Question:

ONe doc told me to put my inhalers in my mouth when i use them…..another told me not…..i would appreciate if others would share what their docs said!!

Response:

My doctor want wants a spacer used.

Response:

ONe doc told me to put my inhalers in my mouth when i use them…..another told me not…..i would appreciate if others would share what their docs said!!

Depending on the type of inhaler you’re using, you might want to consider a "spacer" device. I’m surprised neither doc actually mentioned them ! Chris — Chris King                    | Information provided here should NOT be used http://www.csking.demon.co.uk | practitioner.

Response:

If you do not have a spacer, then out. place the mouthpiece about two to three fingers away from the mouth and proceed. The idea is to slow the delivery of the aerosol so as not to just coat the inside of the mouth… basically what a straight spacer does. With less medication coating the mouth, the more you’re able to take in.

Response:

ONe doc told me to put my inhalers in my mouth when i use them…..another told me not…..i would appreciate if others would share what their docs said!!

Inhalers come with patient instructions so the first thing to do is read them. Different kinds of inhalers may be used differently. Probably the most common inhaler type at the moment is the MDI or metered-dose inhaler. There is more than one correct technique; theoretically spraying a short distance outside the mouth results in better aersolization, but aim is critical and its hard to get the spray going in the right direction. MDI instructions usually show the inhaler being inserted in the mouth since its easier to aim. The best way with an MDI is to use a spacer, like an AeroChamber–this results in good aersolization with minimum side effects due to overspray. The breath-actuated inhalers, like the Autohaler and DPI (dry powder inhaler), like the turbuhaler, require the mouthpace be inserted in the mouth to get proper suction. Also in general spacers can not be used with this type of inhaler. See: http://www.lung.ca/asthma/manage/devices.html  Inhalation Devices (MDI, DPI, Nebulizer) Canada http://www.lung.ca/devices/mdi.html  Proper Use of MDIs Canada http://www.caritas.ab.ca/~ther/respcare/asthma/medicat.html SPACER MED  ADMINISTRATION (MDI) Canada http://www.njc.org/MFhtml/AER_MF.html Using an Aerochamber

Question:

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.

Response:

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.

Response:

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.

Response:

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.

Response:

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.

Response:

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.

Response:

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

Response:

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.

Response:

Question:

((((((Deirdre)))))) I wish I had the right words, any words to say right now to you.  I’m so very sorry about what happened to you and how you are feeling. Do you have a therapy session or pdoc’s appointment soon.  It would do you good to talk with a professional about how you are feeling. Please vent all you need to us.  We are here for you. smiles, Elise

I’m close to crashing and burning. Anybody wants to know more check the blog home.earthlink.net/~deirdre1952 THanks for caring Anne – it feels really good. Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Thank you Anne, Jackie, Diane, and Elise — and the others who have given me such kind support. I’m still struggling, but I’m doing the best I can. My brother is coming by today on his way to a gig – he’s going to help me gather up all the trash bags and get them to the dumpster. That he’s doing it for Mom rather than for me is expected. That doesn’t matter a lot to me — just a little — but any assistance at all is a gift. I wish I the equivalent of 7 dwarves who could come into my house and whistle while they work, doing all the things I am currently incapable of doing. (Yuck. I hate Disney imagery.) Anyway, thank you all again. I’m still around, just very wobbly both physically and emotionally. Medications help somewhat. I am finding it difficult to meditate: sometimes my brain is racing too fast and furiously, sometimes I just sit and cry. There are three things that keep me going: 1. Mom (she loves me and needs me) 2. the knowledge that I’ve been in this state before and survived 3. my support system, of which ASAP-M is a major part. Thanks again to all, Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

One day at a time. love Meryl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thank you Anne, Jackie, Diane, and Elise — and the others who have given me such kind support. I’m still struggling, but I’m doing the best I can. My brother is coming by today on his way to a gig – he’s going to help me gather up all the trash bags and get them to the dumpster. That he’s doing it for Mom rather than for me is expected. That doesn’t matter a lot to me — just a little — but any assistance at all is a gift. I wish I the equivalent of 7 dwarves who could come into my house and whistle while they work, doing all the things I am currently incapable of doing. (Yuck. I hate Disney imagery.) Anyway, thank you all again. I’m still around, just very wobbly both physically and emotionally. Medications help somewhat. I am finding it difficult to meditate: sometimes my brain is racing too fast and furiously, sometimes I just sit and cry. There are three things that keep me going: 1. Mom (she loves me and needs me) 2. the knowledge that I’ve been in this state before and survived 3. my support system, of which ASAP-M is a major part. Thanks again to all, Deirdre

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Just wondering how you’re doing…  Sending good thoughts your way. xxoo Anne — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I’m close to crashing and burning. Anybody wants to know more check the blog home.earthlink.net/~deirdre1952 THanks for caring Anne – it feels really good. Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Deirdre:  I had just read your blog before I posted.  :-( Please tell us how we can help.  Do you have AIM or Yahoo Messenger? xxoo Anne — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

~*~I’m close to crashing and burning. Anybody wants to know more check the Dear Deirdre, I wish I could say or do something to make you feel better. Everything I want heart-breaking and brutally honest. I don`t know if you realize it but you are an incredibly strong, courageous woman, one I admire and care for very much. Good thoughts being sent your way. Hoping you will heal from both your physical and emotional pain one day soon…. (((((Deirdre))))) P.S. Never forget farts in the barn. I still laugh to this day when I think about that ) Jackie ~*~Advice is like snow – the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind~*~  ~~By Samuel Taylor Coleridge.~~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Sorry for top posting, but I agree with Jackie.  {{{{{Deirdre}}}}} Love, Di

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ~*~I’m close to crashing and burning. Anybody wants to know more check the Dear Deirdre, I wish I could say or do something to make you feel better. Everything I want heart-breaking and brutally honest. I don`t know if you realize it but you are an incredibly strong, courageous woman, one I admire and care for very much. Good thoughts being sent your way. Hoping you will heal from both your physical and emotional pain one day soon…. (((((Deirdre))))) P.S. Never forget farts in the barn. I still laugh to this day when I think about that ) Jackie

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

It’s nice to see you here again, Deirdre.  Glad things are pretty much normal for you and your Mom.  Just wanted to hear something from you, that’s all.  {{{{{Deirdre}}}}}

Thanks, Di — I appreciate that. Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Philip, and everyone, The good news is: since I’ve been meditating regularly I haven’t had any anxiety at all. Peace to all, Deirdre Hi Deirdre.  It is good to read your posts again!!  Please can you teach us a little about your meditation methods?  I would be very interested in hearing about this!

Hi TJ, I posted about my meditation practice —  it has links to downloads and some other info. Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Deirdre, Good to hear from you.  Glad the meditation is helping with the anxiety. Take care and you know where we are… smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I may have missed something but I am wondering where Deirdre is. I miss her here. Anyone know? Philip Hi Philip, and everyone, It’s nice to be missed — sorry if I worried anyone.  I just haven’t been motivated to post anything.  Mostly I feel I have nothing to contribute about anxiety and panic. The good news is: since I’ve been meditating regularly I haven’t had any anxiety at all.  The weird news is:  since I’ve been meditating regularly I have been lethargic and uninterested in most things.  I can’t quite shake the (irrational?) thought that maybe I need a little anxiety to keep me moving. So, make of that what you will.  It feels like depression without sadness. Is that possible?  My pdoc du jour is not a lot of help.  He’s nice and earnest and looks to be about 14 years old.  Lots of reference books and very little real experience.  That’s what we po’ folks get. I’m currently taking 60 mg fluoxetine (Prozac) and 150 mg venlafaxine (Effexor) daily.  I have clonazepam (Klonopin) on hand but haven’t needed it in quite a while.  Same with the trazodone for insomnia.  Since pdoc added the Effexor, the only apparent change is an increase in exhaustingly bizarre dreams.  I’ve always had wild dreams, but these are way off the charts.  I wake up shaking my head in amazement.  OTOH, maybe meditation is stripping away layers of the mental onion, so to speak, and I’m getting down to the deeper levels of me.  Whatever the case, there’s another unshakable (irrational?) thought: I am just really good at masking total madness. Raging psychosis under the quiet exterior.  Once again, pdoc du jour is too green to understand me.  I’ll be getting the next pdoc (a new one every summer) in a month or two.  We’ll see what the psych professors have dreamed up during the past 12 months. Other than mental health issues, I’m fairly healthy.  Meditation has significantly lowered and stabilized my blood pressure.  Mom is doing fine, in that there have been no crises.  She’s weaker and slower — the daily changes are imperceptible, but over a few months I can tell she’s slowing down.  My brother is fine, my nephew is grand.  My cat is occasionally snuggly. I guess that’s my report for now.  I’ll try to post more often, but I can’t promise anything. Peace to all, Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

"Deirdre" wrote : The good news is: since I’ve been meditating regularly I haven’t had any anxiety at all.  The weird news is:  since I’ve been meditating regularly I have been lethargic and uninterested in most things.  I can’t quite shake the (irrational?) thought that maybe I need a little anxiety to keep me moving.

        Interesting!  I’d expect that it would make you more alert.  I need to meditate more myself.           You said you’d posted on your meditation practices.  Where might we find that?  Do you still have your blog? Other than mental health issues, I’m fairly healthy.  Meditation has significantly lowered and stabilized my blood pressure.  Mom is doing fine, in that there have been no crises.  She’s weaker and slower — the daily changes are imperceptible, but over a few months I can tell she’s slowing down.  My brother is fine, my nephew is grand.  My cat is occasionally snuggly.

        I’m glad family is going relatively well.  ;-)  Do you have a boyfriend currently? Dennis — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Deirdre schreef:

<snip Mostly I feel I have nothing to contribute about anxiety and panic. Anything you write is worth reading.

Sweet talker <lol. The good news is: since I’ve been meditating regularly I haven’t had any anxiety at all.  The weird news is:  since I’ve been meditating regularly I have been lethargic and uninterested in most things.  I can’t quite shake the (irrational?) thought that maybe I need a little anxiety to keep me moving. Hehe. What kind of meditation do you practice?

see my post "my meditation practice" also — Basically two types of meditation practice that enhance each other. These increase concentration and insight: –mindfulness of the breath –mindfulness of the body –mindfulness of feelings –mindfulness of thoughts And metta meditation, also called lovingkindness meditation. I usually begin each sitting with standard relaxation exercises. In terms of psychiatric benefits, I’m starting to realize that the mindfulness meditations are more suited to combatting anxiety and panic, and the metta meditation is most beneficial against depression.  Looks like I need to do more metta:-) You don’t need anxiety in the pathological sense, no one does. But maybe you need other kinds of stimuli?

I download movies a lot.  But that’s just really high-tech escapism.  I have heaps of books but my attention span isn’t what it used to be.  And Mom is still saying "no" when I express my wish for a motorcycle. <sigh It feels like depression without sadness. It sounds like depression to me, some kind of dissociated depression maybe (hm, that sounds *deep*, I wonder what I mean by that).

I think you’re on the right track. "Dissociated" seems accurate. Is that possible?  My pdoc du jour is not a lot of help.  He’s nice and earnest and looks to be about 14 years old. A child prodigy in psychiatry! Psychiatry needs its very own Mozart.

In musical terms, this guy is more Manilow than Mozart.  Well-meaning, but little substance. <snip Did your child pdoc give a reason for prescribing Effexor together with 60 mg of Prozac or is he just trying the next cvombo he can think of?

You win a gold star.  He went over the long list of the drugs I’ve had previously, and we decided "Hey, maybe Effexor will be fun."  <shrug  It doesn’t seem to do much for me.  I just dread the inevitable weaning-off, whenever that comes.  Lots of horror stories out there. <snip Keep us posted please, maybe this one will be a drooling octogenarian?

<LOL Other than mental health issues, I’m fairly healthy.  Meditation has significantly lowered and stabilized my blood pressure. I want to learn it too!

It’s so simple.  It requires patience and dedication to practice, but it really is simple.  If you can sit and breathe, you can meditate.  See my post about my practice for suggestions on how to start. <snip   I’ll try to post more often, but I can’t promise anything. It’s not an *obligation*. We’re happy when you post because we *like* you a lot so it’s good to know how you are and you’ve been a lot worse.

Thanks, Philip.  I like you, I like this group.  I still think you hit the nail squarely on the head with "dissociation".  I’m here and not-here. That’s too Zen for me, but still.  :-) Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

"Deirdre" wrote : The good news is: since I’ve been meditating regularly I haven’t had

<snip    You said you’d posted on your meditation practices.  Where might we find that?

"my meditation practice" is the subject line Do you still have your blog?

Yes.  I write stuff there from time to time http://360.yahoo.com/deirdre_faithnomore I write about meditation there, among other topics. Do you have a boyfriend currently?

I honestly don’t know.  He who might be the boyfriend is an enigma.  He remains in poor health 3000 miles away. I care about him and his wellbeing, but there’s nothing I can do for him other than wish good things for him. In fact, that’s the only thing resembling help that he accepts from me. Anyway, I have my own wellbeing to tend to, and that of my mother, and that’s a lot of tending.  I’m all about decreasing suffering, so dwelling on a doomed love relationship is something I avoid. I hope you are well. Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::Other than mental health issues, I’m fairly healthy.  Meditation has ::significantly lowered and stabilized my blood pressure.  Mom is doing fine, ::in that there have been no crises.  She’s weaker and slower — the daily ::changes are imperceptible, but over a few months I can tell she’s slowing ::down.  My brother is fine, my nephew is grand.  My cat is occasionally ::snuggly. Dear Deirdre, It’s nice to see you again. Sorry to hear your Mom is slowing down but glad there have been no crises. Hope you stick around. (((((Deirdre))))) Jackie ~*~"What I cannot love, I overlook."~*~    ~~ Anais Nin — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <gently snipped ::Other than mental health issues, I’m fairly healthy.  Meditation has ::significantly lowered and stabilized my blood pressure.  Mom is doing fine, ::in that there have been no crises.  She’s weaker and slower — the daily ::changes are imperceptible, but over a few months I can tell she’s slowing ::down.  My brother is fine, my nephew is grand.  My cat is occasionally ::snuggly. Dear Deirdre, It’s nice to see you again. Sorry to hear your Mom is slowing down but glad there have been no crises. Hope you stick around. (((((Deirdre)))))

Thanks, Jackie ! Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Deirdre schreef: You don’t need anxiety in the pathological sense, no one does. But maybe you need other kinds of stimuli? I download movies a lot.  But that’s just really high-tech escapism.  I have heaps of books but my attention span isn’t what it used to be.  And Mom is still saying "no" when I express my wish for a motorcycle. <sigh

Well, you *are* an adult… you don’t need your mother’s approval. And a motorcycle may just be what the doctor ordered (maybe your insurance company will pay for it because it’s *outside*, adventurous, into the world! I didn’t mean movies or books (love them too) but rather interaction with the outside world. It feels like depression without sadness. It sounds like depression to me, some kind of dissociated depression maybe (hm, that sounds *deep*, I wonder what I mean by that). I think you’re on the right track. "Dissociated" seems accurate.

So focussing on everyday practical things seems beneficial. But it takes work and *motivation*. And motivation will never come if you wait for it. You have to act first and the the motivation will follow. As they say "Depression hates a moving target". Is that possible?  My pdoc du jour is not a lot of help.  He’s nice and earnest and looks to be about 14 years old. A child prodigy in psychiatry! Psychiatry needs its very own Mozart. In musical terms, this guy is more Manilow than Mozart.  Well-meaning, but little substance.

LOL. Hate Manilow. Now Mozart is quite a different proposition. <snip Did your child pdoc give a reason for prescribing Effexor together with 60 mg of Prozac or is he just trying the next cvombo he can think of? You win a gold star.  He went over the long list of the drugs I’ve had previously, and we decided "Hey, maybe Effexor will be fun."  <shrug  It doesn’t seem to do much for me.  I just dread the inevitable weaning-off, whenever that comes.  Lots of horror stories out there.

YMMV, as they say. Did you ever try a TCA? And proper CBT? (Lesse,, how many other abbr. do I know? Other than mental health issues, I’m fairly healthy.  Meditation has significantly lowered and stabilized my blood pressure. I want to learn it too! It’s so simple.  It requires patience and dedication to practice, but it really is simple.  If you can sit and breathe, you can meditate.  See my post about my practice for suggestions on how to start.

I did and I think it’s about time for me to go and practice some serious meditation.I did it off and on but that doesn’t work (stoy of my lazy life Thanks for sharing, it sounds inspirational.   I’ll try to post more often, but I can’t promise anything. It’s not an *obligation*. We’re happy when you post because we *like* you a lot so it’s good to know how you are and you’ve been a lot worse. Thanks, Philip.  I like you, I like this group.  I still think you hit the nail squarely on the head with "dissociation".  I’m here and not-here. That’s too Zen for me, but still.  :-)

One of my favourite Zen text: "Before I was enlightened the trees were trees and the mountains were mountains. When I started to become enlightened the trees weren’t trees and the mountains weren’t mountains. Now that I am enlightened the trees are trees and the mountains are mountains." One of the most profound statements I know. Not that it helps with anxiety/panic/depression Philip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Deirdre, Good to hear from you.  Glad the meditation is helping with the anxiety. Take care and you know where we are… smiles, Elise

Thanks, Elise D. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Deirdre schreef: I may have missed something but I am wondering where Deirdre is. I miss her here. Anyone know? Philip Hi Philip, and everyone,

Well HELLOOOOOOOOOOooooooo! It’s nice to be missed — sorry if I worried anyone.  I just haven’t been motivated to post anything.  Mostly I feel I have nothing to contribute about anxiety and panic.

Anything you write is worth reading. Anxiety and panic are overrated anyway The good news is: since I’ve been meditating regularly I haven’t had any anxiety at all.  The weird news is:  since I’ve been meditating regularly I have been lethargic and uninterested in most things.  I can’t quite shake the (irrational?) thought that maybe I need a little anxiety to keep me moving.

Hehe. What kind of meditation do you practice? You don’t need anxiety in the pathological sense, no one does. But maybe you need other kinds of stimuli? So, make of that what you will.  It feels like depression without sadness.

It sounds like depression to me, some kind of dissociated depression maybe (hm, that sounds *deep*, I wonder what I mean by that). Is that possible?  My pdoc du jour is not a lot of help.  He’s nice and earnest and looks to be about 14 years old.

A child prodigy in psychiatry! Psychiatry needs its very own Mozart. I’m currently taking 60 mg fluoxetine (Prozac) and 150 mg venlafaxine (Effexor) daily.  I have clonazepam (Klonopin) on hand but haven’t needed it in quite a while.  Same with the trazodone for insomnia.  Since pdoc added the Effexor, the only apparent change is an increase in exhaustingly bizarre dreams.  I’ve always had wild dreams, but these are way off the charts.  I wake up shaking my head in amazement.  OTOH, maybe meditation is stripping away layers of the mental onion, so to speak, and I’m getting down to the deeper levels of me.

I don’t know if we consist of deeper and more superficial levels. I also doubt that dreams mean anything except what we interpret them to mean (which can be good material, not only for psychodynamic therapy nut for cognitive therapy as well). Did your child pdoc give a reason for prescribing Effexor together with 60 mg of Prozac or is he just trying the next cvombo he can think of?   Whatever the case, there’s another unshakable (irrational?) thought: I am just really good at masking total madness. Raging psychosis under the quiet exterior.

That thought indeed sounds quite irrational to me. I don’t subscribe to this concept of the onion either. I do think we can have many different and contradictory thoughts and feelings (when we are awake and when we are dreaming) but I don’t think we’re like vulcanos (which is somewhat like you describe yourself: psychosis raging under the quiet exterior). I think you may sometimes have psychotic episodes and when they’re over they’re over and not somewhere "down there" waiting for th next chance to erupt. I don’t think that way about panic atacks either and I wonder if you do…   Once again, pdoc du jour is too green to understand me.  I’ll be getting the next pdoc (a new one every summer) in a month or two.  We’ll see what the psych professors have dreamed up during the past 12 months.

Keep us posted please, maybe this one will be a drooling octogenarian? Other than mental health issues, I’m fairly healthy.  Meditation has significantly lowered and stabilized my blood pressure.

I want to learn it too!   Mom is doing fine, in that there have been no crises.  She’s weaker and slower — the daily changes are imperceptible, but over a few months I can tell she’s slowing down.  My brother is fine, my nephew is grand.  My cat is occasionally snuggly.

Sounds good to me. I guess that’s my report for now.  I’ll try to post more often, but I can’t promise anything.

It’s not an *obligation*. We’re happy when you post because we *like* you a lot so it’s good to know how you are and you’ve been a lot worse. . Peace to all,

Yeah, baby. Philip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Philip, and everyone, The good news is: since I’ve been meditating regularly I haven’t had any anxiety at all. Peace to all, Deirdre

Hi Deirdre.  It is good to read your posts again!!  Please can you teach us a little about your meditation methods?  I would be very interested in hearing about this! — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I may have missed something but I am wondering where Deirdre is. I miss her here. Anyone know? Philip Hi Philip, and everyone, It’s nice to be missed — sorry if I worried anyone.  I just haven’t been motivated to post anything.  Mostly I feel I have nothing to contribute about anxiety and panic. The good news is: since I’ve been meditating regularly I haven’t had any anxiety at all.  The weird news is:  since I’ve been meditating regularly I have been lethargic and uninterested in most things.  I can’t quite shake the (irrational?) thought that maybe I need a little anxiety to keep me moving. So, make of that what you will.  It feels like depression without sadness. Is that possible?  My pdoc du jour is not a lot of help. He’s nice and earnest and looks to be about 14 years old.  Lots of reference books and very little real experience.  That’s what we po’ folks get. I’m currently taking 60 mg fluoxetine (Prozac) and 150 mg venlafaxine (Effexor) daily.  I have clonazepam (Klonopin) on hand but haven’t needed it in quite a while.  Same with the trazodone for insomnia. Since pdoc added the Effexor, the only apparent change is an increase in exhaustingly bizarre dreams.  I’ve always had wild dreams, but these are way off the charts.  I wake up shaking my head in amazement.  OTOH, maybe meditation is stripping away layers of the mental onion, so to speak, and I’m getting down to the deeper levels of me.  Whatever the case, there’s another unshakable (irrational?) thought: I am just really good at masking total madness. Raging psychosis under the quiet exterior.  Once again, pdoc du jour is too green to understand me.  I’ll be getting the next pdoc (a new one every summer) in a month or two.  We’ll see what the psych professors have dreamed up during the past 12 months. Other than mental health issues, I’m fairly healthy.  Meditation has significantly lowered and stabilized my blood pressure.  Mom is doing fine, in that there have been no crises.  She’s weaker and slower — the daily changes are imperceptible, but over a few months I can tell she’s slowing down.  My brother is fine, my nephew is grand.  My cat is occasionally snuggly. I guess that’s my report for now.  I’ll try to post more often, but I can’t promise anything. Peace to all, Deirdre

Thanks for chiming in Deirdre.  We just want to know you’re alive. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

It’s nice to see you here again, Deirdre.  Glad things are pretty much normal for you and your Mom.  Just wanted to hear something from you, that’s all.  {{{{{Deirdre}}}}} Love, Di

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I may have missed something but I am wondering where Deirdre is. I miss her here. Anyone know? Philip Hi Philip, and everyone, It’s nice to be missed — sorry if I worried anyone.  I just haven’t been motivated to post anything.  Mostly I feel I have nothing to contribute about anxiety and panic. The good news is: since I’ve been meditating regularly I haven’t had any anxiety at all.  The weird news is:  since I’ve been meditating regularly I have been lethargic and uninterested in most things.  I can’t quite shake the (irrational?) thought that maybe I need a little anxiety to keep me moving. So, make of that what you will.  It feels like depression without sadness. Is that possible?  My pdoc du jour is not a lot of help.  He’s nice and earnest and looks to be about 14 years old.  Lots of reference books and very little real experience.  That’s what we po’ folks get. I’m currently taking 60 mg fluoxetine (Prozac) and 150 mg venlafaxine (Effexor) daily.  I have clonazepam (Klonopin) on hand but haven’t needed it in quite a while.  Same with the trazodone for insomnia.  Since pdoc added the Effexor, the only apparent change is an increase in exhaustingly bizarre dreams.  I’ve always had wild dreams, but these are way off the charts.  I wake up shaking my head in amazement.  OTOH, maybe meditation is stripping away layers of the mental onion, so to speak, and I’m getting down to the deeper levels of me.  Whatever the case, there’s another unshakable (irrational?) thought: I am just really good at masking total madness. Raging psychosis under the quiet exterior.  Once again, pdoc du jour is too green to understand me.  I’ll be getting the next pdoc (a new one every summer) in a month or two.  We’ll see what the psych professors have dreamed up during the past 12 months. Other than mental health issues, I’m fairly healthy.  Meditation has significantly lowered and stabilized my blood pressure.  Mom is doing fine, in that there have been no crises.  She’s weaker and slower — the daily changes are imperceptible, but over a few months I can tell she’s slowing down.  My brother is fine, my nephew is grand.  My cat is occasionally snuggly. I guess that’s my report for now.  I’ll try to post more often, but I can’t promise anything. Peace to all, Deirdre

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Thanks for chiming in Deirdre.  We just want to know you’re alive. kili

I’m alive.  At least I think so. I’m glad your latest health report looks so good. Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Deirdre, where are you?  I hope everything is alright.  {{{{{Deirdre}}}}} Post, if you can. Love, Di

I may have missed something but I am wondering where Deirdre is. I miss her here. Anyone know? Philip

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I may have missed something but I am wondering where Deirdre is. I miss her here. Anyone know? Philip

Hi Philip, and everyone, It’s nice to be missed — sorry if I worried anyone.  I just haven’t been motivated to post anything.  Mostly I feel I have nothing to contribute about anxiety and panic. The good news is: since I’ve been meditating regularly I haven’t had any anxiety at all.  The weird news is:  since I’ve been meditating regularly I have been lethargic and uninterested in most things.  I can’t quite shake the (irrational?) thought that maybe I need a little anxiety to keep me moving. So, make of that what you will.  It feels like depression without sadness. Is that possible?  My pdoc du jour is not a lot of help.  He’s nice and earnest and looks to be about 14 years old.  Lots of reference books and very little real experience.  That’s what we po’ folks get. I’m currently taking 60 mg fluoxetine (Prozac) and 150 mg venlafaxine (Effexor) daily.  I have clonazepam (Klonopin) on hand but haven’t needed it in quite a while.  Same with the trazodone for insomnia.  Since pdoc added the Effexor, the only apparent change is an increase in exhaustingly bizarre dreams.  I’ve always had wild dreams, but these are way off the charts.  I wake up shaking my head in amazement.  OTOH, maybe meditation is stripping away layers of the mental onion, so to speak, and I’m getting down to the deeper levels of me.  Whatever the case, there’s another unshakable (irrational?) thought: I am just really good at masking total madness. Raging psychosis under the quiet exterior.  Once again, pdoc du jour is too green to understand me.  I’ll be getting the next pdoc (a new one every summer) in a month or two.  We’ll see what the psych professors have dreamed up during the past 12 months. Other than mental health issues, I’m fairly healthy.  Meditation has significantly lowered and stabilized my blood pressure.  Mom is doing fine, in that there have been no crises.  She’s weaker and slower — the daily changes are imperceptible, but over a few months I can tell she’s slowing down.  My brother is fine, my nephew is grand.  My cat is occasionally snuggly. I guess that’s my report for now.  I’ll try to post more often, but I can’t promise anything. Peace to all, Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I may have missed something but I am wondering where Deirdre is. I miss her here. Anyone know? Philip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I may have missed something but I am wondering where Deirdre is. I miss her here. Anyone know? Philip

Good question, Philip.  I haven’t heard from her either. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Question:

Website Hoax on Killer Virus Triggers Hong Kong Panic Tue April 1, 2003 08:55 AM ET

so???? — Mvh / Regards -=< Christian =- What capital has 164 letters in its name? See my web page to find out. http://www.cmnielsen.dk     ICQ: 25308942 " If something’s hard to do, then it’s not worth doing. Homer J. Simpson"

Response:

Could it be that "SARS" is just an adverse reaction to the anti-depressant drug Effexor that Wyeth Pharmaceuticals is now pushing in China? Similar symptoms: 1: Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2003 Apr 1;167(7):958-61 Drug-induced Pneumonitis and Heart Failure Simultaneously Associated with Venlafaxine. Drent M, Singh S, Gorgels AP, Hansell DM, Bekers O, Nicholson AG, Van Suylen RJ, Du Bois RM. Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Maastricht, Two cases of interstitial pneumonia with cardiac failure developing in patients treated with the new antidepressant venlafaxine are presented. A strong relationship between the development of the patients’ illness and the initiation of venlafaxine treatment was identified.  The cytochrome P (CYP) 450 system is involved in the metabolism of venlafaxine, suggesting that alterations in the drug metabolic clearance might be, at least in part, responsible for the development of drug-induced damage in these cases. This might occur either as a consequence of a genetic factor or concomitant drug therapy with an inhibitor of the related CYP system.  After identifying the causative agent in the first case, withdrawal of the antidepressant together with corticosteroid treatment led to a favorable outcome. In the other case, the multiorgan failure became fatal.  These cases highlight a hitherto undescribed association of an adverse lung reaction and heart failure due to venlafaxine. PMID: 12663337 [PubMed - in process]

Response:

Could it be that "SARS" is just an adverse reaction to the anti-depressant drug Effexor that Wyeth Pharmaceuticals is now pushing in China? Similar symptoms:

Yeah, world’s first contagious drug reaction.

Response:

Could it be that "SARS" is just an adverse reaction to the anti-depressant drug Effexor that Wyeth Pharmaceuticals is now pushing in China? Similar symptoms: Yeah, world’s first contagious drug reaction.

Is it SARS or is it a reaction to the drug Effexor? Effexor is now being agressively sold in China by Wyeth who claims on its website that it has "superior safety". Yet PubMed shows several reports of severe and fatal Effexor side effects — which at this point mimic symptoms of SARS. Patients taking Effexor need to know.

Response:

Question:

If your depression is due to a seratonin imbalence, yes they can help. If your depression is due to something else, they won’t. Most ssri drugs do have sexual side effects. If you’ve had blood work and your testosterone level is above the midrange, you might try antidepressants for a month or so. If they don’t work for you, try something else. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i am at the point where i think its time to aproach my gp to discuss some help regards anti depressants.from earlier posts i have seen people recomend not to use ssri,s so i will also talk with him regards these.i was just wondering if these will help my wellbeing for i am extremely depressed and really need some help now.everything is a struggle from getting up in the morns to working to well just everything .so could some one with experience in these things help me out by telling me if they r worth taking as things r getting harder day by day.i cant afford to get much worse or things could fall apart and i really need to keep my job thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this for me

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If your depression is due to a seratonin imbalence, yes they can help. If your depression is due to something else, they won’t. Most ssri drugs do have sexual side effects. If you’ve had blood work and your testosterone level is above the midrange, you might try antidepressants for a month or so. If they don’t work for you, try something else. Mike i am at the point where i think its time to aproach my gp to discuss some help regards anti depressants.from earlier posts i have seen people recomend not to use ssri,s so i will also talk with him regards these.i was just wondering if these will help my wellbeing for i am extremely depressed and really need some help now.everything is a struggle from getting up in the morns to working to well just everything .so could some one with experience in these things help me out by telling me if they r worth taking as things r getting harder day by day.i cant afford to get much worse or things could fall apart and i really need to keep my job thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this for me

I had much more severe form of depression and antidepressants helped me to minimize it. I was not even moving…Here are those I took: Amitriptillin, Zoloft,Xanax, Alprazolam…the good about them – they helped me to ALMOST completely defeat depression, but The bad side…they ALMOST competely removed my sex drive…

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Saint John’s Wort will lower prolactin levels, unlike other SSRI pills. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i am at the point where i think its time to aproach my gp to discuss some help regards anti depressants.from earlier posts i have seen people recomend not to use ssri,s so i will also talk with him regards these.i was just wondering if these will help my wellbeing for i am extremely depressed and really need some help now.everything is a struggle from getting up in the morns to working to well just everything .so could some one with experience in these things help me out by telling me if they r worth taking as things r getting harder day by day.i cant afford to get much worse or things could fall apart and i really need to keep my job thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this for me

Response:

i was just wondering if these will help my wellbeing for i am extremely depressed and really need some help now.everything is a struggle from getting up in the morns to working to well just everything .so could some one with experience in these things help me out by telling me if they r worth taking as things r getting harder day by day.i cant afford to get much worse or things could fall apart and i really need to keep my job

The first thing you need to do is get "The Testosterone Sydrome" by Dr. Eugene Shippen and read it. Find out what the various tests to check you hormone levels and other health issues are before going to antidepressants. I wasted many years on antidepressants before discovering I had a hormone deficiency. You at least owe it to yourself to CHECK OUT ALL OTHER PHYSICAL PROBLEMS FIRST. The symptoms you describe sound like hypogonadism. I had identical symptoms myself for many many years.  I’m surprised I didn’t commit suicide, but I’m extrremely thankful now that I didn’t!

Response:

Like everybody else said, it’s vital to have a complete hormone panel, including prolactin, free testosterone, estradiol, and thyroid. If *any* of those are off, it can cause depression, anxiety, lethargy, etc. If you haven’t had a CBC (complete blood count) and lipid profile (cholesterol) have that checked also. They aren’t related to depression, but it’s just good sense. Also a review of your medical history, drug and alcohol use, and family history of medical and psychiatric problems are all useful. The troubleshooting sequence is actually very simple: hormonal problems can cause depression. You can test for hormone problems, so do that first. You can’t test for depression. If hormones are normal, treat as depression. But don’t take an SSRI if you’re concerned about sexual problems, rather try Wellbutrin, Remeron, or Serzone. One possible exception: the brand-new SSRI Lexapro reportedly causes less sexual problems than other SSRIs; don’t know how true this is. Re your title question, ADs can be very helpful. When they work people often report a fog has lifted, black moods gone, energy and vitality restored, can think clearer, etc. Statistically ADs have about a 70% success rate, but that’s *all* ADs combined. IOW you might need to try several different ones — Drs can’t match an AD to your symptoms, it’s just trial and error. But there’s a good chance it will work if your problem is endogenous depression, not hormonal. — Joe D. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i am at the point where i think its time to aproach my gp to discuss some help regards anti depressants.from earlier posts i have seen people recomend not to use ssri,s so i will also talk with him regards these.i was just wondering if these will help my wellbeing for i am extremely depressed and really need some help now.everything is a struggle from getting up in the morns to working to well just everything .so could some one with experience in these things help me out by telling me if they r worth taking as things r getting harder day by day.i cant afford to get much worse or things could fall apart and i really need to keep my job thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this for me

Response:

Jim, You are absolutely correct! However, there does appear to be a form of depression unlinked to low testosterone levels.   I asked my psychiatrist about that and he agreed.   I posted what my psychiatrist said at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hypogonadism2. and a fellow member posted that he agreed with that possibility. OR eon

Response:

T, Yes, my email addy works…it’s a real one too.  Feel free to email me anytime. OR eon

Response:

Hi, Before you jump into the deep end of  the pool, have you ever gotten your testosterone level? The symptoms of low T include depression, low energy level and loss of the sense of well being. I have been getting testosterone replacement therapy for  10 years and just recently bought a book on the subject that is fabulous. "The Testosterone Syndrome" by Dr. Eugene Shippen, $14.95, Barnes & Noble. It was a surprise T is used by the vital organs and all thru the body. I guess the brain is a vital organ to, right? He says in the preface, "When deficient, it is at the core of disease and early demise". Pretty strong language I thought but then found out why by reading his book. Ernie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i am at the point where i think its time to aproach my gp to discuss some help regards anti depressants.from earlier posts i have seen people recomend not to use ssri,s so i will also talk with him regards these.i was just wondering if these will help my wellbeing for i am extremely depressed and really need some help now.everything is a struggle from getting up in the morns to working to well just everything .so could some one with experience in these things help me out by telling me if they r worth taking as things r getting harder day by day.i cant afford to get much worse or things could fall apart and i really need to keep my job thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this for me

Response:

i am at the point where i think its time to aproach my gp to discuss some help regards anti depressants.from earlier posts i have seen people recomend not to use ssri,s so i will also talk with him regards these.i was just wondering if these will help my wellbeing for i am extremely depressed and really need some help now.everything is a struggle from getting up in the morns to working to well just everything .so could some one with experience in these things help me out by telling me if they r worth taking as things r getting harder day by day.i cant afford to get much worse or things could fall apart and i really need to keep my job thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this for me

Response:

T, There are four or five anti-depressants with minimal,  negative erectile effects.  One is Wellbutrin. I had clinical depression and in Oct ‘97 my psychiatrist put me on 150 mg Wellbutrin SR/2x/dy. That did not alleviate depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation seemed to intensify…so December ‘97 he added Lithobid 300 mg/2x/dy.   That did it! I’ve been on that combination since then. There was a brief period when depressive symptoms returned…when PCP put me on a diuretic…diuretic was flushing out the lithium and it was easier to eliminate diuretic than find one compatible with lithium. Good luck, Keep us posted as goes it how… Just my experiences…. OR eon

Response:

thanks oreon for the reply.not dealing with this to well and have some pretty bad times .dont like facing a life of ad,s but must try something.hope ur doing well.would like to discuss things more with u on a more private level,so i will see if ur mail addy works if thats ok with u.thanks again

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – T, There are four or five anti-depressants with minimal,  negative erectile effects.  One is Wellbutrin. I had clinical depression and in Oct ‘97 my psychiatrist put me on 150 mg Wellbutrin SR/2x/dy. That did not alleviate depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation seemed to intensify…so December ‘97 he added Lithobid 300 mg/2x/dy.   That did it! I’ve been on that combination since then. There was a brief period when depressive symptoms returned…when PCP put me on a diuretic…diuretic was flushing out the lithium and it was easier to eliminate diuretic than find one compatible with lithium. Good luck, Keep us posted as goes it how… Just my experiences…. OR eon

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Question:

SMELL THE FART!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yep, he is eating chili, while spinning in circles. Kind of like a dog chasing its tail.

Response:

Yep, he is eating chili, while spinning in circles. Kind of like a dog chasing its tail.

| | | Oh jesus H christ… | | | What they need is a pill to cure farting and burping… | | |

| | WASHINGTON (Reuters Health) – The US Food and Drug Administration | (news – web sites) has given the drug company Pfizer Inc. the go ahead | to market its antidepressant Zoloft (sertraline) for the treatment of | premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual | syndrome, the company confirmed on Friday. | | | Following an FDA announcement of the approval, a Pfizer spokeswoman | told Reuters Health that a corporate statement would be made on | Monday, but that the firm would not provide details before then. | | The FDA said it had approved two supplementary new drug applications | for Zoloft as a PMDD treatment: one for daily dosing and one for use | only during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. | | Zoloft is already indicated for depression, panic disorder, | obsessive-compulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. | | The FDA noted that the first drug to be approved to treat PMDD was Eli | Lilly’s Sarafem (fluoxetine), which contains the same active | ingredient as the company’s antidepressant Prozac. That approval was | issued in July 2000. | | SkyePharma, which has developed a controlled-release version of | GlaxoSmithKline’s antidepressant Paxil (paroxetine), has said that it | hopes to see that drug approved for PMDD this year and launched for | the indication in 2003. | | | | | — | "Caution, the surgeon general has found that psychiatric | treatements cause poverty and mental illness."

Response:

Question:

So how did it go Elise ? Did you pdoc make any changes in your meds ? Curiously, Tony

Response:

Hi, Tony, Well I made it through my appt.  During the course of being in the waiting room an irate guy came in hollering about this, that and everything else. He did let us all know he was bi-polar, yada, yada, yada…but this kind of stuff really raises my anxiety.  I am always afraid someone will pull a gun out or some other kind of violence.  So my anxiety did raise a little. Talked with the pdoc and I am going to increase the Zoloft 12.5 for the next 2 weeks and then up another 12.5 (total 75 mgs).  Then I see him in 6 weeks or so.  Of course, we went through the "you need to get into therapy" for which I said "Remember, I don’t drive more than 3 miles…" – lol!!! I told him I was going to be going away Memorial Day and probably flying and that I had some anxiety about this.  And we talked about how Zoloft is good for anxiety and agoraphobia and that I was at a minimal dose and increasing it could help.  So, keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks for asking, Tony!!! smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So how did it go Elise ? Did you pdoc make any changes in your meds ? Curiously, Tony

Response:

Hi, Tony, I don’t think I was ever intended to be able to relax.  Some things I do relax me but anxiety is always in the background – just waiting to escalate. It would be nice to just wake up and not have to think about how the day is going to be based upon anxiety…Ugh! Speaking of football, one time (NO not at band camp…hehe) we were watching the Browns vs Steelers and the game got so anxiety producing (a real nail biter) that I had to leave the room… smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : I think I was taking 1 mg 2 times a day.  It never got that feeling that the : med had "kicked in" like the quick relief you get with Xanax.  Zoloft has : improved my outlook on life.  I don’t sleep all of the time any more and : have a little more motivation.  Though there is still room for improvement. : My pdoc knows about my driving and just suggests therapy.  He knows how I : feel about the fact that it’s not in my driving radius and I got tired of : having someone go with me every week.  It really is an imposition and I just : despise being so needy on my family for this. : Do you know the feeling of relief you get when you deep breath and you feel : less tense, well I have a very difficult time getting to that state.  I have : never been able to "float" when I have done relaxation tapes.  Plain and : simple I just can’t relax – always tense. : smiles, : Elise : It sounds like the Clonazepam wasn’t "right" for you. I think some of us are just hard-wired to be anxious and anticipatory. There are advantages to this, especially in sports where your mind is always thinking and seeing the play develop in your mind before it happens.  Being on edge also tends to make one very quick.  That’s me :  )  I have slowed down quite and lost alot of my anxiousness with age but I still have enough where it isn’t healthy in RL. Can you relax in a quiet room ?  Just close your eyes and repeat the word one or love or something with one syllable with every outgoing breath. I haven’t done this in a while but it definitely works for me. I can relax when I lose "myself" in listening to music, playing music, playing sports, watching a movie, watching Seinfeld, etc. I think the times I can’t relax may be partly caused by distorted thinking and partly from the way I am wired. I’m getting very, very sleepy.  It’s late :  ) Hope your pdoc appointment goes well. Take it easy Elise, Tony

Response:

: I think I was taking 1 mg 2 times a day.  It never got that feeling that the : med had "kicked in" like the quick relief you get with Xanax.  Zoloft has : improved my outlook on life.  I don’t sleep all of the time any more and : have a little more motivation.  Though there is still room for improvement. : My pdoc knows about my driving and just suggests therapy.  He knows how I : feel about the fact that it’s not in my driving radius and I got tired of : having someone go with me every week.  It really is an imposition and I just : despise being so needy on my family for this. : Do you know the feeling of relief you get when you deep breath and you feel : less tense, well I have a very difficult time getting to that state.  I have : never been able to "float" when I have done relaxation tapes.  Plain and : simple I just can’t relax – always tense. : smiles, : Elise : It sounds like the Clonazepam wasn’t "right" for you. I think some of us are just hard-wired to be anxious and anticipatory. There are advantages to this, especially in sports where your mind is always thinking and seeing the play develop in your mind before it happens.  Being on edge also tends to make one very quick.  That’s me :  )  I have slowed down quite and lost alot of my anxiousness with age but I still have enough where it isn’t healthy in RL. Can you relax in a quiet room ?  Just close your eyes and repeat the word one or love or something with one syllable with every outgoing breath. I haven’t done this in a while but it definitely works for me. I can relax when I lose "myself" in listening to music, playing music, playing sports, watching a movie, watching Seinfeld, etc. I think the times I can’t relax may be partly caused by distorted thinking and partly from the way I am wired. I’m getting very, very sleepy.  It’s late :  ) Hope your pdoc appointment goes well. Take it easy Elise, Tony

Response:

I think I was taking 1 mg 2 times a day.  It never got that feeling that the med had "kicked in" like the quick relief you get with Xanax.  Zoloft has improved my outlook on life.  I don’t sleep all of the time any more and have a little more motivation.  Though there is still room for improvement. My pdoc knows about my driving and just suggests therapy.  He knows how I feel about the fact that it’s not in my driving radius and I got tired of having someone go with me every week.  It really is an imposition and I just despise being so needy on my family for this. Do you know the feeling of relief you get when you deep breath and you feel less tense, well I have a very difficult time getting to that state.  I have never been able to "float" when I have done relaxation tapes.  Plain and simple I just can’t relax – always tense. smiles, Elise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How much Clonazepam were you taking ? I took Xanax for a week to help me relax before I could see a pdoc for the first time.  It definitely took away the generalized and anticipatory anxiety. Zoloft tends to improve one’s mood.  One way to describe it is the satisfying feeling you have after a good meal.  The improvement in mood helps keep you in a positive frame of mind and limits the negative and anticipatory thoughts.  This change will clear your mind and give you a clean slate to work on your vocabulary of positive thoughts which in turn will boost your confidence in situations that presently cause you to feel increased anxiety. Just tell your pdoc how you feel about driving and whatever else is bothering you and he will probably increase your Zoloft dosage. Take care, Tony

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I have also been extremely anxious all of my life.  Not a fun way to live… I do take Xanax regularly (1 mg per day, if I take more I am too exhausted and sleep all of the time).  I did take Clonazepam for a few months but it just didn’t seem to work for me. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Elise, You may want to look into taking a long term benzo like Clonazepam. I believe you take Xanax as needed right now. Clonazepam works for me.  I have always been overly anxious and the Clonazepam helps me to relax so I can function in RL without getting worn out every day. Tony

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: Hi, Tony, : Wise decision.  No sense attempting a med change when you are under stress. : I hope things work out for you with the new position at work – sometimes you : just got keep on pushing… : smiles, : Elise I am definitely persistent. I’ll move a mountain stone by stone if it matters. Thanks, Tony

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: I have also been extremely anxious all of my life.  Not a fun way to live… : I do take Xanax regularly (1 mg per day, if I take more I am too exhausted : and sleep all of the time).  I did take Clonazepam for a few months but it : just didn’t seem to work for me. : smiles, : Elise How much Clonazepam were you taking ? I took Xanax for a week to help me relax before I could see a pdoc for the first time.  It definitely took away the generalized and anticipatory anxiety. Zoloft tends to improve one’s mood.  One way to describe it is the satisfying feeling you have after a good meal.  The improvement in mood helps keep you in a positive frame of mind and limits the negative and anticipatory thoughts.  This change will clear your mind and give you a clean slate to work on your vocabulary of positive thoughts which in turn will boost your confidence in situations that presently cause you to feel increased anxiety. Just tell your pdoc how you feel about driving and whatever else is bothering you and he will probably increase your Zoloft dosage. Take care, Tony

Response:

Hi, Tony, Wise decision.  No sense attempting a med change when you are under stress. I hope things work out for you with the new position at work – sometimes you just got keep on pushing… smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Hi, Tony, : I am just still experiencing anxiety – sometimes slight and other times high : anxiety. I am hoping a med increase will help to get rid of some of this : anxiety (and tenseness) so I can try to do more exposure due to the agor. : What a darn vicious cycle this all is… : Are you still doing well with lowering the Clonazepam? : smiles, : Elise Hi Elise, I did that for a week and decided that now is not the right time for change. I’m still pushing hard for a change in position at work and it can be stressful dealing with management.  They always talk about people being their most important resource but when it comes time to "walk the talk" they tend to be non-existent. So I’m still pushing.  I push until I get what I want :  ) Thanks, Tony

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Elise, You may want to look into taking a long term benzo like Clonazepam. I believe you take Xanax as needed right now. Clonazepam works for me.  I have always been overly anxious and the Clonazepam helps me to relax so I can function in RL without getting worn out every day. Tony

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: Hi, Tony, : I am just still experiencing anxiety – sometimes slight and other times high : anxiety. I am hoping a med increase will help to get rid of some of this : anxiety (and tenseness) so I can try to do more exposure due to the agor. : What a darn vicious cycle this all is… : Are you still doing well with lowering the Clonazepam? : smiles, : Elise Hi Elise, I did that for a week and decided that now is not the right time for change. I’m still pushing hard for a change in position at work and it can be stressful dealing with management.  They always talk about people being their most important resource but when it comes time to "walk the talk" they tend to be non-existent. So I’m still pushing.  I push until I get what I want :  ) Thanks, Tony

Response:

Hi, Tony, I am just still experiencing anxiety – sometimes slight and other times high anxiety. I am hoping a med increase will help to get rid of some of this anxiety (and tenseness) so I can try to do more exposure due to the agor. What a darn vicious cycle this all is… Are you still doing well with lowering the Clonazepam? smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Hi, all, : Tomorrow I go to my pdoc.  It’s been almost 3 weeks since I started the 50 : mg dose.  Am I right that this is a minimal dose?  Should I see about an : increase?  Still having agor feelings and don’t like to be places alone… : smiles, : Elise : Hi Elise, I take 100 mg Zoloft every day.  I have tried going down to 50 mg but I was feeling depression lurking back into my life so I went back to 100 mg. I have never tried 75 mg which is something I may try in the future. My first pdoc was very aggressive and when I told him I was still having panic attacks at 100 mg, he boosted me up to 200 mg which I stayed on for about one year.  The panic attacks did get blocked at 200 mg.  I had lots of energy and negative thoughts rarely came up in my head.  I did feel "too normal" though.  I missed the range of emotions that I used to have and felt like too much like a "normie" :  )  Over time I dropped down to 150 mg for several months, then 100 mg, then 50 mg.  Each time I changed my dosage I would go through a period of about 2 weeks where I felt "different" during the transition.  You may feel a slight increase in anxiety during this transition period.  Just keep your seat belt on and know that you’re going to be alright and feel "level" again after a week or two of adjusting to the new dose.  It’s worth it when you feel the relief from anxiety and panic attacks at the higher dosage. None of my experiences may apply to you so I think you should let your pdoc know exactly how you are feeling and let the pdoc determine if and how much you should increase your Zoloft dosage. If I were your pdoc I would boost your dosage up to 75 mg for a month or two and see how that works. Dr. Tony

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Hi, Liz, Thanks for the good wishes.  I will see what he says tomorrow about increasing the dose… smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, all, Tomorrow I go to my pdoc.  It’s been almost 3 weeks since I started the 50 mg dose.  Am I right that this is a minimal dose?  Should I see about an increase?  Still having agor feelings and don’t like to be places alone… smiles, Elise I do well on 50mg, Elise, but would not mind raising it at all if needed.  You can try a higher dose and if it does not seem to help, then try something different.  Sending you good wishes for a productive visit tomorrow. Take care, Liz

Response:

Hi, Philip, I agree that I need to do CBT and more exposure for my agor but I am struggling with constant anxiety (sometimes slight anxiety and other times higher anxiety).  I am hoping the increase in the med will help get rid of some of this anxiety. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, all, Tomorrow I go to my pdoc.  It’s been almost 3 weeks since I started the 50 mg dose.  Am I right that this is a minimal dose?  Should I see about an increase?  Still having agor feelings and don’t like to be places alone… smiles, Elise Maybe your Zoloft dose needs upping. IMO agoraphobia (including going to or being in places alone) is best addressed by way of CBT. Philip

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:

: Hi, all, : Tomorrow I go to my pdoc.  It’s been almost 3 weeks since I started the 50 : mg dose.  Am I right that this is a minimal dose?  Should I see about an : increase?  Still having agor feelings and don’t like to be places alone… : smiles, : Elise : : : One alternative is to increase to Zoloft 75 or 100 mg/day. Another is to add : a benzo taken on a regular basis. A two prong attack works alot better for : me. I’m on Zoloft 100 mg/day and Konopin 3 mg/day. : : Chip : I’ve had success at 100 mg Zoloft and 2 mg Clonazepam for many years. Tony

Response:

: Hi, all, : Tomorrow I go to my pdoc.  It’s been almost 3 weeks since I started the 50 : mg dose.  Am I right that this is a minimal dose?  Should I see about an : increase?  Still having agor feelings and don’t like to be places alone… : smiles, : Elise : Hi Elise, I take 100 mg Zoloft every day.  I have tried going down to 50 mg but I was feeling depression lurking back into my life so I went back to 100 mg. I have never tried 75 mg which is something I may try in the future. My first pdoc was very aggressive and when I told him I was still having panic attacks at 100 mg, he boosted me up to 200 mg which I stayed on for about one year.  The panic attacks did get blocked at 200 mg.  I had lots of energy and negative thoughts rarely came up in my head.  I did feel "too normal" though.  I missed the range of emotions that I used to have and felt like too much like a "normie" :  )  Over time I dropped down to 150 mg for several months, then 100 mg, then 50 mg.  Each time I changed my dosage I would go through a period of about 2 weeks where I felt "different" during the transition.  You may feel a slight increase in anxiety during this transition period.  Just keep your seat belt on and know that you’re going to be alright and feel "level" again after a week or two of adjusting to the new dose.  It’s worth it when you feel the relief from anxiety and panic attacks at the higher dosage. None of my experiences may apply to you so I think you should let your pdoc know exactly how you are feeling and let the pdoc determine if and how much you should increase your Zoloft dosage. If I were your pdoc I would boost your dosage up to 75 mg for a month or two and see how that works. Dr. Tony

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Hi, all, Tomorrow I go to my pdoc.  It’s been almost 3 weeks since I started the 50 mg dose.  Am I right that this is a minimal dose?  Should I see about an increase?  Still having agor feelings and don’t like to be places alone… smiles, Elise

Maybe your Zoloft dose needs upping. IMO agoraphobia (including going to or being in places alone) is best addressed by way of CBT. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Hi, all, Tomorrow I go to my pdoc.  It’s been almost 3 weeks since I started the 50 mg dose.  Am I right that this is a minimal dose?  Should I see about an increase?  Still having agor feelings and don’t like to be places alone… smiles, Elise

I do well on 50mg, Elise, but would not mind raising it at all if needed.  You can try a higher dose and if it does not seem to help, then try something different.  Sending you good wishes for a productive visit tomorrow. Take care, Liz

Response:

Hi, Les, the Zoloft is doing okay for now.  I probably need an increase.  I am still having a lot of agor feelings and those just scare me to death. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good luck tomorrow! 50mg is a pretty low dose. I think maybe i started at 50, either that or 25. I am taking zoloft still and am at 250mg. it has worked pretty well for me. i am also on lots of other meds though. how is it working for ya? les. Hi, all, Tomorrow I go to my pdoc.  It’s been almost 3 weeks since I started the 50 mg dose.  Am I right that this is a minimal dose?  Should I see about an increase?  Still having agor feelings and don’t like to be places alone… smiles, Elise

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Good luck tomorrow! 50mg is a pretty low dose. I think maybe i started at 50, either that or 25. I am taking zoloft still and am at 250mg. it has worked pretty well for me. i am also on lots of other meds though. how is it working for ya? les.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, all, Tomorrow I go to my pdoc.  It’s been almost 3 weeks since I started the 50 mg dose.  Am I right that this is a minimal dose?  Should I see about an increase?  Still having agor feelings and don’t like to be places alone… smiles, Elise

Response:

Hi, all, Tomorrow I go to my pdoc.  It’s been almost 3 weeks since I started the 50 mg dose.  Am I right that this is a minimal dose?  Should I see about an increase?  Still having agor feelings and don’t like to be places alone… smiles, Elise

One alternative is to increase to Zoloft 75 or 100 mg/day. Another is to add a benzo taken on a regular basis. A two prong attack works alot better for me. I’m on Zoloft 100 mg/day and Konopin 3 mg/day. Chip

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Hi Elise, I was on the 50mg amount for 4 weeks after weening on at 25mg for 6 weeks, I felt better but just not right yet, so I talk to my doc about this and we increased to 100mg , thats where I am now  and doing very well. Sometimes that little kick more of zoloft will make a difference. I would ask the doctor to increase yours, I think you will benefit more from it.  Good luck   Sandy

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i m presently taking 100 mgs/day of zoloft, but the doc said that if need b, i can increase that but, i want off of it, not 2 take more am also taking 40 mgs of buspar and .5 mg of ativan u really have 2 watch with the zoloft bcuz 1 of the side effects is sexual that is y i want off of it, or at least reduce it, the higher the dose, the worse the side effects hope this might have helped

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, all, Tomorrow I go to my pdoc.  It’s been almost 3 weeks since I started the 50 mg dose.  Am I right that this is a minimal dose?  Should I see about an increase?  Still having agor feelings and don’t like to be places alone… smiles, Elise

Response:

Hi, all, Tomorrow I go to my pdoc.  It’s been almost 3 weeks since I started the 50 mg dose.  Am I right that this is a minimal dose?  Should I see about an increase?  Still having agor feelings and don’t like to be places alone… smiles, Elise

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Elise wrote…… Tomorrow I go to my pdoc.  It’s been almost 3 weeks since I started the 50 mg dose.  Am I right that this is a minimal dose?  Should I see about an increase?  Still having agor feelings and don’t like to be places alone… smiles, Elise

Dear Elise, 50mgs can be a therapeutic dose for "some" and not enough for others, it is a low dose in general. Being you have invested so much time into slowly weaning on Zoloft, and you don`t seem to be happy where you are at this point, it can`t hurt to increase your dose. Take care and good luck! Jackie ~*~Flowers have spoken to me more than I can tell in written words. They are the hieroglyphics of angels, loved by all men for the beauty of the character, though few can decypher even fragments of their meaning…..

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Question:

Hi, I’ve been on 50mg of Zoloft for 8 weeks which has worked great overall.  My only complaint is a lot of muscle tension.  It’s faded somewhat over these first 2 months, but is it likely to subside even more or am I probably stuck with it? Thanks! Fritz

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Wow, I didn’t get the muscle tension.  I got an upset tummy and the runs for a few weeks and then that went away.  The only lingering side effect I have is lack of sex drive.  Hate it. Hope your tension goes away.  Good luck,  Amanda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’ve been on 50mg of Zoloft for 8 weeks which has worked great overall.  My only complaint is a lot of muscle tension.  It’s faded somewhat over these first 2 months, but is it likely to subside even more or am I probably stuck with it? Thanks! Fritz

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For me zoloft killed my libido seemingly forever…I no longer have ‘the fire’ and i do miss it!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wow, I didn’t get the muscle tension.  I got an upset tummy and the runs for a few weeks and then that went away.  The only lingering side effect I have is lack of sex drive.  Hate it. Hope your tension goes away.  Good luck,  Amanda Hi, I’ve been on 50mg of Zoloft for 8 weeks which has worked great overall.  My only complaint is a lot of muscle tension.  It’s faded somewhat over these first 2 months, but is it likely to subside even more or am I probably stuck with it? Thanks! Fritz

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Wow. I’m glad it wasn’t just me. My doctor warned me about it, but I figured that it was more important to get through every day with a clear head than get a little action once a month. That’s my only side effect, but it’s a doozy! ~Paul For me zoloft killed my libido seemingly forever…I no longer have ‘the fire’ and i do miss it!!

The only lingering side effect – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have is lack of sex drive.  Hate it.

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Question:

  I just changed my 9 yr old son’s dr…..he was on 75mg luvox and 1-1/2 mg risperdal for OCD/ADD/anxiety.    The meds were great for a few months but then it seemed he needed to change (had alot of tantrums, frustration, very impulsive etc) and the old doc wasn’t cooperative and very hard to talk to. Went yesterday to a new one and she changed him from Luvox to Zoloft (we’re reducing Luvox for a week and slowly adding Zoloft).  Also she split up the Risperdal so he takes some in the morning and some at night instead of all at once.  I hope the Zoloft works for him.  Does anyone have any comments about any of these meds, specifically for children?  Thank you Debbie

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  I just changed my 9 yr old son’s dr…..he was on 75mg luvox and 1-1/2 mg risperdal for OCD/ADD/anxiety.    The meds were great for a few months but then it seemed he needed to change (had alot of tantrums, frustration, very impulsive etc) and the old doc wasn’t cooperative and very hard to talk to. Went yesterday to a new one and she changed him from Luvox to Zoloft (we’re reducing Luvox for a week and slowly adding Zoloft).  Also she split up the Risperdal so he takes some in the morning and some at night instead of all at once.  I hope the Zoloft works for him.  Does anyone have any comments about any of these meds, specifically for children?  Thank you Debbie

Sounds like your child is in good hands now. However, no-one wants to do research on the use of psych meds in children and pregnant women, so how these meds are used in these specific patient populations is taken from research done on nonpregnant adults. Chip Before you buy.

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Hello everyone!! just wondering if anyone had this happen to them.  My doc put me on zoloft started at 12 1/2mg for a week then 25mg for 2 weeks then 50mg when i started taking the 50mg it made my heart flutter, so she put me back on 25mg again but it is not doing much for me now she wants me to try the 50mg again and i am scared she said try 25 in the morning then 25mg at night i am scared to do that also any suggestions? I just didnt like my heart doing that and i am scared it is going to happen again HELP Thanks Diana

I must say that your doc isn’t doing this as badly as some other docs do. She realizes that you have to wean on Zoloft slowly and that’s a good thing. Still, between 25 mg and 50 mg there is 37,5 mg. I think it’s advisable to try that first. Moreover it seems advisable to ask for a benzo (Xanax) on the side *as needed* which may help avoid or minimize initial Zoloft side effects like a fluttering heart. I hope you will hang in there as it takes about 8 weeks to be able to properly assess Zoloft’s value for you (but beneficial effect may be felt much earlier). Philip

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Hello everyone!! just wondering if anyone had this happen to them.  My doc put me on zoloft started at 12 1/2mg for a week then 25mg for 2 weeks then 50mg when i started taking the 50mg it made my heart flutter, so she put me back on 25mg again but it is not doing much for me now she wants me to try the 50mg again and i am scared she said try 25 in the morning then 25mg at night i am scared to do that also any suggestions? I just didnt like my heart doing that and i am scared it is going to happen again HELP Thanks Diana

Diana –   I experienced a return of side-effects for a few days with each increased dose of Zoloft…One side effect for me was the shakes, which increased my anxiety and led to a racing heart…I suspect that you perhaps are having a similar experience…You may have to go through a few days of side-effects like this to reach a theraputic dose…And I checked the PDR, heart attack is not listed as a possible side-effect of Zoloft so don’t worry! Later, — Charles Phipps

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WOW!!  My Dr. started me off at 50mg right away..he did not work me up to 50mg..At any rate I had NO side effects at all from Zoloft.. ~But there’s one thing I know…the blues they send to meet me won’t defeat me, it won’t be long till happiness is out to greet me~

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Hello everyone!! just wondering if anyone had this happen to them.  My doc put me on zoloft started at 12 1/2mg for a week then 25mg for 2 weeks then 50mg when i started taking the 50mg it made my heart flutter, so she put me back on 25mg again but it is not doing much for me now she wants me to try the 50mg again and i am scared she said try 25 in the morning then 25mg at night i am scared to do that also any suggestions? I just didnt like my heart doing that and i am scared it is going to happen again HELP Thanks Diana

Response:

Hello everyone!! just wondering if anyone had this happen to them.  My doc put me on zoloft started at 12 1/2mg for a week then 25mg for 2 weeks then 50mg when i started taking the 50mg it made my heart flutter, so she put me back on 25mg again but it is not doing much for me now she wants me to try the 50mg again and i am scared she said try 25 in the morning then 25mg at night i am scared to do that also any suggestions? I just didnt like my heart doing that and i am scared it is going to happen again HELP Thanks Diana

Hi Diana, I have been dealing with those heart flutters on and off for years. I get mine when I am anxious, drink too much coffee, and have PMS. I don`t like them, but they are harmless. You won`t know if you will get  those flutters, unless you try the 50mgs again. There may be a way to lessen that possibility. Instead of going from 25mgs to 50mgs, go to 37.5mgs. Getting to your prescribed dose is not a race. You want to be as comfortable as possible, and if it means going at a slower pace, so then be it. Watch your caffeine consumption too, it can trigger the heart flutters. And if you should get them , remember they will pass and are harmless. Asking your doctor for a benzo might help too. Jackie "Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks out his head."

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I was started on 25mg of zoloft daily about two weeks ago for anxiety and panic disorder.  The first few days I took it I had some crazy mood swings but those went away after a while.  Lately I’ve had two episodes of depression that I wonder about.  I know that most side effects are supposed to go away but is this something I should talk to my doctor about immediately or should I just try to tough it out and hope that it goes away.  So far it’s been pretty bearable so I think I could get through it.  Any comments on this would be appreciated and any information on zoloft in general would be great.

15 mg if Zoloft is a subtherapeutic dose, it must be raised. The best way to do that is by weekly increments of 12.5 mg to avoid unpleasant side effects: *start low, go slow*. It may take a few weeks but your depression should disappear. So yes, ask your doctor to raise the dose 37.5 mg etc. Philip

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Hi, Jack, I take Zoloft and Clonazepam for depression and anxiety.  25 mg is low so maybe you could call your pdoc and see about a slight increase.  It never hurts to check in with your pdoc and let them know how you are feeling. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was started on 25mg of zoloft daily about two weeks ago for anxiety and panic disorder.  The first few days I took it I had some crazy mood swings but those went away after a while.  Lately I’ve had two episodes of depression that I wonder about.  I know that most side effects are supposed to go away but is this something I should talk to my doctor about immediately or should I just try to tough it out and hope that it goes away.  So far it’s been pretty bearable so I think I could get through it.  Any comments on this would be appreciated and any information on zoloft in general would be great.

Response:

I was started on 25mg of zoloft daily about two weeks ago for anxiety and panic disorder.  The first few days I took it I had some crazy mood swings but those went away after a while.  Lately I’ve had two episodes of depression that I wonder about.  I know that most side effects are supposed to go away but is this something I should talk to my doctor about immediately or should I just try to tough it out and hope that it goes away.  So far it’s been pretty bearable so I think I could get through it.  Any comments on this would be appreciated and any information on zoloft in general would be great.

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Hi I have often had tinitus.  On and off.  The doctor once gave me a long story about how it was just a disease.  Its been quite bad lately and I found out in the last few weeks maybe from this newsgroup ( if so I apologize ) that it is caused by aspirin. I have been taking lots of painkillers to help with paxil withdrawals love Moira – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I took Zoloft last fall for anxiety for 2 and 1/2 months. (I got off it because it began to give me night tremors).  However, only after a month on it, my ears started ringing/hissing.  I also had a bad sinus infection at the time and I assumed it was related to that, never thinking the medication would do such a thing (HA–looks like the joke was on me!).  When I related this to my doctor, she never let on that she KNEW some antidepressants caused tinnitus (why not, I am now asking myself) and continued to let me take the drug for 6 more weeks! I’ve been off the Zoloft for 6 weeks now, and I STILL have the ringing/hissing in my ears.  Has anyone ever had this happen?  Is this EVER going to go away?. It drives you crazy and I fear now I’ll have it forever.

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Hi I have often had tinitus.  On and off.  The doctor once gave me a long story

about how it was just a disease.  Its been quite bad lately and I found out

in the last few weeks maybe from this newsgroup ( if so I apologize ) that it is caused by

aspirin. I have been taking lots of painkillers to help with paxil withdrawals

love Moira   Hi Moira, You say you are taking painkillers… what kind?  I have taken many, many different kinds (due to my headaches) and found that Midrin effected my ears horribly.  Could be an additional cause.. Lee feeling silly lately…must be a side effect

Response:

I took Zoloft last fall for anxiety for 2 and 1/2 months. (I got off it because it began to give me night tremors).  However, only after a month on it, my ears started ringing/hissing.  I also had a bad sinus infection at the time and I assumed it was related to that, never thinking the medication would do such a thing (HA–looks like the joke was on me!).  When I related this to my doctor, she never let on that she KNEW some antidepressants caused tinnitus (why not, I am now asking myself) and continued to let me take the drug for 6 more weeks! I’ve been off the Zoloft for 6 weeks now, and I STILL have the ringing/hissing in my ears.  Has anyone ever had this happen?  Is this EVER going to go away?. It drives you crazy and I fear now I’ll have it forever.

For what it’s worth, I, too, suffered from tinnitus while on Zoloft (for a similar period of time as you) before switching to Prozac.  In my case, the tinnitus went away within days of stopping Zoloft.  I wouldn’t give up hope that yours will fade with time too. Good luck, Bob

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I’ve been off the Zoloft for 6 weeks now, and I STILL have the ringing/hissing in my ears.  Has anyone ever had this happen?  Is this EVER going to go away?. It drives you crazy and I fear now I’ll have it forever.

For what it’s worth, I, too, suffered from tinnitus while on Zoloft (for

a similar period of time as you) before switching to Prozac.  In my

case, the tinnitus went away within days of stopping Zoloft.  I wouldn’t

give up hope that yours will fade with time too.  (piggybacking on Bob)  I had a similar problem with a different med altogether.  I think it was Midrin.  It went away for the most part.  It still happens occasionally, but not on a constant basis.   If it keeps up, you should mention it to your doctor, or go to a specialist. Lee feeling silly lately…must be a side effect

Response:

I took Zoloft last fall for anxiety for 2 and 1/2 months. (I got off it because it began to give me night tremors).  However, only after a month on it, my ears started ringing/hissing.  I also had a bad sinus infection at the time and I assumed it was related to that, never thinking the medication would do such a thing (HA–looks like the joke was on me!).  When I related this to my doctor, she never let on that she KNEW some antidepressants caused tinnitus (why not, I am now asking myself) and continued to let me take the drug for 6 more weeks!   I’ve been off the Zoloft for 6 weeks now, and I STILL have the ringing/hissing in my ears.  Has anyone ever had this happen?  Is this EVER going to go away?. It drives you crazy and I fear now I’ll have it forever.  

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Tom,     Welcome to ASAP. I’m 21 and diagnosed with manic depression, anxiety, panic attacks, ocd.. and now I’m beginning to wonder about something else, but anyways, the reason for your post and mine.     I’ve been on Zoloft since mid-October. I started on 25mg, two weeks later increased to 50mg, and then two weeks after that 100mg. I finally gained some control over my "problems." I was taken off Zoloft and put on Celexa for a 6 week rollercoaster. I’m back on the Zoloft, and have been since February. I’m up to 200mg a day.     Now, I have little side effects. In the beginning I had a lot of side effects, those you listed, extreme dry mouth, but not the rash and I still have a hard time getting out of bed at a decent hour, I have to keep myself on a very strict sleep pattern, or when I get off of it, I don’t go to bed until 2,3,4am, then never make it up in time to make it to work by 8:30am. And yes, the decreased sex drive is a pain.     Are you taking anything with the Zoloft? I was taking 100mg Zoloft and 4mg Xanax daily, now I’m on 200mg Zoloft and 3mg Klonopin daily. That might also explain the rash, and the waking up thing.     Hope this is of some help for you. Much Love, Brooke Hi Brooke, Do you take anything for the manic depression? Chip

No, because it rarely rears its ugly head, the manic side at least.. it’s often usually just regular old depression, however, we are keeping an eye on it (Daily journal of what’s going on and keeping track of how often the manic side rears up). The pdoc is really concerned with me hiding my depression from people as well as I do, so he wants to try and get that and the anxiety all under control. Much Love, Brooke PS I think the Klonopin helps with the manic too… that’s just my thought. Since I’ve switched from xanax to Klonopin I’ve had a lot fewer manic episodes. B.

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Hi Tom,     Welcome to ASAP. I’m 21 and diagnosed with manic depression, anxiety, panic attacks, ocd.. and now I’m beginning to wonder about something else, but anyways, the reason for your post and mine.     I’ve been on Zoloft since mid-October. I started on 25mg, two weeks later increased to 50mg, and then two weeks after that 100mg. I finally gained some control over my "problems." I was taken off Zoloft and put on Celexa for a 6 week rollercoaster. I’m back on the Zoloft, and have been since February. I’m up to 200mg a day.     Now, I have little side effects. In the beginning I had a lot of side effects, those you listed, extreme dry mouth, but not the rash and I still have a hard time getting out of bed at a decent hour, I have to keep myself on a very strict sleep pattern, or when I get off of it, I don’t go to bed until 2,3,4am, then never make it up in time to make it to work by 8:30am. And yes, the decreased sex drive is a pain.     Are you taking anything with the Zoloft? I was taking 100mg Zoloft and 4mg Xanax daily, now I’m on 200mg Zoloft and 3mg Klonopin daily. That might also explain the rash, and the waking up thing.     Hope this is of some help for you. Much Love, Brooke

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am new to the group and am interpreted if people can give me any feed back on Zoloft. I started on Zoloft and two months ago after about of panic and depressive episodes. Though the attacks had seemed to be lessening, it seemed to make sense at the time to treat them to prevent a reoccurrence. The first two weeks were difficult on Xanax and brought back the panic as well as diarrhea, stomach upset, heart palpitations, but these went away and I began to increase my dosage from 25mg to the doctor recommended 50mg. I can’t say I feel that much better and am wondering whether these are side effects. I knew about the decreased sex drive and can probably handle that. One major difference is that I used to wake up early in the morning with a feeling of anxiety and now I can hardly drag myself out of bed at a normal time. I also experience frequent headaches as if my head and nose is pinched. I also am putting on weight. Also wondering about the rash that appeared unexpectedly on my arms (though this could be from something else; it is pretty mild.) Do these sound familiar to anyone? I also am wondering about the dosage of 50mg since I felt pretty good on 25mg and have heard that is a standard dosage. Any thoughts about decreasing dosage? — Tom Semmes 301-530-9586 Fax 301-530-9587

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Tom,     Welcome to ASAP. I’m 21 and diagnosed with manic depression, anxiety, panic attacks, ocd.. and now I’m beginning to wonder about something else, but anyways, the reason for your post and mine.     I’ve been on Zoloft since mid-October. I started on 25mg, two weeks later increased to 50mg, and then two weeks after that 100mg. I finally gained some control over my "problems." I was taken off Zoloft and put on Celexa for a 6 week rollercoaster. I’m back on the Zoloft, and have been since February. I’m up to 200mg a day.     Now, I have little side effects. In the beginning I had a lot of side effects, those you listed, extreme dry mouth, but not the rash and I still have a hard time getting out of bed at a decent hour, I have to keep myself on a very strict sleep pattern, or when I get off of it, I don’t go to bed until 2,3,4am, then never make it up in time to make it to work by 8:30am. And yes, the decreased sex drive is a pain.     Are you taking anything with the Zoloft? I was taking 100mg Zoloft and 4mg Xanax daily, now I’m on 200mg Zoloft and 3mg Klonopin daily. That might also explain the rash, and the waking up thing.     Hope this is of some help for you. Much Love, Brooke

Hi Brooke, Do you take anything for the manic depression? Chip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am new to the group and am interpreted if people can give me any feed back on Zoloft. I started on Zoloft and two months ago after about of panic and depressive episodes. Though the attacks had seemed to be lessening, it seemed to make sense at the time to treat them to prevent a reoccurrence. The first two weeks were difficult on Xanax and brought back the panic as well as diarrhea, stomach upset, heart palpitations, but these went away and I began to increase my dosage from 25mg to the doctor recommended 50mg. I can’t say I feel that much better and am wondering whether these are side effects. I knew about the decreased sex drive and can probably handle that. One major difference is that I used to wake up early in the morning with a feeling of anxiety and now I can hardly drag myself out of bed at a normal time. I also experience frequent headaches as if my head and nose is pinched. I also am putting on weight. Also wondering about the rash that appeared unexpectedly on my arms (though this could be from something else; it is pretty mild.) Do these sound familiar to anyone? I also am wondering about the dosage of 50mg since I felt pretty good on 25mg and have heard that is a standard dosage. Any thoughts about decreasing dosage? — Tom Semmes 301-530-9586 Fax 301-530-9587

Response:

I am new to the group and am interpreted if people can give me any feed back on Zoloft. I started on Zoloft and two months ago after about of panic and depressive episodes. Though the attacks had seemed to be lessening, it seemed to make sense at the time to treat them to prevent a reoccurrence. The first two weeks were difficult on Xanax and brought back the panic as well as diarrhea, stomach upset, heart palpitations, but these went away and I began to increase my dosage from 25mg to the doctor recommended 50mg. I can’t say I feel that much better and am wondering whether these are side effects.

Yes, these are common side effects from weaning on Zoloft and should be temporary. I knew about the decreased sex drive and can probably handle that. One major difference is that I used to wake up early in the morning with a feeling of anxiety and now I can hardly drag myself out of bed at a normal time. I also experience frequent headaches as if my head and nose is pinched. I also am putting on weight. Also wondering about the rash that appeared unexpectedly on my arms (though this could be from something else; it is pretty mild.) Do these sound familiar to anyone?

These can all be side effects, the headaches should be temporary. I also am wondering about the dosage of /50mg since I felt pretty good on 25mg and have heard that is a standard dosage. Any thoughts about decreasing dosage?

On the contrary you may not have noticed much positive change because you’re on a subtherapeutic dose. I think you should consult your doctor (hopefully a psychiatrist with some knowledge of anxiety disorders and not a GP…) about raising the dose. However, the best way to do this is in increments of 12.5 mg in order to avoid or minimize side effects caused by the dose increase. Having a benzo like Xanax or Ativan on the side to take *as needed* may be helpful too. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text — Tom Semmes 301-530-9586 Fax 301-530-9587

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I am new to the group and am interpreted if people can give me any feed back on Zoloft. I started on Zoloft and two months ago after about of panic and depressive episodes. Though the attacks had seemed to be lessening, it seemed to make sense at the time to treat them to prevent a reoccurrence. The first two weeks were difficult on Xanax and brought back the panic as well as diarrhea, stomach upset, heart palpitations, but these went away and I began to increase my dosage from 25mg to the doctor recommended 50mg. I can’t say I feel that much better and am wondering whether these are side effects. I knew about the decreased sex drive and can probably handle that. One major difference is that I used to wake up early in the morning with a feeling of anxiety and now I can hardly drag myself out of bed at a normal time. I also experience frequent headaches as if my head and nose is pinched. I also am putting on weight. Also wondering about the rash that appeared unexpectedly on my arms (though this could be from something else; it is pretty mild.) Do these sound familiar to anyone? I also am wondering about the dosage of 50mg since I felt pretty good on 25mg and have heard that is a standard dosage. Any thoughts about decreasing dosage? — Tom Semmes 301-530-9586 Fax 301-530-9587

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am new to the group and am interpreted if people can give me any feed back on Zoloft. I started on Zoloft and two months ago after about of panic and depressive episodes. Though the attacks had seemed to be lessening, it seemed to make sense at the time to treat them to prevent a reoccurrence. The first two weeks were difficult on Xanax and brought back the panic as well as diarrhea, stomach upset, heart palpitations, but these went away and I began to increase my dosage from 25mg to the doctor recommended 50mg. I can’t say I feel that much better and am wondering whether these are side effects. I knew about the decreased sex drive and can probably handle that. One major difference is that I used to wake up early in the morning with a feeling of anxiety and now I can hardly drag myself out of bed at a normal time. I also experience frequent headaches as if my head and nose is pinched. I also am putting on weight. Also wondering about the rash that appeared unexpectedly on my arms (though this could be from something else; it is pretty mild.) Do these sound familiar to anyone? I also am wondering about the dosage of 50mg since I felt pretty good on 25mg and have heard that is a standard dosage. Any thoughts about decreasing dosage?

Hi Tom, Welcome to ASAP! Alot of the symptoms you mentioned liked headache, weight gain and fatigue are side-effects of Zoloft. You could try going down to 25mgs ( ask your doctor first)  to see if the side-effects decrease but there is a good chance that 25mgs would not be enough to control your anxiety. The therapeutic dose of Zoloft is 100 to 200mgs, although there are people that do well on lower doses. It is also possible that better. Only you know what side-effects you are willing to tolerate or not tolerate. It is important that you talk to your doctor about what is going on so something can be done to help you. Take care Jackie ~*~When you get to the end of all the light you know and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: either you will be given something solid to stand on, or you will be taughhow to fly~*~

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My friend has an anxiety disorder-was recently prescribled 50 mg of Zoloft to take in the a.m.  She finds that she is very tired and ready for sleep around 2:30 p.m.   Is 50mg of Zoloft/day normally prescribed?  She’s complains of feeling too sedated. Thanks in advance for your response.  :0) Jennifer

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: :My friend has an anxiety disorder-was recently prescribled 50 mg of Zoloft to :take in the a.m.  She finds that she is very tired and ready for sleep around :2:30 p.m.   : :Is 50mg of Zoloft/day normally prescribed?  She’s complains of feeling too :sedated. : :Thanks in advance for your response.  :0) Dear Jennifer, Welcome to ASAP! Some people do well on 50mgs of Zoloft, others do well on 100mgs and then person to person. Sedation and feeling tired are common side-effects of antidepressants which is why it`s so important for people with anxiety disorder to start antidepressants at a low dose (zoloft would be12.5 or 25mgs) and to wean slowly (with Zoloft increasing the dose in 12.5 or 25 mg increments once a week or so). We tend to be sensitive to the side-effects of medication. Had your friend started Zoloft at 12.5 mg or even 25mgs the sedation may not have been so bad. She could try to stick this side-effect out, it might start to diminish once her body adjusts to the 50mgs. If she finds this side-effect is just too much for her, she should call her doctor and ask to lower her dose. Take care Jackie ~*~Do unto others as though you were the others~*~

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My friend has an anxiety disorder-was recently prescribled 50 mg of Zoloft to take in the a.m.  She finds that she is very tired and ready for sleep around 2:30 p.m. Is 50mg of Zoloft/day normally prescribed?  She’s complains of feeling too sedated. Thanks in advance for your response.  :0) Jennifer

If her sleepiness is due to the Zoloft, she could try 25 mg/day for awhile, and then raise the dose. Chip

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I definitely agree with lowering the dose initially. She could also try taking the 50mg at bedtime. Zoloft is one of those medications that usually must build up in the system over at least two weeks and it doesn’t really matter if you take it in the morning or at bedtime. Often it is just trial and error to find the regime that works best. Good luck, Russ,  M.D.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My friend has an anxiety disorder-was recently prescribled 50 mg of Zoloft to take in the a.m.  She finds that she is very tired and ready for sleep around 2:30 p.m. Is 50mg of Zoloft/day normally prescribed?  She’s complains of feeling too sedated. Thanks in advance for your response.  :0) Jennifer

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WHATS the story with Zoloft.Ive been on it for a week and still don,t feel any better.Please email me your xperiences with zoloft.Does it take a long time to work.  I DON,T want to give up on it yet I am taking 150mg a day Time wounds all heels!! Generally it takes up to 6 weeks for antidepressants to work.  Some though are fortunate that feel "something" happening by the end of the first week. Don’t give up.  Keep it up. I thought you might have written in another post about difficulty getting an orgasm.  This is experienced with SSRIs, and when it comes so soon after initiation of treatment it is more than likely due to that.  Let your MD know and he may want to change to another SSRI or some other antidepressant that does not have this side effect. kksoo

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Major Impact schreef: WHATS the story with Zoloft.Ive been on it for a week and still don,t feel any better.Please email me your xperiences with zoloft.Does it take a long time to work.  I DON,T want to give up on it yet I am taking 150mg a day Time wounds all heels!!

Alkthough I don’t have experiences with Zoloft I did take three other meds from the same (SSRI) group of antidepressants. These have in common that it may take awhile (anything up from 2-10 weeks) to take effect. So take that time to give the med a chance. After a week it’s already a very good sign that you experienced no side effects or heightened anxiety. This may well be the right med for you! Philip Peters – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –                                                                                                                                                l

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WHATS the story with Zoloft.Ive been on it for a week and still don,t feel any better.Please email me your xperiences with zoloft.Does it take a long time to work.  I DON,T want to give up on it yet I am taking 150mg a day Time wounds all heels!!                                                                                                                                                    l        

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  my 9 yr old son is taking zoloft..he started at 25mg the first week, now the 2nd week is up to 50 mg.  A little while after he takes it he says he feels hot and his head feels funny.  The whole day he is fine and it is really helping his impulsiveness, frustration and tantrums…these traits have nearly disappeared.  I am going to ask the doctor about it but is this normal?  He just was weaned off of Luvox at the same time he started the Zoloft. Debbie

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my 9 yr old son is taking zoloft..he started at 25mg the first week, now the 2nd week is up to 50 mg.  A little while after he takes it he says he feels hot and his head feels funny.  The whole day he is fine and it is really helping his impulsiveness, frustration and tantrums…these traits have nearly disappeared.  I am going to ask the doctor about it but is this normal?  He just was weaned off of Luvox at the same time he started the Zoloft. Debbie

Hi Debbie, Zoloft can cause sweating and headaches and that could be what your son is experiencing. I would mention this to the doctor, it should go away in a few weeks and appears to be mild, so I wouldn`t worry. That is wonderful that Zoloft has helped your son so much ) Take care!! Jackie

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Hopefully the side effects will go away. I had a really bad time on zoloft. Things did get better but I only took it for two days becuase I could not go to work. So mabe I’ll give a go when I have some space. Incidentally my doc said that the minumum dose was 50mg and that’s what I started on. I am in the UK, but this cannot be right. I think I may purchase myself a pill cutter — And god said. Let there be light. And there was light. But the darkness crept over me. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  my 9 yr old son is taking zoloft..he started at 25mg the first week, now the 2nd week is up to 50 mg.  A little while after he takes it he says he feels hot and his head feels funny.  The whole day he is fine and it is really helping his impulsiveness, frustration and tantrums…these traits have nearly disappeared.  I am going to ask the doctor about it but is this normal?  He just was weaned off of Luvox at the same time he started the Zoloft. Debbie

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I had the same symptoms the first couple of days after switching from Paxil. went to 50 the second week. Felt it for a while the first day of 50, but not since. Good luck to your son. Lee

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – my 9 yr old son is taking zoloft..he started at 25mg the first week, now the 2nd week is up to 50 mg.  A little while after he takes it he says he feels hot and his head feels funny.  The whole day he is fine and it is really helping his impulsiveness, frustration and tantrums…these traits have nearly disappeared.  I am going to ask the doctor about it but is this normal?  He just was weaned off of Luvox at the same time he started the Zoloft. Debbie Hi Debbie, Zoloft can cause sweating and headaches and that could be what your son is experiencing. I would mention this to the doctor, it should go away in a few weeks and appears to be mild, so I wouldn`t worry. That is wonderful that Zoloft has helped your son so much ) Take care!! Jackie

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Hopefully the side effects will go away. I had a really bad time on zoloft. Things did get better but I only took it for two days becuase I could not go to work. So mabe I’ll give a go when I have some space. Incidentally my doc said that the minumum dose was 50mg and that’s what I started on. I am in the UK, but this cannot be right. I think I may purchase myself a pill cutter

Oh yes, the UK where psychiatry still has to be invented…. 12.5 mg is the recommended starting dose (half a 25 mg tab), 25 mg may be managed but 50 mg is cruelty! Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — And god said. Let there be light. And there was light. But the darkness crept over me.  my 9 yr old son is taking zoloft..he started at 25mg the first week, now the 2nd week is up to 50 mg.  A little while after he takes it he says he feels hot and his head feels funny.  The whole day he is fine and it is really helping his impulsiveness, frustration and tantrums…these traits have nearly disappeared.  I am going to ask the doctor about it but is this normal?  He just was weaned off of Luvox at the same time he started the Zoloft. Debbie

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Oh yes, the UK where psychiatry still has to be invented…. Philip —

Not true!!! My shrink has a certificate of competence signed by no less a person than Noah (of Ark fame).  Must admit though I was a bit worried by the Thioridazine he gave me.  I could just make out on the label that it was best before 3000 BC — Jon Guite Live support and chat for anxiety and panic disorders at the #anx/pan chat room in Dalnet.  For details see http://www.skcldv.demon.co.uk/anxpanw.htm

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LEJ351 schreef: how long did it take for you to start feeling better?  I am only at 2 weeks and am still strugggling with insomnia, lack of appetite and  an acidic stomach.  I also use ativan as needed

Hopefully the Ativan will take you through these weeks as your body is adjusting to Zoloft. You should give Zoloft between 6-8 weeks to be able to evaluate its effect, but it’s entirely possible that you will feel better sooner than that. Philip

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I recently began taking zoloft and have never felt better.  I am curious why it seem many people take zoloft and xanax combo.  Does this help to alleviate some side effects?

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I recently began taking zoloft and have never felt better.  I am curious why it seem many people take zoloft and xanax combo.  Does this help to alleviate some side effects?

It does but when you don’t need it, so much the better! Glad it works! Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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how long did it take for you to start feeling better?  I am only at 2 weeks and am still strugggling with insomnia, lack of appetite and  an acidic stomach.  I also use ativan as needed

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how long did it take for you to start feeling better?  I am only at 2 weeks and am still strugggling with insomnia, lack of appetite and  an acidic stomach.  I also use ativan as needed

Hi: I am on ZOloft 25mg a day, and klonipin 3mg a day (all at bedtime)  I take benadryl 50mg PRN if I can’t get to sleep. For your stomach acidity, I had the same problem, and a simple dose of Zantac 75 (available without prescription) works wonders for the acid problem..in fact..NO problem!!!..It also doesn’t have any side effects. My pdoc lowered my Zoloft prescription after I found it caused too many side effects. At 25 mg’s at bedtime, it works wonders. I’ve been on it about a month now. Again, the benadryl as per needed, (even if I have to take it every second night!!) works great to knock off to sleep. Most impotantly, it keeps my sleep pattern regular.(ie. don’t sleep all day, and stay awake all night, which was my problem before I took the benadryl) Also, Gravol is simular to Benadryl, but a little bit milder, so may also want to consider this. These are non-prescription drugs, so you can take a shot yourself, and if they work..GREAT!! They’ve worked for me, and I’ve heard they worked well for many other, but, just try, as YMMV… Best of luck.. James — "All of us get lost in the darkness… Dreamers learn to stear by the stars.." Neil Peart, Rush, "The Pass"

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Question:

The name "Slipper" ain’t a pet name.  It is a version of an old family name handed down over the years to the "chosen" ones who exhibited certain qualities.  "Slipper" is a Hebrew term for, "She who is great".  My great, great grandmother, also a chosen one,  was 1/2 American Indian and was called "She who is great", but in indian it was pronounced, "Spaz-twista-shake". That does not fit on contemporary birth certificates. Therefore it was shown in Hebrew, pronouced "Slipper". Yaw show some respect, okay! Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeese!!!!!! -Slipper

Thanks, Slipper.  I needed that …except it hurts to laugh!  You reminded me of a professor I had in grad school who had Parkinson’s. On those wonderful occassions when we would teach together, he would enter the room first with me trailing (and flailing). We would finally get to the front of the lecture hall and he’d introduce us.  "Hi. They call me ‘Old Shaky’ and this is my partner, ‘Spaz’." Shalom, Chana Mitzvah g’dolah l’hiyot b’simcha. "It is a great mitzvah to exist in a state of joy."

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This is so cool.  Here I am, aspiring to become a writer; I answer a newsgroup post and now I’m gonna be in print all over!!!  And more than anything, I’ll have the ultimate "last word" on a multitude of physicians via my pals, the dystoniacs. The name "Slipper" ain’t a pet name.  It is a version of an old family name handed down over the years to the "chosen" ones who exhibited certain qualities.  "Slipper" is a Hebrew term for, "She who is great".  My great, great grandmother, also a chosen one,  was 1/2 American Indian and was called "She who is great", but in indian it was pronounced, "Spaz-twista-shake".  That does not fit on contemporary birth certificates. Therefore it was shown in Hebrew, pronouced "Slipper". Yaw show some respect, okay!  Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeese!!!!!! -Slipper

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The name "Slipper" ain’t a pet name.  It is a version of an old family name handed down over the years to the "chosen" ones who exhibited certain qualities.  "Slipper" is a Hebrew term for, "She who is great".  My great, great grandmother, also a chosen one,  was 1/2 American Indian and was called "She who is great", but in indian it was pronounced, "Spaz-twista-shake". That does not fit on contemporary birth certificates. Therefore it was shown in Hebrew, pronouced "Slipper". Yaw show some respect, okay! Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeese!!!!!! -Slipper Thanks, Slipper.  I needed that …except it hurts to laugh!  You reminded me of a professor I had in grad school who had Parkinson=

’s. On those wonderful occassions when we would teach together, he would enter the room first with me trailing (and flailing). We wo= uld finally get to the front of the lecture hall and he’d introduce us.  "Hi. They call me ‘Old Shaky’ and this is my partner, ‘Spaz= ‘." Shalom, Chana Mitzvah g’dolah l’hiyot b’simcha. "It is a great mitzvah to exist in a state of joy."

Oh me…It is the Chana & Slipper show!!  How fun!  And Chana, your post also appeared as one long line on my server…it is only when I do a ‘post reply’ that your post and Slipper’s take on ‘normal’ form!!  Wonder if it is moi or yoi…<<<VBG MB

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Hi gang. Yes, I feel like I have found a "special" place.  I moved from VA to TX 2 years ago leaving behind family and friends that had been thru it all with me.  That was quite a loss and have been depressed since. (though my husband and daughter are wonderful ) Thanks for all your responses.  I have laughed and cried. I am sure you understand what a.s.d. means to me already. I had my botox shots last Wednesday (300 units) and dr. started me on Klonopin (1 mg). Sure hoping this helps my spasms which for some reason have gotten worse lately. Thanks again.  Talk to yall soon.    Bonnie

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 <SNIP…   Ahhh, but Roger has already warned Slipper of the infamous Mary Beth–NO FAIR, Roger!!!  Now I cannot pounce and be taken seriously <<VBG C’mon now MB! That’s "I cannot pounce OR be taken seriously!"

OOPS!!  Grammar check failed me…what to do, what to do?? Now I tell you, has anyone in any of the countries to which our group us ever taken an MB pounce seriously. (Slipper, it’s those innocent approaches you will have to watch.

John you know me too well!  Now Slipper will just be a lil devil and the Den Mom will have to grin and bear it.  What trouble you do cause, Sir John!! Giving MB the Slip<per I remain, Your humble servant  John  :-)

No, no…I raised your rank above =8-} – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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  <SNIP…       Ahhh, but Roger has already warned Slipper of the infamous Mary Beth–NO FAIR, Roger!!!  Now I cannot pounce and be taken seriously <<VBG

C’mon now MB! That’s "I cannot pounce OR be taken seriously!" Now I tell you, has anyone in any of the countries to which our group us ever taken an MB pounce seriously. (Slipper, it’s those innocent approaches you will have to watch. Giving MB the Slip<per I remain, Your humble servant   John  :-)

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Believe us when we say we have "superior intelligence".  You know how many doctors it takes to diagnosis dystonia? Ten: One to explain that doctors are not magicians; One to say that you have fribromyalgia; One to say you have slight scoliosis; One to say you have a headache and some endurance problems; One to say you have TMJ One to say you have a Benign Essential Tremor and rigidity; One to say you are suffering from a psychogenic disorder aka depression; Two to hold the neurological textbooks at the public library open for you while you diagnosis yourself using American Online’s Medline; And one to follow your instructions when you decide which medications you need to take. SLIPPER I thought I had read this somewhere before,then I seen the name in the address. Glad you found us. Everyone meet slipper. We have become friends through e-mail recently. Slipper meet the gang, just watch out for that Mary Beth. Good to see you have joined our online family. Roger

I LOVE THIS GROUP!!!!!!!  With Roger’s ‘Stamp of Approval’, this new one ‘Slipper’ has an easy road <<giggle Of course the fact that what was posted is completely Wonderful has something to do with it!  Like Chana, I have also printed it out to disperse among friends & doctors. Ahhh, but Roger has already warned Slipper of the infamous Mary Beth–NO FAIR, Roger!!!  Now I cannot pounce and be taken seriously <<VBG Anyhow, welcome Slipper, be ye male, female, or…well, OK I’ll say it… Slipper kinda sounds like a pet’s name, as in ‘here Slipper, Slipper’ Sorry Roger, you always bring out my ‘best’ side!! MB

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Believe us when we say we have "superior intelligence".  You know how many doctors it takes to diagnosis dystonia? Ten: One to explain that doctors are not magicians; One to say that you have fribromyalgia; One to say you have slight scoliosis; One to say you have a headache and some endurance problems; One to say you have TMJ One to say you have a Benign Essential Tremor and rigidity; One to say you are suffering from a psychogenic disorder aka depression; Two to hold the neurological textbooks at the public library open for you while you diagnosis yourself using American Online’s Medline; And one to follow your instructions when you decide which medications you need to take.

I LOVE THIS!!!  There is someone else out there who is brilliant and funny just like the rest of us!  We ARE a smart bunch, no? Chana P.S.  I’m sending a copy of this to my neurologist and family friend and physician.  I know that, at least, the latter will ROFL… Mitzvah g’dolah l’hiyot b’simcha. "It is a great mitzvah to exist in a state of joy."

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Believe us when we say we have "superior intelligence".  You know how many doctors it takes to diagnosis dystonia? Ten: One to explain that doctors are not magicians; One to say that you have fribromyalgia; One to say you have slight scoliosis; One to say you have a headache and some endurance problems; One to say you have TMJ One to say you have a Benign Essential Tremor and rigidity; One to say you are suffering from a psychogenic disorder aka depression; Two to hold the neurological textbooks at the public library open for you while you diagnosis yourself using American Online’s Medline; And one to follow your instructions when you decide which medications you need to take.

SLIPPER I thought I had read this somewhere before,then I seen the name in the address. Glad you found us. Everyone meet slipper. We have become friends through e-mail recently. Slipper meet the gang, just watch out for that Mary Beth. Good to see you have joined our online family. Roger

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Believe us when we say we have "superior intelligence".  You know how many doctors it takes to diagnosis dystonia? Ten: One to explain that doctors are not magicians; One to say that you have fribromyalgia; One to say you have slight scoliosis; One to say you have a headache and some endurance problems; One to say you have TMJ One to say you have a Benign Essential Tremor and rigidity; One to say you are suffering from a psychogenic disorder aka depression; Two to hold the neurological textbooks at the public library open for you while you diagnosis yourself using American Online’s Medline; And one to follow your instructions when you decide which medications you need to take.

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Hi! Bonnie I just read your post and I’m also excited about finding all this on my new computer.  I’m had Dystonia since I was a teenager and I am a NSTA support leader in Atlanta, Georgia.  I would love to correspond with you and maybe we could compare notes, this is a GREAT newsgroup and you will love it. Best wishes, Kathie

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Welcome Bonnie! If you’ve got a sense of humor, you’ve found the right place!  As serious as we can be, most of us can find SOMEthing to laugh at! Have you thought of contacting your regional coordinator from the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation in starting a support group?=

  I’ve just come back from one of their conventions and we sure do have a lot to offer?  MB will pipe in with more information and h= I’m a bit older than yourself but just beginning my ‘relationship’ with the diagnosis of dystonia … even though I’ve had dystonia=

 since I can remember.  Personally, I think we were given ’superior intelligence’ to make up for our differences. <<grin Looking forward to hearing from you again. Chana Mitzvah g’dolah l’hiyot b’simcha. "It is a great mitzvah to exist in a state of joy."

Golly, I feel like I am being paged again!!  Yes, Chana, here I am at your service <<giggle Actually, Bonnie!  Chana has a wonderful point which I completely overlooked [I am really scattered presently].  There is a support group called the ‘Dallas-Fort Worth’ Support Group in Cedar Hill TX.  Leader is Patricia Foreman and her home # is 214 299-5715.  You might want to touch base with her OR the Regional Cordinator for that regon is Bill Rapp in New Orleans and Bill’s # is 504 254-2455.  Good Luck, Bonnie! MB

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Welcome Bonnie! If you’ve got a sense of humor, you’ve found the right place!  As serious as we can be, most of us can find SOMEthing to laugh at! I’m a bit older than yourself but just beginning my ‘relationship’ with the diagnosis of dystonia … even though I’ve had dystonia since I can remember.  Personally, I think we were given ’superior intelligence’ to make up for our differences. <<grin Looking forward to hearing from you again. Chana Mitzvah g’dolah l’hiyot b’simcha. "It is a great mitzvah to exist in a state of joy."

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My name is Bonnie and have had dystonia since I was 18 (now 41).  I receive Botox injections (ST) also have problems with left foot and writers cramp with scolosis and degenerative disc disease. Whew!!! But keeping a positive attitude and a sense of humor is the only way to deal with this.  So glad I got a computer in Dec.; never expected to find anything when I typed in dystonia for web search ;boy, was I suprised. This is great.  Well, I could write a book of my experiences over the years.  Just wanted to say hello and this has been a godsend.  I have never encounted anyone else with dystonia; have joined NSTA and talked with my doctor yesterday about starting a support group in my area (Ft. Worth, TX).  She has other patients she is contacting for me anf if they are interested will give them my #.  I sure hope this works out.  If I can help any one, please do not hesitiate to post or e-mail me. Thanks and remember you are not alone.      Bonnie

Welcome Bonnie!!  We are so glad you have found us and are willing to post!  Another Texan…hmmmm, we are blessed with Canadians and Texans, aren’t we? Good luck with the support group…if ya happen to speak with either Jan Richter or Patricia Murray, say hi from Mary Beth (MB). And please keep posting, your experience is invaluable! TTYS, MB

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My name is Bonnie and have had dystonia since I was 18 (now 41).  I receive Botox injections (ST) also have problems with left foot and writers cramp with scolosis and degenerative disc disease. Whew!!! But keeping a positive attitude and a sense of humor is the only way to deal with this.  So glad I got a computer in Dec.; never expected to find anything when I typed in dystonia for web search ;boy, was I suprised. This is great.  Well, I could write a book of my experiences over the years.  Just wanted to say hello and this has been a godsend.  I have never encounted anyone else with dystonia; have joined NSTA and talked with my doctor yesterday about starting a support group in my area (Ft. Worth, TX).  She has other patients she is contacting for me anf if they are interested will give them my #.  I sure hope this works out.  If I can help any one, please do not hesitiate to post or e-mail me. Thanks and remember you are not alone.      Bonnie

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This is so cool.  Here I am, aspiring to become a writer; I answer a newsgroup post and now I’m gonna be in print all over!!!  And more than anything, I’ll have the ultimate "last word" on a multitude of physicians via my pals, the dystoniacs. The name "Slipper" ain’t a pet name.  It is a version of an old family name handed down over the years to the "chosen" ones who exhibited certain qualities.  "Slipper" is a Hebrew term for, "She who is great".  My great, great grandmother, also a chosen one,  was 1/2 American Indian and was called "She who is great", but in indian it was pronounced, "Spaz-twista-shake".  That does not fit on contemporary birth certificates. Therefore it was shown in Hebrew, pronouced "Slipper". Yaw show some respect, okay!  Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeese!!!!!! -Slipper

Oh Great Slipper, I would like to respectfully welcome you to the alt.support.dystonia news group on the part of those of us living in the maritime provinces:-) I am sure our charming Mary Beth Chan will be officially welcoming you shortly. Gene

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<<snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Oh me…It is the Chana & Slipper show!!  How fun!  And Chana, your post also appeared as one long line on my server…it is only when I do a ‘post reply’ that your post and Slipper’s take on ‘normal’ form!!  Wonder if it is moi or yoi…<<<VBG MB MB I have the same problem.  I always find this very baffling as most of the post I can read on my screen but there are one or two that seem to go past the right hand margin.  Mally made a suggestion of what I should do but I have never been able to get it to work. Glad to have the company. Faye

If you are using Free Agent, try this: Click Options, then Posting, then pick the "General." tab.  There is a choice for Line length.  Choose 70, then click OK. Other newsreaders should have similar options. Jeff Jeff H.

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I am curious about your post itself…it came onto my server as one long line and then a line that appeared to be typed and typed over-top-of many times.  This happened to Chana’s posts too, still is on my server at least.  AOL is having more trouble?  Or what? Ideas anybody? In any case, no matter how your posts ‘look’, I really enjoy having you with us! MB

MB, I just finished describing this problem to Chana… I guess if others are having it too, I should redo it publically. The problem lies within the AOL newsreader.  It appears to not know how to insert a carraige return to wrap a line, and so those posting from AOL are indeed writing one *very* long line instead of a paragraph.  Those who can read the messages fine are using newsreaders that are able to fake-out the problem and wrap the lines to fit that user’s screen.  This is why some people are able to read these posting no problem but others are having troubles and seeing only one line. We need those using AOL to manually insert carriage returns when they come to the end of a line on their screen (and continue their sentence on the next line).  They will need to do this for every line of text for their whole posting as the problem will occur any time they don’t hit that ol’ "return" key. Other than that, people having troubles can see about any "line wrap" options in their own software that they can turn on when they come across a one-line AOL posting, or other means of justifying the message so it is readable in a paragraph format (such as saving the message and opening it up in another program such as a word processor.) Cathy. —  (—-)                                                     (—-)   "  "         http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~collisoc          "  "

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I have the same problem.  I always find this very baffling as most of the post I can read on my screen but there are one or two that seem to go past the right hand margin.  Mally made a suggestion of what I should do but I have never been able to get it to work. Glad to have the company. Faye

Someone mention my name?  Hi Faye!  <waving away at you Depending on what newsreader you’re using, search through your menu lists for "word wrap".  In Free Agent, if you click on that, it will stay "clicked" – a check mark will appear beside it.  Then any post that goes off the side of your screen will get "wrapped" automatically.  IOW, it will fit into the margins you have set in your default.  You may find that you will then half lines followed by "=" or some such weird little squiggles or symbols.  Just ignore those, they are the "line breaks" showing up as symbols.  Hokey? For those whose posts are too wide, check in your "Page Setup" for margins – usually found under "File".  Do this while you are in "Post" or "Reply" mode/screen. Mally  :)

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The name "Slipper" ain’t a pet name.  It is a version of an old family name handed down over the years to the "chosen" ones who exhibited certain qualities.  "Slipper" is a Hebrew term for, "She who is great".  My great, great grandmother, also a chosen one,  was 1/2 American Indian and was called "She who is great", but in indian it was pronounced, "Spaz-twista-shake". That does not fit on contemporary birth certificates. Therefore it was shown in Hebrew, pronouced "Slipper". Yaw show some respect, okay! Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeese!!!!!! -Slipper Thanks, Slipper.  I needed that …except it hurts to laugh!  You reminded me of a professor I had in grad school who had Parkinson= ’s. On those wonderful occassions when we would teach together, he would enter the room first with me trailing (and flailing). We wo= uld finally get to the front of the lecture hall and he’d introduce us.  "Hi. They call me ‘Old Shaky’ and this is my partner, ‘Spaz= ‘." Shalom, Chana Mitzvah g’dolah l’hiyot b’simcha. "It is a great mitzvah to exist in a state of joy." Oh me…It is the Chana & Slipper show!!  How fun!  And Chana, your post also appeared as one long line on my server…it is only when I do a ‘post reply’ that your post and Slipper’s take on ‘normal’ form!!  Wonder if it is moi or yoi…<<<VBG MB

MB I have the same problem.  I always find this very baffling as most of the post I can read on my screen but there are one or two that seem to go past the right hand margin.  Mally made a suggestion of what I should do but I have never been able to get it to work. Glad to have the company. Faye

Response:

This is so cool.  Here I am, aspiring to become a writer; I answer a newsgroup post and now I’m gonna be in print all over!!!  And more than anything, I’ll have the ultimate "last word" on a multitude of physicians via my pals, the dystoniacs. The name "Slipper" ain’t a pet name.  It is a version of an old family name handed down over the years to the "chosen" ones who exhibited certain qualities.  "Slipper" is a Hebrew term for, "She who is great".  My great, great grandmother, also a chosen one,  was 1/2 American Indian and was called "She who is great", but in indian it was pronounced, "Spaz-twista-shake".  That does not fit on contemporary birth certificates. Therefore it was shown in Hebrew, pronouced "Slipper". Yaw show some res -Slipper

Spaz-twista-shake,hey that fits me oh she who is great. I thought that was a nick name you had,and here I thought I knew you. Well I’ll talh to you later. Roger

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Hi Bonnie- Greetings to you from Chicago!  Just a quick note to welcome you to the "family."  I wanted to ensure that you are also familiar with our organization, The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.  We are the largest international organizations for dystonia-affected persons and their families (over 25,000 members!)  Our Foundation has a 3-fold mission:  to support dystonia-specific medical research (we have supported over $14 million to-date), to increase public and physician awareness of dystonia, and to sponsor educational and support programs for affected individuals and their families.  If you are not familiar with our gladly send them to you.  We also have a support group manual that may help you to get things started in Ft. Worth.   Take care, Jennifer Molski Dystonia Medical Research Foundation

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is so cool.  Here I am, aspiring to become a writer; I answer a newsgroup post and now I’m gonna be in print all over!!!  And = more than anything, I’ll have the ultimate "last word" on a multitude of physicians via my pals, the dystoniacs. The name "Slipper" ain’t a pet name.  It is a version of an old family name handed down over the years to the "chosen" ones who exh= ibited certain qualities.  "Slipper" is a Hebrew term for, "She who is great".  My great, great grandmother, also a chosen one,  was= 1/2 American Indian and was called "She who is great", but in indian it was pronounced, "Spaz-twista-shake".  That does not fit on = contemporary birth certificates. Therefore it was shown in Hebrew, pronouced "Slipper". Yaw show some respect, okay!  Jeeeeeeeeeeeee= ese!!!!!! -Slipper Hi Slipper, So I am understanding that you are part Jew, part American Indian?  WOW!! What a wonderful combination I am curious about your post itself…it came onto my server as one long line and then a line that appeared to be typed and typed over-top-of many times.  This happened to Chana’s posts too, still is on my server at least.  AOL is having more trouble?  Or what? Ideas anybody? In any case, no matter how your posts ‘look’, I really enjoy having you with us! MB

Shoot!!  First it would not post and then it posted twice!!  Sorry! MB

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This is so cool.  Here I am, aspiring to become a writer; I answer a newsgroup post and now I’m gonna be in print all over!!!  And =

more than anything, I’ll have the ultimate "last word" on a multitude of physicians via my pals, the dystoniacs. The name "Slipper" ain’t a pet name.  It is a version of an old family name handed down over the years to the "chosen" ones who exh=

ibited certain qualities.  "Slipper" is a Hebrew term for, "She who is great".  My great, great grandmother, also a chosen one,  was=  1/2 American Indian and was called "She who is great", but in indian it was pronounced, "Spaz-twista-shake".  That does not fit on = contemporary birth certificates. Therefore it was shown in Hebrew, pronouced "Slipper". Yaw show some respect, okay!  Jeeeeeeeeeeeee= ese!!!!!! -Slipper

Hi Slipper, So I am understanding that you are part Jew, part American Indian?  WOW!! What a wonderful combination I am curious about your post itself…it came onto my server as one long line and then a line that appeared to be typed and typed over-top-of many times.  This happened to Chana’s posts too, still is on my server at least.  AOL is having more trouble?  Or what? Ideas anybody? In any case, no matter how your posts ‘look’, I really enjoy having you with us! MB

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