Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I suppose the heading says it all but I’ll tell my story of woe.  I am 39, diagnosed with asthma at 34 — although in retrospect, I suspect I’ve had it much longer (but I never complained to the doc. about my shortness of breath because I’m overweight and "knew" that he’d just tell me to loose weight).  When I was first diagnosed at 34 I had quit smoking for about a year — then I started again about 1 yr after diagnosis (we won’t discuss that stupid decision).  Anyways, I’ve always viewed my asthma as a very "minor" issue in my life. I took my steriodal inhalers — occasionally had to double dose in the AM — but generally I did pretty good.  I quit smoking on August 11 of this year.  On August 19 I woke in the morning and after ventolin managed a measely 150 on my Peak Flow (when my asthma is sort of in abeyance I blow around 400). Went to see the Dr. and was put on Prednisone — so I was taking Pred. 40 mg/day, Becloforte 2XDay, 4 puffs, plus ventolin.  Things seemed to get better — off the pred. on August 25.  On Sept. 1 I made a visit to emergency for a nebulizer and was put back on pred.  On the 2nd, I ended up in hospital with asthma problems but with the additional diagnosis of pneumonia in my right lung.  I was released today.  SO…. still on Pred. with all the inherent nasty side-effects there, eurethromyecin (antibiotic), ventolin, becloforte (soon to be flovent)and alledgedly on the mend.  However, I DON’T FEEL ON THE MEND. I feel much better than I did, I can get air into my passages, sort of, my peak flow is hovering between 220-260 (before and after ventolin), while after the nebs in the hospital I was getting about 310.  I’m not wheezing.  But, my lungs are tight, it hurts to inhale deeply, like I should, and I have so far resisted "double dosing" my ventolin, but the temptation is coming closer since I know that if I take my dose, wait 5 min. and take another, I can actually breath. Having now discovered "what" the problem is with asthma — can anyone tell me what to expect from here — what should I do, not do, see, take, not take….I’ve read the site that John Rhoades is linked too and the FAQ — I guess what I’m looking for now is some quick tips for the fast cure.  I’m back to see a Doc. on Sept. 11 — this is all complicated by the fact that my Dr. has left town and I was in the process of getting a new one with this "crap" all happened.  So….tell me — What should I be doing, saying etc. before and to the Dr.?  All words of advice appreciated.

Under current US Guidelines, you should also be taking a long-term, bronchodilator; either salmeterol (Serevent) inhaler [2 puffs x 2] or theophylline SR [TheoDur] tablets. Ex-smokers sometimes benefit from using the Atrovent inhaler. A new inhaler, Combivent, combines Atrovent and Ventolin in one inhaler, for those who need both. It would be advisable to have lung function tests in a pulmonary test lab after you recover, to determine how much of your problem is asthma and how much is chronic bronchitis or emphysema. The later 2 conditions tend to be caused by smoking. You may benefit from programs in smoking cessation, diet, and exercise. Ellis

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I suppose the heading says it all but I’ll tell my story of woe.  I am 39, diagnosed with asthma at 34 — although in retrospect, I suspect I’ve had it much longer (but I never complained to the doc. about my shortness of breath because I’m overweight and "knew" that he’d just tell me to loose weight).  When I was first diagnosed at 34 I had quit smoking for about a year — then I started again about 1 yr after diagnosis (we won’t discuss that stupid decision).  Anyways, I’ve always viewed my asthma as a very "minor" issue in my life. I took my steriodal inhalers — occasionally had to double dose in the AM — but generally I did pretty good.  I quit smoking on August 11 of this year.  On August 19 I woke in the morning and after ventolin managed a measely 150 on my Peak Flow (when my asthma is sort of in abeyance I blow around 400). Went to see the Dr. and was put on Prednisone — so I was taking Pred. 40 mg/day, Becloforte 2XDay, 4 puffs, plus ventolin.  Things seemed to get better — off the pred. on August 25.  On Sept. 1 I made a visit to emergency for a nebulizer and was put back on pred.  On the 2nd, I ended up in hospital with asthma problems but with the additional diagnosis of pneumonia in my right lung.  I was released today.  SO…. still on Pred. with all the inherent nasty side-effects there, eurethromyecin (antibiotic), ventolin, becloforte (soon to be flovent)and alledgedly on the mend.  However, I DON’T FEEL ON THE MEND. I feel much better than I did, I can get air into my passages, sort of, my peak flow is hovering between 220-260 (before and after ventolin), while after the nebs in the hospital I was getting about 310.  I’m not wheezing.  But, my lungs are tight, it hurts to inhale deeply, like I should, and I have so far resisted "double dosing" my ventolin, but the temptation is coming closer since I know that if I take my dose, wait 5 min. and take another, I can actually breath. Having now discovered "what" the problem is with asthma — can anyone tell me what to expect from here — what should I do, not do, see, take, not take….I’ve read the site that John Rhoades is linked too and the FAQ — I guess what I’m looking for now is some quick tips for the fast cure.  I’m back to see a Doc. on Sept. 11 — this is all complicated by the fact that my Dr. has left town and I was in the process of getting a new one with this "crap" all happened.  So….tell me — What should I be doing, saying etc. before and to the Dr.?  All words of advice appreciated. Many thanks.

I am not a doctor but I have had similar problems with breathing during and after prednisone.  Prednisone tends to bloat you just as eating a large meal can.  Your stomach can push your lungs up and it becomes very hard to breathe.  I would suggest to you, just as my dr. did to me, eat very small meals about 5-6 times a day. Your stomach will never be as full.  Pneumonia can also damage your lungs somewhat.  I can even be responsible for the onset of emphysema, especially in us astmatics.  I have asthma and emphysema.  Good luck and health to you. Sharon Adkins

Response:

I suppose the heading says it all but I’ll tell my story of woe.  I am 39, diagnosed with asthma at 34 — although in retrospect, I suspect I’ve had it much longer (but I never complained to the doc. about my shortness of breath because I’m overweight and "knew" that he’d just tell me to loose weight).  When I was first diagnosed at 34 I had quit smoking for about a year — then I started again about 1 yr after diagnosis (we won’t discuss that stupid decision).  Anyways, I’ve always viewed my asthma as a very "minor" issue in my life. I took my steriodal inhalers — occasionally had to double dose in the AM — but generally I did pretty good.  I quit smoking on August 11 of this year.  On August 19 I woke in the morning and after ventolin managed a measely 150 on my Peak Flow (when my asthma is sort of in abeyance I blow around 400). Went to see the Dr. and was put on Prednisone — so I was taking Pred. 40 mg/day, Becloforte 2XDay, 4 puffs, plus ventolin.  Things seemed to get better — off the pred. on August 25.  On Sept. 1 I made a visit to emergency for a nebulizer and was put back on pred.  On the 2nd, I ended up in hospital with asthma problems but with the additional diagnosis of pneumonia in my right lung.  I was released today.  SO…. still on Pred. with all the inherent nasty side-effects there, eurethromyecin (antibiotic), ventolin, becloforte (soon to be flovent)and alledgedly on the mend.  However, I DON’T FEEL ON THE MEND.   I feel much better than I did, I can get air into my passages, sort of, my peak flow is hovering between 220-260 (before and after ventolin), while after the nebs in the hospital I was getting about 310.  I’m not wheezing.  But, my lungs are tight, it hurts to inhale deeply, like I should, and I have so far resisted "double dosing" my ventolin, but the temptation is coming closer since I know that if I take my dose, wait 5 min. and take another, I can actually breath. Having now discovered "what" the problem is with asthma — can anyone tell me what to expect from here — what should I do, not do, see, take, not take….I’ve read the site that John Rhoades is linked too and the FAQ — I guess what I’m looking for now is some quick tips for the fast cure.  I’m back to see a Doc. on Sept. 11 — this is all complicated by the fact that my Dr. has left town and I was in the process of getting a new one with this "crap" all happened.  So….tell me — What should I be doing, saying etc. before and to the Dr.?  All words of advice appreciated. Many thanks.

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -question wrote:

I am a 21 year old male suffering from Social Phobia.  I’ve tried drugs in the past, mostly SSRI’s, with no real success.  Some of the drugs I’ve tried I went off immediatly due to sexual side effects, mostly inability to feel pleasure while masturbating. The most recent drug, Zoloft, I went off due to the sexual side effect after 6-8 weeks.  The sexual side effect had occured almost immediatly but I stayed on it for a little while.  After the drug was out of my system I still felt like I wasn’t getting pleasure like I used to.  I also see that I am less interested in masturbating that I used to be. (No sexual partners involved, due to social phobia and all) Can these drugs have permanent effects on a person’s sexuality when you are off them?  The psychiatrist I used to see recommended that I go on the drugs even with the side effect to deal with my social problem.  A this point, I might have to consider it. Sidenote: The drugs I’ve had sexual side effects with are Effexor and Zoloft.

(Sadly), the sexual side effects with Effexor wear off pretty quickly (personally, I’m hoping for an anti depressant that causes me to lose all interested in sex, now that would be something). Without benzos in addition to it, sex drive will go back to normal in say 4 to 6 weeks whereas time to orgasm stays higher but it’s definitely possible after the first few weeks to get there.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -questionfor2…@yahoo.com (question) wrote in message <news:7fcdbfb4.0310192029.2f9937db@posting.google.com

… I am a 21 year old male suffering from Social Phobia.  I’ve tried drugs in the past, mostly SSRI’s, with no real success.  Some of the drugs I’ve tried I went off immediatly due to sexual side effects, mostly inability to feel pleasure while masturbating. The most recent drug, Zoloft, I went off due to the sexual side effect after 6-8 weeks.  The sexual side effect had occured almost immediatly but I stayed on it for a little while.  After the drug was out of my system I still felt like I wasn’t getting pleasure like I used to.  I also see that I am less interested in masturbating that I used to be. (No sexual partners involved, due to social phobia and all) Can these drugs have permanent effects on a person’s sexuality when you are off them?  The psychiatrist I used to see recommended that I go on the drugs even with the side effect to deal with my social problem.  A this point, I might have to consider it. Sidenote: The drugs I’ve had sexual side effects with are Effexor and Zoloft. Any info would be appreciated.

i think it’s unlikely your side effects are permanent, because i experienced them continuously while taking paxil–we’re talking about a period of years–but as soon as i switched to lexapro the side effects were vastly reduced. besides lexapro, the other ssri to consider, as crackwalker pointed out, is luvox. when i decided to switch from paxil at the insistence of my new girlfriend, i told my MD i want to switch to luvox, but he said, oh no, take lexapro, so i did and the results have been excellent, although your mileage may vary. btw, if you’re curious about lexapro vis-a-vis luvox, luvox has been around much longer than lexapro, so presumably it’s not as effective as ssri’s go. lexapro, according to what i read, which might be pharm. co. propaganda, is a modified form of celexa. celexa basically contained two active components, only one of which is the ssri, so they deleted the other component that presumably caused lots of side effects to produce lexapro. good luck.

Response:

I am a 21 year old male suffering from Social Phobia.  I’ve tried drugs in the past, mostly SSRI’s, with no real success.  Some of the drugs I’ve tried I went off immediatly due to sexual side effects, mostly inability to feel pleasure while masturbating. The most recent drug, Zoloft, I went off due to the sexual side effect after 6-8 weeks.  The sexual side effect had occured almost immediatly but I stayed on it for a little while.  After the drug was out of my system I still felt like I wasn’t getting pleasure like I used to.  I also see that I am less interested in masturbating that I used to be. (No sexual partners involved, due to social phobia and all) Can these drugs have permanent effects on a person’s sexuality when you are off them?  The psychiatrist I used to see recommended that I go on the drugs even with the side effect to deal with my social problem.  A this point, I might have to consider it. Sidenote: The drugs I’ve had sexual side effects with are Effexor and Zoloft. Any info would be appreciated.

Response:

Hi I would try a.. Luvox/Fluvoxamine Its the only med in the ssri category  I can’t find anything on sexual dysfunction Crackwalker’ "question" <questionfor2…@yahoo.com

wrote in message

news:7fcdbfb4.0310192029.2f9937db@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Any info would be appreciated.

Response:

Question:

I have been prescribed Zoloft for anti-anxiety/depression,,,,,my psych normal dose? will i be sleepy? I am concerned about forgetting passwords, etc….does that happen? Will I be a zombie? Thanks!

Response:

50 mg Zoloft is what I started at and am now up to 100 mg.  Some meds do tend to make people tired or a little more anxious temporarily but in time the side effects wear off. Of course, YMMV…  Best wishes. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been prescribed Zoloft for anti-anxiety/depression,,,,,my psych or normal dose? will i be sleepy? I am concerned about forgetting passwords, etc….does that happen? Will I be a zombie? Thanks!

Response:

I also started out on 50mg, and after two weeks my psych upped it to 100mg. It seems to be helping, it just takes a few weeks.  Drowsiness is a side-effect, but you shouldn’t be too worried.  I would love to tell you that I don’t get tired from it but I’m not sure, I’m tired a lot but I don’t think it’s from the meds. Good luck, lots of smiles,     Robin

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been prescribed Zoloft for anti-anxiety/depression,,,,,my psych or normal dose? will i be sleepy? I am concerned about forgetting passwords, etc….does that happen? Will I be a zombie? Thanks!

Response:

I have been prescribed Zoloft for anti-anxiety/depression,,,,,my psych normal dose? will i be sleepy? I am concerned about forgetting passwords, etc….does that happen? Will I be a zombie? Thanks!

This is asking for trouble, starting at such a high dose will heigthen your anxiety and add other side effects that are temporary in the vast majority of cases and this might scare you off a potentially helpful med. Your pdoc should know better. The recommended starting dose of Zoloft for anxiety sufferers is 12.5 mg. Stay there for a week or so and then raise the dose in weekly increments of 12.5 mg (or at whatever pace is comfortable for you) until you have reached a therapeutic dose. Having a benzo like Xanax or Ativan to take *as needed* on the side at least during the weaning period will help too. *Start low, go slow* and you will have far fewer initial side effect problems. You should give Zoloift up to eight weeks to kick in – although most people get to feel better much earlier. Philip

Response:

50 mg Zoloft is what I started at and am now up to 100 mg.  Some meds do tend to make people tired or a little more anxious temporarily but in time the side effects wear off. Of course, YMMV…  Best wishes. smiles, Elise

Wow, you managed starting at 50 mg with no problems? Amazing (and very fortunate of course). Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been prescribed Zoloft for anti-anxiety/depression,,,,,my psych or normal dose? will i be sleepy? I am concerned about forgetting passwords, etc….does that happen? Will I be a zombie? Thanks!

Response:

Question:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

In article <3AD65C38.5…@epix.net

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

" <"snafuper<erase wrote in message

news:3AD7E72B.C208C04E@yahoo.com…

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

because i had a

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

of absolute

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

it i pretty much

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

thats when ocd got

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

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

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

ones, i think..

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

could, but don’t

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

with what happened.

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

mgs. of Paxil,

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

to switch me to

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

Zoloft while taking

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

to 20 mgs. of

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

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

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

Paxil to 10

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

Any help is

appreciated; thanks in advance. Christine

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

wrote in message

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

wrote:

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

Response:

In article <38374566.6841…@newsread.cioe.com

,

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

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

<sl…@home.com

wrote: Hi   I just started taking Zoloft three days

ago.  Starting at 25mg/day,

just wondering about people’s experience on

Zoloft.  I havn’t had any

side effects from it yet, it may be still to

early.

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

been taking  it for  6

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

years ago I went down to

100 mg.  My side effects have been diarreah and

less horniness.

Energo Ed

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

Response:

In article <38374566.6841…@newsread.cioe.com

,

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

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

<sl…@home.com

wrote: Hi   I just started taking Zoloft three days

ago.  Starting at 25mg/day,

just wondering about people’s experience on

Zoloft.  I havn’t had any

side effects from it yet, it may be still to

early.

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

been taking  it for  6

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

years ago I went down to

100 mg.  My side effects have been diarreah and

less horniness.

Energo Ed

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

Response:

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

Response:

LYNN32141 wrote:

Anyone got any suggestions for postive help in young children?

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

BTW I’m new so don’t pick on me……

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

Response:

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

is

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

Response:

hehehe thanks Steve……… <grin

Lynn

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

In article <37E9B9B4.5…@slonet.org

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Gaze fondly upon today for tomorrow is boundto suck worse

Response:

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

wrote in message

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

Response:

Cindy Webster <cwebs…@slonet.org

wrote in message

news:37E9B9B4.54BB@slonet.org…

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

Duane wrote:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

Response:

Duane wrote:

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

withdrawal.

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

I’m not surprised!

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

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

wrote in message

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

wrote in message

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

wrote in message

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

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

Response:

kd <k…@kf.com

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

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

Response:

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

wrote in message

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

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

Response:

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

wrote in message

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

wrote in message

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

Response:

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

wrote in message

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

wrote in message

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

Question:

Hi all. I’ve been on Paxil for 3.5 years, and, after considering it for a while, recently decided I needed to get off it and switch to something else. The difficulties I was having with the drug were starting to outweigh the benefits, and it hasn’t addressed several of my most distressing  depression symptoms at all. Unfortunately, I’ve been experiencing some rather nasty withdrawal symptoms. At times I’ve felt like I am going through a rather severe depression relapse, and my already annoying problems with mental confusion and lack of concentration have multiplied. I now find it difficult to speak to anyone, since I often totally forget what I was talking about. Driving has even gotten difficult, since I sometimes blank out in the middle if a trip. I lose my temper if someone looks at me wrong, and I cry at the slightest provocation. My doc explained to me that I wasn’t losing it, or on my way back to the psych ward, but experiencing Paxil withdrawal. He put me on 20mg of Prozac, to help alleviate the symptoms, but they’re still effecting me badly. I was even forced to take a couple of weeks off from work. Anyone have any suggestions to help me get through this? Also, I’m still not sure where to go from here. My doc has said we’ll discuss options at my next visit, and I’ve done a lot of research on my own, but I’m still not sure what to do. Some of the options include, switching to Effexor, staying with the Prozac, or going to a different SSRI like Celexa. My main concerns are finding something that will help me think more clearly and concentrate better in addition to keeping up my desire to stay alive, and won’t cause me to gain any more weight. Any ideas and suggestions would be appreciated. Joanne

Response:

Paxil withdrawal support site http://members.tripod.lycos.com/fstreicher/ good luck and best wishes Bob

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all. I’ve been on Paxil for 3.5 years, and, after considering it for a while, recently decided I needed to get off it and switch to something else. The difficulties I was having with the drug were starting to outweigh the benefits, and it hasn’t addressed several of my most distressing depression symptoms at all. Unfortunately, I’ve been experiencing some rather nasty withdrawal symptoms. At times I’ve felt like I am going through a rather severe depression relapse, and my already annoying problems with mental confusion and lack of concentration have multiplied. I now find it difficult to speak to anyone, since I often totally forget what I was talking about. Driving has even gotten difficult, since I sometimes blank out in the middle if a trip. I lose my temper if someone looks at me wrong, and I cry at the slightest provocation. My doc explained to me that I wasn’t losing it, or on my way back to the psych ward, but experiencing Paxil withdrawal. He put me on 20mg of Prozac, to help alleviate the symptoms, but they’re still effecting me badly. I was even forced to take a couple of weeks off from work. Anyone have any suggestions to help me get through this? Also, I’m still not sure where to go from here. My doc has said we’ll discuss options at my next visit, and I’ve done a lot of research on my own, but I’m still not sure what to do. Some of the options include, switching to Effexor, staying with the Prozac, or going to a different SSRI like Celexa. My main concerns are finding something that will help me think more clearly and concentrate better in addition to keeping up my desire to stay alive, and won’t cause me to gain any more weight. Any ideas and suggestions would be appreciated. Joanne

Response:

Question:

Yesterday I caught a story on NPR where a woman confessed that her PMDD was ruining here family life and that the Prozac=Serafem drug helped her cope and live a normal life.  Has anyone else tried this treatment?  I think if it’s true it could save my marriage from the constant monthly depression and fighting that’s becoming the norm in my home. Here’s a link to listen to the NPR report that is more about the marketing of Serafem but still informative: http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/atc/20010423.atc.12.rmm JaKe

Response:

Serafim (fluoxetine HCL) is very effective for this purpose.  It works quickly, unlike the way it works for depression. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -JaKe wrote:

Yesterday I caught a story on NPR where a woman confessed that her PMDD was ruining here family life and that the Prozac=Serafem drug helped her cope and live a normal life.  Has anyone else tried this treatment?  I think if it’s true it could save my marriage from the constant monthly depression and fighting that’s becoming the norm in my home. Here’s a link to listen to the NPR report that is more about the marketing of Serafem but still informative: http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/atc/20010423.atc.12.rmm JaKe

Response:

On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 19:33:02 GMT, Peter Ross <pr…@att.net

wrote: Serafim (fluoxetine HCL) is very effective for this purpose.  It works quickly, unlike the way it works for depression.

OTOH, it diminishes sex drive, and there are other possible approaches, notably hormone balancing, that could be taken first. Just a thought… — Empress "The vote means nothing to women. We should be armed." -Edna O’Brien

Response:

"Empress of the Known Universe" <empresso…@yahoo.com

wrote in message

news:pk4cet474tbvk9emtmd2o05e99lpghists@4ax.com…

On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 19:33:02 GMT, Peter Ross <pr…@att.net wrote: Serafim (fluoxetine HCL) is very effective for this purpose.  It works quickly, unlike the way it works for depression. OTOH, it diminishes sex drive, and there are other possible approaches, notably hormone balancing, that could be taken first. Just a thought… — Empress

Regulating the hormones is another approach to managing perimenstrual problems. Taking calcium supplements and vitamin B6 may also have some value. Different drugs can affect people in unique ways so I try not to discount a side effect as impossible, however, decreased sex drive is not the usual form of "sexual dysfunction" that people refer to with SSRI’s like Prozac/Sarafem. Usually the drive is intact but the ability to reach orgasm is impaired in 30-50% of women. Whether it is preferable to take antidepressants, other meds, hormones, or no medications is a personal decision. I find most women who are not on oral contraceptives already prefer to not take them. — CBI, MD

Response:

"Empress of the Known Universe" <empresso…@yahoo.com

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On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 23:12:58 -0400, "CBI" <replytothegr…@nospam.spamnet wrote: Usually the drive is intact but the ability to reach orgasm is impaired in 30-50% of women. Hmm.  I think I’d rather just not have a drive, thank you.

Yeah, but the guys kind of like it (not to mention their partners).

Response:

On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 17:55:58 GMT, JaKe <jkdrum…@yahoo.com

wrote: Yesterday I caught a story on NPR where a woman confessed that her PMDD was ruining here family life and that the Prozac=Serafem drug helped her cope and live a normal life.  Has anyone else tried this treatment?  I think if it’s true it could save my marriage from the constant monthly depression and fighting that’s becoming the norm in my home. Here’s a link to listen to the NPR report that is more about the marketing of Serafem but still informative: http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/atc/20010423.atc.12.rmm JaKe

Does that mean everything is peachy-keen for three weeks and then you descend into hell for a week?   I don’t know … sounds too simple to me.   I’d talk with qualified medical doctors about possible approaches rather than asking them to prescribe something just because you heard about it in a news report or a commercial.   Perhaps she has other more treatable medical problems … thyroid problems mimic depression so I’ve read … so can out of whack hormones. FloridaNB

Response:

What you say is exactly right, and is THE biggest problem in treating depression. As much as people who have never had depression like to think they know what it’s like, they plain and simply DON’T. There is NO scientific proof as to the actual cause of depression, there are plenty of theories, but no actual tests that can be done. That’s why depression is such a hit and miss illness, and why some people think you should "just get over it". I’ve suffered from it for a number of years, and luckily Zoloft has really helped me out. As for the sexual side effects, my wife is quite happy with them (premature ejaculation? Ha!). They don’t cause a decrease in sexual drive, just delayed orgasm, DEPRESSION causes a decrease in sexual drive. Just my two cents PS – whatever happended to Oceanmomma, and Momalot ??? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -floridaNB wrote:

On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 17:55:58 GMT, JaKe <jkdrum…@yahoo.com wrote: Yesterday I caught a story on NPR where a woman confessed that her PMDD was ruining here family life and that the Prozac=Serafem drug helped her cope and live a normal life.  Has anyone else tried this treatment?  I think if it’s true it could save my marriage from the constant monthly depression and fighting that’s becoming the norm in my home. Here’s a link to listen to the NPR report that is more about the marketing of Serafem but still informative: http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/atc/20010423.atc.12.rmm JaKe Does that mean everything is peachy-keen for three weeks and then you descend into hell for a week?   I don’t know … sounds too simple to me.   I’d talk with qualified medical doctors about possible approaches rather than asking them to prescribe something just because you heard about it in a news report or a commercial.   Perhaps she has other more treatable medical problems … thyroid problems mimic depression so I’ve read … so can out of whack hormones. FloridaNB

Response:

On Wed, 25 Apr 2001 15:48:41 GMT, floridanew…@hotmail.com (floridaNB) wrote:

Does that mean everything is peachy-keen for three weeks and then you descend into hell for a week?   I don’t know … sounds too simple to me.   I’d talk with qualified medical doctors about possible approaches rather than asking them to prescribe something just because you heard about it in a news report or a commercial.   Perhaps she has other more treatable medical problems … thyroid problems mimic depression so I’ve read … so can out of whack hormones.

This is exactly why direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription pharmaceuticals needs to be better regulated, if not completely banned. We do just fine without cigarette commercials on TV.

Response:

All right, enough with the details already! JaKe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Corolla Guy wrote:

What you say is exactly right, and is THE biggest problem in treating depression. As much as people who have never had depression like to think they know what it’s like, they plain and simply DON’T. There is NO scientific proof as to the actual cause of depression, there are plenty of theories, but no actual tests that can be done. That’s why depression is such a hit and miss illness, and why some people think you should "just get over it". I’ve suffered from it for a number of years, and luckily Zoloft has really helped me out. As for the sexual side effects, my wife is quite happy with them (premature ejaculation? Ha!). They don’t cause a decrease in sexual drive, just delayed orgasm, DEPRESSION causes a decrease in sexual drive. Just my two cents PS – whatever happended to Oceanmomma, and Momalot ??? floridaNB wrote: On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 17:55:58 GMT, JaKe <jkdrum…@yahoo.com wrote: Yesterday I caught a story on NPR where a woman confessed that her PMDD was ruining here family life and that the Prozac=Serafem drug helped her cope and live a normal life.  Has anyone else tried this treatment?  I think if it’s true it could save my marriage from the constant monthly depression and fighting that’s becoming the norm in my home. Here’s a link to listen to the NPR report that is more about the marketing of Serafem but still informative: http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/atc/20010423.atc.12.rmm JaKe Does that mean everything is peachy-keen for three weeks and then you descend into hell for a week?   I don’t know … sounds too simple to me.   I’d talk with qualified medical doctors about possible approaches rather than asking them to prescribe something just because you heard about it in a news report or a commercial.   Perhaps she has other more treatable medical problems … thyroid problems mimic depression so I’ve read … so can out of whack hormones. FloridaNB

Response:

Corolla Guy <james_ha…@excite.com

wrote:

: What you say is exactly right, and is THE biggest problem in treating : depression. As much as people who have never had depression like to : think they know what it’s like, they plain and simply DON’T. There is NO : scientific proof as to the actual cause of depression, there are plenty : of theories, but no actual tests that can be done. That’s why depression : is such a hit and miss illness, and why some people think you should : "just get over it". I’ve suffered from it for a number of years, and : luckily Zoloft has really helped me out. As for the sexual side effects, : my wife is quite happy with them (premature ejaculation? Ha!). They : don’t cause a decrease in sexual drive, just delayed orgasm, DEPRESSION : causes a decrease in sexual drive. Just a quick question: okay, so the climanx is delayed. Is it weaker? I find mine is.  Sort of descends into "Forty-five minutes, for this?" *gak!* Emma — "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind;  And therefore is wing’d Cupid painted blind." (A Midsummer Night’s Dream,I,i)

Response:

misscee <miss…@my-dejanews.com

wrote:

: Thanks for the link. I have been taking Prozac for about a year. My : opinion is that people should go on a powerful drug like prozac because : emotionally they have reached rock bottom, not to improve their : marriage. : Are you asking this question because you want to get your wife on : antidepressents? Be careful what you ask for – they can affect your sex : drive and I have heard all kinds of horror stories about these drugs. That is a very difficult dilemma to figure out. Maybe he loves his wife more than he loves his sex life. (Now that’s one rare devoted man!) ;

ECV — "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind;  And therefore is wing’d Cupid painted blind." (A Midsummer Night’s Dream,I,i)

Response:

Empress of the Known Universe <empresso…@yahoo.com

wrote:

: On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 19:33:02 GMT, Peter Ross <pr…@att.net

wrote:

:

Serafim (fluoxetine HCL) is very effective for this purpose.  It works

:

quickly, unlike the way it works for depression.

: OTOH, it diminishes sex drive, and there are other possible : approaches, notably hormone balancing, that could be taken first. : Just a thought… : — : Empress I found it made me more frisky. But it took away the potential of orgasm. (Now doesn’t *that* just bite!) Emma — "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind;  And therefore is wing’d Cupid painted blind." (A Midsummer Night’s Dream,I,i)

Response:

All Re-Uptake Inhibitors (prozac, zoloft, effexor, etc) have the probability of diminishing sex drive or causing/increasing anorgasmia (unable to have orgasms) The one specifically geared to have the least effect on sex drive/orgasms is Wellbutrin (same drug in the quit smoking pill). However, Wellbutrin is sometimes less effective than the others. ::shrug:: I’d rather be alive & have a lower sex drive.  For me, my mental illness is biochemical & deadly (manic depression). My Tuppence, Autum – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 17:55:58 GMT, JaKe <jkdrum…@yahoo.com

wrote: Yesterday I caught a story on NPR where a woman confessed that her PMDD was ruining here family life and that the Prozac=Serafem drug helped her cope and live a normal life.  Has anyone else tried this treatment?  I think if it’s true it could save my marriage from the constant monthly depression and fighting that’s becoming the norm in my home. Here’s a link to listen to the NPR report that is more about the marketing of Serafem but still informative: http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/atc/20010423.atc.12.rmm JaKe

Response:

I cannot say this enough, AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am a member of a family support group for family members who care for others with Mental Illness.  Almost 1/5th of our membership has this basically same story: Their ‘consumer’ was mis-diagnosed as manic/depressive or bipolar.  Given moderate to large doses of zoloft and/or depakote.  To quite smoking, they started taking wellbutrin.  The chemical combination was an automatic trigger (within literally one to two doses) of full extreme psychotic episodes. While these people were actually schizoprenic or schizoaffective, and were mis-diagnosed, keep in mind that the average schizoid sufferer is mis-diagnosed 3 times, and isn’t properly classified or treated for the first 8-10 years following onset of symptomatic behavior.  Wellbutrin is like cyanide to schizophrenics – not physically fatal, by psychiatrically damaging. I don’t know if any formal studies have been done, but I have heard this about 5 times in 4 weeks.  People who were responding to treatment, or only slightly symptomatic, got prodromal after 1 dose, and fully (multi-week) psychotic by the second or third dose of wellbutrin. AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RichP "Autum" <gol…@nospam.hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:3aedb0d2.14618676@news.qwest.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

All Re-Uptake Inhibitors (prozac, zoloft, effexor, etc) have the probability of diminishing sex drive or causing/increasing anorgasmia (unable to have orgasms) The one specifically geared to have the least effect on sex drive/orgasms is Wellbutrin (same drug in the quit smoking pill). However, Wellbutrin is sometimes less effective than the others. ::shrug:: I’d rather be alive & have a lower sex drive.  For me, my mental illness is biochemical & deadly (manic depression). My Tuppence, Autum On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 17:55:58 GMT, JaKe <jkdrum…@yahoo.com wrote: Yesterday I caught a story on NPR where a woman confessed that her PMDD was ruining here family life and that the Prozac=Serafem drug helped her cope and live a normal life.  Has anyone else tried this treatment?  I think if it’s true it could save my marriage from the constant monthly depression and fighting that’s becoming the norm in my home. Here’s a link to listen to the NPR report that is more about the marketing of Serafem but still informative: http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/atc/20010423.atc.12.rmm JaKe

Response:

On Wed, 02 May 2001 04:32:53 GMT, "RichP" <ri…@ilnk.com

wrote: I cannot say this enough, AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<snip

Their ‘consumer’ was mis-diagnosed as manic/depressive or bipolar.  Given moderate to large doses of zoloft and/or depakote.  To quite smoking, they started taking wellbutrin.  The chemical combination was an automatic trigger (within literally one to two doses) of full extreme psychotic episodes.

Rich, while your sentiments are appreciated, read your own words. These people were adding an SSNRI (selective seretonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) to Zoloft which is either an SSRI or SSNRI itself. It is BAD to COMBINE the medications. ESPECIALLY if you’re manic depressive, one of the symptoms of which is psychotic episodes while manic. It is made VERY clear to doctors that if a manic-depressive gets too high of dosages of antidepressant, that it will trigger manic states. The higher the dosages, the worse the mania. Taken REASONABLY, however, antidepressants such as Zoloft, Paxil, Effexor, and Wellbutrin (yes, even Wellbutrin, which is basically the same thing as Effexor but not quite so strong & just a slightly different tweak to the Seretonin/Norepinephrine levels) are completely effective, expecially when taken in combination with anti-convulsants that provide an anti-manic effect, such as Depakote and Tegretol. Make sure you know what you’re talking about next time before trying to scare a whole bunch of people away from a necessary treatment regimen. Thank you for being concerned, however.  The thought is appreciated. Autum

Response:

Question:

Sam I was on Zoloft for 6 years. It gave me back my life. Don’t be afraid of it. You only hear the negatives , never the success stories. Be well.  Bob

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I guess I would do well to tell you a little bit about myself… -snipped the background- So I’ve been going to my doctor and seeing a psychologist. My GP has been trying to get me on medication for months. I take 2mg of Xanax to help me sleep (rather unsuccessfuly) and the Zoloft now. My psychologist resigned and moved interstate so I had to go to another one…it was hideous. So unpleasant. We argued for an hour. He said that I wasn’t depressed I was just very lazy and that perhaps I wasn’t as good as I think I am. I was shattered. So upset. This was about a month or so ago. I have been refusing to see one ever since. My GP wants me to see a psychiatrist but now I’m frightened of such negative judgements, I’m refusing to go. Does Zoloft only work in conjunction with therapy? Finding a good therapist that is a good match for you can often be more difficult and emotion/time consuming than finding a useful medication. And for some people all they need is the medication.  Everyone is different.  But one thing is for sure, medication doesn’t work as well in conjunction with a *shitty* therapist!!!   Don’t give up on getting good help.  Rely on your gut.  If one therapist is a jerk, just remember that they are only human.  Look for another one. Good luck.  Maybe keep us posted (so to speak) on your efforts?? Sincerely Stewart PS.  Your GP *can* prescribe zoloft for you, tho he/she *may* not want to do so, and may prefer to defer to a specialist for that.  If you really want to try an antidepressant and you really don’t want to talk with a psychiatrist to get it, you can find another GP who might be more willing to prescribe it for you.  Most GP’s hand out zoloft like it was candy (not that I personally think that is such a good thing, but it’s there….) — The Metaphor Man  *and*  The Great Defender of the Self (remove the SPAMBLOCK) Please send me an e-mail copy of your posted response.

Well, first of all finding a therapist who "fits" is important.  From my own experience, I was severely depressed for for years and saw a therapist for three of those four years.  We did absolutely no ‘therapy’ because I was too depressed to actually talk, but he cared about me, helped me have flashes where I almost believed I wasn’t evil – the depression was making me think so.  I think I would have died if it weren’t for my therapists support.   Angela

Response:

I guess I would do well to tell you a little bit about myself…

-snipped the background- So I’ve been going to my doctor and seeing a psychologist. My GP has been trying to get me on medication for months. I take 2mg of Xanax to help me sleep (rather unsuccessfuly) and the Zoloft now. My psychologist resigned and moved interstate so I had to go to another one…it was hideous. So unpleasant. We argued for an hour. He said that I wasn’t depressed I was just very lazy and that perhaps I wasn’t as good as I think I am. I was shattered. So upset. This was about a month or so ago. I have been refusing to see one ever since. My GP wants me to see a psychiatrist but now I’m frightened of such negative judgements, I’m refusing to go. Does Zoloft only work in conjunction with therapy?

Finding a good therapist that is a good match for you can often be more difficult and emotion/time consuming than finding a useful medication. And for some people all they need is the medication.  Everyone is different.  But one thing is for sure, medication doesn’t work as well in conjunction with a *shitty* therapist!!!   Don’t give up on getting good help.  Rely on your gut.  If one therapist is a jerk, just remember that they are only human.  Look for another one. Good luck.  Maybe keep us posted (so to speak) on your efforts?? Sincerely Stewart PS.  Your GP *can* prescribe zoloft for you, tho he/she *may* not want to do so, and may prefer to defer to a specialist for that.  If you really want to try an antidepressant and you really don’t want to talk with a psychiatrist to get it, you can find another GP who might be more willing to prescribe it for you.  Most GP’s hand out zoloft like it was candy (not that I personally think that is such a good thing, but it’s there….) — The Metaphor Man  *and*  The Great Defender of the Self (remove the SPAMBLOCK) Please send me an e-mail copy of your posted response.

Response:

Hi Stewart, Thanks for taking the time to write to me. I do appreciate it a whole lot. I guess I would do well to tell you a little bit about myself… I am a 19yo university student. I began uni. this year, enrolled in Arts/Music. I play classical piano. I’ve been very successful at it and was given the best teacher imaginable. he only accepted three students in the entire country. At the time I was over the moon, but very soon expectation kicked in. Success equals demise. Every time I find success, the expectations associated with it make me push myself away from it. I lasted a semester, withdrew from the Music component. People actually screamed at me. It was a hard decision. Music has always been what I do. I went to a specialist secondary school for music and dance students so it’s been my life for a long time. So that left me in Arts. I was studying Philosophy and Literature. I stopped going about 2 months ago and have failed the lot. Everything. Expectations! Always told how well I’m going to do, so I lash back against it. I’ve failed the lot. Everything. Anyway, so i’ve had a lot of time on my hands… and have been doing a lot of accompanying. Opera is my love. I am working with 4 fantastic singers at the moment. Only been doing it for a couple of months and already the expectations are kicking in. I’ve been too successful again. This really really bothers me. Positive comments from important people left, right and centre. Invited to play in front of 15 000 people on X-mas eve. And I’m not even studying music!!! So now that I’m succeeding at it, I’m losing interest….along with everything else *sigh*. I think perhaps I’m scared of success. If you are successful at something, failing at it becomes so much worse. So I’ve been going to my doctor and seeing a psychologist. My GP has been trying to get me on medication for months. I take 2mg of Xanax to help me sleep (rather unsuccessfuly) and the Zoloft now. My psychologist resigned and moved interstate so I had to go to another one…it was hideous. So unpleasant. We argued for an hour. He said that I wasn’t depressed I was just very lazy and that perhaps I wasn’t as good as I think I am. I was shattered. So upset. This was about a month or so ago. I have been refusing to see one ever since. My GP wants me to see a psychiatrist but now I’m frightened of such negative judgements, I’m refusing to go. Does Zoloft only work in conjunction with therapy? Hope to hear from you soon. Keep well and try to be happy. Sam

Response:

Hi everyone, Sam here again. I tried and tried to get myself through depression without drugs…but finally admitted defeat on Wednesday. I’m now taking Zoloft, 50mg for a week then up to 100mg. I’ve been rather alarmed at the negative response I’ve been reading online about the drug. I’m sure you’re all bored to tears by the topic, but could we please discuss Zoloft for my benefit??? I would really appreciate it *ingratiating smile* Thanks Sam

Sam, I was one of the people that was posting about negative side effects from Zoloft.  But, the side effects I was having (it gave me really bad agitation and anxiety and screwed up my thinking even more than it was screwed up from the depression alone), are actually very rare side-effects for Zoloft.  Many people have had good results from this drug, and it’s actually one of the drugs that causes the least amount of side effects in most people.  So, I would try it, and see if it works for YOU.  If it doesn’t, you can always try something else.  Good luck! persephone — "It

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – snipped Welcome to anx/pan Robb! Opps Rony made a boo boo : Welcome to ASAP snipped Rony. Thats what happens when you get addicted to #anx/pan Rony, it takes over your life to the extent that everywhere seems like its #anx/pan. Some fiendish plot of Jon’s to take over the world I suspect!!!! <VBG Ian Gosh! i really should get out more )

Ian, I think we should ALL get out more. Karen

Response:

Welcome to ASAP Robb. You will find a lot of supportive  and experienced people here to help you through this. Hello All,    My name is Robb and I am new to this group. I am a 26 year old male who has just recently been diagnosed with panic disorder. About a month ago I was sitting at work listening to some music and writing code (I am a Webmaster for a marketing firm) when all of a sudden I went numb. My heart started pounding so hard it hurt, I got nauseated, dizzy, and started shaking. The worst part was my mind lost its sense of reality. At that exact point in time, all I could remember is wanting "out". I do believe that was a strong suicidal flash.

This may have been a panic attack, as they can cause all of the symptoms listed above. The feelings can certainly be overwhelming.    From reading the rest of the posts in here, I can see I’m not alone. This syndrome has bothered me because in life, I’m the one people go to when everything falls apart. I’ve always been the solid one, the one who is in control all the time. The PA’s have changed all that. Now I fear doing many of the things that I used to enjoy because I might have an attack.    I hate to complain about my medical insurance since my company pays for it 100%, but it is an HMO, so I still haven’t been to see a psychologist. I have been to counseling and have seen my physician who has me on Xanax and Zoloft. The only thing the Xanax does for me is make me groggy, but many times that’s enough. I have no idea if the Zoloft is doing anything. I hope when I see the psychologist next month he will be able to determine the correct medication to help this along.

You may want to see a psychiatrist specializing in anxiety disorders, being you are already on medication. How long have you been taking Xanax and Zoloft, and what doses? The grogginess may soon wear off, your body needs to adjust to the med. It does sound like Xanax is already helping, give both meds some time to work fully.  I HATE drugs, especially anything that makes me feel disconnected, but in contrast to the panic attacks, I’ll deal with them for the time being.    Ok, this will be enough for my first posting. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you out there who’s stories I’ve read. Although the severity of these attacks have lessened over the past month, they still bother me. However, I find it comforting to know that I am not "going crazy" and that this is truly problem with physical roots as well. Robb

Most of us feel the way you do, we don’t like taking meds. But given the choice between PA’s and taking the meds, it’s an easy choice. You certainly aren’t going crazy, although panic can make it seem that way. Let us know how you progress. Ray Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it – even if I have said it – unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.

Response:

writes – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – snipped Welcome to anx/pan Robb! Opps Rony made a boo boo : Welcome to ASAP snipped Rony. Thats what happens when you get addicted to #anx/pan Rony, it takes over your life to the extent that everywhere seems like its #anx/pan. Some fiendish plot of Jon’s to take over the world I suspect!!!! <VBG Ian

Curses – I am undone — Jon Guite When replying by email, please remove the trailing x from my return address

Response:

I am also a new member. For years ,,I felt very stressed and anxious but no name/diagnosis was really given. Then I married….a wonderful man and we had 2 childred. While in my 30’s he died suddenly (he was same age) of a heart attack. A month to the day later my Mother died suddenly. Two weeks after that,,,my son almost lost his eye,,and had permanent damage as well as severe bleeding from incident. i  had started a new job (was not working prior) A year later I had a major car accident. A few years later I wound up in the hospital for a month with severe asthma and major meds. The doctor (pulmonary specialist) felt that the asthma was worsened from "stuffed symptons" so to speak. He put me on an antidepressant. Then I went off that. A few years later my heart started to race and I felt nervous. The MD prescribed Verapamil which helped a bit. Now,,,,I have a stressful job,,(one I am not fond of anymore. I seem to start worrying over things and can’t stop. Kind of obsessing. I went to Dr and he upped dosage of Verapamil to 240 mg a day,,and gave me a prescription for Lorazepam….1//2 to 1 mg daily  "as needed" I feel good but sometimes drowsy. I need to concentrate on my job. I have an HMO and right now a psychiatrist is not an option. My son is 23,,,and believe he has OCD. BUt he refuses to take medication. SO SORRY for this long post. I don’t have panic per se,,,thank GOd I can go places without panicking,,but have this anxiety a lot but not all the time. i had gone to a pychologist before (with other insurance) In the past several doctors advised me that I had to learn to cope with my stress and of course having gone thru what I did it was normal. I don’t know why I was not diagosed before. I am now 50 and feel that I felt anxious for years when I need not have been. I can’t change the past,,,but am wondering if Lorazepam helps,,should I keep taking it? Worried about long lasting problems. Thanks again,,I guess I must have gen anxiety disorder though dr did not give it a name. Can this be worsened by the events I went thru and why 13 years later,,,are things getting worse? Thanks for listening,,,and again sorry for this long post which I hope you can make sense out of. Best to all  Linda

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – snipped Welcome to anx/pan Robb! Opps Rony made a boo boo : Welcome to ASAP snipped Rony. Thats what happens when you get addicted to #anx/pan Rony, it takes over your life to the extent that everywhere seems like its #anx/pan. Some fiendish plot of Jon’s to take over the world I suspect!!!! <VBG Ian

ROFL!! Hi Ian! Hope you are doing well! Steph

Response:

snipped Thats what happens when you get addicted to #anx/pan Rony, it takes over your life to the extent that everywhere seems like its #anx/pan. Some fiendish plot of Jon’s to take over the world I suspect!!!! <VBG Ian ROFL!! Hi Ian! Hope you are doing well! Steph

Yep, I’m doing okay,  thanks for asking.  :-) Ian

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am also a new member. For years ,,I felt very stressed and anxious but no name/diagnosis was really given. Then I married….a wonderful man and we had 2 childred. While in my 30’s he died suddenly (he was same age) of a heart attack. A month to the day later my Mother died suddenly. Two weeks after that,,,my son almost lost his eye,,and had permanent damage as well as severe bleeding from incident. i  had started a new job (was not working prior) A year later I had a major car accident. A few years later I wound up in the hospital for a month with severe asthma and major meds. The doctor (pulmonary specialist) felt that the asthma was worsened from "stuffed symptons" so to speak. He put me on an antidepressant. Then I went off that. A few years later my heart started to race and I felt nervous. The MD prescribed Verapamil which helped a bit. Now,,,,I have a stressful job,,(one I am not fond of anymore. I seem to start worrying over things and can’t stop. Kind of obsessing. I went to Dr and he upped dosage of Verapamil to 240 mg a day,,and gave me a prescription for Lorazepam….1//2 to 1 mg daily  "as needed" I feel good but sometimes drowsy. I need to concentrate on my job. I have an HMO and right now a psychiatrist is not an option. My son is 23,,,and believe he has OCD. BUt he refuses to take medication. SO SORRY for this long post. I don’t have panic per se,,,thank GOd I can go places without panicking,,but have this anxiety a lot but not all the time. i had gone to a pychologist before (with other insurance) In the past several doctors advised me that I had to learn to cope with my stress and of course having gone thru what I did it was normal. I don’t know why I was not diagosed before. I am now 50 and feel that I felt anxious for years when I need not have been. I can’t change the past,,,but am wondering if Lorazepam helps,,should I keep taking it? Worried about long lasting problems. Thanks again,,I guess I must have gen anxiety disorder though dr did not give it a name. Can this be worsened by the events I went thru and why 13 years later,,,are things getting worse? Thanks for listening,,,and again sorry for this long post which I hope you can make sense out of. Best to all  Linda

Hi Linda and welcome to ASAP! You’ve been through a lot – too much really and I’m sorry about that. An anxiety disorder can manifest itself any time although the risk gets smaller with age after a certain age. But then it seems you’ve been doping with anxiety for years now and yes, there may come a time when taking meds is sensible and that time may well be now. I think you may suffer from GAD with OCD-overtones but nobody – let alone non-professionals like us here – can diagnose someone else over the net. Wouldn’t it be possible to see a psychiatrist specialized in anxiety disorders in a program with gliding scales or something like that? I feel it’s important to be properly diagnosed and then get prescribed the relevant med(s). In the meatime I wonder why you’re taking *Verapramil* fopr anxiety for which it is, as a calcium blocker used for hypertension and certain cardiac problems, not a first choice med at all. A benzo like lorazepam may work. If it doesn’t you might want to try Xanax (alprazolam). You will bezome dependent on benzos when taking them for a longer period but this just means that if and when you decide to stop taking them you’ll have to do a slow taper in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Benzos have been life-savers for many GAD and PD-sufferer. I think the proof is in the pudding. *If it works, it works*. NBut you should see to it that you’re not undermedicated. 1/2 to 1 mgs of lorazepam may be fine to take *as needed* but if you’re experience anxiety all the time you might be better off on a regular dose and as lorazepam (the same goes for Xanax) is a short acting benzo you would need to take it three times a day or so. I hope it will help you, you are entitled to some peace of mind…. Philip

Response:

Hello All,     My name is Robb and I am new to this group. I am a 26 year old male who has just recently been diagnosed with panic disorder. About a month ago I was sitting at work listening to some music and writing code (I am a Webmaster for a marketing firm) when all of a sudden I went numb. My heart started pounding so hard it hurt, I got nauseated, dizzy, and started shaking. The worst part was my mind lost its sense of reality. At that exact point in time, all I could remember is wanting "out". I do believe that was a strong suicidal flash.     From reading the rest of the posts in here, I can see I’m not alone. This syndrome has bothered me because in life, I’m the one people go to when everything falls apart. I’ve always been the solid one, the one who is in control all the time. The PA’s have changed all that. Now I fear doing many of the things that I used to enjoy because I might have an attack.     I hate to complain about my medical insurance since my company pays for it 100%, but it is an HMO, so I still haven’t been to see a psychologist. I have been to counseling and have seen my physician who has me on Xanax and Zoloft. The only thing the Xanax does for me is make me groggy, but many times that’s enough. I have no idea if the Zoloft is doing anything. I hope when I see the psychologist next month he will be able to determine the correct medication to help this along. I HATE drugs, especially anything that makes me feel disconnected, but in contrast to the panic attacks, I’ll deal with them for the time being.     Ok, this will be enough for my first posting. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you out there who’s stories I’ve read. Although the severity of these attacks have lessened over the past month, they still bother me. However, I find it comforting to know that I am not "going crazy" and that this is truly problem with physical roots as well. Robb

Response:

Hi Robb,

Welcome to ASAP.  You have come to a place where you will meet, so to speak, people who are dealing with the same issues as you.  Please feel free to post as often as you feel the need.  There are quite a few well informed people in this NG that are a great help and inspiration to all of us.  Once again, welcome..smile. Mary Kay – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello All,    My name is Robb and I am new to this group. I am a 26 year old male who has just recently been diagnosed with panic disorder. About a month ago I was sitting at work listening to some music and writing code (I am a Webmaster for a marketing firm) when all of a sudden I went numb. My heart started pounding so hard it hurt, I got nauseated, dizzy, and started shaking. The worst part was my mind lost its sense of reality. At that exact point in time, all I could remember is wanting "out". I do believe that was a strong suicidal flash.    From reading the rest of the posts in here, I can see I’m not alone. This syndrome has bothered me because in life, I’m the one people go to when everything falls apart. I’ve always been the solid one, the one who is in control all the time. The PA’s have changed all that. Now I fear doing many of the things that I used to enjoy because I might have an attack.    I hate to complain about my medical insurance since my company pays for it 100%, but it is an HMO, so I still haven’t been to see a psychologist. I have been to counseling and have seen my physician who has me on Xanax and Zoloft. The only thing the Xanax does for me is make me groggy, but many times that’s enough. I have no idea if the Zoloft is doing anything. I hope when I see the psychologist next month he will be able to determine the correct medication to help this along. I HATE drugs, especially anything that makes me feel disconnected, but in contrast to the panic attacks, I’ll deal with them for the time being.    Ok, this will be enough for my first posting. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you out there who’s stories I’ve read. Although the severity of these attacks have lessened over the past month, they still bother me. However, I find it comforting to know that I am not "going crazy" and that this is truly problem with physical roots as well. Robb

Response:

The only thing the Xanax does for me is make me groggy, but many times that’s enough. I have no idea if the Zoloft is doing anything. I hope when I see the psychologist next month he will be able to determine the correct medication to help this along.

Robb, You didn’t mention if your doctor said anything, so I’ll just add that the Zoloft will take several weeks to have any effect.   If it’s a psychologist you’re seeing, but not a psychiatrist, the psychologist will not be able to prescribe drugs but if s/he has experience in panic/anxiety s/he will be aware of what drugs are out there and how they are used and to what effect.  In the meantime, don’t give up on the drugs simply because you are anti-drug.  (Like another poster said, you wouldn’t refuse insulin if you were diabetic would you?)  Give the Zoloft time to have an effect.  Best of luck.

Response:

I get the psychiatrist / psychologist thing messed up all the time. I meant psychiatrist. And I’ve done tons of research through the web about the Zoloft and realize it can take up to 6 weeks to have any effect. Sorry about being dense – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You didn’t mention if your doctor said anything, so I’ll just add that the Zoloft will take several weeks to have any effect. If it’s a psychologist you’re seeing, but not a psychiatrist, the psychologist will not be able to prescribe drugs but if s/he has experience in panic/anxiety s/he will be aware of what drugs are out there and how they are used and to what effect.  In the meantime, don’t give up on the drugs simply because you are anti-drug.  (Like another poster said, you wouldn’t refuse insulin if you were diabetic would you?)  Give the Zoloft time to have an effect.  Best of luck.

Response:

Hello All,    My name is Robb and I am new to this group. I am a 26 year old male who has just recently been diagnosed with panic disorder.

<snip . My heart started pounding so hard it hurt, I got nauseated, dizzy, and started shaking. The worst part was my mind lost its sense of reality.

<snip Sounds like you had a derealization episoide too …. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –    From reading the rest of the posts in here, I can see I’m not alone. This syndrome has bothered me because in life, I’m the one people go to when everything falls apart. I’ve always been the solid one, the one who is in control all the time. The PA’s have changed all that. Now I fear doing many of the things that I used to enjoy because I might have an attack.    I hate to complain about my medical insurance since my company pays for it 100%, but it is an HMO, so I still haven’t been to see a psychologist. I have been to counseling and have seen my physician who has me on Xanax and Zoloft. The only thing the Xanax does for me is make me groggy, but many times that’s enough. I have no idea if the Zoloft is doing anything. I hope when I see the psychologist next month he will be able to determine the correct medication to help this along. I HATE drugs, especially anything that makes me feel disconnected, but in contrast to the panic attacks, I’ll deal with them for the time being.    Ok, this will be enough for my first posting. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you out there who’s stories I’ve read. Although the severity of these attacks have lessened over the past month, they still bother me. However, I find it comforting to know that I am not "going crazy" and that this is truly problem with physical roots as well. Robb

Welcome to anx/pan Robb! give the Zolfot a chance , it can take a while to take effect, so hang in there. And yes your right you are not going crazy!. Please let us know how you get on with the meds, i’m sure you wi ll be feeling some relief before long ) Rony. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello All,    My name is Robb and I am new to this group. I am a 26 year old male who has just recently been diagnosed with panic disorder. <snip . My heart started pounding so hard it hurt, I got nauseated, dizzy, and started shaking. The worst part was my mind lost its sense of reality. <snip Sounds like you had a derealization episoide too ….    From reading the rest of the posts in here, I can see I’m not alone. This syndrome has bothered me because in life, I’m the one people go to when everything falls apart. I’ve always been the solid one, the one who is in control all the time. The PA’s have changed all that. Now I fear doing many of the things that I used to enjoy because I might have an attack.    I hate to complain about my medical insurance since my company pays for it 100%, but it is an HMO, so I still haven’t been to see a psychologist. I have been to counseling and have seen my physician who has me on Xanax and Zoloft. The only thing the Xanax does for me is make me groggy, but many times that’s enough. I have no idea if the Zoloft is doing anything. I hope when I see the psychologist next month he will be able to determine the correct medication to help this along. I HATE drugs, especially anything that makes me feel disconnected, but in contrast to the panic attacks, I’ll deal with them for the time being.    Ok, this will be enough for my first posting. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you out there who’s stories I’ve read. Although the severity of these attacks have lessened over the past month, they still bother me. However, I find it comforting to know that I am not "going crazy" and that this is truly problem with physical roots as well. Robb Welcome to anx/pan Robb!

Opps Rony made a boo boo : Welcome to ASAP give the Zolfot a chance , i

t can take a while to take effect, so hang in there. And yes your right you are not going crazy!. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Please let us know how you get on with the meds, i’m sure you wi ll be feeling some relief before long ) Rony.

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Hi Rob, welcome to ASAP, Your story isn’t all that uncommon, nor is the fact that you are a computer geek  We seem to have a disproportionately high number of comp wizards here (probably some so far undocumented Microsoft bug IMO). And most of us were the bedrock that others clung to in times of crisis. It can be a really weird disorder that way, hitting you where you thought you were strongest!!!!  Go figure!!!   Good luck Ian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –    My name is Robb and I am new to this group. I am a 26 year old male who has just recently been diagnosed with panic disorder. About a month ago I was sitting at work listening to some music and writing code (I am a Webmaster for a marketing firm) when all of a sudden I went numb. My heart started pounding so hard it hurt, I got nauseated, dizzy, and started shaking. The worst part was my mind lost its sense of reality. At that exact point in time, all I could remember is wanting "out". I do believe that was a strong suicidal flash.    From reading the rest of the posts in here, I can see I’m not alone. This syndrome has bothered me because in life, I’m the one people go to when everything falls apart. I’ve always been the solid one, the one who is in control all the time. The PA’s have changed all that. Now I fear doing many of the things that I used to enjoy because I might have an attack.    I hate to complain about my medical insurance since my company pays for it 100%, but it is an HMO, so I still haven’t been to see a psychologist. I have been to counseling and have seen my physician who has me on Xanax and Zoloft. The only thing the Xanax does for me is make me groggy, but many times that’s enough. I have no idea if the Zoloft is doing anything. I hope when I see the psychologist next month he will be able to determine the correct medication to help this along. I HATE drugs, especially anything that makes me feel disconnected, but in contrast to the panic attacks, I’ll deal with them for the time being.    Ok, this will be enough for my first posting. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you out there who’s stories I’ve read. Although the severity of these attacks have lessened over the past month, they still bother me. However, I find it comforting to know that I am not "going crazy" and that this is truly problem with physical roots as well. Robb

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snipped Welcome to anx/pan Robb! Opps Rony made a boo boo : Welcome to ASAP snipped Rony.

Thats what happens when you get addicted to #anx/pan Rony, it takes over your life to the extent that everywhere seems like its #anx/pan. Some fiendish plot of Jon’s to take over the world I suspect!!!! <VBG Ian

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – snipped Welcome to anx/pan Robb! Opps Rony made a boo boo : Welcome to ASAP snipped Rony. Thats what happens when you get addicted to #anx/pan Rony, it takes over your life to the extent that everywhere seems like its #anx/pan. Some fiendish plot of Jon’s to take over the world I suspect!!!! <VBG Ian

Gosh! i really should get out more )

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Question:

Is it just me or is everyone experiencing massive weight gain whilst on Valproic Acid?  For those who did gain weight, was the amount small, or a lot? I’m really worried. I don’t like this side-effect… i really don’t like it and it’s scaring me. I really don’t want to gain any weight.  And why does one gain weight on this med (actually, most of these types of meds?)? Does it just mess up your metabolism or just make you hungrier, or both? The hungrier part I can handle..it’s the metabolism thing I can’t. Thanks. — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

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I’ve been on Depakote (same thing) and experienced weight gain.It helped with the mania but couldn’t keep depression under control with anti depressents. Taken off Depakote to have ECT. (Mary Jo Hendricks)

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Is it just me or is everyone experiencing massive weight gain whilst on Valproic Acid?  

It sounds like a lot of people gain weight, but it’s not universal.  I didn’t gain any weight.  Maybe it just seems like most people gain weight because they are the ones who complain about Valproic Acid. June "word I was in my life alone, word I had no one left but God."                                                   — Robert Frost

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Is it just me or is everyone experiencing massive weight gain whilst on Valproic Acid?  For those who did gain weight, was the amount small, or a lot? I’m really worried. I don’t like this side-effect… i really don’t like it and it’s scaring me. I really don’t want to gain any weight.  And why does one gain weight on this med (actually, most of these types of meds?)? Does it just mess up your metabolism or just make you hungrier, or both? The hungrier part I can handle..it’s the metabolism thing I can’t. Thanks.

I was supposed to go on depakote, but one of the things that bothered me was the weight gain.  I’m  all over it, spacegurl (is that a family name?).  I think it’s really important to consider these things.  I’ve had a weight probelm before and I’m definitely never going there again as long as I can help it. Although, like Alex said, in cases where you are eating wrong in response to bipolar symptoms, meds will make this easier probably.  Never had depakote, so I can’t speak from experience here.  I just wanted to let you know I kinda understnad your concerns and stuff.   -sophia

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<snipped I’m supposed to go back on Thursday and touch-base with him, which means I have to be taking my meds by then, but….I’m really worried. My philosophy is nothing ventured — nothing gained. Even if you do wind up in a closet sleeping with your dog!

At least you know your dog loves you. -sophia – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks! Spacegurl Wishing you all the very best from, James — * Since I do not get a complete Newsfeed, I would appreciate receiving * * a copy of any responding posts. Please also indicate if you are      * * posting as well as emailing me. Thanks for helping me out!           *

Response:

Well, day…..2 of taking this crap.  I’m at loose ends.  I’m feeling very tired all of a sudden, and more more angry.  My temper just seems to be out of of control.  Is this just maybe something coincidental or do many people experience this? I am going nuts.  i just sent a nasty hate-letter to one of my very best-friends, but i couldn’t help it.  I knew that I shouldn’t and I knew that deep down, it wasn’t him, but something in me just go so mad and I coudln’t help it. how long until this stuff works? when people gained the weight, how long until they noticed a difference?  I’m so serious about the weight thing. So serious, in fact, that if i do put on more than 5 pounds, i’m gonna go off of the meds. So far, no weight gain, but I can’t take this much more – waiting and drinking gallons of water (ok fine maybe not gallons) so that I don’t get hungry. what the hell?                                 S P A C E G U R L         "…TODAY I HATE EVERYONE…"  - Killjoys — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

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Spacegurl, I am taking depakote, and am having decent results. The potential for side effects are there though. I read the insert and it was not to good. However, hairloss and occasional weight gain is often the most common effect. Hope this helps, Phil – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello to everyone again. Well, after going thru Effexor withdrawl HELL (I don’t care what my doc said, it WAS withdrawl), my new(ish) pdoc has me on Valporic Acid. I have the prescription all filled and everything, but I’m hesitant to take it. I’m worried about the side-effects.  Is anyone else out there on this med? Can anyone give me feedback about their response to it and side-effects? I’m supposed to go back on Thursday and touch-base with him, which means I have to be taking my meds by then, but….i’m really worried. Thanks! Spacegurl — For more information about this service, send e-mail to: Hello to everyone again. Well, after going thru Effexor withdrawl HELL (I don’t care what my doc said, it WAS withdrawl), my new(ish) pdoc has me on Valporic Acid. I have the prescription all filled and everything, but I’m hesitant to take it. I’m worried about the side-effects.  Is anyone else out there on this med? Can anyone give me feedback about their response to it and side-effects? I’m supposed to go back on Thursday and touch-base with him, which means I have to be taking my meds by then, but….i’m really worried. Thanks! Spacegurl — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

Response:

<Posted and Mailed to Spacegurl Hello to everyone again. Well, after going thru Effexor withdrawal HELL (I don’t care what my doc said, it WAS withdrawal).

Absolutely! A person needs to be slowly weaned off of Effexor (as well as many other meds). My new(ish) pdoc has me on Valproic Acid. I have the prescription all filled and everything, but I’m hesitant to take it. I’m worried about the side-effects.  Is anyone else out there on this med?

It is the same as Depakote except that Depakote enters your system more slowly. That’s why most pdocs prefer Depakote. But Valproate is cheaper. If you experience an upset stomach, you may want to talk to your pdoc about an extended release formulation of Depakote. Can anyone give me feedback about their response to it and side-effects? I’m supposed to go back on Thursday and touch-base with him, which means I have to be taking my meds by then, but….I’m really worried.

My philosophy is nothing ventured — nothing gained. Even if you do wind up in a closet sleeping with your dog! Thanks! Spacegurl

Wishing you all the very best from, James — * Since I do not get a complete Newsfeed, I would appreciate receiving * * a copy of any responding posts. Please also indicate if you are      * * posting as well as emailing me. Thanks for helping me out!           *

Response:

Hello to everyone again. Well, after going thru Effexor withdrawl HELL (I don’t care what my doc said, it WAS withdrawl), my new(ish) pdoc has me on Valporic Acid. I have the prescription all filled and everything, but I’m hesitant to take it. I’m worried about the side-effects.  Is anyone else out there on this med? Can anyone give me feedback about their response to it and side-effects? I’m supposed to go back on Thursday and touch-base with him, which means I have to be taking my meds by then, but….i’m really worried.   Thanks! Spacegurl — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

Response:

Question:

~~<snipping throughout~~ Hi Beth i did quit my job and quit driving and just ran away from all the things that i thought were making me nervous. not healthy, eh?

Know what you mean – I did exactly the same. Wish I’d quit driving though coz instead I just took to crashing the car! a lot of things on my mind right now. and , i’m REALLY suffering for it in the panic/anxiety department. my stomach has been a mess for months..and has been ESPECIALLY bad over the past month. my nerves are rather frayed. i am starting to be more afraid of the fear than ofwhat’s causing the fear..and i’m trying to find a single cause of this anxiety so i can just kick it out of my life and get on..but it ISN’T just one thing. i’m jus scared in general. i’m afraid of not being able to cope w/ life.

Beth, if there’s no obvious cause then don’t waste any more time looking. Try to accept the way you feel right now and work on that. Don’t get angry about it coz that won’t help. I know you’re scared but it’ll get better and you’ll get through. Be kind to yourself. so, that’s kind of a synopsis of what’s going on and some histry. i just wanted to give that before i start participating in this group. i just wantt  o talk w/ people who are in a similar boat as i am..because as much as some of my friends care and want to help ,they just don’t know how bad it feels to be so nervous that you’re gagging and your mind is spinning at 24000 RPM. ya know?

Only 24000 RPM? How do you get it to go that slow? Just think of all the extra thinking you can do in that time which your friends can’t. One day you might find that speed-thinking is an asset! As you probably know the gastric problems are caused by your body preparing you to fight a sabre-toothed tiger. Part of the blood flow is re-routed from your digestive system to your muscles (for running/fighting) and your brain (for quick thinking/staying alive). That’s why you feel nauseous, jumpy and your head spins. Personally I’d suggest that you look into relaxation exercises or biofeedback to reduce the level of background anxiety. This will also help reduce all that *noise* going on in your head. Through periods of proper relaxation you can convince your body that the *danger* has passed and give it the opportunity to settle down. well, thanks for the open ear/eye. i’m goign to check this group out some more and i hope i can offer something good for it and get somethign good out of it. okay? -Beth

Nice to hear from you and wishing you all the best. Sounds like you’ve got a lot going on in your life right now but things will settle down in time. Good luck — ROB…  "high mileage but reliable!"

Response:

Hi Gary, I wondered if you have read or even heard of Lucinda Bassett’s new book "From panic to power", I’ve just started reading it and so far it seems pretty good! Any comments, thanks Rocco Rocco

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: Sounds like you’re definitely "one of us", which is rotten luck : for you, but good in as much as you’ve found the right place. : I hope you get as much support and encouragement from ASAP : as I have yup, i guess i am. = / this has been an ongoing problem since iwas younger. i’m goign through a rather rough spot right now. i was pretty much off all of my meds and feelign pretty damn good until about 2 months ago. then , shit just went downhill. i’m just in need of support wherever i can get it..and, from some of the email i’ve been getting, i am finding that my strange phobias and paranoias aren’t unique. that’s encouraging as hell. at least i’m not hte only one. thanks again. i think i’m going to stick around here for a while. -Beth   ** some esoteric quote from some pretentious band or writer pasted here **   (check out beffie’s homepage: http://www.aracnet.com/~martine/bethie.html)

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Hi Gary, I wondered if you have read or even heard of Lucinda Bassett’s new book "From panic to power", I’ve just started reading it and so far it seems pretty good!

Can I just remind people to *please* not post *and* e-mail? I replied to Rocco’s message earlier, as I received it via e-mail, not realising he’d also posted it here as well. This isn’t a flame – just a plea to avoid duplication of effort — Gary Cooper

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i have lurked in this group and commented a tad a while back…but i was on a good upswing w/ my anxiety problems at the time and didn’t feel that i needed to be adding my $.02 at that time. ya know? anyhow, i’m back because i’ve been feeling a tremendous amount of anxiety about some major changes in my life.

Hi, welcome to ASAP <words deleted to save space so, that’s kind of a synopsis of what’s going on and some histry. i just wanted to give that before i start participating in this group. i just wantt  o talk w/ people who are in a similar boat as i am..because as much as some of my friends care and want to help ,they just don’t know how bad it feels to be so nervous that you’re gagging and your mind is spinning at 24000 RPM. ya know? well, thanks for the open ear/eye. i’m goign to check this group out some more and i hope i can offer something good for it and get somethign good out of it. okay?

Sounds like you’re definitely "one of us", which is rotten luck for you, but good in as much as you’ve found the right place. I hope you get as much support and encouragement from ASAP as I have — Gary Cooper

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hi there, i have lurked in this group and commented a tad a while back…but i was on a good upswing w/ my anxiety problems at the time and didn’t feel that i needed to be adding my $.02 at that time. ya know? anyhow, i’m back because i’ve been feeling a tremendous amount of anxiety about some major changes in my life. let me give a little background: i’m 23. i’ve been suffering from general anxiety and panic stuff since i was a littler kid (say, about 8 years old or so). i had my first hardcore panic attacks when iwas about 16..and then a really bad episode when iwas 18 and ended up shutting myself inside forabout 3 months so iwas basically agoraphobic(sp?). i got a good case about a year ago too, when my parents moved out of state. i’ve been off and on medication for all of this: norpramine (for depression and anxiety), xanax and, more recently, zoloft. xanax and zoloft work wonders for me but i don’t like the side effects of zoloft thati feel. so, i quit zoloft last march or so. my anxiety hits me in the bowels and stomach. i start gagging and can’t stand the smell of food. my body either wants to puke or shit or both. pretty icky, if you must know. = b i’ve been seeing a good therapist and a good doctor lately to help w/ this all. the doctor has me taking a lot of stomach/intestine meds which help that end..and xanax for when the panic or the nerves get overwhelming. so, i’m on my way to recovery..it’s just taking a while. i’m having trouble eating still..and if i don’t keep myself busy, my brain just tries to eat itself and runs in circles, causing more and more anxiety. i ususally start having a good bout of what i call the "heebie jeebies" in my life when i’m going through a lot of change. when iwas 16, there was about 5 new things going on in my life: moving away from my hometown, coming out, my dad remarrying, new job, newly licensed to drive. so, i got overwhelmed and started having anxiety attacks. i got stabilized but was not really ever formally treated for these attacks because i was functioning okay and at least gong to school. i did quit my job and quit driving and just ran away from all the things that i thought were making me nervous. not healthy, eh? then, when i was 18, well, i graduated from highschool and i just totally freaked. it took a long time to get over that one. i was a mess and a half over that summer, didn’t barely leave the house, was having paraniod thoughts, the works. my family deicded that it was probaly a good idea to send me to a psychiatrist, who put me on xanax and norpramine. it really worked. i went to commnity college and did well and slowly learned to face my fears. it took a lot of time, though. the episode of major anxiety i felt a year ago was over my paretns moving to texas and my grades slipping here at UCD. i promply went to see a shrink and worked it out…as usual, it took a while. and then there’s now: i’m goign to be graduating from college in 2 quarters. my parents are out of state. i have a new relationship that started out very intense becuase of distance factors (she’s up in oregon and i’m down here). i have to figure out what i’m goin to do after graduation..a lot of things on my mind right now. and , i’m REALLY suffering for it in the panic/anxiety department. my stomach has been a mess for months..and has been ESPECIALLY bad over the past month. my nerves are rather frayed. i am starting to be more afraid of the fear than ofwhat’s causing the fear..and i’m trying to find a single cause of this anxiety so i can just kick it out of my life and get on..but it ISN’T just one thing. i’m jus scared in general. i’m afraid of not being able to cope w/ life. so, that’s kind of a synopsis of what’s going on and some histry. i just wanted to give that before i start participating in this group. i just wantt  o talk w/ people who are in a similar boat as i am..because as much as some of my friends care and want to help ,they just don’t know how bad it feels to be so nervous that you’re gagging and your mind is spinning at 24000 RPM. ya know? well, thanks for the open ear/eye. i’m goign to check this group out some more and i hope i can offer something good for it and get somethign good out of it. okay? -Beth   ** some esoteric quote from some pretentious band or writer pasted here **   (check out beffie’s homepage: http://www.aracnet.com/~martine/bethie.html)

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