Question:

Hi, new here. A little background first: I was diagnosed with mild asthma in August and was given an Rx for albuterol 2 puffs as needed. At first I was hardly using it, maybe once a week, then I started going to the gym and as advised by my Dr I’d use it prior to working out to prevent an exercise induced attack  I stopped going to the gym for awhile and just started up again 3 weeks ago. In the last week and a half I’ve been getting chest pains much like what sent me to the Dr. in the first place as well as "flutters" in my chest. I noticed that my inhaler use has gone way up, its almost daily now and some days twice and most of the time I use it and it does nothing. I plan on calling the Dr. in the morning to make an appointment, but I’m just wondering if this is normal? Other then being constantly sleepy (which I think is in part due to being unable to breathe well and part due to jitteryness from the inhaler) and the chest tightness I feel fine, no fever or anything… Sheila Marie

Response:

Hi, new here. A little background first: I was diagnosed with mild asthma in August and was given an Rx for albuterol 2 puffs as needed.

If you’re having ongoing problems, one option is to discuss other medication with your doctor, such as Singulair, Intal, Tilade, or Pulmicort. Joan Joan Marie Verba http://www.sff.net/people/Joan.Marie.Verba

Response:

Hi, new here. A little background first: I was diagnosed with mild asthma in August and was given an Rx for albuterol 2 puffs as needed. At first I was hardly using it, maybe once a week, then I started going to the gym and as advised by my Dr I’d use it prior to working out to prevent an exercise induced attack  I stopped going to the gym for awhile and just started up again 3 weeks ago. In the last week and a half I’ve been getting chest pains much like what sent me to the Dr. in the first place as well as "flutters" in my chest. I noticed that my inhaler use has gone way up, its almost daily now and some days twice and most of the time I use it and it does nothing. I plan on calling the Dr. in the morning to make an appointment, but I’m just wondering if this is normal? Other then being constantly sleepy (which I think is in part due to being unable to breathe well and part due to jitteryness from the inhaler) and the chest tightness I feel fine, no fever or anything…

You need to see your doctor ASAP. — We make war so we may live in peace. Aristotle

Response:

Hi, new here. A little background first: I was diagnosed with mild asthma in August and was given an Rx for albuterol 2 puffs as needed. If you’re having ongoing problems, one option is to discuss other medication with your doctor, such as Singulair, Intal, Tilade, or Pulmicort.

I have both Pulmicort and Singulair now. The Dr. is hoping we can get the attack under control and drop the Pulmicort in a month or so. Sheila Marie, still not quite right, but feeling better.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, new here. In the last week and a half I’ve been getting chest pains much like what sent me to the Dr. in the first place as well as "flutters" in my chest. I noticed that my inhaler use has gone way up, its almost daily now and some days twice and most of the time I use it and it does nothing. I plan on calling the Dr. in the morning to make an appointment, but I’m just wondering if this is normal? You need to see your doctor ASAP.

Went today, I was scared last night, I’ve never felt anything like that before. I almost thought for sure I was having a heart attack at 28, but it wasnt. The Dr sent me home all sorts of medicine. He said we need to be more aggressive in my treatment. Seems exercise is a major trigger for me, though its one I need to find a way to get past or something. That’s the goal though, to get to a point where exercise doesn’t trigger this sort of thing. Sheila Marie

Response:

When I first started going downhill with my asthma my main complaint was being extremely tired all the time and the inhaler just sustained me but did not make me feel better. You probably need to be on a low dose of Flovent to start and probably Accolate. Go see your doc! And if he doesn’t change your meds than go to another doctor b/c your asthma will only worsen w/o proper treatment!! Dana

Response:

I’m glad to hear your doctor gave you some preventive meds instead of just rescue meds like albuterol. You should feel better soon! Dana

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – X-No-archive: yes Hi, I posted here almost 2 years ago after suffering a series of panic attacks and extreme anxiety for abt 6 months. Months later, the anxiety is still around, though not as severe. I never had any treatment and it seemed to subside, although my eating habits have remained permanently screwed up. I’ve also had to deal with chronic severe endometriosis, which I finally had treatment for this year, so it has been fairly tough!! My problem is that I am due to begin my Honours year in psychology (ironic? I think so) next year and, to put it frankly, I am terrified that the anxiety is going to come back a lot worse. I already feel sick and shaky thinking about it, and I feel myself getting more and more agitated as the end of the year draws closer. This time, I want to take some kind of medication to help me through it, but I’m unsure when I should see a doctor and request it — since the university year runs from March – November here, I’m thinking early January, so I’ll have the chance to find something that will work hopefully and give it a chance to kick in? I want medication because, looking back, I can remember instances of extreme anxiety dating back to when I was 5 years old, which kinda suggests to me that it might be some kind of neurotransmitter imbalance as opposed to something learnt or directly environmentally triggered. I’ve had this all of my life, and it’s only now that it’s really starting to drive me crazy. I’m so scared I won’t find a med that will work for me. My fingers are just crossed that I will! Any advice on the kind of medication to take? I know that it varies, but I have friends who have taken Zoloft for anxiety and found it very effective, and I’m a little wary of Aropax (Paxil) due to the withdrawal symptoms I have heard about. Any comments/advice would most appreciated. Take care xxxxxxxx

I just started taking klonopin.  It is a benzo.  I like the ideas of benzo because if you have side effects or do not like them you simply stop and they are not in your system forever.  Like SSRI like Prozac Zoloft Celexa paxil all take at least 2 to 3 weeks of nasty side effects and making anxiety worse before you feel any relief  then if you feel you cannot stand the side effects and stop they stay in your system for like 2 or more weeks still!  Benzo is just a fancy term for tranquilizer.  I take .25 Klonopin once in the morning and once at night.  I have only been on it a week but like it so far. Also Benzo family work instantly like the very first pill you take it reduces anxiety.  The only thing is the firs day or so you may feel a little tired while you body adjusts.  Then the sleepiness for me went away but the anti anxiety calm feeling is staying so far! Good Luck! Dustin

Response:

Cool Dustin, I am glad it is working for you.  Good luck when you put the dosage up again. If it is working now, it will continue to work for you when you add a bit more, then you can concentrate on your "baby steps" getting out in that big wide world again! Take care Imogen

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – X-No-archive: yes Hi, I posted here almost 2 years ago after suffering a series of panic attacks and extreme anxiety for abt 6 months. Months later, the anxiety is still around, though not as severe. I never had any treatment and it seemed to subside, although my eating habits have remained permanently screwed up. I’ve also had to deal with chronic severe endometriosis, which I finally had treatment for this year, so it has been fairly tough!! My problem is that I am due to begin my Honours year in psychology (ironic? I think so) next year and, to put it frankly, I am terrified that the anxiety is going to come back a lot worse. I already feel sick and shaky thinking about it, and I feel myself getting more and more agitated as the end of the year draws closer. This time, I want to take some kind of medication to help me through it, but I’m unsure when I should see a doctor and request it — since the university year runs from March – November here, I’m thinking early January, so I’ll have the chance to find something that will work hopefully and give it a chance to kick in? I want medication because, looking back, I can remember instances of extreme anxiety dating back to when I was 5 years old, which kinda suggests to me that it might be some kind of neurotransmitter imbalance as opposed to something learnt or directly environmentally triggered. I’ve had this all of my life, and it’s only now that it’s really starting to drive me crazy. I’m so scared I won’t find a med that will work for me. My fingers are just crossed that I will! Any advice on the kind of medication to take? I know that it varies, but I have friends who have taken Zoloft for anxiety and found it very effective, and I’m a little wary of Aropax (Paxil) due to the withdrawal symptoms I have heard about. Any comments/advice would most appreciated. Take care xxxxxxxx I just started taking klonopin.  It is a benzo.  I like the ideas of benzo because if you have side effects or do not like them you simply stop and they are not in your system forever.  Like SSRI like Prozac Zoloft Celexa paxil all take at least 2 to 3 weeks of nasty side effects and making anxiety worse before you feel any relief  then if you feel you cannot stand the side effects and stop they stay in your system for like 2 or more weeks still!  Benzo is just a fancy term for tranquilizer.  I take .25 Klonopin once in the morning and once at night.  I have only been on it a week but like it so far. Also Benzo family work instantly like the very first pill you take it reduces anxiety.  The only thing is the firs day or so you may feel a little tired while you body adjusts.  Then the sleepiness for me went away but the anti anxiety calm feeling is staying so far! Good Luck! Dustin

Response:

Hello, I don’t see any reason for waiting. Why not see a specialist now. You may not need medication. Therapy may help but if you need medication as well it would be helpful to sort it out during your break, rather than worrying about it until next year. Sorry about the endometriosis but I’m pleased you have had treatment. I have been taking medication for years. A combination of Xanax and Efexor XR works for me but we are all different. Welcome to another Aussie. Take care, Meryl (Melbourne)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – X-No-archive: yes Hi, I posted here almost 2 years ago after suffering a series of panic attacks and extreme anxiety for abt 6 months. Months later, the anxiety is still around, though not as severe. I never had any treatment and it seemed to subside, although my eating habits have remained permanently screwed up. I’ve also had to deal with chronic severe endometriosis, which I finally had treatment for this year, so it has been fairly tough!! My problem is that I am due to begin my Honours year in psychology (ironic? I think so) next year and, to put it frankly, I am terrified that the anxiety is going to come back a lot worse. I already feel sick and shaky thinking about it, and I feel myself getting more and more agitated as the end of the year draws closer. This time, I want to take some kind of medication to help me through it, but I’m unsure when I should see a doctor and request it — since the university year runs from March – November here, I’m thinking early January, so I’ll have the chance to find something that will work hopefully and give it a chance to kick in? I want medication because, looking back, I can remember instances of extreme anxiety dating back to when I was 5 years old, which kinda suggests to me that it might be some kind of neurotransmitter imbalance as opposed to something learnt or directly environmentally triggered. I’ve had this all of my life, and it’s only now that it’s really starting to drive me crazy. I’m so scared I won’t find a med that will work for me. My fingers are just crossed that I will! Any advice on the kind of medication to take? I know that it varies, but I have friends who have taken Zoloft for anxiety and found it very effective, and I’m a little wary of Aropax (Paxil) due to the withdrawal symptoms I have heard about. Any comments/advice would most appreciated. Take care xxxxxxxx

Response:

Question:

    My domestic partner has been put on anti-depressants multiple times. In the cases of Paxil, Prozac and Effexor, they put him to sleep, made him cranky and even more depressed. Serzone made him stoned.     Most recently, he’s been put on lithobid and neurontin. The neurontin made him paranoid, depressed, and it gave him panic attacks and the lithobid is acting sort of like speed on him.     We’re totally at a loss on how to treat this now since we’re almost out of drugs to try. We do have him going to a psychiatrist who is seeing him tomorrow on an emergency basis since he just lost his job due to the neurontin giving him panic attacks.     So, there it is. I myself am taking Prozac and I’m fine on it, so it just baffles me as to what’s happening. Has anybody else had such strange reactions to medications? Jeff — http://www.serv.net/~santa

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     My domestic partner has been put on anti-depressants multiple times. In the cases of Paxil, Prozac and Effexor, they put him to sleep, made him cranky and even more depressed. Serzone made him stoned.     Most recently, he’s been put on lithobid and neurontin. The neurontin made him paranoid, depressed, and it gave him panic attacks and the lithobid is acting sort of like speed on him.     We’re totally at a loss on how to treat this now since we’re almost out of drugs to try. We do have him going to a psychiatrist who is seeing him tomorrow on an emergency basis since he just lost his job due to the neurontin giving him panic attacks.     So, there it is. I myself am taking Prozac and I’m fine on it, so it just baffles me as to what’s happening. Has anybody else had such strange reactions to medications? Jeff

It’s called a paradoxical reaction, but I’ve never heard of this reaction to so many different medications. BTW, Serzone made me stoned too. It totally deactivates one particular liver enzyme. I’m really glad you’re getting in to see a psychiatrist. He really needs someone with expertise. good luck, Larry

Response:

I’m not a physician, but I used to sell psych meds.  And I study. Paradoxical effects to meds are not surprising.  Several doctors told me that it is impossible to tell how any one person is going to react to drugs before they try them.  For example, in the SSRI class, they often recommend that a patient take a week’s worth (or longer, depending on physician) of one of them, see if they agree with your system, and if not, switch.  There are quite a few: Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Paxil, Luvox.  Effexor is an SNRI, so it’s in another class.  Take your doctor’s advice, and if it’s not working for you, find a doctor you are compatible with.  Hope that helps.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     My domestic partner has been put on anti-depressants multiple times. In the cases of Paxil, Prozac and Effexor, they put him to sleep, made him cranky and even more depressed. Serzone made him stoned.     Most recently, he’s been put on lithobid and neurontin. The neurontin made him paranoid, depressed, and it gave him panic attacks and the lithobid is acting sort of like speed on him.     We’re totally at a loss on how to treat this now since we’re almost out of drugs to try. We do have him going to a psychiatrist who is seeing him tomorrow on an emergency basis since he just lost his job due to the neurontin giving him panic attacks.     So, there it is. I myself am taking Prozac and I’m fine on it, so it just baffles me as to what’s happening. Has anybody else had such strange reactions to medications? Jeff — http://www.serv.net/~santa

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     My domestic partner has been put on anti-depressants multiple times. In the cases of Paxil, Prozac and Effexor, they put him to sleep, made him cranky and even more depressed. Serzone made him stoned.     Most recently, he’s been put on lithobid and neurontin. The neurontin made him paranoid, depressed, and it gave him panic attacks and the lithobid is acting sort of like speed on him.     We’re totally at a loss on how to treat this now since we’re almost out of drugs to try. We do have him going to a psychiatrist who is seeing him tomorrow on an emergency basis since he just lost his job due to the neurontin giving him panic attacks.     So, there it is. I myself am taking Prozac and I’m fine on it, so it just baffles me as to what’s happening. Has anybody else had such strange reactions to medications? Jeff — http://www.serv.net/~santa

Yes, but not to anti-psychotics…. only to benzodiazepines. You mention two drugs here of the AP class and I wonder if there is an interaction effect – might look at Dr. Koops interaction chart: http://www.ccgp.org/consumers/body_drkoop.htm Squiggles

Response:

Benzos are very safe meds when it comes to adverse effects and side-effects. Anti-psychotics are exactly the opposite.. dangerous side-effects, also they cause brain damage. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yes, but not to anti-psychotics…. only to benzodiazepines. You mention two drugs here of the AP class and I wonder if there is an interaction effect – might look at Dr. Koops interaction chart: http://www.ccgp.org/consumers/body_drkoop.htm Squiggles

Response:

Hi Jeff, Welcome to the ng.     My domestic partner has been put on anti-depressants multiple times. In the cases of Paxil, Prozac and Effexor, they put him to sleep, made him cranky and even more depressed. Serzone made him stoned.

Perhaps, an MAOI like Parnate would be effective. It is energizing for some people.     Most recently, he’s been put on lithobid and neurontin. The neurontin made him paranoid, depressed, and it gave him panic attacks and the lithobid is acting sort of like speed on him.

There are idiosyncratic reactions to meds. IOW,individual responses.     We’re totally at a loss on how to treat this now since we’re almost out of drugs to try. We do have him going to a psychiatrist who is seeing him tomorrow on an emergency basis since he just lost his job due to the neurontin giving him panic attacks.     So, there it is. I myself am taking Prozac and I’m fine on it, so it just baffles me as to what’s happening. Has anybody else had such strange reactions to medications?

 Perhaps, a consultation with a Psychopharmocologist may be helpful. If there is a teaching or university hospital in your area, call them and request a consulation. At any rate, there are newer mood stabilizers which may be effective for him. Also the MAOIs are also effective for dpression, although there are dietary restricyions involving tyramine containing foods. I can email you further info if you desire. Here is some info on Trileptal: http://bipolar.about.com/health/bipolar/msub7-oxcar.htm Oxcarbazepine – Trileptal Oxcarbazepine, an anticonvulsant related to Carbamazepine (Tegretol), has been in use in Europe in treating manic depression and is now beginning to be used in the United States, though not yet officially approved for such usage by the FDA. Oxcarbazepine/Trileptal General Information A short summary of information currently available regarding this medication and the major warnings associated with its use. Experience with Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) From the About Bipolar Disorder Forum, community members share their experiences with taking this anticonvulsant drug for treatment of manic-depressive illness. Side Effects From our Side Effects Library, a listing of the registered side effects of Trileptal. DrugFAQs: Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) From PharmInfoNet, a series of questions and answers including special warnings and general precautions, how to take the medication, some side effects information and more. Oxcarbazepine Preliminary monograph from Lexi-Comp, Inc., has some pretty detailed pharmacological information, including implications for pregnancy/breast-feeding, kidney patients, interactions with other medications, and other important material. A Treatment for Epilepsy This page combines oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) and carbamazepine (Tegretol), but notes two side effects that are less common with Trileptal. Has a side effects chart and answers to 18 frequently asked questions. From U.K.’s Norfolk Mental Health Care. Trileptal: Another New Choice for Partial Onset Epilepsy This summary from PharmInfo Net includes clinical study results and a brief look at how the medication is thought to operate to control seizures. Trileptal Approved By FDA Reporting on the U.S. FDA’s approval of Trileptal for the treatment of partial epileptic seizures as monotherapy in adults or adjunctive therapy (used in combination with other anti-epileptic drugs) in adults and children as young as four years old. Drug Name: Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) Tablets http://www.centerwatch.com/drugs/dru599.htm The following information is obtained from various newswires, published medical journal articles, and medical conference presentations. Company: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation Approval Status: Approved January 2000 Treatment for: Adjunctive & monotherapy in adults; adjunctive therapy for children ages 4-16 with partial epileptic seizures General Information Trileptal, an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug (AED), was approved for use as an adjunctive and monotherapy for the treatment of partial seizures in adults with epilepsy and for the adjunctive treatment of partial seizures in children, ages 4-16, with epilepsy. It is the first AED to be approved as a monotherapy in several years. 2.3 million Americans have been diagnosed with epilepsy. This year, 181,000 more Americans (children and adults) will develop epilepsy and seizures. Clinical Results Recent trials include 6 multi-center randomized double blind controlled trials that were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the drug. 4 of the studies investigated the drug as a monotherapy. Participants in these trials ranged from 8 to 66 years old. Two of the studies tested the drug as an adjunctive therapy. In studies in which the drug was compared to a placebo, patients given the drug lasted significantly longer without having certain seizures than did those patients not taking the drug. Furthermore, a higher dosage of the drug yielded a significantly longer period before the patient demonstrated specific seizure symptoms. In addition, two trials, one in which patients were ages 15-66 and the other in which patients were ages 3-17, examined Trileptal as an adjunctive therapy. Every patient in these trials was on 1-3 concomitant Anti-Epileptic Drugs. In both studies, dosage was increased over a period of two weeks until the patient reached the assigned dose or experienced an intolerance to the dosage. Results of the pediatric trial indicated that compared to a placebo, patients taking the study medication experienced over 25% greater reduction of frequency of partial seizures. In the adult study, the reduction of frequency of partial seizures for those taking the study drug at the lowest dose was over 18% greater than those taking the placebo, while at the highest dose was over 42% greater than those taking the placebo. Side Effects The most common side effects include, but are not limited to: *       Headache *       Somnolence or fatigue *       Dizziness *       Viral Infection *       Nausea Some patients also exhibited hyponatremia (low serum sodium levels). Most patients who developed this side effect, were asymptomatic. In clinical trials, patients whose treatment was discontinued due to hyponatremia, generally experienced normalization of serum sodium within a few days without additional treatment. Some additional side effects were associated with the central nervous system (CNS). These include: *       Psychomotor slowing *       Difficulty with concentration *       Speech or language problems *       Coordination abnormalities In clinical trials, patients’ discontinuation of therapy due to these CNS side effects was dose related when the drug was used as an adjunctive therapy; higher dosages increased the discontinuation rate. No discontinuation of treatment due to similar side effects was found when the drug was used as a monotherapy. Contraindications: Trileptal should not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity to oxcarbazepine or to any of its components. Mechanism of Action The pharmacological activity of Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) is primarily exerted through the 10-monohydroxy metabolite (MHD) of oxcarbazepine- The precise mechanism by which oxcarbazepine and MHD exert their antiseizure effect is unknown; however in vitro electrophysiological studies indicate that they produce blockade of voltage-sensitive sodium channels, resulting in the stabilization of hyperexcited neural membranes, inhibition of repetitive neuronal firing, and dimunition of propagation of synaptic impulses. These actions are thought to be important in the prevention of seizure spread in the intact brain. In addition, increased potassium conduction and modulation of high-voltage activated calcium channels may contribute to the anticonvulsive effects of the drug. No significant interactions of oxcarbazepine or MHD with brain neurotransmitter or modulator receptor sites have been demonstrated. (from FDA Label) Literature References For more information about epilepsy, visit the official web site of the Epilepsy Foundation, a non-profit volunteer agency devoted to research, education, advocacy, and services in the community for people with epilepsy and their families: www.efa.org or visit Epilepsy-International.com, where you can find out about everything from dates of international conferences about epilepsy to a list of countries where Trileptal is available. Additional Information This is what the Epilepsy Foundation says to do and not to do if you encounter a person having an epileptic seizure: What To Do: *       Look for medical identification. *       Protect from nearby hazards. *       Loosen ties or shirt collars. *       Protect head from injury. *       Turn on side to keep airway clear unless injury exists. *       Reassure as consciousness returns. *       If a single seizure lasted less than 5 minutes, ask if hospital evaluation wanted. *       If there are multiple seizures, or if one seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, call an ambulance. *       If person is pregnant, injured, or diabetic, call for aid at once. What Not To Do: *       Don’t put any hard implement in the mouth. *       Don’t try to hold tongue. It can’t be swallowed. *       Don’t try to give liquids during or just after seizure, *       Don’t use artificial respiration unless breathing is absent after muscle jerks subside, or unless water has been inhaled. *       Don’t restrain.

Response:

Hi Jeff, Welcome to the ng.     My domestic partner has been put on anti-depressants multiple times. In the cases of Paxil, Prozac and Effexor, they put him to sleep, made him cranky and even more depressed. Serzone made him stoned.

Perhaps, an MAOI like Parnate would be effective. It is energizing for some people.     Most recently, he’s been put on lithobid and neurontin. The neurontin made him paranoid, depressed, and it gave him panic attacks and the lithobid is acting sort of like speed on him.

There are idiosyncratic reactions to meds. IOW,individual responses.     We’re totally at a loss on how to treat this now since we’re almost out of drugs to try. We do have him going to a psychiatrist who is seeing him tomorrow on an emergency basis since he just lost his job due to the neurontin giving him panic attacks.     So, there it is. I myself am taking Prozac and I’m fine on it, so it just baffles me as to what’s happening. Has anybody else had such strange reactions to medications?

 Perhaps, a consultation with a Psychopharmocologist may be helpful. If there is a teaching or university hospital in your area, call them and request a consulation. At any rate, there are newer mood stabilizers which may be effective for him. Here is some info on Trileptal:

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     My domestic partner has been put on anti-depressants multiple times. In the cases of Paxil, Prozac and Effexor, they put him to sleep, made him cranky and even more depressed. Serzone made him stoned.     Most recently, he’s been put on lithobid and neurontin. The neurontin made him paranoid, depressed, and it gave him panic attacks and the lithobid is acting sort of like speed on him.     We’re totally at a loss on how to treat this now since we’re almost out of drugs to try. We do have him going to a psychiatrist who is seeing him tomorrow on an emergency basis since he just lost his job due to the neurontin giving him panic attacks.     So, there it is. I myself am taking Prozac and I’m fine on it, so it just baffles me as to what’s happening. Has anybody else had such strange reactions to medications? Jeff It’s called a paradoxical reaction, but I’ve never heard of this reaction to so many different medications. That couldn’t possibly be a true statement…unless you skip most of the posts on this NG…

Paxil, Prozac, Effexor, Serzone, lithium, and Neurontin work by different mechanisms. Six drugs, and six paradoxical reactions is quite extraordinary. I always check the literature before I reply to questions such as this, and the only reference to paradoxical reactions comes from "other adverse effects reported during clinical trials". In other words, reported in less than 1% of subjects. There is absolutely nothing on Medline, and only case reports in Google searches. You’re far more likely to experience paradoxical rage on benzodiazepines than you are to experience paradoxical depression on SSRIs, or activation on lithium, according to the literature. Neurontin has a more variable effect than the other meds. Its is the common experience of sufferers of depression to do what is known as cycling through the meds, because of the high rate of reverse repsonse and adverse reactions and intolerable side effects,  and its a lot of what is written about here..

Paradoxical reactions are but one type of adverse effect. the issue here wasn’t adverse effects per se, but one specific type thereof. dont mislead this poster by suggesting this very common experience is

rare… It is rare. your being bipoalr is no excuse for behaving badly…

You’re the one behaving badly. And for the 300th time, I’m not bipolar. I consider myself to be on the bipolar spectrum because I have had induced dysphoric mania, but that is an exclusionary factor for the formal diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Check the differential diagnosis section at the end of the diagnostic criteria at http://www.mentalhealth.com Reactions to meds is excluded.

Response:

Paxil, Prozac, Effexor, Serzone, lithium, and Neurontin work by different mechanisms. Six drugs, and six paradoxical reactions is quite extraordinary.

not necessarly…. i had the same experience…… i tried.. wellbutrin….. serzone….. and a good couple others i cant remember and they all gave me reactions that were immediate and negative…… in my case, i needed a mood stabiliser. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I always check the literature before I reply to questions such as this, and the only reference to paradoxical reactions comes from "other adverse effects reported during clinical trials". In other words, reported in less than 1% of subjects. There is absolutely nothing on Medline, and only case reports in Google searches. You’re far more likely to experience paradoxical rage on benzodiazepines than you are to experience paradoxical depression on SSRIs, or activation on lithium, according to the literature. Neurontin has a more variable effect than the other meds. Its is the common experience of sufferers of depression to do what is known as cycling through the meds, because of the high rate of reverse repsonse and adverse reactions and intolerable side effects,  and its a lot of what is written about here.. Paradoxical reactions are but one type of adverse effect. the issue here wasn’t adverse effects per se, but one specific type thereof. dont mislead this poster by suggesting this very common experience is rare… It is rare. your being bipoalr is no excuse for behaving badly… You’re the one behaving badly. And for the 300th time, I’m not bipolar. I consider myself to be on the bipolar spectrum because I have had induced dysphoric mania, but that is an exclusionary factor for the formal diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Check the differential diagnosis section at the end of the diagnostic criteria at http://www.mentalhealth.com Reactions to meds is excluded.

– on and on and on and on it goes like tears from a star; like tears from a star .. on and on and on it shows just how fragile we are;  how fragile we are… ~~ blessed am i to dwell in this beautiful temple ~~

Response:

Question:

Hi All, I’m seeing my PCP about my concerns with Zoloft. I’v been on it for maybe three months now and the only positive thing I can say is that it was a far cry better for me than Wellbutrin. I couldn’t tell if the Zoloft eased the anxiety at the switch or if just stopping the W did it. Now for the problems–obviously not initial side effects. Weight gain and unable to lose it not matter what I do–I’m not in to fads, just a good diet and as much excersize as I can tolerate. I’ve tried low fat, then low carb–all smart and balanced as I don’t want it to be in vain as soon as I start eating normally again. But I get no results. This is chipping away at my self esteem (and this has never happened to me before and I’m in my 40’s). Gritting/clenching my teeth. At first I thought it was recent dental work (crowns) but it is getting to be so severe that it is causing headaches and I can’t chew anything more firm than cooked rice. Meat? Forget it! I have been back to the dentist twice and though I haven’t completely let him off the hook, I think since I notice the teeth clenching all day long, I have to take some responsibility and look into the Zoloft possibility. I have small involuntary twitching in my arms and legs. It’s unnerving–I hate it. I fear parkinsons or something similar though, again, it started after I was on the Zoloft for a few months. Heightened anxiety all of a sudden. I was down to .75mgs daily and now am up to twice that–conciously I think for the teeth clenching–it seems to help a little–but also my entire disposition, mood, all over feel. I have horrible nightmares every nightl. I can not even bring myself to tell you the content. They seem to last for ever and if you consider the worst possible thing that could happen to a parent, that is what I am dealing with almost every night. I seem to sob all night long, though I know dreams are very short. Consequently, I wake up with a horrible yet relieved feeling–but very exhausted. I used to get canker sores as a child. NOT COLD SORES–they are so often confused with one another. My mom took me to many doctors and there was nothing they could do back then–I’m hoping medicine has made some progress in this area. This has to be some of the worst pain I have ever had to endure and they seem to be nonstop–two or three coming on the heels of another two or three just healing. I am guaranteed a canker sore (mine always result from trauma) if I eat chips, crisp french bread, if I bite the inside of my cheek when eating. They last a good 1 1/2 to 2 weeks and I realize that the Zoloft may not be to blame but I like to be informed when I see the doc. I have seen a few studies posted here recently about the teeth clenching. Truly, I don’t know if I benefit at all from the Z. I am taking it for anxiety not depression. If anyone has any suggestions or has heard of any one else with a similar story. Any links to pertinent info also greatly appreciated. Finally, does anyone know how well Buspar seems to be working for GAD-ites. Since it’s not a member of the SSRI family—I read somewhere that pre-existing conditions can be exaserbated–something to do with the dopamine????? Obviously, I need some intelligent help here LOL.

Response:

I have small involuntary twitching in my arms and legs. It’s unnerving–I hate it. I fear parkinsons or something similar though,

Hi.. I see you are in your mid 40s,, just have to ask, are you female?? I have found out that many of my symptoms including my anxiety ( which manifests itself in many ways) are all peri/menopause related… have you checked that out?? it does not matter if you still are regular, your hormones can start fluctuating and cause all kinds of symptoms… just consider it , unless you are male of course! Martha

Response:

Hi All,

Hi Little bear I’m seeing my PCP about my concerns with Zoloft. I’v been on it for maybe three months now and the only positive thing I can say is that it was a far cry better for me than Wellbutrin. I couldn’t tell if the Zoloft eased the anxiety at the switch or if just stopping the W did it. Now for the problems–obviously not initial side effects. Weight gain and unable to lose it not matter what I do–I’m not in to fads, just a good diet and as much excersize as I can tolerate. I’ve tried low fat, then low carb–all smart and balanced as I don’t want it to be in vain as soon as I start eating normally again. But I get no results. This is chipping away at my self esteem (and this has never happened to me before and I’m in my 40’s).

Unfortunately alot of the anti-depressants can cause weight gain. Gritting/clenching my teeth. At first I thought it was recent dental work (crowns) but it is getting to be so severe that it is causing headaches and I can’t chew anything more firm than cooked rice. Meat? Forget it! I have been back to the dentist twice and though I haven’t completely let him off the hook, I think since I notice the teeth clenching all day long, I have to take some responsibility and look into the Zoloft possibility.

You can clench your teeth when your anxious, angry, or in pain. It might be a symptom of your anxiety or perhaps the dental work. A few hours after my sister`s accident I started clenching my teeth. It was causing pain in my temples and at times it was so bad I was close to tears. It seemed the more I focused on the clenching the worse it got. Believe it or not, chewing gum seemed to help me. What does your doctor say when you tell him you can`t eat anything harder than rice? I have small involuntary twitching in my arms and legs. It’s unnerving–I hate it. I fear parkinsons or something similar though, again, it started after I was on the Zoloft for a few months.

Twitching is a very common symptom of anxiety. I have had twitches in my arms and legs, the most annoying place to get a twitch is my eyelids. When I went on Paxil they stopped. Maybe your Zoloft dose is just not enough to relieve your anxiety. I think the only way to find out if it is anxiety or the Zoloft causing these symptoms is to get off of it and see what happens. Heightened anxiety all of a sudden. I was down to .75mgs daily and now am up to twice that–conciously I think for the teeth clenching–it seems to help a little–but also my entire disposition, mood, all over feel.

Has increasing the dose helped with the symptoms and the heightened anxiety? I have horrible nightmares every nightl. I can not even bring myself to tell you the content. They seem to last for ever and if you consider the worst possible thing that could happen to a parent, that is what I am dealing with almost every night. I seem to sob all night long, though I know dreams are very short. Consequently, I wake up with a horrible yet relieved feeling–but very exhausted.

When my anxiety is high for a extended period, I get terrible nightmares. I know what you are going through, I use to be afraid to go to sleep for fear of what I would dream. ((((((Little bear))))) I used to get canker sores as a child. NOT COLD SORES–they are so often confused with one another. My mom took me to many doctors and there was nothing they could do back then–I’m hoping medicine has made some progress in this area. This has to be some of the worst pain I have ever had to endure and they seem to be nonstop–two or three coming on the heels of another two or three just healing. I am guaranteed a canker sore (mine always result from trauma) if I eat chips, crisp french bread, if I bite the inside of my cheek when eating. They last a good 1 1/2 to 2 weeks and

Hmmm, did the jaw clenching start after you started getting canker sores? I would bet that your jaw clenching is related to the cankers, indirectly. You said yourself it is some of the worst pain you have endured You might be clenching due to the pain in your mouth. You should tell your doctor about these sores, he may be able to give you a ointment to help with the inflammation. Avoid citrus fruit, tomato`s and nuts. I also heard that many of the toothpaste we use can cause cankers in sensitive individuals. I realize that the Zoloft may not be to blame but I like to be informed when I see the doc. I have seen a few studies posted here recently about the teeth clenching. Truly, I don’t know if I benefit at all from the Z. I am taking it for anxiety not depression. If anyone has any suggestions or has heard of any one else with a similar story. Any links to pertinent info also greatly appreciated. Finally, does anyone know how well Buspar seems to be working for GAD-ites. Since it’s not a member of the SSRI family—I read somewhere that pre-existing conditions can be exaserbated–something to do with the dopamine????? Obviously, I need some intelligent help here LOL.

Buspar is effective for generalized anxiety disorder, which is what I think you said you have. You don`t suffer from panic attacks, right? I don`t think it would hurt to try the Buspar.

really think for your best interest you should see a psych doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Most MD`s  just don`t have the knowledge to treat anxiety disorders properly. Take care and good luck tomorrow. *Hugs* Jackie

Response:

Question:

if you have a brookstone store in your area, you may want to check them out. i don’t remember catching the site soma suggested, but what about this one? http://www.brookstoneonline.com/ you may be able to find the location of the store nearest you that way too….and if they don’t have one in stock they can call around for you–part of the perk of going to an overly expensive store. Julie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Interesting suggestions Julie.  Personally I can sleep in any temperature — warm, cold, in-between, but I can’t stand to get out of bed if it’s cold!  (I personally believe that all mammals, including humans, should hibernate in the winter.  *g*)  We tend to keep the temperature in our house relatively constant. As for the compressed air cans with horns, that’s pretty much what my current alarm clock sounds like!  (I had one in college in my dorm that you could actually hear all the way down the hall.)  I usually need them that loud to wake me up, but I’ve gotten to the point (in my old age) where the noise really is starting to annoy me.  I’m looking for a more "gentle" way to wake up that will still be effective.  Music won’t do it for me unless it’s blasting (and that’s not very gentle either). The dawn simulator alarm clocks are terribly expensive … and apparently hard to come by this time of year!  The site soma referred to is sold out til 12/1.  I found some other sites that carry them — the company that manufactures them sells them for "only" $99.00, but they’re sold out indefinitely.  Obviously this is the wrong time of year to be looking!  I’m thinking that it might be worth a try though — they do have a 30-day money back guarantee if they don’t work. i too get the same way come the cold winter months….the one thing hubby and i have come up with believe it or not works really well for some strange reason. since both of us like to sleep with the air temp in the home quite chilly–about 65F or so and have a prob sleeping when it’s warm–above 72F, what we decided to do (also since he has no problems at getting up at the crack of dawn–read:5:00 amish) was keep the temp low at night, and since he gets up so much earlier than i do, he just cranks up the heat to about 72ish when he gets out of bed.  since it doesn’t take all that long for the place to warm up, and i can’t sleep when it’s too warm (i’m repeating myself, i know)…i am usually up by 6:30 at the latest….besides nothing beats coming out of the shower to a nice warm environment.  after i’ve recharged my body temp in the shower, i turn the heat back down.  it works really well, and since neither of us really want to actually shell out the $100 or so for the sunrise alarm clock…..well, you see where this is going. another thing i’ve done in the past, and still do, is use an alarm clock that plays tapes.  it’s really nice because i put on the music i like and actually want to listen to instead of talk on the usual morning shows.  granted my problem is that the morning show i used to listen to was cancelled and they are now in richmond virginia–anyone in richmond who listens to bender & jackie knows what i’m talking about. maybe those are some options you haven’t looked into? if all else fails, what about those cans of compressed air that have the horns on them? they’ll scare you awake…all you need is someone to use it for you in the am. Julie I actually looked at getting one of those last year, as they are supposed to be good for people with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I don’t think I actually have SAD, though I do find I tend to be much more fatigued, less enthusiastic, and less inclined to get out of bed as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder.  I’ve always had a horrible time getting out of bed in the morning, and have had to buy alarm clocks with incredibly loud alarms (can you say "air raid siren"?).  I’m at the point where those alarms are getting really annoying to wake up to though, and am looking for something a bit more gentle. Thanks for the info … I’d been wondering how well they actually work. While this technically is not on-topic, it sort of is.   I’ve mentioned on the list a few times that it’s really difficult for me to get up early to exercise when it’s dark outside.   I found the solution, so I thought I’d post about it for other people who may have the same difficulty. It’s called the Soleil Sun Alarm Clock.   It has a little built in lamp, and if you set it for 6:00 a.m., it will start fading from low to high light, just like sunrise.   It has a little beeper thing that goes off at the time you set the clock for, but believe it or not, you usually wake up before the beeper goes off.   It’s pretty darned cool!!! Here is where I bought mine from (no this isn’t a spam, I don’t sell the things, I just really like mine….) http://www.sadlight.com/ss-soleilsunmain.htm BTW, I know it’s expensive, but if you have a committment to exercising every day and early in the morning is the only time slot open, and if you can’t wake up while it’s dark, then it’s really worth the expenditure….. Live well, — soma 180/17?/135 — KC "Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow." Plato. — KC "Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow." Plato.

Response:

i tried using a grow light for plants since it is supposed to emulate sunlight. it actually works pretty well, and keeps me warm too (added bonus).  just a thought for you Julie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I totally know what you mean with the air raid sirens.   I’m a pretty light sleeper in the morning, but that doesn’t stop me from rolling over and falling back to sleep if it’s still dark.   It’s just annoying to wake up to a buzzer or a beeper, or worse yet, the radio.   It makes my heart pound and I start shaking before I even get out of bed.   (I have a severe essential tremor in my hands.) So waking up to the light works much better for me.  :-)   I also wondered how they worked and went out on a limb when I bought it, which is why I thought I’d post about it.   Might as well save someone else the anguish of shelling out that much dough for an alarm clock without knowing if it will work. I found the clock while doing searches on SAD, because I knew what I wanted, I just couldn’t remember what it was called.    I don’t have SAD either, but like you, I do find that my energy level decreases a lot in the fall and winter because it’s so dark.   Plus I work in a windowless room all day long!   Bleh!   Maybe next I’ll get some high-intensity light bulbs for a lamp on my desk!  :-) Live well, — soma 180/17?/135 Y2K 60/2000 I actually looked at getting one of those last year, as they are supposed to be good for people with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I don’t think I actually have SAD, though I do find I tend to be much more fatigued, less enthusiastic, and less inclined to get out of bed as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder.  I’ve always had a horrible time getting out of bed in the morning, and have had to buy alarm clocks with incredibly loud alarms (can you say "air raid siren"?).  I’m at the point where those alarms are getting really annoying to wake up to though, and am looking for something a bit more gentle. Thanks for the info … I’d been wondering how well they actually work.

Response:

I won’t ask what kind of plants Julie <wink Betty i tried using a grow light for plants since it is supposed to emulate sunlight. it actually works pretty well, and keeps me warm too (added bonus).  just a thought for you Julie

Stroll to Goal Barmaid remove the bs to email 255 low fat-cal/249 Atkins/240/150 or Size 9 whichever comes first! On Atkins since 8/22/99

Response:

hehe, tropical….and no funny sharp looking leaves…..cactus actually. (although technically the poker things are sharp funny looking leaves, but not the kind you mean) J – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I won’t ask what kind of plants Julie <wink Betty i tried using a grow light for plants since it is supposed to emulate sunlight. it actually works pretty well, and keeps me warm too (added bonus).  just a thought for you Julie Stroll to Goal Barmaid remove the bs to email 255 low fat-cal/249 Atkins/240/150 or Size 9 whichever comes first! On Atkins since 8/22/99

Response:

I won’t ask what kind of plants Julie <wink Betty

I’m glad to see I’m not the only one whose mind went there.  I knew I could always count on you Betty! Ismile 138/119/115 (for now) Y2K: 250 minutes aerobic; 80 minutes weight lifting; 330 minutes total Don’t exchange what you want most for what you want at the moment.

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I figured she might be growing some "natural herbs" to calm her nerves these days Betty I’m glad to see I’m not the only one whose mind went there.  I knew I could always count on you Betty! Ismile 138/119/115 (for now) Y2K: 250 minutes aerobic; 80 minutes weight lifting; 330 minutes total Don’t exchange what you want most for what you want at the moment.

Stroll to Goal Barmaid remove the bs to email 255 low fat-cal/249 Atkins/240/150 or Size 9 whichever comes first! On Atkins since 8/22/99

Response:

But think of what it would do to your appetite, Betty, my love! Jacqueline 180/148/140 It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I could use a few my self-heaven forbid they should legalize it so those who suffer pain would get some relief!! Betty I think I need some of them "natural herbs" ….    :) IS Manager:  Delete the "not.at." to reply 138/130/120 Y2K Areobics 60 minutes …  I’m trying, just can’t find the time or motivation Stroll to Goal Barmaid remove the bs to email 255 low fat-cal/249 Atkins/240/150 or Size 9 whichever comes first! On Atkins since 8/22/99

Response:

I’m with the legalization thing. I sprained both my ankles and left foot simultaneously once, to the point of hemmorhage. I am not sure I could have got through the first few days but for a friend’s gift of some good Hawaiian stuff. When needed it is highly effective. Cynthia – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I could use a few my self-heaven forbid they should legalize it so those who suffer pain would get some relief!! Betty

Response:

tsk tsk tsk, besides those herbs do nothing for me anyway.  BTDT, useless…. Julie (smiling innocently, nope, not that innocently) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I figured she might be growing some "natural herbs" to calm her nerves these days Betty I’m glad to see I’m not the only one whose mind went there.  I knew I could always count on you Betty! Ismile 138/119/115 (for now) Y2K: 250 minutes aerobic; 80 minutes weight lifting; 330 minutes total Don’t exchange what you want most for what you want at the moment. Stroll to Goal Barmaid remove the bs to email 255 low fat-cal/249 Atkins/240/150 or Size 9 whichever comes first! On Atkins since 8/22/99

Response:

I could use a few my self-heaven forbid they should legalize it so those who suffer pain would get some relief!!   Betty I think I need some of them "natural herbs" ….    :) IS Manager:  Delete the "not.at." to reply 138/130/120 Y2K Areobics 60 minutes …  I’m trying, just can’t find the time or motivation

Stroll to Goal Barmaid remove the bs to email 255 low fat-cal/249 Atkins/240/150 or Size 9 whichever comes first! On Atkins since 8/22/99

Response:

I figured she might be growing some "natural herbs" to calm her nerves these days Betty I think I need some of them "natural herbs" ….    :) IS Manager:  Delete the "not.at." to reply 138/130/120 Y2K Areobics 60 minutes …  I’m trying, just can’t find the time or motivation

Response:

i tried using a grow light for plants since it is supposed to emulate sunlight. it actually works pretty well, and keeps me warm too (added bonus).  just a thought for you

There are full spectrum lights. Ott Lights, and Vitalight are 2 brand names. If you are dealing with SAD, these are the lights you should use. Marianne

Response:

Yes, it might actually give me one Betty But think of what it would do to your appetite, Betty, my love! Jacqueline 180/148/140

Stroll to Goal Barmaid remove the bs to email 255 low fat-cal/249 Atkins/240/150 or Size 9 whichever comes first! On Atkins since 8/22/99

Response:

Interesting suggestions Julie.  Personally I can sleep in any temperature — warm, cold, in-between, but I can’t stand to get out of bed if it’s cold!  (I personally believe that all mammals, including humans, should hibernate in the winter.  *g*)  We tend to keep the temperature in our house relatively constant. As for the compressed air cans with horns, that’s pretty much what my current alarm clock sounds like!  (I had one in college in my dorm that you could actually hear all the way down the hall.)  I usually need them that loud to wake me up, but I’ve gotten to the point (in my old age) where the noise really is starting to annoy me.  I’m looking for a more "gentle" way to wake up that will still be effective.  Music won’t do it for me unless it’s blasting (and that’s not very gentle either). The dawn simulator alarm clocks are terribly expensive … and apparently hard to come by this time of year!  The site soma referred to is sold out til 12/1.  I found some other sites that carry them — the company that manufactures them sells them for "only" $99.00, but they’re sold out indefinitely.  Obviously this is the wrong time of year to be looking!  I’m thinking that it might be worth a try though — they do have a 30-day money back guarantee if they don’t work. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i too get the same way come the cold winter months….the one thing hubby and i have come up with believe it or not works really well for some strange reason. since both of us like to sleep with the air temp in the home quite chilly–about 65F or so and have a prob sleeping when it’s warm–above 72F, what we decided to do (also since he has no problems at getting up at the crack of dawn–read:5:00 amish) was keep the temp low at night, and since he gets up so much earlier than i do, he just cranks up the heat to about 72ish when he gets out of bed.  since it doesn’t take all that long for the place to warm up, and i can’t sleep when it’s too warm (i’m repeating myself, i know)…i am usually up by 6:30 at the latest….besides nothing beats coming out of the shower to a nice warm environment.  after i’ve recharged my body temp in the shower, i turn the heat back down.  it works really well, and since neither of us really want to actually shell out the $100 or so for the sunrise alarm clock…..well, you see where this is going. another thing i’ve done in the past, and still do, is use an alarm clock that plays tapes.  it’s really nice because i put on the music i like and actually want to listen to instead of talk on the usual morning shows.  granted my problem is that the morning show i used to listen to was cancelled and they are now in richmond virginia–anyone in richmond who listens to bender & jackie knows what i’m talking about. maybe those are some options you haven’t looked into? if all else fails, what about those cans of compressed air that have the horns on them? they’ll scare you awake…all you need is someone to use it for you in the am. Julie I actually looked at getting one of those last year, as they are supposed to be good for people with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I don’t think I actually have SAD, though I do find I tend to be much more fatigued, less enthusiastic, and less inclined to get out of bed as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder.  I’ve always had a horrible time getting out of bed in the morning, and have had to buy alarm clocks with incredibly loud alarms (can you say "air raid siren"?).  I’m at the point where those alarms are getting really annoying to wake up to though, and am looking for something a bit more gentle. Thanks for the info … I’d been wondering how well they actually work. While this technically is not on-topic, it sort of is.   I’ve mentioned on the list a few times that it’s really difficult for me to get up early to exercise when it’s dark outside.   I found the solution, so I thought I’d post about it for other people who may have the same difficulty. It’s called the Soleil Sun Alarm Clock.   It has a little built in lamp, and if you set it for 6:00 a.m., it will start fading from low to high light, just like sunrise.   It has a little beeper thing that goes off at the time you set the clock for, but believe it or not, you usually wake up before the beeper goes off.   It’s pretty darned cool!!! Here is where I bought mine from (no this isn’t a spam, I don’t sell the things, I just really like mine….) http://www.sadlight.com/ss-soleilsunmain.htm BTW, I know it’s expensive, but if you have a committment to exercising every day and early in the morning is the only time slot open, and if you can’t wake up while it’s dark, then it’s really worth the expenditure….. Live well, — soma 180/17?/135 — KC "Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow." Plato.

– KC "Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow."   Plato.

Response:

I totally know what you mean with the air raid sirens.   I’m a pretty light sleeper in the morning, but that doesn’t stop me from rolling over and falling back to sleep if it’s still dark.   It’s just annoying to wake up to a buzzer or a beeper, or worse yet, the radio.   It makes my heart pound and I start shaking before I even get out of bed.   (I have a severe essential tremor in my hands.) So waking up to the light works much better for me.  :-)   I also wondered how they worked and went out on a limb when I bought it, which is why I thought I’d post about it.   Might as well save someone else the anguish of shelling out that much dough for an alarm clock without knowing if it will work. I found the clock while doing searches on SAD, because I knew what I wanted, I just couldn’t remember what it was called.    I don’t have SAD either, but like you, I do find that my energy level decreases a lot in the fall and winter because it’s so dark.   Plus I work in a windowless room all day long!   Bleh!   Maybe next I’ll get some high-intensity light bulbs for a lamp on my desk!  :-) Live well, — soma 180/17?/135 Y2K 60/2000 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I actually looked at getting one of those last year, as they are supposed to be good for people with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I don’t think I actually have SAD, though I do find I tend to be much more fatigued, less enthusiastic, and less inclined to get out of bed as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder.  I’ve always had a horrible time getting out of bed in the morning, and have had to buy alarm clocks with incredibly loud alarms (can you say "air raid siren"?).  I’m at the point where those alarms are getting really annoying to wake up to though, and am looking for something a bit more gentle. Thanks for the info … I’d been wondering how well they actually work.

Response:

i too get the same way come the cold winter months….the one thing hubby and i have come up with believe it or not works really well for some strange reason. since both of us like to sleep with the air temp in the home quite chilly–about 65F or so and have a prob sleeping when it’s warm–above 72F, what we decided to do (also since he has no problems at getting up at the crack of dawn–read:5:00 amish) was keep the temp low at night, and since he gets up so much earlier than i do, he just cranks up the heat to about 72ish when he gets out of bed.  since it doesn’t take all that long for the place to warm up, and i can’t sleep when it’s too warm (i’m repeating myself, i know)…i am usually up by 6:30 at the latest….besides nothing beats coming out of the shower to a nice warm environment.  after i’ve recharged my body temp in the shower, i turn the heat back down.  it works really well, and since neither of us really want to actually shell out the $100 or so for the sunrise alarm clock…..well, you see where this is going. another thing i’ve done in the past, and still do, is use an alarm clock that plays tapes.  it’s really nice because i put on the music i like and actually want to listen to instead of talk on the usual morning shows.  granted my problem is that the morning show i used to listen to was cancelled and they are now in richmond virginia–anyone in richmond who listens to bender & jackie knows what i’m talking about. maybe those are some options you haven’t looked into? if all else fails, what about those cans of compressed air that have the horns on them? they’ll scare you awake…all you need is someone to use it for you in the am. Julie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I actually looked at getting one of those last year, as they are supposed to be good for people with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I don’t think I actually have SAD, though I do find I tend to be much more fatigued, less enthusiastic, and less inclined to get out of bed as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder.  I’ve always had a horrible time getting out of bed in the morning, and have had to buy alarm clocks with incredibly loud alarms (can you say "air raid siren"?).  I’m at the point where those alarms are getting really annoying to wake up to though, and am looking for something a bit more gentle. Thanks for the info … I’d been wondering how well they actually work. While this technically is not on-topic, it sort of is.   I’ve mentioned on the list a few times that it’s really difficult for me to get up early to exercise when it’s dark outside.   I found the solution, so I thought I’d post about it for other people who may have the same difficulty. It’s called the Soleil Sun Alarm Clock.   It has a little built in lamp, and if you set it for 6:00 a.m., it will start fading from low to high light, just like sunrise.   It has a little beeper thing that goes off at the time you set the clock for, but believe it or not, you usually wake up before the beeper goes off.   It’s pretty darned cool!!! Here is where I bought mine from (no this isn’t a spam, I don’t sell the things, I just really like mine….) http://www.sadlight.com/ss-soleilsunmain.htm BTW, I know it’s expensive, but if you have a committment to exercising every day and early in the morning is the only time slot open, and if you can’t wake up while it’s dark, then it’s really worth the expenditure….. Live well, — soma 180/17?/135 — KC "Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow." Plato.

Response:

I actually looked at getting one of those last year, as they are supposed to be good for people with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I don’t think I actually have SAD, though I do find I tend to be much more fatigued, less enthusiastic, and less inclined to get out of bed as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder.  I’ve always had a horrible time getting out of bed in the morning, and have had to buy alarm clocks with incredibly loud alarms (can you say "air raid siren"?).  I’m at the point where those alarms are getting really annoying to wake up to though, and am looking for something a bit more gentle. Thanks for the info … I’d been wondering how well they actually work. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While this technically is not on-topic, it sort of is.   I’ve mentioned on the list a few times that it’s really difficult for me to get up early to exercise when it’s dark outside.   I found the solution, so I thought I’d post about it for other people who may have the same difficulty. It’s called the Soleil Sun Alarm Clock.   It has a little built in lamp, and if you set it for 6:00 a.m., it will start fading from low to high light, just like sunrise.   It has a little beeper thing that goes off at the time you set the clock for, but believe it or not, you usually wake up before the beeper goes off.   It’s pretty darned cool!!! Here is where I bought mine from (no this isn’t a spam, I don’t sell the things, I just really like mine….) http://www.sadlight.com/ss-soleilsunmain.htm BTW, I know it’s expensive, but if you have a committment to exercising every day and early in the morning is the only time slot open, and if you can’t wake up while it’s dark, then it’s really worth the expenditure….. Live well, — soma 180/17?/135

– KC "Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow."   Plato.

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thanks for the recommendation! might do a couple of my children some good!  :) rosie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While this technically is not on-topic, it sort of is.   I’ve mentioned on the list a few times that it’s really difficult for me to get up early to exercise when it’s dark outside.   I found the solution, so I thought I’d post about it for other people who may have the same difficulty. It’s called the Soleil Sun Alarm Clock.   It has a little built in lamp, and if you set it for 6:00 a.m., it will start fading from low to high light, just like sunrise.   It has a little beeper thing that goes off at the time you set the clock for, but believe it or not, you usually wake up before the beeper goes off.   It’s pretty darned cool!!! Here is where I bought mine from (no this isn’t a spam, I don’t sell the things, I just really like mine….) http://www.sadlight.com/ss-soleilsunmain.htm BTW, I know it’s expensive, but if you have a committment to exercising every day and early in the morning is the only time slot open, and if you can’t wake up while it’s dark, then it’s really worth the expenditure….. Live well, — soma 180/17?/135

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i’ve been looking into getting one of those.  they sell it at brookstone i think or sharper image….it looks really cool. Julie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While this technically is not on-topic, it sort of is.   I’ve mentioned on the list a few times that it’s really difficult for me to get up early to exercise when it’s dark outside.   I found the solution, so I thought I’d post about it for other people who may have the same difficulty. It’s called the Soleil Sun Alarm Clock.   It has a little built in lamp, and if you set it for 6:00 a.m., it will start fading from low to high light, just like sunrise.   It has a little beeper thing that goes off at the time you set the clock for, but believe it or not, you usually wake up before the beeper goes off.   It’s pretty darned cool!!! Here is where I bought mine from (no this isn’t a spam, I don’t sell the things, I just really like mine….) http://www.sadlight.com/ss-soleilsunmain.htm BTW, I know it’s expensive, but if you have a committment to exercising every day and early in the morning is the only time slot open, and if you can’t wake up while it’s dark, then it’s really worth the expenditure….. Live well, — soma 180/17?/135

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I’m one of those people who can’t get out of bed for work, never mind exercise… I have my alarm clock across the room so that when I finally wake up 10 minutes after it started going off, I can switch on the light on my way back.  At least when I do that I don’t hit snooze ten thousand times. Only one thousand times and then I’m so annoyed by the light I get up. This clock sounds like a good idea.  Christmas is coming — Mom? Jennifer in Vancouver Y2K – 100 down; 1900 to go 140/122.5/110 "I’ll make it to the moon if I have to crawl" — Scar Tissue; Red Hot Chili Peppers [seeking Bonnie Sharon Porter] * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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While this technically is not on-topic, it sort of is.   I’ve mentioned on the list a few times that it’s really difficult for me to get up early to exercise when it’s dark outside.   I found the solution, so I thought I’d post about it for other people who may have the same difficulty. It’s called the Soleil Sun Alarm Clock.   It has a little built in lamp, and if you set it for 6:00 a.m., it will start fading from low to high light, just like sunrise.   It has a little beeper thing that goes off at the time you set the clock for, but believe it or not, you usually wake up before the beeper goes off.   It’s pretty darned cool!!! Here is where I bought mine from (no this isn’t a spam, I don’t sell the things, I just really like mine….) http://www.sadlight.com/ss-soleilsunmain.htm BTW, I know it’s expensive, but if you have a committment to exercising every day and early in the morning is the only time slot open, and if you can’t wake up while it’s dark, then it’s really worth the expenditure….. Live well, — soma 180/17?/135

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Question:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Question:

I have never had a problem with trembling, even at the height of panic…Since I started on Zoloft, I am definitly doing better with the panic, but notice I have a slight tremor in my left arm/hand..sometimes I feel as if my legs are shaking too..Is this a possible side effect of Zoloft? Thanks Laura

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Laura, yes zoloft can cause tremors but there is nothing to get worried about it is a possible side effect. If would ease your anxiety talk to your Dr. about it.

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Howdy group.  I was just diagnosed with cervical dystonia last week. While I have had symptoms for YEARS all of the doctors I went to either could find nothing wrong or told me to "relax"! I am so happy to find this news group on here.  A big relief.  I did find a fantastic Neurologist who believed me and understood exactly what I was talking about.  We are currently trying a variety of oral medications to see if we can control it.  Of course as all of you know, with these types of medications come side-effects.  After being on one medication for 2 days, my husband said, "you don’t need to be on that, it will make you crazy." I don’t think my husband is understanding what dystonia is all about quite yet.  I am looking for some encouragement and am hoping to find it here. Thanks for letting me get a little bit off my mind…I hope I can be of help to other people here as well. Connie

Welcome to A.S.D., Connie!!!   We are so happy to meet you!  I am hoping that some of our ‘dystonia spouses’ will respond to your husband and his concerns.  We have found that significant others in our lifes often have a hard time watching us go through this process.  Connie, please know that all of us here at the n/g are more than eager to lend a listening ear, commiserate, and even laugh occasionally!!!  Please keep in touch!! TTYS, MB

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Howdy group.  I was just diagnosed with cervical dystonia last week. While I have had symptoms for YEARS all of the doctors I went to either could find nothing wrong or told me to "relax"! I am so happy to find this news group on here.  A big relief.  I did find a fantastic Neurologist who believed me and understood exactly what I was talking about.  We are currently trying a variety of oral medications to see if we can control it.  Of course as all of you know, with these types of medications come side-effects.  After being on one medication for 2 days, my husband said, "you don’t need to be on that, it will make you crazy." I don’t think my husband is understanding what dystonia is all about quite yet.  I am looking for some encouragement and am hoping to find it here. Thanks for letting me get a little bit off my mind…I hope I can be of help to other people here as well. Connie

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy group.  I was just diagnosed with cervical dystonia last week. While I have had symptoms for YEARS all of the doctors I went to either could find nothing wrong or told me to "relax"! I am so happy to find this news group on here.  A big relief.  I did find a fantastic Neurologist who believed me and understood exactly what I was talking about.  We are currently trying a variety of oral medications to see if we can control it.  Of course as all of you know, with these types of medications come side-effects.  After being on one medication for 2 days, my husband said, "you don’t need to be on that, it will make you crazy." I don’t think my husband is understanding what dystonia is all about quite yet.  I am looking for some encouragement and am hoping to find it here. Thanks for letting me get a little bit off my mind…I hope I can be of help to other people here as well. Connie Welcome to A.S.D., Connie!!! We are so happy to meet you!  I am hoping that some of our ‘dystonia spouses’ will respond to your husband and his concerns.  We have found that significant others in our lifes often have a hard time watching us go through this process.  Connie, please know that all of us here at the n/g are more than eager to lend a listening ear, commiserate, and even laugh occasionally!!!  Please keep in touch!! TTYS, MB

Ok MB…I have been extremely busy the last month, but i have been lurking:)  so seeing this post I had to reply..Lacking the time to form a newsgroup for us sig/others & spouses i have formed an email chain. anyone who wishs to share in our letters please feel free to email me. It is indeed very hard to not be able to "fix " my wife and make everything ok.  We go through life one day at a time and I try to stay with what I am powerful over and accept what I am powerless to change. Not my words…they come from a 12 step group. but it helps me to cope.it also helps to keep up with the newsgroup and share with you all when I can.  It also makes me feel good to see that this group has helped my wife Aimee where I have not been able to, and I thank you all for that…:) John F

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Howdy group.  I was just diagnosed with cervical dystonia last week. While I have had symptoms for YEARS all of the doctors I went to either could find nothing wrong or told me to "relax"!

Hey I too have been there. After seeing approx. 6 specialists in the varies fields of medicine, I was finally diagonised with ST. I am so happy to find this news group on here.  A big relief.  I did find a fantastic Neurologist who believed me and understood exactly what I was talking about.  We are currently trying a variety of oral medications to see if we can control it.  Of course as all of you know, with these types of medications come side-effects.  After being on one medication for 2 days, my husband said, "you don’t need to be on that, it will make you crazy."

I remember those days indeed. Taking  all kinds of oral medications for approx a 4-6 month timespan to see if any worked, unfortunately in my case none did, but that isn’t too say that you will not have positive results. We share a strange disorder indeed. I don’t think my husband is understanding what dystonia is all about quite yet.  I am looking for some encouragement and am hoping to find it here.

My wife/family/friends also did not, in fact I didn’t, but we all know alot more now : ) Thanks for letting me get a little bit off my mind…I hope I can be of help to other people here as well.

I am sure you will and am happy too meet you. There is an chatline where many people with Dystonia meet every Wednesday night at 9:00pm EST in the channel named #sd. The chatline program is mIRC. If you don’t have it but would like to know where/how to get it, just say so and all the information will be sent too you here. God bless Mark

Response:

The basal ganglia may be like a computer which, if you have dystonia, malfunctions.

Are you trying to tell us that not only do we have dystonia but our brains are running Windows ‘95?! <g (err… nobody from MicroSoft is on here, are they…?) Cathy. —  (—-)                                                     (—-)   "  "         http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~collisoc          "  "

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Howdy group.  I was just diagnosed with cervical dystonia last week. While I have had symptoms for YEARS all of the doctors I went to either could find nothing wrong or told me to "relax"! I am so happy to find this news group on here.  A big relief.  I did find a fantastic Neurologist who believed me and understood exactly what I was talking about.  We are currently trying a variety of oral medications to see if we can control it.  Of course as all of you know, with these types of medications come side-effects. on’t think my husband is understanding what dystonia is all about quite yet.

Dystonia is a disorder of movement.  It is frequently misunderstood  by the public and misdiagnosed by the medical profession because  of its complexity.  It is a syndrome of sustained muscle contractions frequently causing twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal  postures.  The cause of these abnormal postures is thought to be  problems in the area of the brain known as the basal ganglia.  Messages to initiate the correct muscle contractions required for specific movements are thought to original in this region.   The basal ganglia may be like a computer which, if you have dystonia, malfunctions. There are no laboratory tests which can confirm the diagnosis of dystonia.  The diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical neurological history and examination. Thanks for letting me get a little bit off my mind…I hope I can be of help to other people here as well. Connie

Gene

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A small correction using the computer industry lingo is that our "Operating System" has a small bug that causes intermittent failures of the computer itself.  Consequently, a number of highly paid researchers (Systems Analysts) are attempting to debug the system but so far have not been successful.  We may need to hire more competent personnel. Larry Barlar

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Are you trying to tell us that not only do we have dystonia but our brains are running Windows ‘95?! <g That’s a 32 bit application MB

Hey Larry!  You catch that?!  The gal’s getting smart on us! <g Cathy. —  (—-)                                                     (—-)   "  "         http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~collisoc          "  "

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I am so happy to find this place on the internet–I was diagnosed with dystonia in the upper extremities and essential tremor of the head 2 years ago. It has been a struggle to finally get a diagnosis and even more of a struggle to find out more about it. Thank goodness I stumbled upon this newsgroup. I would like to exchange e-mail with anyone who feels inspired to write and share their experiences with me — I have felt so all alone through all of this. Barbara Zalesny

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The basal ganglia may be like a computer which, if you have dystonia, malfunctions. Are you trying to tell us that not only do we have dystonia but our brains are running Windows ‘95?! <g (err… nobody from MicroSoft is on here, are they…?) Cathy.

That’s a 32 bit application MB

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