pdoc and I disagree on what the result of the meds should be. He wants no mood swings, I want to actually be awake. Anyway, and then there is pms week, which I think serves as a reminder to me of why I’m on meds. So, when too much stress, I still freak out, but in spurts. Anyway, exercising helps that, to relieve my stress. Alex

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You haven’t tried Neurontin or Lamictal, both of which have a good reputation with rapid cycling. There are some more that you haven’t tried, but I recommend you ask about N&L first. Keith – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I was diaganosed with  rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed  into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am  search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should  be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.

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Question:

Can someone tell me if Xanax and Zoloft are different, or are they just different meds for different people?  I’m on Xanax, and I wonder if Zoloft would be better?  I take Xanax just for when I need it. Pip

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Zoloft is an SSRI type anti-depresant.  Xanax is a Benzo.  Difference is Xanax is fast acting, and wears off quickly.  Zoloft is more preventitive (in other words you can not take it per needed basis, you must take it everyday).  It takes several weeks to see full benefit, and the results for everyone may vary.  I will not even begin to go into the side effects, but if you want more info on that you can do a search at deja news for zoloft. I would suggest trying the Zoloft in conjunction with the Xanax if you want to.  What you may find over time that you can ween off of the xanax, or use it per needed basis.  What you are going to find is ssri’s work for some, but not for all.  YMMV, and IMO. Good Luck. d – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can someone tell me if Xanax and Zoloft are different, or are they just different meds for different people?  I’m on Xanax, and I wonder if Zoloft would be better?  I take Xanax just for when I need it. Pip

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Philippa lomax schreef: Can someone tell me if Xanax and Zoloft are different, or are they just different meds for different people?  I’m on Xanax, and I wonder if Zoloft would be better?  I take Xanax just for when I need it. Pip

Xanax is a benzodiazepine (a so-called minor tranquillizer). Its anxiolyutic effects are undisputed. It can be taken *as needed* por as a maintenance med. Also a combo with another, longer-acting benzo like Klonopin works well for many people and Xanax can also be combined with an antidepressant of whatever type and often is. Benzo’s have mainly some drowsiness in the beginning as side effect.Zoloft is a SSRI-type antidepressant. These antidepressants work for anxiety/panic as well, as PAD and depression are sort of cousins, chemically. Unlike benzo’s which have immediate effect, with the SSRI’s (which block the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin so that you have enough of it at the right time at the right place, to be very simplistic about it) you need to give them between 3-8 weeks to be able to evaluate their effects. In the first few weeks your symptoms may worsen as your body adjust to the med. Therefore it is necessary to start at a real low dose and slowly raise it to therapeutic level which is a personal matter of trial and error. Often a benzo is added in these first weeks and this combo can also be taken long-term. A very unpleasant side effect of most SSRI’s with most people is sexual dysfunction. If I were you (but I’m not and I’m also not a doctor) I would try and see if raising my Xanax dose and taking it as a maintenance med (taking 4-5 times a day, say, .5 mgs = 2.5 mgs in total while average therapeutic dosage is 2-5 mgs) won’t do the trick for me. If it wouldn’t I would start to think about a combo. I feel that it is important to start out with just one med (so that you know for sure that the results are from that particular med) and to give it a full trial. YMMV etc. Philip

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Can someone tell me if Xanax and Zoloft are different, or are they just different meds for different people?

Dear Pip,   I don’t know the medical terms for the meds, but I do know that they are two different drugs.   I take Zoloft everyday and it has helped restore my pre-panic disorder disposition. (Which was pretty nice.)   I only take the Xanax when I push to travel (still have some problems with distance from home, but is much better. I now can go 20 miles from home.) Anyway, the Xanax just takes the edge off.   If you have an opportunity to try Zoloft, go for it. It really does help.   All the best.                            Sharon

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Dear Sharon, I am interested to know how much Zoloft and Xanax you take each day.My MD has suggested  I take 100mg a day of Zoloft, along with 0.5mg of Xanax 4 – 5 times a day for panic attacks and anxiety.  I would appreciate any feedback from you.  Thanks for your help.

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Question:

John, Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. Amazing tho that may seem.

From the evidence of my eyes and memory, a lot of depressed people don’t. The information is probably news to someone reading it, old hat though it was to you. —          The opinions given above may be mine. They might also            just be what I feel like saying right now, okay?

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers? Well, Zoloft is an antidepressant. Alcohol is a CNS depressant. Your call. Danny

It is possible to have seizures and also strokes when combining alcohol and zoloft. TheDelser

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: OUCH! nothing more to say…;) : I’ve taken Zoloft for 3 years and drank for 3+ years.  Zoloft has helped, and has been therapeutic.  I no longer take Zoloft, but I still have my beers. will

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Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft. Carma – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

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Excellent response. I really wish someone had given me this advice before I got into it. SNIP Many to totally stupid and embarassing  things in public.

That would be me. This may get you taked about but not in a light you would like.

And how. The danger is that you don’t know what will happen.  For damn sure don’t have to plan on driving.  I went into a corn field one night on two Vodka martinis, sound asleep at the wheel.  They check for the level and it was only .15.  But the combination of that and my BP pills knocked my but out.

Okay, are you sure you mean .15? Legally drunk is .10, you know… Just checking. G. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -SNIP

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

Zoloft (sertraline) is an antidepressant; alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, so the expectation would likely be that drinking while depressed would not be helpful to recovery. This is not to say that an occasional sip of alcohol would hurt, but it is always wise to speak with your own physician about these drinking while on psychiatric medications. I no longer drink while taking medications. I used to. Didn’t help at all to drink, in fact made it worse, so I quit. -jim

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

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: Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.       The term "depressant", when used in reference to alcohol, means that it slows you down, NOT that it causes the condition known as "depression". Alcohol *CAN* be dangerous with zoloft; it can make you MUCH drowsier/drunker than you expect, and long term alcohol use *CAN* cause depression (not because it’s a "depressant", but because of other changes that heavy use of alcohol causes in your body)      But light drinking is fairly safe.  The reason you’re told to avoid alcohol on zoloft is because you don’t have carte blanche freedom to drink as much as you want.

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Hi all,  I’d like to mention an additional danger besides the one listed. Zoloft (as do ALL antidepressants) tends to lower the seizure threshold (i.e. make it easier to have a seizure) as does alcohol.  For most people this might not be a problem, but if you’re borderline seizure oriented, or especially overtired, be VERY careful of this combination.  I’d remind people as well, that this being cough/cold season, LIQUID nyquil is 50 proof or 25% alcohol.  Email welcome.  John Abeel — John Abeel, R.P.H. http://www.servtech.com/public/rxman " He who hath no scruples isn’t worth a dram " – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : John, : Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart : enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. : Amazing tho that may seem.      Why, then, didn’t you use the term "depressant" correctly in the following post that you made? : : Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.

Response:

While on ADs, the effects of alcohol on my system are unpredictable. I

The effects of alcohol on bipolar people, on AD or not, is unpredictable. |Home page:http://reality.sgi.com/employees/chokshi_clubfed/ |Silicon Graphics, Inc., voice: (301) 572-1678, fax: (301) 572-8778 |—Mortal, why doth thou live like thou art immortal?

Response:

Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

Well, Zoloft is an antidepressant. Alcohol is a CNS depressant. Your call. Danny

Response:

: It is possible to have seizures and also strokes when combining alcohol : and zoloft.      Strangely, this is NOT mentioned in any of the literature on zoloft. Care to substantiate this claim, oh ignoble bullshitter?

Response:

John, Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. Amazing tho that may seem. Carma – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.       The term "depressant", when used in reference to alcohol, means that it slows you down, NOT that it causes the condition known as "depression". Alcohol *CAN* be dangerous with zoloft; it can make you MUCH drowsier/drunker than you expect, and long term alcohol use *CAN* cause depression (not because it’s a "depressant", but because of other changes that heavy use of alcohol causes in your body)      But light drinking is fairly safe.  The reason you’re told to avoid alcohol on zoloft is because you don’t have carte blanche freedom to drink as much as you want.

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Well let’s see perhaps it is just I’ve been studying the wrong books but the last time I checked all forms of ETOH were listed as major central nervous system depressants and the formula 1 CNSD + 1 CNSD still looks like too drugged to cogitate properly let alone breath. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : John, : Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart : enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. : Amazing tho that may seem.      Why, then, didn’t you use the term "depressant" correctly in the following post that you made? : : Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.

Response:

: John, : Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart : enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. : Amazing tho that may seem.      Why, then, didn’t you use the term "depressant" correctly in the following post that you made? : : Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.

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OUCH! nothing more to say…;)

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Zoloft affects Serotonin, while alcohol affects GABA transmission and recption.  Unless there’s effects we’re not aware of.

Response:

Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

You may get drunk a LOT faster. Then again, you may not. Charlie’s Sneaker Pages: http://sneakers.pair.com/ Best Value in Airplanes: http://www.boeing.com/

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Question:

Hi all, Unless and/or until a medical breakthrough occurs regarding finding and fixing the part of my brain/body that results in panic disorder, I expect to be on medications the rest of my life. I have discussed this with my health care providers, my yack therapist and my behavioral modification therapist. All are in agreement that this is a very reasonable assumption. Am I worried about addiction? No, not after some initial concern and a good sit-down with my docs to discuss my fears and gain valuable current information  regarding the disorder(s) I have. I have taken the same medications 6 x daily for 15 years. My dosage has never needed to be increased. I know if I were to discontinue my medications, my brain/body would likely react very violently, however I have no plans at this time to discontinue my regime. My medications are not 100% effective, however it is the best for me at this point in time. If a new medication comes along that my docs feel might give me more relief, I will do everything in my power to go through the changing process in a safe, informed manner with medical support. I do get upset at times when I see books, articles, etc. stating that a particular medication is highly addictive, highly dangerous, and should be used sparingly and discontinued quickly, if used at all. I become downright enraged when a new book hits the bookstores describing in gory detail one person’s experience while on a certain medication; reminds me of the book "I’m Dancing As Fast As I Can" back in the ’70s, about one woman’s experience with Valium. The word got out via the media and soon doctors were rapidly back-peddling the dispension of this medication, much to the detriment of the many, many people this medication helped. I worry somewhat that this will happen with the medications I am taking; one bestseller or a few articles can wreak havoc for me and others who are genuinely finding some relief.   In no way do I believe that medication is the *right or only answer* for everyone suffering from panic disorder, nor do I believe the medications I happen to take are the only medications to offer relief. I do question why addiction has become the hallmark of whether a medication or combo of medications will be offered and for what duration. I feel deeply that the anti-drug campaigns; the "war on drugs," and "just say no to drugs" have spilled over into the area of authentic medical relief to ease suffering from neurobiological disorders, as well as many other afflictions (cancer readily comes to mind). The reason for this post is the many e-mails I have received stating I *must* discontinue the meds I now take because they are addictive, dangerous, wrong, etc., that meds are not the answer, etc. I can agree that the meds I currently take are not *for everyone* and that meds may not be the answer *in all cases of panic disorder*. Another reason I have posted today is the confusion I read daily here in asap regarding medications, the fear (very legitimate) surrounding medications, and the added suffering this confusion brings to already stressed lives. I feel wanting to know everything possible from fellow sufferers (who better to ask?) about medications and sharing = a wise consumer. I also feel saying that medications have little or no place in treating panic disorder = playing doctor without a license and adding unnecessary anxiety. Ultimately, the decision to take/not take medication and, if medication is an option, dosage/duration, is the responsibility of the sufferer and his/her health care provider(s). This requires trust, up-to-date information from reliable sources, and a desire among all parties for the sufferer to be provided whatever relief is available. Blanket statements can be very detrimental, especially in areas where there is already much confusion, such as panic disorder and medication. This is *my* opinion. Your comments, opinions are welcome. gisela angelina

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[snip] Someone recently said that Xanax tasted very bitter and "it would have to be one hell of a panic attack to put up with that".

That was me. I don’t want to say any absolutes, but -that person doesn’t know what a panic attack is-.

You are contradicting yourself. Saying that I don’t know what a panic attack is *is* most definitely an absolute. On what other basis, other than what I said about Xanax being bitter, and my sarcastic statement, do you make this judgement? I’ve been taking pills for 31 years.

And I have been taking pills for three. Although my experience with panic and anxiety is markedly shorter than yours, by about 28 years, it is still the most hellacious experience I have ever had to go through. Please don’t tell me I don’t know what a panic attack is. — ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` Luis Echeverria       `  Interviewer: "So Frank, you have long hair.  ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` `                Does that make you a woman?"   ` ` Orange County, CA     `                that make you a table?"        ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` `

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~~~~a post that says it all and says it well, snipped~~~~~~ Ultimately, the decision to take/not take medication and, if medication is an option, dosage/duration, is the responsibility of the sufferer and his/her health care provider(s). This requires trust, up-to-date information from reliable sources, and a desire among all parties for the sufferer to be provided whatever relief is available. Blanket statements can be very detrimental, especially in areas where there is already much confusion, such as panic disorder and medication. This is *my* opinion. Your comments, opinions are welcome. gisela angelina

Terrific post Gisela. I find it very interesting that on asap and other support groups that discuss so called "mental" disorders, there is always ongoing discussion, diatribes, name calling, etc., about the use of meds. On the other support groups that deal with disorders that are recognized as definitely physical, the use of the same meds doesn’t even raise an eyebrow! No-one posts messages saying to the man who uses benzos so he can get out of his wheelchair for an hour or two a day that he should quit using them, as he’s just masking his problem with drugs.  That if he just stood up and TOLD himself he could walk, his disorder would go away!  No-one posts dire warnings about how he’s going to get addicted to the meds because they let him walk a little bit and hurt a little less.  Never a word about using cognitive therapy either! Xanax has, with some help from Prozac, cured my PD – hopefully permanently.  If I believed half of what is said about meds and PD by the nay-sayers, I’d be worried sick about becoming a junkie by now.  I use Xanax to help control dystonia and essential tremor, with the enthusiastic encouragement of my doctor and specialist.  Not a word about addiction mentioned.  Yet the same doctor was concerned about addiction when I asked for Xanax for PD!!!! Interesting isn’t it? Mally  :)

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