Question:

Here’s some stuff: http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_specific_drugs_used_preven… Leukotriene-Antagonists. Leukotriene-antagonists are anti-inflammatory agents that blocks leukotrienes, powerful immune system factors that are important in causing airway constriction. They include zileuton (Ziflo), zafirlukast (Accolate), montelukast (Singulair), and pranlukast (Ultair, Onon). These agents are being used in asthma and some physicians have observed a reduction in migraine frequency in asthmatic patients who also had these headaches. In one study that investigated their use for migraine prevention, more than half of patients experienced a reduction in frequency of severe attacks. They are not approved by the FDA for migraines, however, nor are they routinely used by physicians.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anybody hears about the use of Singulair tablets (normally used for hay fever and asthma) for the treatment of headaches.  From Google I got this Dr. Greene stuff http://www.drgreene.com/21_316.html and http://www.google.com/search?q=singulaire&sourceid=mozilla-search&sta…. Thanks!

Response:

I liked what it did for my allergies/sinus but after 3 wks of taking it i had problems with my gallbladder/liver.  I stopped taking it and everything went back to normal. tracey Here’s some stuff:

http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_specific_drugs_used_preven… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Leukotriene-Antagonists. Leukotriene-antagonists are anti-inflammatory agents that blocks leukotrienes, powerful immune system factors that are important in causing airway constriction. They include zileuton (Ziflo), zafirlukast (Accolate), montelukast (Singulair), and pranlukast (Ultair, Onon). These agents are being used in asthma and some physicians have observed a reduction in migraine frequency in asthmatic patients who also had these headaches. In one study that investigated their use for migraine prevention, more than half of patients experienced a reduction in frequency of severe attacks. They are not approved by the FDA for migraines, however, nor are they routinely used by physicians. Has anybody hears about the use of Singulair tablets (normally used for hay fever and asthma) for the treatment of headaches.  From Google I got this Dr. Greene stuff http://www.drgreene.com/21_316.html and

http://www.google.com/search?q=singulaire&sourceid=mozilla-search&sta…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks!

Response:

Hey there Erik have you scraped her bottom of the barnacles and are going to ride her like a wild man this season?  The boat Erik the boat  ~grin~ Ronnie

Has anybody hears about the use of Singulair tablets (normally used for hay fever and asthma) for the treatment of headaches.  From Google I got this Dr. Greene stuff http://www.drgreene.com/21_316.html and

http://www.google.com/search?q=singulaire&sourceid=mozilla-search&sta… art=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was going to try it, but then my insurance wouldn’t fill it.  By then I found a different drug (seroquel) that worked great. Erik

Response:

I am starting to have some headaches, but since I’m on steroids, Advair, Albuterol, and God knows how many other drugs at this moment, it’s hard to say it’s actually the Singulair.  I can say it is the best allergy medication I’ve ever taken.  I’ve never had days like this where my nose wasn’t constantly dripping.  If I find it’s the Singulair giving me headaches, I’m going to try a 5 mg dose to see if that helps. Michelle

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I liked what it did for my allergies/sinus but after 3 wks of taking it i had problems with my gallbladder/liver.  I stopped taking it and everything went back to normal. tracey Here’s some stuff: http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_specific_drugs_used_preven… Leukotriene-Antagonists. Leukotriene-antagonists are anti-inflammatory agents that blocks leukotrienes, powerful immune system factors that are important in causing airway constriction. They include zileuton (Ziflo), zafirlukast (Accolate), montelukast (Singulair), and pranlukast (Ultair, Onon). These agents are being used in asthma and some physicians have observed a reduction in migraine frequency in asthmatic patients who also had these headaches. In one study that investigated their use for migraine prevention, more than half of patients experienced a reduction in frequency of severe attacks. They are not approved by the FDA for migraines, however, nor are they routinely used by physicians. Has anybody hears about the use of Singulair tablets (normally used for hay fever and asthma) for the treatment of headaches.  From Google I got this Dr. Greene stuff http://www.drgreene.com/21_316.html and http://www.google.com/search?q=singulaire&sourceid=mozilla-search&sta…. Thanks!

Response:

How did the doctor prescribe the Seroquel?  

What kind of doctor?  I’d recommend a psychiatrist that also suffers from migraines.  I’ve been very fortunate to find some very empathetic pdocs over the last few years.  It’s a whole different world and there is all sorts of drugs available to them that aren’t available to a neurologist. As for me, I showed up at a psychiatrist after persuing every other option.  According to him, I was suffering from classic anxiety attacks that were bathing my brain in adrenalin.  Beta blockers worked, but not very well.  Based on reports from another poster in the group, I asked for seroquel and he went along with it.  It proved to be a silver bullet for me. Ins companies have been starting to question seroquel because it’s being perscribed basically for sleep.  It’s a fairly expensive sleep medication, but if you’re suffering from daily migraines and it works, it’s well worth the cost. My pdoc had samples that I used for the first month.  I’d explain your ins situation and just ask for these.  If it works, you’ll know the fight is worth it. Keep in mind that seroquel is a powerful med.  Even at the lowest dose of 25mg, I’d recommend quartering the pill and working up.  I felt very groggy, tired, and light headed, but it was much better then a daily chronic migraine.   It’s usually perscribed for extremely agitated psychotics, so it may have profound effect effect on you.  For my first dose of 25mg, I slept for 16 hrs straight of badly needed sleep.  I worked up to 300mg, but I’ve weaned back down to 150mg.  Any lower and I go back to migraine hell. Also, keep in mind that because your ins company denies perscription, you can still purchase the medication yourself.  I know this can be a financial burden, but for me, it pales compared to the cost of not being able to work.  My perscription for 15 300mg (that I cut in half) runs me about $124/month before my ins pays half.  Money well spent. Erik

Response:

The boat Erik the boat  ~grin~

I was thinking boat and then I had to read it again to pick up the other meaning. Cat not on the beach yet.  It needs to repairs.  Maybe this weekend if it doesn’t rain. Erik

Response:

Erik, How did the doctor prescribe the Seroquel?  My neuro is trying to get this for me, but the insurance company says it’s an anti psychotic drug and using it for migraine prevention or insomnia is an off label use and therefore they will not cover it.  They’ve asked for him to cite two studies where Seroquel was used for insomnia before they will approve the prescription.  The doctor told me on Monday that he will look for the information, but I got a call today from his nurse saying that the prior authorization was denied. Maybe I should be looking for studies for allergies or migraine? Karen in San Diego – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anybody hears about the use of Singulair tablets (normally used for hay fever and asthma) for the treatment of headaches.  From Google I got this Dr. Greene stuff http://www.drgreene.com/21_316.html and http://www.google.com/search?q=singulaire&sourceid=mozilla-search&sta…. I was going to try it, but then my insurance wouldn’t fill it.  By then I found a different drug (seroquel) that worked great. Erik

Response:

I’ve never tried singulair,have tried Serquel {sp?} didnt help tho. I’ve tried benedril only helped allerigies,made go to sleep. MM – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am starting to have some headaches, but since I’m on steroids, Advair, Albuterol, and God knows how many other drugs at this moment, it’s hard to say it’s actually the Singulair.  I can say it is the best allergy medication I’ve ever taken.  I’ve never had days like this where my nose wasn’t constantly dripping.  If I find it’s the Singulair giving me headaches, I’m going to try a 5 mg dose to see if that helps. Michelle I liked what it did for my allergies/sinus but after 3 wks of taking it i had problems with my gallbladder/liver.  I stopped taking it and everything went back to normal. tracey Here’s some stuff: http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_specific_drugs_used_preven… Leukotriene-Antagonists. Leukotriene-antagonists are anti-inflammatory agents that blocks leukotrienes, powerful immune system factors that are important in causing airway constriction. They include zileuton (Ziflo), zafirlukast (Accolate), montelukast (Singulair), and pranlukast (Ultair, Onon). These agents are being used in asthma and some physicians have observed a reduction in migraine frequency in asthmatic patients who also had these headaches. In one study that investigated their use for migraine prevention, more than half of patients experienced a reduction in frequency of severe attacks. They are not approved by the FDA for migraines, however, nor are they routinely used by physicians. Has anybody hears about the use of Singulair tablets (normally used for hay fever and asthma) for the treatment of headaches.  From Google I got this Dr. Greene stuff http://www.drgreene.com/21_316.html and http://www.google.com/search?q=singulaire&sourceid=mozilla-search&sta…. Thanks!

Response:

I’ll call around and see who has the Seroquel and for what price and since it would be without insurance I could fill it anywhere.

If 50mg worked for you, great!  Given that I was comatose for 16 hrs on my first dose, I was a little more cautious. Wow, that’s really good that it worked for you.  I’ve found the best prices at Sam’s and Walgreens.  It’s usually priced per dose, so you can buy fewer larger pills for a better deal.  I recommend a pill cutter. You could also get a pdoc to give you an exotic diagnosis that the ins company won’t challenge.  <hint  (Just consider life & health ins before you acquire such a label.) Erik

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve heard of people on here who have in combination with other medicatins…not sure which ones.  I’m taking it right now for my seasonal allergies and it works great for me.  We’ll see if it helps curb the migraines as well as I have chronic daily migraines. Michelle Has anybody hears about the use of Singulair tablets (normally used for hay fever and asthma) for the treatment of headaches.  From Google I got this Dr. Greene stuff http://www.drgreene.com/21_316.html and http://www.google.com/search?q=singulaire&sourceid=mozilla-search&sta…. Thanks!

I saw a post here some time ago from someone who was using it with, I think, Vioxx, a COX-2 inhibiter.  Vioxx is gone, but Celebrex is still available, and it might work with an ordinary NSAID, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.  I think I was able to find an article about Singulair alone on a MEDLINE search of montelukast (Singulair(R)) AND migraine.  Zaphirlukast (Accolate(R)) does about the same thing and a months worth is about 40% less expensive than Singulair, but is a twice-a-day dose schedule. The rationale presumably is that the combination blocks both parts of the chain from eicosenoic acid or arachidonic acid to two pro-inflammatory substances, leukotrienes or long-acting substance of anaphylaxis, an important intermediary in asthma, and prostaglandins.

Response:

Erik, Thanks for the info.  At first, I was given 20 25 mg pills as a sample and told to take one or two before bedtime.  I did this on a Friday night.  I woke up Saturday after eight glorious hours of sleep!  So, 50 mg should not have been my first dose, I should have titrated up, interesting, they didn’t tell me that. Second time, they only had four pill sample packs, so they gave me four pills.  I took two 25 mg pills the first night, then two again the second night.  The next night, sans seroquel, I took 30 mg of temazepam, but had break through awakenings throughout the night. Last night I took two 10 mg Ambien.  Surprise, got eight hours of sleep only interrupted once.  It seems like my brain gets used to a med, but after awhile I can go back to it for a short time.  Halcion did nothing, but Ambien is the same type of med.  What gives? I will pursue Seroquel through my insurance and if they still deny it after the doctor does his research, I may try a month or two of paying for it myself.  My neuro is a sleep specialist, you’d think they would trust him to prescribed off label without all the run around. I’ll call around and see who has the Seroquel and for what price and since it would be without insurance I could fill it anywhere. Thanks again. Karen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How did the doctor prescribe the Seroquel?   What kind of doctor?  I’d recommend a psychiatrist that also suffers from migraines.  I’ve been very fortunate to find some very empathetic pdocs over the last few years.  It’s a whole different world and there is all sorts of drugs available to them that aren’t available to a neurologist. As for me, I showed up at a psychiatrist after persuing every other option.  According to him, I was suffering from classic anxiety attacks that were bathing my brain in adrenalin.  Beta blockers worked, but not very well.  Based on reports from another poster in the group, I asked for seroquel and he went along with it.  It proved to be a silver bullet for me. Ins companies have been starting to question seroquel because it’s being perscribed basically for sleep.  It’s a fairly expensive sleep medication, but if you’re suffering from daily migraines and it works, it’s well worth the cost. My pdoc had samples that I used for the first month.  I’d explain your ins situation and just ask for these.  If it works, you’ll know the fight is worth it. Keep in mind that seroquel is a powerful med.  Even at the lowest dose of 25mg, I’d recommend quartering the pill and working up.  I felt very groggy, tired, and light headed, but it was much better then a daily chronic migraine.   It’s usually perscribed for extremely agitated psychotics, so it may have profound effect effect on you.  For my first dose of 25mg, I slept for 16 hrs straight of badly needed sleep.  I worked up to 300mg, but I’ve weaned back down to 150mg.  Any lower and I go back to migraine hell. Also, keep in mind that because your ins company denies perscription, you can still purchase the medication yourself.  I know this can be a financial burden, but for me, it pales compared to the cost of not being able to work.  My perscription for 15 300mg (that I cut in half) runs me about $124/month before my ins pays half.  Money well spent. Erik

Response:

Has anybody hears about the use of Singulair tablets (normally used for hay fever and asthma) for the treatment of headaches.  From Google I got this Dr. Greene stuff http://www.drgreene.com/21_316.html and http://www.google.com/search?q=singulaire&sourceid=mozilla-search&sta…. Thanks!

Response:

I’ve heard of people on here who have in combination with other medicatins…not sure which ones.  I’m taking it right now for my seasonal allergies and it works great for me.  We’ll see if it helps curb the migraines as well as I have chronic daily migraines. Michelle

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anybody hears about the use of Singulair tablets (normally used for hay fever and asthma) for the treatment of headaches.  From Google I got this Dr. Greene stuff http://www.drgreene.com/21_316.html and http://www.google.com/search?q=singulaire&sourceid=mozilla-search&sta…. Thanks!

Response:

Has anybody hears about the use of Singulair tablets (normally used for hay fever and asthma) for the treatment of headaches.  From Google I got this Dr. Greene stuff http://www.drgreene.com/21_316.html and http://www.google.com/search?q=singulaire&sourceid=mozilla-search&sta….

I was going to try it, but then my insurance wouldn’t fill it.  By then I found a different drug (seroquel) that worked great. Erik

Response:

Clear DayHey Debbie, Watch all that jumping around – you might hit your head on the ceiling and…… "get a headache" Good for you. I am sure we are all happy for you. Go Girl Dan   I had my follow up visit to my neuro last week.  He finally decided that I needed preventative meds (originally he said that ONLY 3 headaches a month was not bad enough for them).  I had gotten to the point where I had almost daily headaches and had given up most days on treating them unless I couldn’t see to drive.  I have lived with these demons for 30+ years and some you live with and ignore.  ANYWAY, he had been to some drug rep meeting or something and had heard this news that people who had sinus problems and migraine were getting relief using Singulair daily.  Now, Singulair is actually an asthma prevention drug, so I don’t get the connection, but I have to tell you that for the first time in MONTHS I have not had a headache at all for almost an entire WEEK now!  HOORRAYYY!!  I know that my hormone headaches are only about a week or so away, and we will see how this treatment helps with those, but for now I am just so grateful that I have had some painfree days.  I am hoping also that the results from this will last for a while.  Most of the other treatments I have tried only lasted for a few months at best and then back to square one.   Anyone else heard about this?  My mom is getting it from her doc to try too.  I can actually jump up and down in joy and not be in pain.  It is wonderful…   —   Debby H

Response:

Clear DayI had my follow up visit to my neuro last week.  He finally decided that I needed preventative meds (originally he said that ONLY 3 headaches a month was not bad enough for them).  I had gotten to the point where I had almost daily headaches and had given up most days on treating them unless I couldn’t see to drive.  I have lived with these demons for 30+ years and some you live with and ignore.  ANYWAY, he had been to some drug rep meeting or something and had heard this news that people who had sinus problems and migraine were getting relief using Singulair daily.  Now, Singulair is actually an asthma prevention drug, so I don’t get the connection, but I have to tell you that for the first time in MONTHS I have not had a headache at all for almost an entire WEEK now!  HOORRAYYY!!  I know that my hormone headaches are only about a week or so away, and we will see how this treatment helps with those, but for now I am just so grateful that I have had some painfree days.  I am hoping also that the results from this will last for a while.  Most of the other treatments I have tried only lasted for a few months at best and then back to square one. Anyone else heard about this?  My mom is getting it from her doc to try too.  I can actually jump up and down in joy and not be in pain.  It is wonderful… — Debby H

Response:

Clear DayDebby, This all started when patients at the New England Center for Headache noticed that those who started taking Singulair for their asthma had a reduction in their migraines. They did a very small study there, and found that Singulair was an effective preventive for some of the participants in their small study. There are clinical trials being conducted now. — Teri Robert your About Guide to Headaches http://headaches.about.com visit our forum at: http://headaches.about.com/mpboards.htm

I had my follow up visit to my neuro last week.  He finally decided that I needed preventative meds (originally he said that ONLY 3 headaches a month was not bad enough for them).  I had gotten to the point where I had almost daily headaches and had given up most days on treating them unless I couldn’t see to drive.  I have lived with these demons for 30+ years and some you live with and ignore.  ANYWAY, he had been to some drug rep meeting or something and had heard this news that people who had sinus problems and migraine were getting relief using Singulair daily.  Now, Singulair is actually an asthma prevention drug, so I don’t get the connection, but I have to tell you that for the first time in MONTHS I have not had a headache at all for almost an entire WEEK now!  HOORRAYYY!!  I know that my hormone headaches are only about a week or so away, and we will see how this treatment helps with those, but for now I am just so grateful that I have had some painfree days.  I am hoping also that the results from this will last for a while.  Most of the other treatments I have tried only lasted for a few months at best and then back to square one. Anyone else heard about this?  My mom is getting it from her doc to try too. I can actually jump up and down in joy and not be in pain.  It is wonderful… — Debby H

Response:

Well, I am glad that they found it!  I know it might not last, most of the other treatments quit after a while, but I am just happy to (still) be under control.  I did get a doozy Monday morning after spending all day Sunday at the drag strip (had to cheer on my brother) in the sun with all that loud noise, but that was to be expected And it actually went away after only ONE dose of Maxalt. Still smiling…  the next test will be my hormone headache which is due in about a week, we will seeee… — Debby

Response:

BTDTDW (been there done that didn’t work) — but no side effects for me, which was in itself a wonder. –Julianne

Response:

Yes!  I tried it with no success, but my son tried it with wonderful results.  Didn’t completely get rid of his headaches,  but he had 80-90% improvement,and no side effects.  This is definitely worth trying. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anybody tried Singulair as a migraine preventive?

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Anybody tried Singulair as a migraine preventive?

Response:

Question:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

Question:

[Uthur] I’m trying to remember the name of a drug someone told me about a while back. It begins with ‘z’ (in Europe) and is used for treating anxiety. It *might* be a newish one.  I’d remember it if I heard it again. Can you help me out please?

Xanax (alprazolam) ? zolpidem? (more a sleeping pil) zopiclon?  (more a sleeping pil) Kind regards, Henk J. van Dijk — The charter is available at:

Question:

I am not a doctor. All medications work differently but Celexa has a good reputation for not having many side effects. NK "Tati" <azevedobor…@planet.nl

wrote in message

news:339dd1ca.0401121648.9a00fa3@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

hi, after a post natale depression with some agravations (like bad relationships and such) i started taking antidepressants and found out that i felt better with them then without them. even so, i didnt take any for 7 years and started with paroxetine 4 years ago. since then i am able to have a very good relation with my lovely son, able to cope with life, lead a happy life and have a job that is on my level for the first time in my life ( i am 44!, 2 universities and several low education – low pay jobs) because of some worries about the side effects of the paroxetine i was taking, like heart palpitations, head eaches and weight gain, i consulted a psychiatrist in brazil (where i came from ) and asked him to give me some lighter stuff. so, he prescribed Ixel/ milnacipran. back in the netherlands: this is a medicine that is not registered here. i simply cannot get it here! the doctor here told me to take effexor instead. well, effexor’s nick name is " side effexor" what does not inspire me. what then? zoloft? Celexa? someone has some nice idea? and: i just started with Ixel/ milnacipran 4 days ago. i am taking it instead of paroxetine. well, i can hardly stand up because of dizzyness…. i just dont know what to do now…. txs 4 any help! claudia

Response:

Hi Claudia, I’m sorry that you’re seeing the side effects.  Hopefully, they’ll get better with time. Of the SSRI’s, I’ve found that Celexa and Lexapro to be low on side effects and effective.   YMMV. Welcome to the group. Erik – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Tati wrote:

hi, after a post natale depression with some agravations (like bad relationships and such) i started taking antidepressants and found out that i felt better with them then without them. even so, i didnt take any for 7 years and started with paroxetine 4 years ago. since then i am able to have a very good relation with my lovely son, able to cope with life, lead a happy life and have a job that is on my level for the first time in my life ( i am 44!, 2 universities and several low education – low pay jobs) because of some worries about the side effects of the paroxetine i was taking, like heart palpitations, head eaches and weight gain, i consulted a psychiatrist in brazil (where i came from ) and asked him to give me some lighter stuff. so, he prescribed Ixel/ milnacipran. back in the netherlands: this is a medicine that is not registered here. i simply cannot get it here! the doctor here told me to take effexor instead. well, effexor’s nick name is " side effexor" what does not inspire me. what then? zoloft? Celexa? someone has some nice idea? and: i just started with Ixel/ milnacipran 4 days ago. i am taking it instead of paroxetine. well, i can hardly stand up because of dizzyness…. i just dont know what to do now…. txs 4 any help! claudia

Response:

Hi Claudia I am on 150mg Efexor, venlafaxine. I have heard about its side effects but havent really had any. When I first started taking it I got weird dreams but they went after a while. I am told thats true for most of the side effects of Effexor, they go after your body gets used to it. Efexor has helped me alot and i feel much happier. Previously i was on prozac and it did nothing for me at all ( Lawrence "Tati" <azevedobor…@planet.nl

wrote in message

news:339dd1ca.0401121648.9a00fa3@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

hi, after a post natale depression with some agravations (like bad relationships and such) i started taking antidepressants and found out that i felt better with them then without them. even so, i didnt take any for 7 years and started with paroxetine 4 years ago. since then i am able to have a very good relation with my lovely son, able to cope with life, lead a happy life and have a job that is on my level for the first time in my life ( i am 44!, 2 universities and several low education – low pay jobs) because of some worries about the side effects of the paroxetine i was taking, like heart palpitations, head eaches and weight gain, i consulted a psychiatrist in brazil (where i came from ) and asked him to give me some lighter stuff. so, he prescribed Ixel/ milnacipran. back in the netherlands: this is a medicine that is not registered here. i simply cannot get it here! the doctor here told me to take effexor instead. well, effexor’s nick name is " side effexor" what does not inspire me. what then? zoloft? Celexa? someone has some nice idea? and: i just started with Ixel/ milnacipran 4 days ago. i am taking it instead of paroxetine. well, i can hardly stand up because of dizzyness…. i just dont know what to do now…. txs 4 any help! claudia

Response:

Hey Loz, How exactly do you feel effexor helps you? With the thoughts? the mood? the anxiety? or a bit of everything? I am finding it useless for the ocd..great for the depression and the withdrawal effects are awful.. Thanks for any help you can give! Am. xxx "Loz" <lawrence.whale@ntlworld-REMOVE_THIS-.com

wrote in message

news:CZTMb.2666$YV1.214@newsfep4-winn.server.ntli.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi Claudia I am on 150mg Efexor, venlafaxine. I have heard about its side effects but havent really had any. When I first started taking it I got weird dreams

but

they went after a while. I am told thats true for most of the side effects of Effexor, they go after your body gets used to it. Efexor has helped me alot and i feel much happier. Previously i was on prozac and it did

nothing > for me at all ( > Lawrence > "Tati" <azevedobor…@planet.nl

wrote in message

> news:339dd1ca.0401121648.9a00fa3@posting.google.com… > > hi, > > after a post natale depression with some agravations (like bad > > relationships and such) i started taking antidepressants and found out > > that i felt better with them then without them. > > even so, i didnt take any for 7 years and started with paroxetine 4 > > years ago. > > since then i am able to have a very good relation with my lovely son, > > able to cope with life, lead a happy life and have a job that is on my > > level for the first time in my life ( i am 44!, 2 universities and > > several low education – low pay jobs) > > because of some worries about the side effects of the paroxetine i was > > taking, like heart palpitations, head eaches and weight gain, i > > consulted a psychiatrist in brazil (where i came from ) and asked him > > to give me some lighter stuff. > > so, he prescribed Ixel/ milnacipran. > > back in the netherlands: this is a medicine that is not registered > > here. i simply cannot get it here! > > the doctor here told me to take effexor instead. > > well, effexor’s nick name is " side effexor" what does not inspire me. > > what then? > > zoloft? > > Celexa? > > someone has some nice idea? > > and: > > i just started with Ixel/ milnacipran 4 days ago. i am taking it > > instead of paroxetine. well, i can hardly stand up because of > > dizzyness…. > > i just dont know what to do now…. > > txs 4 any help! > > claudia

Response:

Am. Hi, Effexor has mainly helped me with my depression. 3 months ago I felt terrible and today I feel more like my old self, generally feel fairly happy ) I think it has helped my anxiety a little but I still get quite anxiuos at times. I dont think that it has helped with the OCD thoughts much. Thankfully I dont get any effexor side effects now. I think I will be sticking with this AD for the time being. It would be nice to be able to take a pill that gets rid of the OCD but in my case, mostly pure OCD, I dont think this will happen. I have just got to learn to control my mind through CBT which will be quite an effort but worth it in the end. Maybe another drug to help with my nerves/anxiety/worry might be useful, I will be asking my pdoc next week. Take care Lawrence "Pola_Pink" <pola_pin…@no.spam.hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:Qk5Pb.212$Jc6.4668@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hey Loz, How exactly do you feel effexor helps you? With the thoughts? the mood?

the

anxiety? or a bit of everything? I am finding it useless for the

ocd..great > for the depression and the withdrawal effects are awful.. > Thanks for any help you can give! > Am. > xxx > "Loz" <lawrence.whale@ntlworld-REMOVE_THIS-.com

wrote in message

> news:CZTMb.2666$YV1.214@newsfep4-winn.server.ntli.net… > > Hi Claudia > > I am on 150mg Efexor, venlafaxine. I have heard about its side effects but

havent really had any. When I first started taking it I got weird dreams but they went after a while. I am told thats true for most of the side

effects

of Effexor, they go after your body gets used to it. Efexor has helped

me > > alot and i feel much happier. Previously i was on prozac and it did > nothing > > for me at all ( > > Lawrence > > "Tati" <azevedobor…@planet.nl

wrote in message

> > news:339dd1ca.0401121648.9a00fa3@posting.google.com… > > > hi, > > > after a post natale depression with some agravations (like bad > > > relationships and such) i started taking antidepressants and found out > > > that i felt better with them then without them. > > > even so, i didnt take any for 7 years and started with paroxetine 4 > > > years ago. > > > since then i am able to have a very good relation with my lovely son, > > > able to cope with life, lead a happy life and have a job that is on my > > > level for the first time in my life ( i am 44!, 2 universities and > > > several low education – low pay jobs) > > > because of some worries about the side effects of the paroxetine i was > > > taking, like heart palpitations, head eaches and weight gain, i > > > consulted a psychiatrist in brazil (where i came from ) and asked him > > > to give me some lighter stuff. > > > so, he prescribed Ixel/ milnacipran. > > > back in the netherlands: this is a medicine that is not registered > > > here. i simply cannot get it here! > > > the doctor here told me to take effexor instead. > > > well, effexor’s nick name is " side effexor" what does not inspire me. > > > what then? > > > zoloft? > > > Celexa? > > > someone has some nice idea? > > > and: > > > i just started with Ixel/ milnacipran 4 days ago. i am taking it > > > instead of paroxetine. well, i can hardly stand up because of > > > dizzyness…. > > > i just dont know what to do now…. > > > txs 4 any help! > > > claudia

Response:

hi, after a post natale depression with some agravations (like bad relationships and such) i started taking antidepressants and found out that i felt better with them then without them. even so, i didnt take any for 7 years and started with paroxetine 4 years ago. since then i am able to have a very good relation with my lovely son, able to cope with life, lead a happy life and have a job that is on my level for the first time in my life ( i am 44!, 2 universities and several low education – low pay jobs) because of some worries about the side effects of the paroxetine i was taking, like heart palpitations, head eaches and weight gain, i consulted a psychiatrist in brazil (where i came from ) and asked him to give me some lighter stuff. so, he prescribed Ixel/ milnacipran. back in the netherlands: this is a medicine that is not registered here. i simply cannot get it here! the doctor here told me to take effexor instead. well, effexor’s nick name is " side effexor" what does not inspire me. what then? zoloft? Celexa? someone has some nice idea? and: i just started with Ixel/ milnacipran 4 days ago. i am taking it instead of paroxetine. well, i can hardly stand up because of dizzyness…. i just dont know what to do now…. txs 4 any help! claudia

Response:

Question:

Effexor Withdrawal Causing Crackling Sounds in the Brain Antidepressants  "Thank God for this website." I had a nervous breakdown six years ago and after being on other

anti-depressants without a problem, my psychiatrist felt that Effexor had less of an effect on the heart, and so switched me to Effexor. I have tried unsuccessfully to quit on many

occasions, even though I only take 37.5 mgs per day. The extreme lethargy I feel when I have tried to quit, the tingling in various parts of my body, the weird dreams and most

troublesome of all, the crackling, electric sounds in my head have caused me too much distress to ever be successful.

