Question:

Just buy a separate voltage converter (what the heck are those things called?..someone help me) that will enable you to use your nebulizer, hairdryer, etc. when in Europe. They are not expensive. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m going to Europe for 3 weeks in June.  I’ve had severe asthma for my whole life (50, now) that’s usually under control with Albuterol, Serevent, and Flovent.  I’ll be taking those medihalers with me, but, thought it might be wise to take some kind of portable nebulizer and some albuterol solution just in case. I assume I’m looking for a battery powered ultrasonic one, but, was wondering if there’s one with a transformer/recharger that works with the European voltages (220 VAC/50Hz).  I’ll be traveling in France, Germany, and Italy. Thanks!

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I know in England that Omeron does a battery one for

Question:

I had told the nurse I wanted to do the CT scan today and she said she would schedule it and call with a time.  I let the time get away from me and before I knew it, it was after 5pm.  I guess I will call this morning and see what is up. I have a question for anyone who may know.  I have been taking Bidex, Singulair and Histussin HC for the past week for my breathing and chest congestion.  Do any of these cause a depressing or down-feeling effect?  I have felt like crying a lot the last couple of days.  Of course, when I have felt bad for too long I feel that way also.  I was just wondering if any of these meds could have that side-effect? Vicki — The charter is available at:

Question:

Yes, but being a ‘learned scholar’ in one particular area does not mean that your ADVICE will help everyone…which ends up giving out misinformation to patients who are suffering. So instead of expounding on what your career ‘used to be’ and college degree, just try and be compassionate to share what works for you…. it may NOT work for others. The mouthwash DOES NOT do a thing for my thrush….good old mycostatin, and meds does it for me…. I  was a Med/Tech writer editor for 20yrs. but in Radiation Oncology, does that mean I can give advice on curing cancerous lymphomas? I also went to the garage several times, does that make me a mechanic?    LOL Just trying to lighten the mood. thanks

Response:

try using mouth wash( the kind that kills bacteria).  take a swig and hold it in your mouth for as long as you can then spit it out.  this will be a little uncomfortable but it helps

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Dear Carrie,  I had the same problem with the pulmocort and I think you are right about the delivery system.  I rinsed my mouth out faithfully after each use and still had thrush.  I would go off the pulmicort and get the thrush cleared up and go back on it, the thrush would be back within a week.  I finally changed to flovent with the airchamber and have not had any problems.  Pam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use a MDI and aerochamber and I rinse my mouth out with water after using my Flovent inhaler.  Ever since I started doing that, I haven’t gotten thrush since.  I don’t know if you have been doing the same, but it has helped me. Carrie I am very upset and miserable. I have thrush again, due to my inhaler. I am on Pulmicort Turbo inhaler. I don’t know if my theory holds any water, but I wondered if I switched to a different mode of delivery….back to a metered dose inhaler…I might not get this thrush as often. With the aero-chamber and a metered dose inhaler I might be able to get it past my tongue better. I have only been on Azmacort and Pulmi-cort. Does Pulmicort come in a metered dose Inhaler? If not, which one would you recommend? Thanks so much DOn * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

do not use a mouth wash that kills bacteria. Thrush is caused by a fungus if you kill the bacteria that normally live in your mouth the naturally occurring fungus will be able to gain a stronger hold on the mucousal surfaces of your mouth and the thrush will become worse.

This information is correct. Antifungal therapy, spacers, mouth rinsing/gargling with water-(try warm water not cold- could solubilize it better), weeker steroid inhalers (I was switched from flovent to  azmacort even though i hohum about it for many reasons)..these are ways to avoid/get rid of thrush. Chilla (the Candida biologist turned science writer)

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I know this information is correct. I’m a microbiologist as well;-)

BTW, hansen’t a gene been identified that produces a susceptibility to yeast infections?  I wonder if (assuming an easy and inexpensive test were available) we could identify if any particular person was more likely to develop thrush? "Keep looking below surface appearances. Don’t shrink from doing so (just) because you might not like what you find."    General Colin Powell

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I know this information is correct. I’m a microbiologist as well;-)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – do not use a mouth wash that kills bacteria. Thrush is caused by a fungus if you kill the bacteria that normally live in your mouth the naturally occurring fungus will be able to gain a stronger hold on the mucousal surfaces of your mouth and the thrush will become worse. This information is correct. Antifungal therapy, spacers, mouth rinsing/gargling with water-(try warm water not cold- could solubilize it better), weeker steroid inhalers (I was switched from flovent to  azmacort even though i hohum about it for many reasons)..these are ways to avoid/get rid of thrush. Chilla (the Candida biologist turned science writer)

Response:

Yes, the mouthwash helped me a bit, temporarily,,,but didnt relieve the horrible pain, peeling, and tenderness of MY thrush; so always end up telling my doc to call in a prescription of "Nystatin" (mycostatin) oral rinse….swish and swallow, boy, does it do the trick for me in two days!!! Just thought this may help those that dont get relef from the home remedies. thanks.

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I am very upset and miserable. I have thrush again, due to my inhaler. I am on Pulmicort Turbo inhaler. I don’t know if my theory holds any water, but I wondered if I switched to a different mode of delivery….back to a metered dose inhaler…I might not get this thrush as often. With the aero-chamber and a metered dose inhaler I might be able to get it past my tongue better. I have only been on Azmacort and Pulmi-cort. Does Pulmicort come in a metered dose Inhaler? If not, which one would you recommend? Thanks so much DOn * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

As far as I know, Pulmicort does not come as a MDI, which is why I’m resisting agains my Doc switching me over to it. I believe that Flovent is just as good, but you would have to ask a doc about that. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am very upset and miserable. I have thrush again, due to my inhaler. I am on Pulmicort Turbo inhaler. I don’t know if my theory holds any water, but I wondered if I switched to a different mode of delivery….back to a metered dose inhaler…I might not get this thrush as often. With the aero-chamber and a metered dose inhaler I might be able to get it past my tongue better. I have only been on Azmacort and Pulmi-cort. Does Pulmicort come in a metered dose Inhaler? If not, which one would you recommend? Thanks so much DOn * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

