Question:

Jeff, Sorry to respond so late.  Of course I remember.  I have also been following your ordel.  I’m sorry to hear it, my friend.  You do know, of course, that plaquenil is ototoxic.  I hope that it isn’t bothering your ears too much. Good to hear from you again. Thanks, Mike — To reply via email remove the X’s from my email address: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hi mike.  u remember me from a few years ago?  sorry to hear you are not doing very well.  can i offer immunomodulators maybe?  that seems to work for me.  on mtx and plaquenil.  am holding own. jeffy It’s been a long time….  You folks probably don’t remember me, but I’m back. Been in denail the past few months, but it is definately back–my colitis/proctitis.whatever it is.  They’ve never really figured it out actually.  For awhile, I’d have days of no symptoms, then a day of blood, and nothing again for days.  Right now, it’s become constant.  So, I’m back. Tried all the alternative stuff like fish oil, flaxseed, borage, evening primrose, etc.  The only one that seemed to do anything was bromelain, and it made my heart race, so can’t keep taking it.  Trying to avoid any real meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! I’m allergic to 5ASA and I hate the cortisone suppositories–make me get all fungusy down there.  DAMN!!!  Wish there was some other alternative. I don’t have diarrhea, and go only once a day (sometimes twice), just blood and mucus (sometimes just blood)—otherwise the stools are generally normal. I need to find a doc.  My current doc says, "You’re bleeding, so what?" Obviously, I’m a mild case.  Go only once a day, big deal.  It still hurts, and sucks! Don’t know what more to say.  Hope you kept a space open for me in the club. Thanks, Mike — To reply via email remove the X’s from my email address:

Response:

What’s molo-cure?

Mike,     Here is the link for Molocure: http://www.molocure.com for more info.   Like I said, I don’t know if it works, but thats all my daughter is on right now along with other multivitamins.  Now, I’m not endorsing MoloCure nor am I suggesting its working.  All I’m saying is that MoloCure is a product we chose to add to my daughters diet as a natural suppliment under the supervision of her GI.  I’m a skeptic and I attribute her well being to the Prednisone regimine she was just on and the removal of Asacol from her list of meds. We are still considering 6mp, but for now MoloCure is all we are using and she’s symptom free.     We are going back to the GI next Friday. Joe

Response:

hi mike.  u remember me from a few years ago?  sorry to hear you are not doing very well.  can i offer immunomodulators maybe?  that seems to work for me.  on mtx and plaquenil.  am holding own. jeffy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s been a long time….  You folks probably don’t remember me, but I’m back. Been in denail the past few months, but it is definately back–my colitis/proctitis.whatever it is.  They’ve never really figured it out actually.  For awhile, I’d have days of no symptoms, then a day of blood, and nothing again for days.  Right now, it’s become constant.  So, I’m back. Tried all the alternative stuff like fish oil, flaxseed, borage, evening primrose, etc.  The only one that seemed to do anything was bromelain, and it made my heart race, so can’t keep taking it.  Trying to avoid any real meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! I’m allergic to 5ASA and I hate the cortisone suppositories–make me get all fungusy down there.  DAMN!!!  Wish there was some other alternative. I don’t have diarrhea, and go only once a day (sometimes twice), just blood and mucus (sometimes just blood)—otherwise the stools are generally normal. I need to find a doc.  My current doc says, "You’re bleeding, so what?" Obviously, I’m a mild case.  Go only once a day, big deal.  It still hurts, and sucks! Don’t know what more to say.  Hope you kept a space open for me in the club. Thanks, Mike — To reply via email remove the X’s from my email address:

Response:

Hi Jennifer, Regarding prednisone in asthma, I have quite a bit of experience with asthma medications, and it sounds like your asthma is not controlled at times?  I was wondering if you have tried Advair? It contains Flovent and Serevent. Barry

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know this doesn’t pertain to the thread however Joe mentioned Prednisone. Is this a common treatment?  I use prednisone when my asthma flares up and when I’m on that med I can eat all day, to be expected, and have no problems with stools. Jennifer   meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for   IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! Mike,     Since my daughter is asacol-intolerant, I’ve added Molo-Cure to her diet with permission of her GI.  She just came off her Prednisone regime due to what we thought was a flare up, but now think it was the Asacol.   So far she is fine.  I can’t attribute her well being to the Molo-cure since she got better just by stopping the Asacol. Right now she is not taking anything, but we are considering 6mp. Our decision is to wait and see for a while…. Joe

Response:

THANKS to all of you who report problems with the asacol, and the docs refusing to acknowledge it… I flat out refused to take it after problems I was having.  Doc thought I was nuts, but I stuck to my guns. I’m taking Colazal now, which is expensive as hell, but is supposed to be similar to asacol.  No problems, but if it’s keeping the CD in check I have no idea. Robin

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Asacol is evil.  I think so many people have been hurt by it, and yet no doc will ever believe it.  What’s molo-cure? Thanks, Mike — To reply via email remove the (SPAM_BLOCKER) from my email address:   meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for   IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! Mike,     Since my daughter is asacol-intolerant, I’ve added Molo-Cure to her diet with permission of her GI.  She just came off her Prednisone regime due to what we thought was a flare up, but now think it was the Asacol.   So far she is fine.  I can’t attribute her well being to the Molo-cure since she got better just by stopping the Asacol. Right now she is not taking anything, but we are considering 6mp. Our decision is to wait and see for a while…. Joe

Response:

Hi Mike, You mentioned that you have tried everything, so I was wondering if you tried the Specific Carbohydrate Diet recommended by Elaine G. Gottschall ? It worked for my wife, and my sister, who was quite severe. Here is a link to some information about her books. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/096927680X/qid%3D1057963139/sr… My sister went on the strict version of the diet, and within 2 weeks was back to normal. At the very least you should consider reading the book "Breaking the Viscious Cycle". It is based on solid scientific principles, and it has worked for many people. Barry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s been a long time….  You folks probably don’t remember me, but I’m back. Been in denail the past few months, but it is definately back–my colitis/proctitis.whatever it is.  They’ve never really figured it out actually.  For awhile, I’d have days of no symptoms, then a day of blood, and nothing again for days.  Right now, it’s become constant.  So, I’m back. Tried all the alternative stuff like fish oil, flaxseed, borage, evening primrose, etc.  The only one that seemed to do anything was bromelain, and it made my heart race, so can’t keep taking it.  Trying to avoid any real meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! I’m allergic to 5ASA and I hate the cortisone suppositories–make me get all fungusy down there.  DAMN!!!  Wish there was some other alternative. I don’t have diarrhea, and go only once a day (sometimes twice), just blood and mucus (sometimes just blood)—otherwise the stools are generally normal. I need to find a doc.  My current doc says, "You’re bleeding, so what?" Obviously, I’m a mild case.  Go only once a day, big deal.  It still hurts, and sucks! Don’t know what more to say.  Hope you kept a space open for me in the club. Thanks, Mike — To reply via email remove the X’s from my email address:

Response:

  meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for   IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy!   Mike,     Since my daughter is asacol-intolerant, I’ve added Molo-Cure to her diet with permission of her GI.  She just came off her Prednisone regime due to what we thought was a flare up, but now think it was the Asacol.   So far she is fine.  I can’t attribute her well being to the Molo-cure since she got better just by stopping the Asacol. Right now she is not taking anything, but we are considering 6mp. Our decision is to wait and see for a while…. Joe

Response:

Asacol is evil.  I think so many people have been hurt by it, and yet no doc will ever believe it.  What’s molo-cure? Thanks, Mike — To reply via email remove the (SPAM_BLOCKER) from my email address:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for   IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! Mike,     Since my daughter is asacol-intolerant, I’ve added Molo-Cure to her diet with permission of her GI.  She just came off her Prednisone regime due to what we thought was a flare up, but now think it was the Asacol.   So far she is fine.  I can’t attribute her well being to the Molo-cure since she got better just by stopping the Asacol. Right now she is not taking anything, but we are considering 6mp. Our decision is to wait and see for a while…. Joe

Response:

I know this doesn’t pertain to the thread however Joe mentioned Prednisone. Is this a common treatment?  I use prednisone when my asthma flares up and when I’m on that med I can eat all day, to be expected, and have no problems with stools. Jennifer

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for   IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! Mike,     Since my daughter is asacol-intolerant, I’ve added Molo-Cure to her diet with permission of her GI.  She just came off her Prednisone regime due to what we thought was a flare up, but now think it was the Asacol.   So far she is fine.  I can’t attribute her well being to the Molo-cure since she got better just by stopping the Asacol. Right now she is not taking anything, but we are considering 6mp. Our decision is to wait and see for a while…. Joe

Response:

