Hi – need some advice please I am on Flovent 220 2 puffs 2x day – and it has helped me quite a bit but, I’ve had a cold for the past week and it is a bad one! It settled into my chest – resulting in bronchitis type symptoms. I am wheezing all the time now, but I am not out of breath, (suprisingly) nor is my phlegm yellow as I understand it probably should be with a bronchitis infection.
Felt the same way in February. Finally called the doc. Went in and had chest x-ray. Had a touch of pneumonia. Couldn’t believe it. I really waited too long to see the doc. (about a week) She prescribed a Z-pack. Felt better in 3 days but took the whole dosage.
Felt the same way in February. Finally called the doc. Went in and had chest x-ray. Had a touch of pneumonia. Couldn’t believe it. I really waited too long to see the doc. (about a week) She prescribed a Z-pack. Felt better in 3 days but took the whole dosage.
What is a Z-pack? Feeling a little scared now. Have a doctor appt. on Thursday. Indya Before you buy.
Felt the same way in February. Finally called the doc. Went in and had chest x-ray. Had a touch of pneumonia. Couldn’t believe it. I really waited too long to see the doc. (about a week) She prescribed a Z-pack. Felt better in 3 days but took the whole dosage. What is a Z-pack? Feeling a little scared now. Have a doctor appt. on Thursday. Indya
It is a form of antibiotic. Forget what the Z stands for. But a long name. Pack because – it is a pack of pills. Can’t remember how many days. Maybe 3-4. (It was not a Medrol pack – which one takes for 7 days — and you start out with a certain number of pills – like 6-7 and each day the dose decreases. If the Z pack hadn’t helped me — I was to start on a Medrol pack. I’m sure there are any number of people who could explain it better than this. But hope this helps.
Z-pack is another name for Zithromax or Azithromycin (the generic). As the name implies, it is in the erythromycin family of drugs, a macrolide that interferes with bacterial reproduction. The regimen is usually: 2 tabs the first day, then 1 tab for 4 more days. It supposedly maintains a titer for up to 12-14 days. For those with sensitivity to corn starch, it should be mentioned that this is one of the inactive ingredients in Zithromax capsules, but to my knowledge is not present in the capsule-shaped tabs. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Felt the same way in February. Finally called the doc. Went in and had chest x-ray. Had a touch of pneumonia. Couldn’t believe it. I really waited too long to see the doc. (about a week) She prescribed a Z-pack. Felt better in 3 days but took the whole dosage. What is a Z-pack? Feeling a little scared now. Have a doctor appt. on Thursday. Indya It is a form of antibiotic. Forget what the Z stands for. But a long name. Pack because – it is a pack of pills. Can’t remember how many days. Maybe 3-4. (It was not a Medrol pack – which one takes for 7 days — and you start out with a certain number of pills – like 6-7 and each day the dose decreases. If the Z pack hadn’t helped me — I was to start on a Medrol pack. I’m sure there are any number of people who could explain it better than this. But hope this helps.
Thanks to you and Gaetz for explaining. Indya – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Z-pack is another name for Zithromax or Azithromycin (the generic). As the name implies, it is in the erythromycin family of drugs, a macrolide that interferes with bacterial reproduction. The regimen is usually: 2 tabs the first day, then 1 tab for 4 more days. It supposedly maintains a titer for up to 12-14 days. For those with sensitivity to corn starch, it should be mentioned that this is one of the inactive ingredients in Zithromax capsules, but to my knowledge is not present in the capsule-shaped tabs. Felt the same way in February. Finally called the doc. Went in and had chest x-ray. Had a touch of pneumonia. Couldn’t believe it. I really waited too long to see the doc. (about a week) She prescribed a Z-pack. Felt better in 3 days but took the whole dosage. What is a Z-pack? Feeling a little scared now. Have a doctor appt. on Thursday. Indya It is a form of antibiotic. Forget what the Z stands for. But a long name. Pack because – it is a pack of pills. Can’t remember how many days. Maybe 3-4. (It was not a Medrol pack – which one takes for 7 days — and you start out with a certain number of pills – like 6-7 and each day the dose decreases. If the Z pack hadn’t helped me — I was to start on a Medrol pack. I’m sure there are any number of people who could explain it better than this. But hope this helps.
Before you buy.
Hi – need some advice please I am on Flovent 220 2 puffs 2x day – and it has helped me quite a bit but, I’ve had a cold for the past week and it is a bad one! It settled into my chest – resulting in bronchitis type symptoms. I am wheezing all the time now, but I am not out of breath, (suprisingly) nor is my phlegm yellow as I understand it probably should be with a bronchitis infection. My doctor is on vacation and I can’t get in to see him until late next week. So, is there something I should know about the effects of Flovent with a chest cold; such as is Flovent as steroid at this point doing me more harm than good? Anything else I should do to help myself out here? Also, I suppose it would be helpful if I mentioned that I am also currently taking Prilosec (acid reflux), Lotrel (blood pressure), and Allegra (allergies). Could any of these medications be the problem? Would really appreciate any suggestions/advice. Thank you – Indya Morinec Before you buy.
Hi – need some advice please I am on Flovent 220 2 puffs 2x day – and it has helped me quite a bit but, I’ve had a cold for the past week and it is a bad one! It settled into my chest – resulting in bronchitis type symptoms. I am wheezing all the time now, but I am not out of breath, (suprisingly) nor is my phlegm yellow as I understand it probably should be with a bronchitis infection. My doctor is on vacation and I can’t get in to see him until late next week.
Hi Indya, If you are sick and have wheezing going on all the time, I sure wouldn’t wait until my regular doctor got back from vacation to get medical attention. Even if your phlegm isn’t yellow, there is still an abnormal process going on that needs attention!! Best wishes, Patrice
Hi – need some advice please I am on Flovent 220 2 puffs 2x day – and it has helped me quite a bit
This is a high dose. How do you know you need this much? If you do decide to cut down, do it very slowly – say by 25%, and give it at least 2 weeks to see what happens. Also a good idea to have prednisone on hand and know how to use it. (obgligatory disclaimer – conslt your MD) but, I’ve had a cold for the past week and it is a bad one! It settled into my chest – resulting in bronchitis type symptoms. I am wheezing all the time now, but I am not out of breath, (suprisingly) nor is my phlegm yellow as I understand it probably should be with a bronchitis infection.
As your statement shows, phlegm does not need to be yellow in a chest infection! My doctor is on vacation and I can’t get in to see him until late next week. So, is there something I should know about the effects of Flovent with a chest cold; such as is Flovent as steroid at this point doing me more harm than good?
Bingo! – local immune suppression – But- you CAN’T QUIT THE FLOVENT OR YOU ARE LIKELY TO END UP IN THE ER or worse. Anything else I should do to help myself out here?
Henceforth, you have to choice but to take great care to avoid exposure to contagious persons. Meanwhile, get your chest infection diagnosed immediately, to see if anitbiotics could help. Also, I suppose it would be helpful if I mentioned that I am also currently taking Prilosec (acid reflux), Lotrel (blood pressure), and Allegra (allergies). Could any of these medications be the problem? Would really appreciate any suggestions/advice. Thank you – Indya Morinec Before you buy.
Before you buy.
I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with taking Pulmicort in addition to Flovent? My daughter was changed from Flovent 220 4 puffs 2x daily to 2 puffs of Flovent as well as 2 puffs of Pulmicort both twice daily. Dr. thinks she may be able to get the pulmicort deeper into her lungs, but wants to keep her on Flovent as well. She also is on an oral regimen. Thanx in advance. Sorry to always ask so many questions, but am interested in others feedback.
Doesn’t make much sense to me. If he thinks the Pulmicort will penetrate deeper then why still use the FLovent? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with taking Pulmicort in addition to Flovent? My daughter was changed from Flovent 220 4 puffs 2x daily to 2 puffs of Flovent as well as 2 puffs of Pulmicort both twice daily. Dr. thinks she may be able to get the pulmicort deeper into her lungs, but wants to keep her on Flovent as well. She also is on an oral regimen. Thanx in advance. Sorry to always ask so many questions, but am interested in others feedback.
To be honest the deeper pentration of Pulmicort is a promotional trick of the Pharmaceutical Company. Deeper penetration does not mean better action because the asthma inflamation is restricted to medium bronchi. Deeper steroid penetration may be joined with greater side effects as the drug is easily distributed to the blood from the pulmonary alveoli. Flovent has greater therapeutic index what means greater efficacy and less side effects. Rather stay with this drug. Marcin STrzondala MD
To be honest the deeper pentration of Pulmicort is a promotional trick of the Pharmaceutical Company. Deeper penetration does not mean better action because the asthma inflamation is restricted to medium bronchi. Deeper steroid penetration may be joined with greater side effects as the drug is easily distributed to the blood from the pulmonary alveoli. Flovent has greater therapeutic index what means greater efficacy and less side effects. Rather stay with this drug. Marcin STrzondala MD
I don’t knew, what you knew, but I think… …you have some friends from glaxo, …you don’t knew what Astra says, …you aren’t helpful for most ng-members, because your minds are indifferent and you make presumption of the work of an home-medician. You are right with the connexion of deeper penetration and Alveolitis. Lothar.
Have you had your thyroid tested? for sure………it can cause all those symptoms!!!!!!!!!!!!
In article <3D1791AD.3020…@comcast.net
, FurPaw <furpawn…@comcast.net
wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
Dale Davis wrote: I have been having headaches, nausea and fevers for many years. At first I attributed these symtoms to perimenopause. However, after years of feeling badly I had a complete checkup at a number of internists and gyno offices. No one has been able to find out what the problem is. It has been one year since my last period and I am still feeling ill. I have a new symptom of hand tremors and wondered has anyone ever experienced this as a symptom of menopause? I am going for a neuro consult but I just wanted to run this by the newgroup. Many of the doctors have just said I’m probably depressed since all my blood work is normal and to go on tranquilizers. I don’t buy that diagnosis, I am not depressed. and am trying to get as much info as possible. I refuse to be treated for something that I don’t have. Hope someone can offer some help. Hi, Dale, and welcome to ASM! The three things I know of that cause hand tremors are anxiety/nervousness, essential tremor, and Parkinson’s. I’m wondering if the first is the reason they tried to prescribe tranqs. Otherwise, I’d think they would have gone for an antidepressant if they thought that you were depressed. Did any of the doctors give you a test for depression? There are several available, none of which would take more than five minutes to administer. Here’s one: If they didn’t, shame on them! I hope you have better luck with the neurologist. FurPaw
Thanks for your response. I didn’t get a hand tremor until a month ago. The gyno doctors wanted to prescribe tranquil. because they felt the headaches, nausea and intermittent fevers were not menopause related and I looked depressed. I explained they would look depressed too if they sat where I was sitting with a headache, nausea and a 99+ fever. I couldn’t possibly be cheerful. No one tested me for depression. I’m waitng for an MRI and neuro consult. Although I never heard of hand tremors associated with menopause I was hoping maybe it was a rare symptom rather than the alternative diagnosis of brain inflammation, brain tumor, Parkinsons. Dale
Hi Dale and welcome to a.s.m. For what it’s worth, I have hand tremors under two circumstances, neither of which is, I believe, directly related to menopause. In 1998 I had a neuropraxia of my right hand. I thought I had had a stroke and went to the emergency room. Believe it or not, my doctor advised acupuncture (which I was getting for a shoulder injury) and it eventually went away by itself. Affected my handwriting something awful for a while. Now I get hand tremors from pain. I have recently posted under other threads about dealing with unwanted facial hair and, respectively, electrolysis and most recently (today, in fact) laser hair removal. The pain causes hand tremors. I think it is wise of you, though, to have a checkup to see if there is another reason for them. I have had headaches for many years, but nausea and fevers (unless you are referring to hot flashes, which, at least in me, do not cause actual measurable fever) is a good thing. Best wishes, RuthJ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Dale Davis wrote:
I have been having headaches, nausea and fevers for many years. At first I attributed these symtoms to perimenopause. However, after years of feeling badly I had a complete checkup at a number of internists and gyno offices. No one has been able to find out what the problem is. It has been one year since my last period and I am still feeling ill. I have a new symptom of hand tremors and wondered has anyone ever experienced this as a symptom of menopause? I am going for a neuro consult but I just wanted to run this by the newgroup. Many of the doctors have just said I’m probably depressed since all my blood work is normal and to go on tranquilizers. I don’t buy that diagnosis, I am not depressed. and am trying to get as much info as possible. I refuse to be treated for something that I don’t have. Hope someone can offer some help.
Dale Davis wrote:
I have been having headaches, nausea and fevers for many years. At first I attributed these symtoms to perimenopause. However, after years of feeling badly I had a complete checkup at a number of internists and gyno offices. No one has been able to find out what the problem is. It has been one year since my last period and I am still feeling ill. I have a new symptom of hand tremors and wondered has anyone ever experienced this as a symptom of menopause? I am going for a neuro consult but I just wanted to run this by the newgroup. Many of the doctors have just said I’m probably depressed since all my blood work is normal and to go on tranquilizers. I don’t buy that diagnosis, I am not depressed. and am trying to get as much info as possible. I refuse to be treated for something that I don’t have. Hope someone can offer some help.
Hi, Dale, and welcome to ASM! The three things I know of that cause hand tremors are anxiety/nervousness, essential tremor, and Parkinson’s. I’m wondering if the first is the reason they tried to prescribe tranqs. Otherwise, I’d think they would have gone for an antidepressant if they thought that you were depressed. Did any of the doctors give you a test for depression? There are several available, none of which would take more than five minutes to administer. Here’s one: If they didn’t, shame on them! I hope you have better luck with the neurologist. FurPaw
posted and e-mailed "Dale Davis" <d…@aloha.net
wrote in message
news:ded-2406020826210001@ip64-75-154-101.dial.aloha.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
I have been having headaches, nausea and fevers for many years. At
first I
attributed these symtoms to perimenopause. However, after years of
feeling
badly I had a complete checkup at a number of internists and gyno
offices.
No one has been able to find out what the problem is. It has been
one year
since my last period and I am still feeling ill. I have a new
symptom of
hand tremors and wondered has anyone ever experienced this as a
symptom of
menopause? I am going for a neuro consult but I just wanted to run
this by
the newgroup. Many of the doctors have just said I’m probably
depressed
since all my blood work is normal and to go on tranquilizers. I
don’t buy
that diagnosis, I am not depressed. and am trying to get as much
info as
possible. I refuse to be treated for something that I don’t have.
Hope
someone can offer some help.
I understand your frustration as I went through many years of ‘mis-diagnosis’ before I got an answer to all my symptoms. The best advice I can give is for you to ask your neurologist for a brain MRI scan, it’s a painless non-invasive procedure. I hope you can get your health problems resolved quickly. — Shirley see my cat pictures at http://communities.msn.co.uk/Friendsfamilyandfelines2
Aargh – I forgot to paste the URL before I sent the message. Sorry about that! Here it is: http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=973&cn=5 It’s a form that you can fill out on line. It won’t give you a "definitive diagnosis" but it will help you to understand if you are showing a lot of the symptoms of depression. FurPaw – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Mink wrote:
Can you pls. fill me in on this depression test? Is it a form with lots of questions on it? Thanks. Kate FurPaw wrote: Dale Davis wrote: I have been having headaches, nausea and fevers for many years. At first I attributed these symtoms to perimenopause. However, after years of feeling badly I had a complete checkup at a number of internists and gyno offices. No one has been able to find out what the problem is. It has been one year since my last period and I am still feeling ill. I have a new symptom of hand tremors and wondered has anyone ever experienced this as a symptom of menopause? I am going for a neuro consult but I just wanted to run this by the newgroup. Many of the doctors have just said I’m probably depressed since all my blood work is normal and to go on tranquilizers. I don’t buy that diagnosis, I am not depressed. and am trying to get as much info as possible. I refuse to be treated for something that I don’t have. Hope someone can offer some help. Hi, Dale, and welcome to ASM! The three things I know of that cause hand tremors are anxiety/nervousness, essential tremor, and Parkinson’s. I’m wondering if the first is the reason they tried to prescribe tranqs. Otherwise, I’d think they would have gone for an antidepressant if they thought that you were depressed. Did any of the doctors give you a test for depression? There are several available, none of which would take more than five minutes to administer. Here’s one: If they didn’t, shame on them! I hope you have better luck with the neurologist. FurPaw
Can you pls. fill me in on this depression test? Is it a form with lots of questions on it? Thanks. Kate – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -FurPaw wrote:
Dale Davis wrote: I have been having headaches, nausea and fevers for many years. At first I attributed these symtoms to perimenopause. However, after years of feeling badly I had a complete checkup at a number of internists and gyno offices. No one has been able to find out what the problem is. It has been one year since my last period and I am still feeling ill. I have a new symptom of hand tremors and wondered has anyone ever experienced this as a symptom of menopause? I am going for a neuro consult but I just wanted to run this by the newgroup. Many of the doctors have just said I’m probably depressed since all my blood work is normal and to go on tranquilizers. I don’t buy that diagnosis, I am not depressed. and am trying to get as much info as possible. I refuse to be treated for something that I don’t have. Hope someone can offer some help. Hi, Dale, and welcome to ASM! The three things I know of that cause hand tremors are anxiety/nervousness, essential tremor, and Parkinson’s. I’m wondering if the first is the reason they tried to prescribe tranqs. Otherwise, I’d think they would have gone for an antidepressant if they thought that you were depressed. Did any of the doctors give you a test for depression? There are several available, none of which would take more than five minutes to administer. Here’s one: If they didn’t, shame on them! I hope you have better luck with the neurologist. FurPaw
I have been having headaches, nausea and fevers for many years. At first I attributed these symtoms to perimenopause. However, after years of feeling badly I had a complete checkup at a number of internists and gyno offices. No one has been able to find out what the problem is. It has been one year since my last period and I am still feeling ill. I have a new symptom of hand tremors and wondered has anyone ever experienced this as a symptom of menopause? I am going for a neuro consult but I just wanted to run this by the newgroup. Many of the doctors have just said I’m probably depressed since all my blood work is normal and to go on tranquilizers. I don’t buy that diagnosis, I am not depressed. and am trying to get as much info as possible. I refuse to be treated for something that I don’t have. Hope someone can offer some help.
Hi to everyone! Good news about me, I think I am on my way out of depression 
Two days ago, I felt very bad, and anxious because of the effexor withdrawal. Desperately, I took 30mg mianserin for the sedative effect to sleep. (Last summer, my ex-doctor prescribed me 10mg mianserin to be taken one hour before bedtime. It was for the sedative effect to help sleep, not for antidepressant purpose. Mianserin can be sedative at low doses, but its antidepressant effect begins at 30mg daily!) The next day, (yesterday) I felt a bit drowsy, but I felt energetic in a way, and the anxiety was gone. So, I asked my doctor if it would be OK to try mianserin at 30mg/day, and he said: "Go ahead!" Today, I’m nothing but depressed! My sleep improved dramatically. I did not have those vivid dreams caused by effexor. My sleep was not disturbed. I don’t feel any anxiety, and I could go through the day with 8 hours of sleep without taking a nap. This is the first time since a very very very long time. I just can’t believe it! I never thought of taking mianserin as an antidepressant agent, because it is very sedative. I never could imagine that a sedative antidepressant could be such a wonder drug for me. I hope this does not fade! If I go on like this, I can find the energy and the courage to finish my school, and go ahead with my life. I am very hopeful this time, wish me luck best wishes for everyone out there, cem
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi to everyone! Good news about me, I think I am on my way out of depression Two days ago, I felt very bad, and anxious because of the effexor withdrawal. Desperately, I took 30mg mianserin for the sedative effect to sleep. (Last summer, my ex-doctor prescribed me 10mg mianserin to be taken one hour before bedtime. It was for the sedative effect to help sleep, not for antidepressant purpose. Mianserin can be sedative at low doses, but its antidepressant effect begins at 30mg daily!) The next day, (yesterday) I felt a bit drowsy, but I felt energetic in a way, and the anxiety was gone. So, I asked my doctor if it would be OK to try mianserin at 30mg/day, and he said: "Go ahead!" Today, I’m nothing but depressed! My sleep improved dramatically. I did not have those vivid dreams caused by effexor. My sleep was not disturbed. I don’t feel any anxiety, and I could go through the day with 8 hours of sleep without taking a nap. This is the first time since a very very very long time. I just can’t believe it! I never thought of taking mianserin as an antidepressant agent, because it is very sedative. I never could imagine that a sedative antidepressant could be such a wonder drug for me. I hope this does not fade! If I go on like this, I can find the energy and the courage to finish my school, and go ahead with my life. I am very hopeful this time, wish me luck best wishes for everyone out there, cem
Very wonderful news!! Good for you, Cem. Thanks for the wonderful post! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
It’s a little late on this thread for advice about bleeding, but I do want to remind you to keep up with your vitamins. Lack of vitamins can slow clotting. Also, if you think you may give in and cut yourself, or if you recently have, DON’T take any aspirin! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – my arm won’t stop bleeding. it’s been at least 4 hours and it was under pressure but it still won’t stop.maybe my blood is thinning or something. the therapist from home hasn’t called yet. it is so ugly! i finished my work for tonight. no pressure or nothing and i still don’t feel right. well, my effexor dose is rising again tomorrow. though i don’t even know if it’s effective. oh well. i’m trying not to break my promise (the deal) i am trying. but it’s hard. les.
my arm won’t stop bleeding. it’s been at least 4 hours and it was under pressure but it still won’t stop.maybe my blood is thinning or something. the therapist from home hasn’t called yet. it is so ugly! i finished my work for tonight. no pressure or nothing and i still don’t feel right. well, my effexor dose is rising again tomorrow. though i don’t even know if it’s effective. oh well. i’m trying not to break my promise (the deal) i am trying. but it’s hard. les.
my arm won’t stop bleeding. it’s been at least 4 hours and it was under pressure but it still won’t stop.maybe my blood is thinning or something. the therapist from home hasn’t called yet.
if you’re losing too much blood, go to the emergency room!! it is so ugly! i finished my work for tonight. no pressure or nothing and i still don’t feel right. well, my effexor dose is rising again tomorrow. though i don’t even know if it’s effective. oh well. i’m trying not to break my promise (the deal) i am trying. but it’s hard.
Hang in there. You always have us to talk to. Sophie — http://grayarea.diaryland.com
my arm won’t stop bleeding.
it may ooze for some time depending on how deeply you cut it and with what-you used a knife? too dul it does too much tissue damage-this will scar. you are taking effexor and klonopin now? what happened to the seroquel? If you want to stop cutting you will-not a moment sooner the you decide to-but know there is a price to pay for it-that price is you will feel worse and it will scar-you are duping yourself into thinking it will feel better-it does but only for the moment-then the gult and verification of your worthlessness sets in-it becomes a cycle and a bad habit-you can stop and most likely will when you become busy in an environment that is stimulating as oppossed to boring and scary. But you can only search for this-it won’t come to you. You are working yourself up now and will crash into depression to slow it down-try and moderate-try and get busy-rent a movie listen to music-visit a friend-call one-call your dad-distract yourself from you pain-it will pass. this is temporary-think of how well you felt just a few short months ago in the summer-place yourself in the thoughts-be there-you will get there again. It semester end-exams and then going home-this seems to bring out this stress response in you-it will pass LM
: Hi, I am new here and I am grateful that there are newsgroups available : to share these panic and anxiety experiences. : I have been diagnosed with having a severe depression episode and also : am having panic and anxiety attacks. Primarily while I am driving : to work. My doctor gave me some medication called effexor to try and : it made me sick to my stomach and really spaced out. Needless to say : I only took those once. When I went back and told him that they were awful : he gave me some zoloft. I took one of those and I got a dry mouth, : and felt ’speedy’ and not really like myself. I also felt sick to : my stomach and frankly I didn’t like it at all. Is this the way : antidepressants are? Do you always have to feel like a glassy eyed : sick zombie? I guess I am just wondering if this is normal? The : thought of taking medication in the first place is troubling to me, : let alone having myself turn in to some space cadet. Hi Kelly, I’m currently taking Luvox and desipramine for panic disorder and depression. I too was reluctant to take meds at first but now I’m so relieved to be on them. The Luvox made me very sleepy and nauseated, but that subsided within a couple of weeks. With desipramine I was definitely "spacey" (prob. due to lowered blood pressure) but that went away pretty quickly as well. Most side effects go away within a couple of weeks. I like to think of them as signs that the drugs are working–i.e. they’re starting to change my body chemistry. I’m probably completely off base but it works for me. Please try to ride out the side effects if you can–I have some ideas on how to make them better. You’ll feel a lot better, and knowing the SEs are temporary will give you incentive to stick with them. Going on and off meds is going to do you more harm than good, IMHO. Feel free to email anytime. Doris — Doris Ostendorf "Show me a sane man and I will cure him for you." C.G. Jung
You might want to look in Imipramine. It is pretty mild and works very good. You will notice dry mouth but hey that is why we have water. Thomas
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I am new here and I am grateful that there are newsgroups available to share these panic and anxiety experiences. I have been diagnosed with having a severe depression episode and also am having panic and anxiety attacks. Primarily while I am driving to work. My doctor gave me some medication called effexor to try and it made me sick to my stomach and really spaced out. Needless to say I only took those once. When I went back and told him that they were awful he gave me some zoloft. I took one of those and I got a dry mouth, and felt ’speedy’ and not really like myself. I also felt sick to my stomach and frankly I didn’t like it at all. Is this the way antidepressants are? Do you always have to feel like a glassy eyed sick zombie? I guess I am just wondering if this is normal? The thought of taking medication in the first place is troubling to me, let alone having myself turn in to some space cadet. The good thing was I was definitely not depressed anymore. I was too sick and stoned to feel anything!!! thanks for listening — kel
Antidepressants work differently for different people. Unfortunately, doctors sometimes have to try different drugs on some people to find the right one. I was diagnosed as being severly depressed and an accompanying anxiety disorder to boot. I was given Prozac first which made me feel MUCH worse (I literally "crashed" and had horrible anxiety problems as well). After being admitted to the hospital, I was given Luvox (a close cousin of Prozac and was almost brand new on the market at the time) which seemed to do the trick after a few weeks. Mind you I was a virtual zombie since I was on way too high a dose! Doctors don’t seem to pay too much attention to psychiatric patients in the hospital. I was mostly just very, very tired from the Luvox and a bit of a dry mouth. The dry mouth went away pretty quickly but since I was on other meds as well, it may or may not have been the Luvox. My guess is that it was. After my hospital stay, another psychitrist (who actually listened!) saw that I was zombified by the dose and cut it down from 150mg to 100mg. It’s been just over a year and I’m now down to 50mg (so far so good!) and I take an Ativan (.5mg) once in a while when I need it. So it may just be a case of finding the right drug for you. It’s bizarre how greatly the side effects are from drug to drug even though they are all very similar (Prozac, Luvox, Zoloft, Effexor). The dose your doctor gave you might be a bit too high – but i guess you have to be on them for a while for them to consider that. I don’t know if this helps you at all other than the fact that many of us here have gone through/going through the same thing! Take heart – you’ll get better! And the crap wears off – really! Thomas
My doctor gave me some medication called effexor to try and it made me sick to my stomach and really spaced out. Needless to say I only took those once….
Many side effects can be reduced by s*l*o*w*l*y increasing dosages to the desired level. Discuss this with your doctor. I guess I am just wondering if this is normal?
Many people have trouble (real or imagined) with "normal" drug dosing. Mike Creswick Practical Software Solutions Member Association of Online Professionals Member HTML Writers’ Guild
l. Is this the way antidepressants are? Do you always have to feel like a glassy eyed sick zombie? I guess I am just wondering if this is normal?
Hi Kelly, Usually, one starts with a very low (subtherapeutic) dose of these meds in order to minimize the side effects, and gradually increase it as your body gets more comfortable with the medicine. Yes…it is kind of rough in the beginning, but usually these side effects go away after a week or two, and the dosage can be gently increased to a therapeutic level. I had the same problem with Zoloft, and after a few weeks I felt fine and am able to things I haven’t done in 8 years. Good luck! Andy
Hi, I am new here and I am grateful that there are newsgroups available to share these panic and anxiety experiences. I have been diagnosed with having a severe depression episode and also am having panic and anxiety attacks. Primarily while I am driving to work. My doctor gave me some medication called effexor to try and it made me sick to my stomach and really spaced out. Needless to say I only took those once. When I went back and told him that they were awful he gave me some zoloft. I took one of those and I got a dry mouth, and felt ’speedy’ and not really like myself. I also felt sick to my stomach and frankly I didn’t like it at all. Is this the way antidepressants are? Do you always have to feel like a glassy eyed sick zombie? I guess I am just wondering if this is normal? The thought of taking medication in the first place is troubling to me, let alone having myself turn in to some space cadet. The good thing was I was definitely not depressed anymore. I was too sick and stoned to feel anything!!! thanks for listening — kel
I have been diagnosed with having a severe depression episode and also am having panic and anxiety attacks. Primarily while I am driving to work. My doctor gave me some medication called effexor to try and it made me sick to my stomach and really spaced out. Needless to say I only took those once. When I went back and told him that they were awful he gave me some zoloft.
Hmm, sounds to me like your doctor didnt explain things fully too you. Anti-depresssents are renown for making you feel really grotty for the first few days however the key is to bear with them and things should sort themselves out in a week or so. The amount of grottyness you experience depends on the family of anti-depressants your particular one belongs too. I am taking Seroxat 20mg ( Peroxatine) which I admit I have never heard mentioned here. My current specialist is one of the most senior psycotherapists in London (he’s on the NHS too, for all you UK chaps out there.. a miricle!!) and he was telling me that this is now the leading drug used to combat anxiety and panic disorders.Apparently for all the hype Prozac is in fact as he put it " a pretty crude" drug and though good at treating depression is not so good at treating anxiety and panic disorder. Anyway he fully explained the side effects and though a bit like having hangover because I expected them I coped ok and now I take them without any problems. Thankfully they seem to be having the desired effect. What was more imprsssive and actually helped me have faith in my therapist and the drugs was the fact that when I returned to see him after a couple of weeks he suggested how I should have felt day by day and indeed myu own personal notes mirrored this. It’s 3 months on now and I have to admit I’m in much better shape and closer to my old self after 2 years of hell. Try to stick with the drugs if you can. About a year after my first panic attack my own local doctor gave me Seroxat to take while I waited for my fisrt appointment with a behavioural therapist. Unfortuantely he didnt describe the side effects properly and of course I became even more panicy when they started and stopped taking them. I wish I’d stayed with them …perhaps I could have saved myself another 12 months of grief. Good luck….things do get better…eventually..just keep on fighting Paul
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just started taking zoloft for my panic attacks, I have been on xanax for three months, I was just wondering if anyone has experienced the feeling of not really feeling like your in your right mind, almost like your peering through a glass at the rest of the world when you first started taking anti-depressant medications and does it get better with time? It almost feels like I’m in my mind but I’m really not,, Oh well sorry to take up your time on a stupid question, it just kinda worries me, any help or support would be greatly appreciated….. Thanks Paul Florida
Yes, I have experienced that. Many of us call it the "Zombie" brain feeling. Clouded thinking is a beginning side-effect that many Zoloft users experience. It does go away for some. You just have to stay on it for awhile to see if the sun gets brighter or dimmer. If you don’t feel better, like say after 8 weeks on a therapeutic dose, talk to your doctor. Matter of fact, it’s always a good plan to call your doctor or pharmacist for any side-effects. Mel
Not a stupid question at all. I get that brain-fogged feeling from a lot of medications; indeed, it it also a symptom of anxiety in the first place. If you only get it as a medication side effect, I would give it a couple of weeks to see if it goes away, as many side effects disappear or become more tolerable as one adjusts to the medication. If on the other hand it is unbearable, perhaps you should try something different.
I just started taking zoloft for my panic attacks, I have been on xanax for three months, I was just wondering if anyone has experienced the feeling of not really feeling like your in your right mind, almost like your peering through a glass at the rest of the world when you first started taking anti-depressant medications and does it get better with time? It almost feels like I’m in my mind but I’m really not,, Oh well sorry to take up your time on a stupid question, it just kinda worries me, any help or support would be greatly appreciated…..
Hi Paul, Do you feel like things around you are unreal, or that you are in a dream? It sounds to me like you *might* be having some derealization/depersonalization, which is frightening, but not dangerous. Derealization/depersonalization is the feeling that one is living in a dream, feeling that nothing is real, feeling detached from oneself. It is another symptom of anxiety and I have heard people that start anti-depressants complain of this also. I had this symptom toward the end of my last setback and it is quite frightening. Since being on Paxil I don`t have this symptom except when having a migraine. How much Zoloft are you taking and how many days have you been on Zoloft? This feeling is probably a side-effect of the Zoloft and more than likely will diminish over the next few weeks as your body gets accustomed to the Zoloft. Have you noticed if the Xanax helps this symptom? If you are concerned about this, don`t hesitate to call your doctor. I know that you are worried, but I can assure you that it is not dangerous, just very uncomfortable. It will get better. Take care. Jackie
I just started taking zoloft for my panic attacks, I have been on xanax for three months, I was just wondering if anyone has experienced the feeling of not really feeling like your in your right mind, almost like your peering through a glass at the rest of the world when you first started taking anti-depressant medications and does it get better with time? It almost feels like I’m in my mind but I’m really not,, Oh well sorry to take up your time on a stupid question, it just kinda worries me, any help or support would be greatly appreciated….. Thanks Paul Florida
I have never experienced any sedation or gotten any "buzz" from Xanax, in fact it actually energizes me without making me "speedy", if that makes sense.
It does make sense, and that happens for me at low doses as well. How much have you taken at a time? I am totally screwed up with sleep and energy due to the fact that I work full time night shift and then watch my highly hyperactive toddler all day until 4 or 5 when my eldest daughter comes home to help. So I am always tired and yet cannot fall asleep..frustrating!
You have my sympathies! I often have trouble falling asleep due to pain, and I have problems with waking up in the middle of the night. I’m convinced this has had a deleterious effect on my mental functioning. :-/ -elizabeth
I have never experienced any sedation or gotten any "buzz" from Xanax, in fact it actually energizes me without making me "speedy", if that makes sense. It does make sense, and that happens for me at low doses as well. How much have you taken at a time?
In the middle of an extreme panic attack I have once or twice taken 3 mgs at a time..and have taken 2 mgs at once for slightly less severe but still awful ones..Now though I never take more than 1mg at a time, I dont need to with the other meds, in fact dont take any sometimes cause I just plain old forget. May -elizabeth
– "Believe me! The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously!" - Nietzsche
Hi Diana, If you have never seen a p-doc yet, who prescribed the meds? 25mg is a good starting dose for zoloft, this should keep the side affects bearable. Zoloft taken daily and xanax whenever needed has worked very well for me, but then again YMMV. The p-doc you are going to see should be very caring and understanding towards your feelings. One that could try to understand what it is like to feel the way we do. I know mine does. I wish you the best of luck and hope the zoloft works for you. Please keep us posted. steve
Hello everyone haven’t posted lately but i am back, I finally made a appt with a psych doc today, my appointment if for next tuesday this is the first time for me, alittle nervous, can anyone give me any suggestions on what to look for with her to make sure she is the right one for me? been having PA for 9 years now and finally being medicated for it .05mg of xanax and 25mg of zoloft is that a good combo? Thanks, Diana
The med combo is pretty standard, however that Zoloft dose is probably too low for any therapeutic benefit…although with all of the SSRI’s you must increase the dose gradually…and you can anticipate some increase in symptoms while you are going on any meds. SSRI’s are more popular these days than TCA’s because they effect fewer systems (less side effects) and are more site specific. Xanax is a standard med to be used as needed., usually in combo with another med… however, I’ve been doing a lot of reading about a rebound effect … something I experience always, so I stopped. In terms of your shrink… a good dr. should educate you about the disorder in addition to writing scripts for meds. Find out what percentage of her practice is anxiety patients. Also, check out the Anxiety Disorder Assoc. web site for more ideas on getting a good shrink: www.adaa.org GOOD LUCK!! Keep us posted on the outcome.
Steve, thanks for responding my family doc got me started on the meds and referred me to the psych doc.
Hello everyone haven’t posted lately but i am back, I finally made a appt with a psych doc today, my appointment if for next tuesday this is the first time for me, alittle nervous, can anyone give me any suggestions on what to look for with her to make sure she is the right one for me? been having PA for 9 years now and finally being medicated for it .05mg of xanax and 25mg of zoloft is that a good combo?
Zoloft (SSRI-antidepresant) and Xanax (benzo) make a good combo although our reactions to meds are very personal. One of the things to find out is whether your pdoc is a *benzophobe* (one who doesn’t prescribe benzos because of the alleged *addcition* problem). If she is, she’s not the right one for you. Also you should feel at ease with her. You should be listened to and treated like a responsible adult. You should be able to work on treatment together rather than the doc just telling you what to do. She should explain what she prescribes and proposes and why and then you should *agree* on what’s the right course to take. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks, Diana
Hi Diana, The only words of advice I can give are not medicine -related. Don’t go into your appointment believing that your doctor can wave a magic wand, say all the right things and heal you. Yes, you can be healed but you will have to work hard. Also, do a lot of reading and decide what sort of therapy will work for you. (If I have to talk about my childhood one more time, I will scream!) Also, if you don’t feel comfortable with your doctor, say so Finally, if you trust your doctor, follow his/her advice. I know how big a step it is to go to a pdoc….good for you! You’re one step closer to feeling better. Good luck. Let us know how it goes. Charley – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello everyone haven’t posted lately but i am back, I finally made a appt with a psych doc today, my appointment if for next tuesday this is the first time for me, alittle nervous, can anyone give me any suggestions on what to look for with her to make sure she is the right one for me? been having PA for 9 years now and finally being medicated for it .05mg of xanax and 25mg of zoloft is that a good combo? Thanks, Diana
Hey Diana!! I’m on Zoloft, 100 mgs., and Xanax .25 mgs. as needed. Be careful with the Zoloft…I didn’t have many side effects but it definitely increased my panic attacks in the beginning. Hang in there…Zoloft has worked great for me. I still have a few "muted" PAs but I can handle them much better now. And the fact that I can drive to and from work and even make it to stores (close to home) by myself is amazing!! I’m going up to 125 mgs. of Zoloft starting tomorrow on the advice of my pdoc…good luck and keep us all posted. Melissa
Hi, I take only zoloft 50 mgs. And it works well for me. Except around pms time when anxiety is high anyway. I feel some symtoms but they are very mild. It took 4 weeks to see the difference so give it awhile to work, the longer the better I feel.
One of the things to find out is whether your pdoc is a *benzophobe* (one who doesn’t prescribe benzos because of the alleged *addcition* problem). If she is, she’s not the right one for you.
I second this…even if I didn’t take benzos, I’d avoid benzophobic doctors just on principle! As everybody has said, Zoloft and Xanax is a good combination for panic disorder. 25mg is a starting dose of Zoloft, not a therapeutic dose; around 50mg, many people start to get some benefit, 100 is often enough, 200 is the high end (though you *can* go higher, this is the "official" recommended maximum). Doses of benzos are pretty individualized – are you taking it "as needed," or on some schedule? When I was using it for panic attacks, I needed 2mg to stop them (I didn’t take it all the time, just when I felt an attack coming on), but that’s just me. I actually don’t know how much other people use for this purpose – anyone? -elizabeth
Xanax is a standard med to be used as needed., usually in combo with another med… however, I’ve been doing a lot of reading about a rebound effect … something I experience always, so I stopped.
I’ve got a question about this: how many times a day were you taking it? I think that Xanax does not last equally long for everyone, so some people can get by taking twice a day but others need it four times a day. -elizabeth
Xanax is a standard med to be used as needed., usually in combo with another med… however, I’ve been doing a lot of reading about a rebound effect … something I experience always, so I stopped. I’ve got a question about this: how many times a day were you taking it? I think that Xanax does not last equally long for everyone, so some people can get by taking twice a day but others need it four times a day. -elizabeth
Personally I had trouble taking it PRN because my pas were often OOB (as in while sleeping or nothing at all) although after enough of them I developed pretty much a state of constant anticipatory anxiety ..I could literally think myself into a panic attack trying to figure out how to avoid them..enter agoraphobia..Anyhow when I finally got Xanax I found if I had a PA it would generally take me 1.5-2 mgs to stop it..and I had little success with twice a day dosage,so I decided to stop the PRN route, as that is almost sure to leave anyone like myself with lots of hours of anxiety, as Xanax lasts 4 to 5 hrs at most for me. I now take it regularly .05 mg to 1 mg every four hours while awake, and if I rememeber..I do skip doses lots of times without even noticing it since my other two meds are helping a good deal too I think. But I can’t imagine twice a day being a very good xanax dosing..I would think 3 times at least given its short action. I have had almost no…nada..zero PAs for 6 weeks or more *knock on wood*, and my anxiety level is low enough to live with..I am sorry I was talked out of Xanax for so long because its tailor made for me and allows me to live, like a ..well not normal..but like a person anyhow ;- May — "Believe me! The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously!" - Nietzsche
Personally I had trouble taking it PRN because my pas were often OOB (as in while sleeping or nothing at all) although after enough of them I developed pretty much a state of constant anticipatory anxiety
I pretty much *exclusively* had OOTB panic attacks; I can only think of one instance in which there’s been an apparent trigger (it was a couple months ago – anxiety about school, actually). However, I experience an aura that predicts panic pretty consistently. I’ve never had one in my sleep, but then again, I don’t sleep much. :-} Anyhow when I finally got Xanax I found if I had a PA it would generally take me 1.5-2 mgs to stop it..and I had little success with twice a day dosage,so I decided to stop the PRN route, as that is almost sure to leave anyone like myself with lots of hours of anxiety, as Xanax lasts 4 to 5 hrs at most for me.
Yowsers. It lasts a lot longer than that for me: if I take a large enough dose to be sedating, I can actually get a full night’s sleep (7-8 hours). Most people do need to take it at least 3 times a day, though. I now take it regularly .05 mg to 1 mg every four hours while awake, and if I rememeber..I do skip doses lots of times without even noticing it since my other two meds are helping a good deal too I think.
Every 4 hours? Wow. Do you wake up in the morning feeling cruddy? When I tried taking Buprenex by itself (without a regular antidepressant), I found that I would get nasty rebound depression if I missed a dose. I think that sort of thing (short-acting) is better if you have an antidepressant (or two to smooth things out. (Now I’m just using the Buprenex as a p.r.n.) -elizabeth
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Personally I had trouble taking it PRN because my pas were often OOB (as in while sleeping or nothing at all) although after enough of them I developed pretty much a state of constant anticipatory anxiety I pretty much *exclusively* had OOTB panic attacks; I can only think of one instance in which there’s been an apparent trigger (it was a couple months ago – anxiety about school, actually). However, I experience an aura that predicts panic pretty consistently. I’ve never had one in my sleep, but then again, I don’t sleep much. :-} Anyhow when I finally got Xanax I found if I had a PA it would generally take me 1.5-2 mgs to stop it..and I had little success with twice a day dosage,so I decided to stop the PRN route, as that is almost sure to leave anyone like myself with lots of hours of anxiety, as Xanax lasts 4 to 5 hrs at most for me. Yowsers. It lasts a lot longer than that for me: if I take a large enough dose to be sedating, I can actually get a full night’s sleep (7-8 hours).
I have never experienced any sedation or gotten any "buzz" from Xanax, in fact it actually energizes me without making me "speedy", if that makes sense. I had awful drowsiness on Klonopin that never went any and I was not even on a full therapeutic dosage any of the three times I took it. I still do not sleep well and have Ambien that I take on occasion and find somewhat helpful, but If I take it more than two days in a row it seems to lose its effectiveness for me. I am totally screwed up with sleep and energy due to the fact that I work full time night shift and then watch my highly hyperactive toddler all day until 4 or 5 when my eldest daughter comes home to help. So I am always tired and yet cannot fall asleep..frustrating! Most people do need to take it at least 3 times a day, though. I now take it regularly .05 mg to 1 mg every four hours while awake, and if I rememeber..I do skip doses lots of times without even noticing it since my other two meds are helping a good deal too I think. Every 4 hours? Wow. Do you wake up in the morning feeling cruddy?
I wake up feeling better than I ever have in my life; I no longer sleep through the alarm or take an hour to drag my butt out of it. As I said though (I think) I am also on Pamelor 50mgs and 20mgs of Prozac and I no longer necessarily take xanax every four hours..On days off at home I have forgotten to take any at all even, and then there are days where I know I am going to be better off to take it every 4 hours before I *need* it after six…I have never had any aura at all for my OOB attacks and over the years I have accumulated a ton of triggers that I am now working on overcoming..the big one so far was not only to ride comfortably in a car but to drive myself..Now that the Pamelor/Prozac is kicking in, I am taking the xanax pretty much prn..I dont generally take more than 2 mgs total on any day now, and as I say I have never felt more competent or alive in my life =) When I tried taking Buprenex by itself (without a regular antidepressant), I found that I would get nasty rebound depression if I missed a dose. I think that sort of thing (short-acting) is better if you have an antidepressant (or two to smooth things out. (Now I’m just using the Buprenex as a p.r.n.) -elizabeth
May — "Believe me! The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously!" - Nietzsche
Ok, I have read all the literature I can find, and talked to my pharmacist and a doctor (not the psychiatrist who prescribed it because I know more about the drug than he does). All the "official" stuff tells me that serzone doesn’t affect sexual function. So why, since I have been on it, had by sex drive dropped off to next to nothing? And why is it more difficult for me to achieve orgasm. When I was on Zoloft, I had the same thing happen, but sexual disfunction is a side effect of Zoloft. Anyone have experiences similar to mine? (BTW, I have a different doctor prescribing my meds now). Thanks in advance, Ev emorgan <at slonet <dot org eem <at efn <dot org Replying to the header is futile. Junk e-mail will be illiminated. And for good measure: There is a $1000 US fee for unsolicited commercial e-mail to any of my aforementioned addresses. This is your only warning. Die NetScum! Die!
[posted and emailed] Ok, I have read all the literature I can find, and talked to my pharmacist and a doctor (not the psychiatrist who prescribed it because I know more about the drug than he does). All the "official" stuff tells me that serzone doesn’t affect sexual function. So why, since I have been on it, had by sex drive dropped off to next to nothing? And why is it more difficult for me to achieve orgasm. When I was on Zoloft, I had the same thing happen, but sexual disfunction is a side effect of Zoloft. Anyone have experiences similar to mine?
yes, only "statistically" does serzone not affect sexual function. that means it wasnt likely.. ‘cept in your case… what about wellbutrin? Thomas A. Ott http://www.geocities.com/heartland/5294 "All Things Are Possible Except Skiing Through A Revolving Door…" [remove "nospam." from my sig to respond...]
Where do I find veterinarian supply companies? Maybe I’m being lazy here, but if you know I’d appreciate it. I’ve been to farm supply companies but don’t remember seeing tryptophan. But then I was there for antibiotics myself. (worked great too!!) Thanks, dn
snipped for brevity – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – LT is available in 100 g. or larger quantities from veterinary suppliers, at a cost substantially less than prescription LT, though still more than the OTC product once cost. Veterinary LT is molecularly identical to the tryptophan we are interested in here, and purity and quality control are probably higher than most old OTC products. One caveat: if you are taking a SSRI (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor) antidepressent, concurrent LT use is strongly contradicated, as taking both together can produce the potentially lethal ’serotonin syndrome,’ due to toxic levels of 5-HT in the body. –Will
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Where do I find veterinarian supply companies? Maybe I’m being lazy here, but if you know I’d appreciate it. I’ve been to farm supply companies but don’t remember seeing tryptophan. But then I was there for antibiotics myself. (worked great too!!) Thanks, dn snipped for brevity LT is available in 100 g. or larger quantities from veterinary suppliers, at a cost substantially less than prescription LT, though still more than the OTC product once cost. Veterinary LT is molecularly identical to the tryptophan we are interested in here, and purity
There is a mail-order souce in Tucson, I don’t know their name. Check in alt.support.depression, or sci.med.pharmacy. –Will
snipped for brevity LT is available in 100 g. or larger quantities from veterinary suppliers, at a cost substantially less than prescription LT, though still more than the OTC product once cost. Veterinary LT is molecularly identical to the tryptophan we are interested in here, and purity There is a mail-order souce in Tucson, I don’t know their name. Check in alt.support.depression, or sci.med.pharmacy. –Will
Please also come have a look at our site for this product. Be Well. QHI — Medicines For The Modern Mainstream http://www.qhi.co.uk
The FDA Ban of L-Tryptophan: Politics, Profits and Prozac1* By Dean Wolfe Manders, Ph.D. Copyright, All Rights Reserved In the fall of 1989, the FDA recalled L-Tryptophan, an amino acid nutritional supplement, stating that it caused a rare and deadly flu-like condition (Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome — EMS). On March 22, 1990, the FDA banned the public sale dietary of L- Tryptophan completely. This ban continues today. On March 26, 1990, Newsweek featured a lead article praising the virtues of the anti-depressant drug Prozac. Its multi-color cover displayed a floating, gigantic green and white capsule of Prozac with the caption: "Prozac: A Breakthrough Drug for Depression." The fact that the FDA ban of L-Tryptophan and the Newsweek Prozac cover story occurred within four days of each other went unnoticed by both the media and the public. Yet, to those who understand the effective properties of L-Tryptophan and Prozac, the concurrence seems "unbelievably coincidental." The link here is the brain neurotransmitter serotonin — a biochemical nerve signal conductor. The action of Prozac and L-Tryptophan are both involved with serotonin, but in totally different ways. Elevated levels of serotonin in the body often result in the relief of depression, as well as substantial reduction in pain sensitivity, anxiety and stress. Prozac, as well as other new anti- depressant drugs such as Paxil and Zoloft, attempt to enhance levels of serotonin by working on whatever amounts of it already exist in the body (these drugs are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). None of these drugs, however, produce serotonin. In contrast, ingested L-Tryptophan acts to produce serotonin, even in individuals who generate little serotonin of their own. The most effective way to elevate levels of serotonin would be to use a serotonin producer rather than a serotonin enhancer. The continuing FDA public ban of L-Tryptophan prevents popular access to this most effective serotonin producer. The millions of Americans who for decades safely had relied upon L-Tryptophan to relieve depression, anxiety and PMS, as well as to control pain and induce natural sleep, have been forced elsewhere for solutions. Routinely, such solutions are pharmaceutical in nature: people are forced to use either often highly addictive, expensive, and some- times dangerous drugs like Xanax, Valium, Halcion, Dalmane, Co- deine, Anafranil, Prozac, and others, or, simply suffer. Present FDA public policy maintains that L-Tryptophan is an untested, unapproved and hazardous drug. The analytical work done a few years ago by the Centers for Disease Control and the Mayo Clinic, research which traced the fall 1989 outbreak of the serious flu-like condition to contaminants found in batches of L-Tryptophan made by the Japanese company Showa Denko, has not convinced the FDA to allow L-Tryptophan back on the market. This decision is based primarily on the research of FDA and NIMH scientists who state that L-Tryptophan itself, irrespective of contaminants, is a dangerous substance. Other university-based research scientists disagree with these findings. The public availability of L-Tryptophan is too important an issue only to be argued and shrouded within a scientific debate that remains, ultimately, mystifying to the vast majority of Americans. There are many obvious facts worthy of public attention, and public concern. For example, consider the following: ~ On February 9, 1993, a United States government patent (#5185157) was issued to use L-Tryptophan to treat, and cure EMS, the very same deadly flu-like condition which prompted the FDA to take L-Tryptophan off the market in 1989. ~ Notwithstanding its public ban and import alert on L- Tryptophan, the FDA today allows Ajinomoto U.S.A. the right to import from Japan human-use L-Tryptophan. Distributed from the Ajinomoto plant in Raleigh, North Carolina, the L-Tryptophan is then sold to, and through, a network of compounding pharmacies across the United States. Purchased by individuals only under a physician’s order, L-Tryptophan emerges here as a new prescription drug in the serotonin marketplace; one hundred 500 mg capsules cost about $75.00, approximately five times more than if they were sold as a dietary supplement. Since the FDA holds the political mandate and power of a public regulatory agency established, ostensibly, to protect people from raw corporate interests in drug production and distribution, the actions of the FDA in concert with Ajinomoto U.S.A. are illumi- nating. By publicly banning L-Tryptophan from its dietary supple- ment status and price, while allowing L-Tryptophan to be sold as a high-priced prescription drug, the naked duplicity of FDA L- Tryptophan policy is revealed. ~ During and after the 1989 EMS outbreak, the FDA did not totally ban the use of L-Tryptophan in humans — then, as today, the FDA has granted the pharmaceutical industry the protected right to use L-Tryptophan in hospital settings. Manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, the amino acid injectable solutions Aminosyn and Aminosyn II contain as much as 200 mg of L-Tryptophan. (Moreover, L-Tryptophan has never been removed from baby food produced and sold within the United States.) ~ While the FDA has banned the public sale and use of safe, non-contaminated, dietary supplement L-Tryptophan for people, the United States Department of Agriculture still sanctions the legal sale and use of non-contaminated L-Tryptophan for animals. Today, as in the past, feed grade L-Tryptophan continues to be used as a nutritional and bulk feed additive by the commercial hog and chicken farming industry. Additionally, L-Tryptophan is now available for use by veterinarians in caring for horses and pets. ~ Outside of the United States, in countries such as Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, England, and others, L-Tryptophan is widely used. Nowhere, have any serious or widespread health problems occurred. At bottom, the FDA public ban of safe, non-contaminated L- Tryptophan is uneven, expensive, and biased in favor of the phar- maceutical industry. The FDA proscription effectively awards billions of dollars in profits to pharmaceutical companies and their suppliers in the same proportion as it adds billions of unnecessary dollars to the nation’s already bloated health care expenditures. On June 15, 1993, the FDA Dietary Supplement Task Force published a report on the work it had been doing in the area of developing FDA policy around nutritional supplements. On page two, the report admits, "The Task Force considered various issues in its deliberations, including… what steps are necessary to ensure that the existence of dietary supplements on the market does not act as a disincentive for drug development." In this case, the FDA has succeeded in carrying out its stated policy goal. With competition from publicly available L-Tryptophan removed, the rapidly expanding market in prescription serotonin drugs — now among them L-Tryptophan itself — contains no major "disincentives" for the massive accumulation of pharmaceutical industry profits. It is now time for appropriate congressional committees to review openly and aggressively the entire matter of L-Tryptophan. This will provide a needed forum where political, corporate, and scientific issues of FDA L-Tryptophan regulatory policy may be addressed. There exists ample precedent for such hearings: in the 1980’s and early 1990’s, for example, such investigations uncovered FDA favoritism in the approval of generic drugs and the bribery of FDA officials. The story of L-Tryptophan illustrates a sad and perverse picture of the politics and priorities of public health in America: A safe, dietary-supplement serotonin producer is publicly unavailable to people, while daily fed to animals by corporate agribusiness. A drug patent is approved to use L-Tryptophan to cure the very condition the FDA claims it caused. And, while publicly exclaiming that L-Tryptophan is a dangerous and untested drug, the FDA, more quietly, allows human-use L-Tryptophan to be imported, and then marketed and sold by the pharmaceutical industry. To allow the FDA ban of L-Tryptophan to continue unreviewed and uninvestigated condemns millions of Americans to unnecessary financial expenditures and needless suffering. 1. This article appeared in Social Policy, Vol. 26, No. 2, Winter 1995. Dean Wolfe Manders is a senior lecturer in humanities and sciences at the California College of Arts and Crafts, Oakland/San Francisco. He has lectured and done extensive research on the medical politics of L-Tryptophan. *Blazing Tattles, June 96. Responses to the above article may be quoted in future issues unless writer explicitly requests otherwise. For information about Blazing Tattles send inquiry to: Tattles at P.O. Box 1073, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yet, to those who understand the effective properties of L-Tryptophan and Prozac, the concurrence seems "unbelievably coincidental." The link here is the brain neurotransmitter serotonin — a biochemical nerve signal conductor. The action of Prozac and L-Tryptophan are both involved with serotonin, but in totally different ways. Elevated levels of serotonin in the body often result in the relief of depression, as well as substantial reduction in pain sensitivity, anxiety and stress. Prozac, as well as other new anti- depressant drugs such as Paxil and Zoloft, attempt to enhance levels of serotonin by working on whatever amounts of it already exist in the body (these drugs are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). None of these drugs, however, produce serotonin. In contrast, ingested L-Tryptophan acts to produce serotonin, even in individuals who generate little serotonin of their own. The most effective way to elevate levels of serotonin would be to use a serotonin producer rather than a serotonin enhancer.
Agreed that SSRIs and LTryptophan both work on serotonin. I have used both with good results. The distinction needs to be made that some depressions are more neurologic, others more hormonal or enzymatic. In cases of the former, SSRIs generally work much better, and in the latter, LT works better. I also agree that the continuing FDA ban looks suspicious, and it ought to be lifted immediately. LT is available in 100 g. or larger quantities from veterinary suppliers, at a cost substantially less than prescription LT, though still more than the OTC product once cost. Veterinary LT is molecularly identical to the tryptophan we are interested in here, and purity and quality control are probably higher than most old OTC products. One caveat: if you are taking a SSRI (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor) antidepressent, concurrent LT use is strongly contradicated, as taking both together can produce the potentially lethal ’serotonin syndrome,’ due to toxic levels of 5-HT in the body. –Will
OK folks, We now have a working questionnaire. Fill it out if you like Expect a delay in the initial response. The reports I send you back via e-mail will be better once I have entered a number of questionnaires into our database. Also keep in mind that I am processing the questionnaires myself and have human limitations if hundreds of questionnaires come pouring in. But I do plan to send an individualized report to everyone who sends me a completed questionnaire. Best Wishes, Arthur A Questionnaire of Symptoms and Treatments for Anxiety and Panic Disorders Introduction: This is a questionnaire regarding the symptoms and treatments associated with anxiety and panic disorders. If you fill out this questionnaire and send it to confidential database with the responses of others. Based on case by case similarities, a private report will be generated for your specific case which will suggest treatments that other related cases have found helpful. This private report will be sent to you via e-mail so that you and your doctor may explore such treatments at your discretion. There is no fee associated with this service. The only public reports that may be posted in future would regard general observations of the many cases and will not include names or data specific to any one case. Processing of all questionnaires and generation of reports have no professional certification in medicine, psychiatry, or psychology. I am, however, a fellow sufferer of panic disorder and am applying my background in science and computing to help us find relief from chronic anxiety and panic. This effort is driven by the current lack of adequate diagnostics for anxiety and panic disorders. Instructions: If you have ever experienced an anxiety or panic disorder, please fill out this questionnaire. Even if you consider yourself recovered, please fill out this questionnaire as best as you can remember your experiences. Enter your answers to the right of each question or item. Answers do not have to be precise, simply an approximate guess will do. Do not to focus on your worst or last attack, but consider your attacks in general as you answer these questions. When finished, please e-mail (DO NOT POST) your completed completely confidential. General Questions: Please indicate your Sex (M/F). At what Age do you believe your anxiety or panic disorder began? How long ago was your last anxiety or panic attack? (five years ago? three months ago? yesterday?) Currently, do you feel that your life is being more controlled or less controlled by anxiety or panic attacks? (less/same/more) Do you think there is a history of anxiety-panic disorder in your family? (Y/N) The following sentences describe anxiety or panic of different severity. For each sentence, indicate how often you experience such anxiety or panic. 0 = never 1 = several times over several years 2 = several times a year 4 = several times a month 6 = several times a week 8 = several times a day 10 = constantly every day I am nervous, but I can still function. I am very nervous, but I think I can get through the next hour. I am scared, and would like to go home immediately. I am very frightened, and don’t feel comfortable anywhere. I am terrified and feel like I’m about to pass out. I am terrified and feel that I am about to die. I am horrified beyond death-like terror. I am actually "paralyzed" with unimaginable horror. During our anxiety or panic disorder, we may experience a variety of symptoms. These symptoms may occur either during or between attacks. Please rate the severity of which you have experienced each of the following symptoms on a scale of zero to ten. (Blank or 0 = not at all, …, 10 = extremely severe) Fears and Phobias: Agoraphobia (a fear of anxiety or panic attacks that often results in a growing avoidance of things or situations) Fear of Being Alone Fear of Being With People Fear of Closed Spaces (Claustrophobia) Fear of Confrontation Fear of Dark Rooms Fear of Diseases (Hypochondria) Fear of Dying Fear of Fear Fear of Food Poisoning or Contamination Fear of God Fear of Going Insane Fear of Heights (Acrophobia) Fear of Help Not Being Available Fear of Humiliation Fear of Living Fear of Open Spaces Fear of Persecution Fear of Public Places Fear of Public Speaking Fear of Responsibility (Performance Anxiety) Fear of Social Diseases (VD, AIDS, etc.) Fear of Social Situations Fear of Snakes Fear of Specific People Fear of Spiders (Arachniphobia) Fear of Standing in Lines Fear of Traveling Psychological Sensations: Anger Anxiety (In Certain Situations) Anxiety (Generalized, Anytime) Anxiety (School, Work, Career) Anxiety (Family) Anxiety (Friends) Anxiety (Romance) Compulsive or Overly Repetitive Behavior Concentration Difficulty Chronic Nightmares Chronic Worrying Crying Depression Derealisation (Feeling of Unreality) Depersonalisation Dissociation Eating Disorder (Bulimia, Anorexia) Eating Disorder (Compulsive, Binge) Escape into Fantasy Feelings of Guilt Feelings of Persecution (present tense) Hopelessness Housebound Low Self-Esteem Memory Problems (Short Term) Memory Problems (Long Term) Mood Swings Obsessive Thinking Panic Attacks (In Certain Situations) Panic Attacks (Random, Anytime) Recurring Memories of Traumatic Event Self Abuse (Bruising, Cutting, etc.) Suicidal Thoughts Physical Sensations: Headaches Craving for Alcohol Insomnia (Trouble Getting to Sleep) Sleepiness (During Awake Hours) Dizziness or Vertigo Light-headedness Fainting (Actually Passing Out) Temporary Paralysis Easily Startled (Jumpy) Allergies Dry Eyes Watery Eyes Overly Sensitive to Sunlight Visual Disturbances Burning or Pressure Around Eye or Nose Area Overly Sensitive to Odors Sinus Congestion Overly Sensitive to Noise Ringing in Ears Dry Mouth Dehydration (Often Thirsty) Breathing Difficulties (Hyperventilating, etc.) Feeling of Abnormal Heartbeat Chest Pains Appetite Loss Appetite Gain Weight Loss Weight Gain Nausea Intestinal Pains (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Diarrhea Joint Pain Muscular Pain Muscular Tension Muscular Tics, Twitches, or Spasms Weakness in Arms or Legs Overly Sensitive to The Way Things Feel (Tactile) Uncontrollable Shaking or Trembling Unsteadiness Cold, Clammy Skin Cold Extremities (Hands or Feet) Cold Chills Sweating Hot Flashes Numbness in Arms or Legs "Pins and Needles" Sensation Itching Excema and Rashes Fatigue (Tired, Low Energy) Hyperness (Too Much Energy) Erratic Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) Reduced Resistance to Colds or Viruses If you have experience with symptoms not listed here (fears, psychological or physical sensations), please list them below along with a severity from zero to ten. Please rate your experience of each of the following treatments on a scale of -10, …, 0, …, +10. (-10 = very negative reaction to treatment, …, blank or 0 = have not tried or not at all helpful, …, 10 = extremely helpful) Medications and Supplements: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Atenolol Ativan Buspar Buspirone Clonazepam (Rivotril, Klonopin) Colofac (Mebervine) Desipramine DHEA Effexor (venlafaxine) Fluanxol (Flupenthixol) GABA Gammanil (Lofepramine) GLS Gravol Halcion Haloperidol Herbal Suppliments Ibuprofen (Advil) Imipramine Inderal (Propranalol) Kava Kava L-Tryptophan (Tryptan) Lecithin Lectopam Librium Lorazepam Ludiomil Lustral (Setraline hydrochloride) Luvox (fluvoxamine) Magnesium Oxide Melatonin Modulon Motilium Nardil Nortriptyline (Aventyl) Pantothenic Acid Parlodal (Bromocriptine) Parnate Paxil (Paroxetine, Seroxat) Prothiaden (Dothiepin hydrochloride) Prozac (fluoxetine) Serax Serzone (Nefazodone) Thyroid Hormone Valerian Valium Vitamin B Complex Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Wellbutrin Xanax (Alprazolam) Zantac Zoloft (sertraline) Psychological Therapies: Behavioral Therapy Biofeedback Cognitive Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Counseling or Social Work Group Therapy Hypnotic Psychotherapy Hypnotic Suggestion Positive Thoughts Psychotherapy (Gestalt or Psychoanalysis) Support Group Other: Acupuncture Adjusting Lifestyle (School, Work, Career) Adjusting Lifestyle (Family) Adjusting Lifestyle (Friends) Adjusting Lifestyle (Romance) Breathing Exercises Chiropractic Confronting Fears Discovering or Expressing True Self Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Faith, Religion, or Spiritual Pursuits Gardening Physical Exercise Planned or Controlled Diet Playing with Children or Pets Homeopathy Laughter Massage Meditation (Deep Relaxation, Yoga, etc.) Neuro-Linguistic Programming Outdoor Activities Reading Relaxation Training Radionics Therapeutic Touch If you have experience with treatments not listed here (medications, supliments, or any therapy), please list them below along with a rating from -10, …, 0, …, +10.
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK folks, We now have a working questionnaire. Fill it out if you like Expect a delay in the initial response. The reports I send you back via e-mail will be better once I have entered a number of questionnaires into our database. Also keep in mind that I am processing the questionnaires myself and have human limitations if hundreds of questionnaires come pouring in. But I do plan to send an individualized report to everyone who sends me a completed questionnaire. Best Wishes, Arthur A Questionnaire of Symptoms and Treatments for Anxiety and Panic Disorders Introduction: This is a questionnaire regarding the symptoms and treatments associated with anxiety and panic disorders. If you fill out this questionnaire and send it to confidential database with the responses of others. Based on case by case similarities, a private report will be generated for your specific case which will suggest treatments that other related cases have found helpful. This private report will be sent to you via e-mail so that you and your doctor may explore such treatments at your discretion. There is no fee associated with this service. The only public reports that may be posted in future would regard general observations of the many cases and will not include names or data specific to any one case. Processing of all questionnaires and generation of reports have no professional certification in medicine, psychiatry, or psychology. I am, however, a fellow sufferer of panic disorder and am applying my background in science and computing to help us find relief from chronic anxiety and panic. This effort is driven by the current lack of adequate diagnostics for anxiety and panic disorders. Instructions: If you have ever experienced an anxiety or panic disorder, please fill out this questionnaire. Even if you consider yourself recovered, please fill out this questionnaire as best as you can remember your experiences. Enter your answers to the right of each question or item. Answers do not have to be precise, simply an approximate guess will do. Do not to focus on your worst or last attack, but consider your attacks in general as you answer these questions. When finished, please e-mail (DO NOT POST) your completed completely confidential. General Questions: Please indicate your Sex (M/F). F At what Age do you believe your anxiety or panic disorder began? 24 How long ago was your last anxiety or panic attack? (five years ago? three months ago? yesterday?)
3 weeks ago Currently, do you feel that your life is being more controlled or less controlled by anxiety or panic attacks? (less/same/more)
less Do you think there is a history of anxiety-panic disorder in your family? (Y/N)
Y The following sentences describe anxiety or panic of different severity. For each sentence, indicate how often you experience such anxiety or panic. 0 = never 1 = several times over several years 2 = several times a year 4 = several times a month 6 = several times a week 8 = several times a day 10 = constantly every day I am nervous, but I can still function.
2 I am very nervous, but I think I can get through the next hour.
4 I am scared, and would like to go home immediately.
2 I am very frightened, and don’t feel comfortable anywhere.
2 I am terrified and feel like I’m about to pass out.
2 I am terrified and feel that I am about to die.
2 I am horrified beyond death-like terror.
2 I am actually "paralyzed" with unimaginable horror.
2 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – During our anxiety or panic disorder, we may experience a variety of symptoms. These symptoms may occur either during or between attacks. Please rate the severity of which you have experienced each of the following symptoms on a scale of zero to ten. (Blank or 0 = not at all, …, 10 = extremely severe) Fears and Phobias: 0 Agoraphobia (a fear of anxiety or panic attacks that often results in a growing avoidance of things or situations) 2 Fear of Being Alone 9 Fear of Being With People 4 Fear of Closed Spaces (Claustrophobia) 4 Fear of Confrontation 0 Fear of Dark Rooms 0 Fear of Diseases (Hypochondria) 4 Fear of Dying 5 Fear of Fear 5 Fear of Food Poisoning or Contamination 4 Fear of God 4 Fear of Going Insane 6 Fear of Heights (Acrophobia) 2 Fear of Help Not Being Available 8 Fear of Humiliation 2 Fear of Living 5 Fear of Open Spaces 0 Fear of Persecution 0 Fear of Public Places 0 Fear of Public Speaking 5 Fear of Responsibility (Performance Anxiety) 5 Fear of Social Diseases (VD, AIDS, etc.) 0 Fear of Social Situations 0 Fear of Snakes 0 Fear of Specific People 0 Fear of Spiders (Arachniphobia) 4 Fear of Standing in Lines 0 Fear of Traveling 5 Psychological Sensations: Anger 0 Anxiety (In Certain Situations) 5 Anxiety (Generalized, Anytime) 4 Anxiety (School, Work, Career) 5 Anxiety (Family) 5 Anxiety (Friends) 0 Anxiety (Romance) 0 Compulsive or Overly Repetitive Behavior 0 Concentration Difficulty 8 Chronic Nightmares 0 Chronic Worrying 4 Crying 3 Depression 0 Derealisation (Feeling of Unreality) 4 Depersonalisation 2 Dissociation 2 Eating Disorder (Bulimia, Anorexia) 8 Eating Disorder (Compulsive, Binge) 0 Escape into Fantasy 10 Feelings of Guilt 5 Feelings of Persecution (present tense) 0 Hopelessness 4 Housebound 0 Low Self-Esteem 7 Memory Problems (Short Term) 9 Memory Problems (Long Term) 9 Mood Swings 7 Obsessive Thinking 9 Panic Attacks (In Certain Situations) 4 Panic Attacks (Random, Anytime) 8 Recurring Memories of Traumatic Event 0 Self Abuse (Bruising, Cutting, etc.) 0 Suicidal Thoughts 0 Physical Sensations: Headaches 10 Craving for Alcohol 0 Insomnia (Trouble Getting to Sleep) 10 Sleepiness (During Awake Hours) 0 Dizziness or Vertigo 5 Light-headedness 4 Fainting (Actually Passing Out) 5 Temporary Paralysis 0 Easily Startled (Jumpy) 5 Allergies 0 Dry Eyes 0 Watery Eyes 0 Overly Sensitive to Sunlight 0 Visual Disturbances 4 Burning or Pressure Around Eye or Nose Area 5 Overly Sensitive to Odors 0 Sinus Congestion 4 Overly Sensitive to Noise 6 Ringing in Ears 10 Dry Mouth 2 Dehydration (Often Thirsty) 0 Breathing Difficulties (Hyperventilating, etc.) 10 Feeling of Abnormal Heartbeat 8 Chest Pains 10 Appetite Loss 10 Appetite Gain 0 Weight Loss 10 Weight Gain 0 Nausea 7 Intestinal Pains (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) 10 Diarrhea 10 Joint Pain 2 Muscular Pain 2 Muscular Tension 9 Muscular Tics, Twitches, or Spasms 0 Weakness in Arms or Legs 5 Overly Sensitive to The Way Things Feel (Tactile) 0 Uncontrollable Shaking or Trembling 5 Unsteadiness 8 Cold, Clammy Skin 9 Cold Extremities (Hands or Feet) 10 Cold Chills 10 Sweating 10 Hot Flashes 5 Numbness in Arms or Legs 10 "Pins and Needles" Sensation 10 Itching 0 Excema and Rashes 0 Fatigue (Tired, Low Energy) 9 Hyperness (Too Much Energy) 10 Erratic Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) 6 Reduced Resistance to Colds or Viruses 9 If you have experience with symptoms not listed here (fears, psychological or physical sensations), please list them below along with a severity from zero to ten. Please rate your experience of each of the following treatments on a scale of -10, …, 0, …, +10. (-10 = very negative reaction to treatment, …, blank or 0 = have not tried or not at all helpful, …, 10 = extremely helpful) Medications and Supplements: +10 Acetaminophen (Tylenol) -10 Atenolol 0 Ativan +8 Buspar -10 Buspirone 0 Clonazepam (Rivotril, Klonopin) +10 Colofac (Mebervine) 0 Desipramine -10 DHEA 0 Effexor (venlafaxine) 0 Fluanxol (Flupenthixol) 0 GABA 0 Gammanil (Lofepramine) 0 GLS 0 Gravol +7 Halcion -10 Haloperidol 0 Herbal Suppliments -5 Ibuprofen (Advil) -10 Imipramine -10 Inderal (Propranalol) -10 Kava Kava 0 L-Tryptophan (Tryptan) -5 Lecithin 0 Lectopam -5 Librium -10 Lorazepam +8 Ludiomil 0 Lustral (Setraline hydrochloride) 0 Luvox (fluvoxamine) -10 Magnesium Oxide 0 Melatonin 0 Modulon 0 Motilium 0 Nardil -10 Nortriptyline (Aventyl) -10 Pantothenic Acid 0 Parlodal (Bromocriptine) 0 Parnate 0 Paxil (Paroxetine, Seroxat) -10 Prothiaden (Dothiepin hydrochloride) 0 Prozac (fluoxetine) -10 Serax -10 Serzone (Nefazodone) 0 Thyroid Hormone 0 Valerian 0 Valium +6 Vitamin B Complex +1 Vitamin B12 +5 Vitamin C +1 Wellbutrin 0 Xanax (Alprazolam) +1 Zantac +1 Zoloft (sertraline) 0 Psychological Therapies: Behavioral Therapy +10 Biofeedback 0 Cognitive Therapy +10 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy +10 Counseling or Social Work -2 Group Therapy +10 Hypnotic Psychotherapy 0 Hypnotic Suggestion 0 Positive Thoughts +8 Psychotherapy (Gestalt or Psychoanalysis) 0 Support Group +10 Other: Acupuncture 0 Adjusting Lifestyle (School, Work, Career) +5 Adjusting Lifestyle (Family) +5 Adjusting Lifestyle (Friends) +5 Adjusting Lifestyle (Romance) +8 Breathing Exercises +5 Chiropractic 0 Confronting Fears +8 Discovering or Expressing True Self +10 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) 0 Faith, Religion, or Spiritual Pursuits 0 Gardening 0 Physical Exercise 0 Planned or Controlled Diet +5 Playing with Children or
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