Question:

I have suffered with severe sinus infections for the last ten years. When I wake with a headache, I dread getting out of bed.  You are at tmes totally incapacitated with these.  Nothing ever helped.  Even antibiotics did not do the job at this point.  I read an article in a magazine about the benefits of drinking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in an 8 oz. glass of water each day.  I did more research on this and found that it is supposed to be very beneficial.  Knock on wood, since I started this regimen about 6 weeks ago, I have not had a serious sinus headache.  If I wake with the sinus stuffiness and drainage, the apple cider vinegar and water quickly relieve the condition.  Good luck to all who have this problem.  

Response:

How odd… i heard two tablespoons of warm apple cider vinegar was good for the arthristis…  wonder what else it is good for except maybe salad dressing?! -pam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have suffered with severe sinus infections for the last ten years. When I wake with a headache, I dread getting out of bed.  You are at tmes totally incapacitated with these.  Nothing ever helped.  Even antibiotics did not do the job at this point.  I read an article in a magazine about the benefits of drinking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in an 8 oz. glass of water each day.  I did more research on this and found that it is supposed to be very beneficial.  Knock on wood, since I started this regimen about 6 weeks ago, I have not had a serious sinus headache.  If I wake with the sinus stuffiness and drainage, the apple cider vinegar and water quickly relieve the condition.  Good luck to all who have this problem.  

Response:

Hi Pam and everyone else: Finally got the strength to go back to a doctor only a kinder one this time and she gave me a five day treatment of Zithromax. It, along with a good OTC saline solution and Nasalcrom is working wonders for me, but I might get some more antibiotics because five days may not be enough to completely cure it. Also thinking of going to allergist to solve the flare ups once and for all,:) Happy Holidays to all:) Coral. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About a week ago, I started noticing: I had a pain going across my forehead and between my eyes, felt like my face was hurting me, My nose was stuffier than usual, (I always have a stuffy nose) Coughing up thick brown phlem. Post nasal drip Feeling constantly dizzy all day long, has lasted about 3 days now. Constantly running to the bathroom to spit up phlem. Ears and hearing are annoying me. I went to a doctor a few days ago, and had Is this a Sinus Infection? This is what I had starting Dec1st.  Coughing earaches sore throat and sore chest.  Primary doctor put me on 6 days of antibiotics for 6 days.  A week later came back and went to allergist and he gave me a shot of cortisone and another double round of antibiotics and I am fine.  This is your difference where the primary doctor does not have time for all the patients.  A specialist will go a step further and cover all the bases.  I did have blaring of vision and dizziness.  See an allergist.  You woun’t be sorry. chest X ray Spirometry test EKG blood test. all were good and the doctor delcared me healthy, BUT he didnt check my nose for imflammation or give me a sinus Xray, my question is, could I have a sinus infection, is feeling dizzy a possible symptom with Sinus infectioned. — Re:  Serevent and Flovent.  My biggest problem is not being permitted to Before you buy.

Response:

Finally got the strength to go back to a doctor only a kinder one this time and she gave me a five day treatment of Zithromax but I might get some more antibiotics because five days may not be enough to completely cure it.

Zythromax is different than most antibioyics and 5 days is like taking 10 days of them.  If I understand correctly, it keeps working for days after you stop it.

Response:

I thank you very large. reble

me too Ellis…this has really helped over the last couple of days…thanks eric "the alternative to seeing things in black and white is to see them in full colour"

Response:

Hi Pam and everyone else: Finally got the strength to go back to a doctor only a kinder one this time and she gave me a five day treatment of Zithromax. It, along with a good OTC saline solution and Nasalcrom is working wonders for me, but I might get some more antibiotics because five days may not be enough to completely cure it. Also thinking of going to allergist to solve the flare ups once and

for Sinus Infections in the winter are caused from being in the house where the air is too dry.  We are going to kick up our humidifier on the furnace and hope that will help.  Also using ocean spray in the nostrils should help.  I am finnally at the point that I am not coughing after three weeks and the visit to the allergist.  I still have a lot of days to finish on the antibiotics but I am finally starting to feel good.  However, I do find that the 24 hr Clairitn-d keeps me from sleeping so I am going to take the 12 hr.  Hope everyone else gets better.  I think I will also use the nasal chrome.  And hopefully all my problems will disappear for good. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – all,:) Happy Holidays to all:) Coral. About a week ago, I started noticing: I had a pain going across my forehead and between my eyes, felt like my face was hurting me, My nose was stuffier than usual, (I always have a stuffy nose) Coughing up thick brown phlem. Post nasal drip Feeling constantly dizzy all day long, has lasted about 3 days now. Constantly running to the bathroom to spit up phlem. Ears and hearing are annoying me. I went to a doctor a few days ago, and had Is this a Sinus Infection? This is what I had starting Dec1st.  Coughing earaches sore throat and sore chest.  Primary doctor put me on 6 days of antibiotics for 6 days.  A week later came back and went to allergist and he gave me a shot of cortisone and another double round of antibiotics and I am fine.  This is your difference where the primary doctor does not have time for all the patients.  A specialist will go a step further and cover all the bases.  I did have blaring of vision and dizziness.  See an allergist.  You woun’t be sorry. chest X ray Spirometry test EKG blood test. all were good and the doctor delcared me healthy, BUT he didnt check my nose for imflammation or give me a sinus Xray, my question is, could I have a sinus infection, is feeling dizzy a possible symptom with Sinus infectioned. — Re:  Serevent and Flovent.  My biggest problem is not being permitted to Before you buy.

– Re:  Serevent and Flovent.  My biggest problem is not being permitted to Before you buy.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About a week ago, I started noticing: I had a pain going across my forehead and between my eyes,  felt like my face was hurting me, My nose was stuffier than usual, (I always have a stuffy nose) Coughing up thick brown phlem. Post nasal drip Feeling constantly dizzy all day long, has lasted about 3 days now. Constantly running to the bathroom to spit up phlem. Ears and hearing are annoying me. —cut—-  The first thing to try for rhinitis is Nasalcrom (cromolyn) nasal spray, now OTC. It has virtually no side effects. I also recommend saline washes; the simple way is mix some warm salt water, inhale from palm of hand. Ellis — How much saline solution are you talking about? Is this essentially the same a using a saline nasal spary such as "Ocean" available OTC? reble OTC saline solution could be used, but it’s expensive. You could take a half a cup of warm water, sprinkle in some salt; pour into palm of one hand and inhale with one nostril, tip head back so it starts to run down throat, cough and spit out. Repeat on the other side, as is necessary to clear the mucus. If there is not enough or too much salt, there will be a burning sensation. Here’s a link with a recipe: http://www.aos-jax.com/nasal.htm Excerpt: "What is nasal irrigation? This is a procedure in which the nasal cavity is washed with a soothing solution. It can be done by using a bulb syringe or an electric dental device (such as Water Pik). Why would I need to do nasal irrigation? People with upper airway problems may have dry nasal membranes. Also, the mucous secretion is thick and the hairs are not able to move the mucus out. In some people, the mucus dries and forms crusts that interfere with sinus drainage. Crusting and poor drainage also causes headaches, infection, and bad odors. By using nose drops and nasal irrigation, this problem can be relieved and comfort restored. Irrigation with a Bulb Syringe or an Electric Dental Device Equipment needed: Bulb syringe or electric dental device (Water Pik) Irrigation tips (if using Water Pik) Saline solution: One gallon of boiled or distilled water 4 teaspoons of sea salt or canning salt 1 teaspoon of Arm & Hammer baking soda Solution may be warmed prior to irrigation. Always use caution if warming solution to avoid excessive heating. Have a thermometer handy to measure the temperature. Temperature should be 103

Question:

I remember day 5 thru 10 to be the worst. day 15 (sweating profusely, brain shocks,couldn’t eat, or drink coffee, drank huge amounts of water) , it was had  already tapered down. Day 30 I had brain shocks maybe once every 2-3 days, but other than that I was pretty normal Week 8 I was completely back to normal. BTW, if you sample a fair amount of posts, you’ll find that they are all in their first 2 weeks of withdrawal. After that not many people post anymore. That is an encouraging sign.

Response:

Uther, I hate to be harsh, but ultimately, it just doesn’t matter.

amen.  sux, tha truth. Take your new medicine and continue the taper.  It will end when it ends.  Sorry, but that’s it.

i hate bottom lines !  and unfortunately , Gary’s right.. you can’t rush a detox from that crap.

Response:

I’ll keep telling my brain shocks they don’t matter and maybe they’ll get bored and go bother someone else

thanks a HEAP !  i gottem now.. oh holy.. i just read the rest of yer post, Uther.. i don’t think there’s any addictive pharmacological properties in Effexor, unless it’s that red dye. probly more mental. want some REAL withdrawals?  eat xanax for a few and cold turkey THAT… you will commune with your life, as flashed before your eyes…. 24/7, i promise you.   ~tanya

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll keep telling my brain shocks they don’t matter and maybe they’ll get bored and go bother someone else thanks a HEAP !  i gottem now.. oh holy.. i just read the rest of yer post, Uther.. i don’t think there’s any addictive pharmacological properties in Effexor, unless it’s that red dye. probly more mental. want some REAL withdrawals?  eat xanax for a few and cold turkey THAT… you will commune with your life, as flashed before your eyes…. 24/7, i promise you.   ~tanya

Unfortunately Effexor is associated with withdrawal problems that can be just as bad as Xanax withdrawal. A way to get around it is switch to Prozac and then taper off of Prozac which is much easier to stop. Philip

Response:

The worst withdrawal I ever had was from quitting good old fashioned coffee cold turkey. I was in my 20’s and lived in a very rural area, was doing a pot of coffee a day. Big snowstorm showed up, out of coffee, no way to get to town to get my fix. Horrible headaches for 3 days, stomach cramps etc. I gave up coffee for awhile after that, went back to it, later decided to cut down, tapered slowly, no withdrawal. Now I do 1 mug of black coffee each morning, forgot it one morning and didn’t notice. I tapered xanax last summer, cut down by .25 mg every 3 days, no withdrawal, stopped it for nearly a month, then some serious shit happened in my life, a family member phoned screaming at me at 2 am  and I ran for the xanax bottle. Xanax not only keeps me sane, it keeps some people who have to be around me sane too. I don’t recommend quitting cold turkey for any substance. Withdrawals are hell. —-’Course – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – want some REAL withdrawals? eat xanax for a few and cold turkey THAT… you will commune with your life, as flashed before your eyes…. 24/7, i promise you. ~tanya —

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll keep telling my brain shocks they don’t matter and maybe they’ll get bored and go bother someone else thanks a HEAP !  i gottem now.. oh holy.. i just read the rest of yer post, Uther.. i don’t think there’s any addictive pharmacological properties in Effexor, unless it’s that red dye. probly more mental. want some REAL withdrawals?  eat xanax for a few and cold turkey THAT… you will commune with your life, as flashed before your eyes…. 24/7, i promise you.   ~tanya Unfortunately Effexor is associated with withdrawal problems that can be just as bad as Xanax withdrawal. A way to get around it is switch to Prozac and then taper off of Prozac which is much easier to stop. Philip

I found withdrawing from Effexor extraordinarily difficult but necessary. Fortunately I had Xanax to help and the knowledge that I was starting a new AD. Despite the problems withdrawing, Effexor worked well for me for 5 years. Meryl

Response:

I found withdrawing from Effexor extraordinarily difficult but necessary. Fortunately I had Xanax to help and the knowledge that I was starting a new AD. Despite the problems withdrawing, Effexor worked well for me for 5 years. Meryl

Hi Meryl, how come you had to quit after 5 years?  I found it tough enough after 4 weeks Uthur

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I found withdrawing from Effexor extraordinarily difficult but necessary. Fortunately I had Xanax to help and the knowledge that I was starting a new AD. Despite the problems withdrawing, Effexor worked well for me for 5 years. Meryl Hi Meryl, how come you had to quit after 5 years?  I found it tough enough after 4 weeks Uthur

I developed adverse side effects. The worrying one was high blood pressure so I had to switch ADs. It was also pooping out as an antidepressant. I had climbed to 300 mg over the years but my depression was not controlled by the end. Meryl

Response:

Uther, I hate to be harsh, but ultimately, it just doesn’t matter.  Take your new medicine and continue the taper.  It will end when it ends.  Sorry, but that’s it. Gary

Thanks Gary, your philosophical approach is refreshing.  I’ll keep telling my brain shocks they don’t matter and maybe they’ll get bored and go bother someone else Uthur – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy friends, I’m currently going through the less than enjoyable process of coming off this strange old drug.  Here’s my situation: I was on 75mg Effexor XL a day for 4 weeks in total. I went from that to 37.5mg for 14 days. Then I went to 37.5mg every second day for about 10 days. 3 days ago I took my last dose. I felt pretty bad last night and again today.  My questions are these – when do you think the withdrawal will peak, and how long before it is completely gone?  I came off Celexa a year ago a bit too abruptly and had withdrawal for 10 weeks – I hope I won’t go through that again! All opinions are welcome.  Thanks. Uthur

Response:

Uther, I hate to be harsh, but ultimately, it just doesn’t matter.  Take your new medicine and continue the taper.  It will end when it ends.  Sorry, but that’s it. Gary

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy friends, I’m currently going through the less than enjoyable process of coming off this strange old drug.  Here’s my situation: I was on 75mg Effexor XL a day for 4 weeks in total. I went from that to 37.5mg for 14 days. Then I went to 37.5mg every second day for about 10 days. 3 days ago I took my last dose. I felt pretty bad last night and again today.  My questions are these – when do you think the withdrawal will peak, and how long before it is completely gone?  I came off Celexa a year ago a bit too abruptly and had withdrawal for 10 weeks – I hope I won’t go through that again! All opinions are welcome.  Thanks. Uthur

Response:

Howdy friends, I’m currently going through the less than enjoyable process of coming off this strange old drug.  Here’s my situation: I was on 75mg Effexor XL a day for 4 weeks in total. I went from that to 37.5mg for 14 days. Then I went to 37.5mg every second day for about 10 days. 3 days ago I took my last dose. I felt pretty bad last night and again today.  My questions are these – when do you think the withdrawal will peak, and how long before it is completely gone?  I came off Celexa a year ago a bit too abruptly and had withdrawal for 10 weeks – I hope I won’t go through that again! All opinions are welcome.  Thanks. Uthur

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor) Try Wellbutrin. It causes a larger output of…er…you know. The intensity  will make you forget about hair loss. Do a google search on ASD-med  using words hair and Wellbutrin. Posters have repeatedly reported hair loss,  and or courser hair from WB. .

My hair is growing faster. I think everything is being produced faster. I just started Rispardol and it put a slight damper on everythiung feelings-wise. (.5 mg)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor) Try Wellbutrin. It causes a larger output of…er…you know. The intensity  will make you forget about hair loss.

Do a google search on ASD-med  using words hair and Wellbutrin. Posters have repeatedly reported hair loss,  and or courser hair from WB. .

Response:

I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs:

LOL. Don’t worry about the hairloss. I’ve never heard of SSRIs causing hairloss. Of the ones you listed I would pick fluoxetine because (I’m assuming you’re in the U.S.), it’s the cheapest – you can get generic fluoxetine now because Eli Lilly’s patent has run out. None of them are necessarily better than any other, but they have slightly different side-effect profiles. Zoloft was very friendly side-effects wise for me, so you may want to consider that. However because it has a short half-life, you may get withdrawals (I did). I don’t think anyone has got withdrawals from fluoxetine because of its very long half life. I would leave Effexor as a second option if the SSRI stops working, or doesn’t work at all. It has very bad withdrawals from what I’ve read. And it seems it’s extremely expensive over there (correct me if I’m wrong). — Regards, .

Response:

stimulants like wellbutrin will only make it worse in the long run and wellbutrin is even more likely to give you tardive dyskinesia than the ssris’s – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor) Try Wellbutrin. It causes a larger output of…er…you know. The intensity  will make you forget about hair loss.

– Steroids caused my depression, infertility, breast development and shrunken testicles …prednisone should be used conservatively Eric

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Try Wellbutrin. It causes a larger output of…er…you know. The intensity  will make you forget about hair loss.

Response:

Why not try mirtazapine? I can’t believe how fast my hair has been growing since i started it. My barber has even commented on it.

Response:

Sorry, too depressed to care about hair loss. — Teilhard Knight The Extraterrestrial Who ate my sandwich? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Shave your head. It’s the *in* thing to do anyway. Lots of girls are liking the "Mr. Clean" look nowadays.

Response:

I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 3. Sertraline (Zoloft)

No 4. Paroxetine (Paxil)

No 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor)

No Don’t know about the others (yet) Monkeyboy ***risk all, go extreme***

Response:

I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Response:

Question:

Hello everyone, I have severe generalized social phobia and I’m 20 years old. Currently, I’m on Zoloft to help with depression. However, it does not do much for my anxiety. I recently started to consider adding a Benzodiazepine like Klonopin (clonazepam) to help with my anxiety. I mentioned this to my physician and he freaked out. He said it is prescribed on a short-term basis to individuals who do not have generalized anxiety. My physician referred me to a psychiatrist… and I’m probably going to make an appointment tomorrow. My problem is this: My physician kind of made me feel like a drug addict or something. I don’t want the same thing to happen with the psychiatrist. Do most doctors feel this way about Benzodiazepines? Is it a good idea to pursue this? I know therapy is an important factor, and I have been through CBT. Obliviously it didn’t work very well. Right now, I can’t afford therapy on a regular basis. -William

Response:

William wrote:

Hello everyone, I have severe generalized social phobia and I’m 20 years old. Currently, I’m on Zoloft to help with depression. However, it does not do much for my anxiety. I recently started to consider adding a Benzodiazepine like Klonopin (clonazepam) to help with my anxiety. I mentioned this to my physician and he freaked out. He said it is prescribed on a short-term basis to individuals who do not have generalized anxiety.

Yeah it’s used for Epilepsy mainly. But of course it also has a use in treating anxiety. As does xanax which you should also look at. And a whole lot of other drugs as well.

My physician referred me to a psychiatrist… and I’m probably going to make an appointment tomorrow. My problem is this: My physician kind of made me feel like a drug addict or something. I don’t want the same thing to happen with the psychiatrist.

Your not a drug addict for requesting a drug that you believe will relieve your anxiety. Are cancer patients drug addicts when they get chemotherapy on the odd chance it might save their life? Are diabetics drug addicts because they stick a needle in their bodies all the time? Do you know how many billions of dollars could be saved if social anxiety was eliminated from the population? Not to mention how many people would be better off. Do most doctors feel this way

about Benzodiazepines? Is it a good idea to pursue this?

It depends on their training and knowledge of your past history. If you had a history of drug dependence or alchohol abuse almost no doctor would provide you with benzo’s. If you don’t then again it depends on their training and most Pychiatrists are better trained in the use of these drugs than Doctors. IMHO it is a good idea for you to pursue any therapy that is safe for you, as long as it helps you. That includes drug therapies as well as others.

I know therapy is an important factor, and I have been through CBT. Obliviously it didn’t work very well. Right now, I can’t afford therapy on a regular basis.

Yeah it can be so expensive. Richard — Registered Lunatic #100347

Response:

On 5 Feb 2002 23:53:33 -0800, willhk…@earthlink.net (William) wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hello everyone, I have severe generalized social phobia and I’m 20 years old. Currently, I’m on Zoloft to help with depression. However, it does not do much for my anxiety. I recently started to consider adding a Benzodiazepine like Klonopin (clonazepam) to help with my anxiety. I mentioned this to my physician and he freaked out. He said it is prescribed on a short-term basis to individuals who do not have generalized anxiety. My physician referred me to a psychiatrist… and I’m probably going to make an appointment tomorrow. My problem is this: My physician kind of made me feel like a drug addict or something. I don’t want the same thing to happen with the psychiatrist. Do most doctors feel this way about Benzodiazepines? Is it a good idea to pursue this? I know therapy is an important factor, and I have been through CBT. Obliviously it didn’t work very well. Right now, I can’t afford therapy on a regular basis. -William

Hi William, Is Zoloft the only anti depressant you’ve tried?  I know this doesn’t seem logical, but different brands of ssri anti depressants don’t always have the same effect on people.  If Zoloft isn’t working for your anxiety, you could try Paxil or Celexa.  Just a thought.  BTW, what is your current Zoloft dose? Whether you have or haven’t tried other ssri meds, and at a workable dosage level, adding a benzodiazepine is still a common practice.  I base this comment on my own experience, my previous doctor’s revelations, postings to this group and research.  (My new family doctor, a result of moving to a different state in the U.S., reacted similarly to your MD when I told him what meds I took.  A shrink I subsequently saw did not have a problem and I was given a green light to continue my med regimen.) The big deal with benzos is that they are considered addictive and fall into the controlled substances category, although at the bottom of the list.  Apparently they can be difficult to come off of, if you ever decide to take one, then quit  There is also a concern that users will require increasingly larger doses to attain the same calming effect.  I can’t comment re. any difficulties in quitting a benzo because I’ve never done that.  I can say, though, that once I reached an effective dose level of Xanax several years ago, I have NEVER felt the need to take more to achieve the same anxiety relief.  There is also, at least in my case, no euphoric or high feeling associated with taking a benzo (Valium could be an exception because some people do get a buzz from it.)  If you were to compare the potential addictiveness of benzos with, say, alcohol abuse, it’s like day and night.  Benzos help me and others to function and sometimes lead at least a semblance of a normal life.  In spite of their supposed addictiveness, I can drive, I can work, I can talk to people, and look and feel pretty much ok (well as ok as an sp’ic can be anyway).  OTOH, alcohol abuse ALWAYS involves drinking greater quantities over time to reach the desired effect.  And the side effects can be horrific. Drunks can’t effectively handle even simple tasks and their thinking and judgment are clouded to say the least.  You hear about drunk drivers killing people on the highways all the time, yet this drug is an over the counter purchase.  So far I haven’t read or heard anything about someone killing others or himself as a result of taking benzos. Of the benzos, Klonopin is probably the most subtle in its action.  It has a calming effect, but not the "right now" relief you get within an hour or so of taking something like Xanax.  Klonopin also has a relatively long half life, meaning it stays with you for several hours versus a med like Xanax which begins to poop out after anywhere from 3 hours and up.  Here’s an interesting aside too.  Klonopin was developed to control seizures in people.  A normal daily intake, when taken for seizures,  is somewhere around 10 mg give or take.  However, some people need as much as 20 mg to control their seizures.  When used for anxiety, Klonopin doses range from 1 to 4 mg daily.  Some people undoubtedly take a couple of more mg, but you won’t find anyone even near the dose level needed to control seizures. Here’s the bottom line.  It’s your life.  Anxiety is messing it up. Zoloft, and maybe other ssri anti depressants, plus CBT have not helped.  That pretty much leaves maoi’s and benzos as the remaining choices in the prescription med category.  Maoi’s are considered the last choice because they have a lot of restrictions, particularly as relates to what you can safely eat, and significant side effects. Asking for a benzo such as Klonopin is a reasonable request to try to gain some degree of normalcy with your life.  Ask your family doctor which is preferable:  living in anxiety hell forever or taking a benzo to get some relief.   If you don’t get the answer you want, there are other doctors.  And yes, I know how hard it is to see a new doctor and discuss your anxiety disorder, but it could come to that. If you see the psychiatrist, there’s a good probability you’ll get an ok to try Klonopin.  S/he’ll probably want to see you periodically to see if you’re getting relief and to evaluate if dosage should be changed.  Your starting dose might be 1, maybe 2 mg per day, taken in equal amounts spread out over your waking hours.  If that doesn’t cut it, you can always request a higher dose, also to be split up evenly over each day.  One last comment about Klonopin. I didn’t realize this until I started taking it, but unlike Xanax, you don’t gain its full benefit until after you’ve been on it for a week or so.  In spite of this lag, you’ll still probably notice a calming effect the first day of use. You might want to do some research on the web or elsewhere for Klonopin and anxiety so you’ll be somewhat knowledgeable about it when you see the shrink.  Good luck. Doug

Response:

Thanks Doug and Richard for your advice… I feel much better about the whole thing now.

Is Zoloft the only anti depressant you’ve tried?

Actually, I’ve been on Paxil as well. At one point I was on 100mg of Zoloft, but I started to get side-effects with that dosage. I could try other SSRI’s. I’m aware that this could take anywhere up to a couple of months to notice a difference. In my situation, I don’t really have the luxury of time to experiment with all the SSRI’s out there.

If you see the psychiatrist, there’s a good probability you’ll get an ok to try Klonopin.

I made an appointment with a psychiatrist this morning. It’s on Friday. This is the psychiatrist that my physician referred me to. Do you think that my physician can interfere in my choice of medication? Or do you think it’s a better idea to get a psychiatrist who is not connected to my doctor? Thanks, -William

Response:

William, On 6 Feb 2002 12:11:53 -0800, willhk…@earthlink.net (William) wrote:

Thanks Doug and Richard for your advice… I feel much better about the whole thing now. Is Zoloft the only anti depressant you’ve tried? Actually, I’ve been on Paxil as well. At one point I was on 100mg of Zoloft, but I started to get side-effects with that dosage. I could try other SSRI’s. I’m aware that this could take anywhere up to a couple of months to notice a difference. In my situation, I don’t really have the luxury of time to experiment with all the SSRI’s out there.

OK.

If you see the psychiatrist, there’s a good probability you’ll get an ok to try Klonopin. I made an appointment with a psychiatrist this morning. It’s on Friday. This is the psychiatrist that my physician referred me to. Do you think that my physician can interfere in my choice of medication? Or do you think it’s a better idea to get a psychiatrist who is not connected to my doctor?

I saw the psychiatrist that my new family doctor recommended and he okayed my drugs.  Had the shrink said no, I would have sought out another psychiatrist and another till I got what I wanted.  In my case I’ve been taking Xanax for over 15 years so it’s not like I have no experience with it or don’t know about its negatives. If you believe your family MD has your best interests at heart, there’s no harm in seeing whoever he recommends.  I’m inclined to think he’s passing the buck due more to a lack of knowledge than because he’s dead set against your taking Klonopin.  I mean he could have just said no and let that be the end of it, not even recommending that you see a shrink.  One other thing to consider is that the psychiatrist is going to have a lot more familiarity with your illness and meds that can help you than your MD does. Doug – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Thanks, -William

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)

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

Question:

Have your blood pressure checked

Had it checked a few weeks ago.  It was fine.  If anything, it is too low. I’m dealing with the VA!!  Jerks that they are, just got off the phone with a VA pharmacist who told me that "perhaps I was coming down with the flu."  Doc is not in, and nobody seems to know when he WILL be in. <sigh

Luanne

Response:

LuanneP <luan…@aol.comet

wrote: Have your blood pressure checked Had it checked a few weeks ago.  It was fine.  If anything, it is too low.

If it’s a bit on the low side, than it could be orthostatic hypotension. Have it myself as long as I can remember – it’s causing dizzyness after a (rapid) change of position. I experienced  a total _different_ kind of dizzyness due to effexor: it’s like all my limbs and my head are way ahead of me all the time – I can _see_ where my arms and legs are, but I sense them way behind, and it takes a while for the visual and sensoreous input to  catch up.  That leads to a very intruiging kind of drowsiness when I move my head – interesting experience, but I’m glad it’s over now! dagdag, sterre — .nosig

Response:

Luanne, I am on Serzone and I have had slight dizziness recently.  I dont know if its the chemical, but there are other reasons for dizziness.  One is that there is a bug going round at the moment that causes dizziness.  There are other things, like ear infections, low blood sugar, stress etc. best wishes estelle.

Response:

Maybe somebody can help me with this.  I am on 300 mg. Effexor daily, along with 1.5 mgs and 25 mgs desyrel at night (for sleep.)  I have been on this ‘current cocktail’ for three years now.  Just recently, I started to experience extreme dizziness if, for instance, I bend over to pick up something, and stand up again.  Usually happens in the early part of the day, and kind of scary… Does this happen to anyone here, and why, after three years would I start to experience this side effect now?  This morning, I almost fell over, I got so dizzy after picking up some change I dropped on the floor. Sincerely, Luanne

Response:

You’re safest thing to do is to call and speak with your doctor as soon as you can.  It may be something as simple as your body changing as you get older and requiring an adjustment in the medication.

 Thanks, Wall, That’s what I was going to do….call my doc on Monday.  Thing is, I’ve been sneezing all day, so maybe getting a headcold so that would explain the dizziness too.   Now y’all know a Dizzy Blonde! <g

Luanne

Response:

luan…@aol.comet (LuanneP) wrote:

Maybe somebody can help me with this.  I am on 300 mg. Effexor daily, along with 1.5 mgs and 25 mgs desyrel at night (for sleep.)  I have been on this ‘current cocktail’ for three years now.  Just recently, I started to experience extreme dizziness if, for instance, I bend over to pick up something, and stand up again.  Usually happens in the early part of the day, and kind of scary…

Have your blood pressure checked.  One of the possible side effects of Effexor is elevated blood pressure.  While I was on it, I was also taking two blood pressure medications, and still found myself in the ER a few times with blood pressure of 230/150.  It wasn’t pretty.  Now that I’m on Wellbutrin, I only have to take one medication for blood pressure, and it’s under perfect control.  Just one possibility … ask your doctor about the blood pressure thing, though. (BTW, symptoms of blood pressure problems (for me) included:  dizziness, pounding in the head, and I could feel the blood throbbing through my carotid artery (the big ones in the front corners of the neck) and in my chest.) Hope you find whatever is wrong and get it straightened out. Carol ********* The Mercurial Mind ********* The Wonderful World of Bipolar Disorder http://members.xoom.com/merc_mind/

Response:

Question:

Here in Canada you can only get Wellbutrin in the 150 mg SR format. Period. I had a bad experience once with just half of a 37mg Effexor dose and I do not want to take a whole dose of Wellbutrin, SR or not. So if you break a 150 SR pill into quarters do you get the equivalent of 37.5mg of non SR Wellbutrin? I take it if you break the coating on the pill it is no longer "SR", but is it the same stuff as regular Wellbutrin? Does anyone know if Zyban is sustained release?

Response:

Just FYI….I was breaking in half a time released "beta blocker" (for migraines).  My blood pressure was dropping so I thought I would break it in half to lower the dose. I ended up with a horrid migraine and my doctor told me it was because it was a sustatined release and breaking them in half destroys the ability for it to disperse slowly. Stewart (Metaphor)….does this sound correct to you.  It kind of made sense to me. Nik "So it’s Rorschach and Prozac and everything is groovy"  Nick Cave, Murder Ballads  Home Page – http://members.aol.com/niknik7/main.html

Response:

I’ve made many a happy fish myself  (haate rats…ugh)with Morphine wastes, Demerol, etc…

Make me happy, mail them my way. I am Protector of the Fishies, Bev’s Narcotics Disposal Service, a service with a smile. nod, nod, nod — bev . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://members.tripod.com/~Veb

Response:

Hi there, Tony….the claritin in and of itself most likely is not the cause of your symptoms….however, the "D" (ie. decongestant) may be…..allergists tend not to perscribe claritin D for routine needs, usualyy only the claritin part…..the decongestant is pseudoephidrine, or one of it’s cousins, which can make you nervous, edgy, wakeful….

Response:

wasn’t referring to claritin in terms of SR drugs….just quirky effects certain meds may or may not have on individuals….that’s all!

Response:

I’ve made many a happy fish myself  (haate rats…ugh)with Morphine wastes, Demerol, etc…

Response:

: don’t know about the Zyban, although I think "in general" it comes in a : smaller dosage……also. while you may have a strong reaction to one med, : the same might not be true with others….some people get TIRED from : tylenol…I take one Benedryl and sleep for 2 days….I get tired on Paxil : and Claritin, both supposedly not drugs which have that effect on most : people…Wellbutrin is in a totally different class than other : AD’s….however, if reaction is "allergic" in nature, discuss w your doc : your concerns….caution is good, but don’t let fear hold you back…. Claritin itself is not a time release drug, it just has a very long half-life which makes once daily dosing feasible.  Claritin-D, however, has in addition 240mg of sudafed which *is* time-release over 24 hours. Caution should be used with breaking Wellbutrin-SR because if you read the literature, you’ll find a single dose which is too high greatly increases the risk of a seizure.  No one really knows how the time release is affected by breaking the tablets, so the prudent thing is to not do it.

Response:

don’t know about the Zyban, although I think "in general" it comes in a smaller dosage……also. while you may have a strong reaction to one med, the same might not be true with others….some people get TIRED from tylenol…I take one Benedryl and sleep for 2 days….I get tired on Paxil and Claritin, both supposedly not drugs which have that effect on most people…Wellbutrin is in a totally different class than other AD’s….however, if reaction is "allergic" in nature, discuss w your doc your concerns….caution is good, but don’t let fear hold you back….

Response:

never break or crush any SR med…wellbutrin or any other….the properties that make it sustained release/long acting, don’t work then, and you can’t "regulate" the med you get…may actually OVERdose yourself that way…real;ly

Response:

Uh…I have worked in nursing homes for the past 6 years.  Here in Washington state nearly all nursing homes use cards with 30 day supply of a specific med for a specific patient.  The meds are prepackaged in little blister packs at the dosage ordered.  It is true that occasionally we have to cut meds in half when the pharmacy delivery is delayed.  But when meds arrive the pills are already cut (if needed) by the pharmacy. But never do we cut meds in half and give one patient one half and another patient the other half.   When we do cut a tablet in half, the other half goes in the garbage.  Yes the patient gets charged for the entire tablet.  But fortunately we don’t have to do it too often. My pet peeve though is narcotics.  Once delivered…. they will not allow it to be returned for a refund.    All other prescriptions are allowed to be returned.  So…. us nurses have to flush many many narcotics every few days.  I remember having to flush about 500 tablets of various narcotics from mscontin to darvocets.   Betcha the rats were happy in the sewers. — Cindy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here in Canada you can only get Wellbutrin in the 150 mg SR format. Period. I had a bad experience once with just half of a 37mg Effexor dose and I do not want to take a whole dose of Wellbutrin, SR or not. So if you break a 150 SR pill into quarters do you get the equivalent of 37.5mg of non SR Wellbutrin? I take it if you break the coating on the pill it is no longer "SR", but is it the same stuff as regular Wellbutrin? Does anyone know if Zyban is sustained release? Zyban is exactly the same as Wellbutrin SR.  Studies were done during the development of Wellbutrin SR to determine the release profile of broken tablets (an interesting side bar, many nursing homes routinely cut pills in half giving one half to one resident and the other half to another but charge each resident for an entire pill).  At any rate, what was determined was that: a)it is difficult to accurately divide a Wellbutrin SR dose in half by cutting tablets (trying to quarter a dose would probably leave you with a squashed tablet) b) the sustained release quality was lost but the dissolution profile wasn’t similar to Wellbutrin IR (instant release), it was sort of Wellbutrin MR (modified release). Keeping in mind that the SR formulation was developed to reduce the incidence of siezures, I would not recommend "futzing" with chopping up Wellbutrin SR tablets at all.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here in Canada you can only get Wellbutrin in the 150 mg SR format. Period. I had a bad experience once with just half of a 37mg Effexor dose and I do not want to take a whole dose of Wellbutrin, SR or not. So if you break a 150 SR pill into quarters do you get the equivalent of 37.5mg of non SR Wellbutrin? I take it if you break the coating on the pill it is no longer "SR", but is it the same stuff as regular Wellbutrin? Does anyone know if Zyban is sustained release?

Zyban is exactly the same as Wellbutrin SR.  Studies were done during the development of Wellbutrin SR to determine the release profile of broken tablets (an interesting side bar, many nursing homes routinely cut pills in half giving one half to one resident and the other half to another but charge each resident for an entire pill).  At any rate, what was determined was that: a)it is difficult to accurately divide a Wellbutrin SR dose in half by cutting tablets (trying to quarter a dose would probably leave you with a squashed tablet) b) the sustained release quality was lost but the dissolution profile wasn’t similar to Wellbutrin IR (instant release), it was sort of Wellbutrin MR (modified release). Keeping in mind that the SR formulation was developed to reduce the incidence of siezures, I would not recommend "futzing" with chopping up Wellbutrin SR tablets at all.

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prvtctzn

Question:

 I used Zoloft for a year or so along with other  mood altering  meds. I have sever deppresion and am schizoaffective disorder, Zoloft provided some relief, however  I experienced headaches and weight gain. When I stopped the headaches subsided, Ilost the excess weight and noticed little difference  in my mood. I really did’nt  benifit  from it.

Response:

Hi, I have been on Zoloft since 94 or 95 (cant remember which)  The only side effects I have noticed is a decreased sex drive and touble reaching climax. But I also have a fertility hormonal problem that could be producing the low sex drive.  To conquer the insomnia, you need to take the Zoloft in the morning, perferably before noon, or Im up all night.  I take 100mg per day since about a year ago, but was on it for  a year at 50mg.  But got out in the real world again and work, so it got stressful, which stress brings on panic, and depression, so it was upped to 100mg.  One note of caution, I was a few months ago having a teriible problem with teh depression, and upped it to 125 (with approval) and notcied panic got worse, shakes and  dizziness with it.  It was too high for me and one side effect of zoloft if its too high a dose is that it can cause some anxiety.

Response:

Hi Jo, I dont know if 3 years is quite long enough for what you have in mind, but 3 years is 3 years..lol… Hmmm…. I think, and this is a personal opinion based on what I have seen, read and heard, that one reason Zoloft hasnt been able to document long term effects is two things: 1) the person gets better, by whatever means they found to be valuable to them and /or 2) a very wide-spread common complaint regarding the long-term effects of Zoloft is that the effect seems to decrease after around the 2 year mark. I dont know why, and I have yet to understand it, yet to understand the clinical reasoning… But here I was, thinking Zoloft was just 10 kinds of heaven when I started it three years ago, and now, whether it is a combination of many stressors addingtaking away from the effects, I find myself REgressing rather than PROgressing… I am very frustrated by this, as I know Zoloft, I know the way it effects me, etc. and now I am faced with the decision of either increasing the dose to 100mgs a day and combining it– I could be wrong, but I think it was Ativan recommended for the sleep problems–or switching to a new med, like Prozac…Or, of course, there is always the option of living with the panic/anxiety, depression and eating disorders without meds, but I dont find that a very realistic option…I trust my new counselor, but sheesh! It is like starting all over from square one again… Good luck to you! ] ~~Miriam~~ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (I’m new to this group, so bear with me)   I’ve been on Zoloft (50mg/day) for the past 9 months.  I’ve got G.A.D. (generalized anxiety disorder) and also suffer from PA and depression. I’ve been having reasonable success with Zoloft (only side effects being decreased sex-drive and sometimes-insomnia), but I did some research on it and noticed that Pfizer (co. that makes it) hasn’t done any studies on the long-term effects.  So….I’m curious if anyone out there has been on it for awhile and can let me know if anything bad/good has happened. Thanks! jo

Response:

It’s only been out since 92, so it’s a bit tough to have the sort of long-term studies it’d be nice to have.   Nobody seems to understand why this is the case, but all the SSRIs seem to have a tendency to "poop out" after a period of time.  This isn’t to say they will for everyone, but quite often they do.  For me on Prozac, it was 3 years.  Another joyous thing about the SSRIs. Matt

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It’s only been out since 92, so it’s a bit tough to have the sort of long-term studies it’d be nice to have.   Nobody seems to understand why this is the case, but all the SSRIs seem to have a tendency to "poop out" after a period of time.  This isn’t to say they will for everyone, but quite often they do.  For me on Prozac, it was 3 years.  Another joyous thing about the SSRIs. Matt

Prozac quit working for me after about 6 months! Tammy

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s only been out since 92, so it’s a bit tough to have the sort of long-term studies it’d be nice to have.   Nobody seems to understand why this is the case, but all the SSRIs seem to have a tendency to "poop out" after a period of time.  This isn’t to say they will for everyone, but quite often they do.  For me on Prozac, it was 3 years.  Another joyous thing about the SSRIs. Matt Prozac quit working for me after about 6 months! Tammy

Well, one good thing is that there is a whole spate of ad’s currently being tested (something like 40).  So, in a few years there should be more in the way of options, hopefully of drugs that don’t poop out.  (Many of these drugs aren’t SSRIs.) Matt

Response:

(I’m new to this group, so bear with me)   I’ve been on Zoloft (50mg/day) for the past 9 months.  I’ve got G.A.D. (generalized anxiety disorder) and also suffer from PA and depression. I’ve been having reasonable success with Zoloft (only side effects being decreased sex-drive and sometimes-insomnia), but I did some research on it and noticed that Pfizer (co. that makes it) hasn’t done any studies on the long-term effects.  So….I’m curious if anyone out there has been on it for awhile and can let me know if anything bad/good has happened. Thanks! jo

Response:

Question:

Erica– I am also Bulimiarexic…and 15 and on Zoloft and have not had my period for a year and a half. I don’t know about you but my Zoloft doesn’t seem to be helping at all. I think I might start on something different. I am on 175mgs a day now. How much are you on?? I haven’t had birth control pills suggested to me to restore my period but I wouldn’t want them. I hated my period. It is such a mess and a pain. This doesn’t mean I’m afraid of it I just like not having to deal with it.

Response:

Laurie asked: Should I be worried though? I want my "good enough" to not be life-threatening, you know? Am I doing ANYTHING good for myself??

Laurie, You are doing some good things for yourself.  You are taking classes.  You are searching for answers in your life.  You are writing. If you want your "good enough" to not be life threatening you have got to start eating more. Straight out spoilered for dead on painful stuff. s   p     o       i         l           e             r Laurie, if you don’t have periods you are threatening the life of any children you might have in the future.  What does that mean?  It means that someday when your arms ache to hold a baby you won’t be able to.  It means that someday when you share your life with someone and you want your body to hold life inside it, to let it grow inside you, to nourish it from yourself you won’t be able to.  So Laurie, ask yourself.  Is it "good enough"? Mary

Response:

Oui, my doctor wanted me to take BC pills (i’m 16, a virgin) to get my period again, I said NO WAY. Just the thought of it makes me feel ‘unclean’ (is that weird?). I am taking Zoloft, though. I have had my first two panic attacks ON it, I never had one when I wasn’t taking it… Odd… I wouold appreciate feedback from other bulimarexics taking Zoloft- side effects, etc. Merci beaucuop. Erica

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -for awhile i was on birth control pills to "motivate" my body to have a period. has anyone else done this?  i hated taking them (hated having a period) and i don’t need them now (for either of their purposes!)  but, i’m sooooo scared of getting osteoporosis that i was very good about taking them–i hate taking meds. just an fyi for the general public:  i’m taking a science of nutrition class (which i don’t suggest for anyone struggling.  it’s been tough disassociating the class from my ed…but that’s another subject).  anyway, we just finished up talking about calcuim.  the worst kind of supplements you can take are oyster shell–they’re literally ground up oyster shells, so there’s no way to know exactly what’s in them.  the best (according to my prof) are tums–they’re the cheapest and absorb the easiest.  everyone happy with their nutrition lesson for the day?

Response:

Why has the nutrition class been triggering? (besides the obvious answer that it’s all about food) Sarah – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – for awhile i was on birth control pills to "motivate" my body to have a period. has anyone else done this?  i hated taking them (hated having a period) and i don’t need them now (for either of their purposes!)  but, i’m sooooo scared of getting osteoporosis that i was very good about taking them–i hate taking meds. just an fyi for the general public:  i’m taking a science of nutrition class (which i don’t suggest for anyone struggling.  it’s been tough disassociating the class from my ed…but that’s another subject).  anyway, we just finished up talking about calcuim.  the worst kind of supplements you can take are oyster shell–they’re literally ground up oyster shells, so there’s no way to know exactly what’s in them.  the best (according to my prof) are tums–they’re the cheapest and absorb the easiest.  everyone happy with their nutrition lesson for the day?

Response:

for awhile i was on birth control pills to "motivate" my body to have a period.  has anyone else done this?  i hated taking them (hated having a period) and i don’t need them now (for either of their purposes!)  but, i’m sooooo scared of getting osteoporosis that i was very good about taking them–i hate taking meds. just an fyi for the general public:  i’m taking a science of nutrition class (which i don’t suggest for anyone struggling.  it’s been tough disassociating the class from my ed…but that’s another subject).  anyway, we just finished up talking about calcuim.  the worst kind of supplements you can take are oyster shell–they’re literally ground up oyster shells, so there’s no way to know exactly what’s in them.  the best (according to my prof) are tums–they’re the cheapest and absorb the easiest.  everyone happy with their nutrition lesson for the day?

Response:

Erica, This may be a little late, but maybe you should reconsider not wanting to take BC pills.  I agree with you; it’s hard to get over the "unclean" feeling (I’m a virgin too), but I looked at it as just medicine.  I didn’t take it as birth control, but to get my period again, so is it really any different from any other kind of prescription?  I’m off BC now because I put on enough weight to get my periods on my own, but I went a year and a half without getting a period…I was actually happy to gat it at that point, with or without BC.  Just my two cents, Ophelia Oui, my doctor wanted me to take BC pills (i’m 16, a virgin) to get my period again, I said NO WAY. Just the thought of it makes me feel ‘unclean’ (is that weird?). I am taking Zoloft, though. I have had my first two panic attacks ON it, I never had one when I wasn’t taking it… Odd… I wouold appreciate feedback from other bulimarexics taking Zoloft- side effects, etc. Merci beaucuop. Erica

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Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi guys. I’ll spoiler this for food mentions and health issue mentions .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Ok. I’m underweight. Given. I haven’t had a period in two and half years. Given.

you don’t have enough of anything in your diet, then. given. if you did, you might be underweight, but you’d have your period. so you’re missing major things. While I don’t eat very much, the things I eat have good stuff in it

you know what? all food is *good stuff* all food has *good stuff* in it. it’s a fuel. that’s all food is. it’s been politicised to hell, but it’s just a fuel.  (I think) Broccolli, Bananas, Nonfat yogurts, etc.,  So that I think I am getting a reasonable amount of calcium and potassium. I also take a children’s multivitamin.

are you a child, laurie? you should be taking a woman’s multivitamin. preferably several of them, because you’re not going to get the right mix in any one; thye’re just not marketed for people who get none. Here’s my question: If I eat TONS of calcium in the things I eat, tons of potassium, etc., can I still get osteoporosis?

yes Can I still be susceptible to heart attack?

yes But the things I eat (habitually, same things, every day, we all know how the story goes) are healthy and have good vitamins.

as opposed to those vitamins that have been taken over by evil?  Should I be worried though? I want my "good enough" to not be life-threatening, you know? Am I doing ANYTHING good for myself??

taking vitamins is a good step. it’s not enough. and you do *not* eat enough. you do *not* get enough of anything, from Cals to vitamin b to sodium. and it will be life-endangering. I hope I haven’t triggered anyone…

you spoilered it. let people take responsibility for themselves. if you read something spoilered for talk of food, you accepted the chance it might trigger you. ased in general probably triggers people somewhat. that’s a choice people make for themselves, not for others. gus — the unconscious, it seems, will not let go of its hoard. the past comes with us and occasionally kidnaps the present, so that the distinctions we depend on for safety, for sanity, disappear. past. present. future. when this happens, we are no longer sure who we are, or perhaps we can no longer pretend to be sure who we are. if time is a river then we shall all meet death by water.                                          -jeanette winterson "gut symmetries" — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

Response:

My dietitian used to say, "yes, you eat very healthy foods….but the problem is that you’re not eating ENOUGH!" Yes, you should be concerned that osteoporosis is lurking around the corner for you…. Yes, you should be concerned that what you are doing to your body, an act of omission, rather than comission, is going to have long-term effects. Last year, I broke a toe when I bashed into a bookcase.  When my foot was x-rayed, the doctor talked a lot about "osteopenia," which is the precursor to osteoporosis. Not having periods is not a good thing. A friend of mine, who is severely anorexic, is currently taking Fosamax (sp?) to try to counteract the effects of her long-term illness.   She’s already experienced broken ribs and a broken hip….and she is only in her mid-thirties.  The meds will probably only stave off the osteoporosis for a brief time…. Even though right now, it doesn’t feel that way, Laurie, you ARE doing damage to your body which can have long-term effects.  My dietitian  also used to say, "nothing in nutrition works fast. "  What was being said was that even though I might feel perfectly fine, even though I was eating "healthy" foods, I was still eating at a subnormal level and was not giving myself the nutrition which was needed….and somewhere down the road, years later, I might pay the price. Think about it… –Connie

Response:

Hi Laurie, One thing I’d like to point out in your response is your reference to your eating "good" food.  I hate to say it but there is no such thing as good or bad food.  Healthy eating involves all different types of food and when certain foods are restricted are cut out, your eating is no longer "healthy" (Sorry!) In response to your question about osteoporosis and heart attacks.  Yes, you are definitely at risk.  For one thing, your not menstruating so this means your body is not making estrogen which is essential for the absorption of Calcium.  Therefore it doesn’t matter really how much calcium rich food you are taking it, it won’t be absorbed properly.  Also, the minerals like potassium and magnesium which can affect the heart are also absorbed through the help of other nutrients so if you aren’t eating a balanced diet you won’t have normal levels of these important electrolytes.  (my doctor has pounded this info. into my head, so I know what I’m talking about) Anyway hope this helps. Kathryn K.

Response:

Question:

Cyndie  I’ve had PAs that last about a second and can leave me shattered for hours afterwards. The last time it happened it was a sudden escalation of fear caused by rapid thought connections. Something made me think of death and life. How this is the life bit, and the other was the death bit. The result – sudden terror and then nothing except – what the fuck was that? I have no idea why I became so frightened. It happened once when looking in the mirror. All of a sudden I couldn’t decide which was me – the looker or the reflection. They sound a bit like bad trips or temporal lobe seizures rather than PAs. On the other hand I’ve had PAs that last for days, almost seemlessly. Fred

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is going to sound weird, but this hasnt happened to me before and I would like to know what you think about it.  Today while I was working on a project with the Col. (no not KFC <g)  I noticed a flash of a PA.  It was so weird!  It was like it lasted a second!  It wasnt like a head rush, more like an extremely fast PA! I didnt get upset and nothing else happened, but thought about it off and on cause it was so weird.  I was wondering if it might have been a PA trying to come on but stopped short? I know this sounds weird, but it felt weird too!  I have been on 20mg ever other day of Prozac for a week and a half? and started lowering my dose of Xanax by .5mg a day about a week ago.  Maybe rebound from withdrawel?  I also noticed that in the past few nights I see weird monsters and images (in my mind, not hallucinating) right as I am about to fall asleep and I wake with a start.  I remember having that problem before, when this first started for me 7 years ago.  When I awake I dont have a PA, I just keep trying to go back to sleep, it happens a few times, then I am out like a light until morning.  Does anyone else have these problems? Cyndie

Hi Cyndie: Those PA flashes could very well mean that the Prozac is starting to take effect.  It somehow seems to cut them off before they get going.  Just a guess though, based on my own experience. Also, again just a thought, I would have thought that the rate you’re reducing the Xanax is a little too fast and too soon.  Just my own personal experience and what I’ve read talking here……but usually you stay on your regular doseage of Xanax for the first week or so at least and then, very slowly and minimally, taper down over a period of months.  You might want to check this out with your doctor. Take care. Mally  

Response:

<snipped I have been on 20mg ever other day of Prozac for a week and a half? and started lowering my dose of Xanax by .5mg a day about a week ago.

Maybe rebound from withdrawel?  I also noticed that in the past few nights I see weird monsters and images (in my mind, not hallucinating) right as I am about to fall asleep and I wake with a start.  I remember having that problem before, when this first started for me 7 years ago. When I awake I dont have a PA, I just keep trying to go back to sleep, it happens a few times, then I am out like a  light until morning.  Does anyone else have these problems? Cyndie

Dear Cyndie, Although I’m sorry that you’re having this problem with sleeping, I have to tell you that I am relieved to know that you share this problem with me.  I having had these sorts of images while trying to get to sleep all of my life.  It’s one of the reasons I know that I’ve been having panic attacks for so long.  I think the images are just a way for my mind to cope with the nocturnal PA’s.  When you wake up scared to death, your mind might be inserting a "reason" for your fears.  I’ve often tried to describe these images as little mini-dreams because they’re not hallucinations, although I’m not sure if I’m entirely asleep when it happens.  Anyway, these are just a few theories I have about them.  When you describe waking "with a start," you might actually be describing a panic attack.  My nocturnal PA’s are much different from my daytime PA’s.  It’s something I’ve realized recently. The good news is that when I was on Zoloft (similar to Prozac) these images went away.  In fact, although insomnia is a possible side-effect of Zoloft, my horrible insomnia went away.  I think my insomnia is caused by these nocturnal attacks as well as depression, and the Zoloft helped with both.  And, I wasn’t using Xanax or any other benzodiazepine at the time.  It DID take a few weeks, though: about 6 weeks after I built up to the full dosage for me. Because of that length of time, you might want to consider tapering off the Xanax more slowly.  I realize that this is up to you and your doctor, but going off a benzodiazepine too quickly can be uncomfortable. It does NOT mean that you are addicted.  In his book "Panic Disorder: The Medical Point of View," William D. Kernodle states that everyone will have a different experience when going off a benzodiazepine and that you should go as SLOWLY as you need to.  By the way, I highly recommend this book (1995 edition), if you want some sensible, professional answers to your questions about anxiety medications.  I have been fearful of medication in the past, and this book has explained a lot to me. You’re not alone in these particular experiences, Cyndie, and I want to thank you so much for letting me know that I’m not alone.   Take care, Cathleen P.S.: The reason I stopped the Zoloft had nothing to do with its effectiveness but rather with my financial situation at that time (and my ignorance–and my psychiatrist’s–of financial aid for these sorts of things).

Response:

: This is going to sound weird, but this hasnt happened to me before and I : would like to know what you think about it.  Today while I was working on : a project with the Col. (no not KFC <g)  I noticed a flash of a PA.  It : was so weird!  It was like it lasted a second!  … Wow, that is wierd. The fastest PA I’ve ever had lasted 5 minutes. But then, 5 min is quick compared to the 45 min endurance terror PAs. Perhaps its a good sign?                                         Best Wishes,                                         Arthur

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -This is going to sound weird, but this hasnt happened to me before and I would like to know what you think about it.  Today while I was working on a project with the Col. (no not KFC <g)  I noticed a flash of a PA.  It was so weird!  It was like it lasted a second!  It wasnt like a head rush, more like an extremely fast PA! I didnt get upset and nothing else happened, but thought about it off and on cause it was so weird.  I was wondering if it might have been a PA trying to come on but stopped short? I know this sounds weird, but it felt weird too!  I have been on 20mg ever other day of Prozac for a week and a half? and started lowering my dose of Xanax by .5mg a day about a week ago.  Maybe rebound from withdrawel?  I also noticed that in the past few nights I see weird monsters and images (in my mind, not hallucinating) right as I am about to fall asleep and I wake with a start.  I remember having that problem before, when this first started for me 7 years ago.  When I awake I dont have a PA, I just keep trying to go back to sleep, it happens a few times, then I am out like a light until morning.  Does anyone else have these problems? Cyndie

Cyndie, Happens to me all the time…like 10-20 times a day.  They last 1-2 sec’s and don’t really bother me at all…in fact i kind of laugh at them.   -Scott

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This is going to sound weird, but this hasnt happened to me before and I would like to know what you think about it.  Today while I was working on a project with the Col. (no not KFC <g)  I noticed a flash of a PA.  It was so weird!  It was like it lasted a second!  It wasnt like a head rush, more like an extremely fast PA! I didnt get upset and nothing else happened, but thought about it off and on cause it was so weird.  I was wondering if it might have been a PA trying to come on but stopped short? I know this sounds weird, but it felt weird too!  I have been on 20mg ever other day of Prozac for a week and a half? and started lowering my dose of Xanax by .5mg a day about a week ago.  Maybe rebound from withdrawel?  I also noticed that in the past few nights I see weird monsters and images (in my mind, not hallucinating) right as I am about to fall asleep and I wake with a start.  I remember having that problem before, when this first started for me 7 years ago.  When I awake I dont have a PA, I just keep trying to go back to sleep, it happens a few times, then I am out like a light until morning.  Does anyone else have these problems? Cyndie

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