Hi, I think that you have to think about all these  side effect problems. Maybe they are not side-effect, maybe they are only telling you that you are stressed, and you need to fix your problems, otherwise the side-problems will be forever with you B

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Effexor Withdrawal Causing Crackling Sounds in the Brain Antidepressants  "Thank God for this website." I had a nervous breakdown six years ago and after being on other  anti-depressants without a problem, my psychiatrist felt that Effexor had less of an effect on the  heart, and so switched me to Effexor. I have tried unsuccessfully to quit on many  occasions, even though I only take 37.5 mgs per day. The extreme lethargy I feel when I have  tried to quit, the tingling in various parts of my body, the weird dreams and most  troublesome of all, the crackling, electric sounds in my head have caused me too much distress to  ever be successful. Hi, I think that you have to think about all these  side effect problems. Maybe they are not side-effect, maybe they are only telling you that you are stressed, and you need to fix your problems, otherwise the side-problems will be forever with you B

I thought cross-posting to and from different kind of newsgroups was not the reason why they started alt.support.schizofrenia. Btw, is it not forbidden in the FAQ ? Berty

Response:

Effexor Withdrawal Causing Crackling Sounds in the Brain Antidepressants  "Thank God for this website." I had a nervous breakdown six years ago and after being on other

anti-depressants without a problem, my psychiatrist felt that Effexor had less of an effect on the heart, and so switched me to Effexor. I have tried unsuccessfully to quit on many

occasions, even though I only take 37.5 mgs per day. The extreme lethargy I feel when I have tried to quit, the tingling in various parts of my body, the weird dreams and most

troublesome of all, the crackling, electric sounds in my head have caused me too much distress to ever be successful.

Hi, I think that you have to think about all these  side effect problems. Maybe they are not side-effect, maybe they are only telling you that you are stressed, and you need to fix your problems, otherwise the side-problems will be forever with you B

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Effexor Withdrawal Causing Crackling Sounds in the Brain Antidepressants  "Thank God for this website." I had a nervous breakdown six years ago and after being on other  anti-depressants without a problem, my psychiatrist felt that Effexor had less of an effect on the  heart, and so switched me to Effexor. I have tried unsuccessfully to quit on many  occasions, even though I only take 37.5 mgs per day. The extreme lethargy I feel when I have  tried to quit, the tingling in various parts of my body, the weird dreams and most  troublesome of all, the crackling, electric sounds in my head have caused me too much distress to  ever be successful. Hi, I think that you have to think about all these  side effect problems. Maybe they are not side-effect, maybe they are only telling you that you are stressed, and you need to fix your problems, otherwise the side-problems will be forever with you B

I thought cross-posting to and from different kind of newsgroups was not the reason why they started alt.support.schizofrenia. Btw, is it not forbidden in the FAQ ? Berty

Response:

Question:

1. Is there an easy way to discontinue Paxil? the withdrawal symptoms are horrible! 2. What is the safest anti-depressant in terms of not causing weight gain?? (I suffered a lot with Effexor and Paxil, think about something else!) Thanks! S. "Some measure their lives by days and years,       Others by heart throbs, passion and tears;  But the surest measure under the sun,       Is what in your lifetime for others you have done."

Response:

1. Is there an easy way to discontinue Paxil? the withdrawal symptoms are horrible! 2. What is the safest anti-depressant in terms of not causing weight gain?? (I suffered a lot with Effexor and Paxil, think about something else!) Thanks! S.

I have come to the conclusion that everyone responds differently to these meds and it’s hard to base what will work for you on something that worked for someone else. I gained weight on paxil, about 20lbs in three months. I stopped the paxil and immediately started prozac.  After about seven months and a little more weight gain, I stopped the prozac because it wasn’t working well enough.  Then I went to zoloft, which also caused a little weight gain, and was not very effective.  Getting off zoloft was awful for me, I had to continue taking it while I started wellbutrine.  This combo was fairly effective, but really made me tired, too tired to exercise. Then I went on effexor, which worked so well for me.  I wasn’t tired, I didn’t gain weight, it worked fast and for over a year.  I just recently had a major crash, and my doctor added celexa and upped the effexor to 375mg.  The celexa stopped the suicidal ideation within three days.  That was great, I don’t know how it will work in the long run, but so far I’m not hungry or extremely tired.  Of course I wasn’t hungry before the celexa so I don’t know if this is still of symptom of the depression or an effect of the med. Good Luck, Kait * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 1. Is there an easy way to discontinue Paxil? the withdrawal symptoms are horrible! 2. What is the safest anti-depressant in terms of not causing weight gain?? (I suffered a lot with Effexor and Paxil, think about something else!) Thanks! S. I have come to the conclusion that everyone responds differently to these meds and it’s hard to base what will work for you on something that worked for someone else. I gained weight on paxil, about 20lbs in three months. I stopped the paxil and immediately started prozac.  After about seven months and a little more weight gain, I stopped the prozac because it wasn’t working well enough.  Then I went to zoloft, which also caused a little weight gain, and was not very effective.  Getting off zoloft was awful for me, I had to continue taking it while I started wellbutrine.  This combo was fairly effective, but really made me tired, too tired to exercise. Then I went on effexor, which worked so well for me.  I wasn’t tired, I didn’t gain weight, it worked fast and for over a year.  I just recently had a major crash, and my doctor added celexa and upped the effexor to 375mg.  The celexa stopped the suicidal ideation within three days.  That was great, I don’t know how it will work in the long run, but so far I’m not hungry or extremely tired.  Of course I wasn’t hungry before the celexa so I don’t know if this is still of symptom of the depression or an effect of the med. Good Luck, Kait

Would you happen to know what Effexor is called in the UK? Brian

Response:

1. Is there an easy way to discontinue Paxil? the withdrawal symptoms are horrible!

Twice almost cold turkey, back on 20 mg again. Couldn’t stand the withdrawal. Third time, chahnged it to Prozac (also 20 mg), and went down with the dose very gradually. Not biting the capsules in half, but simply forgetting about taking it. Once every day, then every other day, now I take it only when the time is rough. Don’t know if it can help you, but this is like, my only experience….. DG

Response:

Would you happen to know what Effexor is called in the UK?

Yes. (Tempting, but I suppose I could answer the question you didn’t ask as well, and say it’s venlafaxine, brand-named Efexor (Yes, only one ‘f’ over here, presumably there’s a effin shortage.).) —          The opinions given above may be mine. They might also            just be what I feel like saying right now, okay?

Response:

2. What is the safest anti-depressant in terms of not causing weight gain?? (I suffered a lot with Effexor and Paxil, think about something else!)

I, too, think that everyone responds very differently. The only med I’ve taken that caused me to gain weight was Celexa, and even then it was minimal. I’ve been on Zoloft, Effexor, Prozac, Serzone, you name it — currently taking a combination that includes Wellbutrin and Luvox. I’ve lost more weight than I’ve gained, actually. … Ask your doc about this, though, b/c I know that some meds are not associated w/weight gain. There’s no reason you should have to suffer from something *else*. Hope you feel better.

Response:

Question:

Drop 50mg per week – it’ll take a few weeks, but you’ll probably avoid any wd symptoms. On an optimistic note, I stopped taking Zoloft without tapering – had mild headaches for a few days and that was as bad as it got

Response:

I had no trouble at all going off zoloft.  I went off pretty quickly with no witdrawal symptoms at all.  Effexor, otoh… — Power concedes nothing without a demand.                                  Frederick Douglass

Response:

hi… i might be going off zoloft (sertraline) soon b/c it seems to be pooping out… not sure yet.  if i do quit it, how should i?  i’ve heard about withdrawl & that we should taper down by half a mg?  i’ve been on it since august `98, and i’m on 200mg now & have been for at least a few months & also risperdal & wellbutrin what happened to you if you stopped taking z, particularly at this high a dose?  i’ve heard about some fantastic dreams during withdrawl… what should i expect???   thanx,    lorraine

My experience with going off zoloft, nothing.  I went to 150 then 100 then 50 three days each.  The only problem was the delay, waiting to start prozac again.  zoloft had no beneficial effect for me.  For what it’s worth, I quit Effexor cold, definitely not recommended, but I had no bad experience there either. Charles

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hi… i might be going off zoloft (sertraline) soon b/c it seems to be pooping out… not sure yet.  if i do quit it, how should i?  i’ve heard about withdrawl & that we should taper down by half a mg?  i’ve been on it since august `98, and i’m on 200mg now & have been for at least a few months & also risperdal & wellbutrin what happened to you if you stopped taking z, particularly at this high a dose?  i’ve heard about some fantastic dreams during withdrawl…  what should i expect???   thanx,    lorraine — .

– maybe it pooped out because the Risperdal is interfering(blocking) it? Eric Steroids caused my depression…prednisone should be illegal. Before you buy.

Response:

hi… i might be going off zoloft (sertraline) soon b/c it seems to be pooping out… not sure yet.  if i do quit it, how should i?  i’ve heard about withdrawl & that we should taper down by half a mg?  i’ve been on it since august `98, and i’m on 200mg now & have been for at least a few months & also risperdal & wellbutrin what happened to you if you stopped taking z, particularly at this high a dose?  i’ve heard about some fantastic dreams during withdrawl…

I’d strongly rec tapering the dose gradually – over about a month. If you do this it may well be you get no side effects at all. I’d suggest lowering your dose by a few mg & doing this every few days. If you start to feel bad then stick at that dose, or even go back up for a few days. If you’re going onto another SSRI or similar you can switch straight from one to the other – probably with very few side effects. OTOH I know people who’ve come off this stuff cold turkey & had no problems. Others get bad if they’re just a few hours late with their pill – a real YMMV I guess. ali

Response:

hi… i might be going off zoloft (sertraline) soon b/c it seems to be pooping out… not sure yet.  if i do quit it, how should i?  i’ve heard about withdrawl & that we should taper down by half a mg?  i’ve been on it since august `98, and i’m on 200mg now & have been for at least a few months & also risperdal & wellbutrin what happened to you if you stopped taking z, particularly at this high a dose?  i’ve heard about some fantastic dreams during withdrawl…  what should i expect???   thanx,         lorraine — .

Response:

Question:

Hello everyone i have not posted in a while but just wanted to let everyone know that i went for my first psych visit, she started me on 0.5mg of xanax and gave me the zoloft starter kit, she said start with the 25mg and cut them in have so that i will only be taking 12 1/2 mg for 4 days then take 25mg for a week then start on the 50mg. so i dont have many side effects she wants my body to adjust slowley. I  really like her my family doc wanted to start me on 50mg my psych doc says thats to much to start on so thats why she is starting my slowly. Has anyone else started slow like this, I am in a wedding in 3 weeks and i am hoping that i wont have one of my attacks while standing up there for 1 hr. ok well i guess i am done. Talk to everyone soon Diana

Response:

Hello everyone i have not posted in a while but just wanted to let everyone know that i went for my first psych visit, she started me on 0.5mg of xanax and gave me the zoloft starter kit, she said start with the 25mg and cut them in have so that i will only be taking 12 1/2 mg for 4 days then take 25mg for a week then start on the 50mg. so i dont have many side effects she wants my body to adjust slowley. I  really like her my family doc wanted to start me on 50mg my psych doc says thats to much to start on so thats why she is starting my slowly. Has anyone else started slow like this, I am in a wedding in 3 weeks and i am hoping that i wont have one of my attacks while standing up there for 1 hr. ok well i guess i am done. Talk to everyone soon Diana

Hi Diana! I’m glad to hear that you actually found a pdoc who seems to be doing everything right! Starting Zoloft at 12,5 mgs and then weaning on slowly with Xanax on the side is absolutely the best way to avoid or minimize initial side effects. Such docs are rare and as you also like her as a person you’ve been very lucky. About the wedding: maybe Zoloft will not yet be at therapeutic dose after three weeks, but Xanax will keep PA’s at bay. If necessary you could take some more Xanax that day – Xanax works very fast and will take care of an upcoming PA or prevent one from manifesting itself at all within 15-20 minutes for many people -but you should talk this over with your doctor. Philip

Response:

Hello everyone i have not posted in a while but just wanted to let everyone know that i went for my first psych visit, she started me on 0.5mg of xanax and gave me the zoloft starter kit, she said start with the 25mg and cut them in have so that i will only be taking 12 1/2 mg for 4 days then take 25mg for a week then start on the 50mg. so i dont have many side effects she wants my body to adjust slowley. I  really like her my family doc wanted to start me on 50mg my psych doc says thats to much to start on so thats why she is starting my slowly. Has anyone else started slow like this, I am in a wedding in 3 weeks and i am hoping that i wont have one of my attacks while standing up there for 1 hr. ok well i guess i am done. Talk to everyone soon Diana

 That is exactly the right way to start and if you DO experience any increase in anxiety while starting ask your doctor for a temporary amount of a benzo, for example Xanax to help you get past that, and to help you in the period where you are waiting for the real effects of the Paxil. I would surely want a bit for the wedding on hand just in case, as your Paxil wont probably be at full therapeutic levels at that time. Best of Luck! May — "Believe me! The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously!"      -                Nietzsche

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DynaSoft66 wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello everyone i have not posted in a while but just wanted to let everyone know that i went for my first psych visit, she started me on 0.5mg of xanax and gave me the zoloft starter kit, she said start with the 25mg and cut them in have so that i will only be taking 12 1/2 mg for 4 days then take 25mg for a week then start on the 50mg. so i dont have many side effects she wants my body to adjust slowley. I  really like her my family doc wanted to start me on 50mg my psych doc says thats to much to start on so thats why she is starting my slowly. Has anyone else started slow like this, I am in a wedding in 3 weeks and i am hoping that i wont have one of my attacks while standing up there for 1 hr. ok well i guess i am done. Talk to everyone soon Diana

Hi Diana, glad to hear you found a good pdoc, sounds like she is on top of things. You definitely want to start slow to minimize initial side effects, don’t try taking more to rush yourself into being ready for the wedding, this probably won’t help. You may see some improvement in the next three weeks, let’s hope so. Good luck with the Zoloft/Xanax combo. Ray

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Question:

Hi Jay, Joe, although paxil has been approved by the FDA for use on panic, it’s nevertheless an SSRI antidepressant, which isn’t a medication of choice for anxiety/panic, although many doctors prescribe it.

I’m sorry, but I have to disagree. many thousands, perhaps millions, of people have had there anxiety reduced or stopped cold by SSRIs. Every person is different, what helps one may not help another, or even make matters worse. So we need to be careful about making generalisations. First of all, I’d like for you to know that panic is a "monster" that you created with your own mind; it’s wasn’t caused by anything else, other than the way your cognitive processes work.  

Well my "monster" was caused by breathing in solvent over an extended period. How do I know? Two 2 people that occupied my office and the guy that used it after me also developed anxiety/panic. Conversely, it’s your thinking process that’s going to eventually destroy this "monster".  Just remember throughout the email, that panic is ALL in your head.  

That depends on whether by head you mean mind or brain. Some people’s anxiety is mainly psychologically (mind) based and they usually recover, but a percentage don’t and I suspect thats because there anxiety is brain based. snipped Here’s the deal.  It’s a subconsciously cognitive disorder. Now many psychs argue that panic is a result of a (sometimes inherited) chemical imbalance in the brain (i.e. a reduction in a neurotransmitter, such as serotonin).

No, its an imbalance in receptors (numbers and sensitivity) for some neurotransmitters. An imbalance caused by an inability to adapt correctly to stressors. The ‘normal’ reaction to stress is that the number and/or sensitivity of some receptors is reduced. In those that develop anxiety this adaption does not occur. There is also, IMV, another factor that is rarely mentioned, the brains continual forging of new connects between brain cells. This is, in part, how we learn and I believe its also the reason why anxiety can be so hard to deal with. Over time the connections related to anxiety/fear become so reinforced that they become impossible to disconnect. BTW-its not a lack of serotonin. Most of the (anxiety)problems appear to have more to do with norepinephrin (noradrenaline) receptors, but to the extent that serotonin is involved, its not the lack of it that is a problem, but probably too much. ADs don’t readdress a lack, they induce an even higher level to force the reduction of serotonin receptors. One side effect is that this also ‘normalises’ the norepinephrin receptor levels. How is not well understood. snipped The best antidepressants for panic/anxiety/agoraphobia are undoubtedly MAOI’s. MAOI’s ARE ANTIDEPRESSANTS OF CHOICE FOR ANXIETY. Either parnate or nardil WILL stop the anxiety (along with a benzo). These antidepressants are older than SSRI’s, and doctors who don’t know much about anxiety don’t prescribe them, because there are various food and medication restrictions (no cheese, moderate alcohol, moderate chocolate, etc..). It’s so easy to follow.  But they’re WAY more effective than prozac, paxil, and effexor. A lot of times, SSRI’s can actually make a situation worse. With Nardil or Parnate, the anxiety dissipates. Any psychiatrist who SPECIALIZES in anxiety ONLY will agree with me.

While I agree that MAOIs seem to have the strongest anti-anxiety affect of all the ADs, the dietary restriction should not be dismissed. Much of the food we now eat is prepared by others and its often difficult, if not impossible, to get info on ingredients. snipped Benzos: Now, in addition to an antidepressant, you’ll need a benzo.  

Why? Given that benzos are very effective, then why complicate matters with a AD? The reason is that ADs can, to a greater or lesser degree, correct brain states. Benzos do not. While useful, to suggest that benzos should automatically be taken is, IMO, not necessarily wise, nor in many cases are they needed long term. snipped I’ve seen a lot of postings questioning the drug "Buspar" on here. Buspar is designeed for GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), and is not a medication of choice for panic/agoraphobia. In fact, Buspar has been shown through studies to be ineffective even for GAD. I wouldn’t recommend Buspar for anyone.

While I found Buspar to be totally useless, I disagree with your generalisation. If you check back through the asap archives I think you’ll find that about 80% of posters haven’t benefited from Buspar. But, the remaining 20% do claim that is has. Even if this is only from the placebo effect, its still a good result. (According to psychologists all ADs operate on the placebo effect!) Also, I’ve seen postings on St. John’s Wort, and Kava-Kava. St. Johns Wort supposedly acts like an MAOI, and kava-kava is supposed to act like a benzo.  Kava-Kava may de-stress some people from their daily activities, etc., but as far as acute anxiety, I woudln’t recommend it. Honestly, I haven’t heard of anyone with a clinical anxiety disorder benefit from either. I wouldn’t trust them; I’d go the proper route if I really wanted to get over these.

I agree totally. Anxiety comes in many forms, with many levels of intensity. While these product may have a role in reducing the milder varieties, IMO&E, for severe anxiety their effectiveness is doubtful. THERAPY: Lastly, medication is only a temporary band-aid. It’s useful, and beneficial. But the ultimate cure is COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY.  <snipped

I’m glad that CBT has apparently worked wonders for you, but to suggest that its *THE* cure, is IMO, way over the top. Proponents claim a 70% success rate (about the same as meds), however, most of the studies that support this were undertaken  on people within 12 months of their ‘cure.’ IME, over a longer time frame the results are nowhere near as good. CBT *IS* a useful aid. In some cases it is the only therapy needed. But, for most I believe that medication *PLUS* CBT is the best treatment currently available. Ian "All I want to be is normally insane."  Marlon Brando

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Joe, although paxil has been approved by the FDA for use on panic, it’s nevertheless an SSRI antidepressant, which isn’t a medication of choice for anxiety/panic, although many doctors prescribe it.  Wellbutrin is definitely not a medication of choice for anxiety.  Here is some information I hope you find helpful.  By the way, my name is Jay, and I’m a former sufferer of panic w/ agoraphobia.  I now am a volunteer at an anxiety clinic near my Sububan Detroit home. GENERAL INFORMATION: First of all, I’d like for you to know that panic is a "monster" that you created with your own mind; it’s wasn’t caused by anything else, other than the way your cognitive processes work.  Conversely, it’s your thinking process that’s going to eventually destroy this "monster".  Just remember throughout the email, that panic is ALL in your head.   I would personally estimate that 90% of psychitrists/psychologists don’t know much about anxiety. Anybody who’s been through this and beaten it knows much more than most psychs. You have to shop for an ANXIETY SPECIALIST like you shop for clothes; never go to a doctor who does "depression, anxiety, family issues, attention defecit disorder, marriage problems, childrens’ issues, etc..). Anyway, most doctors who "think" they know how to treat anxiety use two things: an antidepressant, and a benzo. There are three classes of antidepressants: SSRI’s (paxil, zoloft, prozac, etc..), MAOI’s (nardil and parnate), and Tricylics. The three main benzos are xanax, ativan, and klonopin (now that valium is out of style). Here’s the deal.  It’s a subconsciously cognitive disorder. Now many psychs argue that panic is a result of a (sometimes inherited) chemical imbalance in the brain (i.e. a reduction in a neurotransmitter, such as seretonin). This may be true, however it’s one’s thinking pattern that is the cause of this, as well as the trait that’s inherited (the ability to think negatively). Through therapy (which I’ll mention later), you’ll be able to recognize this irrational, distorted, subconscious thinking pattern, and correct it, to think more positive and rational. When you think properly, your brain chemical stablize at an optimal level. Liken panic to this:  There’s a leader of an orchestra (your subconscious mind) hiding behind the curtains, so you don’t recognize him.  But he’s controlling the whole entire band, which is playing lousy, rotten music.  The key to making the band a better one is to locate this leader/conducter of the orchestra, train him to forget about his bad habits that lead to his poor conducting, and reprgram him to conduct a band that plays in peaceful harmony.   MEDICATIONS: Anitdepressants: First of all, most doctors precscribe SSRI’s, because they think it’s this "new" class of antidepressants that have little side effects, and no food restrictions. So most docs do prozac, paxil, zoloft, effexor, whatever. All of these antidepressants are ineffective in treating anxiety; SSRI’s ARE NOT ANTIDEPRESSANTS OF CHOICE FOR ANXIETY. The best antidepressants for panic/anxiety/agoraphobia are undoubtedly MAOI’s. MAOI’s ARE ANTIDEPRESSANTS OF CHOICE FOR ANXIETY. Either parnate or nardil WILL stop the anxiety (along with a benzo). These antidepressants are older than SSRI’s, and doctors who don’t know much about anxiety don’t prescribe them, because there are various food and medication restrictions (no cheese, moderate alcohol, moderate chocolate, etc..). It’s so easy to follow.  But they’re WAY more effective than prozac, paxil, and effexor. A lot of times, SSRI’s can actually make a situation worse. With Nardil or Parnate, the anxiety dissipates. Any psychiatrist who SPECIALIZES in anxiety ONLY will agree with me. They’re hard to find, though; the whole key is finding a doc who knows what he/she’s talking about. Benzos: Now, in addition to an antidepressant, you’ll need a benzo. Benzos are NOT addictive to patients with a clinical anxiety disorder. Xanax is kinda out-of-style. Ativan is good, will block panic, and takes only 5-15 minuites to "kick-in"; it’s lasting effect, however, is only about 6 hours. Klonopin is becoming more popular for treating anxiety. It’s what I take. It takes a half-hour to 45 minutes to "kick in", but lasts all day. It technically has a half life of 24-48 hours! But you take it twice a day. When you wake up in the morning, your panic is still blocked by the pill you took the night before! In summary, Benzos block panic; BENZOS ARE MEDICATIONS OF CHOICE FOR ANXIETY.   There seems to be more research support for the use of  Klonopin (clonazepam) in the treatment of anxiety than for the other anti-anxiety medications.  If a professional tells a person with a definable, DSM-IV anxiety disorder that the anti-anxiety agents may prove addictive to them, the professional (a) is not aware of research in the area of anxiety, and (b) should probably not be treating you.  The anti-anxiety agents work, they are safe, and people with anxiety disorders usually stay on a low dosage while going through CBT.  These medications are nothing to worry about.    When stopping anti-anxiety use, it is necessary to taper off the medication slowly, by reducing the dose over a period of 3 to 4 weeks.   Anyway, for instance, a prescription of Nardil (an MAOI) and Klonopin (a Benzo) would be very ideal for panic, w/ or w/out agoraphobia.  If an antidepressant isn’t needed, the a prescription of klonpin or ativan would be ideal.     Other bad medications: I must admit, I’ve seen a lot of postings questioning the drug "Buspar" on here. Buspar is designeed for GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), and is not a medication of choice for panic/agoraphobia. In fact, Buspar has been shown through studies to be ineffective even for GAD. I wouldn’t recommend Buspar for anyone. Also, I’ve seen postings on St. John’s Wort, and Kava-Kava. St. Johns Wort supposedly acts like an MAOI, and kava-kava is supposed to act like a benzo.  Kava-Kava may de-stress some people from their daily activities, etc., but as far as acute anxiety, I woudln’t recommend it. Honestly, I haven’t heard of anyone with a clinical anxiety disorder benefit from either. I wouldn’t trust them; I’d go the proper route if I really wanted to get over these. THERAPY: Lastly, medication is only a temporary band-aid. It’s useful, and beneficial. But the ultimate cure is COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY. This will include self-hypnosis, which changes the way your subconscious brain thinks, and helps you relax. It also involves other exercises that literally change the way your neuropathways in your brain think, and drills it in to your head, to the point where you can’t go back to your old style of thinking. You’ll learn to recognize the "leader of the orchestra", and reprgram him to think rationally. Remember — anxiety specialist!  You should have health insurance. You have to call them, talk to people, shop around, and find a doctor who SPECIALIZES in anxiety. If your health insurance doesn’t have an anxiety specialist, you’ll have to get some money and go private — it’s worth it, though, and there are very good payment plans available.  I’ll help you find one near you if you let me know where you live. TEMPORARY COPING STRATEGIES: In the meantime, everyone with anxiety – try to think about something else; when you feel it "coming on", turn on the radio; watch t.v.; hop on the computer; call a friend; just think about something else!!! If your mind isn’t on anxiety, you won’t experience anxiety. But in order to prevent it from reocurring, a reprogramming of the subconscious mind is a necessity. Take care, and email me anytime if you have any further questions, or needsdocumentation from an anxiety specialist — or need help in finding an anxiety specialist (I’ll find one for you, near where you live).

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i have been advised to try either wellbutrin or zoloft to quell my panic disorder, anyone with any experience with help, advice? Joe

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i have been advised to try either wellbutrin or zoloft to quell my panic disorder, anyone with any experience with help, advice? Joe

I think I did answer this. Zoloft is a much better med for PD then Wellbutrin is, which if anything might even enhance your panic. Today it seems that the best SSRI’s in terms of side efects are not Zoloft and Paxil but Prozac and Luvox. A benzo like Xanax may be added, especially in the first 4-8 weeks in which the SSRI has to settle in yout system and may cause a worsening of symptoms. Philip

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Question:

i would like all the information of this drug.

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i would like all the information of this drug.

For more than you ever wanted to know, point your frame-capable browser at: http://www.mentalhealth.com/fr30.html The site notes that this is based on the Canadian monograph. — G-Man

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        What are some of the side effects of the drug Paxil? One         person has mentioned headaches.

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:       What are some of the side effects of the drug Paxil? One :       person has mentioned headaches. Paxil’s (paroxetine HCl) side effect profile is similar to that of the other major serotonin reuptake inhibitors currently on the market, Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline), i.e., dryness of the eyes/mouth, and decreased libido.  Also may cause too much energy, insomnia, drowsiness, restless sleep, GI distress, headaches, or bruxism–grinding of the teeth during sleep.  versus Prozac is not supposed to cause decreased appetite.  incidence of side effects is supposed to be less with paxil than with the other two. i have been taking 40 mg/day for about six months now–early problems with dryness, libido have spontaneously abated over time; still have restless sleep, drowsiness during day, bruxism.  no problems for me with appetite, GI, or headache.

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:       What are some of the side effects of the drug Paxil? One :       person has mentioned headaches. Most common: nausea, tiredness, sweating, tremors,weakness, dry mouth, sleeplessness, constipation, dizzyness, decreased sex drive, abrormal ejaculations, blurred vision, weight gain, headache. Less common: memory loss, unusual walk, pains, loss of urinary control, etc.

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   What are some of the side effects of the drug Paxil? One    person has mentioned headaches.

nausea, folliculitis…there are others, ask a pharmacist for paxil insert, it should list all the known contradictions.           "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain              a little temporary safety deserve neither              liberty nor safety." — Benjamin Franklin, 1759

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