As a recently diagnosed asthmatic, who is happy that the medications work for her, I am wondering about the cost of the inhalers. I am using Proventil and Flovent. What is the approximate cost of a canister of these medications, and is there any place that is preferable to order them from? I generally get my medications from AARP as I do a lot of traveling (no choice) and they can mail them to me where ever I am… but the cost of these meds has me a bit frightened. Not being able to breathe has me a bit frightened, too, at times! Mary
I don’t know the cost of Proventil as I use generic albuterol. Flovent is about 75 USD per canister. I use two canisters a month when I’m taking 4 puffs x2 day. That’s a lot of money, yes, but I sorta have this thing about breathing, I like it. I’m lucky in that I have prescription coverage that allows me to mail order my medications in 90 day supplies for only a co-pay of 20.00 for name brand drugs or 7.00 for generic. It’s just the Walgreen’s down in Florida that they use and Walgreen’s bills my insurance company. Yeah, it can get expensive. My doc and I sat down and figured up what it would cost me out of pocket for all the meds I take each month. It would cover the payment on a new Porche. <sigh Loki – who loves fast cars… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As a recently diagnosed asthmatic, who is happy that the medications work for her, I am wondering about the cost of the inhalers. I am using Proventil and Flovent. What is the approximate cost of a canister of these medications, and is there any place that is preferable to order them from? I generally get my medications from AARP as I do a lot of traveling (no choice) and they can mail them to me where ever I am… but the cost of these meds has me a bit frightened. Not being able to breathe has me a bit frightened, too, at times! Mary
Mary Lu, can you use Express Scripts? They are at 1-800-696-3760. They are another "mail" pharmacy, and I’ve found them very reasonable. Admittedly, I am getting the prices set for my HMO, and am being sent several refills at once (only maintenance meds qualify, but your drugs WOULD be maintenance), but I only pay about $5/pop for Ventolin. Be sure to ask your doctor to specify the generic, which at least can be done for the Proventil. I’ll bet if you call them, they’ll give you a price over the phone. Kiwi Carlisle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As a recently diagnosed asthmatic, who is happy that the medications work for her, I am wondering about the cost of the inhalers. I am using Proventil and Flovent. What is the approximate cost of a canister of these medications, and is there any place that is preferable to order them from? I generally get my medications from AARP as I do a lot of traveling (no choice) and they can mail them to me where ever I am… but the cost of these meds has me a bit frightened. Not being able to breathe has me a bit frightened, too, at times! Mary
My last canister of Flovent 110 retailed for $54.98. I don’t think where you get them matters too much, unless your insurance cares. :) janet – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As a recently diagnosed asthmatic, who is happy that the medications work for her, I am wondering about the cost of the inhalers. I am using Proventil and Flovent. What is the approximate cost of a canister of these medications, and is there any place that is preferable to order them from? I generally get my medications from AARP as I do a lot of traveling (no choice) and they can mail them to me where ever I am… but the cost of these meds has me a bit frightened. Not being able to breathe has me a bit frightened, too, at times! Mary
I quit all daiary products may 1 1997 and my asthma is almost gone. What does anybody know anything aabout dairy foods and asthma? Harlan Lee
If your asthma stays in remission, it would indicate that you were/are allergic to milk. I don’t know of any other connection that milk could have with asthma other than allergic reaction. Yana
<<I quit all daiary products may 1 1997 and my asthma is almost gone. What does anybody know anything aabout dairy foods and asthma? Harlan Lee
i went to an accupuncturist/holistic medicine specialist for my allergies and asthma. he strongly believes that the high amount of antibiotics given to cows is a bad thing for our immune system and suggested i stop dairy. i have done this, but also stayed on serevent and flovent. connection? don’t know. i do note that the one or two times i strayed and recently had dairy, that i felt some tightness. good health to all…
I quit all daiary products may 1 1997 and my asthma is almost gone. What does anybody know anything aabout dairy foods and asthma? Harlan Lee
I quit all daiary products may 1 1997 and my asthma is almost gone. What does anybody know anything aabout dairy foods and asthma? Harlan Lee
This could be a coincidence; I’m not aware of a relationship between asthma and dairy products. Also a 4-month remission is not proof that your asthma is cured. A 12-month remission would be more convincing. There is an article indicating some outgrow their asthma. See http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/library/scan/outgrow.htm American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol. 155, pp. 1267-1272, Apr. 1997 Adult Patients May Outgrow Their Asthma: A 25-Year Follow-up Study
<Has anyone had this experience? has anyone tried Zyrtec? (also prescribed <today). <thanks My son takes Zyrtec. It has been the most helpful allergy medicine he’s taken to date. He gets good relief within a half hour after taking it. It made him extremely tired for a few weeks, now he doesn’t suffer that symptom. Hulahoops
Singulair has helped my allergies and overall congestion. Can sleep at night. Asthma is under control. Best of all, I use inhaler twice a day and thus avoid inhaler jitters. It has made a big difference in my life and have noticed no side effects. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In the last couple week my sinuses have gone crazy, occaisionally affecting my asthma. I have trouble sleeping with these new antihistamine/decongestants so they create other problems. I saw the pulminologist today and he suggested that I try singulair. I have already tried accolate and had little results. Dr. suggested that there is some evidence that singulair helps allergies/ sinus as well. Has anyone had this experience? has anyone tried Zyrtec? (also prescribed today). thanks
My eight year old son was on Singulair for a while and it helped both his asthma and his sinus troubles. He also has fibromyalgia and has a hard time getting a good nights sleep. On the Singulair he slept 14 to 15 hours a night. I thought of Singulair as a God send. But then he developed a possible side effect. His white blood cell count went down to 2.6. His allergist and the hemotologist had me take him off the Singulair since it is such a new medication. His white count has now come back up so he can’t go back on the Singulair. I wrote to the company about this. All they told me was to discuss it with the doctor. I had written to them that that is what I did and just wanted to make them aware of the possible side effect. It was if they hadn’t really read my letter at all. They said if I gave them my address they would send me some materials. I did so about 3 weeks ago and have yet to receive anything. I just thought I’d make you all aware of this possible side effect again. I have posted about it once or twice before. Janice – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I started Singulair a month ago; it has been very effective for my asthma, allowing me to cut my inhaled steroid in half and improving peak flows; also helps my hay fever (rhinitis), allowing me to reduce my steroid nasal spray. Singulair has neglible side effects in most people; a child’ version is available. Here’s a link on Singulair & Claritin for rhinitis (allergies): http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/61c72.htm Excerpt:
Adverse effects of drugs can be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch program, either by your doctor or you. See http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ MedWatch http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/how.htm How to Report "How to Report Adverse Reactions & Medical Product Problems to the FDA Serious adverse events and product problems should be reported to the FDA either directly or via the manufacturer of the product, as appropriate. Specifically within a user faciity (e.g., hospital, nursing home, etc.) some reporting–deaths and serious injuries that occur with the use of medical devices–is mandated by federal law and regulation while other reporting–adverse events and product problems with medications (i.e., drugs and biologics) and special nutritionals–although considered vital, is strictly voluntary." http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report/consumer/consumer.htm Reporting by Consumers MedWatch is the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) program for health professionals to report serious reactions and problems with medical products such as drugs and medical devices. A reaction is considered serious if the product caused death, a life-threatening situation, admission to a hospital or a longer than expected hospital stay, a permanent disability, a birth defect, or the need for medical or surgical care to prevent permanent damage. If you think you or someone in your family has experienced a serious reaction to a medical product, you are encouraged to take the reporting form (PDF format) to your doctor. Your doctor can provide clinical information based on your medical record that can help us evaluate your report. However, we understand that for a variety of reasons, you may not wish to have the form filled out by your doctor, or, your doctor may choose not to complete the form. Your doctor is NOT required to report to the FDA. In these situations, you may use the instructions (PDF format) and fill out the form yourself. You will receive a letter from FDA after we receive your report. However, you will be personally contacted only if we need additional information. Please be aware that your name as the reporter, even if you are reporting a reaction that happened to you personally may be released to the manufacturer of the product. If you do not want your name released, be sure to check box E5 on the form. If you would prefer to report your adverse experience by telephone, or if you have a complaint about a medical product, please call the FDA Office of Emergency Operations at (301) 443-1240. If you have additional questions about the medical product which caused your problem, or if you need additional MedWatch reporting forms, please call the FDA Office of Consumer Affairs at (800) 532-4440 " Ellis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My eight year old son was on Singulair for a while and it helped both his asthma and his sinus troubles. He also has fibromyalgia and has a hard time getting a good nights sleep. On the Singulair he slept 14 to 15 hours a night. I thought of Singulair as a God send. But then he developed a possible side effect. His white blood cell count went down to 2.6. His allergist and the hemotologist had me take him off the Singulair since it is such a new medication. His white count has now come back up so he can’t go back on the Singulair. I wrote to the company about this. All they told me was to discuss it with the doctor. I had written to them that that is what I did and just wanted to make them aware of the possible side effect. It was if they hadn’t really read my letter at all. They said if I gave them my address they would send me some materials. I did so about 3 weeks ago and have yet to receive anything. Janice I started Singulair a month ago; it has been very effective for my asthma, allowing me to cut my inhaled steroid in half and improving peak flows; also helps my hay fever (rhinitis), allowing me to reduce my steroid nasal spray. Singulair has neglible side effects in most people; a child’ version is available. Here’s a link on Singulair & Claritin for rhinitis (allergies): http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/61c72.htm
In the last couple week my sinuses have gone crazy, occaisionally affecting my asthma. I have trouble sleeping with these new antihistamine/decongestants so they create other problems. I saw the pulminologist today and he suggested that I try singulair. I have already tried accolate and had little results. Dr. suggested that there is some evidence that singulair helps allergies/ sinus as well. Has anyone had this experience? has anyone tried Zyrtec? (also prescribed today).
I started Singulair a month ago; it has been very effective for my asthma, allowing me to cut my inhaled steroid in half and improving peak flows; also helps my hay fever (rhinitis), allowing me to reduce my steroid nasal spray. Singulair has neglible side effects in most people; a child’ version is available. Here’s a link on Singulair & Claritin for rhinitis (allergies): http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/61c72.htm Excerpt: "AAAAI MEETING: Singulair And Loratadine Reduce Hay Fever Symptoms WASHINGTON, MD — March 16, 1998 — The results of an investigational study presented yesterday at the 54th annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology showed that Singulair(R) (montelukast sodium) administered with the antihistamine loratadine significantly reduced symptoms in patients who suffered from seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever. In this investigational study, Singulair and loratadine, when used alone, each decreased daytime nasal symptoms (stuffy, runny, itchy nose and sneezing) by 16 percent. When taken together, Singulair and loratadine decreased nasal symptoms by 28 percent. There was a 12 percent reduction in daytime nasal symptoms with placebo. Loratadine (marketed by Schering-Plough as Claritin(R)) is indicated for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis." All contents Copyright (c) 1998 PSL Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Ellis
In the last couple week my sinuses have gone crazy, occaisionally affecting my asthma. I have trouble sleeping with these new antihistamine/decongestants so they create other problems. I saw the pulminologist today and he suggested that I try singulair. I have already tried accolate and had little results. Dr. suggested that there is some evidence that singulair helps allergies/ sinus as well. Has anyone had this experience? has anyone tried Zyrtec? (also prescribed today). thanks
Thanks… Right now, I am doing quite well handling my depression / not having depression. I have surounded myself with as many supportive people as possible, and I am doing everything I can to deal with issues cognitivly… However, If I dont get this pain a little better under controal, I am afarid that I might slip into a state of depression, which I of course would perfer not to, as I have worked so hard to get out of it…. jamie
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As Mel has mentioned, Jamie, and Gabe indicates here, the advice we give you and others is from our own experiences and different meds affect people in different ways. In my experience, Buspar was a no-winner for anxiety! I have been on Doxepin (a TCA) for years, and it works better than anything else I have taken for anxiety. In fact, that was what it was first prescribed for: anxiety and an aid for sleep. Some of the older TCAs are better than some of the newer meds, in my own opinion, and certainly cheaper. For me, an exception would be Elavil, which my Rheumy had me on just to see how I would do on that vs. Doxepin. After a couple months, I was back to Doxepin, so that is my med of choice. I must add that I have Clinical Depression, so your experience may be different, but anxiety goes hand in hand with depression, of which I’m well aware! So, the 2 antidepressants that I take are Paxil during the day and Doxepin in late afternoon/evening/bedtime. Both work well for me. Nanny Hey, I’m a bit confused about what you are on but I’ve had a lot of experience with TCAs. First of all, ditch Elavil (amitryptilene). It is the king of side effects, a dinosaur. Nortryp really is a toss-up. It has helped a lot of people and it is marked for pain relief. It hits NE with a negligible effect on serotonin. It’s pretty good for anxiety. My experience is — and I’ve seen this echoed in the anxiety group — if you are having anxiety don’t be afraid of the TCAs. Nortryp is prob the best and most balanced. As for going off Effexor it’s tough to tell. I can tell you that wellbutrin in prob 90 percent of people worsens anxiety. Effexor withdrawl is tough and long-lasting for many. So it could be the source of the anxiety if you hadn’t really had it before. I don’t know jack about Cymbalta except that it hits NE faster and at lower doses than Effexor. Supposedly. This is all anecdotal- based on some reseach- but mainly other people’s and my experiences. Finally, sometimes you really have to choose btwn depression and anxiety. Like WB for example, won’t do shit for anxiety, but may lift you into a less depressed, more anxious state. So you have to think?? There is prob no perfect solution, which is worse. I find anxiety much easier to live with honestly. There’s excersise of course, or just getting used to it. As for sexual side effects, the serotonin drugs hit that harder than the NE dopamine drugs. And buspar is a total mystery for me. Gabe
Years ago I was prescribed Zoloft for Anxiety and light OCD symptoms. Buspar was later added on top of the Zoloft for anxiety…but I can’t say it did anything. To me, it was like taking vitamin C. However, being many years ago, I don’t remember how large the dose was.
Hi, Matt, I was on Buspar many years ago for a short period of time for anxiety also. I also felt it didn’t do much for my anxiety level. Then I was put on Xanax for many years and now onto Klonopin. I prefer the Klonopin, though it isn’t as fast acting as Xanax, since it stays in the body longer. I take 1 mg twice daily and it does help a lot. smiles, Elise
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Years ago I was prescribed Zoloft for Anxiety and light OCD symptoms. Buspar was later added on top of the Zoloft for anxiety…but I can’t say it did anything. To me, it was like taking vitamin C. However, being many years ago, I don’t remember how large the dose was.
Research has shown in a couple of studies that high doses of buspar can actually recruit anxiety, whereas the lower doses did not. I find that the people who are on less than (or equal to) 30 mgs a day seem happiest with it.
I certinally can use it at lower doses. Then if I find it doesnt do anything then I can drop it… I think that makes sence, because getting up to 30mg a day should not take too long to get used to… Thanks Jamie
Actually for some people, the stimulant meds DO have anxiolytic effect, so it’s really not fair to say that they "don’t do shit" for anxiety. That is true for "most people", but for some, stimulants are calming, which is almost diagnostic for ADD. G
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HI, I am off of Effexor now, with my doctors permission. Only thing I have really noticed in that my Anxeity is up a little bit, and I cant decide if this is: a. a withdrawl symptom from effexor b. effexor was doing a little more to help with my anxeity than I thought…. but anyway, I am feeling pretty decent, and really not too depressed,,, I guess a little stressed, but not to depressed at all… The initial plan I made with my doctor was to start wellbutrin 150XL and buspar now. Since I made that plan, I have seen the rheumy, who wants me to try, nortriptline or Amitriptyline, and after discussing this with several of you, it sounds like this is worth a try… Here is where I am stuck… I don’t want to take more meds than I have to… I know I can always dc them later, but,,, I am wondering if I should start WB and buspar if I know I am going to start a TCA? The question I have that I dont really know the answer to at all is this, Can WB and buspar help reduce the side effects of a TCA the way they can help reduce the side effects of a SSRI? Would it be reasonalbe to try WB, buspar and a TCA all together and see what happends, and reduce if necessary? I really really really want to avoid the majority of sexual side effects if I can, as I am quite sure I will be depressed from that if I have major sexular side effects… I know there will be a transition period where I have to take time to get used to the tca, but I cant live on a ongoing basis (espically long term, as using the tca for fibro could be a life long type of thing) with major sexual disfunction…… One last question is this, Is it worth thinking about trying cymbalta first before the TCA, or not since I have already tried effexor? I know larry commented on this and said that the TCA’s can be quite different from effexor, but does the same hold true for cymbalta, I am guessing it does since they are in the same class (effexor and cymbalta = ssnri) but I have heard thatt cymbalta is a lot better with pain and such from some people….. Any thoughs on this? Sorry to make this so confusing…. Thanks again for your time, and your comments on this…. Jamie
Gabe’s statement about Cymbalta is correct, however the mechanism by which it has impact on pains (neuropathic) is different than the TCA group, and it’s a little harder to tolerate initially than Effexor. I would like to hear what the definition of the pains / symptoms are, prior to commenting on this much more.
My pain has been wide spread, in most all of my muscles, but much more severe is some than others. My legs, often ache, even with rest, then they can progress to sharp pain with exersize. My hands, arms sholders are in pain with a minumal amount of movement. Also have neck and back pain, which doesnt usally stay as bad because the chiro treats that… Well it would be WB, buspar, and one of the TCA’s… Plus tricor, and a painkiller like ultram (but ultram is not working well now), and hopefull with the pain more undercontroal, I will be less fatigured and we can reduce / drop dexidrine. There is also inderal for migranes, that has helped sooo much that I dont really see droping that… jamie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I do not agree that one has to choose betw. being depressed or being anxious, nor does the medical community at large. From a strictly statistical standpoint, anxiety is indeed "easier to live with", given the mortality rates of depression, however, again, see above. Buspar has little, if any effect on sexual function, but it also takes a fair amount of time for it to start working – it’s a "partial serotonin agonist", and takes usually 4 to 6 weeks to really start working well – not going to cover that wellbutrin awfully well. Honestly, I’m not so sure I really like this plan Jamie. What is the total med list going to be? Gary Hey, I’m a bit confused about what you are on but I’ve had a lot of experience with TCAs. First of all, ditch Elavil (amitryptilene). It is the king of side effects, a dinosaur. Nortryp really is a toss-up. It has helped a lot of people and it is marked for pain relief. It hits NE with a negligible effect on serotonin. It’s pretty good for anxiety. My experience is — and I’ve seen this echoed in the anxiety group — if you are having anxiety don’t be afraid of the TCAs. Nortryp is prob the best and most balanced. As for going off Effexor it’s tough to tell. I can tell you that wellbutrin in prob 90 percent of people worsens anxiety. Effexor withdrawl is tough and long-lasting for many. So it could be the source of the anxiety if you hadn’t really had it before. I don’t know jack about Cymbalta except that it hits NE faster and at lower doses than Effexor. Supposedly. This is all anecdotal- based on some reseach- but mainly other people’s and my experiences. Finally, sometimes you really have to choose btwn depression and anxiety. Like WB for example, won’t do shit for anxiety, but may lift you into a less depressed, more anxious state. So you have to think?? There is prob no perfect solution, which is worse. I find anxiety much easier to live with honestly. There’s excersise of course, or just getting used to it. As for sexual side effects, the serotonin drugs hit that harder than the NE dopamine drugs. And buspar is a total mystery for me. Gabe
Atleast anxeity responds very quickly to benzos…. I have not heard of WB causing any weight gain… Wonder if the buspar is causing that?? Jamie
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Crossposted reply: Gabe is correct about wellbutrin and anxiety for sure. I personally would not want to start that if I was coming off Effexor, but you and your MD Elavil and Pamelor both do the same thing in terms of pain relief, so it’s really a matter of side effect toleration, and yes, Elavil causes more. Usually the starting dose is around 10 mgs of Elavil for sodium channel blockade/NMDA antagonism for chronic pain mgmt. Gabe’s statement about Cymbalta is correct, however the mechanism by which it has impact on pains (neuropathic) is different than the TCA group, and it’s a little harder to tolerate initially than Effexor. I would like to hear what the definition of the pains / symptoms are, prior to commenting on this much more. I do not agree that one has to choose betw. being depressed or being anxious, nor does the medical community at large. From a strictly statistical standpoint, anxiety is indeed "easier to live with", given the mortality rates of depression, however, again, see above. Buspar has little, if any effect on sexual function, but it also takes a fair amount of time for it to start working – it’s a "partial serotonin agonist", and takes usually 4 to 6 weeks to really start working well – not going to cover that wellbutrin awfully well. Honestly, I’m not so sure I really like this plan Jamie. What is the total med list going to be? Gary I’ll add that from what happened to me and others is that Wellbutrin and Buspar. WILL MAKE YOU FAT! Now that is depressing! And I agree with Gary that Anxiety is easier to control than depression. (IMHO) SnL Hey, I’m a bit confused about what you are on but I’ve had a lot of experience with TCAs. First of all, ditch Elavil (amitryptilene). It is the king of side effects, a dinosaur. Nortryp really is a toss-up. It has helped a lot of people and it is marked for pain relief. It hits NE with a negligible effect on serotonin. It’s pretty good for anxiety. My experience is — and I’ve seen this echoed in the anxiety group — if you are having anxiety don’t be afraid of the TCAs. Nortryp is prob the best and most balanced. As for going off Effexor it’s tough to tell. I can tell you that wellbutrin in prob 90 percent of people worsens anxiety. Effexor withdrawl is tough and long-lasting for many. So it could be the source of the anxiety if you hadn’t really had it before. I don’t know jack about Cymbalta except that it hits NE faster and at lower doses than Effexor. Supposedly. This is all anecdotal- based on some reseach- but mainly other people’s and my experiences. Finally, sometimes you really have to choose btwn depression and anxiety. Like WB for example, won’t do shit for anxiety, but may lift you into a less depressed, more anxious state. So you have to think?? There is prob no perfect solution, which is worse. I find anxiety much easier to live with honestly. There’s excersise of course, or just getting used to it. As for sexual side effects, the serotonin drugs hit that harder than the NE dopamine drugs. And buspar is a total mystery for me. Gabe
As Mel has mentioned, Jamie, and Gabe indicates here, the advice we give you and others is from our own experiences and different meds affect people in different ways. In my experience, Buspar was a no-winner for anxiety! I have been on Doxepin (a TCA) for years, and it works better than anything else I have taken for anxiety. In fact, that was what it was first prescribed for: anxiety and an aid for sleep. Some of the older TCAs are better than some of the newer meds, in my own opinion, and certainly cheaper. For me, an exception would be Elavil, which my Rheumy had me on just to see how I would do on that vs. Doxepin. After a couple months, I was back to Doxepin, so that is my med of choice. I must add that I have Clinical Depression, so your experience may be different, but anxiety goes hand in hand with depression, of which I’m well aware! So, the 2 antidepressants that I take are Paxil during the day and Doxepin in late afternoon/evening/bedtime. Both work well for me. Nanny
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey, I’m a bit confused about what you are on but I’ve had a lot of experience with TCAs. First of all, ditch Elavil (amitryptilene). It is the king of side effects, a dinosaur. Nortryp really is a toss-up. It has helped a lot of people and it is marked for pain relief. It hits NE with a negligible effect on serotonin. It’s pretty good for anxiety. My experience is — and I’ve seen this echoed in the anxiety group — if you are having anxiety don’t be afraid of the TCAs. Nortryp is prob the best and most balanced. As for going off Effexor it’s tough to tell. I can tell you that wellbutrin in prob 90 percent of people worsens anxiety. Effexor withdrawl is tough and long-lasting for many. So it could be the source of the anxiety if you hadn’t really had it before. I don’t know jack about Cymbalta except that it hits NE faster and at lower doses than Effexor. Supposedly. This is all anecdotal- based on some reseach- but mainly other people’s and my experiences. Finally, sometimes you really have to choose btwn depression and anxiety. Like WB for example, won’t do shit for anxiety, but may lift you into a less depressed, more anxious state. So you have to think?? There is prob no perfect solution, which is worse. I find anxiety much easier to live with honestly. There’s excersise of course, or just getting used to it. As for sexual side effects, the serotonin drugs hit that harder than the NE dopamine drugs. And buspar is a total mystery for me. Gabe
No, buspar is weight neutral. As a partial agonist, it functions as a sort of "dimmer switch" (like you might find in a dining room for the light fixture). If you don’t have enough serotonin, it will boost it up some, and if you have too much it will dampen the serotonin down. It has limitations on how high or low it can change the levels though, and is really not a particularly great medicine (for a lot of people – maybe not you though…) for anxiety control. Psychiatrists tell me that it yields particularly poor results in patients who have previously taken benzodiazepines for anxiety. The most common side-effects that people tell me they get from taking it – a disconcerting feeling of dizziness, some nausea, inability to tolerate loud or sharp sounds (all these usually go away in about a month or so) and almost everyone tells me that this drug causes them vivid dreams, often frightening and very colorful and/or violent. I have never had a single person tell me that this drug caused them to gain weight – there may be people who have though, I just haven’t met them. Prescribing literature describes weight gain as "infrequent", which means it happens more often than if it was cited as "rare". The dizziness is BY FAR the thing that is most bitterly complained about, and almost virtually universal. Research has shown in a couple of studies that high doses of buspar can actually recruit anxiety, whereas the lower doses did not. I find that the people who are on less than (or equal to) 30 mgs a day seem happiest with it. Gary
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Atleast anxeity responds very quickly to benzos…. I have not heard of WB causing any weight gain… Wonder if the buspar is causing that?? Jamie Crossposted reply: Gabe is correct about wellbutrin and anxiety for sure. I personally would not want to start that if I was coming off Effexor, but you and your MD Elavil and Pamelor both do the same thing in terms of pain relief, so it’s really a matter of side effect toleration, and yes, Elavil causes more. Usually the starting dose is around 10 mgs of Elavil for sodium channel blockade/NMDA antagonism for chronic pain mgmt. Gabe’s statement about Cymbalta is correct, however the mechanism by which it has impact on pains (neuropathic) is different than the TCA group, and it’s a little harder to tolerate initially than Effexor. I would like to hear what the definition of the pains / symptoms are, prior to commenting on this much more. I do not agree that one has to choose betw. being depressed or being anxious, nor does the medical community at large. From a strictly statistical standpoint, anxiety is indeed "easier to live with", given the mortality rates of depression, however, again, see above. Buspar has little, if any effect on sexual function, but it also takes a fair amount of time for it to start working – it’s a "partial serotonin agonist", and takes usually 4 to 6 weeks to really start working well – not going to cover that wellbutrin awfully well. Honestly, I’m not so sure I really like this plan Jamie. What is the total med list going to be? Gary I’ll add that from what happened to me and others is that Wellbutrin and Buspar. WILL MAKE YOU FAT! Now that is depressing! And I agree with Gary that Anxiety is easier to control than depression. (IMHO) SnL Hey, I’m a bit confused about what you are on but I’ve had a lot of experience with TCAs. First of all, ditch Elavil (amitryptilene). It is the king of side effects, a dinosaur. Nortryp really is a toss-up. It has helped a lot of people and it is marked for pain relief. It hits NE with a negligible effect on serotonin. It’s pretty good for anxiety. My experience is — and I’ve seen this echoed in the anxiety group — if you are having anxiety don’t be afraid of the TCAs. Nortryp is prob the best and most balanced. As for going off Effexor it’s tough to tell. I can tell you that wellbutrin in prob 90 percent of people worsens anxiety. Effexor withdrawl is tough and long-lasting for many. So it could be the source of the anxiety if you hadn’t really had it before. I don’t know jack about Cymbalta except that it hits NE faster and at lower doses than Effexor. Supposedly. This is all anecdotal- based on some reseach- but mainly other people’s and my experiences. Finally, sometimes you really have to choose btwn depression and anxiety. Like WB for example, won’t do shit for anxiety, but may lift you into a less depressed, more anxious state. So you have to think?? There is prob no perfect solution, which is worse. I find anxiety much easier to live with honestly. There’s excersise of course, or just getting used to it. As for sexual side effects, the serotonin drugs hit that harder than the NE dopamine drugs. And buspar is a total mystery for me. Gabe
I am not sure they are quite calming, but they normally dont make my anxeity freak out like I would have though they would. The pschylogists have always diagnosised me with ADD and GAD, so maybe I am getting a patial benefit from the stimulant in terms of anxeity, or atleast that might explain why it doesnt make it much worse… jamie
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Actually for some people, the stimulant meds DO have anxiolytic effect, so it’s really not fair to say that they "don’t do shit" for anxiety. That is true for "most people", but for some, stimulants are calming, which is almost diagnostic for ADD. G HI, I am off of Effexor now, with my doctors permission. Only thing I have really noticed in that my Anxeity is up a little bit, and I cant decide if this is: a. a withdrawl symptom from effexor b. effexor was doing a little more to help with my anxeity than I thought…. but anyway, I am feeling pretty decent, and really not too depressed,,, I guess a little stressed, but not to depressed at all… The initial plan I made with my doctor was to start wellbutrin 150XL and buspar now. Since I made that plan, I have seen the rheumy, who wants me to try, nortriptline or Amitriptyline, and after discussing this with several of you, it sounds like this is worth a try… Here is where I am stuck… I don’t want to take more meds than I have to… I know I can always dc them later, but,,, I am wondering if I should start WB and buspar if I know I am going to start a TCA? The question I have that I dont really know the answer to at all is this, Can WB and buspar help reduce the side effects of a TCA the way they can help reduce the side effects of a SSRI? Would it be reasonalbe to try WB, buspar and a TCA all together and see what happends, and reduce if necessary? I really really really want to avoid the majority of sexual side effects if I can, as I am quite sure I will be depressed from that if I have major sexular side effects… I know there will be a transition period where I have to take time to get used to the tca, but I cant live on a ongoing basis (espically long term, as using the tca for fibro could be a life long type of thing) with major sexual disfunction…… One last question is this, Is it worth thinking about trying cymbalta first before the TCA, or not since I have already tried effexor? I know larry commented on this and said that the TCA’s can be quite different from effexor, but does the same hold true for cymbalta, I am guessing it does since they are in the same class (effexor and cymbalta = ssnri) but I have heard thatt cymbalta is a lot better with pain and such from some people….. Any thoughs on this? Sorry to make this so confusing…. Thanks again for your time, and your comments on this…. Jamie
HI, I am off of Effexor now, with my doctors permission. Only thing I have really noticed in that my Anxeity is up a little bit, and I cant decide if this is: a. a withdrawl symptom from effexor b. effexor was doing a little more to help with my anxeity than I thought…. but anyway, I am feeling pretty decent, and really not too depressed,,, I guess a little stressed, but not to depressed at all… The initial plan I made with my doctor was to start wellbutrin 150XL and buspar now. Since I made that plan, I have seen the rheumy, who wants me to try, nortriptline or Amitriptyline, and after discussing this with several of you, it sounds like this is worth a try… Here is where I am stuck… I don’t want to take more meds than I have to… I know I can always dc them later, but,,, I am wondering if I should start WB and buspar if I know I am going to start a TCA? The question I have that I dont really know the answer to at all is this, Can WB and buspar help reduce the side effects of a TCA the way they can help reduce the side effects of a SSRI? Would it be reasonalbe to try WB, buspar and a TCA all together and see what happends, and reduce if necessary? I really really really want to avoid the majority of sexual side effects if I can, as I am quite sure I will be depressed from that if I have major sexular side effects… I know there will be a transition period where I have to take time to get used to the tca, but I cant live on a ongoing basis (espically long term, as using the tca for fibro could be a life long type of thing) with major sexual disfunction…… One last question is this, Is it worth thinking about trying cymbalta first before the TCA, or not since I have already tried effexor? I know larry commented on this and said that the TCA’s can be quite different from effexor, but does the same hold true for cymbalta, I am guessing it does since they are in the same class (effexor and cymbalta = ssnri) but I have heard thatt cymbalta is a lot better with pain and such from some people….. Any thoughs on this? Sorry to make this so confusing…. Thanks again for your time, and your comments on this…. Jamie
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HI, I am off of Effexor now, with my doctors permission. Only thing I have really noticed in that my Anxeity is up a little bit, and I cant decide if this is: a. a withdrawl symptom from effexor b. effexor was doing a little more to help with my anxeity than I thought…. but anyway, I am feeling pretty decent, and really not too depressed,,, I guess a little stressed, but not to depressed at all… The initial plan I made with my doctor was to start wellbutrin 150XL and buspar now. Since I made that plan, I have seen the rheumy, who wants me to try, nortriptline or Amitriptyline, and after discussing this with several of you, it sounds like this is worth a try… Here is where I am stuck… I don’t want to take more meds than I have to… I know I can always dc them later, but,,, I am wondering if I should start WB and buspar if I know I am going to start a TCA? The question I have that I dont really know the answer to at all is this, Can WB and buspar help reduce the side effects of a TCA the way they can help reduce the side effects of a SSRI?
Just a guess: Probably, except that the TCA is likely to have more unpleasant side effects than the SSRI. Would it be reasonalbe to try WB, buspar and a TCA all together and see what happends, and reduce if necessary?
As much sense as it would to take an SSRI with the others and tailer the others. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I really really really want to avoid the majority of sexual side effects if I can, as I am quite sure I will be depressed from that if I have major sexular side effects… I know there will be a transition period where I have to take time to get used to the tca, but I cant live on a ongoing basis (espically long term, as using the tca for fibro could be a life long type of thing) with major sexual disfunction…… One last question is this, Is it worth thinking about trying cymbalta first before the TCA, or not since I have already tried effexor? I know larry commented on this and said that the TCA’s can be quite different from effexor, but does the same hold true for cymbalta, I am guessing it does since they are in the same class (effexor and cymbalta = ssnri) but I have heard thatt cymbalta is a lot better with pain and such from some people….. Any thoughs on this? Sorry to make this so confusing…. Thanks again for your time, and your comments on this…. Jamie
– Nom dePlume, Ph.D. Why, yes, in fact, I am a rocket scientist. Guide to Medications for Mental Illness: http://www.geocities.com/nomdeplume1000/ =====
Hey, I’m a bit confused about what you are on but I’ve had a lot of experience with TCAs. First of all, ditch Elavil (amitryptilene). It is the king of side effects, a dinosaur. Nortryp really is a toss-up. It has helped a lot of people and it is marked for pain relief. It hits NE with a negligible effect on serotonin. It’s pretty good for anxiety. My experience is — and I’ve seen this echoed in the anxiety group — if you are having anxiety don’t be afraid of the TCAs. Nortryp is prob the best and most balanced. As for going off Effexor it’s tough to tell. I can tell you that wellbutrin in prob 90 percent of people worsens anxiety. Effexor withdrawl is tough and long-lasting for many. So it could be the source of the anxiety if you hadn’t really had it before. I don’t know jack about Cymbalta except that it hits NE faster and at lower doses than Effexor. Supposedly. This is all anecdotal- based on some reseach- but mainly other people’s and my experiences. Finally, sometimes you really have to choose btwn depression and anxiety. Like WB for example, won’t do shit for anxiety, but may lift you into a less depressed, more anxious state. So you have to think?? There is prob no perfect solution, which is worse. I find anxiety much easier to live with honestly. There’s excersise of course, or just getting used to it. As for sexual side effects, the serotonin drugs hit that harder than the NE dopamine drugs. And buspar is a total mystery for me. Gabe
Gabe is correct about wellbutrin and anxiety for sure. I personally would not want to start that if I was coming off Effexor, but you and your MD must Elavil and Pamelor both do the same thing in terms of pain relief, so it’s really a matter of side effect toleration, and yes, Elavil causes more. Usually the starting dose is around 10 mgs of Elavil for sodium channel blockade/NMDA antagonism for chronic pain mgmt. Gabe’s statement about Cymbalta is correct, however the mechanism by which it has impact on pains (neuropathic) is different than the TCA group, and it’s a little harder to tolerate initially than Effexor. I would like to hear what the definition of the pains / symptoms are, prior to commenting on this much more. I do not agree that one has to choose betw. being depressed or being anxious, nor does the medical community at large. From a strictly statistical standpoint, anxiety is indeed "easier to live with", given the mortality rates of depression, however, again, see above. Buspar has little, if any effect on sexual function, but it also takes a fair amount of time for it to start working – it’s a "partial serotonin agonist", and takes usually 4 to 6 weeks to really start working well – not going to cover that wellbutrin awfully well. Honestly, I’m not so sure I really like this plan Jamie. What is the total med list going to be? Gary
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey, I’m a bit confused about what you are on but I’ve had a lot of experience with TCAs. First of all, ditch Elavil (amitryptilene). It is the king of side effects, a dinosaur. Nortryp really is a toss-up. It has helped a lot of people and it is marked for pain relief. It hits NE with a negligible effect on serotonin. It’s pretty good for anxiety. My experience is — and I’ve seen this echoed in the anxiety group — if you are having anxiety don’t be afraid of the TCAs. Nortryp is prob the best and most balanced. As for going off Effexor it’s tough to tell. I can tell you that wellbutrin in prob 90 percent of people worsens anxiety. Effexor withdrawl is tough and long-lasting for many. So it could be the source of the anxiety if you hadn’t really had it before. I don’t know jack about Cymbalta except that it hits NE faster and at lower doses than Effexor. Supposedly. This is all anecdotal- based on some reseach- but mainly other people’s and my experiences. Finally, sometimes you really have to choose btwn depression and anxiety. Like WB for example, won’t do shit for anxiety, but may lift you into a less depressed, more anxious state. So you have to think?? There is prob no perfect solution, which is worse. I find anxiety much easier to live with honestly. There’s excersise of course, or just getting used to it. As for sexual side effects, the serotonin drugs hit that harder than the NE dopamine drugs. And buspar is a total mystery for me. Gabe
Crossposted reply:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gabe is correct about wellbutrin and anxiety for sure. I personally would not want to start that if I was coming off Effexor, but you and your MD Elavil and Pamelor both do the same thing in terms of pain relief, so it’s really a matter of side effect toleration, and yes, Elavil causes more. Usually the starting dose is around 10 mgs of Elavil for sodium channel blockade/NMDA antagonism for chronic pain mgmt. Gabe’s statement about Cymbalta is correct, however the mechanism by which it has impact on pains (neuropathic) is different than the TCA group, and it’s a little harder to tolerate initially than Effexor. I would like to hear what the definition of the pains / symptoms are, prior to commenting on this much more. I do not agree that one has to choose betw. being depressed or being anxious, nor does the medical community at large. From a strictly statistical standpoint, anxiety is indeed "easier to live with", given the mortality rates of depression, however, again, see above. Buspar has little, if any effect on sexual function, but it also takes a fair amount of time for it to start working – it’s a "partial serotonin agonist", and takes usually 4 to 6 weeks to really start working well – not going to cover that wellbutrin awfully well. Honestly, I’m not so sure I really like this plan Jamie. What is the total med list going to be? Gary
I’ll add that from what happened to me and others is that Wellbutrin and Buspar. WILL MAKE YOU FAT! Now that is depressing! And I agree with Gary that Anxiety is easier to control than depression. (IMHO) SnL – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey, I’m a bit confused about what you are on but I’ve had a lot of experience with TCAs. First of all, ditch Elavil (amitryptilene). It is the king of side effects, a dinosaur. Nortryp really is a toss-up. It has helped a lot of people and it is marked for pain relief. It hits NE with a negligible effect on serotonin. It’s pretty good for anxiety. My experience is — and I’ve seen this echoed in the anxiety group — if you are having anxiety don’t be afraid of the TCAs. Nortryp is prob the best and most balanced. As for going off Effexor it’s tough to tell. I can tell you that wellbutrin in prob 90 percent of people worsens anxiety. Effexor withdrawl is tough and long-lasting for many. So it could be the source of the anxiety if you hadn’t really had it before. I don’t know jack about Cymbalta except that it hits NE faster and at lower doses than Effexor. Supposedly. This is all anecdotal- based on some reseach- but mainly other people’s and my experiences. Finally, sometimes you really have to choose btwn depression and anxiety. Like WB for example, won’t do shit for anxiety, but may lift you into a less depressed, more anxious state. So you have to think?? There is prob no perfect solution, which is worse. I find anxiety much easier to live with honestly. There’s excersise of course, or just getting used to it. As for sexual side effects, the serotonin drugs hit that harder than the NE dopamine drugs. And buspar is a total mystery for me. Gabe
Actually, the story is a bit more complicated. He was supposed to start on 10 mg, go to 20 mg (10×2) in a week, then 30 (10×3). The pharmacy goofed and put 18s in the bottle, so he started on 18. He experienced almost immediate positive affects, in terms of behavior in school. But he also was having drowsy spells and stomach aches, and sometimes just seems drugged up – he falls asleep in the car for the first time since he was an infant. Fortunately, we noticed the error before it was time for him to take two, and immediately cut him back to 10. Which brings us to our present circumstances – side effects with 18, insufficient effects with 10. During his time with me this summer, I have chosen to give him 10 – he has more chance for physical exercise, and less requirement to be still and attentive. But I’m more interested in determining a good long-term solution for him, and none has been forthcoming from his physicial or Lilly.
You need to give the drug time, a few weeks, before you will know what staying side effects will be. Drowsiness and stomach aches are common on reuptake inhibitors and often go away with time. You have raised another issue as regards the four hour half life. His physician’s solution to the side-effects was to suggest he take the medication in the evening. I was concerned that he was still being overmedicated, but just sleeping through the symptoms. But I am now further concerned that by giving him the medication in the evening, most of the effect is wasted, thus requiring a higher dosage to maintain the effect. Also, his physician said that it builds up in the blood, but this is also apparently wrong. More info on half-life and other issues at: http://www.mosbysdrugconsult.com/DrugConsult/003578.html
Taking it at night to avoid drowsiness during the day is a good idea and often helps reduce drowsiness – not always, but sometimes. Taking it at night will make no difference to its positive effects. With reuptake inhibitors, the blood half life has little to do with the positive effect. However, it may have a lot to do with side effects. These are nothing like stimulants where you only have an effect while it is in your blood. Reuptake inhibitors can take weeks before the drugs start having the effect you want, and after you quit can take a long time to stop "working" also. Just follow your doctors orders and stop panicking.
The pharmacy goofed and put 18s in the bottle, so he started on 18. He experienced almost immediate positive affects, in terms of behavior in school. But he also was having drowsy spells and stomach aches, and sometimes just seems drugged up – he falls asleep in the car for the first time since he was an infant. Fortunately, we noticed the error before it was time for him to take two, and immediately cut him back to 10. Which brings us to our present circumstances – side effects with 18, insufficient effects with 10.
In our experience (our son is 10) the side effects you mentioned go away pretty quickly — and were greatly lessened by dosing at night (which we still do). The medication has been very helpful for us. I suggest you go back to 18 and take it at night. In time, you may be able to switch to morning dosing (we may do this when school starts; right now bedtime is a much more predictable time than morning is.) -Dawn Mom to Henry, 10
Actually, the story is a bit more complicated. He was supposed to start on 10 mg, go to 20 mg (10×2) in a week, then 30 (10×3). The pharmacy goofed and put 18s in the bottle, so he started on 18. He experienced almost immediate positive affects, in terms of behavior in school. But he also was having drowsy spells and stomach aches, and sometimes just seems drugged up – he falls asleep in the car for the first time since he was an infant. Fortunately, we noticed the error before it was time for him to take two, and immediately cut him back to 10. Which brings us to our present circumstances – side effects with 18, insufficient effects with 10. During his time with me this summer, I have chosen to give him 10 – he has more chance for physical exercise, and less requirement to be still and attentive. But I’m more interested in determining a good long-term solution for him, and none has been forthcoming from his physicial or Lilly. You have raised another issue as regards the four hour half life. His physician’s solution to the side-effects was to suggest he take the medication in the evening. I was concerned that he was still being overmedicated, but just sleeping through the symptoms. But I am now further concerned that by giving him the medication in the evening, most of the effect is wasted, thus requiring a higher dosage to maintain the effect. Also, his physician said that it builds up in the blood, but this is also apparently wrong. More info on half-life and other issues at: http://www.mosbysdrugconsult.com/DrugConsult/003578.html
Actually, the story is a bit more complicated. He was supposed to start on 10 mg, go to 20 mg (10×2) in a week, then 30 (10×3). The pharmacy goofed and put 18s in the bottle, so he started on 18. He experienced almost immediate positive affects, in terms of behavior in school. But he also was having drowsy spells and stomach aches, and sometimes just seems drugged up – he falls asleep in the car for the first time since he was an infant.
Is he sleeping the night through? One side effect some people experience with Strattera is that it interrupts their sleep. I wasn’t able to sleep more than 3 hours at a stretch when I was on it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Fortunately, we noticed the error before it was time for him to take two, and immediately cut him back to 10. Which brings us to our present circumstances – side effects with 18, insufficient effects with 10. During his time with me this summer, I have chosen to give him 10 – he has more chance for physical exercise, and less requirement to be still and attentive. But I’m more interested in determining a good long-term solution for him, and none has been forthcoming from his physicial or Lilly. You have raised another issue as regards the four hour half life. His physician’s solution to the side-effects was to suggest he take the medication in the evening. I was concerned that he was still being overmedicated, but just sleeping through the symptoms. But I am now further concerned that by giving him the medication in the evening, most of the effect is wasted, thus requiring a higher dosage to maintain the effect. Also, his physician said that it builds up in the blood, but this is also apparently wrong. More info on half-life and other issues at: http://www.mosbysdrugconsult.com/DrugConsult/003578.html
– –John Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net (was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
So far as I know, he is sleeping through the night. The problem we’re having is that when he takes 18 mg, he is often drowsy during the day. The doctor’s solution to this was to switch to giving him the medication at dinner instead of breakfast. This seems foolish to me, though – Strattera levels peak in 1-2 hours, and it has a half-life of 5.2 hours. So by morning, 3/4 of the medication is gone. Seems better to me to give him the medication two hours before school for maximum effect. However, the Lilly support rep said that effects of Strattera persist after blood levels drop – she said they suspect it stays in the brain after it is gone from the blood, but they aren’t sure about this. I am leaning toward morning administration on an empty stomach, and we’ll see how that goes. I just wish there were more authoritative guidance on this.
My 7 year old son has been using Strattera for about a month, with reportedly good effects. Unfortunately, it seems that 10 mg is not enough for him, but 18 mg produces substantial side-effects. Since there is no such thing as 14 mg, and you can’t break the capsules, does anyone have any experience with daily alternating between 10 and 18 mg? His physician is making contradictory statements – on the one hand, you must never miss a day on Strattera because it builds up in your blood – but on the other hand, alternating dosages will create huge swings in effect. It seems to me that if it’s a cumulative buildup, there should be very little swinging induced by alternating doses. Lilly says they have no information on this since it wasn’t part of their clinical trial.
What are the side effects? If he has only been on 18mg for a week, that is probably not long enough to judge the side effects. With these types of drugs, often the initial side effects go away. Maybe not, but I would give it more than two weeks and then start looking at the side effects. The half-life of Strattera is only about 4 hours. So, you wont get any smoothing out of blood levels by alternating doses. You start fresh every day with Strattera. Thats not to say other mechanisms besides blood levels wont smooth out somehow. I dont know. This page is where I found the half-life: http://lists.chadd-mc.org/pipermail/chadd-mc/2002-November/000063.html For me, the nausea side effects from Effexor (which partly inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine like Strattra dose) went away in a few days. The sleepy side effects never went away. I doubt you will know ahead of time if alternating between 10 and 18 would work. Some of the side effects happen immediately, others take time. Going from 10mg to 18, you would be taking almost double the dose every other day. You would NEVER do this with Effexor, for example – because you would be nauseous and have a headache every day. You would go though withdrawal on the half-dose days, and experience the side effects of the increased dose on the double-dose days. At least with Effexor, and other anti-depressants (I cant say about Strattera) its very important to have a steady dose. Any variation only causes more side effects. You probably can open the capsule and remove 22% of the contents. Doctors rarely let you do this because they dont trust you to do it right. And, some of them may mistakenly believe you will disrupt the absorption or time-release functions of the capsule. Anyone with any sense of statistics would see this is not a problem except for specialized capsules like Concerta. But, Strattera is not a time-release capsule anyway. And there would be no change in absorption. Again, I am curious, what are the side effects? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My 7 year old son has been using Strattera for about a month, with reportedly good effects. Unfortunately, it seems that 10 mg is not enough for him, but 18 mg produces substantial side-effects. Since there is no such thing as 14 mg, and you can’t break the capsules, does anyone have any experience with daily alternating between 10 and 18 mg? His physician is making contradictory statements – on the one hand, you must never miss a day on Strattera because it builds up in your blood – but on the other hand, alternating dosages will create huge swings in effect. It seems to me that if it’s a cumulative buildup, there should be very little swinging induced by alternating doses. Lilly says they have no information on this since it wasn’t part of their clinical trial.
Is this pretty much normal for coming off Paxil? I took a look at the website you recommended and there seem to be a lot of side effects. I’m asking on behalf of my 10 year old nephew. Today his doctor changed his medication from Paxil to something else (can’t remember – began with an R). He was on 20mg a day and he’s cutting the dose in half for the next three days, then having him take the half dose every other day. His mom is already at the end of her rope and if there are going to be side effects from this, she’s totally unprepared for them.
If you are changing from one antidepressant to another, I don’t think you will have side effects (or they won’t be as bad). NK
"jake" <inva…@invalid.com
wrote in message
news:kn66bv4osdbnirrfvv944s2q3p5hv98d6g@4ax.com…
On Fri, 02 May 2003 23:03:52 GMT, "No kidding!" <nokidd…@NOSPAMria.net wrote: I took Paxil for many years and the first few times I tried to come off
of
it, I had really *bad* discontinuation symptoms myself- dizziness so bad
I’d
have to go and lie down, "electric shock" sensations that would go
through
my body. Even when going down to the minimum dose of 5 mg I would suffer side effects when stopping. I finally went to the
http://www.quitpaxil.org/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
website and it gave me lots of good advice for weaning from it. I was able to get liquid Paxil and taper off 1 mg at a time (over a
period
of weeks) and this was the only way I could wean myself off the
medication
without side effects. If I remember, Effexor gave me side effects, too
but
not as bad as the Paxil. Antidepressants aren’t candy so I don’t recommend them for minor
depression
but if you’re sick enough, I still think they’re worth it. They helped me out a lot. sure..with the emphasis on IF you are sick enough with genuine profound depression..and with informed consent. Where the profit motive and a drive to expand markets are the motivation, history shows it takes legal action to compel pharmaceutical companies to provide the information needed for any kind of informed consent worth its name. And as for highpowered TV advertising to entice people to badger an uninformed GP to prescribe for the variety of ailments they claim it suitable for…….criminal prosecution .
I have mixed feelings about the TV advertising. On one level, I’m glad people can see there are options to help them. Educating the public is not a bad thing but I totaly agree that medications (for depression and ADHD) are being doled out more often than they should. I ‘m not a nurse but I’ve worked in the medical field for the past 27 years and I’m always seeing MD’s prescribe psych meds that have no business doing so (i.e regular GPs and gynecologists). I can’t tell you all the ADHD kids I see coming in for pre-medication work ups that could probably benefit from other options rather than medication but that’s the easiest avenue. I had a friend who was a little down and she went to her GYN doc and asked for an antidepressant and he prescribed Effexor! Despite this, I’m still a firm believer in medication under the right circumstances. I was in bad shape at one time and I probably would be dead or severely incapacitated without it. Thank goodness I went to a competant psychiatrist and he was willing to work with me when the time came to come off the Paxil. Some of them out there do not believe in the discontinuation symptoms and make their patients go cold turkey. Brutal! Patients also need to take a little responsibility for their own health by asking questions and reading up on their medications (maybe this is not such a good idea if you have OCD like me). IMO, it all boils down to: how badly is your life being affected by your disorder? I was bad enough that a few side effects were a better option than what I was dealing with. NK
On Sat, 03 May 2003 15:00:01 GMT, "No kidding!" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<nokidd…@NOSPAMria.net
wrote: "jake" <inva…@invalid.com wrote in message news:kn66bv4osdbnirrfvv944s2q3p5hv98d6g@4ax.com… On Fri, 02 May 2003 23:03:52 GMT, "No kidding!" <nokidd…@NOSPAMria.net wrote: I took Paxil for many years and the first few times I tried to come off of it, I had really *bad* discontinuation symptoms myself- dizziness so bad I’d have to go and lie down, "electric shock" sensations that would go through my body. Even when going down to the minimum dose of 5 mg I would suffer side effects when stopping. I finally went to the http://www.quitpaxil.org/ website and it gave me lots of good advice for weaning from it. I was able to get liquid Paxil and taper off 1 mg at a time (over a period of weeks) and this was the only way I could wean myself off the medication without side effects. If I remember, Effexor gave me side effects, too but not as bad as the Paxil. Antidepressants aren’t candy so I don’t recommend them for minor depression but if you’re sick enough, I still think they’re worth it. They helped me out a lot. sure..with the emphasis on IF you are sick enough with genuine profound depression..and with informed consent. Where the profit motive and a drive to expand markets are the motivation, history shows it takes legal action to compel pharmaceutical companies to provide the information needed for any kind of informed consent worth its name. And as for highpowered TV advertising to entice people to badger an uninformed GP to prescribe for the variety of ailments they claim it suitable for…….criminal prosecution . I have mixed feelings about the TV advertising. On one level, I’m glad people can see there are options to help them. Educating the public is not a bad thing but I totaly agree that medications (for depression and ADHD) are being doled out more often than they should.
Education of the consumer is critical to any kind of informed consent worth the name. The Sales Departments of multinational drug companies are hardly a suitable institution to undertake this task though.
I ‘m not a nurse but I’ve worked in the medical field for the past 27 years and I’m always seeing MD’s prescribe psych meds that have no business doing so (i.e regular GPs and gynecologists). I can’t tell you all the ADHD kids I see coming in for pre-medication work ups that could probably benefit from other options rather than medication but that’s the easiest avenue. I had a friend who was a little down and she went to her GYN doc and asked for an antidepressant and he prescribed Effexor!
how totally irresponsible .It is probably his standard practice,scribbling a script takes little effort.
Despite this, I’m still a firm believer in medication under the right circumstances. I was in bad shape at one time and I probably would be dead or severely incapacitated without it.
One can never know , of course , but in critical situations of genuine need it has been a boon to many. The problem arise withthe commercial pressures to define more and more circumstances as the "right " ones.
Thank goodness I went to a competant psychiatrist and he was willing to work with me when the time came to come off the Paxil.
Indeed Some of them out there do not believe in the discontinuation
symptoms and make their patients go cold turkey. Brutal!
Completely irresponsible and verging on criminal negligence.. They should be forced to educate themselves before being allowed to prescribe them.
Patients also need to take a little responsibility for their own health by asking questions and reading up on their medications (maybe this is not such a good idea if you have OCD like me).
:
)
Yes it can be so easy to be constantly scanning for signs of dire consequences.. They key perhaps lies with a compentant doctor who actually takes th truble to monitor his patients halth , rather than feeling the problem is soved if the patient goes away with a bottle of pills in their hand and doesn’t return.
IMO, it all boils down to: how badly is your life being affected by your disorder?
of course..
I was bad enough that a few side effects were a better option than what I was dealing with.
The fact that you managed to get off the Paxil will be an inspiration to many who despair of ever being able to. As you know if you are familiar with the http://www.quitpaxil.org/ support site there are those whose experiences with the drug are far more horrific than any complaint they may have been prescribed it for. __ Sorrow is knowledge, those that know the most must mourn the deepest, the tree of knowledge is not the tree of life. -Lord Byron http://www.schizoaffective.org/
which one do you use Great? "Great" <k…@xyz.com
wrote in message
news:b90428$e7ruh$1@ID-189619.news.dfncis.de… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> There is no doubt about this fact. It causes impotense. > "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
> news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… > > I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is > this > > true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? > > TIA
Which one do you use Great that doesn’t cause it? "Great" <k…@xyz.com
wrote in message
news:b90428$e7ruh$1@ID-189619.news.dfncis.de… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> There is no doubt about this fact. It causes impotense. > "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
> news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… > > I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is > this > > true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? > > TIA
After eight months without any problem it’s a pretty safe bet. Any impotence I experience is going to be for other reasons. "jake" <inva…@invalid.com
wrote in message
news:drf7bvopnvu46a3gc613v15l6jr2pu1is5@4ax.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
On Sat, 03 May 2003 10:27:24 GMT, "Roger" <roge…@hotmail.com wrote: There is doubt. It doesn’t cause it in me. It can cause it. well dont tempt fate ..It has not as yet
Bupropion doesn’t cause it. Ritalin doesn’t cause it. Deprynl also doesn’t cause it. "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
news:ZsVsa.715511$3D1.395315@sccrnsc01… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Which one do you use Great that doesn’t cause it? > "Great" <k…@xyz.com
wrote in message
> news:b90428$e7ruh$1@ID-189619.news.dfncis.de… > > There is no doubt about this fact. It causes impotense. > > "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
> > news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… > > > I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is
this true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? TIA
On Sat, 03 May 2003 10:27:24 GMT, "Roger" <roge…@hotmail.com
wrote: There is doubt. It doesn’t cause it in me. It can cause it.
well dont tempt fate ..It has not as yet In response to the original posters query,there is no doubt whatsoever that impotence is a commonly observed adverse reaction, and it is misleading to suggest otherwise Commonly Observed Adverse Reactions: http://www.effexor-xr-side-effects-withdrawal.com/adverse-effects-eff… The most commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of venlafaxine (incidence of 5% or greater) and not seen at an equivalent incidence among placebo-treated patients (i.e., incidence for venlafaxine at least twice that for placebo), derived from the 1% incidence Table III, were asthenia, sweating, nausea, constipation, anorexia, vomiting, somnolence, dry mouth, dizziness nervousness, anxiety, tremor, blurred vision, and abnormal ejaculation/orgasm and impotence in men. __ The long term effects could be far more drastic http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/depression/treatment/antidepr… But perhaps the most troubling problem with the newer drugs is that no one is sure just what their long-term effects might be. There are some new, troubling reports that Effexor may cause tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder that may be permanent, involving writhing, wormlike movements of the body, lips, and tongue. But many chronically depressed people say they don’t care. They’re willing to pay the price of future uncertainty to buy freedom from depression today.
"Great" <k…@xyz.com wrote in message news:b90428$e7ruh$1@ID-189619.news.dfncis.de… There is no doubt about this fact. It causes impotense. "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com wrote in message news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is this true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? TIA
"When society turns a blind eye to the dangers of drugs and rushes to embrace a pharmaceutical cure for nearly every condition, there is almost no end to the harm that may result". http://www.schizoaffective.org/ Thomas.J.Moore
There is doubt. It doesn’t cause it in me. It can cause it. "Great" <k…@xyz.com
wrote in message
news:b90428$e7ruh$1@ID-189619.news.dfncis.de… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> There is no doubt about this fact. It causes impotense. > "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
> news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… > > I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is > this > > true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? > > TIA
There is no doubt about this fact. It causes impotense. "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is
this
true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? TIA
On Fri, 02 May 2003 23:03:52 GMT, "No kidding!" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<nokidd…@NOSPAMria.net
wrote: I took Paxil for many years and the first few times I tried to come off of it, I had really *bad* discontinuation symptoms myself- dizziness so bad I’d have to go and lie down, "electric shock" sensations that would go through my body. Even when going down to the minimum dose of 5 mg I would suffer side effects when stopping. I finally went to the http://www.quitpaxil.org/ website and it gave me lots of good advice for weaning from it. I was able to get liquid Paxil and taper off 1 mg at a time (over a period of weeks) and this was the only way I could wean myself off the medication without side effects. If I remember, Effexor gave me side effects, too but not as bad as the Paxil. Antidepressants aren’t candy so I don’t recommend them for minor depression but if you’re sick enough, I still think they’re worth it. They helped me out a lot.
sure..with the emphasis on IF you are sick enough with genuine profound depression..and with informed consent. Where the profit motive and a drive to expand markets are the motivation, history shows it takes legal action to compel pharmaceutical companies to provide the information needed for any kind of informed consent worth its name. And as for highpowered TV advertising to entice people to badger an uninformed GP to prescribe for the variety of ailments they claim it suitable for…….criminal prosecution . Of course in most advanced countries other than the USA , such activities are in fact illegal.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
"jake" <inva…@invalid.com wrote in message news:2qe4bvsohuqflnkqf52m7o7743v1knghcv@4ax.com… On Fri, 2 May 2003 00:22:01 -0500, "Poop Dogg" <nos…@nospam.com wrote: "kevin" wrote in message … Are you sure about this? I thought I’ve seen many posts about how effexor xr makes people a uniuch. I took a 37.5 mg capulse the other day and while it made me feel more motivated, I didn’t have any sexual feelings/thoughts either. This scared me. Try it and see how it affects you. You can always stop taking it if you don’t like the side-effects, Sadly this is not always the case Re: Effexor Withdrawal NIghtmare. Class act lawsuit. Not one told us about this. http://www.pandamedicine.com/rt_health/160-41.html I have been on effexor for years. I haven\’t had any weight gain, on the contrary, it kills my appetite, but I cannot wean myself off it. I get a racing heart, and feel like I am having a heart atack, heart palpatations, pounding heart,pounding in my ears,and hearing loss. I also experience body tremors and convulsion-like body jerks. I also get the \"brain shivers\" but entire BODY SHIVERS as well. These symptoms dissappear when I re-take my dose, but then I am back on the nightmare cycle. No one told me about this, and I don\’t believe the drug company put out a disclaimer regarding withdrawl symptoms(anyone know about that?). I am interested in filing a class-action lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. Anyone who is interested, please contact me @ ceciliari…@aol.com. This is SERIOUS! it’s not like the loss of libido is permanent. "When society turns a blind eye to the dangers of drugs and rushes to embrace a pharmaceutical cure for nearly every condition, there is almost no end to the harm that may result". http://www.schizoaffective.org/ Thomas.J.Moore
"When society turns a blind eye to the dangers of drugs and rushes to embrace a pharmaceutical cure for nearly every condition, there is almost no end to the harm that may result". http://www.schizoaffective.org/ Thomas.J.Moore
On Fri, 02 May 2003 18:39:12 GMT, pet…@chariot.net.au (Peter Hodges) wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
X-No-Archive: Yes On Fri, 02 May 2003 10:41:44 +0100, jake <inva…@invalid.com wrote: <snip Sadly this is not always the case Re: Effexor Withdrawal NIghtmare. Class act lawsuit. Not one told us about this. http://www.pandamedicine.com/rt_health/160-41.html I have been on effexor for years. I haven\’t had any weight gain, on the contrary, it kills my appetite, but I cannot wean myself off it. I get a racing heart, and feel like I am having a heart atack, heart palpatations, pounding heart,pounding in my ears,and hearing loss. I also experience body tremors and convulsion-like body jerks. I also get the \"brain shivers\" but entire BODY SHIVERS as well. These symptoms dissappear when I re-take my dose, but then I am back on the nightmare cycle. No one told me about this, and I don\’t believe the drug company put out a disclaimer regarding withdrawl symptoms(anyone know about that?). I am interested in filing a class-action lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. Anyone who is interested, please contact me @ ceciliari…@aol.com. This is SERIOUS! I had terrible sides from Effexor XR; after only 6 weeks I’d lost 9kg – a lot for someone of my build. Some 5% of people develop anorexia – not something you normally associate with 47 y.o. males, but I got it. I had no energy, no stamina, could barely get out of bed and lost *all* interest in food. If I hadn’t realised what was going on – and a mate hadn’t visited a few times and said I was looking *really* sick & gaunt I may have ended up in hospital or dead. I put a post on the newsgroup and got quite a few emails from people who’ve had terrible side’s from Effexor XR. There is an excellent page run by a woman called Belynda with stories about bad times from Effexor & Effexor XR; the URL is: <http://members.tripod.com/~BWarner/effexor.html. The page is called "Effexor Withdrawal" and gives a brief description of her own Effexor history, as well as comments by people who have had trouble with it – believe it or not, these pages of people’s troubles run for 480-odd pages: quite a few problems.
Oh well it seems to have gone, unfortunately.. I am not too suprised there were so many complaints it is the No 2 drug for withdrawal problems __ Sorrow is knowledge, those that know the most must mourn the deepest, the tree of knowledge is not the tree of life. -Lord Byron http://www.schizoaffective.org/
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"No kidding!" wrote:
I took Paxil for many years and the first few times I tried to come off of it, I had really *bad* discontinuation symptoms myself- dizziness so bad I’d have to go and lie down, "electric shock" sensations that would go through my body. Even when going down to the minimum dose of 5 mg I would suffer side effects when stopping. I finally went to the http://www.quitpaxil.org/ website and it gave me lots of good advice for weaning from it. I was able to get liquid Paxil and taper off 1 mg at a time (over a period of weeks) and this was the only way I could wean myself off the medication without side effects. If I remember, Effexor gave me side effects, too but not as bad as the Paxil. Antidepressants aren’t candy so I don’t recommend them for minor depression but if you’re sick enough, I still think they’re worth it. They helped me out a lot. NK
Is this pretty much normal for coming off Paxil? I took a look at the website you recommended and there seem to be a lot of side effects. I’m asking on behalf of my 10 year old nephew. Today his doctor changed his medication from Paxil to something else (can’t remember – began with an R). He was on 20mg a day and he’s cutting the dose in half for the next three days, then having him take the half dose every other day. His mom is already at the end of her rope and if there are going to be side effects from this, she’s totally unprepared for them.
I took Paxil for many years and the first few times I tried to come off of it, I had really *bad* discontinuation symptoms myself- dizziness so bad I’d have to go and lie down, "electric shock" sensations that would go through my body. Even when going down to the minimum dose of 5 mg I would suffer side effects when stopping. I finally went to the http://www.quitpaxil.org/ website and it gave me lots of good advice for weaning from it. I was able to get liquid Paxil and taper off 1 mg at a time (over a period of weeks) and this was the only way I could wean myself off the medication without side effects. If I remember, Effexor gave me side effects, too but not as bad as the Paxil. Antidepressants aren’t candy so I don’t recommend them for minor depression but if you’re sick enough, I still think they’re worth it. They helped me out a lot. NK "jake" <inva…@invalid.com
wrote in message
news:2qe4bvsohuqflnkqf52m7o7743v1knghcv@4ax.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
On Fri, 2 May 2003 00:22:01 -0500, "Poop Dogg" <nos…@nospam.com wrote: "kevin" wrote in message … Are you sure about this? I thought I’ve seen many posts about how
effexor
xr makes people a uniuch. I took a 37.5 mg capulse the other day and
while
it made me feel more motivated, I didn’t have any sexual
feelings/thoughts
either. This scared me. Try it and see how it affects you. You can always stop taking it if you don’t like the side-effects, Sadly this is not always the case Re: Effexor Withdrawal NIghtmare. Class act lawsuit. Not one told us about this. http://www.pandamedicine.com/rt_health/160-41.html I have been on effexor for years. I haven\’t had any weight gain, on the contrary, it kills my appetite, but I cannot wean myself off it. I get a racing heart, and feel like I am having a heart atack, heart palpatations, pounding heart,pounding in my ears,and hearing loss. I also experience body tremors and convulsion-like body jerks. I also get the \"brain shivers\" but entire BODY SHIVERS as well. These symptoms dissappear when I re-take my dose, but then I am back on the nightmare cycle. No one told me about this, and I don\’t believe the drug company put out a disclaimer regarding withdrawl symptoms(anyone know about that?). I am interested in filing a class-action lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. Anyone who is interested, please contact me @ ceciliari…@aol.com. This is SERIOUS! it’s not like the loss of libido is permanent. "When society turns a blind eye to the dangers of drugs and rushes to
embrace a
pharmaceutical cure for nearly every condition, there is almost no end to
the
harm that may result". http://www.schizoaffective.org/ Thomas.J.Moore
"kevin" wrote in message …
Are you sure about this? I thought I’ve seen many posts about how effexor xr makes people a uniuch. I took a 37.5 mg capulse the other day and while it made me feel more motivated, I didn’t have any sexual feelings/thoughts either. This scared me.
Try it and see how it affects you. You can always stop taking it if you don’t like the side-effects, it’s not like the loss of libido is permanent.
On Fri, 2 May 2003 00:22:01 -0500, "Poop Dogg" <nos…@nospam.com
wrote:
"kevin" wrote in message … Are you sure about this? I thought I’ve seen many posts about how effexor xr makes people a uniuch. I took a 37.5 mg capulse the other day and while it made me feel more motivated, I didn’t have any sexual feelings/thoughts either. This scared me. Try it and see how it affects you. You can always stop taking it if you don’t like the side-effects,
Sadly this is not always the case Re: Effexor Withdrawal NIghtmare. Class act lawsuit. Not one told us about this. http://www.pandamedicine.com/rt_health/160-41.html I have been on effexor for years. I haven\’t had any weight gain, on the contrary, it kills my appetite, but I cannot wean myself off it. I get a racing heart, and feel like I am having a heart atack, heart palpatations, pounding heart,pounding in my ears,and hearing loss. I also experience body tremors and convulsion-like body jerks. I also get the \"brain shivers\" but entire BODY SHIVERS as well. These symptoms dissappear when I re-take my dose, but then I am back on the nightmare cycle. No one told me about this, and I don\’t believe the drug company put out a disclaimer regarding withdrawl symptoms(anyone know about that?). I am interested in filing a class-action lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. Anyone who is interested, please contact me @ ceciliari…@aol.com. This is SERIOUS! it’s not like the loss of libido
is permanent.
"When society turns a blind eye to the dangers of drugs and rushes to embrace a pharmaceutical cure for nearly every condition, there is almost no end to the harm that may result". http://www.schizoaffective.org/ Thomas.J.Moore
Prozac didn’t affect my sex drive at all but everyone is different. Taking antidepressants is like a crap shootas far as side effects are concerned. Don’t refuse to take it on the possibility you *might* have a certain side effect because maybe it won’t happen. I’ve tried several, several antidepressants before I found one I was able to stay on for 13 years. I recently weaned off of them but if I need to take them again, I will. I’ve learned to try them out for a few weeks and see what happens before I pass judgement. If the side effects are intolerable, then I try something else. NK "Poop Dogg" <nos…@nospam.com
wrote in message
news:2OqdnWf1R7E-5SyjXTWcow@bravo.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
"kevin" wrote in message <5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is
this
true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? Effexor is supposed to be very good in this respect. I take Effexor XR, first 150mg, then 225mg, now 75mg, and I have never had any sexual side effects from it. My doctor said I might notice a delay in orgasm but it never happened. Other anti-depressants, the SSRIs like Prozac, etc. are notorious for the sexual side-effects, users claim they kill the sex drive completely. You should give the Effexor a chance, if it causes sexual problems then switch to Wellbutrin, another antidepressant with few sexual side-effects.
Has definitely not caused me any sexual side effects. "No kidding!" <nokidd…@NOSPAMria.net
wrote in message
news:fAZra.49107$4P1.4594324@newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It definitely caused me sexual side effects > NK > "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
> news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… > > I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is > this > > true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? > > TIA
kevin wrote:
I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is this true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? TIA
Many antidepressant, Effexor among them, can cause all sorts of sexual dysfunction. There are some ways around it. http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/medsdysfunction Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
"kevin" wrote in message <5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03
… I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is this true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees?
Effexor is supposed to be very good in this respect. I take Effexor XR, first 150mg, then 225mg, now 75mg, and I have never had any sexual side effects from it. My doctor said I might notice a delay in orgasm but it never happened. Other anti-depressants, the SSRIs like Prozac, etc. are notorious for the sexual side-effects, users claim they kill the sex drive completely. You should give the Effexor a chance, if it causes sexual problems then switch to Wellbutrin, another antidepressant with few sexual side-effects.
Are you sure about this? I thought I’ve seen many posts about how effexor xr makes people a uniuch. I took a 37.5 mg capulse the other day and while it made me feel more motivated, I didn’t have any sexual feelings/thoughts either. This scared me. "Poop Dogg" <nos…@nospam.com
wrote in message
news:2OqdnWf1R7E-5SyjXTWcow@bravo.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
"kevin" wrote in message <5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is
this
true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? Effexor is supposed to be very good in this respect. I take Effexor XR, first 150mg, then 225mg, now 75mg, and I have never had any sexual side effects from it. My doctor said I might notice a delay in orgasm but it never happened. Other anti-depressants, the SSRIs like Prozac, etc. are notorious for the sexual side-effects, users claim they kill the sex drive completely. You should give the Effexor a chance, if it causes sexual problems then switch to Wellbutrin, another antidepressant with few sexual side-effects.
I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is this true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? TIA
Don’t know much about Effexor, but isn’t that an SNRI, like Strattera? I’m not sure. I can tell you that I’m currently taking Celexa (which is an SSRI), and that has had some pretty negative sexual side effects. Like taking an hour to masturbate (delayed ejaculation is a side effect). Sheesh. I’m also taking Strattera (again, an SNRI), which I started a few weeks after the Celexa, and I can’t say that it has made the sexual side effects any better or worse. The only anti-depressent that I’m aware of that doesn’t seem to have any negative sexual side effects is Wellbutrin. But it can make you feel jittery, which can make any anxiety problems worse. Mike "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is
this
true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? TIA
"kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is this true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? TIA
Most ADs including Effexor frequently cause sexual dysfunction. However it’s very individualistic — some men aren’t affected by some drugs, or only at higher dosages. But as a general statement, yes most ADs affect many men this way. The exceptions are Mirtazapine (Remeron), and Bupropion (Wellbutrin). — Joe D.
It definitely caused me sexual side effects NK "kevin" <sharkfan1…@NOSPAMaol.com
wrote in message
news:5HXra.439786$Zo.101653@sccrnsc03… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
I heard that Effexor XR causes guys to be impotent as a side effect, is
this
true? Is there anyone here that agrees or disagrees? TIA
you all should check out this web address, it is the journal of a schizophrenic…its amazing… http://www.h13.com <I finally am getting time to read some interesting posts and I find <the debate about to med or not to medicate an interesting one. A Shawneie forgery as about 2/3 of the posts today are. She is pissed off that her schemes were exposed and I refuse to allow her to use her sock puppets to hide behind so she is taking it out on everyone. Yes, she is having a very bad day.
LOL.. Poor pauly boy..
I finally am getting time to read some interesting posts and I find the debate about to med or not to medicate an interesting one. When my dau. was diagnosed with severe TS almost 3 yrs. ago, we chose to medicate. Her tics were so that she could not attend school. She had a loud hiccup type tic every 3 sec. of every waking moment. Her tics went on from there. I saw a picture of her at Christmas time when she was about in third grade where I actually took a picture of her in the middle of one of her tics. I didn’t realize it was TS then. I did go to m.d. about it, but they said, bad habits. So went to full gambit. Seroquel, Respiradol, Zyprexia, Clonidine, Tenex, Klonopin, Geodon and antidepressants–Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and Prozac. After all of that, my dau. is not presently on any medications. By this summer, she had had it and we pulled her off her present medications of Prozac and Geodon. As soon as we deleted Prozac, my old dau. emerged. She was a ticcing old dau., but her old personality resurfaced. It was like a miracle to us. She traded dealing with ticcing rather than being spaced out, drugged out, crazed out by drugs that she had no control over her reactions to. Three years later she is learning to live with her ticcing, learning to deal with the teasing she had received in middle school (she hardly attended school at all during her middle school years). She has developed a harder crust. She no longer self-mutilates, but still tics a great deal and I drive4 her crazy–such as breathing, sneezing, coughing, etc. My noises and mannerisms sends her into tail spins. If I had known that Prozac was having the negative impact on her, I would have demanded she be taken off of it. I think many of us parents are just so desperate to return our children to what we view as normalcy. I never realized how this med was affecting her. I just thought she was mentally decompensating more. Especially with antidepressants, you have to watch out for weight gain and ones that could make you tic more, such as Zoloft and Wellbutrin. It is so complicated and scarey to medicate to kids. They are often unable to fully explain to the medicating docs how the medications are truly affecting them. The child often wants the medications to work so bad that they are initially willing to put up with anything that could help them deal with the tics. Then it is further complicated by the philosophical treatment of the neuros vs. the psychiatrists. It is also dependent on if you have a doctor in any field that has any real experience with TS. It is just very scarey out there for both the parent and the TS child. I know first hand. Been there and done that. I think it took me awhile to come to terms with my daughter’s diagnosis of TS. I see so many parents making comments, that "my beautiful, gifted, child has TS." They feel that somehow their child has been blighted. I know I fell into that trap too. It just takes awhile for us parents to accept the pronounced changes that happen when a child has TS. Their ticcing driving you crazy; their not being able to attend school sometimes; their being upset when kids tease them; their being depressed because their lives will never be the ame–they just want to be "normal" like everyone else. Let’s face it, in adolescents, especially, it is like a kiss of death to be thought of as different. All of the peer pressure is staggering to a TS child. Would I do what I did if I had to do it over again, probably. Because I must remember where we were at three years ago–so desperate, so unwilling to accept what was my daughter’s plight. Were we misguided–perhaps. We we desperate–yes. We just had to try to do anything we could go help her, good or bad, only to come to full circle and take all of the medications away. The ironies of life. Dawnee Dawnee
Hi, need some quick advise, i took effexor last night, 37.5 mg. I woke up today, in a state of panic, and my pupils were BIG as a watermealon. Is this a normal side effect,and what could i take to counteract this? need advise geno
Hi, need some quick advise, i took effexor last night, 37.5 mg. I woke up today, in a state of panic, and my pupils were BIG as a watermealon. Is this a normal side effect,and what could i take to counteract this? need advise geno
If I were you, I would, for starters, abstain from anything that contains caffeine or even aspartame.
geno, big pupils is a normal side effect. no worries 
) there’s not much you can do about it. ~*~nwysca~*~ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, need some quick advise, i took effexor last night, 37.5 mg. I woke up today, in a state of panic, and my pupils were BIG as a watermealon. Is this a normal side effect,and what could i take to counteract this? need advise geno If I were you, I would, for starters, abstain from anything that contains caffeine or even aspartame.
(in message It probably has more to do with a build up of residual metabolic by products (such as lactic acid) than hypertrophy of fast twitch muscle fibers.
huh?? me dumb… me no understand 
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The problem with strength-building devices is that they build up the slow-twitch muscles, which can increase your strength at the expense of your flexibility and agility (fast-twitch muscles). I notice a slowing in my playing after working out. It takes a few hours for that sluggishness to ease.
Hmm…I guess "at the expense" is the wrong choice of words. I don’t think you are helping your agility with these devices, but that’s it. JMK
If you play an acoustic (or electric, for that matter) w/ heavy strings, make sure you warm up slowly at first. I highly advocate using thicker strings, when you play .012’s for even a little while, going back down to .010’s gets your fingers flying.
You could also do finger exercises if you’re just sitting around somewhere or waiting in line at the grocery store or whatever. Tap your fingers to your thumb one at a time and try mixing em up, like 1,3,2,4 4,3,2,1 and see how many times you can do it without screwing up. It doesn’t help strength a whole bunch but it trains your mind into getting used to playing leads. Peace & Grooviness schmange http://www.guitartricks.com/2000/host.php?input=7 Monday, May 28, 2001 3:07:30 AM Posted with Hogwasher. Mac first, Mac only: http://www.asar.com/cgi-bin/product.pl?58/hogwasher.html
I have Essential Tremor, so my hands shake like a motherfucker when I try to get all intricate. I feel better when I just jam out. If I jam out a good riff I like, the more I play it, the more fluid it becomes. I have no patience for learning/practicing anything that I don’t enjoy playing. But that’s just me. Everyone has their own style. If you want to do scales and exercises, that’s cool. But I’d rather just play what’s in my head, and what sounds good to me. Sven – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you feel training for hand/finger strength with specific exercices is needed? Should I use some "grip strength building devices" etc? Or is better method just play with acoustic with heavy strings? Sometimes I have troubles forming barre chords, and my wrist also hurts occasionally. Should I stretch more etc? Any comments, pointer to WWW pages etc. is greatly appreciated.
x-no-archive: yes The problem with strength-building devices is that they build up the slow-twitch muscles, which can increase your strength at the expense of your flexibility and agility (fast-twitch muscles). Where’d you get that?
Why, this newsgroup! I guess that’ll learn me. I notice a slowing in my playing after working out. It takes a few hours for that sluggishness to ease. It probably has more to do with a build up of residual metabolic by products (such as lactic acid) than hypertrophy of fast twitch muscle fibers.
I’m not a medical professional so I’ll defer to your expertise. JMK
The best thing to do is just play. But you cant exactly carry a guitar in your pocket so you can play it during a ride home or chemistry class. I used a gripmaster for a while, but sooner or later it stops doing any good. If you play an acoustic (or electric, for that matter) w/ heavy strings, make sure you warm up slowly at first. I highly advocate using thicker strings, when you play .012’s for even a little while, going back down to .010’s gets your fingers flying.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you feel training for hand/finger strength with specific exercices is needed? Should I use some "grip strength building devices" etc? Or is better method just play with acoustic with heavy strings? Sometimes I have troubles forming barre chords, and my wrist also hurts occasionally. Should I stretch more etc? Any comments, pointer to WWW pages etc. is greatly appreciated. Play an acoustic daily. That’s all the exercise you’ll need.
Do you feel training for hand/finger strength with specific exercices is needed? Should I use some "grip strength building devices" etc? Or is better method just play with acoustic with heavy strings? Sometimes I have troubles forming barre chords, and my wrist also hurts occasionally. Should I stretch more etc? Any comments, pointer to WWW pages etc. is greatly appreciated.
I used to squeeze a tennis ball when I first started playing but it didn’t really help much.. I also tried one of those spring loaded grip things… but same thing. It just made my hand hurt a lot and didn’t help with chords or anything. I think ya just have to practice a whole bunch with barre chords and be patient… Getting into a band helps a lot too cause it causes you to play your butt off and try harder than normal cause you don’t wanna look like a dork in front of everybody. Peace & Grooviness schmange http://www.guitartricks.com/2000/host.php?input=7 Sunday, May 27, 2001 2:34:34 PM Posted with Hogwasher. Mac first, Mac only: http://www.asar.com/cgi-bin/product.pl?58/hogwasher.html
The problem with strength-building devices is that they build up the slow-twitch muscles, which can increase your strength at the expense of your flexibility and agility (fast-twitch muscles). I notice a slowing in my playing after working out. It takes a few hours for that sluggishness to ease. The best way to build up strength in conjunction with agility is just to play. JMK
I vastly prefer the machines at my gym because the barbells and dumbells can be really hard on my hands. Weight lifters will deny all this, but, they are full of beans. Isometric type exercises can be ok.. simple, smart, stretching.. like putting your hands together as if in prayer and lifting the elbows is ok.. also spread the fingers out and do the same thing. Exercises in which you practice control.. like laying the hand on a table and practicing lifting each finger in different orders.. is also ok. I’ve not tried any of the devices. Twang! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The Kilbrannon Sound home page: http://www.kilbrannonsound.batcave.net MP3’s, schedules, other info…..
I bought a Gripmaster, which is a great little device. But I then learned that I have some tendonitis in my left hand, and the Gripmaster can make it worse. So I say, just play the guitar. That should be exercise plenty. Mark
The problem with strength-building devices is that they build up the slow-twitch muscles, which can increase your strength at the expense of your flexibility and agility (fast-twitch muscles). I notice a slowing in my playing after working out. It takes a few hours for that sluggishness to ease. The best way to build up strength in conjunction with agility is just to play. JMK — The Kilbrannon Sound home page: http://www.kilbrannonsound.batcave.net MP3’s, schedules, other info…..
Do you feel training for hand/finger strength with specific exercices is needed? Should I use some "grip strength building devices" etc? Or is better method just play with acoustic with heavy strings? Sometimes I have troubles forming barre chords, and my wrist also hurts occasionally. Should I stretch more etc?
Hi Timo: Mind you, I’m a beginner of only 11 months so take my comments with a grain of salt. ‘Bout 10 months ago when getting into barre chords, I had the same question/feeling about finger gadgets and such. Thankfully I followed the advice of folks on this newgsroup and decided just to let the strength develop over time whilest playing. Barre Chords and other things of that nature (IHMO) cannot be rushed. I say that because I learned the hard way by trying to rush my progress of barre chords and have a torn ligament in my index finger on my fret hand to prove that. 10 months later, it’s still slightly tight at times BUT finally healing. My doctor said certain types of ligament tears in the finger can take over a year to heal. I suspect I have that such tear. It happened because I tried to rush and "forced" too much strength/pressure into barre chords the first week getting into them because I wanted to sound good at them right away. Not to sound like a "born again" or a preacher (I ain’t neither) but don’t let this happen to you as I would not wish this injury on my worst enemy. It’s extremely painful and takes forever to heal. Fortunately the worst is over for me and I’ve been playing thru the injury since it happened and know that it will be completely healde in another few months. Aside from the injury, I noticed barre chords got easier and easier with daily practice and NOT exerting too much pressure/strength. Anymore (thanks to the "Heavy Arm" method where I use my thumb like a clamp and let my "heavy arm" hold the strings down naturally with the weight of my arm, the barre chords (even on the first fret) are relatively easy now. It also seems like I barely have to put much strength into it. So this will definitely happen to you too over time. That "Jamey Adreas" book called "Principles of Correct Guitar Practice" also talks about the "heavy arm" and it does make a difference for barre chords. thanks, Theron – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any comments, pointer to WWW pages etc. is greatly appreciated. — Timo To reply, remove "ei", "roskaa" and ".invalid" from my e-mail address.
Do you feel training for hand/finger strength with specific exercices is needed? Should I use some "grip strength building devices" etc? Or is better method just play with acoustic with heavy strings? Sometimes I have troubles forming barre chords, and my wrist also hurts occasionally. Should I stretch more etc? Any comments, pointer to WWW pages etc. is greatly appreciated.
Play an acoustic daily. That’s all the exercise you’ll need.
<snipped Play an acoustic daily. That’s all the exercise you’ll need. <snipped Thats true!! But if you want them, there are gadgets on the market, from the typical sports grip thing through to the Gripmaster, designed for guitarists andworks individual fingers. The sports gripscost about
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Doea anyone know if there is an effect on arthritis if you are in that time of your life when estrogen levels are behaving like the latest roller coaster from hell. I know I read somewhere that this could impact one’s immune system and arthritis and Ijsut wondered if going on the birth control pill might even it out. I am not yet menopausal but at 43 I am heading down that road soon. I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for at least 6 months. I woul like to talk with someone who may have experienced this. Thanks for your help! Nan
I am on HRT and I am menopausal. Prior to menopause, my arthritis ebbed and flowed with the level of my estrogen. As the estrogen dropped, the pain increased. As you probably know, it’s the drop in estrogen–that brings on a period every month. For me, it also brought on pain. Four months ago, I started HRT. I would take Premarin (estrogen) for 25 days and Provera (progestin) for the last 9 of those 25 days. Then nothing for 5 days. As soon as I would start the progestin, I would get a killer flare. The gyn adjusted the Premarin dose (up) and I’ve been great since…no flare, more energy…not such a crab ass. Carol Human beings are flawed individuals…the cosmic bakers took us out a little too early. That’s why we’re as crazy as we are—Jimmy Buffett
I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for at least 6 months.
I didn’t know this,is it standard procedure? Shel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Doea anyone know if there is an effect on arthritis if you are in that time of your life when estrogen levels are behaving like the latest roller coaster from hell. I know I read somewhere that this could impact one’s immune system and arthritis and Ijsut wondered if going on the birth control pill might even it out. I am not yet menopausal but at 43 I am heading down that road soon. I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for at least 6 months. I woul like to talk with someone who may have experienced this. Thanks for your help! Nan
Doea anyone know if there is an effect on arthritis if you are in that time of your life when estrogen levels are behaving like the latest roller coaster from hell. I know I read somewhere that this could impact one’s immune system and arthritis and Ijsut wondered if going on the birth control pill might even it out. I am not yet menopausal but at 43 I am heading down that road soon. I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for at least 6 months. I woul like to talk with someone who may have experienced this. Thanks for your help!
Well, I’m perimenopausal, I have severe RA, and yep, fluctuations in hormone levels *do* have an effect. In my case, I’ve always had a worsening of my symptoms during the pre-menstrual period, when estro- gen levels spike. These days, I’m experiencing out-of-cycle spikes, with the same worsening in joint pain, swelling, and length of morn- ing stiffness. I’ve discussed the problem with both my RD and my gyn, but there’s been no mention of using birth-control pills to level out the effect. Actually, I wouldn’t use them if they did have this effect; I still remember vividly the surge in well-being I experienced when I stop- ped using Lo-Ovral years ago (this was a low-dose combination pill). My gyn has recommended evening primrose oil, on the basis of what other patients have told him — he believes it to be safe, and did not think it would conflict with my other medications. I’ve done some checking on the web and I believe this is probably true, but I’m waiting to check with my RD before I start. According to the abstracts available through Medline, trials of evening primrose oil both for RA and for menopausal flushing have shown no significant benefit, but neither did they report any significant difficulties. Stacy Scott
Hi Nan and group, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Doea anyone know if there is an effect on arthritis if you are in that time of your life when estrogen levels are behaving like the latest roller coaster from hell. I know I read somewhere that this could impact one’s immune system and arthritis and Ijsut wondered if going on the birth control pill might even it out. I am not yet menopausal but at 43 I am heading down that road soon. I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for at least 6 months. I woul like to talk with someone who may have experienced this. Thanks for your help! Nan
I’m not perimenopausal but I did think that there might have been a connection between my overall increase in disease activity in the last year, year and a half and my going off the pill. My gyn/RD said it would be worth a shot, so I’m back on the pill now for about 4-5 months. Can’t say there’s been any noticable change as yet and I’ve also added sulfasalzine to the mix in the last month, so I’m hedging my bets, I guess. I’m sure if you did a search on Medline, you’d get some info. A friend sent me the following abstract after hearing of my decision to get back on the pill and I’m sure there’s lots more. Best wishes, Denise Sex hormones and rheumatoid arthritis: cause or effect relationships in a complex pathophysiology? Abstract: Sex hormones are believed to contribute to the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because of the disease’s female preponderance, especially during the child-bearing years, and because of the dramatic improvements seen during pregnancy. Available controlled data on serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) in RA patients not treated with glucocorticoids are summarized. Hypotheses of sex hormone contributions to RA are tested by judgemental criteria for the causes or determinants of disease. Available data support hypoandrogenicity in RA patients, especially among premenopausal females and males. Limited prospective studies in women and therapeutic trials of testosterone therapy in men further support a role of sex hormones in RA. Interactions of sex hormones and glucocorticoids are also believed to be important and deserve priority in future research. Author: Masi AT Address: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOM-P) 61605, USA. Abbreviated Journal Title: Clin Exp Rheumatol Date Of Publication: 1995 Mar-Apr Journal Volume: 13 Page Numbers: 227 through 240 Number of References: 105 Country of Publication: ITALY Language of Article: Eng Issue/Part/Supplement: 2 ISSN: 0392-856X MESH Headings: Animal Arthritis, Rheumatoid (Central Concept) Disease Models, Animal Female Gout Human Immunity Male Pregnancy Risk Factors Sex Hormones (Central Concept) Steroids Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t Chemical Abstract Service Registry Number: 0 (Sex Hormones) 0 (Steroids) Article ID: 95385254
Before I developed the RA I was the study coordinator for PMS and Preimenapause studies at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. I agree, nono of our data supports more than a placebo response from eveing primrose oil. It has some diaretic properties, so some women troubled with fluid retention may experience some relief of that symptom only. If you are taking an SSRI (Prozac, Zoloft, etc.) you may find that increasing your dose during the premenstrual time decreases your symptoms. Our research showed strong evidence that PMS and preimenapausal symptoms could be reduced by mid-cycle dosing, or mid-cycle increase. I have seen good results during studies, and I have good results increasing my own Zoloft dose from 50 mg to 100mg pre-menstrually. Good results meaning no increase in RD symptoms at that time — not a reduction in overall symptoms. We were just doing some DHEA studies when I left, and I think that it an interesting idea. Be careful with DHEA from health food stores. As DHEA is not yet FDA approved except for research proposes as a medicine, it is not regulated by the FDA for safety or efficacy. Health Food store preparations are regulated as a food, and purity and dose may vary widely. Donah Zack Crawford