Mike, Maybe you should try a new doctor if your doctor doesn’t seem to think there is a problem… Seems to me if you are having blood in your stools… That’s not good! Hope you feel better soon! Marlena – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s been a long time….  You folks probably don’t remember me, but I’m back. Been in denail the past few months, but it is definately back–my colitis/proctitis.whatever it is.  They’ve never really figured it out actually.  For awhile, I’d have days of no symptoms, then a day of blood, and nothing again for days.  Right now, it’s become constant.  So, I’m back. Tried all the alternative stuff like fish oil, flaxseed, borage, evening primrose, etc.  The only one that seemed to do anything was bromelain, and it made my heart race, so can’t keep taking it.  Trying to avoid any real meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! I’m allergic to 5ASA and I hate the cortisone suppositories–make me get all fungusy down there.  DAMN!!!  Wish there was some other alternative. I don’t have diarrhea, and go only once a day (sometimes twice), just blood and mucus (sometimes just blood)—otherwise the stools are generally normal. I need to find a doc.  My current doc says, "You’re bleeding, so what?" Obviously, I’m a mild case.  Go only once a day, big deal.  It still hurts, and sucks! Don’t know what more to say.  Hope you kept a space open for me in the club. Thanks, Mike

Response:

It’s been a long time….  You folks probably don’t remember me, but I’m back. Been in denail the past few months, but it is definately back–my colitis/proctitis.whatever it is.  They’ve never really figured it out actually.  For awhile, I’d have days of no symptoms, then a day of blood, and nothing again for days.  Right now, it’s become constant.  So, I’m back. Tried all the alternative stuff like fish oil, flaxseed, borage, evening primrose, etc.  The only one that seemed to do anything was bromelain, and it made my heart race, so can’t keep taking it.  Trying to avoid any real meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! I’m allergic to 5ASA and I hate the cortisone suppositories–make me get all fungusy down there.  DAMN!!!  Wish there was some other alternative. I don’t have diarrhea, and go only once a day (sometimes twice), just blood and mucus (sometimes just blood)—otherwise the stools are generally normal. I need to find a doc.  My current doc says, "You’re bleeding, so what?" Obviously, I’m a mild case.  Go only once a day, big deal.  It still hurts, and sucks! Don’t know what more to say.  Hope you kept a space open for me in the club. Thanks, Mike — To reply via email remove the X’s from my email address:

Response:

Question:

Hi! Sorry about all those bogus Boytko (or whatever) responses you got. A very good suggestion was given to you: to make sure you don’t have sleep apena, and that your asthma isn’t bothering you when you sleep. I would be wary of the theophylline. There are much better drugs for your asthma. Are you on flovent 220 at least 2 times a day? If not, I"d increase that and dump the theophylline. I had *severe* side effects from the theophylline that lasted for years (because I took it for years) and it really affected my sleep. Perhaps try singulair or accolate or something. If you are taking all those medications for asthma you should be seeing a specialist, not just a doctor: and they might be able to help you further with your problems. I personally also had similar side effects from the serevent, but I do know that many others tolerate it well. Intal did nothing for me, and is usually not an "as needed" drug- you have to take it all the time for it to have any affect, right? I found that Intal (and Tilade) actually made my exercise induced asthma *worse* because it irritated me and didn’t help. Also, with all the above, do try to start an exercise program and certainly improve your diet. Just because your diet hasn’t changed in 10 years doesn’t mean *you* haven’t.  It can make a big difference in how you feel energetically, and makes your asthma better too.(the exercise part).  It might also help you sleep longer- 8 hours is a bit more normal. -j – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am taking Flovent, Serevent, Albuterol, Intal (when needed), and Theophylline. Ever since I’ve been taking them faithfully (around 2 years), I feel so tired….even when I’m not doing anything. My diet is kinda lousy; yet, it hasn’t changed 10 years. I averaged six hours of sleep. Don’t have a strenous job. Rarely exercise, but I do walk alot! Has anyone experienced fatique while on medications? If do, what was the culprit? Thanks.. * 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:

writes <snip do try to start an exercise program

The original post states they walk ‘a lot’.  If that means a brisk walk (e.g. raises the pulse) for half an hour, three or more times a week I would classify that as exercise.  IMHO Walking is underrated as exercise but can be really good if it’s on unmade footpaths (much better that roads or gym floors as each step is slightly different) and up and down hills.  And it doesn’t carry dangers (or they are greatly reduced) of over-use injuries, and on paths away from roads the air is better and the dangers from traffic go away. And walking is weight-bearing which helps prevent osteoporosis – something swimming doesn’t do though weights, gym works & cycling do. <snip — Surfer!

Response:

Mark: I’m 76 and for over 2 years have persistent (without attacks) old age asthma. In times of remission, all breathing parameters are OK. I’ve tried daily 20 min. exercises with a restricted air flow device for about 2 months……

Mark, I’m not sure what you expected this device to do for you.  Just because you make it harder for yourself to breathe does’nt mean you get less air.  Your respiratory center paces your breathing for you and it will make you breathe in such a way as to attain a particular CO2 level in your blood.  Putting a restrictive device in line with your respiaratory tract isn’t going to change anything. What you need to do is practice breathing in such a way as to sustain, over  a prolonged period of time,  a small shortage of air.  You need to do this often. Unless you actually feel like you’re not getting enough air while you’re doing this,  it’s not going to help your respiratory center accommodate to higher levels of CO2. If you want to knock Buteyko by all means, but make sure you’ve actually done the exercises properly before you do. …. with no effect, and then had the idea that asthmatics don’t need Buteyko, since they have plenty of hypoventilation, with (as follows from medical research) some positive results claimed by Buteyko (e.g., less sclerosis).

In early stage asthma CO2 is low, because of hyperventilation.  When asthma is very sever you get to a point where the lungs are so damaged that CO2 can’t get out and Oxygen can’t get in.  You’re right, here the asthmatic is hypoventilated from the point of view of the blood gases.  But there is a state in between where blood CO2 appears to be normal and Oxygen is low.  What happens  here is as follows.  As the disease progresses part of the lungs becomes so badly blocked that it stops being ventilated all together, but it still gets perfused with blood.   That part of the lung which is still functioning becomes hoplessly overventilated, as can be seen from ETCO2 (End tidal  CO2) studies.  The blood that leaves the lungs to get into the arteries therefore contains a mixture of blood from the overventilated and underventilated areas, which means that the CO2 may appear to be normal.  But the CO2 component from the functioning part is very low, and this is what causes it to go into bronchospasm.  So we take Ventolin to open it up.  But that does’nt actually cure anything.  At this stage Buteyko alone won’t help either.  You need to supplement with steroids until you can get your breathing under control and then gradually reverse the process by deliberate hypoventilation.  As you can imagine, by this stage this can be a very difficult process. Sticking a marble in your nostril won’t solve your problem. Peter Kolb Free information provided by grateful ex-asthmatics     http://www.wt.com.au/~pkolb/buteyko.htm

Response:

If you want to knock Buteyko by all means, but make sure you’ve actually done the exercises properly before you do.

So you are saying that I should try something that is dangerous and stupid before I warn others about it? Why don’t you jump off a cliff and then tell us whether or not it is dangerous? In early stage asthma CO2 is low, because of hyperventilation.  When asthma is very sever you get to a point where the lungs are so damaged that CO2 can’t get out and Oxygen can’t get in.

What are you talking about?  You really need to learn something about asthma instead of relying on the stuff the buteyko promoters fabricated. No electrons were harmed in the posting of this message.

Response:

Can I just mention that I tried Buteyko after seeing a documentary on the TV and found a course run by Sasha Stalmatski in York UK in Oct 99. I was on quite a lot of medication at the time, Flixotide, Ventolin, Atrovent, Serevent, Slo Phyllin etc. and before starting the course was extremely tired and could hardly walk upstairs.  I found the course very difficult but persevered.  One year on and I am only on Flixotide and Ventolin and although I visit hospital as an out patient regularly for bronchial/chest infections my asthma is under control and from having an asthma attack regularly every night 12 months ago I do not have any attacks at all now, I do have problems when I have a chest infection but the breathing exercises I learnt on the course have been very helpful and last year I had an attack of pluerisy and used the shallow breathing as I was rushed to hospital and it certainly worked for me.  By the way I have no medical training whatsoever so I cannot give medical advice it certainly didn’t cure me but it has made my life better, I can at least get up stairs now, I haven’t progressed to cycling yet but I am working on it.  I am a middle aged lady and able to do a full time job even if I do occasionally have to have time off for chest infections. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you want to knock Buteyko by all means, but make sure you’ve actually done the exercises properly before you do. So you are saying that I should try something that is dangerous and stupid before I warn others about it? Why don’t you jump off a cliff and then tell us whether or not it is dangerous? In early stage asthma CO2 is low, because of hyperventilation.  When asthma is very sever you get to a point where the lungs are so damaged that CO2 can’t get out and Oxygen can’t get in. What are you talking about?  You really need to learn something about asthma instead of relying on the stuff the buteyko promoters fabricated. No electrons were harmed in the posting of this message.

