Question:

This is a cryptographically signed message in MIME format. Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I don’t understand your doctor’s comment on Accolate at all. In my case I was having fairly frequent episodes where walking 100′ was simply impossible and just getting out of bed and going to the bathroom did make me quite out of breath.  Prednisone was the only thing that worked for me.  Then *after* I started taking Accolate all of that went away completely. I have cats, I’m allergic to dust mites and molds as well.  They don’t have much effect anymore.  Cigarette smoke still does but it has to be really thick for that to happen. I’ve even had a sinus infection after that and it didn’t trigger the asthma at all.  For me, Accolate provided the control that nothing else had.  I still use Serevent once in a while (like on foggy days or when it rains) and I tend to use Albuterol before I exercise but I haven’t needed any rescue meds since I started the Accolate.  I did use Flovent 220 while I had the sinus infection though. Basically since it was Accolate that gave me the control I have no idea what your doctor meant.  You do have to be consistent about taking it though and it does take some time (it took me 3-4 months) to be fully effective. Loki – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last week Wednesday I had to call 911 to take me to the hospital due to an asthma attack.  I have had asthma for about 6 or so years and it has several triggers including animal dander (I have 4 cats and get my shots), dust, and mold.  The night before I had cleaned out some cupboards in which water had leaked and I think I must have gotten a good breath of mold, since that night was uncomfortable for me and the following morning I had to turn back from the subway and return home to have my wife call 911. This was the first time that I had to be hospitalized although I have had a couple of bad attacks. The EMTs gave me two nebulized albuterols and then shipped me to the ER. There they gave me some more along with Salmeterol, magnesium, and other such. They also did a chest X-ray.   When I didn’t clear quite as quickly or fully as they liked they suggested I be admitted.  My peak flow at that point was 400 but I was still wheezing.  I stayed overnight and got a perscription for a week of prednisone (4-2-2-1-1-1 ). When I contacted my Dr. he felt that they had been too cautious and if I could walk 100′, go to the bathroom by myself, all without getting out of breath, then I should not have been admitted.  He also had asked why I had started with Accolate (my ussual "poison" is Aerobid and Seravent)?  I had gotten on that after some questions with my Allergist and hoped that it might allow me to take less medication on a regular basis. Here is the kicker … My Dr. said that Accolate isn’t really for the sort of asthma control I wanted.  That it was for keeping asthma from "exacerbating". He recommended I stop taking it, at least till a followup visit since it actually may have been partly responsible for my attack. I would be interested in anyone’s comment about the use of Accolate, my Dr.’s statements and anything else.   The attack was QUITE frightening, the hospital stay was at the least dull, but at the same time agravating, if it was unecessary! "Americans, while occasionally willing to be serfs, have always been obstinate about being peasantry." F.Scott Fitzgerald

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Response:

Last week Wednesday I had to call 911 to take me to the hospital due to an asthma attack.  I have had asthma for about 6 or so years and it has several triggers including animal dander (I have 4 cats and get my shots), dust, and mold.  The night before I had cleaned out some cupboards in which water had leaked and I think I must have gotten a good breath of mold, since that night was uncomfortable for me and the following morning I had to turn back from the subway and return home to have my wife call 911. This was the first time that I had to be hospitalized although I have had a couple of bad attacks. The EMTs gave me two nebulized albuterols and then shipped me to the ER. There they gave me some more along with Salmeterol, magnesium, and other such. They also did a chest X-ray.   When I didn’t clear quite as quickly or fully as they liked they suggested I be admitted.  My peak flow at that point was 400 but I was still wheezing.  I stayed overnight and got a perscription for a week of prednisone (4-2-2-1-1-1 ).   When I contacted my Dr. he felt that they had been too cautious and if I could walk 100′, go to the bathroom by myself, all without getting out of breath, then I should not have been admitted.  He also had asked why I had started with Accolate (my ussual "poison" is Aerobid and Seravent)?  I had gotten on that after some questions with my Allergist and hoped that it might allow me to take less medication on a regular basis. Here is the kicker … My Dr. said that Accolate isn’t really for the sort of asthma control I wanted.  That it was for keeping asthma from "exacerbating". He recommended I stop taking it, at least till a followup visit since it actually may have been partly responsible for my attack. I would be interested in anyone’s comment about the use of Accolate, my Dr.’s statements and anything else.   The attack was QUITE frightening, the hospital stay was at the least dull, but at the same time agravating, if it was unecessary! "Americans, while occasionally willing to be serfs, have always been obstinate about being peasantry." F.Scott Fitzgerald

Response:

Question:

Is anyone else having problems getting your health insurance company to cover your pump supplies?  I have Humana PPO and up until this month they were covering me no problem, or so I thought.  I just found out they haven’t been paying their portion of the bills.  They are contracted to cover "70% of Medicare guidelines" yet there are no guidelines for the pump because it is not considered medically necessary.  They were able to override this until January 99, when their computers reprogrammed.  And I am just finding this out now.  I need advice.  HELP!  Thanks.  You can e-mail me responses.  Melissa

Response:

I too have Humana PPO.  Latest rumor is that we will be required to use generic medications.  If we do not do so Humana will only pay generic cost and we will be required to make up the difference.  I dont know what they plan on doing about diabetic supplies or brand names that do not have generic counterparts. This rumor comes from a letter my wife received from Humana last week. Joe Reardon    

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i’ve used this three times for bad panic attacks, and while it does sedate me, the after effects are really awful.  the next day when i wake up, i feel like my body is still asleep, like i have to drag my limbs around.  my teeth kind of buzz in my head (like with SSRI withdrawal), and i feel very "out of it", as though i’m watching myself go through the motions from outside my body (depersonalization?).  my pulse seems high, and i just have trouble doing every day things.  this lasts for at least 32 hours after i take even a minute dose (10 mg, my prescription is for 25).  i’ve taken this before for allergies and never had this reaction.  it feel so much like SSRI withdrawal, i wonder if it could be blocking my Effexor or something? i’m only taking Effexor SR 150 mg regularly, no other meds except Atatax 25mg as needed. -kelly

atarax was originally designed as a mild antihistamine similar to other first generation drugs like benadryl-it had a few other effects that seemed to be useful for treating other conditions one being its sedating ability-it really isn’t an anxiolytic-it was also and still is used as a presurgical med-it helps knock you out. It can potentiate the effects of effexor or vice versa, so you may be more deeply sedated from it. The response you have and the side effects you are having are not uncommon even when the drug is used alone LM

Response:

atarax was originally designed as a mild antihistamine similar to other first generation drugs like benadryl-it had a few other effects that seemed to be useful for treating other conditions one being its sedating ability-it really isn’t an anxiolytic-it was also and still is used as a presurgical med-it helps knock you out. It can potentiate the effects of effexor or vice versa, so you may be more deeply sedated from it. The response you have and the side effects you are having are not uncommon even when the drug is used alone

thanks, i’ll be asking for something different at my next appt.  i can’t use a medication that knocks me out for 32 hours afterwards. -kelly

Response:

Atarax is not a good med for anx/pan. Take a benzo like Xanax or Ativan *as needed*, they actually work.

ok… but for now, all i have is Atarax, and i was wondering if anyone else had any similar experiences with it. -kelly

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i’ve used this three times for bad panic attacks, and while it does sedate me, the after effects are really awful.  the next day when i wake up, i feel like my body is still asleep, like i have to drag my limbs around.  my teeth kind of buzz in my head (like with SSRI withdrawal), and i feel very "out of it", as though i’m watching myself go through the motions from outside my body (depersonalization?).  my pulse seems high, and i just have trouble doing every day things.  this lasts for at least 32 hours after i take even a minute dose (10 mg, my prescription is for 25).  i’ve taken this before for allergies and never had this reaction.  it feel so much like SSRI withdrawal, i wonder if it could be blocking my Effexor or something? i’m only taking Effexor SR 150 mg regularly, no other meds except Atatax 25mg as needed. -kelly

Atarax is not a good med for anx/pan. Take a benzo like Xanax or Ativan *as needed*, they actually work. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Question:

For those who have had a positive response on Zoloft (for obsessions only), can you describe the benefit/dosage/time until benefit. thanks.

Response:

It helped for obsessions But it caused me other problems (sleep/sexual function) so I am now trying Nardil Steve

Response:

Hello Everyone I would like to find out how Zoloft does with OCD.  You see, I’m on 30 mgs. of Paxil, which my pdoc notices that it isn’t doing too much with my OCD and wants to switch me to Zoloft.  What she wants to do is, starting tonight, take 50 mgs. of Zoloft while taking 30 mgs. of Paxil (my usual dosage) until this Sunday, then switch down to 20 mgs. of Paxil, while still taking the 50 mgs. of Zoloft.  When I go in to counseling next week, the pdoc wants to up the dosage of Zoloft to 100 mgs. and go down on the Paxil to 10 mgs., starting a week from this Sunday. I would like to know if anyone has any experience with Zoloft with OCD.  Any help is appreciated; thanks in advance. Christine

Response:

In article <3AD65C38.5…@epix.net

, Christine Geary <cge…@epix.net wrote: Hello Everyone I would like to know if anyone has any experience with Zoloft with OCD.  Any help is appreciated; thanks in advance.

I started out on Zoloft. It worked fairly well, but, like all SSRIs, there were side effects. When I first started taking it, and ever time my dosage was raised, I’d spend about week where I couldn’t get past 7pm. I’d become so tired that I had to go to bed. I also lost weight while taking it. It was the later that resulted in a persciption change. Zoloft is an SSRI, like Paxil and Prozac. Like the others, how it works depends on who’s taking it. -Terrie

Response:

Thanks for the information; I appreciate it very much. Christine

Response:

1 1/2 years ago i went on zoloft before i had ocd etc.. i went on it because i had a concentration difficulty, but when i was on it i thought i was on the edge of absolute genius and finding the ‘truth’ etc.. went really high, and when coming off it i pretty much fell to pieces..  that was after about 2 weeks. couple months later i went on aurorix and they screwed me up even more.. thats when ocd got really bad.. but zoloft started it all now i’m probably schizophrenic.. but it could just be ocd/major depression, gotta get checked out more anyway, not to scare you off, because it is meant to be one of the safer ones, i think.. they couldn’t really understand why it had the effect it had. i thought i could, but don’t know anymore. the docs almost seem in denial that it had anything to do with what happened. kinda pisses me off – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Christine Geary wrote:

Hello Everyone I would like to find out how Zoloft does with OCD.  You see, I’m on 30 mgs. of Paxil, which my pdoc notices that it isn’t doing too much with my OCD and wants to switch me to Zoloft.  What she wants to do is, starting tonight, take 50 mgs. of Zoloft while taking 30 mgs. of Paxil (my usual dosage) until this Sunday, then switch down to 20 mgs. of Paxil, while still taking the 50 mgs. of Zoloft.  When I go in to counseling next week, the pdoc wants to up the dosage of Zoloft to 100 mgs. and go down on the Paxil to 10 mgs., starting a week from this Sunday. I would like to know if anyone has any experience with Zoloft with OCD.  Any help is appreciated; thanks in advance. Christine

Response:

You do not sound like you a schizophrenic. You sound like you are manic-depressive and SSRI’s have been known to set off episodes of mania in some people. You probably need to take a mood stabilizer with it, such as Lithium, Neurontin, Tegretol, Depakote, etc…… Ida "mahja-urana @yahoo.com

" <"snafuper<erase wrote in message

news:3AD7E72B.C208C04E@yahoo.com…

1 1/2 years ago i went on zoloft before i had ocd etc.. i went on it

because i had a

concentration difficulty, but when i was on it i thought i was on the edge

of absolute

genius and finding the ‘truth’ etc.. went really high, and when coming off

it i pretty much

fell to pieces..  that was after about 2 weeks. couple months later i went on aurorix and they screwed me up even more..

thats when ocd got

really bad.. but zoloft started it all now i’m probably schizophrenic.. but it could just be ocd/major

depression, gotta get – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

checked out more anyway, not to scare you off, because it is meant to be one of the safer

ones, i think..

they couldn’t really understand why it had the effect it had. i thought i

could, but don’t

know anymore. the docs almost seem in denial that it had anything to do

with what happened.

kinda pisses me off Christine Geary wrote: Hello Everyone I would like to find out how Zoloft does with OCD.  You see, I’m on 30

mgs. of Paxil,

which my pdoc notices that it isn’t doing too much with my OCD and wants

to switch me to

Zoloft.  What she wants to do is, starting tonight, take 50 mgs. of

Zoloft while taking

30 mgs. of Paxil (my usual dosage) until this Sunday, then switch down

to 20 mgs. of

Paxil, while still taking the 50 mgs. of Zoloft.  When I go in to

counseling next week, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

the pdoc wants to up the dosage of Zoloft to 100 mgs. and go down on the

Paxil to 10

mgs., starting a week from this Sunday. I would like to know if anyone has any experience with Zoloft with OCD.

Any help is

appreciated; thanks in advance. Christine

Response:

Hello Everyone I would like to find out how Zoloft does with OCD.

Zoloft may help you or may not, it depends on your system blah blah. Every med affects different people, blah blah. They are similar/with different trade names. They have not been thoroughly tested. Your doctor (do you have one?) may be afraid to tell you that. It is not my body and I I don’t care.  

Response:

Thanks for the information; I appreciate it very much. BTW, I’m on Zyprexa for my moods. Christine

Response:

    I’m on Prozac for my OCD, and Depakote for my moods. I’m not manic- depressive but my emotions were pretty wild. Depakote has helped alot. -Kathy in Maine "Christine Geary" <cge…@epix.net

wrote in message

news:3AD896A6.65AC@epix.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Thanks for the information; I appreciate it very much. BTW, I’m on Zyprexa for my moods. Christine

Response:

Hi    I just started taking Zoloft three days ago.  Starting at 25mg/day, just wondering about people’s experience on Zoloft.  I havn’t had any side effects from it yet, it may be still to early. slb02

Response:

I took Zoloft for 2 years. It worked well for me. It gave me a little diahrrhea (not intolerable but just once every day or two, loose stools). After about 2 years, it stopped being effective but it was good for those 2 years. Ida – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -slb02 <sl…@home.com

wrote in message news:382A3595.FDDF727D@home.com… Hi    I just started taking Zoloft three days ago.  Starting at 25mg/day, just wondering about people’s experience on Zoloft.  I havn’t had any side effects from it yet, it may be still to early. slb02

Response:

Zoloft does not help with OCD.  I took it for three months and found not much success.  I switched to Paxil and within 2 to 3 weeks was symtom free-completely.  It works great for pure obsessions.  I do not have any compulsions, so I do not know how it works for that.  The dosage for OCD is 40 to 60 mg.  I was taking 100 mg of Zoloft with no success. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -slb02 wrote:

Hi    I just started taking Zoloft three days ago.  Starting at 25mg/day, just wondering about people’s experience on Zoloft.  I havn’t had any side effects from it yet, it may be still to early. slb02

Response:

everybody is different but it started a balding pattern in me ,  

Response:

Hi there, I found that while Zoloft helped me feel better, it kept me awake for days. However, many people have had great success with Zoloft, so it’s all variable by person.  Besides the insomnia I had very little other side effects, however with Paxil I got those famous sexual side effects and irritability.  Good luck! Take care, Jonathan "There is nothing like a challenge to bring out the best in man."  –Sean Connery

Response:

I was on Zoloft for for 2 yrs and then it eventually pooped out. It did help with the OCD and depression, but it took 4 months to reach the full benefit. Side effects were:  insomnia, lots of weight gain, night sweats & dry mouth. Mary

Response:

I’ve been sleeping okay with it so far, but I’m still only on 25 mg.  How did it help you feel better?  Are you more obsessive or compulsive?  I’m more obsessive. slb – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"Jonathan R." wrote:

Hi there, I found that while Zoloft helped me feel better, it kept me awake for days. However, many people have had great success with Zoloft, so it’s all variable by person.  Besides the insomnia I had very little other side effects, however with Paxil I got those famous sexual side effects and irritability.  Good luck! Take care, Jonathan "There is nothing like a challenge to bring out the best in man."  –Sean Connery

Response:

hi   how much were you taking at 4 months?  Did it help with obsessions?  Are you taking a different med now? is it helping? slb. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -INaFog5716 wrote:

I was on Zoloft for for 2 yrs and then it eventually pooped out. It did help with the OCD and depression, but it took 4 months to reach the full benefit. Side effects were:  insomnia, lots of weight gain, night sweats & dry mouth. Mary

Response:

Thanks…. I hope it helps me, but I will try Paxil if it doesn’t, I am mostly obsessive too. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -donna black wrote:

Zoloft does not help with OCD.  I took it for three months and found not much success.  I switched to Paxil and within 2 to 3 weeks was symtom free-completely.  It works great for pure obsessions.  I do not have any compulsions, so I do not know how it works for that.  The dosage for OCD is 40 to 60 mg.  I was taking 100 mg of Zoloft with no success. slb02 wrote: Hi    I just started taking Zoloft three days ago.  Starting at 25mg/day, just wondering about people’s experience on Zoloft.  I havn’t had any side effects from it yet, it may be still to early. slb02

Response:

On Thu, 11 Nov 1999 22:53:42 -0600, donna black <dbl…@zebra.net

wrote:

Zoloft does not help with OCD.  I took it for three months and found not much success.  I switched to Paxil and within 2 to 3 weeks was symtom free-completely.  It works great for pure obsessions.  I do not have any compulsions, so I do not know how it works for that.  The dosage for OCD is 40 to 60 mg.  I was taking 100 mg of Zoloft with no success.

…Zoloft DOES help with OCD. I have been on it for 14 months now, and my life has improved so much, I can’t believe it.    Everyone is different.  Just because it didn’t work for you, doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. CanadaMan

Response:

On Thu, 11 Nov 1999 03:15:18 GMT, slb02 <sl…@home.com

wrote: Hi   I just started taking Zoloft three days ago.  Starting at 25mg/day, just wondering about people’s experience on Zoloft.  I havn’t had any side effects from it yet, it may be still to early. slb02

Zoloft has been a miracle drug for me. I’ve been taking  it for  6 years. Most of the time I was on 150 mg. 2  years ago I went down to 100 mg.  My side effects have been diarreah and less horniness. Energo Ed

Response:

In article <38374566.6841…@newsread.cioe.com

,

  ene…@fwa.cioe.com (Energo Ed) wrote:

On Thu, 11 Nov 1999 03:15:18 GMT, slb02

<sl…@home.com

wrote: Hi   I just started taking Zoloft three days

ago.  Starting at 25mg/day,

just wondering about people’s experience on

Zoloft.  I havn’t had any

side effects from it yet, it may be still to

early.

slb02 Zoloft has been a miracle drug for me. I’ve

been taking  it for  6

years. Most of the time I was on 150 mg. 2

years ago I went down to

100 mg.  My side effects have been diarreah and

less horniness.

Energo Ed

I’ve been on Zoloft 100mg for about 4 months. One of my side effects has been waking up at night in a cold sweat.  It only happens once a night about 8 hours after I’ve taken the Zoloft. The only other side effect has been delayed ejaculation.  Actually I’ve started to learn how to control that problem and am now able to have muliple orgasms without ejaculating until I want to.  Makes the wife very happy Happy Hank Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.

Response:

In article <38374566.6841…@newsread.cioe.com

,

  ene…@fwa.cioe.com (Energo Ed) wrote:

On Thu, 11 Nov 1999 03:15:18 GMT, slb02

<sl…@home.com

wrote: Hi   I just started taking Zoloft three days

ago.  Starting at 25mg/day,

just wondering about people’s experience on

Zoloft.  I havn’t had any

side effects from it yet, it may be still to

early.

slb02 Zoloft has been a miracle drug for me. I’ve

been taking  it for  6

years. Most of the time I was on 150 mg. 2

years ago I went down to

100 mg.  My side effects have been diarreah and

less horniness.

Energo Ed

I’ve been on Zoloft 100mg for about 4 months. One of my side effects has been waking up at night in a cold sweat.  It only happens once a night about 8 hours after I’ve taken the Zoloft. The only other side effect has been delayed ejaculation.  Actually I’ve started to learn how to control that problem and am now able to have muliple orgasms without ejaculating until I want to.  Makes the wife very happy Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.

Response:

Anyone got any suggestions for postive help in young children? Age 10-12? does it work?  any negative side affects that would not have been there w/o the drug? Thanks—- Lynn BTW I’m new so don’t pick on me……

Response:

LYNN32141 wrote:

Anyone got any suggestions for postive help in young children?

None, I’m afraid. But welcome to the newsgroup!

BTW I’m new so don’t pick on me……

Sshhhhhhhhhh, quiet everybody………..  BOO!!!     Kind regards, Steve

Response:

thanks Scott……  the educating OTHERS  <and I put it in big print

is

probably more the difficult task than just living with her as I do….   Lynn

Response:

hehehe thanks Steve……… <grin

Lynn

Response:

What have people experienced as side effects with Zoloft for OCD and how long did it take to see a response? Thanks!!–Cindy

Response:

Cindy, Although I am not taking Zoloft for OCD I have been on it for almost 6 weeks now and the only side efects I have are drowiness (which usually wears off in the morning as I take it at 6AM) and nervousness, jittery, heightened anxiety, etc.  Start at a low dosage 25mg and increase it gradually after 7-10 days (or more) depending on how you feel.  I was on 25mg for 28 days, then 37.5mg for 6 days and then on to 50mg.  Weaning in on lower dosages may make the side effects more tolerable.  Check with your doctor about weaning on it more slowly. Also, ask him for some Xanax to help control the nervosuness, etc.  As always, YMMV. Gene in New Jersey – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

What have people experienced as side effects with Zoloft for OCD and how long did it take to see a response? Thanks!!–Cindy

Response:

In article <37E9B9B4.5…@slonet.org

, cwebs…@slonet.org wrote: What have people experienced as side effects with Zoloft for OCD and how long did it take to see a response? Thanks!!–Cindy

My biggest side-effects were increased anxiety from tremors (especially for the first several hours after taking it), diarrhea, dry mouth, and several other minor things…All of these got much better or went away within several weeks…I got full-effect from the Zoloft after about 8 weeks…However, I was taking for anxiety…Supposedly, for OCD it may take 12 weeks to see a full-response… Chuck — Charles Phipps

Response:

know what  i experienced with  zoloft, the  fucking  pill activated hair loss and  now it  wont stop falling out!! fuck!!!!!!!!!!

Response:

oh yeah…now I remember you cause of the hair loss thing…that sucks cause of a stupid med…see…all meds bad…it helps one thing to destroy another

Gaze fondly upon today for tomorrow is boundto suck worse

Response:

All meds aren’t bad. It’s true that they usually have some sort of side effect but sometimes the side effects aren’t as bad as the disease. It all depends on the severity of your OCD. Ida Trixie P <naz…@webtv.net

wrote in message

news:29202-37EB0D57-191@newsd-173.iap.bryant.webtv.net… oh yeah…now I remember you cause of the hair loss thing…that sucks cause of a stupid med…see…all meds bad…it helps one thing to destroy another Gaze fondly upon today for tomorrow is bound to suck worse

Response:

Cindy Webster <cwebs…@slonet.org

wrote in message

news:37E9B9B4.54BB@slonet.org…

What have people experienced as side effects with Zoloft for OCD and how long did it take to see a response? Thanks!!–Cindy

Zoloft didn’t help my OCD, and it made my appetite increase.

Response:

Cindy Webster <cwebs…@slonet.org wrote in message news:37E9B9B4.54BB@slonet.org… What have people experienced as side effects with Zoloft for OCD and how long did it take to see a response? Thanks!!–Cindy

Zoloft sucks. I take it more for the panic-stress disorder than I do for the ocd. Kim says it works; says I’m a different person. I’m sure it helps me a little, but I’m thinking the only thing that’ll help me now is seclusion. I need to be separated from everything around me. I feel fine when I’m by myself, but just let one person approach me and I panic inside. I’m always afraid my wife will catch me doing something wrong even though I never do anything. Other than work, I hardly ever leave the yard. My best friend lives around the corner from us, so I occasionally go over there. Most of the time though, he is over here. I have a confession… I quit taking the Zoloft about a week ago. If Kim knows, she hasn’t said anything. I’m just tired of taking pills. It’s bad enough that I have to have 3 injections of insulin every day to stay alive. Why can’t I just wake up, shower, and go about my business like normal people do? — Duane Type1 Diabetic, OCD, PSD Insulin, Diet, Exercise, and a butt load of Zoloft. Jesus Saves! (by shopping wisely and using double coupons)

Response:

Duane wrote:

I have a confession… I quit taking the Zoloft about a week ago.

Hi Duane, Did you do this under medical supervision? If you are feeling more panicky than usual or have any other symptoms then it’s because you stopped taking the Zoloft. Have a look at the thread from Jonathan R. called "Paxil withdrawal and dizziness". Going cold turkey can be very hazardous to your health and it’s important to never just stop taking anti-depressants unless told to do so. Usually, the dose has to be gradually reduced over a long period of time to avoid what’s called "withdrawal syndrome". Regards, Steve

Response:

did you talk to the doc before you stopped the med .. in case of serious withdrawl … if not you should call the doc … and  do not start them again unless you talk to the doc – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -duane wrote:

Cindy Webster <cwebs…@slonet.org wrote in message news:37E9B9B4.54BB@slonet.org… What have people experienced as side effects with Zoloft for OCD and how long did it take to see a response? Thanks!!–Cindy Zoloft sucks. I take it more for the panic-stress disorder than I do for the ocd. Kim says it works; says I’m a different person. I’m sure it helps me a little, but I’m thinking the only thing that’ll help me now is seclusion. I need to be separated from everything around me. I feel fine when I’m by myself, but just let one person approach me and I panic inside. I’m always afraid my wife will catch me doing something wrong even though I never do anything. Other than work, I hardly ever leave the yard. My best friend lives around the corner from us, so I occasionally go over there. Most of the time though, he is over here. I have a confession… I quit taking the Zoloft about a week ago. If Kim knows, she hasn’t said anything. I’m just tired of taking pills. It’s bad enough that I have to have 3 injections of insulin every day to stay alive. Why can’t I just wake up, shower, and go about my business like normal people do? — Duane Type1 Diabetic, OCD, PSD Insulin, Diet, Exercise, and a butt load of Zoloft. Jesus Saves! (by shopping wisely and using double coupons)

Response:

Zoloft SUCKS! Everybody in this NG knows I am a counter. I count EVERYTHING… even my Zoloft dosages. Then I obsess over whether or not I took the right amount… too much or too little. I am in withdrawal. My wife knows. She told me yesterday that she knew. She is totally pissed. And to answer the question, no, I didn’t do this under my Pdoc’s direction. I just did it. I want to be normal and normal people don’t have to take pills to survive. They don’t have to be insulin junkies either. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Stephen George wrote:

Duane wrote: I have a confession… I quit taking the Zoloft about a week ago. Hi Duane, Did you do this under medical supervision? If you are feeling more panicky than usual or have any other symptoms then it’s because you stopped taking the Zoloft. Have a look at the thread from Jonathan R. called "Paxil withdrawal and dizziness". Going cold turkey can be very hazardous to your health and it’s important to never just stop taking anti-depressants unless told to do so. Usually, the dose has to be gradually reduced over a long period of time to avoid what’s called "withdrawal syndrome". Regards, Steve

— Duane Type1 Diabetic, OCD, PSD Insulin (but not for long… gonna quit that too), Diet, Exercise, and no Zoloft whatsoever. Jesus Saves! (by shopping wisely and using double coupons)

Response:

Duane wrote:

Zoloft SUCKS! Everybody in this NG knows I am a counter. I count EVERYTHING… even my Zoloft dosages. Then I obsess over whether or not I took the right amount… too much or too little. I am in

withdrawal.

My wife knows. She told me yesterday that she knew. She is totally pissed.

I’m not surprised!

And to answer the question, no, I didn’t do this under my Pdoc’s direction. I just did it. I want to be normal and normal people don’t have to take pills to survive. They don’t have to be insulin junkies either.

My mother takes drugs (for Colitis) to stay alive. Has done for 35 years. Are you saying that she’s not normal? Millions of people take billions of pills, some of them to survive. Sounds pretty smart and normal to me!

Duane Type1 Diabetic, OCD, PSD Insulin (but not for long… gonna quit that too), Diet, Exercise, and no Zoloft whatsoever.

Come on Duane! GET REAL!!!!!! I live in England – how the fu*k can I afford to travel to your funeral??? Maybe I could just about afford to send some nice flowers… Like I said – GET REAL!!!!!! Do it before your wife calls your shrink and he kicks your ass – hard!!! Kind regards, Steve

Response:

Hi Duane sounds like your fed up with all your shit…Just  for my curiosity what other meds have the doc tried with you … From what I have read and heard meds and o.c.d. and t.s. are trial and error.. the average would would 3-6 months trial ..because they increase and decrease dosages gradually ..for good reasons… then off for I think is 2 weeks dry then the next med …there is also, as all of you know combos which work well together….     I heard somewhere that the pharmaceutical industry is working on drugs which are "designer pills"  oppose to the general targeting would be more fine tuned for specific brain function… the drawback, like any thing else in this world is that enough paying customers have to be ready on the sidelines to pay big bucks..     Duane I know this is asking a lot ..but  try if at all possible to be patient as you go through all your days …I’ll quote my son ..".Dad I would rather be on my pills and get real fat than having all these f****** evil thoughts about you" he still hasn’t told me what theses thoughts are …2 years ago he said that he has gone from 34 to 44 waist …. I know how much this hurts him .. after losing all the weight from 40 to 34 the years prior. Anyway  off  topic sorry Duane    Good luck sir ..will be thinking about you and your family. Ray M. ..a little ray of sunshine.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -duane wrote:

Zoloft SUCKS! Everybody in this NG knows I am a counter. I count EVERYTHING… even my Zoloft dosages. Then I obsess over whether or not I took the right amount… too much or too little. I am in withdrawal. My wife knows. She told me yesterday that she knew. She is totally pissed. And to answer the question, no, I didn’t do this under my Pdoc’s direction. I just did it. I want to be normal and normal people don’t have to take pills to survive. They don’t have to be insulin junkies either. Stephen George wrote: Duane wrote: I have a confession… I quit taking the Zoloft about a week ago. Hi Duane, Did you do this under medical supervision? If you are feeling more panicky than usual or have any other symptoms then it’s because you stopped taking the Zoloft. Have a look at the thread from Jonathan R. called "Paxil withdrawal and dizziness". Going cold turkey can be very hazardous to your health and it’s important to never just stop taking anti-depressants unless told to do so. Usually, the dose has to be gradually reduced over a long period of time to avoid what’s called "withdrawal syndrome". Regards, Steve — Duane Type1 Diabetic, OCD, PSD Insulin (but not for long… gonna quit that too), Diet, Exercise, and no Zoloft whatsoever. Jesus Saves! (by shopping wisely and using double coupons)

Response:

Duane, you sound so freaking disgusted! I know just how you feel. About once or twice a year, I will get totally fed up with my meds (usually due to the side-effects) and I will either reduce them or change them. I hate having a diminished sex life, being tired all the time, constipated, whatever (depending on the drug). For the most part, I have accepted that I will probably have to be on some sort of anti-depressant for the REST OF MY LIFE!!!! It really pisses me off. Because OCD is a mental illness, I feel weak that I can’t control this on my own. My doctor makes me feel a little better by reminding me I wouldn’t be so critical of someone who had to take antihypertensives for high blood pressure and he is right. But I am tougher on myself than I am on other people. I want to be normal, too! And when the medicines are working well, I get a little taste of normal life and I think I can do it on my own but I can’t. Maybe some of the other people on this group can do it, but I have been fighting this stupid disease long enough to know that I am not one of them. I need medications to function. I hope you can find a drug that agrees with you a little better. Keep looking. Ida duane <d_har…@tyler.net

wrote in message

news:37F80F6E.38E918CD@tyler.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Zoloft SUCKS! Everybody in this NG knows I am a counter. I count EVERYTHING… even my Zoloft dosages. Then I obsess over whether or not I took the right amount… too much or too little. I am in withdrawal. My wife knows. She told me yesterday that she knew. She is totally pissed. And to answer the question, no, I didn’t do this under my Pdoc’s direction. I just did it. I want to be normal and normal people don’t have to take pills to survive. They don’t have to be insulin junkies either. Stephen George wrote: Duane wrote: I have a confession… I quit taking the Zoloft about a week ago. Hi Duane, Did you do this under medical supervision? If you are feeling more panicky than usual or have any other symptoms then it’s because you stopped taking the Zoloft. Have a look at the thread from Jonathan R. called "Paxil withdrawal and dizziness". Going cold turkey can be very hazardous to your health and it’s important to never just stop taking anti-depressants unless told to do so. Usually, the dose has to be gradually reduced over a long period of time to avoid what’s called "withdrawal syndrome". Regards, Steve — Duane Type1 Diabetic, OCD, PSD Insulin (but not for long… gonna quit that too), Diet, Exercise, and no Zoloft whatsoever. Jesus Saves! (by shopping wisely and using double coupons)

Response:

Hi peeps, long time no speak! Has anyone else found that the effects of Zoloft have worn off on them? It used to be the best for me! But suddenly it just doesn’t have as much impact even at higher doses! Any suggestions? Am going to see a psychiatrist and get another med, any ideas? What was that offshoot of celexa everyone was talking about recently called? Thanks, Hope everyone is well! (At least a bit better than me!) Love Am. xxx

Response:

Yes, the same thing happened to me. It worked well for about 1 or 2 years and all of a sudden, it did not work anymore. I switched to Paxil & stayed on that one for years. NK "Pola_Pink" <pola_pin…@no.spam.hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:QMgJa.621$Ev4.36453@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi peeps, long time no speak! Has anyone else found that the effects of Zoloft have worn off on them? It used to be the best for me! But suddenly it just doesn’t have as much impact even at higher doses! Any suggestions? Am going to see a psychiatrist and get another med, any ideas? What was that offshoot of celexa everyone was talking about recently called? Thanks, Hope everyone is well! (At least a bit better than me!) Love Am. xxx

Response:

I’ve been on it for almost 10 years. It is still the miracle drug for me. Monty On Sun, 22 Jun 2003 21:50:45 +1000, "Pola_Pink" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<pola_pin…@no.spam.hotmail.com

wrote: Hi peeps, long time no speak! Has anyone else found that the effects of Zoloft have worn off on them? It used to be the best for me! But suddenly it just doesn’t have as much impact even at higher doses! Any suggestions? Am going to see a psychiatrist and get another med, any ideas? What was that offshoot of celexa everyone was talking about recently called? Thanks, Hope everyone is well! (At least a bit better than me!) Love Am. xxx

Response:

Lexapro? Seems to be working for my brother’s obsessions. He’s not as stressed as he once was. "Pola_Pink" <pola_pin…@no.spam.hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:QMgJa.621$Ev4.36453@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi peeps, long time no speak! Has anyone else found that the effects of Zoloft have worn off on them? It used to be the best for me! But suddenly it just doesn’t have as much impact even at higher doses! Any suggestions? Am going to see a psychiatrist and get another med, any ideas? What was that offshoot of celexa everyone was talking about recently called? Thanks, Hope everyone is well! (At least a bit better than me!) Love Am. xxx

Response:

kd <k…@kf.com

wrote: Lexapro? Seems to be working for my brother’s obsessions. He’s not as stressed as he once was.

Is this another SSRI, or in another class? I’m starting to think maybe the SSRIs aren’t for me because of some nasty side-effects, tho it’s too early to tell. I’d be curious if there was something else out there a bit different that might work for ocd & gad. Thanks for any info. bill __ alien…@earthlink.net

Response:

Yes. I do believe Lexapro is in the same family as Celexa NK "williamd" <alien…@earthlink.net

wrote in message

news:1fx10cs.yfgpnwosq0owN%alienmac@earthlink.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

kd <k…@kf.com wrote: Lexapro? Seems to be working for my brother’s obsessions. He’s not as stressed as he once was. Is this another SSRI, or in another class? I’m starting to think maybe the SSRIs aren’t for me because of some nasty side-effects, tho it’s too early to tell. I’d be curious if there was something else out there a bit different that might work for ocd & gad. Thanks for any info. bill __ alien…@earthlink.net

Response:

Oh, it is. What I read was the Celexa was not a pure form of the medicine so they made this (lexapro) to be a more potent form. This allows them to regulate the amount better so you can be eased into the medicine’s effects. "No Kidding!" <nokidd…@ria.net(NOSPAMPLEASE)

wrote in message

news:bdavrm$8af$1@slb9.atl.mindspring.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Yes. I do believe Lexapro is in the same family as Celexa > NK > "williamd" <alien…@earthlink.net

wrote in message

> news:1fx10cs.yfgpnwosq0owN%alienmac@earthlink.net… > > kd <k…@kf.com> wrote: > > > Lexapro? Seems to be working for my brother’s obsessions. He’s not as > > > stressed as he once was. > > Is this another SSRI, or in another class? I’m starting to think maybe > > the SSRIs aren’t for me because of some nasty side-effects, tho it’s too > > early to tell. I’d be curious if there was something else out there a > > bit different that might work for ocd & gad. Thanks for any info. > > bill > > __ > > alien…@earthlink.net

Response:

zoloft didn’t work well for me, and now i’m trying paxil. everyone is different i guess, so it’s trial and error before finding the one that’s right for you TB "Pola_Pink" <pola_pin…@no.spam.hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:QMgJa.621$Ev4.36453@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi peeps, long time no speak! Has anyone else found that the effects of Zoloft have worn off on them? It used to be the best for me! But suddenly it just doesn’t have as much impact even at higher doses! Any suggestions? Am going to see a psychiatrist and get another med, any ideas? What was that offshoot of celexa everyone was talking about recently called? Thanks, Hope everyone is well! (At least a bit better than me!) Love Am. xxx

Response:

. Now it seems that every one I try–even the Luvox–makes me have no desire to eat. My question is, has anyone experienced this before, and does it go away with time.

Yes, I have/do experience this. I’ve been on 100 mg of Zoloft for 2 years. I cut down to 50 for awhile then went back to 100 and when I did I felt a major loss in appetite.  I still only eat 2 meals a day and sometimes am not interested in eating dinner at all.  I do however have the dreaded "carb" cravings.  

Response:

Hi Chris. Glad to see you back. Are you *sure* it’s the meds that are causing you to lose your appetite (instead of depression or some other cause)? If your appetite returns without being on the meds, than I guess so…… When I got depressed, one of my biggest symptoms was lack of appetite, although certains meds did not help in this area. The old tricylics (I took Pamalor) are great appetite stimulants. Prozac & Celexa did not help my appetite at all. Good drug if you’re depressed and overweight. NK "Chris" <ezra…@excite.com

wrote in message

news:3F043FBD.8070708@excite.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi guys, haven’t been here for a while… I’ve tried a few different meds over the last few months: Celexa, Effexor, Luvox (which I had taken a few years ago with no problems), and now I’m on Zoloft, 50 mg. With each of the drugs I have tried since this past January, all of the have caused me to completely lose my appetite. I was put on Luvox in 98 and had no problem and was on it for two years. Then I stopped the meds. altogether and also had no problem. Now it seems that every one I try–even the Luvox–makes me have no desire to eat. My question is, has anyone experienced this before, and does it go away with time. I’ve only been on this for about a week. Any feedback would be great. Thanks. Chris

Response:

Hi guys, haven’t been here for a while… I’ve tried a few different meds over the last few months: Celexa, Effexor, Luvox (which I had taken a few years ago with no problems), and now I’m on Zoloft, 50 mg. With each of the drugs I have tried since this past January, all of the have caused me to completely lose my appetite. I was put on Luvox in 98 and had no problem and was on it for two years. Then I stopped the meds. altogether and also had no problem. Now it seems that every one I try–even the Luvox–makes me have no desire to eat. My question is, has anyone experienced this before, and does it go away with time. I’ve only been on this for about a week. Any feedback would be great. Thanks. Chris

Response:

Question:

 you all should check out this web address, it is the journal of a schizophrenic…its amazing… http://www.h13.com <I finally am getting time to read some interesting posts and I find <the debate about to med or not to medicate an interesting one. A Shawneie forgery as about 2/3 of the posts today are. She is pissed off that her schemes were exposed and I refuse to allow her to use her sock puppets to hide behind so she is taking it out on everyone. Yes, she is having a very bad day.

LOL.. Poor pauly boy..

Response:

I finally am getting time to read some interesting posts and I find the debate about to med or not to medicate an interesting one. When my dau. was diagnosed with severe TS almost 3 yrs. ago, we chose to medicate.  Her tics were so that she could not attend school.  She had a loud hiccup type tic every 3 sec. of every waking moment.  Her tics went on from there.  I saw a picture of her at Christmas time when she was about in third grade where I actually took a picture of her in the middle of one of her tics.  I didn’t realize it was TS then.  I did go to m.d. about it, but they said, bad habits. So went to full gambit.  Seroquel, Respiradol, Zyprexia, Clonidine, Tenex, Klonopin, Geodon and  antidepressants–Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and Prozac.  After all of that, my dau. is not presently on any medications.  By this summer, she had had it and we pulled her off her present medications of Prozac and Geodon.  As soon as we deleted Prozac, my old dau. emerged.  She was a ticcing old dau., but her old personality resurfaced.  It was like a miracle to us.  She traded dealing with ticcing rather than being spaced out, drugged out, crazed out by drugs that she had no control over her reactions to.  Three years later she is learning to live with her ticcing, learning to deal with the teasing she had received in middle school (she hardly attended school at all during her middle school years).  She has developed a harder crust.  She no longer self-mutilates, but still tics a great deal and I drive4 her crazy–such as breathing, sneezing, coughing, etc.  My noises and mannerisms sends her into tail spins. If I had known that Prozac was having the negative impact on her, I would have demanded she be taken off of it.  I think many of us parents are just so desperate to return our children to what we view as normalcy.  I never realized how this med was affecting her.  I just thought she was mentally decompensating more.  Especially with antidepressants, you have to watch out for weight gain and ones that could make you tic more, such as Zoloft and Wellbutrin.  It is so complicated and scarey to medicate to kids.  They are often unable to fully explain to the medicating docs how the medications are truly affecting them. The child often wants the medications to work so bad that they are initially willing to put up with anything that could help them deal with the tics. Then it is further complicated by the philosophical treatment of the neuros vs. the psychiatrists.  It is also dependent on if you have a doctor in any field that has any real experience with TS.  It is just very scarey out there for both the parent and the TS child.  I know first hand.  Been there and done that. I think it took me awhile to come to terms with my daughter’s diagnosis of TS.  I see so many parents making comments, that "my beautiful, gifted, child has TS."  They feel that somehow their child has been blighted.  I know I fell into that trap too.  It just takes awhile for us parents to accept the pronounced changes that happen when a child has TS.  Their ticcing driving you crazy; their not being able to attend school sometimes; their being upset when kids tease them; their being depressed because their lives will never be the ame–they just want to be "normal" like everyone else.  Let’s face it, in adolescents, especially, it is like a kiss of death to be thought of as different.  All of the peer pressure is staggering to a TS child. Would I do what I did if I had to do it over again, probably.  Because I must remember where we were at three years ago–so desperate, so unwilling to accept what was my daughter’s plight.  Were we misguided–perhaps.  We we desperate–yes.  We just had to try to do anything we could go help her, good or bad, only to come to full circle and take all of the medications away.  The ironies of life. Dawnee Dawnee

Response:

Question:

Hi Kevin, I must have tried a "million" antidepressants – none of which helped that I could tell.  About 5 years ago, I changed to Effexor and I definately can tell it has helped.  I stopped taking it at one time because my weight dropped too low for my body to handle the medication and boy was my mood terrible.  It was scarey.  Luckily I am much better now and restarted it.  I take 150mg XR.  I don’t notice any side effects although when I started it I kind of felt like I was on a boat for the first week.  (Luckily I don’t get seasick LOL!  Anyway it was just kind of wierd but didn’t really bother me.) The one problem I’ve found is if I forget to take it I sometimes end up with bad headahes.  Actually in some ways this is a good thing because I hate headaches and thus I am more likely to remeber to take my meds and less likely to give in to my ED thoughts that tell me to NOT take them. I know one of the things you (& your doctor) need to do when you first start this medication is a regular monitoring of your bloodpressure because it can cause high bloodpressure.  This side effect will either happen or it won’t so you only have to do this close monitoring in the beginning.  (Effexor is a seratonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) as well as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.  The other drug that is in it’s class is Wellbutrin.) Anyway, that’s my thoughts. Many hugs, Kathryn K. — Kathryn K.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m concerned that Zoloft isn’t helping me as much as it used to.  I am up to past the usual maximum dosage (250mg).  My psychiatrist mentioned the last time I saw him that Effexor would likely be the next medication we would try. I’m interested in any experiences with Effexor (good or bad) that people may have had, and how you transitioned from any previous medication to Effexor. I am hoping that the dosage of Zoloft can be decreased as Effexor is added. I realize that meds work differently for different people.  Any input will be used for discussion with my psychiatrist and will help me ask the right questions. Thank you, Kevin

Response:

Hey Kevin– I was on Zoloft until it stopped working.  Now I take Effexor XR twice a day.  I think it’s a good med., as someone else mentioned, it works two ways on us.  I can use all the help I can get! Good luck! Lynette

Response:

kevin i have never personally taken effexor but iknow people who have and they did very well on it. shell

Response:

Kevin, I took Effexor for quite some time (got changed to Celexa on a request… long story) and it worked really well. Most of those in that drug family (Prozac, Effexor, Celexa, etc.) work pretty much the same, but some can work better for you for whatever reason. Paxil, however, did nothing for me. Lori

Response:

i’ve been on both the XR form as well as the plain form.  both times i’ve found it one of the few antidepressants that helped me.  i haven’t been as lucky with side effects-i’ve had some nasty ones especially on the plain effexor.  they disappeared after my body adjused to it.  i don’t know if anyone is still using the plain vs the XR. i’m on 225 and so far so good.

Response:

I am on 225 mg of Effexor. I find it very helpful for depression– the only med that has worked so far! It works on seratonin, as well as another chemical in the brain (forgot which). I had no side effects other than feeling a bit more tired than usual at first… good luck! Love, Danielle

Response:

hi kevin!  i switched to effexor when the straight SSRI’s stopped working for me.   i have been really pleased with it, it’s helped a lot with the obsession and anxiety, as well as depression. pluses for me, once i get on it and acclimated – no real side effects (not sedating, no dry mouth, no s*xual side effects) minus – it’s tough (for me) to get on and off, it makes me really nauseous for the first week or so, even titrating up from a low dose, but i keep reminding myself that once i get through that, it’s fine. it’s hard to get off too, but i am managing. overall, i’ve had a good experience with it! – dolphin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m concerned that Zoloft isn’t helping me as much as it used to.  I am up to past the usual maximum dosage (250mg).  My psychiatrist mentioned the last time I saw him that Effexor would likely be the next medication we would try. I’m interested in any experiences with Effexor (good or bad) that people may have had, and how you transitioned from any previous medication to Effexor. I am hoping that the dosage of Zoloft can be decreased as Effexor is added. I realize that meds work differently for different people.  Any input will be used for discussion with my psychiatrist and will help me ask the right questions. Thank you, Kevin

Before you buy.

Response:

I’m concerned that Zoloft isn’t helping me as much as it used to.  I am up to past the usual maximum dosage (250mg).  My psychiatrist mentioned the last time I saw him that Effexor would likely be the next medication we would try. I’m interested in any experiences with Effexor (good or bad) that people may have had, and how you transitioned from any previous medication to Effexor. I am hoping that the dosage of Zoloft can be decreased as Effexor is added. I realize that meds work differently for different people.  Any input will be used for discussion with my psychiatrist and will help me ask the right questions. Thank you, Kevin

Response:

I found Effexor to be more helpful overall than other anti-depressents I took. However, as my doctor upped the dose I began to feel more and more tired, so much so that I had to go off it.  I’m not sure how common that is, but I thought I’d throw in my experience.  Good luck Janelle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m concerned that Zoloft isn’t helping me as much as it used to.  I am up to past the usual maximum dosage (250mg).  My psychiatrist mentioned the last time I saw him that Effexor would likely be the next medication we would try. I’m interested in any experiences with Effexor (good or bad) that people may have had, and how you transitioned from any previous medication to Effexor. I am hoping that the dosage of Zoloft can be decreased as Effexor is added. I realize that meds work differently for different people.  Any input will be used for discussion with my psychiatrist and will help me ask the right questions. Thank you, Kevin

Response:

hi kevin, i went from celexa to effexor and it *was* better as far as the side effects. i still experienced dry mouth and nausea and really bad insomnia.  as usual, these are the typical side effects.  [snip]

Most of those go away quickly. I never had any side effects on SSRI antidepressants. Lori

Response:

hi kevin, i went from celexa to effexor and it *was* better as far as the side effects. i still experienced dry mouth and nausea and really bad insomnia.  as usual, these are the typical side effects.  i stayed on it for 3 months – - it scares me to take meds because i feel so numbed.  i took both Rx for depression and self-injury, primarily.  i hope it is a good move for you kevin.  take care and let us know how your appointment goes : )

Response:

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it will help me talk to my doctor tomorrow and ask some good questions. Meds work differently for different people, so my experience may vary. I may keep a journal each day too as I switch to the new med, to help monitor my moods.

That’s a really good idea.  I followed this thread with interest because I’m about to go down the same path, have yet to make the psych appointment but I’m going to this week on the advice of my therapist. The only other experience I’ve had with meds was very briefly with Prozac a few years ago, but I didn’t like the side effects. I think I’ll use your journal idea, too. Betsy

Response:

My psychiatrist mentioned the last time I saw him that Effexor would likely be the next medication we would try. Any input will be used for discussion with my psychiatrist and will help me ask the right questions.

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it will help me talk to my doctor tomorrow and ask some good questions.  It seems like the experiences were mostly positive, but I noted drowsiness at higher dosages and someone in e-mail mentioned a rebound effect so I’ll ask about those things. Meds work differently for different people, so my experience may vary. It’s scary for me to switch meds so I will do all I can to ensure I do my part to help the psychiatrist help me. I may keep a journal each day too as I switch to the new med, to help monitor my moods. Kevin

Response:

The only big problem I have with it is, when I accidentally skip a dose, I go through a really bad withdrawal.  Not fun!  

I just started on Effexor, too.  Just wondering — what kind of bad withdrawal when you skip a dose? Also, someone else had mentioned that you get side effects when you go off it. What are they? Thanks, Paw

Response:

Hey Kevin!  I am on Effexor XR.  At first I took the plain pill version.  It helped a bit, but then stopped working quite quickly.  So my psychiatrist at the time switched me to the XR form!  It has helped me a lot. Ears

Update — I started on Effexor XR last week.  There will be about a 20-day overlap between gradually reducing Zoloft and increasing Effexor. All of your input helped — thank you! Kevin

Response:

Hey Kevin!  I am on Effexor XR.  At first I took the plain pill version.  It helped a bit, but then stopped working quite quickly.  So my psychiatrist at the time switched me to the XR form!  It has helped me a lot.  I have not had any side affects.  The only big problem I have with it is, when I accidentally skip a dose, I go through a really bad withdrawal.  Not fun!  But as long as I take it, it’s been an awesome help!  I’ve tried other antidepressants with no luck.  But luckily, gratefully Effexor XR is doing a good job!!!  :O) Ears There can be no transforming of darkness into light and of apathy into movement without emotion. – Carl Jung   The voyage of discovery lies not in finding new landscapes but in having new eyes. – Marcel Proust

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However, as my doctor upped the dose I began to feel more and more tired, so much so that I had to go off it.  I’m not sure how common that is, but I thought I’d throw in my experience.  Good luck

It caused me drowsiness also, but mainly at the beginning. I think it’s listed as one of the side-effects.  I don’t think I had any others that particularly stood out…. Hope it works out for you. Jennifer

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oh — I should have mentioned that I take the XR form…about 150 mg currently.  (Plus Depakote, a mood stabilizer)

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One thing I can definitely say: Don’t go OFF the stuff too fast! You will have many physical side-effects. (Then again, this was my experience with Paxil, too.) I would say that overall, Effexor helped. I wish I could give more details, but it’s difficult for me to separate out what is due to what. It seemed like I was better able to deal with things when I *was* on it, as opposed to when I wasn’t, though….

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Meds work differently for different people, so my experience may vary. It’s scary for me to switch meds so I will do all I can to ensure I do my part to help the psychiatrist help me.

I hear you. And that is so very true how some meds work for others and differently on each other. I may keep a journal each day too as I switch to the new med, to help monitor my moods.

That is a super idea! Good luck and please let us know how the Effexor seems to be working. And if you have any questions about it, feel free to E-mail me (my address is now correct <grin). Lori

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Effexor has never made me tired.  In fact, because of sleep problems, my dr. told me to take me 2 doses early in the day, as it can keep some alert. Once again, everyone has different experiences! Lynette

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isn’t it weird?  it’s like ect with from within =)  first time it happened-i had no clue.  i told my pdoc and he looked at me strangely.  now he’s heard that a lot.  it feels about the same as it did once when i managed somehow to plug a fan and my thumb into a wall socket.  don’t miss a dose.

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if i skip a dose, i get what feels like electrical shocks.  it isn’t nearly as much of a problem as it was with the plain effexor.

Lea, you said the magic words!!!!!  I have this feeling on the meds that i am taking currently!  I feel almost not human sometimes…like I’m a frankenstein in progress or something.   becca

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I just started on Effexor, too.  Just wondering — what kind of bad withdrawal when you skip a dose?

For me, I get way more depressed, my heart feels as though it’s skipping a beat & beating way to fast…I feel really shaky, and dizzy, I get a really bad headache/miagrane… Of course meds can act differently with different people, because are bodies are not the same. This only happens if I skip a dose.  I have no side affects in taking it… Ears There can be no transforming of darkness into light and of apathy into movement without emotion. – Carl Jung   The voyage of discovery lies not in finding new landscapes but in having new eyes. – Marcel Proust

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if i skip a dose, i get what feels like electrical shocks.  it isn’t nearly as much of a problem as it was with the plain effexor. going on it-well i was lucky enough to not be able to urinate.  that was an embarrassing er visit let me tell you.  that was not quite as bad on the XR form as it was on the plain.  i ended up having to self cath for almost a month the first time i went on effexor but it worked quickly and well for me so i kept on taking it. getting off effexor was a killler.  the pdoc treating me tapered me off way too fast and i ended up on a medical unit b/c i slept 24/7, threw up everything i ate or drank (not purposely) and had a killer headache.  i went back on effexor a couple of years later and even knowing  how hard it was to get off-i still chose to take it again.

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Question:

Snip  I don’t know what she thought about that but now she has put me on 50mg of zoloft but did give me the .75 a day of xanex too. I guess to make a long story short is what is this zoloft and will it help with the panic attacks?  I seem to be ok with the xanex.  I am so confused about all these meds.

Ara, Zoloft is an anti depressent in the same family as Prozac (SSRIs).  It is commonly used for anxiety/panic with a lot of success.  However, as with most anti depressents, you may feel worse before you feel better.  It’s a common practice to perscribe a little Xanax to help out while getting past the initial anti depressent adjustment period.  Also, the initial adjustment period can be as long as 8 weeks.  So, after 8 weeks, if the Zoloft isn’t helping, it probably won’t help and it’s time to try another med.  People commonly see an improvement prior to 8 weeks though.  Many people have been helped by Zoloft, but a minority are not (I can’t take SSRIs because I get rare side effects).  You should have got a sheet from your pharmacist listing the common side effects, you should look those over so you don’t freak if one of them happens. While Xanax is very effective, and people who criticise Xanax in this NG usually get a lot of flack, it has the potential for users to develop a "dependency" on it, meaning you can’t quit taking it after you’ve used it for a while without withdraw symptoms; it must be slowly weaned off.  So, in parts of the medical comunity, Xanax is not politically correct.  Also, people who have a history of substance abuse are more likely to abuse Xanax; but this is rare for most panic/anxiety people.  The irony is that any drug that crosses the blood brain barrier like Zoloft, Xanax, Prozac, most beta blockers, etc. can’t be just stopped, they must be weaned off.  So what makes Xanax so bad?  I’m not sure. Odds are good that Zoloft will help you.  If it doesn’t or you can’t take the side effects (often they stop after a while) there’s lots of other meds to try. BTW, .75 mg of Xanax / day is a low dose, you may find yourself needing more later if the Zoloft does not kick in soon enough, be sure to see your Dr. if this happens. Your Dr. seems to be following a common strategy for anxiety/panic that’s helpful for many people.  You’ll just have to wait and see if it works for you. God bless,   Mark Before you buy.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, New here.  Don’t want to start the newbie stuff.  Just had a couple of questions if you all could help out.  To give a quick recap of what has been going on, I ended up in the ER last month with chest pains (nothing wrong with the heart)and tingly sensations in my neck, head and eyes. The ER doc put me on .5 mg of xanex 4 times a day. Said that it was probably a panic attack. Then he told me to see my regular doc in a couple of days and I did and she put me on .25mg 2 to 3 times a day. She basically said just take the two.  I didn’t seem enough so I took 3 a day and that seemed to be better.  Anyway, went today to get a refill. I told her that the 2 a day wasn’t enough and that I was taking 3.  I told her that the tingly sensations would start coming back if I only took the 2.  I also told her that the more stressed I got the worse the tingly sensations.  I don’t know what she thought about that but now she has put me on 50mg of zoloft but did give me the .75 a day of xanex too. I guess to make a long story short is what is this zoloft and will it help with the panic attacks?  I seem to be ok with the xanex.  I am so confused about all these meds. Thanks for all the help, Ara

Hi Ara & welcome to ASAP! Many doctors have trouble prescribing Xanax and other benzodiazepines because they mistakenly think they are *addictive*. This is not the case. Benzos, like almost all psychotropic and many non-psychotropic meds, will cause some *dependance* which means that you’d better not stop them suddenly but taper off slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Xanax can be taken in two ways: *as needed* (when you feel a PA coming on) or as a maintenance med in a regular daily dose. Xanax is a fast- but short acting med, it works for 5 hours average which means that appr. 5 hours after having taking one your body will warn you that it’s time for another dose. To prescribe Xanax in whatever dose to be taken twice a day is not very sensible becausae 24 hours divided by 5 = (more than) 4 times. The average therapeutic dose of Xanax is anywhere between 2-6 mgs. Its most important side effect is *sedation* which will cease or at least diminish a lot after your body has become accustomed to it. Obviously your doctor feels not comfortable treating you with Xanax alone and also maybe is undersubscribing so she gave you Zoloft which is an antidepressant from the SSRI-group which are often used for PD and are first choice meds just like the benzos are. AD’s will worsen your anxiety in the beginning and sometimes throw in some weird initial side effects of their own which is a reason to *start low – go slow*. Starting someone on 50 mgs of Zoloft is asking for trouble. Best is 12,5 mgs for a week and then slowly raise it in 12,5 mgs increments a week until therapeutic dose is reached. In itself the choice of Zoloft isn’t a bad one and the combo of an SSRI and a benzo is a good one (Xanax will also help avoiding or minimizing initial Zoloft side effects). Philip

Response:

Hi all, New here.  Don’t want to start the newbie stuff.  Just had a couple of questions if you all could help out.  To give a quick recap of what has been going on, I ended up in the ER last month with chest pains (nothing wrong with the heart)and tingly sensations in my neck, head and eyes. The ER doc put me on .5 mg of xanex 4 times a day. Said that it was probably a panic attack. Then he told me to see my regular doc in a couple of days and I did and she put me on .25mg 2 to 3 times a day. She basically said just take the two.  I didn’t seem enough so I took 3 a day and that seemed to be better.  Anyway, went today to get a refill. I told her that the 2 a day wasn’t enough and that I was taking 3.  I told her that the tingly sensations would start coming back if I only took the 2.  I also told her that the more stressed I got the worse the tingly sensations.  I don’t know what she thought about that but now she has put me on 50mg of zoloft but did give me the .75 a day of xanex too. I guess to make a long story short is what is this zoloft and will it help with the panic attacks?  I seem to be ok with the xanex.  I am so confused about all these meds. Thanks for all the help, Ara Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days.  My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time. If any of you can help us, I would appreciate it.   Thanks. Penzack

Response:

My understanding from everything I have read and talked to others is fogginess in the head is common and can take up to 2 weeks for the body to adjust to it. The appetite is probably the Ritalin.  That is a normal side effect.  My son has this too, but the Clonadine he takes at nite works well and I let him eat alot then.  He is 7 lbs. underweight. Regina … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time. If any of you can help us, I would appreciate it. Thanks. Penzack

Response:

Hi Penzack: I’ve been on Wellbutrin, and Dexedrine spansule ( long acting ) for six months, and haven’t encountered the side-effects you describe. Wellbutrin takes seven days to build up the blood levels to be effective. One possibility, might be simple anxiety ( that sounds sick ) but anxiety has a way of producing physical symptoms. The wellbutrin has actually helped me to reduce my anxiety. Let me know if I can be of more help. Regards, David. I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and

night)

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Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time.

I didn’t take Wellbutrin, my son did.  All I can tell you is it takes time to build up in your system.  The psych said up to four weeks. Mark settled down after a few weeks.  We did find, however, after long term use (two years) Wellbutrin seemed to bring out an argumentative, agressive streak in him.  We had to take him off of it.  He’s the dreamy, inattentive ADHD type, with some depression (although that has thankfully begun to lift, I think with maturity.  He’s beginning to gain some control over his own life, and he’s happier for it.  He’s 18 now) — Ann Illegitimi non Carborundum annbal*at*thecia*dot*net

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Different people have different responses.  It often takes Wellbutrin a while to show any significant benefit–I’ve been on it 4 months now and I’m still seeing changes. I _wish_ Wellbutrin suppressed _my_ appetite.  On Ritalin, before it quit working for me, I managed to lose something like 30 pounds.  Since I’ve been on Wellbutrin I’ve gained that back and maybe a wee bit more. — — –John Reply to jclarke at eye bee em dot net

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days.  My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time. If any of you can help us, I would appreciate it. Thanks. Penzack

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days.  My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away? Thanks. Penzack

Hi, Just wanted to mention here that I am using Wellbutrin SR for smoking cessation.  I was to take 2 pills a day, but had to cut back to 1, as I was getting dizzy spells, and could not sleep at night.  As for my appetite, I am just the opposite, I am gaining too much weight. As for the glazed look, I felt dopey, not tired, but all in all it has helped me in my quest to stop smoking.

Response:

You might want to check out this web page "http://www.mayohealth.org/usp/html/202098b.htm".  It’s a clinical trial overview of the drug.   I’ve been taking wellbutrin for only about 3 to 4 weeks.  When my dose was initially doubled up to 300 mg per day (in 2 doses) boy, did I get some un-nerving side-effects!  Heavy dissiness that would come in waves, feeling quite ‘out of it’, yet being more interactive with others.  Strange huh?  I also noticed that I was having trouble maintaining my tolerance level, ("snapping out" more easily) I believe that this was caused also by the cesasion of paxil over the last couple of weeks as well (withdraw simptoms).   I was also having a great deal of trouble sleeping through the night — 12 to 7, became 2 – 4.   I was very concerned about the side effects, especially the waves of dissiness.  They seemed almost like a rush that would make my nerves tingle and my eyes want to roll back in my head.  After discussing them with my doctor she cut me back to 1/2 doses. I am going to continue with the medication because of its reputation of becoming more effective with less noticeable side-effects as time goes on. If you are concerned by all means talk to your doctor, perhaps he/she may be able to suggest something to help him through this tough time.  I hope that your son (as well as myself) soon start to notice the more positive effects of Wellbutrin. Hang in there.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -You might want to check out this web page "http://www.mayohealth.org/usp/html/202098b.htm".  It’s a clinical trial overview of the drug.   I’ve been taking wellbutrin for only about 3 to 4 weeks.  When my dose was initially doubled up to 300 mg per day (in 2 doses) boy, did I get some un-nerving side-effects!  Heavy dissiness that would come in waves, feeling quite ‘out of it’, yet being more interactive with others.  Strange huh?  I also noticed that I was having trouble maintaining my tolerance level, ("snapping out" more easily) I believe that this was caused also by the cesasion of paxil over the last couple of weeks as well (withdraw simptoms). I was also having a great deal of trouble sleeping through the night — 12 to 7, became 2 – 4.   I was very concerned about the side effects, especially the waves of dissiness. They seemed almost like a rush that would make my nerves tingle and my eyes want to roll back in my head.  After discussing them with my doctor she cut me back to 1/2 doses. I am going to continue with the medication because of its reputation of becoming more effective with less noticeable side-effects as time goes on. If you are concerned by all means talk to your doctor, perhaps he/she may be able to suggest something to help him through this tough time.  I hope that your son (as well as myself) soon start to notice the more positive effects of Wellbutrin. Hang in there.

I am not against Wellbutrin, please don’t take this post that way. I just want to point out that Wellbutrin, like ANY medication or herbal supplement should be tested on you in low doses before you make a decision on whether it is for you. I nearly had a heart attack on 5mg of Wellbutrin.. because of an allergic reaction. My sister stopped eating altogether when they put her on it. Please, everyone, be safe. ~Wendy

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out: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days.  My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away? Thanks. Penzack Hi, Just wanted to mention here that I am using Wellbutrin SR for smoking cessation.  I was to take 2 pills a day, but had to cut back to 1, as I was getting dizzy spells, and could not sleep at night.  As for my appetite, I am just the opposite, I am gaining too much weight. As for the glazed look, I felt dopey, not tired, but all in all it has helped me in my quest to stop smoking.

Wellbutrin was the first drug that I took for treatment of my ADD and depression. It worked pretty well in the short time that I took it – it really helped my concentration, and I liked the appetite suppression aspect of it since I’m overweight, but my body just couldn’t tolerate it. I got dizzy, sleepy yet hyper at the same time, nervous, shaky, headachey, and just a feeling of sickness and toxicity – a bad taste in my mouth. I put up with it for a while, tried cutting back the dosage, but it only kept getting worse. I think my body just wasn’t excreting it well. Wellbutrin is in a class by itself. It’s not like any other drug. From what I understand, it’s not a reuptake inhibitor, and they are unsure as to what exactly the action is that it takes to make seratonin, norepenephrin and dopamine more available. Although it’s classed as an antidepressant, it actually acts like a stimulant on the CNS. Personally I don’t do too well on stimulants. Low doses of caffiene and dexedrine, ritalin, etc, don’t have much effect. Higher doses start to have a beneficial, calming effect, helping my concentration, etc, but then after a time I start to get sick, dizzy, nervous, headachey, etc etc, and the symptoms get progressively worse, as if it’s building up in my body and not being excreted, and making me sick. But in general I think I have a pretty sensitive system. In all the drugs I’ve tried since (Nortriptaline, Prozac, Effexor) I’ve only ever needed the lowest dose of the drug for effectiveness. I know people who take Wellbutrin and do great on it. I have a young cousin who takes it for ADD and it has had no negative side effects. My ex-husband takes it for alcohol addiction, and he said the only side effect was the loss of appetite. I would say that if the bad side effects, the dizziness and such continue, and you don’t seem to be getting any positive effects, then talk to your doctor about switching to something else. There are many other drugs out there you can try if Wellbutrin doesn’t work. wherever, at primenet dot com wherever you are…there you go.

Response:

I have a 7yr old child who is on Ritalin, Clonidine and Wellbutrin 150mg SR once daily.  It will take up to 4 weeks before your body starts to effectively absorb the medication and then you will start to see results. it is a slow progress, you can’t expect to notice a difference in just a few days.  Just don’t give up.

s.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My 7 yr old was put on Wellbutrin 100mg a day.  We have seen great improvement.  He was taking Effexor for a while and I never did see the change.  With the Wellbutrin, it took probably 1-2 weeks to see a difference.  My son was talking about suicide and how everyone hated him and he couldn’t do anything right.  On the Wellbutrin, I haven’t heard hardly any depressive comments.  It’s been great.  But if you stick with it a while and you can’t tell a difference, try something else.  It’s my opinion that medications effect everyone differently. I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days. My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time. If any of you can help us, I would appreciate it. Thanks. Penzack

Response:

My 7 yr old was put on Wellbutrin 100mg a day.  We have seen great improvement.  He was taking Effexor for a while and I never did see the change.  With the Wellbutrin, it took probably 1-2 weeks to see a difference.  My son was talking about suicide and how everyone hated him and he couldn’t do anything right.  On the Wellbutrin, I haven’t heard hardly any depressive comments.  It’s been great.  But if you stick with it a while and you can’t tell a difference, try something else.  It’s my opinion that medications effect everyone differently. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days.  My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time. If any of you can help us, I would appreciate it.   Thanks. Penzack

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Question:

What’s going on? What do you think is causing it? Wish I could help. (((liah))) Trev

I don’t know… it happens every now and then… if it were consistent with my moods i’d blame it on being upset but it happens in all different kinds of moods… but it almost hurts when i shake… Thanks  {{{Trev}}} liah i’m unlike anyone you’ve ever not wanted to meet

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my whole body… it really sucks and it’s making me paranoid… just please make it stop liah

Hey, you just described my entire physical life since I was 13. I have Essential Tremor, and myoclonus. I shake and twitch constantly. Klonopin and Neurontin help, but if your’s is only a temporary condition, I doubt if you’ll have to resort to meds. What’s going on? What do you think is causing it? Wish I could help. (((liah))) Trev – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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my whole body… it really sucks and it’s making me paranoid… just please make it stop liah i’m unlike anyone you’ve ever not wanted to meet

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dear jm, one more thing the zolof ( not sure of the spelling, )  but it kept me awake also.  But imipramine which is for depression  didnt.  It took about a week for my mind to shut off at night and now i sleep real well most of the time only once in a while i wake with the rapid heart beat of anxiety.  

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– I am a 33 year old married mother of 3. And I have anxiety attacks and depression, I also suffer from migraines that leave me sick for days. Sometimes I don:t want to face the world, This is hard for my husband to understand, And even harded on the kids.

I sympathize with you completely….did you ever snap at your family because they bothered you in the middle of an attack?  I have (not meaning to of course).  My husband just barely understands my problem…..but I don’t he really gets the full picture of it. I take medication Zoloft.Xanax andAlprazolam Plus St. John Wort. Hopeing something will help. Everytime I have a pain I think I am dieing. I can"t sleep at night. And I am up all alone, which makes it worst. I want to be happy and enjoy life.

Usually I prefer to be alone when my attacks happen because I feel no one has to see me go looney (I’ve caught my daughter watch me once and I think it kinda scared her).  My doctor (family) tells me I am to young for the other medications. But I need help. I can"t go on like this. I would like a piece of mind. And maybe for someone to understand want I am going though. Does anyone have any answers? I guess it"s been harder because both of my brothers have pass away. and I only have my husband,kids and my mother. People think you can just jump up and be happy. But it doesn"t work that way for me. help.

It’s funny, my father has this condition and now that he’s on Paxil and feeling better, he’s less sympathic with me (although in some cases, he understands). I definitely feel the same way you do, and I’m glad you came out with your feelings.  It’s good to know someone else out there feels the same way. Believe me, you are not alone.  I just discovered that now when I found this group. Thank you guys for being here.  Now I don’t feel so isolated. ANDI http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/6104/index.html (The Monkees Pics N Stuff Webpage) "And in the end, the love you take,  is equal to the love you make." – Lennon/McCartney

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my attacks seemed to stem rom an obsession with my heart rate. my doctor gave me a beta bloacker, inderal, which took care of this. it did wonders. talk that over with your doc. once i got rid of the heart rate thing i could deal with the attacks much more effectively. "funny thing i learned about food, the more you eat…the more you NEW BOLLARD WEB PAGE…. http://members.aol.com/papilln/index.html                           cider,lost love and road trips.    

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Usually I prefer to be alone when my attacks happen because I feel no one has

to see me go looney< Touche Andrea, I can’t stand to have anyone around. It is not *normal* to crawl around on all fours like an animal that’s wounded.  To have someone watching me makes it worse. On the bright side, I haven’t had a P/A in 4 months and consider myself lucky that I have triggers and could easily eliminate them. Kathi Kathi

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hi – we all know what you are going through in this group.  It is very hard for families to understand this illness – everyone is always telling us to "snap out of it" and "if you make up your mind to do something, you can do it".  If they had to live with this for only one day, I think they might be more sympathetic.  I am 48 and have 2 children.  They do understand to a point and my 19 year old is a big help to me, as is my husband – but only when it is convenient for them.  Otherwise, I get  that disgusted look people are so quick to give.  I take Xanax when I feel I need it.  That alprazolam is just a generic form of Xanax – you don’t need both.  I never took my Zoloft or Paxil long enough for it to do me any good – I have a thing about being dependent on pills.  How long have you taken this stuff?  It takes at least a month to "kick in".  And how long have you been suffering with the attacks?  I believe the depression comes from having them.  For you to have migraines as well must be very debilitating.  I had agoraphobic and attacks in my 20’s; then for some mysterious reason I was well for 18 years.  That first time, I had horrible headaches (migraines?), too.  But it was from the stress, I think.  Maybe it is with you, too, and as you start feeling better they will lessen.  I can relate to everything you said.  Now that I’m sick again, worse than ever, I can sympathize.  Just try to take it one day at a time.  Try to keep busy – I find when I get involved with something – housework or reading, whatever, I don’t think about every little thing that is going on with my body.  We anxious people have a tendency to feel too much of what is going on and get that "feel like we’re going to die" feeling a lot.  If you feel like talking to me and it AOL.com  -  stay calm Cheryl

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -hi – we all know what you are going through in this group.  It is very hard for families to understand this illness – everyone is always telling us to "snap out of it" and "if you make up your mind to do something, you can do it". If they had to live with this for only one day, I think they might be more sympathetic.  I am 48 and have 2 children.  They do understand to a point and my 19 year old is a big help to me, as is my husband – but only when it is convenient for them.  Otherwise, I get  that disgusted look people are so quick to give.  I take Xanax when I feel I need it.  That alprazolam is just a generic form of Xanax – you don’t need both.  I never took my Zoloft or Paxil long enough for it to do me any good – I have a thing about being dependent on pills.  How long have you taken this stuff?  It takes at least a month to "kick in".  And how long have you been suffering with the attacks?  I believe the depression comes from having them.  For you to have migraines as well must be very debilitating.  I had agoraphobic and attacks in my 20’s; then for some mysterious reason I was well for 18 years.  That first time, I had horrible headaches (migraines?), too.  But it was from the stress, I think.  Maybe it is with you, too, and as you start feeling better they will lessen.  I can relate to everything you said.  Now that I’m sick again, worse than ever, I can sympathize.  Just try to take it one day at a time.  Try to keep busy – I find when I get involved with something – housework or reading, whatever, I don’t think about every little thing that is going on with my body.  We anxious people have a tendency to feel too much of what is going on and get that "feel like we’re going to die" feeling a lot.  If you feel like talking to me and it AOL.com  -  stay calm Cheryl

Thank you for understanding (sorry if I’m being redundant) and I appreciate the support you and the rest of the newsgroup is giving me.  I could sure use the helping hand.  ANDI http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/6104/index.html (The Monkees Pics N Stuff Webpage) "And in the end, the love you take,  is equal to the love you make." – Lennon/McCartney

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Andi – I am sorry that you are going threw this type of thing. No one will ever really understand unless they have lived threw it. I know this may sound mean, but I have been so mad at one point at my co workers and family – that I have WISHED this on them – just for 2 days and 2 nights at it’s WORST. I hope that doesn’t make me an evil person. I think that if they did experience some of what you are going threw – then they’d understand. At least there is this newsgroup so you can relate to  others dealing with the same types of things. Take care. – Spoon.

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Frombufalo schreef: Usually I prefer to be alone when my attacks happen because I feel no one has to see me go looney< Touche Andrea, I can’t stand to have anyone around. It is not *normal* to crawl around on all fours like an animal that’s wounded.  To have someone watching me makes it worse. On the bright side, I haven’t had a P/A in 4 months and consider myself lucky that I have triggers and could easily eliminate them. Kathi Kathi

Hey Kath! There’s two of you now? Philip

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Usually I prefer to be alone when my attacks happen because I feel no one has to see me go looney<

I find that, if someone else is around and I share what I’m going through, it only makes them nervous as there’s nothing they can do and usually they are afraid of doing something wrong. OTOH, it’s sometimes scary to be alone inthe middle of a real PA. I guess I just like to have my close persons know I’m having a problem and there’s nothing for them to do, so they won’t wonder why I can’t concentrate, etc., and try to help with no results or negative results. Gordon Held

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Andi – I am sorry that you are going threw this type of thing. No one will ever really understand unless they have lived threw it. I know this may sound mean, but I have been so mad at one point at my co workers and family – that I have WISHED this on them – just for 2 days and 2 nights at it’s WORST. I hope that doesn’t make me an evil person. I think that if they did experience some of what you are going threw – then they’d understand. At least there is this newsgroup so you can relate to  others dealing with the same types of things. Take care. – Spoon.

You are not mean…..I’ve wished this on a person or two, just so they could see that I’m not trying to make excuses for not going places or doing things.  I especially wish it on them 2 fold, when they made stupid remarks like "get over it" or "you just don’t want to deal with (a particular situation)", or my favorite "not that excuse again!"  ANDI http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/6104/index.html (The Monkees Pics N Stuff Webpage) "And in the end, the love you take,  is equal to the love you make." – Lennon/McCartney

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Dear Andi5555   I am so sorry to hear that you feel the way I do.  The headaches get so bad that I spend 2 or 3  days in the bed. No one understands., they think it"s a small headache. I have to be in a dark room with no sound. I can"t eat and I don"t feel like moving. And when they do go away, I feel week for acouple of days. My 2 older kids 16 & 14 get by o.k. But it is hard on the 3 year old. I just hope that as I get older they will go away. People have tolded me that sometimes they do. I just pray and ask God to help me get though it.  This is alot of help to talk to other people who feel the same way. Have a Happy New Years and here"s  to a new year without PAD &

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Dear Andi5555   I am so sorry to hear that you feel the way I do.  The headaches get so bad that I spend 2 or 3  days in the bed. No one understands., they think it"s a small headache. I have to be in a dark room with no sound. I can"t eat and I don"t feel like moving. And when they do go away, I feel week for acouple of days. My 2 older kids 16 & 14 get by o.k. But it is hard on the 3 year old. I just hope that as I get older they will go away. People have tolded me that sometimes they do. I just pray and ask God to help me get though it.  This is alot of help to talk to other people who feel the same way. Have a Happy New Years and here"s  to a new year without PAD &

Hi Mechelle, I was reading your post and your description of your headaches caught my attention. Have you been to the doctor and explained how bad your suffering with these headaches??  This IMO,  is  more than a tension or stress related headache……sounds like a migraine. I suffer from migraines, my last one lasted two or three days, I get incredibly nauseous and can`t eat or drink, I need quiet( a joke with a 4 year old) and no lights. I can`t concentrate and it hurts to talk, can`t drive either, and I usually end up anxious because the pain is so intense. There are many new meds for migraines, you should really press your doctor on this issue, tylenol or aspirin doesn`t cut it with migraines…. I white-knuckle my pain, because I am a med-phobic, strangely enough, since being on Paxil I have been having them much less……which makes me quite happy!!  Hope you are feeling better soon, and remember there is no reason to suffer with these headaches!! Jackie ) Love is as much of an object as an obsession, everybody wants it, everybody seeks it, but few ever achieve it, those who do will cherish it, be lost in it, and among all.. never…never forget it.

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I suffer from migraines, my last one lasted two or three days, snipped I white-knuckle my pain, because I am a med-phobic, strangely enough, since being on Paxil I have been having them much less……which makes me quite happy!!   Jackie )

Nothing strange about that Jackie. The newer migraine meds affect the brain’s serotonin pathways, although in a slightly different way to SSRIs. Ian

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My wife also suffers from severe migraines and has tried dozens of meds with little or no success, except for one. Amitriptyline is the only thing that has ever worked for her, but it takes weeks to kick in and stop the migraines. YMMV but have watched her suffer for years and have never seen her feeling so good – she takes only 25 mg/day. Also it was prescriber by a neurologist who has seen more success with this than any of the new "wonder" drugs for migraines. I wish you lots of luck in finding a remedy. Purple Panic – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Andi5555   I am so sorry to hear that you feel the way I do.  The headaches get so bad that I spend 2 or 3  days in the bed. No one understands., they think it"s a small headache. I have to be in a dark room with no sound. I can"t eat and I don"t feel like moving. And when they do go away, I feel week for acouple of days. My 2 older kids 16 & 14 get by o.k. But it is hard on the 3 year old. I just hope that as I get older they will go away. People have tolded me that sometimes they do. I just pray and ask God to help me get though it.  This is alot of help to talk to other people who feel the same way. Have a Happy New Years and here"s  to a new year without PAD & Hi Mechelle, I was reading your post and your description of your headaches caught my attention. Have you been to the doctor and explained how bad your suffering with these headaches??  This IMO,  is  more than a tension or stress related headache……sounds like a migraine. I suffer from migraines, my last one lasted two or three days, I get incredibly nauseous and can`t eat or drink, I need quiet( a joke with a 4 year old) and no lights. I can`t concentrate and it hurts to talk, can`t drive either, and I usually end up anxious because the pain is so intense. There are many new meds for migraines, you should really press your doctor on this issue, tylenol or aspirin doesn`t cut it with migraines…. I white-knuckle my pain, because I am a med-phobic, strangely enough, since being on Paxil I have been having them much less……which makes me quite happy!!  Hope you are feeling better soon, and remember there is no reason to suffer with these headaches!! Jackie ) Love is as much of an object as an obsession, everybody wants it, everybody seeks it, but few ever achieve it, those who do will cherish it, be lost in it, and among all.. never…never forget it.

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I know exactly what you are going through. I also have three children and anxiety is ruining my life.  I haven’t been to work in three weeks because it has gotten so bad. The bills are mounting and I still don’t feel up to going back.  I can’t even get through the grocery store yet      I just want to feel normal again.  I’m learning to deal with the attacks right when they start..but sometimes they are much stronger than me.  Those are the ones that worry me as far as returning to work goes.      I want my kids to enjoy their lives and I want to be a part of that. There are times I just feel like giving up, but I can’t because of them.  They want to go to movies and I always have to make some excuse up because I don’t want them to know that their mother can’t stand to venture too far from home. The worst part is that home is starting to make me crazy because I really need to get out more…….but my anxiety doesn’t allow that all too often.      All I can do is just pray this thing will go away and I can get my life back.  I’m going to fight to get my life back…it may be the hardest thing I’ll ever have to do…..but what other choice do I have???.

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I understand, and i am sorry to see you go through this too.  I am also a mother of two with my boyfriend of 10 years.  I have had anxieties for the 10years accompanied with panic attacks just recently in the past month.  I am agoraphobic and can’t drive at the time, but will again, soon i am hoping.  I am depressed alot too, but i think of my kids and that is why i am here for them.  If it means dealing with anxiety daily i will do it for them and for me to get better soon.  You must trust in the Lord and look for strength and guidance and direction, you will find it and you will be happy again, you must believe that.

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I feel for you. My daughter has panic attacks. It started when she was ten. She didnt want to go to school. It got so bad she dint want to go anywhere.  She had to be with me at all times. Shes been on Zoloft. Shes happy back at school.  She still has episodes. Shell make plans to go to the mall and then cancel at the last minute.Sometimes shell go and sometimes she wont.

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I am a 33 year old married mother of 3. And I have anxiety attacks and depression, I also suffer from migraines that leave me sick for days. Sometimes I don:t want to face the world, This is hard for my husband to understand, And even harded on the kids. I take medication Zoloft.Xanax andAlprazolam Plus St. John Wort. Hopeing something will help. Everytime I have a pain I think I am dieing. I can"t sleep at night. And I am up all alone, which makes it worst. I want to be happy and enjoy life. My doctor (family) tells me I am to young for the other medications. But I need help. I can"t go on like this. I would like a piece of mind. And maybe for someone to understand want I am going though. Does anyone have any answers? I guess it"s been harder because both of my brothers have pass away. and I only have my husband,kids and my mother. People think you can just jump up and be happy. But it doesn"t work that way for me. help.

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Dear Jm,     I too am a mother of 4 boys and I started having anxiety in august while driving my kids to our local rec. center.  Since then i went to my family doctor for a number of test because i thought i was having a heart problem.  we could never find anything and her dignoses was panic/anxiety.  she gave me pills that made me hyper and i thought i was going to loose my mind.  so my husband found a pysc. to help me he put me on xanax and imipramine to help control this.  i still have these rapid heart beats and wake in the middle of the night and still cant accept that it is anxiety.  but i am trying.  My pill are lessening the symptoms and making the attacks much less, but it was 3:00am when i woke with this heart racing.  maybe you just need an other type of med to help you.  I hate to have to rely on meds, but i couldnt leave my house and still cant drive very far.  crazy I know.  I hope you know you are not a lone there are a lot of us out there.  Even if this didnt help which i hope it did .

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