Question:

We’ve done it, traded in the fifth wheel for a park model.  The dealer says he cannot find a source for a 150 gallon holding tank to put under it.  He used to get them for about $150.  Another dealer we are not enamored of, (where we did not buy the park model) says he can sell us one for $750, which seems completely ridiculous.  There mustbe someplace to get a reasonable price on a 150 gallon holding tank, anybody aware of where that might be? Romeo Raabe in Green Bay, WI

Response:

Check with El Monte Plastics, El Monte, California.  Or look up Northernhydraulics.com as I believe they have generic tanks at a reasonable price.  If that does not work, try Northerntools.com Steve

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We’ve done it, traded in the fifth wheel for a park model.  The dealer says he cannot find a source for a 150 gallon holding tank to put under it.  He used to get them for about $150.  Another dealer we are not enamored of, (where we did not buy the park model) says he can sell us one for $750, which seems completely ridiculous.  There mustbe someplace to get a reasonable price on a 150 gallon holding tank, anybody aware of where that might be? Romeo Raabe in Green Bay, WI

Response:

Question:

Question to the group??? Need feedback on this product….  Positive or negative.. I remember some commentary a while back but it has gone from the database…. Thank you for comments…

Response:

I’ve been using it 4 clicks twiced a day for 2 years and it helped me more than the others did. I do have a tendancy toward Candidas infections though from it. I rinse my mouth after use but some are just prone to it. The Nystatin for it works great.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Question to the group??? Need feedback on this product….  Positive or negative.. I remember some commentary a while back but it has gone from the database…. Thank you for comments…

Response:

Question to the group??? Need feedback on this product….  Positive or negative.. I remember some commentary a while back but it has gone from the database…. Thank you for comments…

Pulmicort Turbuhaler (budesonide) is one of the 2 new steroid inhalers; the other is Flovent. I use Pulmicort and consider it the best. It’s a DPI (dry powder inhaler), 200 puffs per container; I use one puff twice a day (used to use multiple puffs of weaker inhalers). It’s made by Astra of Sweden and is popular worldwide. http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/drug/pulmicor.htm Pulmicort Turbuhaler Ellis

Response:

I have used it since ~1990, and am very very pleased with it.  No problems at all. SW

Response:

I have used it since ~1990, and am very very pleased with it.  No problems at all. SW

DITTO except mine is Feb 93.. i was on a high dose of becloforte at the time starwind turned my attention to pulmicort, and i REFUSE to go back! it improved my asthma visibly and immeasurably as to quality of life, ability to function like a human being, not an asthmatic, and my ability to fight off infections, or at least prevent them from escalating to pneumonia, as had been my previous track of life … the difference was noticed w/in 24 hours, and when i’d finally increased up to a dose my doctor felt was good for me, i’d nearly added 30% to my peakflows… Pauline

Response:

Question to the group??? Need feedback on this product….  Positive or negative.. I remember some commentary a while back but it has gone from the database…. Thank you for comments… Pulmicort Turbuhaler (budesonide) is one of the 2 new steroid inhalers; the other is Flovent. I use Pulmicort and consider it the best. It’s a DPI (dry powder inhaler), 200 puffs per container;

The leaflet with mine says that the number of puffs per container depend on the version being used – there is Pulmicort 100 (200 puffs I think), 200 (100 puffs) and 400 (50 puffs).  In other words there is the same amount of drug in each inhaler but the mechanism varies in some way to deliver different doses.  Therefore if you need 4 puffs twice a day of the 100, switching to the 400 will mean you need 1 puff twice a day but the inhaler won’t last any longer.  However it will be easier and quicker to take. I use one puff twice a day (used to use multiple puffs of weaker inhalers). It’s made by Astra of Sweden and is popular worldwide. http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/drug/pulmicor.htm Pulmicort Turbuhaler Ellis

– Surfer!

Response:

Hi What is the incidence of thrush like with the pulmicort inhaler vs. Flovent? Switching to blue cross HMO (USA) and they do not cover azmacort. Chilla

Response:

I was very happy with Pulmicort, too (only stopped when I switched to Singulair).  I liked both the fact that the "spacer" was essentially part of the inhaler itself, and that the inhaler kept track of how many puffs you’d used, so you knew when it needed replacing. Seemed to work at least as well as Vanceril DS, which I’d been using before then.

Response:

The leaflet with mine says that the number of puffs per container depend on the version being used – there is Pulmicort 100 (200 puffs I think), 200 (100 puffs) and 400 (50 puffs).  In other words there is the same

In both Canada and the US, the 200mcg/dose version has 200 doses; not sure what the other dose versions have; the 200mcg/dose is the only one available in the US. SW.

Response:

Question to the group??? Need feedback on this product….  Positive or negative.. I remember some commentary a while back but it has gone from the database….

I’ve been using it for about a year.  I like it better than the MDI stuff.   No electrons were harmed in the posting of this message.

Response:

my 400mcg turbohaler has 200 inhalations in it… Pauline puffs at ibm dot net – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -The leaflet with mine says that the number of puffs per container depend on the version being used – there is Pulmicort 100 (200 puffs I think), 200 (100 puffs) and 400 (50 puffs).  In other words there is the same In both Canada and the US, the 200mcg/dose version has 200 doses; not sure what the other dose versions have; the 200mcg/dose is the only one available in the US. SW.

Response:

The leaflet with mine says that the number of puffs per container depend on the version being used – there is Pulmicort 100 (200 puffs I think), 200 (100 puffs) and 400 (50 puffs).  In other words there is the same amount of drug in each inhaler but the mechanism varies in some way to deliver different doses.  Therefore if you need 4 puffs twice a day of the 100, switching to the 400 will mean you need 1 puff twice a day but the inhaler won’t last any longer.  However it will be easier and quicker to take.

The capacity of pulmicort turbohaler differs in different countrys. We, in Germany have Pulmicort 200

Question:

OK, first of all, how are you functioning during the daytime, after your 5 hours?

80 % of the time I can function during the day, while feeling tired; 20 % of the time I lay in bed all day. Also, I have chronic Fatigue and I am on long term disability. Anything good happening from this medication after 7 weeks?

Yes, anxiety has become less pronounced, but still need to up the Effexor to better control my anxiety. My fear is if I up the Effexor then I will get no sleep at all. What is it being prescribed for?

Anxiety. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – G Hello all, I have been taking Effexor XR 37.5 once a day for 7 weeks. The problem is the lack of sleep; I sleep 4 to 5 hours a night. Initially I thought this would go away once I acclimated to the medication, because that’s what happened in the past with other meds. Unfortunately this has not happened. My question is there any medication that would assist with my sleep problem, so I could get a good night sleep. This would probably be on a long term basis. Thank you to those who respond, Mike

Response:

OK, first of all, how are you functioning during the daytime, after your 5 hours?  Anything good happening from this medication after 7 weeks? What is it being prescribed for? G

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all, I have been taking Effexor XR 37.5 once a day for 7 weeks. The problem is the lack of sleep; I sleep 4 to 5 hours a night. Initially I thought this would go away once I acclimated to the medication, because that’s what happened in the past with other meds. Unfortunately this has not happened. My question is there any medication that would assist with my sleep problem, so I could get a good night sleep. This would probably be on a long term basis. Thank you to those who respond, Mike

Response:

Hello all, I have been taking Effexor XR 37.5 once a day for 7 weeks. The problem is the lack of sleep; I sleep 4 to 5 hours a night. Initially I thought this would go away once I acclimated to the medication, because that’s what happened in the past with other meds. Unfortunately this has not happened. My question is there any medication that would assist with my sleep problem, so I could get a good night sleep. This would probably be on a long term basis. Thank you to those who respond, Mike

Response:

talk to the doc who prescribed the Effexor?? that would be my first step. Lobo

Response:

Hello all, I have been taking Effexor XR 37.5 once a day for 7 weeks. The problem is the lack of sleep; I sleep 4 to 5 hours a night. Initially I thought this would go away once I acclimated to the medication, because that’s what happened in the past with other meds. Unfortunately this has not happened. My question is there any medication that would assist with my sleep problem, so I could get a good night sleep. This would probably be on a long term basis. Thank you to those who respond, Mike

Do you take Effexor for anxiety/panic, depression? Does it work at this low dose? Good sedating antidepressants that work also for anxiety/panic are amitriptyline (TCA) and Paxil (SSRI). Also Remeron which as a rule is somewhat less effective for anxiety disorders but does help people. Low dose ami and ditto Remeron are succesfully prescribed as  sleeping aids. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Question:

Hithere… for anyone who cares to know.  I am doing remarkably well on day 2 at 25% of my regular 50 mg Zoloft dosage.  I will remain at this dosage until after my menses have passed as PMS can be hellish. Happy as a Clam… PW

Hello.  I have dealt with anxiety and secondary depression for about 15 years.  I have been misdiagnosed more times than I have fingers.  I am under the impression that diagnoses are merely a way for the

psychology/psychiatry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – industry to allocate medication.  It has nothing to do with management.  I have been on Prozac, Melaril, Paxil, Zoloft, Depakote, Risperdal and Xanax. Of all of them I found Zoloft to be the most helpful.  Unfortunately, one of the side effects is weight gain.  I have been on it, 2nd time around, for about a year and a half.  I have learned of a new pseudo-natural supplement called L5 Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP).  It’s a lot like Tryptophan in that it helps the body produce serotonin and melatonin.  I lost my job about 6 months ago, as I go through them like kleenex tissues, and, subsequently lost my health insurance.  I cannot afford to see my psychiatrist anymore. I have always been inclined toward natural healing techniques and really wanted to come off the Zoloft.  I also wanted to lose the 30 pounds I gained in the last 9 months.  I tried to come off it and I started feeling edgy on day 3.  On day 4 I was as maniacal as I was at my absolute worst.  I did some research to learn that there are indeed significant withdrawal symptoms associated with SSRIs not excluding permanent neurological damage and death.  Of all 20 or so doctors I have seen in the last 15 years nobody ever mentioned this!  I was appalled.  Had I known this I may have looked deeper into alternatives.  It’s like coming off heroin!  I am on my 6th week of tapering off.  I have had to cut my 40 hour week (at my new job w/o insurance) to 20.  Fortunately I have a job where this is possible.  I am consulting with a nutritionist on my diet and 5HTP.  She has personal experience with the same type of disorder manifestation as myself except she was on Prozac prior to using 5HTP. What I would like to know is if anyone reading this has any experience coming off SSRIs and/or using 5HTP.  I am using kava kava to help keep me calm during the day while lowering my dosage.  I use a subligual form of melatonin at night to help me stay asleep, as I have a tendancy to wake up every hour.  It’s working so far.  I am down by 50% of my 50 mg dosage. To women out there:  I do not recommend adjusting your dosage during PMS. Most of us have it worst during this time.  I adjust my dosage about a week into my cycle – when I am at my best.  I have had the best results this way. Also, it takes me about a week to adjust to the lowered dosage.  I have been working with this for nearly 2 months now.  I found that using 5HTP with the SSRI is not good.  I was flooded with serotonin and nuts as ever. I’d love to hear other ppls’ experience coming off SSRIs and the use of natural "supplements".  Thanks! Ms. PW

Response:

I suppose you know that kava is not recommended for use with any other psychoactive drug.  Kava is known to potentiate (increase) the effects of other drugs e,g,, benzodiazepenes, alcohol and barbituates.  I  haven’t seen anything specific to SSRIs or other drugs that affect serotonin, just educated speculation that kava could have a negative impact on serotonin utilization.  Another poster related a problem with anxiety rebound when taking kava, a report I’ve never seen before; I wonder if he/she was taking another drug at the time. From your last post, though, the combination seems to be working for you. I’d suggest, though, that you keep a close watch on your reactions and discontinue the kava as appropriate.  I’d be interested in hearing how it goes for you. I gather that your intent is to withdraw from Zoloft and start on 5-HTP. May I suggest that you hold off on the 5-HTP and just stay on kava for awhile?  If you have anxiety-driven depression, you may not need anything else, or perhaps something milder like an omega-3 supplement (skip St. John’s Wort – it eats kava as well as birth control pills, HIV medication, etc.)  Anyway, take the time to evaluate yourself before you take on the possible risks associated with 5-HTP.  (Actually, I’m considering taking 5-HTP in lieu of melatonin – still researching the issue of combining it with kava) One other note about kava:  researchers may have found the reason why some users have suffered liver damage.  It seems that some herbal manufacturers have been making their kava extracts from "peelings", the bark of the aboveground stems of the plant; which contain pipemethystine, a substance proved to be toxic to liver cultures.  Peelings are a by-product of kava use in the South Pacific and are normally discarded as waste material; in 1998, though, 82% of the kava imported into the U.S. consisted of dried peelings. It would be reasonable for all kava users to research the product they use and determine whether any of the above ground portions of the plant (peelings, stem or leaves) are used; if so, change to another brand that only uses the underground portions (lateral roots and rootstalk).  You don’t need hepititis or cirrohsis on top of your other problems. You may also end up with a more effective kava :}. Cheers, Figaro

Response:

I am reevaluating my need for 5-htp at all.  Kava does seem to be working for me.  I actually only need it on days 1-3 (about) after downgrading my Zoloft dose.  After that, I seem to level out naturally, except for the use of sublingual melatonin.  I think that working only 20 hours a week really halps too, though I can’t do this forever. I have forwarded your message to my nutritionist.  I am particularly interested in what she has to say about the peelings.  The brand of kava I use is Gaia Herbs.  I’ve used other supplements they manufacture with positive results. I have heard of the anxiety rebound effect of kava though, as of yet, it’s not happened to me.  It may be because I don’t use it all the time, only while transitioning to a lower dose ssri. My most annoying withdrawal symptoms now is nausea.  It only lasts for a couple of days and it’s mild, but it makes eating difficult.  The other side of that is that I eat less.  Since I gained 30 pounds on Zoloft, I’m not complaining too loudly.  I anticipate it stopping after I come off the ssri completely. I have lost 10 of the 30 pounds in the last 6 weeks.  Every time I downgrade my dose I lose 3 pounds in the first 36 hours!  Woo-Hoo! PW

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I suppose you know that kava is not recommended for use with any other psychoactive drug.  Kava is known to potentiate (increase) the effects of other drugs e,g,, benzodiazepenes, alcohol and barbituates.  I  haven’t seen anything specific to SSRIs or other drugs that affect serotonin, just educated speculation that kava could have a negative impact on serotonin utilization.  Another poster related a problem with anxiety rebound when taking kava, a report I’ve never seen before; I wonder if he/she was taking another drug at the time. From your last post, though, the combination seems to be working for you. I’d suggest, though, that you keep a close watch on your reactions and discontinue the kava as appropriate.  I’d be interested in hearing how it goes for you. I gather that your intent is to withdraw from Zoloft and start on 5-HTP. May I suggest that you hold off on the 5-HTP and just stay on kava for awhile?  If you have anxiety-driven depression, you may not need anything else, or perhaps something milder like an omega-3 supplement (skip St. John’s Wort – it eats kava as well as birth control pills, HIV medication, etc.)  Anyway, take the time to evaluate yourself before you take on the possible risks associated with 5-HTP.  (Actually, I’m considering taking 5-HTP in lieu of melatonin – still researching the issue of combining it with kava) One other note about kava:  researchers may have found the reason why some users have suffered liver damage.  It seems that some herbal manufacturers have been making their kava extracts from "peelings", the bark of the aboveground stems of the plant; which contain pipemethystine, a substance proved to be toxic to liver cultures.  Peelings are a by-product of kava use in the South Pacific and are normally discarded as waste material; in 1998, though, 82% of the kava imported into the U.S. consisted of dried peelings. It would be reasonable for all kava users to research the product they use and determine whether any of the above ground portions of the plant (peelings, stem or leaves) are used; if so, change to another brand that only uses the underground portions (lateral roots and rootstalk).  You don’t need hepititis or cirrohsis on top of your other problems. You may also end up with a more effective kava :}. Cheers, Figaro

Response:

 Another poster related a problem with anxiety rebound when taking kava, a report I’ve never seen before; I wonder if he/she was taking another drug at the time.

That was me.  The only other drug I was on was alcohol… and lot’s of it.  I was self medicating for about 25 years. Over 15 months sober, one day at a time. Tono

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  Another poster related a problem with anxiety rebound when taking kava, a report I’ve never seen before; I wonder if he/she was taking another drug at the time. That was me.  The only other drug I was on was alcohol… and lot’s of it.  I was self medicating for about 25 years. Over 15 months sober, one day at a time. Tono

Thanks for posting the info, Tono.  I just try to collect info on kava whereever it may be!

Response:

LM, Thank you for your information.  I am working with a nutritionist who has an MS.  She has informaed me that the blood levels of 5HTP are a concern only for those very few with serious metabolic issues.  I am quite healthy in that regard.  She assures me that in her years of working with the CDC she participated in clinical studies on the use of 5htp and tryptophan and found that both amino acids are quite safe in healthy individuals.  She has several patients who are taking up to 250 mg of 5htp daily and have for a year or better with no problems at all.  In my opinion, the ssris are a much greater risk for me personally since there are no clinical studies on the effect ssris in ppl taking them over one year.  The side effects of ssris have been devastating for me.  For those with metabolic issues it should not be taken lightly though.  Thank you.  I will keep the group informed on my progress. PW

Hello.  I have dealt with anxiety and secondary depression for about 15 years.  I have been misdiagnosed more times than I have fingers.  I am under the impression that diagnoses are merely a way for the

psychology/psychiatry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – industry to allocate medication.  It has nothing to do with management. I have been on Prozac, Melaril, Paxil, Zoloft, Depakote, Risperdal and Xanax. Of all of them I found Zoloft to be the most helpful.  Unfortunately, one of the side effects is weight gain.  I have been on it, 2nd time around, for about a year and a half.  I have learned of a new pseudo-natural supplement called L5 Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP).  It’s a lot like Tryptophan in that it helps the body produce serotonin and melatonin.  I lost my job about 6 months ago, as I go through them like kleenex tissues, and, subsequently lost my health insurance.  I cannot afford to see my psychiatrist anymore. I have always been inclined toward natural healing techniques and really wanted to come off the Zoloft.  I also wanted to lose the 30 pounds I gained in the last 9 months.  I tried to come off it and I started feeling edgy on day 3.  On day 4 I was as maniacal as I was at my absolute worst.  I did some research to learn that there are indeed significant withdrawal symptoms associated with SSRIs not excluding permanent neurological damage and death.  Of all 20 or so doctors I have seen in the last 15 years nobody ever mentioned this!  I was appalled.  Had I known this I may have looked deeper into alternatives.  It’s like coming off heroin!  I am on my 6th week of tapering off.  I have had to cut my 40 hour week (at my new job w/o insurance) to 20.  Fortunately I have a job where this is possible.  I am consulting with a nutritionist on my diet and 5HTP.  She has personal experience with the same type of disorder manifestation as myself except she was on Prozac prior to using 5HTP. What I would like to know is if anyone reading this has any experience coming off SSRIs and/or using 5HTP.  I am using kava kava to help keep me calm during the day while lowering my dosage.  I use a subligual form of melatonin at night to help me stay asleep, as I have a tendancy to wake up every hour.  It’s working so far.  I am down by 50% of my 50 mg dosage. To women out there:  I do not recommend adjusting your dosage during PMS. Most of us have it worst during this time.  I adjust my dosage about a week into my cycle – when I am at my best.  I have had the best results this way. Also, it takes me about a week to adjust to the lowered dosage.  I have been working with this for nearly 2 months now.  I found that using 5HTP with the SSRI is not good.  I was flooded with serotonin and nuts as ever. I’d love to hear other ppls’ experience coming off SSRIs and the use of natural "supplements".  Thanks! Ms. PW please do not take 5ht without discussing it thoroughly with a doctor-it can cause elevated serum levels of serotonin which does not pass the blood brain barrier but can destroy the valves of your heart-tryptophan as a supplement will not do this because the metabolic process of converting tryptophan buffers the larger flooding of blood levels if you truly believe this supplement is working  for you a urinary 5HIAA test should be done every month or so to see if your blood level of serotonin isn’t too high-if you have any coronary artery disease using this supplement is dangerous there is a whole complex interplay between B vitamins and serotonin as well as its percursors like 5ht -natural supplements are often drugs or co-drugs in a sense so please don’t be over-comfortable by their "natural" label-there are cancerous tumors that secrete gobs of 5ht and that is natural too-for the tumors. Just be careful please LM

Response:

Thanks, Tono.  Actually the kava kava really does help me.  The thing I like to keep in mind is that everyone is different.  That’s why I have a hard time beleiving in diagnoses – there are too many variations.  I’ll keep your suggestion in mind.  But for now it’s the only thing that DOES help.

Well, I’m glad it’s helping.  Just be sure not to over do it.  As far as the diagnosis, I know what you mean.  My Dr. never gave me an actual diagnosis, or I would have 10 or 20 of them!  He only tries to work with all my various symptoms. And like Margrove said, BE CAREFULL! Tono – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  PW What I would like to know is if anyone reading this has any experience coming off SSRIs and/or using 5HTP.  I am using kava kava to help keep me calm during the day while lowering my dosage. Kava always gave me an awful rebound effect of anxiety.  It worsened each day and I needed more and more of it.  It’s one of the worst "natural" remedies I’ve tried.  Remember, natural doesn’t mean it’s good or safe.  I’d never drink crude oil. Tono

Response:

Hello.  I have dealt with anxiety and secondary depression for about 15 years.  I have been misdiagnosed more times than I have fingers.  I am under the impression that diagnoses are merely a way for the psychology/psychiatry industry to allocate medication.  It has nothing to do with management.  I have been on Prozac, Melaril, Paxil, Zoloft, Depakote, Risperdal and Xanax. Of all of them I found Zoloft to be the most helpful.  Unfortunately, one of the side effects is weight gain.  I have been on it, 2nd time around, for about a year and a half.  I have learned of a new pseudo-natural supplement called L5 Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP).  It’s a lot like Tryptophan in that it helps the body produce serotonin and melatonin.  I lost my job about 6 months ago, as I go through them like kleenex tissues, and, subsequently lost my health insurance.  I cannot afford to see my psychiatrist anymore. I have always been inclined toward natural healing techniques and really wanted to come off the Zoloft.  I also wanted to lose the 30 pounds I gained in the last 9 months.  I tried to come off it and I started feeling edgy on day 3.  On day 4 I was as maniacal as I was at my absolute worst.  I did some research to learn that there are indeed significant withdrawal symptoms associated with SSRIs not excluding permanent neurological damage and death.  Of all 20 or so doctors I have seen in the last 15 years nobody ever mentioned this!  I was appalled.  Had I known this I may have looked deeper into alternatives.  It’s like coming off heroin!  I am on my 6th week of tapering off.  I have had to cut my 40 hour week (at my new job w/o insurance) to 20.  Fortunately I have a job where this is possible.  I am consulting with a nutritionist on my diet and 5HTP.  She has personal experience with the same type of disorder manifestation as myself except she was on Prozac prior to using 5HTP. What I would like to know is if anyone reading this has any experience coming off SSRIs and/or using 5HTP.  I am using kava kava to help keep me calm during the day while lowering my dosage.  I use a subligual form of melatonin at night to help me stay asleep, as I have a tendancy to wake up every hour.  It’s working so far.  I am down by 50% of my 50 mg dosage. To women out there:  I do not recommend adjusting your dosage during PMS. Most of us have it worst during this time.  I adjust my dosage about a week into my cycle – when I am at my best.  I have had the best results this way. Also, it takes me about a week to adjust to the lowered dosage.  I have been working with this for nearly 2 months now.  I found that using 5HTP with the SSRI is not good.  I was flooded with serotonin and nuts as ever. I’d love to hear other ppls’ experience coming off SSRIs and the use of natural "supplements".  Thanks! Ms. PW

Response:

What I would like to know is if anyone reading this has any experience coming off SSRIs and/or using 5HTP.  I am using kava kava to help keep me calm during the day while lowering my dosage.

Kava always gave me an awful rebound effect of anxiety.  It worsened each day and I needed more and more of it.  It’s one of the worst "natural" remedies I’ve tried.  Remember, natural doesn’t mean it’s good or safe.  I’d never drink crude oil. Tono

Response:

Thanks, Tono.  Actually the kava kava really does help me.  The thing I like to keep in mind is that everyone is different.  That’s why I have a hard time beleiving in diagnoses – there are too many variations.  I’ll keep your suggestion in mind.  But for now it’s the only thing that DOES help.  PW

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What I would like to know is if anyone reading this has any experience coming off SSRIs and/or using 5HTP.  I am using kava kava to help keep me calm during the day while lowering my dosage. Kava always gave me an awful rebound effect of anxiety.  It worsened each day and I needed more and more of it.  It’s one of the worst "natural" remedies I’ve tried.  Remember, natural doesn’t mean it’s good or safe.  I’d never drink crude oil. Tono

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello.  I have dealt with anxiety and secondary depression for about 15 years.  I have been misdiagnosed more times than I have fingers.  I am under the impression that diagnoses are merely a way for the psychology/psychiatry industry to allocate medication.  It has nothing to do with management.  I have been on Prozac, Melaril, Paxil, Zoloft, Depakote, Risperdal and Xanax. Of all of them I found Zoloft to be the most helpful.  Unfortunately, one of the side effects is weight gain.  I have been on it, 2nd time around, for about a year and a half.  I have learned of a new pseudo-natural supplement called L5 Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP).  It’s a lot like Tryptophan in that it helps the body produce serotonin and melatonin.  I lost my job about 6 months ago, as I go through them like kleenex tissues, and, subsequently lost my health insurance.  I cannot afford to see my psychiatrist anymore. I have always been inclined toward natural healing techniques and really wanted to come off the Zoloft.  I also wanted to lose the 30 pounds I gained in the last 9 months.  I tried to come off it and I started feeling edgy on day 3.  On day 4 I was as maniacal as I was at my absolute worst.  I did some research to learn that there are indeed significant withdrawal symptoms associated with SSRIs not excluding permanent neurological damage and death.  Of all 20 or so doctors I have seen in the last 15 years nobody ever mentioned this!  I was appalled.  Had I known this I may have looked deeper into alternatives.  It’s like coming off heroin!  I am on my 6th week of tapering off.  I have had to cut my 40 hour week (at my new job w/o insurance) to 20.  Fortunately I have a job where this is possible.  I am consulting with a nutritionist on my diet and 5HTP.  She has personal experience with the same type of disorder manifestation as myself except she was on Prozac prior to using 5HTP. What I would like to know is if anyone reading this has any experience coming off SSRIs and/or using 5HTP.  I am using kava kava to help keep me calm during the day while lowering my dosage.  I use a subligual form of melatonin at night to help me stay asleep, as I have a tendancy to wake up every hour.  It’s working so far.  I am down by 50% of my 50 mg dosage. To women out there:  I do not recommend adjusting your dosage during PMS. Most of us have it worst during this time.  I adjust my dosage about a week into my cycle – when I am at my best.  I have had the best results this way. Also, it takes me about a week to adjust to the lowered dosage.  I have been working with this for nearly 2 months now.  I found that using 5HTP with the SSRI is not good.  I was flooded with serotonin and nuts as ever. I’d love to hear other ppls’ experience coming off SSRIs and the use of natural "supplements".  Thanks! Ms. PW

please do not take 5ht without discussing it thoroughly with a doctor-it can cause elevated serum levels of serotonin which does not pass the blood brain barrier but can destroy the valves of your heart-tryptophan as a supplement will not do this because the metabolic process of converting tryptophan buffers the larger flooding of blood levels if you truly believe this supplement is working  for you a urinary 5HIAA test should be done every month or so to see if your blood level of serotonin isn’t too high-if you have any coronary artery disease using this supplement is dangerous there is a whole complex interplay between B vitamins and serotonin as well as its percursors like 5ht -natural supplements are often drugs or co-drugs in a sense so please don’t be over-comfortable by their "natural" label-there are cancerous tumors that secrete gobs of 5ht and that is natural too-for the tumors. Just be careful please LM

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor) Try Wellbutrin. It causes a larger output of…er…you know. The intensity  will make you forget about hair loss. Do a google search on ASD-med  using words hair and Wellbutrin. Posters have repeatedly reported hair loss,  and or courser hair from WB. .

My hair is growing faster. I think everything is being produced faster. I just started Rispardol and it put a slight damper on everythiung feelings-wise. (.5 mg)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor) Try Wellbutrin. It causes a larger output of…er…you know. The intensity  will make you forget about hair loss.

Do a google search on ASD-med  using words hair and Wellbutrin. Posters have repeatedly reported hair loss,  and or courser hair from WB. .

Response:

I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs:

LOL. Don’t worry about the hairloss. I’ve never heard of SSRIs causing hairloss. Of the ones you listed I would pick fluoxetine because (I’m assuming you’re in the U.S.), it’s the cheapest – you can get generic fluoxetine now because Eli Lilly’s patent has run out. None of them are necessarily better than any other, but they have slightly different side-effect profiles. Zoloft was very friendly side-effects wise for me, so you may want to consider that. However because it has a short half-life, you may get withdrawals (I did). I don’t think anyone has got withdrawals from fluoxetine because of its very long half life. I would leave Effexor as a second option if the SSRI stops working, or doesn’t work at all. It has very bad withdrawals from what I’ve read. And it seems it’s extremely expensive over there (correct me if I’m wrong). — Regards, .

Response:

stimulants like wellbutrin will only make it worse in the long run and wellbutrin is even more likely to give you tardive dyskinesia than the ssris’s – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor) Try Wellbutrin. It causes a larger output of…er…you know. The intensity  will make you forget about hair loss.

– Steroids caused my depression, infertility, breast development and shrunken testicles …prednisone should be used conservatively Eric

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Try Wellbutrin. It causes a larger output of…er…you know. The intensity  will make you forget about hair loss.

Response:

Why not try mirtazapine? I can’t believe how fast my hair has been growing since i started it. My barber has even commented on it.

Response:

Sorry, too depressed to care about hair loss. — Teilhard Knight The Extraterrestrial Who ate my sandwich? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Shave your head. It’s the *in* thing to do anyway. Lots of girls are liking the "Mr. Clean" look nowadays.

Response:

I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 3. Sertraline (Zoloft)

No 4. Paroxetine (Paxil)

No 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor)

No Don’t know about the others (yet) Monkeyboy ***risk all, go extreme***

Response:

I’m a 30 year old male already suffering from hairloss. I was thinking of starting to take antidepressants, but I don’t want to take a drug that will accelerate my already natural hairloss. Has anyone experienced hairloss using the following drugs: 1. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) 3. Sertraline (Zoloft) 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) 5. Citalopram (Celexa) 6. Clomipramine (Anafranil) 7. Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Response:

Question:

would that be memory ‘loss’, or just short term memory is an effect in itself?  or do you mean short term memory is slowed, which would mean one would only remember what one did yesterday when yesterday becomes in my homestate this week: (connecticut))

Bikers? Or do you mean posers on "hawgs?" I don’t care what patch they wear, all I meet these days are suburbanites playing dress-up and gangster games. It’s not lost or anything. Short-term memory just becomes more difficult to access while under the effects of THC. After an hour, everything is back to normal, whatever that may be. — Compute Free <http://debian.org<http://freedos.org<http://openbsd.org Help People  <http://rawa.org<http://tibet.org<http://gadenrelief.org Do Something <http://www.msf.org<http://www.icrc.org/<http://icbl.org Now <http://www.foei.org<http://www.greenpeace.org<http://activist.ca

Response:

Short-term memory is the most easily noted effect for marijuana, but other processes are slowed too, such as reaction time.

would that be memory ‘loss’, or just short term memory is an effect in itself?  or do you mean short term memory is slowed, which would mean one would only remember what one did yesterday when yesterday becomes in my homestate this week: (connecticut)) —Brian

Response:

The wrong link for the Compassion Club listings. It’s with an ‘h’: <http://medicalmarihuana.ca/compassionclubs.html Maybe. Can’t seem to remember right now. hahahahaha — Compute Free <http://debian.org<http://freedos.org<http://openbsd.org Help People  <http://rawa.org<http://tibet.org<http://gadenrelief.org Do Something <http://www.msf.org<http://www.icrc.org/<http://icbl.org Now <http://www.foei.org<http://www.greenpeace.org<http://activist.ca

Response:

I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds?

Some of them. Vertigo, dizzyness and nausea. It can keep you from choking to death on vomit in your sleep. It renders a sense of euphoria. It is considered a euphoriant depressant drug. It’s very good for pain. Being called a "depressant" drug does not mean that it causes depression. A depressant drug slows down some brain processes. Short-term memory is the most easily noted effect for marijuana, but other processes are slowed too, such as reaction time. As for being a drug, it sure looks like a plant to me. Food. I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?)

Only if they’re brownies made with hashish. Pot cake and pot cookies are popular. To eat it, and not have it cost a fortune or use a whole lot, you have to first melt the finely-ground herb in the butter or other fat to be used in the recipe. Then bake it. By melting it into the fat prior to cooking it will emulsify and the active compounds will be more available upon ingestion. Do not cook with hashish – today that is considered a waste, which it is. The quality of both marijuana and hashish has changed a lot in the past twenty years. Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

Look for a Compassion Club in your area. Ask your physician for a prescription for medical marijuana if it is available in your area. In Canada and some US states, you can grow your own or contract for someone to do it for you. A prescription and some licenses are required. There are also medical marijuana suppliers, but they are quite expensive since the marijuana is indoor grown, organically under lab conditions at great expense. The price is similar to black market marijuana. If you grow your own, or contract a grower, it can be done anually and outdoors and can be very cheap. I don’t know which states in the USA it is legal in, but there are a few. There are also ways to get it in Europe and Britian, I don’t know those either. But, just in case it’s useful, here is the Canadian government site for obtaining the forms for the permits and licenses: Health Canada: <http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hecs-sesc/ocma/ Compassion Clubs: <http://medicalmarijuana.ca/compassionclubs.html There are more clubs than what are listed there. Good seeds: <http://www.kindseed.com/ The favourites for medical use are: Jack Herer – Sensi Seeds (way overpriced, but hardy) Chronic – Serious Seeds (medium priced, longtime favourite) Chemo – Jordan Island Seeds (very good price, upcoming challenger) I’d go for the Chemo. It was developed as a medical grade strain, hence the name. — Compute Free <http://debian.org<http://freedos.org<http://openbsd.org Help People  <http://rawa.org<http://tibet.org<http://gadenrelief.org Do Something <http://www.msf.org<http://www.icrc.org/<http://icbl.org Now <http://www.foei.org<http://www.greenpeace.org<http://activist.ca

Response:

snip Instead, I sit here with no way to solve anything,  Just withdrawing, knowing winter is coming, and I’ll still be in this stress mess.  I don’t have the energy I had before my trip to the hospital.  I need some help, and have tried everything, to no avail.  It’s complicated, and somehow there are no answers.   Just a big stress mess that is really taking it’s toll.

Sounds as though that spell in hospital triggered something.  Have you told your doctor what you feel like?   — —  Whiskers

Response:

Pigtail, I’ve got lots of thoughts on this, including someone in your area that might just be eager to help.  Loads of experience (23 years) from having my ill mother with me in my California residence and having to deal with the problem of needing medical benefits for her but the State disqualifying her because she was my dependant, but if she lived in her own place, she would be allowed to have a live in caretaker and still keep her benefits, but if the caretaker was related to her she’d be disqualified, because then they might consider her head of household…..  I’m sure you know this song by now.  It was written by the No Way to Win group of bureaucrats. Let me get my thoughts together, I’m still having trouble concentrating, and I’ll email you direct later today.  Also, you mentioned that your mother is 87.  My mother was 82, but I’m only 43 (the baby).  I need to know your age, simply because, as we both know, the State can be very fixated on your age and what benefits and help they will let you receive all due to that magic number.  Direct email me with it, so that I’ll hear the message come in. Blessings, Cait

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi!  This is Pigtail back again.  Thank you Whiskers (love it) for your reply and help.  Thank you Alan for the great sense of humor in your message, and thanks Tara for welcoming me.  I appreciate all of you.  I have to say that I’m not really comfortable posting personal thoughts, etc., but could use some new friends, and support. I wish I could reach out somehow, and touch each one of you, and make things turn better…like quick for you.  My heart and thoughts are with you anyway.  It is hard to see other’s suffering. This will be too long to write at one time.  I live alone, and have helped the elderly and animals, my entire life.  I do many things for the less fortunate. A year ago, I had some kind of attack….physician said gall bladder, but I didn’t have very good vibes about it.  I had been out stacking bales of hay.  In brief, this became a nightmare from hell.  Before I was rudely interrupted and sent to the hospital, I was packing to move. You know….the entire house torn completely up.  Putting everything in storage, and trying to paint, digging everything out of the yard..(e-gads), etc.  I got out of the hospital in December, cold and raining, and back to the house just like I left it.  In no shape, or mood to do anything but look at it all. Here I sit a year later overwhelmed in trying to figure out how to ever accomplish this.  I can’t even find my good sense of humor….it is gone. I have became angry, stressed to the max, disgusted, and signs of depression lurking around me. Then I decided I would see about helping a couple people in the homeless shelter.  If I could find the right people, it would help us both.  I could give someone a permanant place to live, and maybe we could just get moved.  All of us could be close to homeless if anything went wrong with our income for a few months. I would need someone compatible, etc. and I didn’t know how to go about this too well.  I wanted someone that I could really help, and one who would appreciate it.  I finally decide to leave the house…….and go to the shelter. Well, that did not turn out too good.  They had to be screened, agree to see you, make an appointment, fill out all this information……  But, you can’t do it quite like that, it could mean losing your medical, etc. if you say they are living with you.  There must be another way, but I don’t know what it is. Nothing I try to do works.  I can’t figure out why. I have a whole business in storage.  I should be pouring plaster molds right now for Christmas.  It helps the animals, elderly, and the homeless. I do animal assisted therapy, and this helps support all of the above. Instead, I sit here with no way to solve anything,  Just withdrawing, knowing winter is coming, and I’ll still be in this stress mess.  I don’t have the energy I had before my trip to the hospital.  I need some help, and have tried everything, to no avail.  It’s complicated, and somehow there are no answers.   Just a big stress mess that is really taking it’s toll. Sorry this is so long.  We all have different things to deal with, don’t we?  Thank you for listening.  I’m here if anyone needs or wants to talk.  You can email me also, if you like.  I wish good things to happen to each of you.

— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

The pot is a depressant and will just make matters worse. Tell your doctor about you’re trouble with the meds. He can make changes if he deems it necessary.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

Response:

Hi!  This is Pigtail back again.  Thank you Whiskers (love it) for your reply and help.  Thank you Alan for the great sense of humor in your message, and thanks Tara for welcoming me.  I appreciate all of you.  I have to say that I’m not really comfortable posting personal thoughts, etc., but could use some new friends, and support. I wish I could reach out somehow, and touch each one of you, and make things turn better…like quick for you.  My heart and thoughts are with you anyway.  It is hard to see other’s suffering. This will be too long to write at one time.  I live alone, and have helped the elderly and animals, my entire life.  I do many things for the less fortunate.   A year ago, I had some kind of attack….physician said gall bladder, but I didn’t have very good vibes about it.  I had been out stacking bales of hay.  In brief, this became a nightmare from hell.  Before I was rudely interrupted and sent to the hospital, I was packing to move. You know….the entire house torn completely up.  Putting everything in storage, and trying to paint, digging everything out of the yard..(e-gads), etc.  I got out of the hospital in December, cold and raining, and back to the house just like I left it.  In no shape, or mood to do anything but look at it all. Here I sit a year later overwhelmed in trying to figure out how to ever accomplish this.  I can’t even find my good sense of humor….it is gone. I have became angry, stressed to the max, disgusted, and signs of depression lurking around me.   Then I decided I would see about helping a couple people in the homeless shelter.  If I could find the right people, it would help us both.  I could give someone a permanant place to live, and maybe we could just get moved.  All of us could be close to homeless if anything went wrong with our income for a few months. I would need someone compatible, etc. and I didn’t know how to go about this too well.  I wanted someone that I could really help, and one who would appreciate it.  I finally decide to leave the house…….and go to the shelter. Well, that did not turn out too good.  They had to be screened, agree to see you, make an appointment, fill out all this information……  But, you can’t do it quite like that, it could mean losing your medical, etc. if you say they are living with you.  There must be another way, but I don’t know what it is. Nothing I try to do works.  I can’t figure out why. I have a whole business in storage.  I should be pouring plaster molds right now for Christmas.  It helps the animals, elderly, and the homeless. I do animal assisted therapy, and this helps support all of the above.   Instead, I sit here with no way to solve anything,  Just withdrawing, knowing winter is coming, and I’ll still be in this stress mess.  I don’t have the energy I had before my trip to the hospital.  I need some help, and have tried everything, to no avail.  It’s complicated, and somehow there are no answers.   Just a big stress mess that is really taking it’s toll. Sorry this is so long.  We all have different things to deal with, don’t we?  Thank you for listening.  I’m here if anyone needs or wants to talk.  You can email me also, if you like.  I wish good things to happen to each of you.

Response:

Thanks Tara. Paul in Ontario discoursed thusly: I’ve become one of those people who I use to call

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – is everything. I’m really living my worse night-mare! I thought I could handle anything in my life but mental illness mixed with a chronic disease is a one two punch that has rocked me to my foundation. I feel lower than a snakes belly!!! The important thing to keep in mind, Paul, is it’s *feelings*and not reality. The reality is, anyone who gets hit with that kind of one-two punch is going to feel shaky. It’s not weakness. It’s not failure. It’s a hell of a hit to have to take. So, cut yourself some slack. You didn’t ask for this shit, you don’t deserve this shit, and you’re doing the best you can in the circumstances. That’s the most any of us can do. Tara J. Ballance Montreal, Canada

Response:

Thanks all for responding. I kinda felt I was clutching at straws with the cannabis thoughts, but when you are sick and tired of being sick and tired Endocet pain killers which ultimatley led to my attempt at suicide. is everything. I’m really living my worse night-mare! I thought I could handle anything in my life but mental illness mixed with a chronic disease is a one two punch that has rocked me to my foundation. I feel lower than a snakes belly!!!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Twist- I also suffer from Hepatitis C, and a number of my friends (who do also) SWEAR by marijuana as a great way to relieve the pain and nausea from the Hep itself, as well as the Hep tx. As I’m sure you well know, a number of us are put on antids before beginning tx because of the side effects of the interferon. However, if you are suffering from NATURAL depression, (not drug induced) I’m not sure that I would go that route. Even though it DOES take 2-4 (or longer) weeks to fully realize any relief from a new antid, if the sides are THAT bad, it is unlikely that the relief will outweigh them. I would suggest that you go ahead and tell the doctor that  you simply cannot take the sides, and try something else. Better to do it now, than to go through however long you give it, then find that it doesn’t work. Simply MHO though. Wanda

Response:

Twist- I also suffer from Hepatitis C, and a number of my friends (who do also) SWEAR by marijuana as a great way to relieve the pain and nausea from the Hep itself, as well as the Hep tx. As I’m sure you well know, a number of us are put on antids before beginning tx because of the side effects of the interferon. However, if you are suffering from NATURAL depression, (not drug induced) I’m not sure that I would go that route. Even though it DOES take 2-4 (or longer) weeks to fully realize any relief from a new antid, if the sides are THAT bad, it is unlikely that the relief will outweigh them. I would suggest that you go ahead and tell the doctor that  you simply cannot take the sides, and try something else. Better to do it now, than to go through however long you give it, then find that it doesn’t work. Simply MHO though. Wanda

Response:

I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds?

It definately won’t help with depression, except that it might help you sleep. It is an amazing painkiller though, if the pain is physical. I suffer from severe migraine headaches and marijuana is the only thing I’ve ever known to successfully relieve them (after 10 years of looking). I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?)

I go to an affluent high school rife with drug use and no one I know of bothers with mixing it into food. I’ve been told you need quite a lot of it to do this, which could be expensive? I don’t know how much your medication is though.

Response:

I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

pot is a depressant as is alcohol…stay away from both, hang in there, let the meds have time to work.  I’m waiting on mine to kick in (just started 3 days ago) and its not easy.  I have good and bad moments…you will too-post here, check with your doc, call friends, play with a pet…stay away from self-medication though.

Response:

Yes, I know. But everyone keeps telling me I should wait another 2-4 weeks to see if effexor will work.

If you are getting side-efects that you can’t put up with, then certainly talk to the doctor again.  There are lots of different anti-depressants, and each person reacts differently. Don’t stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first; some things are best ‘tapered off’ gradually. — —  Whiskers

Response:

No, I don’t think taking an illegal depressant will help your depression.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

Yes, I know. But everyone keeps telling me I should wait another 2-4 weeks to see if effexor will work.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this. see a doctor , there are lots of drugs besides effexor

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

see a doctor , there are lots of drugs besides effexor

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I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

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Question:

ok, so here is my story went to my psych three weeks ago he told me to lower my dose of buspar from 40 mgs/day to 20mgs/day, then after 2 weeks go off it all together am still taking the zoloft, 100 mgs/day and the lorazepam, .5 mgs/day, sometimes 1 mg/day neways, did that wrong thing to do yesterday aft, had about 5-6 panic attacks in a matter of 2 hours shitty shitty shitty thought 4 sure i was going to die tried everything possible, but the damn things kept coming back finally got ahold of my family doc, after trying numerous times to get ahold of my psych he told me to go back on the buspar and start with 10 mgs/day, but hell with that am going to take 20 mgs/day after yesterday, don’t want that to happen again hopefully today will b alot better scared the shit outta my 6 yr old and my fiance will let you all know tomorrow how i did today later…..

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Sounds like the BuSpar was augmenting the anti-panic effects of the Zoloft. Chip

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ok, so here is my story went to my psych three weeks ago he told me to lower my dose of buspar from 40 mgs/day to 20mgs/day, then after 2 weeks go off it all together am still taking the zoloft, 100 mgs/day and the lorazepam, .5 mgs/day, sometimes 1 mg/day neways, did that wrong thing to do yesterday aft, had about 5-6 panic attacks in a matter of 2 hours shitty shitty shitty thought 4 sure i was going to die tried everything possible, but the damn things kept coming back finally got ahold of my family doc, after trying numerous times to get ahold of my psych he told me to go back on the buspar and start with 10 mgs/day, but hell with that am going to take 20 mgs/day after yesterday, don’t want that to happen again hopefully today will b alot better scared the shit outta my 6 yr old and my fiance will let you all know tomorrow how i did today later…..

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:he told me to go back on the buspar and start with 10 mgs/day, but hell with :that :am going to take 20 mgs/day :after yesterday, don’t want that to happen again :hopefully today will b alot better :scared the shit outta my 6 yr old and my fiance :will let you all know tomorrow how i did today :later….. Hi Joe, I would talk to your psych doctor before you reinstate the Buspar. Buspar is NOT a med for panic disorder, it is usually ineffective in treating panic attacks. I recall a few weeks ago that you`ve been trying to get off increased anxiety could very well be from that. How long have you been on Ativan and why are you trying to get off of it? I think it is very important that you talk to your psych doctor today about what happened over the weekend. Jackie ~*~Life was so much easier when your clothes didn’t match and boys had cooties~*~

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ok, so here is my story went to my psych three weeks ago he told me to lower my dose of buspar from 40 mgs/day to 20mgs/day, then after 2 weeks go off it all together am still taking the zoloft, 100 mgs/day and the lorazepam, .5 mgs/day, sometimes 1 mg/day neways, did that wrong thing to do yesterday aft, had about 5-6 panic attacks in a matter of 2 hours shitty shitty shitty thought 4 sure i was going to die tried everything possible, but the damn things kept coming back finally got ahold of my family doc, after trying numerous times to get ahold of my psych he told me to go back on the buspar and start with 10 mgs/day, but hell with that am going to take 20 mgs/day after yesterday, don’t want that to happen again hopefully today will b alot better scared the shit outta my 6 yr old and my fiance will let you all know tomorrow how i did today later…..

If you have panic attacks and are diagnosed with Panic Disorder I would skip the Buspar if I were you. It rarely if ever works for PD and only sometimes for mild to moderate GAD. IMHO and exceptions to the rule notwithstanding this is a med we can do without. However, your Zoloft dose can be raised and, perhaps more importantly, so can your lorazepam. You should of course run this by your doctor (even if he prescribed you Buspar for panic which is reason enough to switch pdocs) but it might be a good idea to take lorazepam at a regular daily dose as well (starting with 1 mg four times daily, see what that gets you and take it from there) to avoid panic attacks connected with interdose anxiety (lorazepam is a short working benzo, it works for an average of 6 hours). Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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okay, so yesterday went well took the 10mgs of buspar in the am and another 10 in the pm my psych told me that if i started having problems again, that i could go back on it he also told me that the buspar boosts, or whatever, the zoloft i don’t want to go off the lorazepam, by any means, but the docs r hounding me too but they work, so y should i hopefully 2day will b just as good as yesterday, if not better thanx for all the input guys oh yeah, and by the way, joe isn’t my name, it is audrey it is just the way we have our email set up later…… audrey

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ok, so here is my story went to my psych three weeks ago he told me to lower my dose of buspar from 40 mgs/day to 20mgs/day, then after 2 weeks go off it all together am still taking the zoloft, 100 mgs/day and the lorazepam, .5 mgs/day, sometimes 1 mg/day neways, did that wrong thing to do yesterday aft, had about 5-6 panic attacks in a matter of 2 hours shitty shitty shitty thought 4 sure i was going to die tried everything possible, but the damn things kept coming back finally got ahold of my family doc, after trying numerous times to get ahold of my psych he told me to go back on the buspar and start with 10 mgs/day, but hell with that am going to take 20 mgs/day after yesterday, don’t want that to happen again hopefully today will b alot better scared the shit outta my 6 yr old and my fiance will let you all know tomorrow how i did today later….. If you have panic attacks and are diagnosed with Panic Disorder I would skip the Buspar if I were you. It rarely if ever works for PD and only sometimes for mild to moderate GAD. IMHO and exceptions to the rule notwithstanding this is a med we can do without. However, your Zoloft dose can be raised and, perhaps more importantly, so can your lorazepam. You should of course run this by your doctor (even if he prescribed you Buspar for panic which is reason enough to switch pdocs) but it might be a good idea to take lorazepam at a regular daily dose as well (starting with 1 mg four times daily, see what that gets you and take it from there) to avoid panic attacks connected with interdose anxiety (lorazepam is a short working benzo, it works for an average of 6 hours). Philip

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Question:

Hello folks– I’ve been prescribed Effexor XR for just over a month for moderate depression. I started at the lower doses of 37.5 and 75 mg. for two weeks, and I’ve been on the 150 mg. dose (once a day) for nearly 3 weeks.  I’ve had very few of the *customary* side effects and I’m tolerating the 150 mg. dose well, and the medication is really working well at alleviating my depression. However, I think the medication is negatively affecting my harder runs–specifically my recent 5K to 5 mile races, and my tempo/interval workout on Wednesday evenings.  For example, I’ve slowed down about 1:30 for my 5K time (29:15 in mid-November to 30:45 on New Year’s Day), and I’m considerably slower running my interval workout when I take my pill the morning of the workout.  Yesterday I experimented by skipping my pill, and ran my workout great–like before I started on the medication.  However, last nite I had very vivid dreams while sleeping (the second time this has happened), and felt groggy when getting up–which passed after I took my pill after eating breakfast this morning. Does anyone here on the newsgroups know specifically about the cardiovascular effects of anti-depressants?  Will my running/training be compromised for as long as I’m on the medication?  I’ll be mentioning this to my psychiatrist when I see her soon, but I thought I’d ask about it here first.  Since she told me that I could expect to be on medication this time for over a year (this is my 3rd recurrence of depression in 16 years), I’d really like to get this little *wrinkle* straightened out sooner instead of later! Thanks in advance– Jean Barto Newport News, VA — "If you are going through hell, keep going." Winston Churchill

Response:

Hi Jean, Here is some info: Side effects registered for Venlafaxine The FDA has forced safety related drug labelling changes regarding Efexor.

Question:

I’ve been off of Zoloft for about 6-months….it helped a little bit….I guess?; I’m starting to feel that depression-thing( I never realized I had, until I’d been on Anti-Depressants! ( Zoloft) I had to stop, cause I just couldn’t stand the Anxiety…..while it seemed to give me a more up-beat Just looking for feed-back?  I haven’t started, as my mail-order has not come in yet!!!   "but I have good expections!!!!"  Everybody around here seems to think; if one drug doesn’t work…then try a different one. thanks for listening!!!      Wild & Crazy

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I’ve been off of Zoloft for about 6-months….it helped a little bit….I guess?; I’m starting to feel that depression-thing( I never realized I had, until I’d been on Anti-Depressants! ( Zoloft) I had to stop, cause I just couldn’t stand the Anxiety…..while it seemed to give me a more up-beat Just looking for feed-back?  I haven’t started, as my mail-order has not come in yet!!!   "but I have good expections!!!!"  Everybody around here seems to think; if one drug doesn’t work…then try a different one. thanks for listening!!!      Wild & Crazy

Hi Wild & Crazy, It is true, if one med doesn`t work, move on to another one. Paxil has been a good med for me and *hopefully* you will have good results too. It is important to start Paxil at a low dose, 5 mgs is a good starting dose. You would stay at this dose for one week. Do all your increases in 5mg increments and stay at each increase for one week. Weaning like this will hopefully keep any side-effects that you have to a minimum. Having a benzo such a Xanax or Klonopin would help you deal with any increased anxiety you might experience. Give Paxil 6 to 8 weeks to kick in. Good luck!!! Jackie Hope is a strange invention– A Patent of the Heart– In unremitting action Yet never wearing out.

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Wild and Crazy I guess what you have to decide is what is worse, the side-effects, or the illness

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To Wild&Crazy,I have been on Prozac,Adivan,Buspar,Celexa,Zoloft,Xanax,and now Paxil.As you can see I’ve been through some meds.But I’m replying to you to let you know that Paxil(I take 10 mg. a day)is what has stopped my panic attacks.Zoloft seemed to make me have more attacks.Paxil is for PD more so than it is for depression.I don’t notice any side effects either. I have been on it for about 4 months. Good Luck. I know what you are going through. For 10 years I’ve been a sufferer. * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

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I need some input on Paxil. I’ve done the Zoloft thing…and it really made me nervous; and I gave it more than enough time, 6 or 7 months. What about Paxil? I’m considering trying Paxil…… Just looking for helpful input!                  Thanks,  Wild & Crazy

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I need some input on Paxil. I’ve done the Zoloft thing…and it really made me nervous; and I gave it more than enough time, 6 or 7 months. What about Paxil? I’m considering trying Paxil…… Just looking for helpful input!                  Thanks,  Wild & Crazy

There is nothing sensible to say about this as our reactions to meds are totally individual. As a rule though if a med from a certain group (in this case the SSRI’s) doesn’t work for you it’s often a good idea to try another med from the same group first. I would try Paxil if I were you but if it doesn’t work well after eight weeks or so I would advise trying another group of meds (TCA’s, benzos) Philip

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mr. zoloft worked on some of my obsessional thinking, then it killed my penis! no erection or orgasm for a month. i thought my doc poisoned me. got a new doc, put me on paxil. i have nothing but praise for mr. paxil at this point, but have only been on it for about a month. almost panic attack free. mr. zoloft is fucking poison for me. see another doctor if yours is giving you the nad killer. if mr. paxil doesn’t work for you, then try mr. effexor. if that doesn’t work then go back to steady, heavy drinking. lot’s of side effects in the morning, but no panic attacks and you don’t need a script. all kidding aside, paxil is the one! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I need some input on Paxil. I’ve done the Zoloft thing…and it really made me nervous; and I gave it more than enough time, 6 or 7 months. What about Paxil? I’m considering trying Paxil…… Just looking for helpful input!                  Thanks,  Wild & Crazy

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Question:

The doctor tells me it takes time for the meds to start to work, but after taking them for about 10 days I still am waiting for results.  

All the anti-depressents, incl. Zoloft, take 4 to 8 weeks to become fully effective. The reason is that they work by adjusting the number of receptors for one or more neurotransmitters and this takes time. As you’ve been on the 50mg. dose for a while now it may be best to stick with it rather than reduce to 25mg. The worst is probably nearly over. Ian    Ian<<atdragoncon<dotnet

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hello there… Me too on Zoloft and Xanax… Increasing to the 200Mg mark in a week I get the shakes every day about an Hour after I take the Zoloft ….I take a Xanax.5Mg at the same time……It helps. I also try to stay active as this helps to keep my mind on the Job at hand.I can get the kids up and go to work and nobody calls 911..LOL Hang in there and let us Know your progress    J

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I have been taking inc.amts (as prescribed by my doctor) of xanax (0.5mg  3 to 4 times a day) and zoloft (50mg a day) for newly diagnosed panic/anxiety disorder.  So far, I  only have brief periods of  lessened anxiety, but alot of jitters and shakiness, and I keep waiting for the next attack to come.  Does anyone have any similar experiences with these meds?  The doctor tells me it takes time for the meds to start to work, but after taking them for about 10 days I still am waiting for results.  I really appreciate any and all feedback.  Thanks again.

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I have been taking inc.amts (as prescribed by my doctor) of xanax (0.5mg  3 to 4 times a day) and zoloft (50mg a day) for newly diagnosed panic/anxiety disorder.  So far, I  only have brief periods of  lessened anxiety, but alot of jitters and shakiness, and I keep waiting for the next attack to come.  Does anyone have any similar experiences with these meds?  The doctor tells me it takes time for the meds to start to work, but after taking them for about 10 days I still am waiting for results.  I really appreciate any and all feedback. Thanks again.

That’s gonna be  starting next week.  I hope I don’t have the jitters.  I’m really scared in that respect.  But if it helps in the long run,lmk. I just hope that I can find a med combo that will make me a confident person again. Foote

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been taking inc.amts (as prescribed by my doctor) of xanax (0.5mg  3 to 4 times a day) and zoloft (50mg a day) for newly diagnosed panic/anxiety disorder.  So far, I  only have brief periods of  lessened anxiety, but alot of jitters and shakiness, and I keep waiting for the next attack to come.  Does anyone have any similar experiences with these meds?  The doctor tells me it takes time for the meds to start to work, but after taking them for about 10 days I still am waiting for results.  I really appreciate any and all feedback. Thanks again. That’s gonna be  starting next week.  I hope I don’t have the jitters.  I’m really scared in that respect.  But if it helps in the long run,lmk. I just hope that I can find a med combo that will make me a confident person again. Foote

Hi there: I just wanted to add, I am a Zoloft/Xanax user too. To be honest, now I don’t want to interfere with what your doc said, but my doc started me off on 25mg, and told me to break the caplet open to halve it if needed, and then, again if needed, build up to 50 mg. So, it IS your body, and you might want to consider breaking your caplet into 25mg to start off with. Now, I take this at bedtime, along with 1mg of Xanax. I take 25mg of benadryl (prn) if I have a hard time getting to sleep. You also might find Zoloft gives you heart-burn, as it did me, and upset stomach. My doc just told me to take pepcid or zantac, which I have done, and it works just great. BTW, Zoloft is available in 25mg capsules, so if you find the 25mg works best for you, stick with it. My problem was I just kep’t on increasing my dose of ZOloft, up to 200mg a day, and I felt like a miserable zombie. Anyways, YMMV, and discuss any results or problems with your doctor. BTW, I would save the extra Xanax for the next day…if you run into some stressors or something, take it once or twice…depending on your day. Just make sure you get that 1mg at bedtime:-) Peace and best wishes.. James (3rd year Zoloft user (major)..hahah:) — "All of us get lost in the darkness… Dreamers learn to stear by the stars.." Neil Peart, Rush, "The Pass"

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