I use a MDI and aerochamber and I rinse my mouth out with water after using my Flovent inhaler.  Ever since I started doing that, I haven’t gotten thrush since.  I don’t know if you have been doing the same, but it has helped me. Carrie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am very upset and miserable. I have thrush again, due to my inhaler. I am on Pulmicort Turbo inhaler. I don’t know if my theory holds any water, but I wondered if I switched to a different mode of delivery….back to a metered dose inhaler…I might not get this thrush as often. With the aero-chamber and a metered dose inhaler I might be able to get it past my tongue better. I have only been on Azmacort and Pulmi-cort. Does Pulmicort come in a metered dose Inhaler? If not, which one would you recommend? Thanks so much DOn * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

do not use a mouth wash that kills bacteria. Thrush is caused by a fungus if you kill the bacteria that normally live in your mouth the naturally occurring fungus will be able to gain a stronger hold on the mucousal surfaces of your mouth and the thrush will become worse. For what it’s worth I very rarely have trouble with thrush, despite being permanently on oral steroids as well as very high dose inhaled and when I do get it eating natural yoghurt helps heaps.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – try using mouth wash( the kind that kills bacteria).  take a swig and hold it in your mouth for as long as you can then spit it out.  this will be a little uncomfortable but it helps

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Question:

I’d recommend a pill box.  Kmart had one for 4/day for the whole week for $5. As the for malingering bit, you just need to be honest with yourself. If everyday you do your best, then you can’t ask any better and you can be at peace with your conscience.  You can let other people think what they want, because you 1) can’t change other people and 2) don’t need their approval.  (If you have a religious bent, you can subsitute god for conscience.) Erik – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As if I didn’t have enough medicines to forget to take every day <S, I was started on Inderal today.  The official purpose of this was to try to counteract the shakes I get from taking Lithium but I understand it is used as a maintenance med for headaches as well.  Has anyone had any luck with it?  I am on 10 mg twice a day.  Will update y’all as time passes. Also, after about two weeks of phone tag between my PCP’s offices and various other doctors’ offices I finally have an appt. with a neurologist on 7/10.  Hopefully at that time we can figure out for sure whether we’re dealing with migraines, tention headaches, or if I am a hypochondriac mallingering lazy SOB who does not want to work for a living which is what the state unemployment people think I am.  Of course they think everyone who gets unemployment is that way so who knows?

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Hey Ginnie – Today I decided to sleep all day. I sure understand what you are saying here <sniffle Love, Marty

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Heh! …  That conversation happens with me and my internist, too… Sometimes I need the reality check that I’m not conjuring up some of this crap. He laughs when I ask if I’m a hypochondriac.  Then he’ll say how I’m gonna live to be a *very* old lady (meaning my fundamental health – the core stuff). We’re the same age, so maybe I can hold him to that prediction for a long time.  ;-)   But this day-to-day sh… *stuff* is what’s making the journey slow, and a real PITA at times. But if I start stressing and hating my "list" of physical problems, I need to remember (and sometimes he reminds me) that MY list isn’t gonna kill me anytime soon.  Other people dealing with cancer or wasting diseases or horrible injuries, etc., would gladly trade places with me. Ginnie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just went to the Dr. yesterday.  Because I am dealing with a plethora of both problems that have a defined cause.  As well as symptoms for which they can’t see to find a cause for, I flat out asked him if he thought I was a hypochondriac.  This gave him a really good chuckle.  He said that if I was, I have a real good reason to believe.  He said he has never seen anyone be able to fake blood tests, CAT scans, MRIs and X-rays all at the same time. Don’t worry about what others think.  Only what you feel. Hypochondriac’s know they are hypochondriacs deep down in their hearts.

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As if I didn’t have enough medicines to forget to take every day <S, I was started on Inderal today.  The official purpose of this was to try to counteract the shakes I get from taking Lithium but I understand it is used as a maintenance med for headaches as well.  Has anyone had any luck with it?

I was given inderal LA 3 months ago as a migriane preventative. I have only had 1 bad one since when I might have expected about 6 so I am pleased with it. We all react differently though.  I am on 10 mg twice a day.  Will update y’all as time passes. Also, after about two weeks of phone tag between my PCP’s offices and various other doctors’ offices I finally have an appt. with a neurologist on 7/10.  Hopefully at that time we can figure out for sure whether we’re dealing with migraines, tention headaches, or if I am a hypochondriac mallingering lazy SOB who does not want to work for a living which is what the state unemployment people think I am.  Of course they think everyone who gets unemployment is that way so who knows?

I am over in UK so don’t know your unemployment system or health system. I gather you have to pay for health care though(can someone enlighten me on how this works?) and would imagine you would not hand money over for health care you do not need?

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Hopefully at that time we can figure out for sure whether we’re dealing with migraines, tention headaches, or if I am a hypochondriac mallingering lazy SOB who does not want to work for a living which is what the state unemployment people think I am.  Of course they think everyone who gets unemployment is that way so who knows?

I just went to the Dr. yesterday.  Because I am dealing with a plethora of both problems that have a defined cause.  As well as symptoms for which they can’t see to find a cause for, I flat out asked him if he thought I was a hypochondriac.  This gave him a really good chuckle.  He said that if I was, I have a real good reason to believe.  He said he has never seen anyone be able to fake blood tests, CAT scans, MRIs and X-rays all at the same time. Don’t worry about what others think.  Only what you feel. Hypochondriac’s know they are hypochondriacs deep down in their hearts.

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As if I didn’t have enough medicines to forget to take every day <S, I was started on Inderal today.  The official purpose of this was to try to counteract the shakes I get from taking Lithium but I understand it is used as a maintenance med for headaches as well.  Has anyone had any luck with it?  I am on 10 mg twice a day.  Will update y’all as time passes.

There’s a long-acting formulation called Inderal LA, which is only taken once a day.  That’s a bit more convenient, but some people’s insurance co-pays are higher for the LA version.  Sometimes you want the immediate-release form of a drug to get a more pronounced short-term effect. This may be the case in your case, I don’t know. Inderal LA is a highly highly effective anti-migraine drug for the vast majority of migraine sufferers.  It’s the first preventive medicine I prescribe to migraine patients, and works most of the time.  As the people on this newsgroup are for the most part folks who haven’t gotten easy fixes, it’s probably not got a good track record among the members of this group. Inderal is not just a migraine treatment.  It’s used for lots of other things, among which is "benign essential tremor".  This is not the same as the tremor from Lithium, but I can imagine it working for both.  Yes, please do let us know how it works for you. The usual effective dose for migraine prevention is much higher than the one you’re on.  I don’t know what the usual effective dose is for tremor.  So if you don’t get relief from the tremor at this dose, I’d suggest you not get discouraged.  Your doctor is probably planning to gradually increase the dose, as tolerated. Also, after about two weeks of phone tag between my PCP’s offices and various other doctors’ offices I finally have an appt. with a neurologist on 7/10.

I just saw a neurologist the other day about my headaches.  She was so supportive, and had some excellent suggestions.  I must say, a good bedside manner is everything.  It makes me want to have a better bedside manner myself, in my own practice (I’m a family practitioner).  It’s a truism that being a patient makes one a better doctor. Hopefully at that time we can figure out for sure whether we’re dealing with migraines, tention headaches, or if I am a hypochondriac mallingering lazy SOB who does not want to work for a living which is what the state unemployment people think I am.

Most people in chronic pain don’t want to go to work.  Go figure.  :-)

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As if I didn’t have enough medicines to forget to take every day <S, I was started on Inderal today.  The official purpose of this was to try to counteract the shakes I get from taking Lithium but I understand it is used as a maintenance med for headaches as well.  Has anyone had any luck with it?  I am on 10 mg twice a day.  Will update y’all as time passes. Also, after about two weeks of phone tag between my PCP’s offices and various other doctors’ offices I finally have an appt. with a neurologist on 7/10.  Hopefully at that time we can figure out for sure whether we’re dealing with migraines, tention headaches, or if I am a hypochondriac mallingering lazy SOB who does not want to work for a living which is what the state unemployment people think I am.  Of course they think everyone who gets unemployment is that way so who knows? — "The only thing Republicans have to fear is the lack of fear itself." E. J. Dionne

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Yup. I get real sick and tired of being sick and tired, too.  And the limitations imposed by both the medical problems AND prescription med *effects* are something my pain shrink I talk about a lot.  There’s only so much a person is willing to give up of the person they *were*, before some big acceptance and coping problems crop up. Losing some of your independence and your freedom is tough to take.  There’s a fair amount of grieving that takes place, whether the person realizes it or not. Part of the person dies, in a sense, and that means going through the stages of grief – denial or disbelief, guilt, anger, depression, and acceptance…  I know Kubler-Ross said there were only four stages, but I really think there’s a few more, and that some new incident or setback will send us pin-balling around the other stages, even after we *think* we’ve accepted the loss. And scheduling your life around tests and treatments not only puts constraints on how you live, it actually can force WHERE you live.  I’ve heard of lots of people who’ve had to MOVE to where the best treatment is. And just giving up on some of this stuff?  Yup, I’ve given up – for now – on finding solutions for some things.  Some conditions will just sit there and just BE, without stressing about them.  Another one is just waiting for the technology to improve.  Then I’ll get back to trying to fix that one. And some days?  Some days I just refuse to deal with any of it, and will sleep all day.  Or I’ll cry and cuss out my "list" of crap, and try to get the resentment out of my system, or come here for a rare all-out whiiiiiiiine. Some days, ya just gotta whine. Ginnie

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Question:

Hi all,   I am currently on 150 mg effexor xr and am actually doing well. Effexor is the first antidepressant I took that seemed to make a difference. Based on that – I am happy with it. On the other hand, I can’t shake the feeling that I am living on borrowed time. I have read way too many accounts of the nightmares that many people have gone through withdrawing from the drug. Every morning when I take the pill I have a momentary twinge – like what am I doing to myself? Will it be worth it in the end? Does any other effexor user live with this vague sense of impending trouble? Paradoxically, when I started effexor I was too depressed to really care much about the withdrawal symptoms but now that I am less depressed I am starting to think about the future more and I see effexor withdrawal as a roadblock I have to overcome sooner or later before I’m ever really free from depression. -scattered

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I am currently on 150 mg effexor xr and am actually doing well. Effexor is the first antidepressant I took that seemed to make a difference. Based on that – I am happy with it. On the other hand, I can’t shake the feeling that I am living on borrowed time. I have read way too many accounts of the nightmares that many people have gone through withdrawing from the drug. Every morning when I take the pill I have a momentary twinge – like what am I doing to myself? Will it be worth it in the end? Does any other effexor user live with this vague sense of impending trouble? Paradoxically, when I started effexor I was too depressed to really care much about the withdrawal symptoms but now that I am less depressed I am starting to think about the future more and I see effexor withdrawal as a roadblock I have to overcome sooner or later before I’m ever really free from depression. -scattered

hi scattered… i was just as nervous when i started taking effexor but soon came to think of it as a vitamin for my brain… i’m switching to wellbutrin (well, refer to my current post), and am now withdrawing from effexor.  i was on 150mg. a day, i took 1 pill at lunch and 1 before bed… for the past three days i’ve just taken 1 pill a day and i have been waiting for the reactions on withdrawal that i’ve read about… but so far (knock on wood), i’ve had none.  i had a bad day at work and had to go cry for a few minutes – but i can’t tell whether that was because my serotonin levels dropped or just because i was stressed and having a bad day… other than that i haven’t noticed the difference yet.  my doc said i was supposed to taper and be off it within a week, with an overlap of the start of the new antidepressant i’d be taking… which seems fast compared to what i’ve read here about the length of time to come off one drug.  i say relax, and let your body react in its own way… if you’re feeling better then just be grateful for that! unfortunately for me effexor just made me sleep all the time and get forgetful, thus the change. good luck, amelie

Response:

 I was on effexor (375mg) for two years and gradually came off it to go onto another anti depressant.  I had to go ‘cold turkey’ for 2 weeks before going on another drug.  I experienced dizziness and flu like symptoms for a few days, but nothing as bad as coming off cigarettes, so do not worry, some people may experience little or no side effects coming off this medication.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all,   I am currently on 150 mg effexor xr and am actually doing well. Effexor is the first antidepressant I took that seemed to make a difference. Based on that – I am happy with it. On the other hand, I can’t shake the feeling that I am living on borrowed time. I have read way too many accounts of the nightmares that many people have gone through withdrawing from the drug. Every morning when I take the pill I have a momentary twinge – like what am I doing to myself? Will it be worth it in the end? Does any other effexor user live with this vague sense of impending trouble? Paradoxically, when I started effexor I was too depressed to really care much about the withdrawal symptoms but now that I am less depressed I am starting to think about the future more and I see effexor withdrawal as a roadblock I have to overcome sooner or later before I’m ever really free from depression. -scattered

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Scattered. I was on 225mg and it was working fine – after lack of success with four or five other meds. Then some tests came back showing my liver was damaged (fatty liver) and the most likely cause was the Effexor. I came off it over the course of 3 weeks, 150mg week 1, 75mg week 2, 0mg week 3, then on to my new med. The side effects were the worst I have experienced on any of the meds. Severe dizziness, noises in my head, bolts of electric down my arms to my hands, etc. etc. Now, 5 weeks after beginning withdrawal, the above problems are less frequent and much more minor. Now here’s the thing. Despite the problems, I would do it again, in fact if my liver trouble could go away I would go back on the Effexor in an instant. Yes the withdrawal was a bastard, but I got over it. The point is that the Effexor worked. It has given me hope. It has shown me that it is possible for me to climb out of the black hole. At the moment I’m back in the hole and struggling badly, if I hadn’t had that window of normality after trying for so long to find a med that worked, I would give up now (it’s tempting to give up anyway!). If the Effexor is working for you then give thanks and keep on going with it as long as your doc tells you to. Incidentally, I’m assured that though it’s a known problem, the liver thing is rare. Mick.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all,   I am currently on 150 mg effexor xr and am actually doing well. Effexor is the first antidepressant I took that seemed to make a difference. Based on that – I am happy with it. On the other hand, I can’t shake the feeling that I am living on borrowed time. I have read way too many accounts of the nightmares that many people have gone through withdrawing from the drug. Every morning when I take the pill I have a momentary twinge – like what am I doing to myself? Will it be worth it in the end? Does any other effexor user live with this vague sense of impending trouble? Paradoxically, when I started effexor I was too depressed to really care much about the withdrawal symptoms but now that I am less depressed I am starting to think about the future more and I see effexor withdrawal as a roadblock I have to overcome sooner or later before I’m ever really free from depression. -scattered

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Funny thing about taking antidepressants is that I have also started to think of the future, which is something I never did….and I am in my fifties. I always did things on the spur of the moment…spontaneously, which sounds like fun, but the older ya get, the more unstable it becomes to live that way.  I just never could think past a day or week in advance at the most.  It was weird now that I think of it.  Since being on ad’s I can think about the future somewhat and seem less compulsive, but thinking about the future at my age, when all my life I didn’t…..is discombobulating to say the least. Because of my lifestyle of not thinking about the future, I have not been able to work, depression and all…and now that I want to get a job as I am thinking about my future, I am so nervous and unconfident in myself for all the years I just sat around waiting for tomorrow to come.  What a shock, when the future  becomes part of your life.  I identify with you totally.  Deb

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Well, I can tell you now that Effexor has enabled me to get back on an even keel. Having said that, I am on the lowest dose (37.5mg per day), and missing one gives the classic withdrawal, that is: electric bolts, strange vision and confusion. Still, I can live with the daftness of missing one when the bulk of my life is fine. I think I shall have to get a very sharp knife to chop up the tabs into small enough doses to wean off. Good Luck !!! Peter, Bradford, England

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all,   I am currently on 150 mg effexor xr and am actually doing well. Effexor is the first antidepressant I took that seemed to make a difference. Based on that – I am happy with it. On the other hand, I can’t shake the feeling that I am living on borrowed time. I have read way too many accounts of the nightmares that many people have gone through withdrawing from the drug. Every morning when I take the pill I have a momentary twinge – like what am I doing to myself? Will it be worth it in the end? Does any other effexor user live with this vague sense of impending trouble? Paradoxically, when I started effexor I was too depressed to really care much about the withdrawal symptoms but now that I am less depressed I am starting to think about the future more and I see effexor withdrawal as a roadblock I have to overcome sooner or later before I’m ever really free from depression. -scattered

Look, believe it or not, I do think AD’s can help.  I also strongly believe the SSRI’s are filled with serious problems. That said I suggest that you start therapy, if you have not already if you have continuing situations in your life which get you down, or add stress. Sometimes just a dozen sessions can make a great deal of difference. Don’t worry about the Effexor for a while, say six months.  At the end of the six months reevaluate the situation in your life.  I would suggest that you have both medical and psychological support in place for the withdrawal (which might not even happen for you, everyone is different) from the drug. Obviously a slow phased phase out is the way to do it, but scattered, concentrate on your old issues now, since from the tone of your post, it seems like you have experienced some relief from depression.

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<< Effexor is the first antidepressant I took that seemed to make a difference. Based on that – I am happy with it. On the other hand, I can’t shake the feeling that I am living on borrowed time. I have read way too many accounts of the nightmares that many people have gone through withdrawing from the drug. *** I had a discussion with my doctor about this yesterday. I’ve been on Effexor XR for several months; at about 225mg it seemed to stop working, so he added a small dosage of Ritalin and it helped. But I’ve been having some real downtimes lately, and when the doc suggested increasing the Effexor to 300mg I asked him the same withdrawl questions. He didn’t seem overly concerned; he said that if I chose to withdraw I’d just have to do it very, very slowly. I’m troubled by the idea of being physically dependant on this drug (what if there’s another big earthquake and the pharmacies aren’t operating?). But in the end, I’m willing to take my chances; it’s better than the uncontrollable rage and depression I felt before I started the meds. Kit

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Question:

Ok, so my doctor agreed to try another SSRI, but she wanted me to wean off Paxil first! Told her I could wean off one and wean onto another at the same time, but she was dubious about that so I asked her to look it up and ask around… now she agrees. She has prescribed Effexor.

Although Effexor technically is not an SSRI it is cross tolerant with SSRI’s so switching this way should be no problem. I’ve been told to take 20 mgs of paxil(instead of 40) and to add 37,5mgs of effexor for the next 3 days, then drop the paxil completely and raise the effexor to 75mgs. Does this sound about right? It seems like a fast changeover to me, but I’d rather deal with any side effects and get this change over with quickly myself anyway.

I agree that this may be a tad fast but I think it can be done if you are prepared to white-knuckle through some possible temporary side effects. My other question; is the target does of 75 mgs of effexor comparible to the 40 mgs of paxil I’ve been taking?

That is impossible to say as our reactions to meds are so personal. 75 mg of Effexor sound OK to me and if after a few weeks you feel it doesn’t work well enough you can always raise the dose a bit more. My xanax has been switched from 2x .5mg per day to 1x 1mg xanax XR per day. Hopefully it will stop me feeling like a yo-yo, I may need to ask for a dose increase I think.

I think so too considering the AD change. I take Xanax XR and IMO it is far preferable to *normal* Xanax. No rollercoatser effect anymore but a comparatively very smooth ride. Any thoughts/comments about this change in meds?

No ) Keep us posted! Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Ok, so my doctor agreed to try another SSRI, but she wanted me to wean off Paxil first! Told her I could wean off one and wean onto another at the same time, but she was dubious about that so I asked her to look it up and ask around… now she agrees. She has prescribed Effexor. I’ve been told to take 20mgs of paxil(instead of 40) and to add 37,5mgs of effexor for the next 3 days, then drop the paxil completely and raise the effexor to 75mgs. Does this sound about right? It seems like a fast changeover to me, but I’d rather deal with any side effects and get this change over with quickly myself anyway. My other question; is the target does of 75 mgs of effexor comparible to the 40 mgs of paxil I’ve been taking? My xanax has been switched from 2x .5mg per day to 1x 1mg xanax XR per day. Hopefully it will stop me feeling like a yo-yo, I may need to ask for a dose increase I think. I’ll soon find out, considering the other med change! : ) Any thoughts/comments about this change in meds? I mean to start the changeover tommorow… Vashti

Response:

From what you say above, and below, Vashti, it doesn’t seem like she has a good grip on these medications, but at least is open minded. Both frustrating and refreshing at the same time!

well could be dangerous to be less savy about things one prescribes Yes, I think it’s far too fast and large a drop in Paxil,

I concur My biggest concern would be that sudden drop of Paxil from 40 to 20, with a "starter" dose of Effexor ( 37.5 mg ) to take the place of 20 mg of Paxil?  I don’t think so!!

nope best off dropping paxil by 5mg a day per week until off Remember, they may be very slight, if much at all. So much depends on how ‘you’ react, not how some others have.

true 150 mg of Effexor to 40 mg of Paxil??

or  more since paxil is up to 17 times more potent at the synapse then prozac effexor hits multiple sites at higher doses and is basicaly serotonergic at lower ones so a sliding conversion may not be too bad-as a phenethylamine compound it excerts reuptake inhibition on serotonin first noradrenaline second and weakly dopaminergic thirdly so in some ways in works like a tca but in reverse where the tca hits adrenergic sites first serotonin sites second. it would be somewhat difficult to make a comparative dose per dose response due to the different pharmacokinetics and individual responses From what I understand, the XR should work out very well.

yes it would bot Rita and Philip use this med with good success You’re not alone..

Microbes are everywhere

Response:

Question:

The standard answer I’ve encountered is that effexor withdrawal is bad *because* effexor has such a short half-life. At best, this is only part of the answer. For example, a carefull 2 week taper can mimic the decay curve of a drug with a 2 week half-life, but a 2 week taper is manifestly not enough for effexor. Why not? One idea I had is that perhaps there is a phenomenon called "kindling" involved. This is the idea that going through an even minor drug withdrawal in some way predisposes the central nervous system to undergo more severe withdrawals from the same drug in the future. This phenomenon is pretty well established in the case of alcohol, where it is alcoholics who have already gone through a number of detoxes who are most at risk for developing DTs. Maybe the shorter half-life of effexor means that your body is constantly going through mini-withdrawals and setting you up for a really big withdrawal in the future. The only problem with this theory that I see is that it would seem to suggest that effexor xr has less of a withdrawal problem than regular effexor, but I don’t think that this is the case. Any ideas? -scattered

Response:

No ideas, but one remedy I’ve heard for Effex withdrawl is to take a Prozac along with it as you taper. Prozac is the opposite in that it stays in the system for weeks and weeks and helps the process… Only hearsay however.. Experience, anyone?

Response:

hya scattered half lives, etc reminds me too much of chemistry and physics, so i will avoid responding to that one (plus i dont have a scooby)! I know that any time I’ve tried to come off the normal efexor i’ve had terrible feelings of being physically ill and weird nightmares, anxiety and more severe agoraphobia. It’s funny, cos I’m on weekly prescriptions of efexor (due to recurrent OD’s) and my GP has threatened to stop prescribing it to me.  Would he be that cruel ? Does he not know how bad coming off efexor is?  Perhaps he’s just bluffing to scare me into behaving myself. Anyway, it might have something to do with the half life.  I will ask my GP on Thursday and see what he has to say.  Not sure he’ll be able to enlighten me, but I can but try.  I’ll update you if he says anything interesting. lisa

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The standard answer I’ve encountered is that effexor withdrawal is bad *because* effexor has such a short half-life. At best, this is only part of the answer. For example, a carefull 2 week taper can mimic the decay curve of a drug with a 2 week half-life, but a 2 week taper is manifestly not enough for effexor. Why not? One idea I had is that perhaps there is a phenomenon called "kindling" involved. This is the idea that going through an even minor drug withdrawal in some way predisposes the central nervous system to undergo more severe withdrawals from the same drug in the future. This phenomenon is pretty well established in the case of alcohol, where it is alcoholics who have already gone through a number of detoxes who are most at risk for developing DTs. Maybe the shorter half-life of effexor means that your body is constantly going through mini-withdrawals and setting you up for a really big withdrawal in the future. The only problem with this theory that I see is that it would seem to suggest that effexor xr has less of a withdrawal problem than regular effexor, but I don’t think that this is the case. Any ideas? -scattered

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – << The standard answer I’ve encountered is that effexor withdrawal is bad *because* effexor has such a short half-life. At best, this is only part of the answer. For example, a carefull 2 week taper can mimic the decay curve of a drug with a 2 week half-life, but a 2 week taper is manifestly not enough for effexor. Why not? This is THE answer to why Effexor has such a bad "withdrawal" as some call it. It is indeed due to Effexor’s short half life. All the antidepressants which have very short half lives tend to have a bad withdrawal. Paxil is even shorter than Effexor and Paxil has a notorious "withdrawal." As Effexor has this short half life, this means it exits your body at high speed which hurts and results in "Effexor withdrawal." One idea I had is that perhaps there is a phenomenon called "kindling" involved. This is the idea that going through an even minor drug withdrawal in some way predisposes the central nervous system to undergo more severe withdrawals from the same drug in the future. This phenomenon is pretty well established in the case of alcohol, where it is alcoholics who have already gone through a number of detoxes who are most at risk for developing DTs. Maybe the shorter half-life of effexor means that your body is constantly going through mini-withdrawals and setting you up for a really big withdrawal in the future. The only problem with this theory that I see is that it would seem to suggest that effexor xr has less of a withdrawal problem than regular effexor, but I don’t think that this is the case. No, your "kindling" theory is bullshit. That has nothing to do with antidepressant withdrawal.

From the expert sophists mouth, so just drop the idea, Eric does not like it.  The fact that the kindling idea is a theory as promising as the one which supports the use of SSRI’s is of no interest to Eric. On the other hand other people are willing to entertain such ideas, not necessarily accept them, but surely consider them. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The main reason is due to the short half lives some of these ADs have. Notice that Prozac has an extremely long half live and nobody ever complains of a bad withdrawal when they go off Prozac. Voila…there you go.

Response:

<< The standard answer I’ve encountered is that effexor withdrawal is bad *because* effexor has such a short half-life. At best, this is only part of the answer. For example, a carefull 2 week taper can mimic the decay curve of a drug with a 2 week half-life, but a 2 week taper is manifestly not enough for effexor. Why not? This is THE answer to why Effexor has such a bad "withdrawal" as some call it. It is indeed due to Effexor’s short half life. All the antidepressants which have very short half lives tend to have a bad withdrawal. Paxil is even shorter than Effexor and Paxil has a notorious "withdrawal." As Effexor has this short half life, this means it exits your body at high speed which hurts and results in "Effexor withdrawal."

Thank you for your response. However, it doesn’t address the question of *why* a short half-life produces viscious withdrawal symptoms. If it was simply that the drug left the system so fast that the brain didn’t have time to adjust, then a relatively quick taper should fix the problem. But it doesn’t – so I think that something more must be going on. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One idea I had is that perhaps there is a phenomenon called "kindling" involved. This is the idea that going through an even minor drug withdrawal in some way predisposes the central nervous system to undergo more severe withdrawals from the same drug in the future. This phenomenon is pretty well established in the case of alcohol, where it is alcoholics who have already gone through a number of detoxes who are most at risk for developing DTs. Maybe the shorter half-life of effexor means that your body is constantly going through mini-withdrawals and setting you up for a really big withdrawal in the future. The only problem with this theory that I see is that it would seem to suggest that effexor xr has less of a withdrawal problem than regular effexor, but I don’t think that this is the case. No, your "kindling" theory is bullshit. That has nothing to do with antidepressant withdrawal. The main reason is due to the short half lives some of these ADs have. Notice that Prozac has an extremely long half live and nobody ever complains of a bad withdrawal when they go off Prozac. Voila…there you go. Eric

In my view – the kindling theory (not mine, by the way) was an attempt to explain *why* a short half-life leads to such a viscious withdrawal syndrome. I have no formal training in nueroscience, so it was just an educated guess. If you are aware of any research relevant to the question I would be interested in seeing it. After all – why be satisfied with bullshit if genuine knowledge is possible? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any ideas? -scattered Steroids caused my depression…prednisone should be used conservatively http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FactsAndFallaciesOfDepression MIBS (Minimally Invasive Brain Stimulation) http://www.musc.edu/psychiatry/fnrd/tms.htm

Response:

Question:

Hi, I’ve been sufferig from epilepsy for about 12 years now, trying all sorts of medications and combinations without getting any noticable improvement. A year ago I started a new combination that improved my condition greatly, Sodium Valperate 700mg 3 times a day & Lamictal 75mg twice a day. unfortunately it brought with it some very aggrevating sideaffects. Several months after starting that combination,my right forefinger started trembling uncontrolably, later my pinky started the same kind of tremble and at the moment I’m starting to develop the same kind of tremble in my left hand as well. This is a very light tremble (not like "Parkinson"), steel it is very disturbing. For example, it forces me to hold my forefinger with my thumb if I don’t use it while typing to prevent it from disturbing my conentartion (this is only one example). Does anybody have any experiance with the use of this combination ? If you do, let me know. Thanks, B.G

Response:

Your best bet is to have it checked out next time you see your doctor.  It may be side effects from your meds that could be easily corrected.  

Response:

Hi BG, My daughter Harley used to be on that combination and i`m afraid to say it made her very very poorly ;-( She used to get "tremors" with it…in fact she got so bad that her whole body shook. But she obviously had a bad reaction to it. Could it be breakthrough sz`s? She also tremors from the ep. Have you ever tried Topiramate?…When Harley had to be weaned off the Lamotrogine,she was put onto that. Although she still doesn`t have full control,it has been the best combo she has had,and at the moment seems to be doing really well(for her!). My youngest son Marshall has just started on Lamotrogine with Epilim too,so please wish me(him!) luck! I hope you get some answers,please let us all know how you get on. Lisa,James,Harley and Marshall ;0) Zvi Galil <g_…@netvision.net.il

wrote in message

news:8umj9e$g3u$2@news.netvision.net.il… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi, I’ve been sufferig from epilepsy for about 12 years now, trying all sorts

of

medications and combinations without getting any noticable improvement. A year ago I started a new combination that improved my condition greatly, Sodium Valperate 700mg 3 times a day & Lamictal 75mg twice a day. unfortunately it brought with it some very aggrevating sideaffects. Several months after starting that combination,my right forefinger started trembling uncontrolably, later my pinky started the same kind of tremble

and

at the moment I’m starting to develop the same kind of tremble in my left hand as well. This is a very light tremble (not like "Parkinson"), steel it is very disturbing. For example, it forces me to hold my forefinger with my thumb if I don’t

use

it while typing to prevent it from disturbing my conentartion (this is only one example). Does anybody have any experiance with the use of this combination ? If you do, let me know. Thanks, B.G

Response:

You may want to be checked out by your doctor to see if it is side effects of medication.  You may also want him/her to check and see if it is the neurological movement disorder called essential tremor.  I have this and it makes me shake uncontrollably like you are talking about.  Hope you get the help you need. Rounder3 <round…@aol.com

wrote in message

news:20001113102239.20750.00001376@ng-fd1.aol.com… | Your best bet is to have it checked out next time you see your doctor.  It may | be side effects from your meds that could be easily corrected.

Response:

Hi, I see that you’ve already got some good recommendations already. It helps to know that you’re not alone, doesn’t it? My nieces has epilepsy and I have narcolepsy. I was put on a drug many years ago which I thought was an answer to prayer. It was called NARDIL. I have heard that it’s been around for a long time and not used too much anymore because of it’s diet constraints. If one doesn’t follow the diet restrictions instructed while taking the drug it could cause stroke/heart attack at any age. Anyway, I felt great on it initially,….was awake and had energy during the day. THEN the weird facial palsy stuff started happening. First gradually, just at night a couple of times and then more often and happening during the day. I was scared and didn’t think about relating side-effects to the drug at first. Then another side-effect was that I *couldn’t* get more sleep than 4 hours at a time and my body became more and more exhausted. The drug wasn’t "letting" my brain have normal sleep anymore in reverse. Narcolepsy without medication is when you fall asleep ALL the time. Needless to say, I reported to my doctor and was taken off the drug. She told me that the side-effects I had did happen to some people when taking Nardil. Additionally, once I was given *Phenothyiasine* (sp?) when I was a teenager for "dry heaves" when I was extremely ill with the flu. Gross,…but I kept retching even when I didn’t have any more to throw up. (sorry for description) By end of day two on it, it was throughing me into seizures. So unfortunately, what you’re experiencing could be directly related to your medication, but as the others have urged,….it’s best to go to your doctor about it. Sara  :) Zvi Galil <g_…@netvision.net.il

wrote in message

news:8umj9e$g3u$2@news.netvision.net.il… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi, I’ve been sufferig from epilepsy for about 12 years now, trying all sorts

of

medications and combinations without getting any noticable improvement. A year ago I started a new combination that improved my condition greatly, Sodium Valperate 700mg 3 times a day & Lamictal 75mg twice a day. unfortunately it brought with it some very aggrevating sideaffects. Several months after starting that combination,my right forefinger started trembling uncontrolably, later my pinky started the same kind of tremble

and

at the moment I’m starting to develop the same kind of tremble in my left hand as well. This is a very light tremble (not like "Parkinson"), steel it is very disturbing. For example, it forces me to hold my forefinger with my thumb if I don’t

use

it while typing to prevent it from disturbing my conentartion (this is only one example). Does anybody have any experiance with the use of this combination ? If you do, let me know. Thanks, B.G

______________________________________________________________________ Posted Via Uncensored-News.Com – Still Only $9.95 – http://www.uncensored-news.com  With Servers In California, Texas And Virginia – The Worlds Uncensored News Source

Response:

Question:

I’ve been depressed for the past several months and I sleep too much. My new doc perscibed prozac and trazodone, has anyone had this experience? wil

Response:

Hi!  I was on Prozac and Trazedone for a couple of years.  I am still taking Trazedone at night (taking other meds during the day).  Trazedone at a therapeutic dose at night will help you sleep good and hopefully will enable you after 8 hours of sleep to awaken refreshed and the Prozac should help keep you movin during the day. My new doc perscibed prozac and trazodone, has anyone had this experience?

<//< Cynthia / Southern California "Jesus Wept"

Response:

I’ve been depressed for the past several months and I sleep too much. My new doc perscibed prozac and trazodone, has anyone had this experience? wil

Wil, I used to take both these meds well before my diagnosis was well defined. I recall the prozac made me feel slightly "wired" and buzzing, and the trazodone was to help with sleep – and it also was supposed to counter the sexual side-effects of the prozac (I found trazodone didn’t help with that).  I later switched to zoloft. For sleep I was later prescribed ambien (which again was supposed to counter the sexual side-effects of zoloft – it didn’t work for me). best, Rick S.

Response:

Wilfredo, I took prozac for a while and trazadone also.  Separately.  I’m currently on no meds for depression (except my thyroid LOL) but I do still occasionally take 50-100 mg of trazadone at night to sleep.  My psychiatrist gave it to me and continues to prescribe it.  It’s on an as needed basis.  I love that stuff! Jane

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been depressed for the past several months and I sleep too much. My new doc perscibed prozac and trazodone, has anyone had this experience? wil Wil, I used to take both these meds well before my diagnosis was well defined. I recall the prozac made me feel slightly "wired" and buzzing, and the trazodone was to help with sleep – and it also was supposed to counter the sexual side-effects of the prozac (I found trazodone didn’t help with that).  I later switched to zoloft. For sleep I was later prescribed ambien (which again was supposed to counter the sexual side-effects of zoloft – it didn’t work for me). best, Rick S.

Response:

Question:

First, you should never ever stop taking your meds "cold turkey"  You must be weened off by your doc. I quit taking zoloft after I was in remission and then I started on a downward spiral. I’m back on thank God. I don’t know how long you took them , but it can take up to several months to feel an effect. Regardless, if it is not working, your doc can help you switch to something else. Lia

Response:

I had no side effects with Dothiepin except cotton-mouth. My friend was on mega-doses of Doxepin as well with no major side effects except for yours but he was able to counter it with a fibre supplement. The *tryptyline drugs are some of the older tricyclics, maybe a newer one would work without the problems. Still, getting a doctor to prescibe it can be an issue. I argued with mine about it but she seems sold on the SSRI’s. The point is moot now as I haven’t had anything for months. Regards, Trevor Ida Kern <clooney…@mindspring.com

wrote in message

news:7if9pn$jv4$1@nntp4.atl.mindspring.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Trevor Lampre <tlam…@camtech.net.au

wrote in message

> > I liked good old Dothiepin for depression but it’s no longer part > > of the in-crowd as it is a tricyclic not an SSRI. I’ve not seen tricyclics

mentioned much in terms of OCD. Me neither. However, one of the best drugs I have ever taken has been Pamelor (Nortriptyline), which is a tricylic. I slept well and ate well and did

not

obsess. Unfortunately, it’s major side effect was that it prevented me from taking

a

healthy constitutional! I tried everything I could think of to stay on

this

medicine but the side effects overwhelmed me and I had to switch to a

SSRI.

They help, but I loved the Pamelor. Ida

Response:

Trevor Lampre <tlam…@camtech.net.au

wrote in message I liked good old Dothiepin for depression but it’s no longer part of the in-crowd as it is a tricyclic not an SSRI. I’ve not seen tricyclics mentioned much in terms of OCD.

Me neither. However, one of the best drugs I have ever taken has been Pamelor (Nortriptyline), which is a tricylic. I slept well and ate well and did not obsess. Unfortunately, it’s major side effect was that it prevented me from taking a healthy constitutional! I tried everything I could think of to stay on this medicine but the side effects overwhelmed me and I had to switch to a SSRI. They help, but I loved the Pamelor. Ida

Response:

hugs wrapped in a hug: ( kbeth (kb…@asan.com) wrote:

: *HUGS* : -kbeth    ) : On Tue, 25 May 1999 01:34:47 GMT, jl…@gte.com wrote: :

:

Well, I quit taking Zoloft last week because I don’t feel like it’s

:

helping me that much (been wondering if I need a different SSRI). I

:

know it takes awhile for it to get out of the system, but I’ve been

:

totally nuts ever since. I quit seeing my therapist about 6 weeks ago,

:

too — I just did not like her at all (she didn’t "care", IMO). I

:

really, really need to find a good therapist — this past weekend had

:

some very, very dark moments.  I feel very depressed for some

:

reason (as opposed to being anxious — which I still am, but the

:

depression seems more overwhelming these days).

:

:

My husband talked me into starting back on the Zoloft today (after I

:

*begged* him this morning not to go to work today (( ).

:

:

Just venting I guess — I know there’s nothing anyone can do.

:

:

Lisa

— —————————————————— some people say I got no patience. I got lots of patience. I can wait all day for someone else to Brew the Coffee….

Response:

In article <374a0b6…@news.camtech.net.au

, "Trevor Lampre"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<tlam…@camtech.net.au

wrote: Zoloft is an antidepressant so in stopping taking it you have exposed yourself to a downhill slide. The Zoloft might not have been helping with the OCD but it probably was helping the depression. The SSRI’s are strange drugs. They are very selective in how they affect different people, what works for one may not work for another. I confounded my GP with my complaints about the side effects of Zoloft, Luvox and Serzone. I liked good old Dothiepin for depression but it’s no longer part of the in-crowd as it is a tricyclic not an SSRI. I’ve not seen tricyclics mentioned much in terms of OCD. Interactions with doctors are just as problematic. Having a sense of trust and rapport with your therapist is important. I had seen two counselors over the years before my current one. They were as thick as two short planks and I didn’t see them for long. You are quite right to stop seeing one you don’t get on with but please make an effort to find a new one. Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face. If the Zoloft wasn’t worsening your OCD but did help with the depression I’d say to stay on it until you get new medical advice. Go and see a GP (or whoever does this sort of thing where you are) and discuss a change of med. If you still had anxiety you might want to add an anxiolytic such as Xanax to the Zoloft mix or perhaps switch to Luvox but discuss it with a doctor first. Switching meds can be hard. You normally have to wait a week or two depending on your dosage levels to get the old drug out of your system before starting a new one and then it takes a couple of weeks for the new one to have an effect. Regards, Trevor <jl…@gte.com wrote in message news:374bfc28.2519205@news.gte.net… Well, I quit taking Zoloft last week because I don’t feel like it’s helping me that much (been wondering if I need a different SSRI). I know it takes awhile for it to get out of the system, but I’ve been totally nuts ever since. I quit seeing my therapist about 6 weeks ago, too — I just did not like her at all (she didn’t "care", IMO). I really, really need to find a good therapist — this past weekend had some very, very dark moments.  I feel very depressed for some reason (as opposed to being anxious — which I still am, but the depression seems more overwhelming these days). My husband talked me into starting back on the Zoloft today (after I *begged* him this morning not to go to work today (( ). Just venting I guess — I know there’s nothing anyone can do. Lisa

Additionally, it is said that it takes 2-3 months on the SSRI’s to see OCD relief…I don’t know how long you’ve been on it, but it may pay to stay on if the side effects are not bad, as it is helping your depression now and could very well help your OCD later… — Charles Phipps cphi…@roadhog.com

Response:

Hi it doesn’t sound like a too good idea to me to AND quit the therapist AND the meds at the same time. I have no idea how long you’d been on the Zoloft but it takes long time for SSRI’s to be efficient on OCD symptoms, most people mention at least 10 weeks on the proper dosage… Also it might not be the proper SSRI, it took me three trials before actually finding something (Luvox) that seem to be working. I know how very difficult it all is. If you have OCD you should get in touch with the OCD Foundation (they have a Web site with all kind of infos on how to reach them etc…) and ask them for the adress of a trained CBT therapist near you. I don’t know what your symptms are but talk therapy doesn’t do much for OCD. I have been in talk therapy for over 2 years, even though it has given me some insight on some other problems, it didn’t help at all the OCD. Hang in there, it’s tough but you can get better, Cecile – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<jl…@gte.com

wrote in message news:374bfc28.2519205@news.gte.net… Well, I quit taking Zoloft last week because I don’t feel like it’s helping me that much (been wondering if I need a different SSRI). I know it takes awhile for it to get out of the system, but I’ve been totally nuts ever since. I quit seeing my therapist about 6 weeks ago, too — I just did not like her at all (she didn’t "care", IMO). I really, really need to find a good therapist — this past weekend had some very, very dark moments.  I feel very depressed for some reason (as opposed to being anxious — which I still am, but the depression seems more overwhelming these days). My husband talked me into starting back on the Zoloft today (after I *begged* him this morning not to go to work today (( ). Just venting I guess — I know there’s nothing anyone can do. Lisa

Response:

Hi Lisa From my personnal experience I know that it takes about 10 weeks for the medication to start working and I know that it seems like forever. Hang in there.  Yes I think that it is very important to find a good therepist.  Make sure they deal with ocd.  Don’t give up because of one person I know there is someone who can help you.  It helped me to chat in support groups and talk to others dealing with the same problems.  You will feel better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and when you do, you will get so much more joy out of life than ever before! Take Care

Response:

Zoloft is an antidepressant so in stopping taking it you have exposed yourself to a downhill slide. The Zoloft might not have been helping with the OCD but it probably was helping the depression. The SSRI’s are strange drugs. They are very selective in how they affect different people, what works for one may not work for another. I confounded my GP with my complaints about the side effects of Zoloft, Luvox and Serzone. I liked good old Dothiepin for depression but it’s no longer part of the in-crowd as it is a tricyclic not an SSRI. I’ve not seen tricyclics mentioned much in terms of OCD. Interactions with doctors are just as problematic. Having a sense of trust and rapport with your therapist is important. I had seen two counselors over the years before my current one. They were as thick as two short planks and I didn’t see them for long. You are quite right to stop seeing one you don’t get on with but please make an effort to find a new one. Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face. If the Zoloft wasn’t worsening your OCD but did help with the depression I’d say to stay on it until you get new medical advice. Go and see a GP (or whoever does this sort of thing where you are) and discuss a change of med. If you still had anxiety you might want to add an anxiolytic such as Xanax to the Zoloft mix or perhaps switch to Luvox but discuss it with a doctor first. Switching meds can be hard. You normally have to wait a week or two depending on your dosage levels to get the old drug out of your system before starting a new one and then it takes a couple of weeks for the new one to have an effect. Regards, Trevor – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<jl…@gte.com

wrote in message news:374bfc28.2519205@news.gte.net… Well, I quit taking Zoloft last week because I don’t feel like it’s helping me that much (been wondering if I need a different SSRI). I know it takes awhile for it to get out of the system, but I’ve been totally nuts ever since. I quit seeing my therapist about 6 weeks ago, too — I just did not like her at all (she didn’t "care", IMO). I really, really need to find a good therapist — this past weekend had some very, very dark moments.  I feel very depressed for some reason (as opposed to being anxious — which I still am, but the depression seems more overwhelming these days). My husband talked me into starting back on the Zoloft today (after I *begged* him this morning not to go to work today (( ). Just venting I guess — I know there’s nothing anyone can do. Lisa

Response:

*HUGS* -kbeth – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -On Tue, 25 May 1999 01:34:47 GMT, jl…@gte.com wrote:

Well, I quit taking Zoloft last week because I don’t feel like it’s helping me that much (been wondering if I need a different SSRI). I know it takes awhile for it to get out of the system, but I’ve been totally nuts ever since. I quit seeing my therapist about 6 weeks ago, too — I just did not like her at all (she didn’t "care", IMO). I really, really need to find a good therapist — this past weekend had some very, very dark moments.  I feel very depressed for some reason (as opposed to being anxious — which I still am, but the depression seems more overwhelming these days). My husband talked me into starting back on the Zoloft today (after I *begged* him this morning not to go to work today (( ). Just venting I guess — I know there’s nothing anyone can do. Lisa

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