– Christine Varney Dept of Physics University of York YORK  YO10 5DD  UK tel: 44 (0) 1904 432261 fax: 44 (0) 1904 432214

Response:

I am taking Flovent, Serevent, Albuterol, Intal (when needed), and Theophylline. Ever since I’ve been taking them faithfully (around 2 years), I feel so tired….even when I’m not doing anything. My diet is kinda lousy; yet, it hasn’t changed 10 years. I averaged six hours of sleep. Don’t have a strenous job. Rarely exercise, but I do walk alot! Has anyone experienced fatique while on medications? If do, what was the culprit?

I find fatigue is the product of any single one or combination of the following: 1)      that time of the month 2)      being ill 3)      not getting enough sleep – I usually need 8-9 hours a night 4)      emotional upset like when I had to have two cats put to sleep last year – each time the response was to sleep for a couple of weeks, 16 hours a day or more at first. 5)      stress at work 6)      boredom 7)      prevarication – shall I do some decorating or get another ours sleep?      lack of exercise 9)      not drinking enough water especially if it’s hot – I’ve had a few night cramps 10)     eating too much too late – full stomach is not ideal before bed 11)     I go to sleep fine if I drink too much (e.g. more than 2-3 glasses wine) but then have disturbed dreams As you might imagine I’m a good sleeper!  Luckily too much time in bed gives me a bad back so there’s no danger (at the moment) of my developing a 24-hour per day habit. Before I got my medication (Pulmicort, and inhaled steroid) I *was* chronically tired due to lack of sleep and poor quality sleep.  Starting them made a new woman of me.  But I can’t find a new man to match! So I’ve got some new cats! so check (with your doctor) your asthma medication is working properly – especially at night.  When I’m bad I start snoring and give myself disturbed dreams and intermittent waking especially if I fall asleep with pillows as they prop up my head and close the airway (and are bad for my back & neck).  If you don’t have a peak flow meter get one and use it, drawing a chart of the morning & evening results (or put them in Excel!).  It should be pretty level – if it’s down in the mornings and responds to Intal it suggests you are possibly under-medicated in the steroid department. Also ask your partner (if you have one) how you sleep.  Lots of snoring could be part of, or an indication of, the problem.  Especially if you wake yourself up, or wake because you have almost stopped breathing (sleep apnoea). Good Luck PS Peter Kolb seems to reckon that everything is caused by CHVS. — Surfer!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am taking Flovent, Serevent, Albuterol, Intal (when needed), and Theophylline. Ever since I’ve been taking them faithfully (around 2 years), I feel so tired….even when I’m not doing anything. My diet is kinda lousy; yet, it hasn’t changed 10 years. I averaged six hours of sleep. Don’t have a strenous job. Rarely exercise, but I do walk alot! Has anyone experienced fatique while on medications? If do, what was the culprit? Thanks.. Hello I can’t say whether or not your medications cause fatigue,  but what I can tell you is that fatigue, listlessness and inability to exercise are some of the very many symptoms of Chronic hyperventilation syndrome (CHVS).  This was first discovered by American Field Surgeon DaCosta in 1870 when he descibed this condition sufffered by American Soldiers under combat stress during the civil war.  While the mechanism by which such stress can cause chronic hyperventilation is well known and understood,  few doctors even seem to be aware of its existence.  This is in spite of the fact that prevalence in the community is between 6 and 11%  (References  have been given on an earlier occasion). There is a very logical treatment which has been developed in Russia for CHVS.  They found it so successful (and quite dramatically so) in the treatment of asthma,  that it has been brought to the west largely as a therapy that reverses the asthma condition.  But any of the symptoms of CHVS can be successfully treated with this therapy. Unfortunately, unlike with conventional medicine,  there are no magic bullets.  Buteyko therapy requires a lot of work and a lot of time, but at least it enables you to get your health back.   Many people have found that there is sufficient information on our web site to help you get rid of your asthma. Peter Kolb BSc(Eng),MSc(Med),CPEng(Biomed) BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER Free information provided by grateful ex-asthmatics

Mark: I’m 76 and for over 2 years have persistent (without attacks) old age asthma. In times of remission, all breathing parameters are OK. I’ve tried daily 20 min. exercises with a restricted air flow device for about 2 months – with no effect, and then had the idea that asthmatics don’t need Buteyko, since they have plenty of hypoventilation, with (as follows from medical research) some positive results claimed by Buteyko (e.g., less sclerosis). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –    http://www.wt.com.au/~pkolb/buteyko.htm

Response:

I am taking Flovent, Serevent, Albuterol, Intal (when needed), and Theophylline. Ever since I’ve been taking them faithfully (around 2 years), I feel so tired….even when I’m not doing anything. My diet is kinda lousy; yet, it hasn’t changed 10 years. I averaged six hours of sleep. Don’t have a strenous job. Rarely exercise, but I do walk alot! Has anyone experienced fatique while on medications? If do, what was the culprit? Thanks.. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

I am taking Flovent, Serevent, Albuterol, Intal (when needed), and Theophylline. Ever since I’ve been taking them faithfully (around 2 years), I feel so tired….even when I’m not doing anything. My diet is kinda lousy; yet, it hasn’t changed 10 years. I averaged six hours of sleep. Don’t have a strenous job. Rarely exercise, but I do walk alot! Has anyone experienced fatique while on medications? If do, what was the culprit? Thanks..

Hello I can’t say whether or not your medications cause fatigue,  but what I can tell you is that fatigue, listlessness and inability to exercise are some of the very many symptoms of Chronic hyperventilation syndrome (CHVS).  This was first discovered by American Field Surgeon DaCosta in 1870 when he descibed this condition sufffered by American Soldiers under combat stress during the civil war.  While the mechanism by which such stress can cause chronic hyperventilation is well known and understood,  few doctors even seem to be aware of its existence.  This is in spite of the fact that prevalence in the community is between 6 and 11%  (References  have been given on an earlier occasion).   There is a very logical treatment which has been developed in Russia for CHVS.  They found it so successful (and quite dramatically so) in the treatment of asthma,  that it has been brought to the west largely as a therapy that reverses the asthma condition.  But any of the symptoms of CHVS can be successfully treated with this therapy. Unfortunately, unlike with conventional medicine,  there are no magic bullets.  Buteyko therapy requires a lot of work and a lot of time, but at least it enables you to get your health back.   Many people have found that there is sufficient information on our web site to help you get rid of your asthma. Peter Kolb BSc(Eng),MSc(Med),CPEng(Biomed) BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER Free information provided by grateful ex-asthmatics     http://www.wt.com.au/~pkolb/buteyko.htm

Response:

I am taking Flovent, Serevent, Albuterol, Intal (when needed), and Theophylline. Ever since I’ve been taking them faithfully (around 2 years), I feel so tired….even when I’m not doing anything. My diet is kinda lousy; yet, it hasn’t changed 10 years. I averaged six hours of sleep. Don’t have a strenous job. Rarely exercise, but I do walk alot!

Try sleeping an extra 1/2 hour.  Most people do not get the amount of sleep they need. No electrons were harmed in the posting of this message.

Response:

I can’t say whether or not your medications cause fatigue,  but what I can tell you is that fatigue, listlessness and inability to exercise are some of the very many symptoms of Chronic hyperventilation syndrome (CHVS).

Can you name something that is not a symptom of this imaginary ailment? BTW, can you provide any current medical references that support your diagnosis? And how about providing your qualifications to dispense medical advice? No electrons were harmed in the posting of this message.

Response:

Question:

I don’t know if it is because of Advair or not, but my father went into V-Fib 1 month after taking advair. He was very happy with the way he felt being on Advair, but never mentioned anything about the warnings. I just noticed that the warnings say that Advair can change heart rhythm.  That is exactly what happened to my father.  He never had heart problems before, in fact, his Dr has commented before that he has a very strong heart. I’m not sure where to go with this.  I just want to make sure that everyone takes these warnings seriously. Please be careful.  Having this happen to my father has been very difficult. Dave

Response:

It may have been a cumulative effect was he taking something else before Advair. Many asthma sufferers take a form of steroids and albuterol and heart problems are frequent. My best wishes to you and your family and thanks for a difficult reminder. Lane

Response:

Your comments can be true.  However, since being on Advair, he hasn’t used his inhaler, and he hasn’t taken prednisone for quite some time. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It may have been a cumulative effect was he taking something else before Advair. Many asthma sufferers take a form of steroids and albuterol and heart problems are frequent. My best wishes to you and your family and thanks for a difficult reminder. Lane

Response:

It is always difficult to know if a drug side effect is responsible or not. The PDR lists the same 101 side effects for every drug. While I was takng "anyoldmycin" my stocks plunged, my car wouldn’t start and I cut myself shaving. Was all this caused by "anyoldmycin"? Unfortunately it takes a very long time to decide which – if any – ofthe 101 side effects are "real" and requires withdrawal of a medication. The ingredients in Advair are quite common ones and seem to help many persons. Murray Grossan, M.D. http://www.ent-consult.com http://www.TinnitusRelief.net http://www.emedicine.com/ent/topic516.htm

Response:

Many people find Advair and Flovent disagreeable immedeiately.  So they switch to Pulmicort, which, conversely, is not for everyone.  These two are both powerful and effective steroids. Address:http://www.consumerlawpage.com/article/asthma.shtml Changed:9:56 PM on Friday, November 8, 2002

Response:

Question:

On Fri, 25 Jun 1999, Brenda McKaig wrote:

Comments on anything I’ve said in this message would be greatly appreciated, particularily your experience with either or both of the medications I mentioned:  singulair and prednisone to treat polyps.

Before you try the prednisone, check your library or bookseller for a copy of "Coping With Prednisone."  Some people can have devastating side-effects from prednisone.  I know because I’m one of them.

Do you share a similiar story to me, I’d really like to hear from you.   reoccuring polyps?   unsuccessful surgery to remove polyps?   chronic sinus infection?   unsuccessful antibiotic treatments?   have had, or are facing radical sinus surgery?   feeling helpless and hopeless?

I think most of us who are battling chronic sinusitis suffer bouts of feeling helpless and hopeless.   And most of us have been through course after course of unsuccessful antibiotic treatments.  You are not the only one and you are not alone.  We just have to keep putting one foot in fron of the other one and offering encouragement to each other.  

Response:

If you have polyps, please ask your doctor about avoiding aspirin and all aspirin products to prevent the reoccurance of polyps. Murray Grossan, M.D. http://www.ent-consult.com

Response:

Some people can have devastating side-effects from prednisone.  I know because I’m one of them.

What kind of devastating side effects?  I just started on Prednisone yesterday.  My head still feels full and dizzy although the Dr. said this could take a few days.  The only other thing is that I’m extremely weak today, especially in the legs and arms. Ellen in IL

Response:

Information on prednisone at http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/pred.htm Remember, not all persons react the same.  Not all develop the same side effects, and most don’t develop all the possible side effects.  Most of the side effects disappear with tapering down to lower dosages or discontinuance.   NEVER change prednisone dosage without your physician’s knowledge and agreement.. it can be very serious.   Most physicians will try to use as little prednisone as possible if it the drug required for effective treatment. Good luck with your treatment and I hope it is quickly effective.

Response:

Brenda, Not so long ago I was feeling just as hopeless about my situation as you are now. I tried every treatment they had, you name it. Surgery was recommended but it was never  explained to me why I needed it except for a deviated septum. I was on my 14th antibiotic course in about a year and my co-worker expressd concern about the over use of the abx. I told him I never heard of anyone who had sucessful sinus surgery and another co-worker overheard and told me his wife had a good outcome. So I asked for the name of her doctor. I went to see him and he sat with me for over an hour and explained why all the other treatments (sprays, abx, allergy shots, etc) had failed and always would without the surgery to unblock the drainage sites and fix the septum. So I went ahead with it, feeling complete confidence in him. While doing the surgery he found many small polyps that never had showed on CT scans, MRIs or nasal endoscopy. I am still recovering and using Nasonex and irrigation. I am about to start allergy shots next week. I was told the nasonex and shots are necessary to slow the regrowth of the polyps (they normally do always recur), and treat the allergies which had thickened all the membranes over many years. If you are anywhere near NYC please e-mail me for the name and location of my doctor. Please don’t give up, keep searching until you find the right doctor for you. Nadine

Response:

I saw a new ENT doctor today.  My previous two ENT doctors basically gave up on me.  I have had a sinus infection for two years now.  It won’t go away despite surgery and 13 courses of antibiotics.  CT scans and endoscopes show my sinuses are completely infitrated with polps. This new ENT doctor wants me to try the following: prednisone  for three days singulair    for thirty days I will also be taking my normal medications simultaneously with the new meds which include: nasacort    1 spray twice a day flovent     1 puff twice a day And of course, I’ll continue irrigating everyday and using lots of saline spray and drinking lots of water.  I also started allergy shots yesterday which noone has told me I shouldn’t be taking even though I live with an infection every day. So, the bad news is the ENT mentioned he will consider doing that surgery that removes the lining of my sinuses if the prednisone and singulair don’t work.  He said this type of surgery is risky because of the proximity to the eyes and brain, and that there may be some not-so-nice effects after of the surgery. I feel like I’m in a no-win situation.  If I don’t remove the lining of my sinuses, then I live with an infection everyday which I think has the potential to cause serious damage.   If I do remove the lining of my sinuses, the risk is high and the results not very pleasant. Needless to say, I’m depressed.  I know I am NOT MY DISEASE but it is HARD to remain positive in light of this new prognosis which represents my third opinion from a specialist. Comments on anything I’ve said in this message would be greatly appreciated, particularily your experience with either or both of the medications I mentioned:  singulair and prednisone to treat polyps. Do you share a similiar story to me, I’d really like to hear from you.   reoccuring polyps?   unsuccessful surgery to remove polyps?   chronic sinus infection?   unsuccessful antibiotic treatments?   have had, or are facing radical sinus surgery?   feeling helpless and hopeless? Thank you for listening. Brenda Pickering, Ontario, Canada bmck…@home.com

Response:

Question:

I am on day 5 of trying 15mg a day to see if that helps, but I’m experience some anxiety already along with a fuzzy feeling in my head.

Try reducing your dosage at just 2 1/2 mg at a time, and do that for at least a couple weeks before reducing it some more.  It can take a while. You have time to mess with it, so you can go as slowly as you like. I’ve successfully reduced my Paxil to only 5 mg a day, plus .5 Ativan morning and evening.  But I’m still sleepy.  : ) Dot

Response:

Ken, I’ve been on Celexa for several years, and it is my "miracle drug". YMMV depending on your chemical reaction to any medication…. Good luck!!!

I’ve been on Celexa for 1year 3months. It took about 8 weeks to start working and I developed a lot of side effects; prickly skin, itching rash, funny taste, teeth grinding, yawning, diarrhea, gas, restless night legs, purple blotches, insomnia and some sexual side effects.  My friend switched from Zoloft to Celexa and she said that the Zoloft side effects were worse than Celexa. So I’m wondering if I have had an atypical reaction.  I only ocassionally experience a side effect now (thankfully) but my dosage was increased from 20mg to 40mg about two months after I started because I didn’t feel it working.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – May I ask what was the horrible experience you had with Celexa? I’m taking it also and am trying to confirm some things. Hi All.. I have been taking Paxil 20mg a day for the past 6 months for Panic and Anxiety.  It has worked WONDERFUL!! I haven’t had a panic attack since around day 14 of starting paxil, after having a horrible experience with celexa. In the past month however, I am so tired I cannot seem to do anything at all.  I don’t remember being THIS tired when I started paxil, or in the previous 4 months. I am on day 5 of trying 15mg a day to see if that helps, but I’m experience some anxiety already along with a fuzzy feeling in my head. Should I go back up to 20mg and deal with the tiredness?  Any one have any ideas on how to combat the fatique?  Thanks!

sure Ken… Celexa doubled if not tripled my anxiety in the 2 months of use.. my panic attacks tripled and were incredibly more intense.. i could not sleep.. and had restless leg syndrome.. i was always nauseaus.. and sometimes i had so much energy i didn’t know what to do with myself.. that could have been due to the anxiety though.. it basicially did to me the exact opposite of what it was supposed to do.. hope that helps!

Response:

Hi All.. I have been taking Paxil 20mg a day for the past 6 months for Panic and Anxiety.  It has worked WONDERFUL!! I haven’t had a panic attack since around day 14 of starting paxil, after having a horrible experience with celexa. In the past month however, I am so tired I cannot seem to do anything at all.  I don’t remember being THIS tired when I started paxil, or in the previous 4 months.

I’m almost a week into weaning off Paxil CR, and going on to Lexapro. My PDoc called me a ‘textbook case of Paxil side effects’ – sleepiness, intense tiredness all the time, major concentration problems  were the biggies.  Actually at one time or another, I think I had every side effect except the sexual problems. I am on day 5 of trying 15mg a day to see if that helps, but I’m experience some anxiety already along with a fuzzy feeling in my head.

Are you working with a doctor on this?  What is his/her advice?  Can you start on another AD or a benzo while you wean off? Should I go back up to 20mg and deal with the tiredness?  Any one have any ideas on how to combat the fatique?  Thanks!

The best way I found to cope with the sleepiness and tiredness was to get *lots* of sleep.  If I didn’t get at least 9 hours, I was hopeless at work.  With that, and massive amounts of caffeine I survived.  I am so relieved to be getting off that stuff. Gypsy’s Wife, Partner, Lover, and Life Companion

Response:

May I ask what was the horrible experience you had with Celexa? I’m taking it also and am trying to confirm some things.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All.. I have been taking Paxil 20mg a day for the past 6 months for Panic and Anxiety.  It has worked WONDERFUL!! I haven’t had a panic attack since around day 14 of starting paxil, after having a horrible experience with celexa. In the past month however, I am so tired I cannot seem to do anything at all.  I don’t remember being THIS tired when I started paxil, or in the previous 4 months. I am on day 5 of trying 15mg a day to see if that helps, but I’m experience some anxiety already along with a fuzzy feeling in my head. Should I go back up to 20mg and deal with the tiredness?  Any one have any ideas on how to combat the fatique?  Thanks!

Response:

Hi All.. I have been taking Paxil 20mg a day for the past 6 months for Panic and Anxiety.  It has worked WONDERFUL!! I haven’t had a panic attack since around day 14 of starting paxil, after having a horrible experience with celexa. In the past month however, I am so tired I cannot seem to do anything at all.  I don’t remember being THIS tired when I started paxil, or in the previous 4 months. I am on day 5 of trying 15mg a day to see if that helps, but I’m experience some anxiety already along with a fuzzy feeling in my head. Should I go back up to 20mg and deal with the tiredness?  Any one have any ideas on how to combat the fatique?  Thanks!

Response:

Question:

That Celexa would be prescribed more for anxiety than say Zoloft for anxiety.

no-at this point the fda encourages docs to find off label uses for all meds-so they actually encourage experimentation-it has pros and cons obviously all ssri’s are used for the whole plethora of psychiatric conditions-some having a specific signature or profile makes them better or worse for a given situation, person or condition. Celexa and zoloft are both equivocal as antidepressants or panic blocking drugs. For some zoloft is more easily tolerated and works better and others the celexa is the king. On average the celexa has just a tad bit less side effects-but again that’s on average. What I see of the lexapro–it’s like being able to increase the dose of celexa with a little less typical side effects but it’s not a real big deal-so it has some value but not a home run — docs like using paxil for anxiety because it is sedating-for me that just means you have a sedated anxious person so I base a meds worth on its overall ability and the de facto observations of it in a person. All the ssri’s have value but none of them are the magic secret bullet we hoped for. Zoloft would typically energize a procrastinating, non motivated somewhat less active person better and with a bit more gusto then celexa-but celexa may do a more complete or less obtrusive and more subtle job-so it depends on the take of the doc, his experience with them and the clients presenting symptoms and personality, biology and history LM

Response:

:Jackie—What’s the "P" mean. ( I haven’t a clue unless–Peace–a 60’s :slogin that i well remember) It means I am sticking my tongue at you in a playful way Jackie ~*~All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another~*~         ~Anatole France~

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That Celexa would be prescribed more for anxiety than say Zoloft for anxiety. no-at this point the fda encourages docs to find off label uses for all meds-so they actually encourage experimentation-it has pros and cons obviously all ssri’s are used for the whole plethora of psychiatric conditions-some having a specific signature or profile makes them better or worse for a given situation, person or condition. Celexa and zoloft are both equivocal as antidepressants or panic blocking drugs. For some zoloft is more easily tolerated and works better and others the celexa is the king. On average the celexa has just a tad bit less side effects-but again that’s on average. What I see of the lexapro–it’s like being able to increase the dose of celexa with a little less typical side effects but it’s not a real big deal-so it has some value but not a home run — docs like using paxil for anxiety because it is sedating-for me that just means you have a sedated anxious person so I base a meds worth on its overall ability and the de facto observations of it in a person. All the ssri’s have value but none of them are the magic secret bullet we hoped for. Zoloft would typically energize a procrastinating, non motivated somewhat less active person better and with a bit more gusto then celexa-but celexa may do a more complete or less obtrusive and more subtle job-so it depends on the take of the doc, his experience with them and the clients presenting symptoms and personality, biology and history LM

Thanks Much. I know that zoloft was NOT for me. The jury is still out on celexa. But I kinda get the picture from all that has been stated. (Just a side note–I’ve Never heard anyone say anything good about prozac–but–my sample would be way too small.) Happy Holidays From your Neighboor Detective. Jackie—What’s the "P" mean. ( I haven’t a clue unless–Peace–a 60’s slogin that i well remember)

Response:

Jackie—What’s the "P" mean. ( I haven’t a clue unless–Peace–a 60’s slogin that i well remember)

Well if your serious, is a face expression as if someone is sticking their tongue out. Like a smile : ) Unless your jokes are very subtle ; ) BTW I’m not Jackie, but I’m bored today LOL Later Dan, KF…

Response:

That Celexa would be prescribed more for anxiety than say Zoloft for anxiety. In my case–They seem to be totally different! Or is this another one of those famous YMMV type things?

Response:

That Celexa would be prescribed more for anxiety than say Zoloft for anxiety.

I would think so because Celexa is less stimulating than Zoloft. Although I am on Zoloft and perceive no stimulation. But that may be because I am also on Klonopin. Chip

Response:

:That Celexa would be prescribed more for anxiety than say Zoloft for :anxiety. I don`t know what one is prescribed most…….certain things come into play when prescribing meds, anything from have a lot of samples on hand to doctors personal preference. My psychologist favored Prozac for anxiety and panic. :In my case–They seem to be totally different! Or is this another one f those famous YMMV type things? That`s whats great about the SSRI`s, they are all different. If one doesn`t work, you can always try another one. The more med choices that are available, the better chance one has of finding an effective med. Take care Columbo Jackie ~*~All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another~*~         ~Anatole France~

Response:

Question:

I have taken Effexor along with Phentermine before and had no ill effects.  However, some people have experienced "seratonin syndrome" when taking Phentermine along with these types of antidepressants. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

 I take wellbutrin and trazadone (for sleep).  I’m thinking about going to a weight loss clinic…they give phentermine.  Has anybody taken this combo. or know if it’s ok. I don’t want to waste going to the clinic if this stuff doesn’t

Response:

I agree.   I would get off the Trazodone.  There must be somthing else you can take.  I and some of my friends have taken phentermine and wellbutrin for  weight loss and it worked pretty well.  I do not suggest doing all those drugs at once.  If you are taking drugs for weight loss – try a natural method for sleeping — or visa versa. Sandra – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a pretty odd combo you are taking. Trazodone is one of the old syile SSRIs, jacking up your Serotonine levels. Welbutrin, amongst other things increases dopamine levels. Trazodone will make you sleep (with a bad hangover usually since the halftime is 18 hrs). In a varity of cases it will aggravate your exhaustion. (Sleep, be sleepy all day, wake up in the evening, take Trazodone to sleep, be sleepy all day and so on). Trazodone has been demonstrated to noticeably increase weight. Wellbutrin is a stimulant in a sense.  Your head is being pulled both ways it appears. Phentermine will increase your dopamine levels as well. Combined with Wellbutrin this sounds like a pretty bad idea. I take it you are diagnosed as depressed. Phentermine has shown interaction here and from what I have heard is contraindicated. Besides all of that, if you already have problems sleeping Phentermine will make this situation only worse. Anyhow, from the sound of it your shrink is really out of ideas as to what to prescribe to you and throws all sorts of neurotransmitter manipulators at you. I have been in a situation like yours and dropped the guy and went looking for someone that had better sense. For eample newer antidepressants such as Serzone will let you sleep similar to Trazodone but apparently causes no weight gain. Before you go into a pharmaceutically based weight program look at what you are doing to your body and mind today. Making modifications there may already have the desired effect instead of pumping even more chemicals into you. I am not a licensed psychiatrist, medical doctor of any sort, a layperson in every sense of the word. Nothing I state should be construed as medical advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed physician. Just a disclaimer. I take wellbutrin and trazadone (for sleep).  I’m thinking about going to a weight loss clinic…they give phentermine.  Has anybody taken this combo. or know if it’s ok. I don’t want to waste going to the clinic if this stuff doesn’t

Before you buy.

Response:

I started taking phentermine with Trazadone and Wellbutrin but quickly stopped the Trazadone. I didn’t like the way I felt in the morning and I was also concerned about the combination with the other two drugs. Now I just take 300 mg of Wellbutrin and 37.5 of Adipex. I have really been amazed at the results so far. I have a long time problem with depression and it has practically gone away since I started. All my obsessive and compulsive behavior about food has also disappeared. To me this is magic. I do have a problem sometimes getting to sleep considering that both drugs are stimulants but I am not working right now so it’s not a big deal. I would not advise taking all three meds. Debbie

Response:

Tetris I would be very interested in what you find out about 5 htp from your new doctor. I noticed a lead from Barbara’s obesity site for a Md. ( dietmedications.com/)who has supposedly worked out a good formulation for 5 htp. Supposedly he say’s to combine it with the drug you mentioned (caridopa) and possible pendolol . the purpose is to slow the absorption of the  5 HTP. It is expensive about ($2.50) cents a day the best I can figure. If you find out anything about this or anything that can replace part of fen/phen that is banned we all would be really grateful. Thanks Roy

Response:

I too have been searching for a combination diet drug therapy since phen-fen went away.  I’ve  tried phentermine by itself, phen-prozac (it made me extremely drowsy even at low doses), Meridia, and Xenical.  None of these worked very well.  My current doctor refuses to prescribe any combination of medications.  He is afraid.  I can’t say I blame him all that much with all the paranoia over lawsuits.  However, I am still 100 pounds overweight and desperate. After doing some research, I think that phentermine/5-HTP just might be the answer that I’m looking for.  The kind of 5-HTP I’m thinking of is the pharmaceutical grade (USP – United States Pharmacopoeia), available only by prescription at certain compounding pharmacies.  The USP 5-HTP is more expensive (but still much cheaper than Meridia or Xenical) and is synthetic.  The over the counter variety is derived naturally from the seeds of the Griffonia plant.  I’m thinking that the USP 5-HTP would be free of the Peak-X and Peak-E contaminants that the Mayo Clinic made such a fuss about a year or two ago in six unidentified brands of over the counter 5-HTP. I have experimented with over the counter 5-HTP and tyrosine.  The 5-HTP (100 mg), takes the place of fenfluramine and the tyrosine (500 mg) takes the place of phentermine.  This combination reasonably imitates the effect of phen-fen for me without unpleasant side effects, except dry mouth and occasional headaches.  The only drawback is the short half-life of the 5-HTP.  The appetite suppressing effect lasts only about two and half hours.  Obviously this is not enough to be a practical weight loss solution. Next week, I will see a new doctor.  He has a good reputation for being very progressive.  I plan to discuss 5-HTP/phentermine with him.  I will ask if there is any way to extend its very short lived effect.  I have heard that the prescription medication carbidopa might help with this. I will post the results of my visit if anyone is interested. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I agree.   I would get off the Trazodone.  There must be somthing else you can take.  I and some of my friends have taken phentermine and wellbutrin for  weight loss and it worked pretty well.  I do not suggest doing all those drugs at once.  If you are taking drugs for weight loss – try a natural method for sleeping — or visa versa. Sandra This is a pretty odd combo you are taking. Trazodone is one of the old syile SSRIs, jacking up your Serotonine levels. Welbutrin, amongst other things increases dopamine levels. Trazodone will make you sleep (with a bad hangover usually since the halftime is 18 hrs). In a varity of cases it will aggravate your exhaustion. (Sleep, be sleepy all day, wake up in the evening, take Trazodone to sleep, be sleepy all day and so on). Trazodone has been demonstrated to noticeably increase weight. Wellbutrin is a stimulant in a sense.  Your head is being pulled both ways it appears. Phentermine will increase your dopamine levels as well. Combined with Wellbutrin this sounds like a pretty bad idea. I take it you are diagnosed as depressed. Phentermine has shown interaction here and from what I have heard is contraindicated. Besides all of that, if you already have problems sleeping Phentermine will make this situation only worse. Anyhow, from the sound of it your shrink is really out of ideas as to what to prescribe to you and throws all sorts of neurotransmitter manipulators at you. I have been in a situation like yours and dropped the guy and went looking for someone that had better sense. For eample newer antidepressants such as Serzone will let you sleep similar to Trazodone but apparently causes no weight gain. Before you go into a pharmaceutically based weight program look at what you are doing to your body and mind today. Making modifications there may already have the desired effect instead of pumping even more chemicals into you. I am not a licensed psychiatrist, medical doctor of any sort, a layperson in every sense of the word. Nothing I state should be construed as medical advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed physician. Just a disclaimer. I take wellbutrin and trazadone (for sleep).  I’m thinking about going to a weight loss clinic…they give phentermine.  Has anybody taken this combo. or know if it’s ok. I don’t want to waste going to the clinic if this stuff doesn’t Before you buy.

Response:

This is a pretty odd combo you are taking. Trazodone is one of the old syile SSRIs, jacking up your Serotonine levels. Welbutrin, amongst other things increases dopamine levels. Trazodone will make you sleep (with a bad hangover usually since the halftime is 18 hrs). In a varity of cases it will aggravate your exhaustion. (Sleep, be sleepy all day, wake up in the evening, take Trazodone to sleep, be sleepy all day and so on). Trazodone has been demonstrated to noticeably increase weight. Wellbutrin is a stimulant in a sense.  Your head is being pulled both ways it appears. Phentermine will increase your dopamine levels as well. Combined with Wellbutrin this sounds like a pretty bad idea. I take it you are diagnosed as depressed. Phentermine has shown interaction here and from what I have heard is contraindicated. Besides all of that, if you already have problems sleeping Phentermine will make this situation only worse. Anyhow, from the sound of it your shrink is really out of ideas as to what to prescribe to you and throws all sorts of neurotransmitter manipulators at you. I have been in a situation like yours and dropped the guy and went looking for someone that had better sense. For eample newer antidepressants such as Serzone will let you sleep similar to Trazodone but apparently causes no weight gain. Before you go into a pharmaceutically based weight program look at what you are doing to your body and mind today. Making modifications there may already have the desired effect instead of pumping even more chemicals into you. I am not a licensed psychiatrist, medical doctor of any sort, a layperson in every sense of the word. Nothing I state should be construed as medical advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed physician. Just a disclaimer. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I take wellbutrin and trazadone (for sleep).  I’m thinking about going to a weight loss clinic…they give phentermine.  Has anybody taken this combo. or know if it’s ok. I don’t want to waste going to the clinic if this stuff doesn’t

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This sounds like it could be the start of agoraphobia. I’m surprised that the Xanax isn’t controlling it, although, I’m not sure if "reluctant" means you don’t go far from home at all or you do but don’t ‘enjoy’ the experience. Zoloft, like all anti-depressants, does take 4-8 weeks to work fully, however, Xanax’s action is almost immediate, usually 10-15 minutes. You haven’t stated quantities, but it seems that your dosage is too low.  In addition to altering the dose, you can also use Xanax as a ’security blanket,’ take some with you and if you feel the need take an additional tablet. Initially, you may need the extra Xanax, but in time just knowing its there is enough. The meds. used to treat agoraphobia are exactly the same as for anxiety, so are the dosages. The point is that agoraphobia is a manifestation of fear, ie: anxiety, so if you lessen/eliminate the anxiety then you also lessen/eliminate agoraphobia. Ian    Ian<<atdragoncon<dotnet

I have been on a full treatment regimen of all the SSRI’s, while using Xanax and/or klonipin, and found the SSRI’s always, no matter how long I was on them for (sometimes up to two years at max dosage) created a mix of anxiety and fatigue. Now, YMMV, and this is just me, but I find the short acting benzo’s like Xanax, Serax, Ativan, the best. In particular Xanax. My belief is that, even though the drugs don’t stay in the body a long time, for somebody who wants to avoid depression caused by using benzo’s, this may be a good thing. The Xanax gets into the body, does it’s job of calming me down, and gets out. Just the chemical changes alone may be enough without having a constant stream of the drug running through your veins. Again, this is just my opinion and experience, and everybody IS different. Just thought I would share it. Peace James — "All of us get lost in the darkness… Dreamers learn to steer by the stars.." Neil Peart, Rush, "The Pass"

Response:

snipped I have been on a full treatment regimen of all the SSRI’s, while using Xanax and/or klonipin, and found the SSRI’s always, no matter how long I was on them for (sometimes up to two years at max dosage) created a mix of anxiety and fatigue. Now, YMMV, and this is just me, but I find the short acting benzo’s like Xanax, Serax, Ativan, the best. snipped James

Hi, James Obviously you’re a benzo type guy, rather than a SSRI type. SSRI’s by virtue of their narrow method of action, mostly only on serotonin and specifically 5HT3, don’t suit everyone. It may be that you need something which also directly inhibits the noradrenaline (norepinephrine) pathways. Have you tried the TCA’s or Effexor. The TCAs affect a fairly wide range of neurotransmitters, Effexor affects both Serotonin and noradren. Just a thought. Ian    Ian<<atdragoncon<dotnet

Response:

James MacLachlan schreef: I have been on a full treatment regimen of all the SSRI’s, while using Xanax and/or klonipin, and found the SSRI’s always, no matter how long I was on them for (sometimes up to two years at max dosage) created a mix of anxiety and fatigue. Now, YMMV, and this is just me, but I find the short acting benzo’s like Xanax, Serax, Ativan, the best. In particular Xanax. My belief is that, even though the drugs don’t stay in the body a long time, for somebody who wants to avoid depression caused by using benzo’s, this may be a good thing. The Xanax gets into the body, does it’s job of calming me down, and gets out. Just the chemical changes alone may be enough without having a constant stream of the drug running through your veins. Again, this is just my opinion and experience, and everybody IS different. Just thought I would share it. Peace James

Obviously benzo’s agree better with you than SSRI’s. There may be several reasons for that which I don’t want to go into now.BTW Xanax is the only benzo with a slight antidepressant effect as well. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — "All of us get lost in the darkness… Dreamers learn to steer by the stars.." Neil Peart, Rush, "The Pass"

Response:

Hi. I use Zoloft 200mg. daily and Klonopin at night 1 1/2 tablets and 1/2 tablet during the day. Klonopin is in the same family as Xanax. I am doing better, but I have severe panic attacks while driving. I only drive alone in my hometown, which isn’t that large. As far as going out I can with others but always have the what if’s with me at all times. I’m going to Californina with my mom and sister to visit my niece and I am scared to death. I’m not afraid of flying. I’m afraid of having an attack with no male figure around. But somehow I will make it through. I’ve been nervous about the trip for the month and a

Response:

Newtony 1 again. Yes the medication should treat both panic attacks & agoraphobia.

Response:

I am currently on a regimen of Xanax and Zoloft to treat panic disorder, no appreciable results as yet.  Because I am constantly anticipating another panic attack, I have become reluctant to travel too far from home – could this be a form of agoraphobia? Does anyone have experience with these meds for treatment of agoraphobia as well as for panic attacks?  Would appreciate all feedback. Thanks.

This sounds like it could be the start of agoraphobia. I’m surprised that the Xanax isn’t controlling it, although, I’m not sure if "reluctant" means you don’t go far from home at all or you do but don’t ‘enjoy’ the experience. Zoloft, like all anti-depressants, does take 4-8 weeks to work fully, however, Xanax’s action is almost immediate, usually 10-15 minutes. You haven’t stated quantities, but it seems that your dosage is too low.  In addition to altering the dose, you can also use Xanax as a ’security blanket,’ take some with you and if you feel the need take an additional tablet. Initially, you may need the extra Xanax, but in time just knowing its there is enough. The meds. used to treat agoraphobia are exactly the same as for anxiety, so are the dosages. The point is that agoraphobia is a manifestation of fear, ie: anxiety, so if you lessen/eliminate the anxiety then you also lessen/eliminate agoraphobia. Ian    Ian<<atdragoncon<dotnet

Response:

Hi also was put on xanex for my panic and I did experience not wanting to leave my house.  My DR. put me on paxil but it is the same as zoloft these meds take about 2-3 weeks before you notice any differance.  What I did to overcome my agoraphobia was to try to do at least one small trip a day and then as the paxil started to work I would take a xanex and go on a little larger trip now I can do the small trips with no xanex and the larger trips with a little help. It is very frustrating being on zoloft/paxil because there is not an automatic result but don’t give up it will get better I was were you are 3 weeks ago and now I’m half way to feeling like my old self!!  You can do it to !  Good Luck!!

Response:

I would not call it agoraphobia, it sounds more like a secondary phobia to me.  With Panic and Anxiety these are not too uncommon.  I would think that the Zoloft would help here, but YMMV.  How long have you been on these meds?  Another possibility to look into to rid yourself of these fears would be CBT.  That has been the most helpful to me to get rid of my secondary phobias that have popped up since being diagnosed.  Of course YMMV. Good Luck d – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently on a regimen of Xanax and Zoloft to treat panic disorder, no appreciable results as yet.  Because I am constantly anticipating another panic attack, I have become reluctant to travel too far from home – could this be a form of agoraphobia? Does anyone have experience with these meds for treatment of agoraphobia as well as for panic attacks?  Would appreciate all feedback. Thanks.

Response:

Milliestoy schreef: I am currently on a regimen of Xanax and Zoloft to treat panic disorder, no appreciable results as yet.  Because I am constantly anticipating another panic attack, I have become reluctant to travel too far from home – could this be a form of agoraphobia? Does anyone have experience with these meds for treatment of agoraphobia as well as for panic attacks?  Would appreciate all feedback. Thanks.

Yes, this is a form of agoraphobia. Anticipatory anxiety and agoraphobia are best treated by a combo of a benzo (Xanax) and CBT, which has great results if you work hard on exposure which isn’t always easy but often pays off. Since when are you taking Zoloft & Xanax? I think it would be a good advice to go out and find a clincical psychologist specialized in CBT. Research shows a very goods track record indeed. I myself was completely housebound for months, started CBT in January and travelled to France this summer without any trouble. Couldn’t have started CBT without my meds (imipramine and Xanax) though. Philip

Response:

I am currently on a regimen of Xanax and Zoloft to treat panic disorder, no appreciable results as yet.  Because I am constantly anticipating another panic attack, I have become reluctant to travel too far from home – could this be a form of agoraphobia? Does anyone have experience with these meds for treatment of agoraphobia as well as for panic attacks?  Would appreciate all feedback. Thanks.

Response:

Question:

Doda1207 schreef: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body. I feel as if I can’t breath, my entire body chills over, I feel detatched and unreal, my heart beats really fast, and it is almost a panicky state that I’m in, but not quite.  I’m starting to get terrified about going to sleep.  Now, I’ve had panic attacks in the past, but never two in a two days.  My symptoms are generally more chronic (chest pain, headache, on edge feelings).  It just seems wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me? Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head? If I were you I would tell my doc to change your medication, I had a similar reaction on Prozac, and it is frustrating to have the medication CAUSE what it is supposed to help. I am now on Paxil (started it today) and hoping for more success. My doctor says it is very common to have to change meds due to side effects, so talk to your doctor.  Hope this helps, take care,  Dody

  All SSRI’s (and Zoloft belongs to this group as do Paxil and Prozac) will worsen your symptoms during the first 2-8 weeks. To assess if this is really the med for you or not the best thing to do is to wait a few weeks. I know what it’s like, believe me. But it does take a while for these meds to kick in. You might ask your doctor for a benzo on the soide as this softens the side effects of the first weeks. Xanax and Ativan come to mind, which are fast-working meds with a very short half-life. A combo of SSRI and benzo for maintenance is quite common these days as well. Don’t give up too quickly…(I know how hard this can be) Philip Peters

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body. (It just seems wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me? Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head? If I were you I would tell my doc to change your medication, I had a similar reaction on Prozac, and it is frustrating to have the medication CAUSE what it is supposed to help. I am now on Paxil (started it today) and hoping for more success. My doctor says it is very common to have to change meds due to side effects, so talk to your doctor.

It is not uncommon to have exagerrated anxiety while adjusting to an SRI.  I would recommend calling your doc and asking for something to help while you adjust.  It takes weeks before one can assess if Zoloft is right or wrong for you.  When I started Paxil I had attacks too. That ended after a few weeks.  I couldn’t possibly have made a decision after 4 days. Gwen

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body. (It just seems wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me? Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head? If I were you I would tell my doc to change your medication, I had a similar reaction on Prozac, and it is frustrating to have the medication CAUSE what it is supposed to help. I am now on Paxil (started it today) and hoping for more success. My doctor says it is very common to have to change meds due to side effects, so talk to your doctor. It is not uncommon to have exagerrated anxiety while adjusting to an SRI.  I would recommend calling your doc and asking for something to help while you adjust.  It takes weeks before one can assess if Zoloft is right or wrong for you.  When I started Paxil I had attacks too. That ended after a few weeks.  I couldn’t possibly have made a decision after 4 days. Gwen

Nothing snipped so as to cause no annoyance Steve replied: I have tried Prozac, Effexor and Zoloft.  All were a nightmare for me (ME, Steve) I can speak for no one else.  The dreaded ‘benzos’ seem to work for me.  Good luck,  Steve Treloar

Response:

Zoloft did this to me too. I just dealt with it (a little xanex helped) and eventually, it passed. Scary stuff though…                               cathy

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body. I feel as if I can’t breath, my entire body chills over, I feel detatched and unreal, my heart beats really fast, and it is almost a panicky state that I’m in, but not quite.  I’m starting to get terrified about going to sleep.  Now, I’ve had panic attacks in the past, but never two in a two days.  My symptoms are generally more chronic (chest pain, headache, on edge feelings).  It just seems wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me? Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head?

Many people here (including myself) have experienced that starting an SRI such as Zoloft will actually increase panic in the early going. For most, this side effect will wear off in a few weeks.  There are a couple of ways to get around it.  One way is to start on a very low dose of Zoloft, and gradually increase the dose until you reach a therapeutic level (possibly taking several months to do it).  This low start and slow increase eliminates most of the side effects.  Another way to reduce side effects is to take a benzo on a temporary basis, until you are established on the Zoloft.  The benzo can help control the anxiety produced by the medication.  Do talk to your doctor about this, as increased anxiety is a common early side effect of SRIs, and there are ways to get around the problem.   Best wishes, Hirsch address in header has been changed to avoid junk mail. To reach me by email, substitute erols for nospam in my reply-to address.

Response:

I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body. I feel as if I can’t breath, my entire body chills over, I feel detatched and unreal, my heart beats really fast, and it is almost a panicky state that I’m in, but not quite.  I’m starting to get terrified about going to sleep.  Now, I’ve had panic attacks in the past, but never two in a two days.  My symptoms are generally more chronic (chest pain, headache, on edge feelings).  It just seems wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me? Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head?

I’m terribly sorry to read this but, if it’s any consolation, it isn’t at all uncommon – indeed, Zoloft did that to me, too. All the SSRIs seem capable of causing increased anxiety when first started and to counter this some doctors start patients at very low doses, slowly increasing them till the desired effect is achieved. Some also prescribe anxiolytics (typically benzodiazepines) to offset this side effect. If it’s very bad, I’d really recommend you talk to your doctor about it. Hope that’s some help – good luck! — Gary Cooper

Response:

I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body. I feel as if I can’t breath, my entire body chills over, I feel detatched and unreal, my heart beats really fast, and it is almost a panicky state that I’m in, but not quite.  I’m starting to get terrified about going to sleep.  Now, I’ve had panic attacks in the past, but never two in a two days.  My symptoms are generally more chronic (chest pain, headache, on edge feelings).  It just seems wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me? Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head?

If I were you I would tell my doc to change your medication, I had a similar reaction on Prozac, and it is frustrating to have the medication CAUSE what it is supposed to help. I am now on Paxil (started it today) and hoping for more success. My doctor says it is very common to have to change meds due to side effects, so talk to your doctor.  Hope this helps, take care,  Dody

Response:

the two most common benzodiazapines (that I come across in reading posts) used to bridge the adjustment period to a SSRI  are Xanax or Klonopin I was given klonopin to get over the adjustment to paxil.

+AD4- +AD4- +AD4-Doda1207 schreef: +AD4- +AD4APg- +AD4- +AD4APg- +AD4-I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic +AD4APg- +AD4-disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a +AD4APg- +AD4-really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly +AD4APg- +AD4-woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body. +AD4APg- +AD4-I feel as if I can’t breath, my entire body chills over, +AD4APg- +AD4-I feel detatched and unreal, my heart beats really fast, and it is almost a +AD4APg- +AD4-panicky state that I’m in, but not quite.  I’m starting to get terrified +AD4APg- +AD4-about +AD4APg- +AD4-going to sleep.  Now, I’ve had panic attacks in the past, but never +AD4APg- +AD4-two in a two days.  My symptoms are generally more chronic +AD4APg- +AD4-(chest pain, headache, on edge feelings).  It just seems +AD4APg- +AD4-wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more +AD4APg- +AD4-panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me? +AD4APg- +AD4-Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head? +AD4APg- +AD4APg- If I were you I would tell my doc to change your medication, I had a similar +AD4APg- reaction on Prozac, and it is frustrating to have the medication CAUSE what it +AD4APg- is supposed to help. I am now on Paxil (started it today) and hoping for more +AD4APg- success. My doctor says it is very common to have to change meds due to side +AD4APg- effects, so talk to your doctor. +AD4APg-  Hope this helps, take care, +AD4APg-  Dody +AD4- +AD4-  All SSRI’s (and Zoloft belongs to this group as do Paxil and Prozac) will worsen +AD4-your symptoms during the first 2-8 weeks. To assess if this is really the med for +AD4-you or not the best thing to do is to wait a few weeks. I know what it’s like, +AD4-believe me. But it does take a while for these meds to kick in. You might ask your +AD4-doctor for a benzo on the soide as this softens the side effects of the first +AD4-weeks. Xanax and Ativan come to mind, which are fast-working meds with a very +AD4-short half-life. A combo of SSRI and benzo for maintenance is quite common these +AD4-days as well. Don’t give up too quickly…(I know how hard this can be) +AD4- +AD4-Philip Peters +AD4-

Response:

I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a

really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly

woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body.

I feel as if I can’t breath, my entire body chills over, I feel detatched and unreal, my heart beats really fast, and it is almost a

panicky state that I’m in, but not quite.  I’m starting to get terrified about

going to sleep.  Now, I’ve had panic attacks in the past, but never two in a two days.  My symptoms are generally more chronic

(chest pain, headache, on edge feelings).  It just seems

wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more

panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me?

Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head?   Hi,   From what I hear (I can’t remember myself) Many times when you start on an antidepressant, your symtoms can become worse at first.  It is always a good idea to give a new med a couple of weeks, for the medication to build up in your system and let the side effects die down.  Unless of course the side effects are really bad, in that case I would immediately talk to your doctor. Hope that helps. Lee "Life is too important to be taken seriously"

Response:

I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression  Now, I’ve had panic attacks in the past, but never two in a two days.  My symptoms are generally more chronic (chest pain, headache, on edge feelings).  It just seems wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more panic attacks

Very common for SRI’s to increase anxiety (even to the point of panic) in the first few weeks.  You might want to talk to your doc about adding or increasing a benzo til your body adjusts.  I don’t take Zoloft – but had a heck of a time adjusting to Paxil. Gwen

Response:

I just started taking Zoloft four days ago for panic disorder and depression.  For the first two days I had a really bad headache.  For the past two nights I have suddenly woken up from a nap with a sort of intense rush in my body. I feel as if I can’t breath, my entire body chills over, I feel detatched and unreal, my heart beats really fast, and it is almost a panicky state that I’m in, but not quite.  I’m starting to get terrified about going to sleep.  Now, I’ve had panic attacks in the past, but never two in a two days.  My symptoms are generally more chronic (chest pain, headache, on edge feelings).  It just seems wierd that I would start Zoloft and then start getting more panic attacks.  Can anyone offer any advice for me? Medication or just the panic disorder rearing it’s ugly head?

Response:

Question:

Has anyone else been on meds that worked only transiently? I finally had some relief from my depression a few weeks ago, but now I am becoming depressed again and it seems so much worse after having felt somewhat "normal" for a brief period. Does this mean that the dose is too low? or that I am simply out of luck? Martha

Response:

Has anyone else been on meds that worked only transiently? I finally had some relief from my depression a few weeks ago, but now I am becoming depressed again and it seems so much worse after having felt somewhat "normal" for a brief period. Does this mean that the dose is too low? or that I am simply out of luck?

I have had this experience with Prozac, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and Depakote.  It would work at first, then my body (or mind?) would "adjust" I suppose, and the dosage would have to be increased.  I’ve maxed out my current meds (Depakote & Wellbutrin).  I don’t know if you’re out of luck, but I hope not, because then I am too. June "word I was in my life alone, word I had no one left but God."                                                   — Robert Frost

Response:

YES-SOME BIPOLAR SUBJECTS ONLY RESPOND A SHORT TIME. I HAD TAKEN EVERY ANTI-DEPRESENT ON THE MARKET EXCEPT PARNATE(MOAI0) MONOAMINE OXIDASE IN- HIBITOR. THIS IS NOT A NEW DRUG BUT REQUIRES SPECIAL DIET. THIS IS THE FIRST TO EVER WORK MORE THAN THREE MONTHS WITHOUT A MAJOR DEPRESSION.OUT OF FRUSTATION TO FINE A PHYCIATRIST THAT REALLY KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING, MY SEARCH TOOK ME TO STANFORD UNIVERSITY MEDICAL WHERE THEY SPECIALIZE IN BIPOLAR DISORDERS. BELEIVE ME THEY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING.KEEP LOOKING UNTIL YOU FIND THE RIGHT COMBO OF DRUGS AND DOCTOR. TOOK ME 5 YEARS BUT WAS WORTH IT. GOOD LUCK.   TOM D.

Response:

It would be helpful to know what the med is and how much you are taking, but it sounds as though it might need to be titrated up until you start to feel better. Regards, Randy.

Response: