Question:

Is there any correlation between weight gain and certain asthma medicines like Accolate or singulair.  I know prednisone makes you retain water when you are on it, but does it have longterm side effects in this area, even if one is only on it for a brief period of time at a low dosage?

Response:

Hi Stephanie, I have found a correlation (whether there supposed to be one or not!).  I asked my primary care doc’s nurse, (who is asthmatic and goes to my asthma doc) if she experienced wt. gain also and she said yes, pretty much in hips and thighs…all since taking Accolate.  I also noticed a wee bit of fluid retention after I started Flovent. Patrice – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is there any correlation between weight gain and certain asthma medicines like Accolate or singulair.  I know prednisone makes you retain water when you are on it, but does it have longterm side effects in this area, even if one is only on it for a brief period of time at a low dosage?

Response:

Hi Stephanie, I have found a correlation (whether there supposed to be one or not!).

Isn’t this Testimonial evidence?  A correlation is a Statistical property of a data set, it is defined by the ‘r’ value among others.  Be careful or Diane will jump all over you!  : )

Response:

Do you have something better to add? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Stephanie, I have found a correlation (whether there supposed to be one or not!). Isn’t this Testimonial evidence?  A correlation is a Statistical property of a data set, it is defined by the ‘r’ value among others.  Be careful or Diane will jump all over you!  : )

Response:

Ah ha!  The ‘r’ value in my correlation must mean the opposite of front end! ) Patrice – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Stephanie, I have found a correlation (whether there supposed to be one or not!). Isn’t this Testimonial evidence?  A correlation is a Statistical property of a data set, it is defined by the ‘r’ value among others.  Be careful or Diane will jump all over you!  : )

Response:

I have been on prednisone and i am life dependant.  I have a lot of problems with weight gain.  I also took Accolate but got off of it because it did nothing for me.  I am on flovent and see no change in my weight from that.  A lot of medications make you hungry when your dose goes up.  so you have to watch that.  Good Luck * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

I have been on prednisone and i am life dependant.  I have a lot of problems with weight gain.  I also took Accolate but got off of it because it did nothing for me.  I am on flovent and see no change in my weight from that.  A lot of medications make you hungry when your dose goes up.  so you have to watch that

I have had the exact same experience.  I have been dependent on prednisone for about 5 years now, and have had major weight gain.  My doc tells me to eat the way I would if dieting would actually work (low fat, lots of lean meat, fruit and veggies) so that at least I will be healthy.  She has always been very good and understanding with the weight issue.  My hardest part is the frustration. I also tried Accolate and it didnt help much. I also agree about the increase in appetite! It is another part of the frustration.  You are always hungry and you try not to eat because you dont want to gain any MORE weight.  As if having severe asthma wasn’t bad enough! Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

Response:

I am so glad to find someone who is in my position.  I am also a diabetic and I am on a strick diet.  I take insulin 3 timess a day plus check my sugar 4 times a day.  They that diabetics are skinny I think someone forgot to tell me.  I have a great doctor too about my weight.  Do you have any exersizes that you do or can do besides walking.  I can bearly make it up the stairs. Are you on anyother medications?  I have been on prednisone for about 10 years now.  What dosages are you on? * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Do you have any exersizes that you do or can do besides walking.  I can bearly make it up the stairs. Are you on anyother medications?  I have been on prednisone for about 10 years now.  What dosages are you on?

Hiya – Right now I am on 20mg and that seems to be as low as I can go without having an attack.  But recently around Christmas I was very ill with bronchitis (it was starting to turn into pneumonia) and I was on 90mg prednisone, and had to taper down from that. I have been "forcing" myself to move more.  I got a 20 minute Richard Simmons videotape (OK, now stop giggling!).  What my doc suggested is that I go as far as I can until I start to feel uncomfortable, then stop.  When I can – resume again.  Anything is better than nothing.  It took me 5 tries to get through the tape the first time, but VERY slowly, it is starting to become easier. Of course, if you are not OK, you dont do it, you have to know how you feel. My doc has been great about the weight problem, she has helped me try to deal with the frustration of doing the right things and getting no results.  Keep your chin up! Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

Response:

Right now I am on 15mg daily.  I was able to get down to 15mg from 30mg only by taking Methotrexate.  Its a cancer drug but it worked.  I was on it for about 5 years.  When I first went on it I lost my hair because it is a chemo drug and I thru up also. My dooctor is trying to get me down farther but nothing has worked.  So now we are trying cutting 2.5mg every two days.  I can’t start this until I get back from my vacation in April. Right now I am fighting with a cold that is soon going to be bronchitus.  I hate being sick.  I am also being put on the Med. Pump for my diabetes.  Did you get any side effects from the prednisone.  I did I look like I am 8 months preg. and I ended up with diabetes.  I have to take 4 shots a day so they are going to put me on the pump.  What fun!!!! * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Did you get any side effects from the prednisone.  I did I look like I am 8 months preg. and I ended up with diabetes.  

Does the prednisone cause the diabetes?? My 16 yr old daughter is steroid dependent and stays on what seems to be relatively high doses most of the time. Her Dr. isn’t happy about this , but says she has to breathe. However he never mentioned diabetes as a possible effect.

Response:

Did you get any side effects from the prednisone.  I did I look like I am 8 months preg. and I ended up with diabetes.   Does the prednisone cause the diabetes?? My 16 yr old daughter is steroid dependent and stays on what seems to be relatively high doses most of the time. Her Dr. isn’t happy about this , but says she has to breathe. However he never mentioned diabetes as a possible effect.

Diabetes is one possible side effect of long term use of oral steroids. You can look up the side effects in the Physicians Desk Reference [PDR] that most public libraries carry. Link: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/pred.htm click on Adverse Effects Excerpt: "Adverse Effects Endocrine: Menstrual irregularities; Development of Cushingoid state; Secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness, particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery or illness; Suppression of growth in children; Decreased carbohydrate tolerance; Manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus; Increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics" Ellis — Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)

Response:

Right now I am on 15mg daily.  I was able to get down to 15mg from 30mg only by taking Methotrexate.  Its a cancer drug but it worked.  I was on it for about 5 years.  When I first went on it I lost my hair because it is a chemo drug and I thru up also. My dooctor is trying to get me down farther but nothing has worked.  So now we are trying cutting 2.5mg every two days.  I can’t start this until I get back from my vacation in April. Right now I am fighting with a cold that is soon going to be bronchitus.  I hate being sick.  I am also being put on the Med. Pump for my diabetes.  Did you get any side effects from the prednisone.  I did I look like I am 8 months preg. and I ended up with diabetes.  I have to take 4 shots a day so they are going to put me on the pump.  What fun!!!!

The usual protocol for tapering steroids is to reduce to 15 mg/day; then go on alternate day therapy at 30 mg every other day; then very slowly reduce the dose down to 5 mg every other day and then go off steroids. Using alternate day therapy is important to stimulate the adrenal gland to start producing cortisone again. Ref: ‘Reversing Asthma’, Richard Firshein DO Ellis — Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)

Response:

Hiya – I am also on methotrexate.  It too has caused me to really thin out my hair and I am very nauseaus (sp?) on the first two days of the week when I take it. My side effects from prednisone have included a dramatic weight gain, and more hair thinning.  My sugar does not go up unless I am on IV solumedrol in the hospital.  Sometimes I have to receive insulin while I am there to control it. But my blood sugar is normally on the very low side, so the orals don’t effect me too much. My doctor also tapers me the way yours does.  She has to be very careful with me, and sometimes we have tapered as slowly as .05mg every 3-4 days.  I have not been able to successfully go down past 20mg without getting sick.  The ONLY time I could was when I was in the test study for mometazone – I was on .05mg of prednisone a day and about to be steroid free, but the study ended and I had to go back up.  Mometazone is supposed to be released in the US by September hopefully.  I dont know if it will work for you (and I sincerely hope it will) but it was a miracle inhaler for me.  I took it in place of Flovent and I was almost steroid free for the first time in 5 years.   If I hadnt told you before, I am 31, and a former professional chef.  I have been on disability for asthma for almost 3 years now – and I am DYING to get back to work. My regimen is: Proventil, Flovent, Serevent, Methotrexate, Prednisone, ClaritinD, and Prilosec (because all the damn meds gives me reflux!). I hope that we can continue to correspond to each other – we have similar lives it seems!! Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

Response:

I am 39 a legal secretary I just started back to work after not working for several years I only work 31/2 hours a day.  Social security says I am cured and cut me off.  I went to see their doctors and I was having a good day my breathing was great and when I took a breathing test I did really good.  Of course by the next day I could barely breath. I am on Theo-dur, prednisone, flovent, ventolin, insulin.  I am now sick and have a very bad cold I have to call the doctor tomorrow. It does sound like our lives are about the same.  Are you married?  Do you have any kids?  I am married I have been for 18 years.  I have 4 kids.  All teenagers.  My husband is great about me not feeling that great.  I usually come home from work and take a nap until the kids come home from school. I hope that we can keep in touch where do you live?  I live in upstate New York. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

i tried to go off of prednisone by doing exactly how you described but it does not work I always ended in the hospital. So now we are going to try this way first. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Hiya – I live in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, the border between the north bronx and Manhattan.  Nope, Im not married – first I was working too many hours, then I got too sick to go anywhere.  So I live with my Mom so Im not alone in case I get sick. You really do have to be careful tapering the steroids.  It has been my experience that even .05mg too low and you can have serious problems.  If you are lucky,  and you have a good doc, you know how to tell you are going to have trouble BEFORE you actually have it. I also hope we can continue to correspond!! Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

Response:

right now I am fighting off a major cold.  I have been home sick from work.  I think it is good that you live with someone because we need someone to help us once in a while.  I bet your mother likes having you around.  I know my husband and kids help me out alot when I get really sick.  I have to get better before april 13 because we are taking our kids on a family vacation before two of them go off to college.  My doctors and I are looking into putting me on pump for my diabetes and they say that I will gain weight from that.  do you get people that don’t believe you that your weight gain is from the meds?  I hate that.  How much methotrexate are you on?  Keep smiling and remember nothing lasts forever.  My favorite saying is Take one day at a time.  that is exactly what we have to do. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Hi,      It would appear I fit in quite well with this group.  I have severe asthma the chronic facial pain resulted from root canal in 1993.  I am 42 and have been on SSDI since last September although I have been unable to work since last March.  I had been employed since 1986 as a manager for an insurance agency – a job I really liked and had worked hard for my promotions. My asthma began to  deteriorate in last January – I was hospitalized four times last year – twice for pneumonia/asthma & twice for severe asthma attacks.  I have been steroid dependent for well over a year, however, I am trying to taper down slowly.  Unfortunately I have gained an excessive amount of weight – I look in the mirror & don’t recognize the person staring back.  Currently my meds are Theo-dur 450 mg x 2, Accolate 20 mg x 2, Serevent 2 puffs x 2, Flovent 2 puffs x 4, Prevacid 30 mg x 2, Albuterol Sulfate .083% nebulizer treatments q 4-6 hrs prn, Oxygen 3.5 lpm (or higher if needed), Allegra D, prednisone 20 – 40 mg tapering down as tolerated, Methadone 70 mg x 2 (for severe chronic facial pain),  valium 5 mg prn (works well to stop the albuterol/theo-dur shakes if needed), and  finally phenergan 25mg suppositories for nausea prn.  Also, I developed lymphedema in both legs so I have just completed a 6 week course of therapy with the compression bandages, massage, and lasix.  There are some days when it is extremely hard to try & maintain a positive attitude. I am fortunate to have a supportive husband, family, and friends.   My pulmonologist had suggested a trial of metotrexate, however, I am somewhat apprehensive to try.  It seems like I already have enough "side effects" from my other meds to add any addtional ones.        I have found it to be very supportive to talk to others with similar problems – please feel free to e-mail back. Deborah Deborah

Response:

My pulmonologist had suggested a trial of metotrexate, however, I am somewhat apprehensive to try.

Hiya – I cant say positively how the methotrexate would react with your meds, but it has really worked for me.   My current regimen is: Proventil Inhaler as needed, Proventil nebulizer as needed, Serevent 2 puff 2xday, Flovent 2puff 2x day, Prednisone – 20mg, Claritin D-24, Prilosec (for reflux), and the methotrexate. With Methotrexate you have to have a liver function test once a month to make sure your liver is OK.  Other than that, and nausea on my first day, I have no other symptoms or side effects.  It has really helped me while I am waiting for Mometasone to be approved by the FDA.  I did the trial study on that and I was totally OFF prednisone for the first time in years. I, too, have had the massive weight gain, and hair loss from the steroids. When people question me on it, I look them square in the eye and say "I’d rather be fat than not breathe".  They usually dont know what to say after that.  :) Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

Response:

With Methotrexate you have to have a liver function test once a month to make sure your liver is OK.  Other than that, and nausea on my first day, I have no other symptoms or side effects.  It has really helped me while I am waiting for Mometasone to be approved by the FDA.  I did the trial study on that and I was totally OFF prednisone for the first time in years.

Hi Nancy,       How does the Methotrexate work to improve your asthma? Also, what is Mometasone?  I have been reading about anti -IgE injections which seem promising in the current trials.  Researchers have indicated this drug stops the asthma attacks in adults & children without major side effects.  The drug has not been approved by the FDA, however, it could be approved within a year or two. (hopefully one year)        I like your response regarding excessive weight gain – still, there are so many people (like friends & previous co-workers) with absolutely no idea as to the side effects of prednisone.  I know the added weight adds an additional strain on my heart & lungs, however, I have determined that with my slow metabolism (from the strong narcotics for facial pain) and the increase in appetite  from prednisone – I would have to "starve" to lose even a few pounds.  As for exercise, I have been reduced to a wheelchair on some days due to SOB.      Thanks for your response – keep in touch.   Take care, Deborah

Response:

Hi Deborah – How does the Methotrexate work to improve your asthma?

To be honest, Im not totally sure.  My doc suggested it, as my other regimen wasn’t working, my pulmonary functions were still pretty low.  I take 7 pills once a week.  I believe that it is a cancer drug and used in chemotherapy.  I think it has to do with anti-inflammatory properties, but again, Im really not sure. Im going to the doc tomorrow, and I will ask her. Also, what is Mometasone?

Mometasone was an inhaled steroid that I was in the test group for.  I used it over last winter and summer and I was totally OFF prednisone for the first time in 3 years.  It is currently waiting for FDA approval.  This was a lifesaver for me.  Flovent helps me somewhat, but even with Flovent AND methotrexate I cant go below 20mg of prednisone without getting an attack. I have been reading about anti -IgE injections which seem promising in the current trials.  Researchers have indicated this drug stops the asthma attacks in adults & children without major side effects.

Sounds very interesting.  I will be asking her about that too.  My doc is very big into research and she usually knows all about this stuff. Believe me, I know how you feel with the weight gain, and not being able to help yourself with it.  It is a vicious circle we run in.  The steroids make you gain weight, the weight makes your asthma worse, which makes you need more steroids, etc etc. Yes, I have run into people, yes including family, who either dont believe or really dont understand that the weight gain is from the steroids.  EVEN when you can see my thinning hair!!  What, Im just unlucky, im fat and losing my hair??? I dont think so! I will share with you what my doctor told me.  She told me to follow an eating plan that I would follow if I WAS able to lose weight.  (I, personally, find Weight Watchers to be the best plan).  Her theory is that you should eat right, low fat, low sugar and even though you wont lose weight NOW, you will when you can go down on the steroids, and you will be keeping yourself HEALTHY (nutrition wise), which is more important. Then, if you DO either get off the steroids or go on a low dose, you will already have great eating habits!  I still go to the WW meetings when I can, and the leader has been really helpful.  She knows the situation and has even talked to my doctor. She knows how frustrated I get, and celebrates the tiniest weight loss with me!! I hope this info has helped you, and I hope you get better!! Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

Response:

Hi guys,    I am just tapering down from 180mg of prednisone.  I just got out of the hospital.  I have to say I even lost weight.  I was put on a 1200 calorie diet, low carb and low fat because of the diabetes, the more I taper the more weight I lose.  I also took Chefck advice and bought an exercise tape and do what I can. some days its only working with the weights other days I just watch.  I know eventually I will end up in a wheelchair because omy bone density is getting worse.  But I am going to go down fighting.  So do not give up. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Question:

Actually, you would be better off using herbs.  I’m not saying you should stop using your asthma inhalants, but take the herbs in addition to… After about a month, you will notice that you don’t really need all of the medication that you are taking. I have had asthma for fifty-two of my fifty-three years.

Response:

currently, i am using flovent 110 mcg,2 puffs twice daily, serevent 2 puffs twice daily, and a nebulizer w/albuterol as needed. side effects from the flovent include sleeplessnes,  tremendous headaches that i am unable to remedy w/any medication, mood swings, and bruises that show up all over-with no injury to cause them. these occur when taking as little as 1 puff of the flovent 110 mcg, twice daily. my question is this, am i better off continuing the flovent and suffering the side effects; or, would i be better off avoiding all triggers, thereby curtailing the asthma attacks?

Avoiding triggers as much as possible is always a good idea.  So is going to your doctor, pointing out the side effects and lack of asthma control you are having, and trying another of the several medicines in the same class as Flovent to see if one of them works better. Chris Owens

Response:

      You mentioned using herbs…can you be a little more specific and mention the names of some of the herbs you have used, and what they help you with?       Thanks. *                                 *                         o                (((—O—)))   o         *                *                             *           * *                      *        *                                      O

Response:

Actually, you would be better off using herbs.  I’m not saying you should stop using your asthma inhalants, but take the herbs in addition to… After about a month, you will notice that you don’t really need all of the medication that you are taking. I have had asthma for fifty-two of my fifty-three years.

Let’s see, the difference between an herb and a formulary medication is:  The formulary is of known content, dosage, and purity.  The herb isn’t.  So, in addition to having a life-threatening illness, you are proposing that I play dosage/content roulette?  NO, thank you! Chris Owens

Response:

currently, i am using flovent 110 mcg,2 puffs twice daily, serevent 2 puffs twice daily, and a nebulizer w/albuterol as needed. side effects from the flovent include sleeplessnes,  tremendous headaches that i am unable to remedy w/any medication, mood swings, and bruises that show up all over-with no injury to cause them. these occur when taking as little as 1 puff of the flovent 110 mcg, twice daily. my question is this, am i better off continuing the flovent and suffering the side effects; or, would i be better off avoiding all triggers, thereby curtailing the asthma attacks? any information will be greatly appreciated. thanks! je meyer

Response:

Question:

"  Well, thanks to Schering and the pulling of this inhaler now I had to go on Flovent 110, 2 puffs 2 times daily.  I’m breathing better than I was on the last Vanceril canister but am having leg cramps with heaviness I’ve never had with the Vanceril.  My knees just feel unreal along with my calves in spite of the nurse checking for water retention a few days ago and she couldn’t find any.

Denice Hi Denice, I get muscle cramps and weakness from Flovent.  I started on 1 puff 44 bid and am up to 1 puff 220 bid.  As I increased the dosage so then did the muscular side effects increase.  I also tend to retain a lot of fluid from Flovent, as well.  Too bad I can’t seem to find a doc that takes me seriously on the water weight issue. Patrice

Response:

I had the worst day today!…..I took my son  to a water park and had one asthma attack after another. I took six puffs of the vanceril in one hour and could not get any relief.    I finally had to leave the park to go home and do a nebulizer treatment.  I did better for a little while, but still had breathing problems.  I started looking at NG and read about the drug recall on Vanceril.  I should have checked sooner to see if my meds was one of the canisters that  was recalled. I even put a call through to my doctor to see what I needed to do to get some relief. He told me if I didn’t get better soon, I was going to have to go to the hospital.  Reading the NG saved me a trip to the ER.   Pam

Response:

Flovent seems to be widely prescribed…has anyone else had any of these symptoms?  And has anyone else experienced the lack of getting Vanceril?  Thanks…and please have a safe and happy holiday! Denice

Hi Denice,     I’ve been taking Magnesium supplements and that seems to help a great deal to stop the leg cramps. My DD was on Vanceril. When it was made unavailable the Dr. substituted Beclovent – the Vanceril is back now and she has gone back to that. Maybe you should check with your pharmacy again – they should be able to get it. Debi

Response:

First I’d like to say that this group has been a tremendous source of information and support for me and look forward to each post.  I do have a few questions….I was originally prescribed Vanceril DS inhaler and it did wonders for my asthma, until the company stopped making it.  I was then substituted Vanceril 42 which I needed to increase the puffs to 4– 2 times daily.  Well, thanks to Schering and the pulling of this inhaler now I had to go on Flovent 110, 2 puffs 2 times daily.  I’m breathing better than I was on the last Vanceril canister but am having leg cramps with heaviness I’ve never had with the Vanceril.  My knees just feel unreal along with my calves in spite of the nurse checking for water retention a few days ago and she couldn’t find any.  Looks like I will need to call the doctor’s office after the holiday but can’t help feeling extremely scared and frustrated!!! I am also very frightened that the dr. will dispell what I’m feeling as "unusual".  I am religious in exercising and this feeling is making it difficult to particiate.  Flovent seems to be widely prescribed…has anyone else had any of these symptoms?  And has anyone else experienced the lack of getting Vanceril?  Thanks…and please have a safe and happy holiday! Denice

Response:

Denice, Calcium and magnisum suplements help me some and so does tonic water or quinine water. The cramps are not as bad on Flovent as on predinosone and Flovent togeather. — Gordon    W5RED www.couger.com/gcouger "You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take."   – Wayne Gretzky

: : First I’d like to say that this group has been a tremendous source of : information and support for me and look forward to each post.  I do have a : few questions….I was originally prescribed Vanceril DS inhaler and it did : wonders for my asthma, until the company stopped making it.  I was then : substituted Vanceril 42 which I needed to increase the puffs to 4– 2 times : daily.  Well, thanks to Schering and the pulling of this inhaler now I had : to go on Flovent 110, 2 puffs 2 times daily.  I’m breathing better than I : was on the last Vanceril canister but am having leg cramps with heaviness : I’ve never had with the Vanceril.  My knees just feel unreal along with my : calves in spite of the nurse checking for water retention a few days ago and : she couldn’t find any.  Looks like I will need to call the doctor’s office : after the holiday but can’t help feeling extremely scared and frustrated!!! : I am also very frightened that the dr. will dispell what I’m feeling as : "unusual".  I am religious in exercising and this feeling is making it : difficult to particiate.  Flovent seems to be widely prescribed…has anyone : else had any of these symptoms?  And has anyone else experienced the lack of : getting Vanceril?  Thanks…and please have a safe and happy holiday! : : Denice : :

Response:

  I do have a few questions….I was originally prescribed Vanceril DS inhaler and it did wonders for my asthma, until the company stopped making it.  I was then substituted Vanceril 42 which I needed to increase the puffs to 4– 2 times daily.  Well, thanks to Schering and the pulling of this inhaler now I had to go on Flovent 110, 2 puffs 2 times daily.  

Some batches of Vanceril and Vanceril DS were recalled. See: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2000/vancer.htm "March 29, 2000      URGENT

Question:

I stopped taking my asthma medications altogether 2 weeks ago, the reason being is because I would simply just forget to take my inhalers, I know it wa a foolish thing to do but i didnt want to go through the same terrible side effects all over again. But since I stopped taking them, Ive felt very jittery like my heart is racing, and I have pain in my chest which wakes me up at night. Not only that but I wake up sometimes with slight bruising that seems to fade away as soon as I start moving my limbs. If I cut myself or bump my leg, I will bruise very easily. Iwant to take my medicine but Im scared of the side effects, is it possible that IF you stop taking your medicine very abruptly, you can get a chest infection or get sick?? I whole heartedly appreciate your responses. Im trying to find a new doctor also because I one I have isnt a nice person. CORAL

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Hi Sue, I was taking Serevent and Flovent two puffs each twice daily, I just  came from the Emergency room and the doctors checked me out. I had a physical and had my heart monitored. The doctor on call said that my heart palps were under 100 which is good and I seem to be in relatively good health, I wasnt weazing or having an attack. He also said that my type of asthma is not severe enough to be put on a permanent flovent/serevent regimend. Which is probably why I am feeling jittery along with the pain. His motto is if its not broke dont fix it and I whole heartedly agree with him. I dont have attacks unless Im exposed to something Im allergic to like dander or peanuts.  I was finally happy to know that it was the medicine that was causing these feelings. And Now Im just going to carry the proventil with me on an as need basis. And FIND A NEW DOCTOR. CORAL

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I stopped taking my asthma medications altogether 2 weeks ago, the reason being is because I would simply just forget to take my inhalers, I know it wa a foolish thing to do but i didnt want to go through the same terrible side effects all over again. But since I stopped taking them, Ive felt very jittery like my heart is racing, and I have pain in my chest which wakes me up at night. Not only that but I wake up sometimes with slight bruising that seems to fade away as soon as I start moving my limbs. If I cut myself or bump my leg, I will bruise very easily. Iwant to take my medicine but Im scared of the side effects, is it possible that IF you stop taking your medicine very abruptly, you can get a chest infection or get sick?? I whole heartedly appreciate your responses. Im trying to find a new doctor also because I one I have isnt a nice person. CORAL

 What medications were you taking?  Was one of them an oral steroid? Your symptoms are not good, you need to be checked out ASAP by a doctor. Sue Official Secretary of OSGSL Dogs think they’re human Cats think they’re God

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Hi Sue, I was taking Serevent and Flovent two puffs each twice daily, I just  came from the Emergency room and the doctors checked me out. I had a physical and had my heart monitored. The doctor on call said that my heart palps were under 100 which is good and I seem to be in relatively good health, I wasnt weazing or having an attack. He also said that my type of asthma is not severe enough to be put on a permanent flovent/serevent regimend. Which is probably why I am feeling jittery along with the pain. His motto is if its not broke dont fix it and I whole heartedly agree with him. I dont have attacks unless Im exposed to something Im allergic to like dander or peanuts.  I was finally happy to know that it was the medicine that was causing these feelings. And Now Im just going to carry the proventil with me on an as need basis. And FIND A NEW DOCTOR.

Did they do a pulmonary function test?  IMHO, they can’t determine how serious your asthma is without it.  Make sure you keep the proventil with you at all times and use it the second you feel tight.  And DO see a good doctor.  Ask around, someone should be able to recommend one.  If you don’t like that doctor, don’t be afraid to change.  I had two different family doctors before I found the best one in the area.  And he has done wonders for my asthma. Sue CORAL

Official Secretary of OSGSL Dogs think they’re human Cats think they’re God

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Question:

syncope is another word for fainting R

I’ve taken seravent for years and never had a problem.  My son takes singulair and I take Accolate and I’ve never had a problem with either.  Helen

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I know that lots of people do really well on Serevent but like other similar drugs, I’ve heard that it has been known to cause symptoms especially in new users. I got a severe irregular heartbeat with my first dose – had to be treated by EMS! I was really lightheaded and dizzy while all this was going on. You an look up Servent at – http://www.glaxowellcome.co.in/ghome.htm

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syncope is another word for fainting Renae

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve never heard of syncope.  What is it?

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In the last few months I’ve had some episodes of syncope.  The only thing that has changed in my life in this time is stress (more) and  the addition of Serevent and Singulair.  My pulmonologist doesn’t think either of the drugs is the cause (although he’s taking me off the Singulair to be sure) and I have made an appointment with my internist to figure this out. Has anyone had similar episodes while on either of these drugs? Just covering all the bases, Cindy Donnell

Syncope can be caused by many factors including stress. I also doubt either of these drugs could cause it but if I had to pick one it would be Serevent since it’s known to have some effects on the heart. See rxlist.com Here’s a link with more info on syncope: http://www.vh.org/Providers/ClinRef/FPHandbook/Chapter02/11-2.html University of Iowa Family Practice Handbook, 3rd Edition, Chapter 2 Cardiology: Syncope        Peter P. Toth, M.D., Ph.D. Excerpt: "I.Definition Be sure to differentiate between near syncope and vertigo.  The differential diagnosis is different. See Chapter 14 for  work-up and differential of vertigo.  A.Syncope is a sudden, brief loss of consciousness (LOC) and,  strictly speaking, is related to abrupt cerebral hypoperfusion.  B.Near syncope is a sense of impending LOC or weakness,  occurs more frequently, and provides valuable diagnostic clues,  since the patient usually has better recollection of the event.  C.Frequency of causes. 55% vasovagal, 10% cardiac, 10%  neurologic, 5% metabolic or drug-induced, 5% "other," and  10% undiagnosed causes. II.Causes of Syncope and Near Syncope  A.Cardiac and circulatory.   1.Vasodepressor syncope (vasovagal syncope) is the most  common cause and tends to be familial. It occurs when a  susceptible person is confronted with a stressful situation. " Ellis

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Dear ASA’ers, In the last few months I’ve had some episodes of syncope.  The only thing that has changed in my life in this time is stress (more) and  the addition of Serevent and Singulair.  My pulmonologist doesn’t think either of the drugs is the cause (although he’s taking me off the Singulair to be sure) and I have made an appointment with my internist to figure this out. Has anyone had similar episodes while on either of these drugs? Just covering all the bases, Cindy Donnell

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I’ve never heard of syncope.  What is it?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear ASA’ers, In the last few months I’ve had some episodes of syncope.  The only thing that has changed in my life in this time is stress (more) and  the addition of Serevent and Singulair.  My pulmonologist doesn’t think either of the drugs is the cause (although he’s taking me off the Singulair to be sure) and I have made an appointment with my internist to figure this out. Has anyone had similar episodes while on either of these drugs? Just covering all the bases, Cindy Donnell

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Question:

Hi everyone, i’ve suffered headaches off and on my whole life, but over the past 8 days, I have had a severe morning headache every single morning.  It is more in the back of my head, my neck muscles are very sore and my jaw and bottom molars are sore as well. I take two excedrin migraine and the headache is completely gone within an hour, if I don’t take the excedrin, then well the headache stays with me for most of the day until after lunch.  Also my eyes are very light sensitive with these headaches. I had been on zoloft 50mg for about 8 months and two months ago I stopped taking it, I slowly weaned myself off of it.  I’m thinking these headaches could be from the zoloft withdrawal?  I also feel that I may be grinding my teeth at night but i’m not sure.  Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

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I had been on zoloft 50mg for about 8 months and two months ago I stopped taking it, I slowly weaned myself off of it. I’m thinking these headaches could be from the zoloft withdrawal? I also feel that I may be grinding my teeth at night but i’m not sure. Any thoughts?

IMHO, it may well be the grinding of your teeth, as well as not taking zoloft anymore.  Doctors say that anti-depressants are not addictive as benzo’s, but they are so wrong.  I  weaned myself off prozac very slowly, and I felt ok for  a few months.  Then all of a sudden, I developed dizzy spells, felt very sad and awful.  So…I took the prozac again, and bingo, the dizziness went away, my crying fits stopped, and felt better (but still have that same underlying feelings of sadness and feelings of despair , guilt, etc.  Try taking the zoloft again in small doses, and see if the headaches stop.  Then you know it was the brain yelling out for the zoloft.  The brain does not forget these little pills we take, and lets us know that it wants it again.  Of course, I could be entirely wrong about this.  Maybe your headaches are caused by tension.  Maybe this, or maybe that.  Good luck and be well.   Art Decco… nyc, usa

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Question:

Hi, I’ve been a low-fat type person for a long time.  The last six months I’ve been on Paxil and have gained some weight.  The low fat diet isn’t helping me.  Has anyone on antidepressants had a successful diet experience with low-carb?  Thanks! Thought of the day:         Give a man an inch, and he thinks he’s a ruler.

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Hi Dosbabe! I’ve been on Prosac for over a decade, happily, and have had some good results.  I not one of the fastest losers, but I’ve managed to take off about 50 pounds. The only side effect that I seem to have is an increased thirst and difficulty waking up in the mornings.  My sleep has become very, very deep. Good luck! suzi_cream_cheese 262/213/145

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’ve been a low-fat type person for a long time.  The last six months I’ve been on Paxil and have gained some weight.  The low fat diet isn’t helping me.  Has anyone on antidepressants had a successful diet experience with low-carb?  Thanks! Thought of the day: Give a man an inch, and he thinks he’s a ruler.

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Yeah I’m taking zoloft and doing fine. According to Schwarzbein (TheSchwarzbein Principle), A low carb diet will help balance out the chemical soup inside your head. She claims insulin resistance= high carb diet,  is one of the things that unbalance and deplete serotonin in your brain. Which is the same thing that antidepressants try and balance. Give it a try. After talking with your Doc. first.

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Paxil made me gain 50 pounds quick. I switched to Efexxor and feel much better. Lost the weight too. Jeff

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I agree, Effexor is the greatest–you don’t even know you are taking it unless you miss a dose. hinesrance

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Paxil made me gain 50 pounds quick. I switched to Efexxor and feel much better. Lost the weight too. Jeff

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I agree, Effexor is the greatest–you don’t even know you are taking it unless you miss a dose.

Funny you mention that, because I missed my Effexor dose this morning and am curious as to what the results are going to be. Only been on it for about 2 months so may not be too noticeable. I haven’t noticed any side effects as far as appetite goes. Definetly make me sleepy though Jason Atkins since 10/5/00 240/172 http://geocities.com/calabresejason/lowcarb.html

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Is Effexor one of the older type antidepressants or is it related to the same family as Paxil? Thanks I agree, Effexor is the greatest–you don’t even know you are taking it unless you miss a dose.

Thought of the day:         Count Every Thorn a Flower; Every Sharp Rock a Milestone

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Has anyone on antidepressants had a successful diet experience with low-carb?

I was on Prozac when I first started just over 3 years ago.  It didn’t hinder my losing 60 pounds. I tried Imiprimine last month for help with sleep as I have fibromyalgia.  I couldn’t take it as it made me sweat and also caused terrible sweets cravings. I’ve been on Trazodone for 10 days and am not having any problems so far. Good Luck. TamH in VT

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I agree, Effexor is the greatest–you don’t even know you are taking it unless you miss a dose.

A gal came into my gift shop today and we were talking about diet.  She said that she started on Efflexor a few weeks ago and has lost weight because she’s not craving carbs.  She’s not even really dieting. TamH in VT

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Paxil made me gain 50 pounds quick. I switched to Efexxor and feel much better. Lost the weight too. Jeff

My daughter was also on Paxil and gained weight she didn’t need.  She stopped using Paxil and went to Prozac and has had no problems and lost all the weight she gained.  I’ve been on Prozac since 1989 and haven’t had any problems with it either.  I gained a lot of weight when I stopped smoking (50lbs) and  being sick and inactive for so long.  I would suggest you talk to your Dr. about a different antidepressant.  Paxil has a rep for putting on the pounds. — Liz 362/342/200/135 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -^..^<

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I agree, Effexor is the greatest–you don’t even know you are taking it unless you miss a dose.

Well, I took effexor for 3 days and slept like in a coma.  Could not stay awake.  When I did finally manage to awaken, I walked around like a zombie with a spinning head.  Now, my daugher in law takes it and she only has to take naps everyday after work. — Liz 362/342/200/135 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -^..^< hinesrance Paxil made me gain 50 pounds quick. I switched to Efexxor and feel much better. Lost the weight too. Jeff

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I am on Zoloft and am experiencing continued weight loss. You might see if your doctor would switch you. Ginger in OK

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone on antidepressants had a successful diet experience with low-carb? I was on Prozac when I first started just over 3 years ago.  It didn’t hinder my losing 60 pounds. I tried Imiprimine last month for help with sleep as I have fibromyalgia. I couldn’t take it as it made me sweat and also caused terrible sweets cravings. I’ve been on Trazodone for 10 days and am not having any problems so far. Good Luck. TamH in VT

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ginger, menu and exercise? — read and post daily! rosie "If we could share this world below, if we could learn to love… If we could share this world below, we’d need no world above."

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am on Zoloft and am experiencing continued weight loss. You might see if your doctor would switch you. Ginger in OK Has anyone on antidepressants had a successful diet experience with low-carb? I was on Prozac when I first started just over 3 years ago.  It didn’t hinder my losing 60 pounds. I tried Imiprimine last month for help with sleep as I have fibromyalgia. I couldn’t take it as it made me sweat and also caused terrible sweets cravings. I’ve been on Trazodone for 10 days and am not having any problems so far. Good Luck. TamH in VT

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Question:

Hi, There is no physical test (blood, etc.) that can determine if you have OCD.  The only way is to describe your symptoms and feelings to the pdoc.  You may want to schedule a normal exam with your regular doctor to rule out any other physical problems. That would be up to you. A Zoloft/Xanax combination would be a good first choice for someone with OCD or OCD like tendencies. Why do you think you may have OCD? The symptoms you describe below could be OCD, or they might be a lot of other things.  Are your thoughts consistently about "bad" things that may happen, or are they "going over" everyday events and worries?  Do you repeat the same thought over and over or do you think about a lot of different things? Do you have any physical compulsions like checking and rechecking things, or hoarding things? I’m kind of interested in this sort of stuff, because I have OC tendencies a lot of times, but I don’t believe I have OCD. I believe I may have a personality disorder that is kind of similar to OCD but is not the same. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have what i though was anxiety attacks.  as i have read up on things it appears i have many similarities with OCD.  i have been going to a phsychiatrist but he wasn’t really the one for me.  he imediatly put me on Zoloft, with out any tests or checkups.  I have reaccurring thoughts about everything.  i just can’t seem to "get over things". i constantly concentrate on physical flaws i feel i have.  i think the biggest problem is dealing with things.  i can’t seem to think clearly or objectively.  my thoughts are constantly crowded with the same thoughts over and over.  the phsychiatrist also gave me xanax, which helps alot, but i have heard bad things about the drug like depression and dependance.  can someone please give me some insight.  anything would be good right now. — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

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I have what i though was anxiety attacks.  as i have read up on things it appears i have many similarities with OCD.  i have been going to a phsychiatrist but he wasn’t really the one for me.

Find another pdoc if you aren`t happy with this one. Only a pdoc can diagnosis you. OCD is a anxiety disorder, and you can have panic disorder and OCD at the same time, that is why you need to see a new doctor and get diagnosed. he imediatly put me on Zoloft, with out any tests or checkups.

A pdoc is not going to test you or do a checkup on you. He will diagnosis you by what you tell him. It is always a good idea to go to a medical doctor for a complete physical and to make sure there is no physical reason for your symptoms. A Pdoc will not do this for you. Zoloft can be quite effective for anxiety and OCD. It does take 6 to 8 weeks to become effective though. I have reaccurring thoughts about everything.  i just can’t seem to "get over things". i constantly concentrate on physical flaws i feel i have.  i think the biggest problem is dealing with things.  i can’t seem to think clearly or objectively.  my thoughts are constantly crowded with the same thoughts over and over.  the phsychiatrist also gave me xanax, which helps alot, but i have heard bad things about the drug like depression and dependance.  can someone please give me some insight.  anything would be good right now.

It is good to take the Xanax while weaning on the Zoloft. I haven`t seen many people here complain of depression while on Xanax, and if that were to happen there are other benzo`s you can take. You will become dependent on the Zoloft as well as the Xanax, and all that means is you will have to stop the meds slowly when the time comes. Many meds cause a physical dependency and this shouldn`t be confused with *addiction*. If you use the Xanax as prescribed by your doctor you will not get addicted to it. Take care!!!! Jackie

Response:

I have what i though was anxiety attacks.  as i have read up on things it appears i have many similarities with OCD.  i have been going to a phsychiatrist but he wasn’t really the one for me.  he imediatly put me on Zoloft, with out any tests or checkups.  I have reaccurring thoughts about everything.  i just can’t seem to "get over things". i constantly concentrate on physical flaws i feel i have.  i think the biggest problem is dealing with things.  i can’t seem to think clearly or objectively.  my thoughts are constantly crowded with the same thoughts over and over.  the phsychiatrist also gave me xanax, which helps alot, but i have heard bad things about the drug like depression and dependance.  can someone please give me some insight.  anything would be good right now. — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have what i though was anxiety attacks.  as i have read up on things it appears i have many similarities with OCD.  i have been going to a phsychiatrist but he wasn’t really the one for me.  he imediatly put me on Zoloft, with out any tests or checkups.  I have reaccurring thoughts about everything.  i just can’t seem to "get over things". i constantly concentrate on physical flaws i feel i have.  i think the biggest problem is dealing with things.  i can’t seem to think clearly or objectively.  my thoughts are constantly crowded with the same thoughts over and over.  the phsychiatrist also gave me xanax, which helps alot, but i have heard bad things about the drug like depression and dependance.  can someone please give me some insight.  anything would be good right now. — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Hi, How long have you been on the zoloft? I’m pretty sure that SSRI’s are standard treatment for OCD as well as anxiety. I think luvox is used frequently for OCD. Sometimes it takes weeks for an AD to kick in.  I don’t think I have OCD, but being on an SSRI has eliminated 99% of my worries, and ruminations. Haven’t heard of too many people here depressed from xanax. It didn’t affect me that way.   If you are worried about dependence on xanax, there are ways to taper off of it.  If your still having the recurring thoughts/anxiety while on zoloft after 8 weeks, it might not be the correct med for you. Maria

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OCD is an anxiety disorder.  Panic disorder,  post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, generalized anxiety disorder are all ANXIETY DISORDERS.

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Question:

I can’t figure out why my Pdoc. continues to prescribe the same dosage (50mg), when I have been on that same dosage for over 2 months. (He also does let me have xanax, for the anxiety.) At some point shouldn’t the dosage of zoloft be increased, if I remain depressed at whatever level it may be ? Just wondering if any of you have been on this low a dosage for 2 months. Thanks Much!

I think that if you still jhave clear symptoms the Zoloft dose should be raised. You’re on a low (if not sub-therapeutic) dose. One can easily take 3 times as much if necessary. Philip

Response:

I can’t figure out why my Pdoc. continues to prescribe the same dosage (50mg), when I have been on that same dosage for over 2 months. (He also does let me have xanax, for the anxiety.) At some point shouldn’t the dosage of zoloft be increased, if I remain depressed at whatever level it may be ? Just wondering if any of you have been on this low a dosage for 2 months. Thanks Much!

Hi Dan, If you still have depression and/or anxiety at 50mgs( which is a low theraputic dose ), your dose should be raised. Some people I am sure do well at 50mgs, others need to go higher, you can go as high as 200mgs. Have you told you doctor how you feel at the 50mgs and have you asked him to go to a higher dose? If he is not willing to work with you, then a new doctor might be the answer. You are at full effectiveness with the 50mgs at this point, are you happy with the way you feel? Good luck!! jackie

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I can’t figure out why my Pdoc. continues to prescribe the same dosage (50mg), when I have been on that same dosage for over 2 months. (He also does let me have xanax, for the anxiety.) At some point shouldn’t the dosage of zoloft be increased, if I remain depressed at whatever level it may be ? Just wondering if any of you have been on this low a dosage for 2 months. Thanks Much!

Dan –  This is the LOWEST theraputic dose (at least from the studies)…So you have lots of room to go…If your side-effects were mild at the 50 mg, they will not get much worse (though they will return briefly – most likely) at 100 mg in my experience…I would definately talk to your doctor about upping the dose…I am at 100 mg and I felt MUCH better than at 50 mg…However, I am still considering an increase to 125-150 as I don’t feel like I am all the way there after nearly 2 months…Anyway, 8 weeks is plenty of trial time…If you are still not feeling how you want to I would strongly encourage you to try 100 mg…   Another thing is to make sure that your doc knows that you still feel badly…Sometimes we tell our docs we’ve seen improvement and they take it to mean you are fine…But improvement and 100% are totally different things…Make sure to let him know you are not in the latter category… Best, — Charles Phipps

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I can’t figure out why my Pdoc. continues to prescribe the same dosage (50mg), when I have been on that same dosage for over 2 months. (He also does let me have xanax, for the anxiety.) At some point shouldn’t the dosage of zoloft be increased, if I remain depressed at whatever level it may be ? Just wondering if any of you have been on this low a dosage for 2 months. Thanks Much!

Response:

Question:

Hi Wes, by my babysitter as a child. I too have no problem with my sex drive or getting an erection. I just orgasm less than a minute into sex & lose the desire to continue. I want to continue but the drive is no longer

Your sex drive seems OK. Have you tried an anti-depressants like Zoloft (Sertraline)? They can delay the orgasm. — FBI, CIA, KGB, Interpol, MIB, MI6… choke on this pal! Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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The best "lesson" I’ve never read. — Samy (France)

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Everything which you posted was so true, I congratulate you Many years ago in a now outdated book called "Any Man Can" I learned that orgasm and ejaculation are NOT the same thing and that a guy can masturbate having multiple orgasms as long as he does not ejaculate. Just knowing that one can do this was a real shocker. The stop and start technique which you so very well described IS the way to multiple orgasms….and it works. For me it is not possible to do while having intercourse, because I really believe that "Mother Nature" intended us to ejaculate (as soon as possible) and reproduce. That IS what sex is really all about…..continued repopulation. I am interested in the ancient Celtics ad have read that groups of guys( cousins and brothers) stood around waiting their turn to have sex with the women…so any guy taking too long to "get it done" would most likely removed from the female. As an added interest since the "tribes" were brothers and cousins etc, any baby born would obviously look like every one else – fair skinned and lightish hair. This child would then be greatly accepted by the tribe regardless of its father. BOB

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Fabulous answer, Fred . :::::::::standing ovation:::::::::::

Wes, First off, stop beating yourself up.  EVERY man, expecially young ones masturbate.  If someone tells you he doesn’t masturbate you can rest assured he’s lying (yes, even married men and old codgers like most of us on this newsgroup). From about 14, or whenever you reach puberty, through into the twenties, many masturbate daily or even several times a day. ALL MEN either fantasize about sexual situations or look at porno while they masturbate.   IT DOES NO HARM!  If you jack off too much, your body will make you slow down automatically because you’ll either get a sore dick or you just can’t get it up any more on that particular day.   What CAN happen is you can train yourself to come as quickly as possible while masturbating, either because you’re afraid of being caught doing it, you’re doing it when you don’t have much time, or you feel guilty about it.  When you start to have sex with a partner that quick-cum training can carry over and cause you to cum too quickly. As to not being able to get an erection again after you cum, that’s perfectly normal.  It’s called a "refactory period", and the amount of time before you can get an erection again varies greatly between individuals.  The older you get, the longer it takes before you can get another erection.  It’s very rare to find a man who can get an erection again right away after cumming, or avoid losing it at all. Supposedly some young teens can, but I believe that ability fades quickly. There are some things you can do to avoid this Premature Ejaculation (that’s the proper name for it). One is to masturbate before you expect to have sex (far enough ahead of time to get through the refactory period). You should be able to last longer on the second go-around after masturbating earlier.  Some recommend pulling out when you feel it coming, but before you reach the point of no return and having your _partner_ (not yourself) squeeze hard on the head of your penis.  Some recommend trying to think of something else during sex; preferably something you don’t particularly like, to take your mind off it (although this seems to me like it’d take a lot of the pleasure out of sex).  You can also be sure to wear a heavy duty condom and maybe get and use some desensitizing cream, (Prolong is one trade name)  You can get it at a pharmacy or a sex shop.  Be sure to put the cream on and then use a condom on top of it or you’ll desensitize your partner as well. The long term solution is to retrain yourself to lay back and enjoy sex for the great feelings of the slow buildup leading eventually to orgasm, without any sense of urgency.  You can do this with SLOW masturbation to EVENTUAL orgasm, which will have the added bonus of relieving some of the sexul tension and horniness which contribute to your cumming too quickly.   Extended mutual foreplay with your girlfriend, having her stop stimulation when you feel you’re near the edge, can also help. Concentrate on her feelings rather than your own, and try to get her to orgasm either orally, manually or both as many times as you can before you enter. A woman’s centers of sexual pleasure include the vagina only incidentally and she can get as much or more pleasure from stimulation of her clitoris, breasts and nipples, inner thighs, ears, neck, anus (stroke it lightly with a moistened finger or use your tongue), lips, buttocks, feet,  and any other areas she points out (Ask her.  Do the things she says she likes and avoid those she doesn’t.).  Don’t overlook the value of holding, hugging, kissing and just general caressing. To me, at least, there’s nothing that’s as much of a turnon as  giving my wife a series of screaming, out of control orgasms. There’s also a masturbation technique you could try to train yourself not to cum so quickly: First, you need to masturbate when you can take your time and really enjoy the sensations without the possibility of being disturbed.   Lay back on the bed, use some good lube like KY jelly or Astroglide and handle your penis very lightly all over with the fingertips of both hands just enough to maintain your erection. Keep a cup of warm water handy to remoisten the lube from time to time. If you feel yourself getting too close, stop for awhile until the sensation slacks off, then begin again. The idea is to make the good sensations last as long as possible without ejaculating.  Don’t use your fist, just the tips of your fingers lightly stroking the underside of the shaft, your balls, and  your inner thighs. Run a finger lightly from your anus up over your balls to the tip of your penis several times.  Relax and concentrate on the sensations and nothing else. You should be able to go on as long as you like this way, without ejaculating.  When you decide it’s time to cum, increase the tempo and pressure just enough to bring yourself slowly to orgasm. Don’t beat it frantically.. remember there’s no urgency. In the future, try to avoid masturbating when you’re hurried for any reason, or there’s a possiblilty you might be disturbed by someone intruding on your solitude. Use this technique as often as the opportunity presents itself, and you should find that you’ll learn a lot more self control, as well as enjoying sex more.  Using the extended foreplay techniques on your partner will make your sex last longer and give you both more satisfaction, even if you’re never able to lengthen the duration of actual intercourse. Good Luck!

Response:

I waz wondering if Yu had any progress with any of the suggestions in curing yur problem? & if so, what did Yu use to cure it? My name is Wes & I am only 19 years old. I too am experiencing some dysfunction of my erection. But I think I brought it on myself. I have had a difficult past where I constantly masturbated & was obsessed with poronography. I masturbated consistently for atleast more than 5 years average. I was molested, not sexually abused, but touched by my babysitter as a child. I too have no problem with my sex drive or getting an erection. I just orgasm less than a minute into sex & lose the desire to continue. I want to continue but the drive is no longer there. My X-girlfriend wants to help me by practicing with me & I tied but it just doesn’t work. I sometimes/most of the time, find myself getting aroused or having sexual thoughts the moment I get close to, hugging, or even sitting next to my girlfriend. I feel like my mind is perverted & my life is over. I try to exercise, I’ve thought about viagra but I didn’t think I could get a hold of it b/c of my young age. I figured it was for people up in age. I’ve thought about getting some type of surgery in the future when I came across enough money but I heard of certain cancers that can be acquired or side affects. There are so many different inventions that say they’re the best. I haven’t tried anything yet or seen a Therapist/Urologist/Whatever. I’m just investigating my options. I’ve now heard of: cock rings, penile injections, caverjet/ject, Paroxetine, Tri-mix, Stud 100, Sildenafil Citrate Loxanges, Yohimbine, & Herbal Viagra. I’m sorry to have written so much but Yu understand the seriousness of this subject. I’m in need of Help. juslt like Yu, I’m very interested in a sex life. I’m only 19. If Yuhave any ideas or opinions please respond. Thank Yu so much for Yur time, & I hope anyone with the same problem overcomes their discomfort. — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I waz wondering if Yu had any progress with any of the suggestions in curing yur problem? & if so, what did Yu use to cure it? My name is Wes & I am only 19 years old. I too am experiencing some dysfunction of my erection. But I think I brought it on myself. I have had a difficult past where I constantly masturbated & was obsessed with poronography. I masturbated consistently for atleast more than 5 years average. I was molested, not sexually abused, but touched by my babysitter as a child. I too have no problem with my sex drive or getting an erection. I just orgasm less than a minute into sex & lose the desire to continue. I want to continue but the drive is no longer there. My X-girlfriend wants to help me by practicing with me & I tied but it just doesn’t work. I sometimes/most of the time, find myself getting aroused or having sexual thoughts the moment I get close to, hugging, or even sitting next to my girlfriend. I feel like my mind is perverted & my life is over. I try to exercise, I’ve thought about viagra but I didn’t think I could get a hold of it b/c of my young age. I figured it was for people up in age. I’ve thought about getting some type of surgery in the future when I came across enough money but I heard of certain cancers that can be acquired or side affects. There are so many different inventions that say they’re the best. I haven’t tried anything yet or seen a Therapist/Urologist/Whatever. I’m just investigating my options. I’ve now heard of: cock rings, penile injections, caverjet/ject, Paroxetine, Tri-mix, Stud 100, Sildenafil Citrate Loxanges, Yohimbine, & Herbal Viagra. I’m sorry to have written so much but Yu understand the seriousness of this subject. I’m in need of Help. juslt like Yu, I’m very interested in a sex life. I’m only 19. If Yuhave any ideas or opinions please respond. Thank Yu so much for Yur time, & I hope anyone with the same problem overcomes their discomfort.

Wes, First off, stop beating yourself up.  EVERY man, expecially young ones masturbate.  If someone tells you he doesn’t masturbate you can rest assured he’s lying (yes, even married men and old codgers like most of us on this newsgroup). From about 14, or whenever you reach puberty, through into the twenties, many masturbate daily or even several times a day. ALL MEN either fantasize about sexual situations or look at porno while they masturbate.   IT DOES NO HARM!  If you jack off too much, your body will make you slow down automatically because you’ll either get a sore dick or you just can’t get it up any more on that particular day.   What CAN happen is you can train yourself to come as quickly as possible while masturbating, either because you’re afraid of being caught doing it, you’re doing it when you don’t have much time, or you feel guilty about it.  When you start to have sex with a partner that quick-cum training can carry over and cause you to cum too quickly. As to not being able to get an erection again after you cum, that’s perfectly normal.  It’s called a "refactory period", and the amount of time before you can get an erection again varies greatly between individuals.  The older you get, the longer it takes before you can get another erection.  It’s very rare to find a man who can get an erection again right away after cumming, or avoid losing it at all. Supposedly some young teens can, but I believe that ability fades quickly. There are some things you can do to avoid this Premature Ejaculation (that’s the proper name for it). One is to masturbate before you expect to have sex (far enough ahead of time to get through the refactory period). You should be able to last longer on the second go-around after masturbating earlier.  Some recommend pulling out when you feel it coming, but before you reach the point of no return and having your _partner_ (not yourself) squeeze hard on the head of your penis.  Some recommend trying to think of something else during sex; preferably something you don’t particularly like, to take your mind off it (although this seems to me like it’d take a lot of the pleasure out of sex).  You can also be sure to wear a heavy duty condom and maybe get and use some desensitizing cream, (Prolong is one trade name)  You can get it at a pharmacy or a sex shop.  Be sure to put the cream on and then use a condom on top of it or you’ll desensitize your partner as well. The long term solution is to retrain yourself to lay back and enjoy sex for the great feelings of the slow buildup leading eventually to orgasm, without any sense of urgency.  You can do this with SLOW masturbation to EVENTUAL orgasm, which will have the added bonus of relieving some of the sexul tension and horniness which contribute to your cumming too quickly.   Extended mutual foreplay with your girlfriend, having her stop stimulation when you feel you’re near the edge, can also help. Concentrate on her feelings rather than your own, and try to get her to orgasm either orally, manually or both as many times as you can before you enter. A woman’s centers of sexual pleasure include the vagina only incidentally and she can get as much or more pleasure from stimulation of her clitoris, breasts and nipples, inner thighs, ears, neck, anus (stroke it lightly with a moistened finger or use your tongue), lips, buttocks, feet,  and any other areas she points out (Ask her.  Do the things she says she likes and avoid those she doesn’t.).  Don’t overlook the value of holding, hugging, kissing and just general caressing. To me, at least, there’s nothing that’s as much of a turnon as  giving my wife a series of screaming, out of control orgasms. There’s also a masturbation technique you could try to train yourself not to cum so quickly: First, you need to masturbate when you can take your time and really enjoy the sensations without the possibility of being disturbed.   Lay back on the bed, use some good lube like KY jelly or Astroglide and handle your penis very lightly all over with the fingertips of both hands just enough to maintain your erection. Keep a cup of warm water handy to remoisten the lube from time to time. If you feel yourself getting too close, stop for awhile until the sensation slacks off, then begin again. The idea is to make the good sensations last as long as possible without ejaculating.  Don’t use your fist, just the tips of your fingers lightly stroking the underside of the shaft, your balls, and  your inner thighs. Run a finger lightly from your anus up over your balls to the tip of your penis several times.  Relax and concentrate on the sensations and nothing else. You should be able to go on as long as you like this way, without ejaculating.  When you decide it’s time to cum, increase the tempo and pressure just enough to bring yourself slowly to orgasm. Don’t beat it frantically.. remember there’s no urgency. In the future, try to avoid masturbating when you’re hurried for any reason, or there’s a possiblilty you might be disturbed by someone intruding on your solitude. Use this technique as often as the opportunity presents itself, and you should find that you’ll learn a lot more self control, as well as enjoying sex more.  Using the extended foreplay techniques on your partner will make your sex last longer and give you both more satisfaction, even if you’re never able to lengthen the duration of actual intercourse. Good Luck! -Fred- Visit Fred’s Page of Impotence Information and ASI FAQ’s at: http://www.chesco.com/~fps/index.html

Response:

You have no problems, young man!  You are just confused and you someone, perhaps a psychologist-sex-therapist to straighten you out.

Response:

You might take comfort in that fact that you’re not much different than thousand of others. I’m not sure what operation you were talking about. Circumcision? I’ve heard it said that the uncircumcised are very sensitive. There’s a lot of discussion going on about circumcision. Whether is mutilation or not. I would suggest you try some of those desensitizing chemicals. And yes, see a urologist. There’s no age limit to ED or PE. Jerry of ASI I waz wondering if Yu had any progress with any of the suggestions in curing yur problem? & if so, what did Yu use to cure it? My name is Wes & I am only 19 years old. I too am experiencing some dysfunction of my erection. But I think I brought it on myself. I have had a difficult past where I constantly masturbated & was obsessed with poronography. I masturbated consistently for atleast more than 5 years average. I was molested, not sexually abused, but touched by my babysitter as a child. I too have no problem with my sex drive or getting an erection. I just orgasm less than a minute into sex & lose the desire to continue. I want to continue but the drive is no longer there. My X-girlfriend wants to help me by practicing with me & I tied but it just doesn’t work. I sometimes/most of the time, find myself getting aroused or having sexual thoughts the moment I get close to, hugging, or even sitting next to my girlfriend. I feel like my mind is perverted & my life is over. I try to exercise, I’ve thought about viagra but I didn’t think I could get a hold of it b/c of my young age. I figured it was for people up in age. I’ve thought about getting some type of surgery in the future when I came across enough money but I heard of certain cancers that can be acquired or side affects. There are so many different inventions that say they’re the best. I haven’t tried anything yet or seen a Therapist/Urologist/Whatever. I’m just investigating my options. I’ve now heard of: cock rings, penile injections, caverjet/ject, Paroxetine, Tri-mix, Stud 100, Sildenafil Citrate Loxanges, Yohimbine, & Herbal Viagra. I’m sorry to have written so much but Yu understand the seriousness of this subject. I’m in need of Help. juslt like Yu, I’m very interested in a sex life. I’m only 19. If Yuhave any ideas or opinions please respond. Thank Yu so much for Yur time, & I hope anyone with the same problem overcomes their discomfort. — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response: