Question:

Actually, you would be better off using herbs.  I’m not saying you should stop using your asthma inhalants, but take the herbs in addition to… After about a month, you will notice that you don’t really need all of the medication that you are taking. I have had asthma for fifty-two of my fifty-three years.

Response:

currently, i am using flovent 110 mcg,2 puffs twice daily, serevent 2 puffs twice daily, and a nebulizer w/albuterol as needed. side effects from the flovent include sleeplessnes,  tremendous headaches that i am unable to remedy w/any medication, mood swings, and bruises that show up all over-with no injury to cause them. these occur when taking as little as 1 puff of the flovent 110 mcg, twice daily. my question is this, am i better off continuing the flovent and suffering the side effects; or, would i be better off avoiding all triggers, thereby curtailing the asthma attacks?

Avoiding triggers as much as possible is always a good idea.  So is going to your doctor, pointing out the side effects and lack of asthma control you are having, and trying another of the several medicines in the same class as Flovent to see if one of them works better. Chris Owens

Response:

      You mentioned using herbs…can you be a little more specific and mention the names of some of the herbs you have used, and what they help you with?       Thanks. *                                 *                         o                (((—O—)))   o         *                *                             *           * *                      *        *                                      O

Response:

Actually, you would be better off using herbs.  I’m not saying you should stop using your asthma inhalants, but take the herbs in addition to… After about a month, you will notice that you don’t really need all of the medication that you are taking. I have had asthma for fifty-two of my fifty-three years.

Let’s see, the difference between an herb and a formulary medication is:  The formulary is of known content, dosage, and purity.  The herb isn’t.  So, in addition to having a life-threatening illness, you are proposing that I play dosage/content roulette?  NO, thank you! Chris Owens

Response:

currently, i am using flovent 110 mcg,2 puffs twice daily, serevent 2 puffs twice daily, and a nebulizer w/albuterol as needed. side effects from the flovent include sleeplessnes,  tremendous headaches that i am unable to remedy w/any medication, mood swings, and bruises that show up all over-with no injury to cause them. these occur when taking as little as 1 puff of the flovent 110 mcg, twice daily. my question is this, am i better off continuing the flovent and suffering the side effects; or, would i be better off avoiding all triggers, thereby curtailing the asthma attacks? any information will be greatly appreciated. thanks! je meyer

Response:

Question:

I am using Serevent and Flovent 220 mcg, 2 puffs of each in the morning and then again in the evening.  I use the InspirEase spacer to take my medication.  Both medications state they contain enough medication for 120 puffs, which for me is a months worth of medication.  However, I have noticed that after a month instead of the cannisters being almost empty they are still half full.  I put them in water to measure them.  I am wondering why this is.  Could it be that the InspirEase doesn’t extract enough of the medicatiion from the cannister with each puff? Juls

Response:

I am using Serevent and Flovent 220 mcg, 2 puffs of each in the morning and then again in the evening.  I use the InspirEase spacer to take my medication.  Both medications state they contain enough medication for 120 puffs, which for me is a months worth of medication.  However, I have noticed that after a month instead of the cannisters being almost empty they are still half full.  I put them in water to measure them.  I am wondering why this is.  Could it be that the InspirEase doesn’t extract enough of the medicatiion from the cannister with each puff? Juls

How exactly does InspirEase work? All the spacers I’ve ever used simply had an opening on one end for the inhaler (where the mouth would usually be if not using a spacer) and an opening for me to breathe from. If that’s the case with InspirEase, then it wouldn’t make any difference in the amount of medicine that comes out when you press the canister down. I had actually read on some inhalers (might have been serevent, but I don’t remember) that that water measuring trick wasn’t very accurate and the best thing to do was keep track of how much you’re using. Also, is it possible that you have forgot to take every dose in a given month?

Response:

How exactly does InspirEase work? All the spacers I’ve ever used simply had an opening on one end for the inhaler (where the mouth would usually be if not using a spacer) and an opening for me to breathe from. If that’s the case with InspirEase, then it wouldn’t make any difference in the amount of medicine that comes out when you press the canister down.

Exactly..the only difference is that it has accordian -like folds and collapses as you take the meds…;

Response:

I am using Serevent and Flovent 220 mcg, 2 puffs of each in the morning and then again in the evening.  I use the InspirEase spacer to take my medication.  Both medications state they contain enough medication for 120 puffs, which for me is a months worth of medication.  However, I have noticed that after a month instead of the cannisters being almost empty they are still half full.  I put them in water to measure them.  I am wondering why this is.  Could it be that the InspirEase doesn’t extract enough of the medicatiion from the cannister with each puff?

The canisters are otherwise with propellant in order to ensure that the first actuation with have the same pressure as the 120th actuation.  The problem is that after 120 doses all you will be getting is propellant with no medication. No electrons were harmed in the posting of this message.

Response:

Question:

The answer is a maybe. It depends in part on whatever other medications she is taking, such as aspirin, or anything else. Look up the Physicians Desk Reference, latest or recent editions. If your local public library doesn’t have it, visit a medical library (hospital or medical school). You can also search on the internet. If your daughter is drinking herb teas, ginseng and ginko biloba contain a blood thinner (coumodin aka warfarin).  I developed this problem a few weeks back. this was due to the heart medicines I am taking. Using a water pick twice a day cleared up the problem for me.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -My daughter has exercise induced asthma (she is on her high school track team) and has started Serevent (once daily) and Flovent (110, once/day) about 4 weeks ago. Could either of these cause bleeding of the gums?  The package insert of Serevent has "dental pain" and the Flovent has "dental problem". Any information would be greatly appreciated. TIA, Pam

Response:

I had extreme reactions to serevent – like I was on super speed, even tho I can use ventolin with little effect. I almost lost my job I was so hyped up! But yes, also rinse after using any cortisone inhaler. ehansen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use Advair, the combo of Serevent & Flovent. My doctor told me to rinse with mouthwash after using or it can cause mouth sores. – Sounded fishy to me until I got one & that was with rinsing! It wasn’t on the gums, though and went away within a couple days. My doc told me to rinse longer. Now, I also brush after every dose and I haven’t a problem with that since.

Response:

I had extreme reactions to serevent – like I was on super speed, even tho I can use ventolin with little effect.

This is an interesting tidbit.  I have low blood pressure, low body temperature, and also sometimes have a problem with depression (around periods).  I noticed that I’m feeling much more alert since I’ve been on Advair — like it also changed something that was causing me to get fatigued easily (like not breathing).  Now I’m wondering if it’s just a drug effect on my nervous system rather than the breathing relief.  Anyone else with some information on this?  How can I tell, I wonder? I’ve been drinking water after using Advair, but now I’m wondering if I really should be brushing my teeth immediately after each use. –Jane

Response:

If your daughter is not using an Aerochamber, get one. Serevent caused me bad headaches. I’ve used Flovent for many years without any side effects. regards, Kurt

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My daughter has exercise induced asthma (she is on her high school track team) and has started Serevent (once daily) and Flovent (110, once/day) about 4 weeks ago. Could either of these cause bleeding of the gums?  The package insert of Serevent has "dental pain" and the Flovent has "dental problem". Any information would be greatly appreciated. TIA, Pam

Response:

I use Advair, the combo of Serevent & Flovent. My doctor told me to rinse with mouthwash after using or it can cause mouth sores. – Sounded fishy to me until I got one & that was with rinsing! It wasn’t on the gums, though and went away within a couple days. My doc told me to rinse longer. Now, I also brush after every dose and I haven’t a problem with that since.

Response:

If she’s new to using an inhaler she could be getting medicine where it’s not intended to go in any significant quantity.  Getting most of the medicine into one’s lungs just takes practice.  The drill is to exhale completely, taking as long as necessary to force out all the air in the lungs.  Then start to inhaler and, just after you’ve started sucking in air, push the plunger on the inhaler while still inhaling hard. I find I often cough after I do this with no medication at all – it’s just the deep breathing that makes me cough – so I do one or two practice runs until I stop coughing before I take a "live" run with inhaler. -S- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My daughter has exercise induced asthma (she is on her high school track team) and has started Serevent (once daily) and Flovent (110, once/day) about 4 weeks ago. Could either of these cause bleeding of the gums?  The package insert of Serevent has "dental pain" and the Flovent has "dental problem". Any information would be greatly appreciated. TIA, Pam

Response:

My daughter has exercise induced asthma (she is on her high school track team) and has started Serevent (once daily) and Flovent (110, once/day) about 4 weeks ago. Could either of these cause bleeding of the gums?  The package insert of Serevent has "dental pain" and the Flovent has "dental problem". Any information would be greatly appreciated. TIA, Pam

Response:

My daughter has exercise induced asthma (she is on her high school track team) and has started Serevent (once daily) and Flovent (110, once/day) about 4 weeks ago. Could either of these cause bleeding of the gums?  The package insert of Serevent has "dental pain" and the Flovent has "dental problem". Any information would be greatly appreciated. TIA, Pam

Doubtful; however side effects from MDI inhalers can be greatly reduced by using a spacer, the Aerochamber is popular; and rinsing mouth with water after inhaling. Are you sure the bleeding is from the gums, and not further down? For example, sometimes heavy coughing can irritate the throat and cause some bleeding with traces of blood in the sputum. [tell your doctor] Maybe the dentist should take a look at the gums; my dentist recommended vit C supplements along with proper brushing. Ellis

Response:

Question:

Advair is a combo drug and you may have better luck with something else. I use Pulmicort and a rescue inhaler and it work well for me as I can adjust the Pulmicort steroid independently. Lane

Response:

My son takes the 500/50 dose every day for a year now and is LOSING weight…what gives? Good question. My Brother-In-Law is taking Serevent and having the same problem and so am I. Just wondering if it is the Serevent.

There are some lung diseases that tend to have weight loss as a side effect, like NTM. See: http://www.ntminfo.com/ Nontuberculous Micobacteria "Common Symptoms of NTM: Loss of Weight and Loss of Appetite – It is not uncommon to lose weight and therefore it is important to be aware of weight changes. Please consult with your doctor and/or a nutritionist to determine how to modify and augment your diet so that you get enough calories to maintain your weight at an ideal level that helps your body fight the illness and keep up your strength. Eat, eat, eat. The mycobacteria may compete with your body for calories. "

Response:

My son takes the 500/50 dose every day for a year now and is LOSING weight…what gives?

Good question. My Brother-In-Law is taking Serevent and having the same problem and so am I. Just wondering if it is the Serevent.

Response:

My son takes the 500/50 dose every day for a year now and is LOSING weight…what gives?

Response:

Steroids should be used in the minimum dose to control the problem.

  [Side effects are a function of the dose] National asthma guidelines recommend that a Patient Action plan

  be followed, to adjust doses of asthma drugs according to symptoms   and peak flow readings. Typically the steroid inhaler dose is   doubled and bronchodilator used as needed when peak flow drops   into the Yellow Zone [50-80% personal best] http://www.vh.org/Providers/ClinGuide/AsthmaIM/comp1/AssessmentB.html

   Periodic Assessment and Monitoring http://www.NationalJewish.org/medfacts/asthma_action_plan.html Ellis

Are peak flow readings really dependable enough to determine when to use steroid inhaler and bronchodilator?  I think the way the person feels is more dependable.  My first peak flow meter had strange highs, up to 770.  Sometimes I felt chest tightness above 600 or might feel good at 300.  I called the tollfree product information phone number, and after several steps, they offered a free peak flow meter of a new model, which of course I accepted. That newer peak flow meter is not prone to unreasonable highs, but still is not the whole story.  I don’t use it regularly.

Response:

I have adult onset asthma (come from family where childhood asthma was frequent, usually outgrown) diagnosed 15 years ago.  I am 61 and have been on a variety of medications over the years.  Right now I am on Uniphyl, singular and about a year ago I switched from two different inhaled medicines (one steroid) to Advair Discus –cut–   I was on 500/50 dosage until about a month ago. About a month ago I asked my doctor to reduce the dosage and went down to the 250/50  About 10 days ago I went to the 100 and do not have any significant changes. Two days ago I decided to skip several days to see if I could do without.  I can tell no difference (I expected to wake up wheezing in the middle of the night and have to use my Ventolin).

Steroids should be used in the minimum dose to control the problem. [Side effects are a function of the dose] National asthma guidelines recommend that a Patient Action plan be followed, to adjust doses of asthma drugs according to symptoms and peak flow readings. Typically the steroid inhaler dose is doubled and bronchodilator used as needed when peak flow drops into the Yellow Zone [50-80% personal best] http://www.vh.org/Providers/ClinGuide/AsthmaIM/comp1/AssessmentB.html  Periodic Assessment and Monitoring http://www.NationalJewish.org/medfacts/asthma_action_plan.html Ellis

Response:

If your other medications control your asthma well – and please do check with your doctor to see that your symptoms are under control to his/her satisfaction as well – then the fact that you can do without an inhaled steroid is good news, indeed. If I were you, I would spend a month or two on the 100/50 Advair before getting off it completely, just to ease the transition, or at least be prepared to go back on it if the need arises. Singulair is a miracle medicine, in my opinion.  My son, who suffers from mild asthma, takes Singulair every day of his life now but no other asthma medication on a regular basis.  He does use a Serevent diskus beforehand when he knows he’ll have an active day and that does seem to help, and you might consider that option as well.  Although I have noticed it is a distinctly unpopular opinion to hold on this newsgroup, there are some people, my son among them, for whom the Serevent component without the Flovent steroid provides effect treatment. (For what it’s worth, I, too, tried Serevent without Flovent but I seem to need them both.) Best of luck with it all. -S- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have adult onset asthma (come from family where childhood asthma was frequent, usually outgrown) diagnosed 15 years ago.  I am 61 and have been on a variety of medications over the years.  Right now I am on Uniphyl, singular and about a year ago I switched from two different inhaled medicines (one steroid) to Advair Discus — which is a combined medicine, definitely  including an inhaled steroid.  It has controlled the asthma very well. However I started gaining weight and am now 35 lbs heavier — all in my stomach, neck and face (funny pouches of fat on the sides of my neck) — definitely cushingoid  effects (I have no official diagnosis, only read about it on the internet)   Also bruising red easily.  I was on 500/50 dosage until about a month ago.  I was on a pretty rigorous exercise/diet program for 6 weeks and lost not a lb. I finally determined  that the steroids were the cause — though I have been told that the inhaled steroids did not have side effects. About a month ago I asked my doctor to reduce the dosage and went down to the 250/50  About 10 days ago I went to the 100 and do not have any significant changes. Two days ago I decided to skip several days to see if I could do without.  I can tell no difference (I expected to wake up wheezing in the middle of the night and have to use my Ventolin).  I am calling my allergist tomorrow to make an appointment with him.  Maybe my pretty serious asthma is better (have been doing a lot of breath work and yoga) and maybe I can stop the steroids. I feel like I have a bowling ball instead of a stomach and my waistline has disappeared. On the otherhand I have pretty serious asthma — had to be hospitalized 4 years ago with an attack and have had pneumonia twice in the last 3 years.  I surely don’t want to lose control of the asthma, but am hoping there is some alternative to the daily use of inhaled steroids. Sorry this is so long.  My first chance to talk to my peers about our common bond — asthma. . — Judy Turnipseed

Response:

I have adult onset asthma (come from family where childhood asthma was frequent, usually outgrown) diagnosed 15 years ago.  I am 61 and have been on a variety of medications over the years.  Right now I am on Uniphyl, singular and about a year ago I switched from two different inhaled medicines (one steroid) to Advair Discus — which is a combined medicine, definitely  including an inhaled steroid.  It has controlled the asthma very well. However I started gaining weight and am now 35 lbs heavier — all in my stomach, neck and face (funny pouches of fat on the sides of my neck) — definitely cushingoid  effects (I have no official diagnosis, only read about it on the internet)   Also bruising red easily.  I was on 500/50 dosage until about a month ago.  I was on a pretty rigorous exercise/diet program for 6 weeks and lost not a lb. I finally determined  that the steroids were the cause — though I have been told that the inhaled steroids did not have side effects. About a month ago I asked my doctor to reduce the dosage and went down to the 250/50  About 10 days ago I went to the 100 and do not have any significant changes. Two days ago I decided to skip several days to see if I could do without.  I can tell no difference (I expected to wake up wheezing in the middle of the night and have to use my Ventolin).  I am calling my allergist tomorrow to make an appointment with him.  Maybe my pretty serious asthma is better (have been doing a lot of breath work and yoga) and maybe I can stop the steroids. I feel like I have a bowling ball instead of a stomach and my waistline has disappeared. On the otherhand I have pretty serious asthma — had to be hospitalized 4 years ago with an attack and have had pneumonia twice in the last 3 years.  I surely don’t want to lose control of the asthma, but am hoping there is some alternative to the daily use of inhaled steroids. Sorry this is so long.  My first chance to talk to my peers about our common bond — asthma. . — Judy Turnipseed

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:

No, I’m cool with that, James. I don’t even mind lookingat SEs for other TCAs, though they are exactly the same as the one I’m on. But the very first thing I do when I get a refill is bin the info sheet if the pharmacist hasn’t already done so.  The minds of mortals work in strange ways, huh?

agreed. some of those "side effects" are ridiculous though…i mean "alcohol abuse"?! -although i have been feeling like a drink lately, but you’re not meant to consume alcohol when taking paxil. — James Fife, Scotland ICQ:41149795 "there is NO point to life – life IS the point" -me 2001AD

Response:

<snippage BTW, there haven’t been any contributions to the FAQ, so I did some work on it, and have forwarded it to Jackie to look over, fill in blanks, etc.

Hey, Sloopy — You know, I feel that it’s somewhat unfortunate that there were so few contributions to this thread as I think others could offer some helpful opinions.  I’m thinking about suggestions from newbies in particular — wondering what they would like to have seen in an SSRI-FAQ had it existed when they first found ASAP.  I do understand how some may feel *shy* about jumping into a thread in which it looks as though only long-timers are discussing the subject.  However, I’m glad you did pose this idea to the group in an open forum format as it at least allowed for others to contribute should they have desired to do so. Others, such as yourself, who wish to contribute (one way or an udder), will receive a copy for review before it’s "almost" finished, and all input will be appreciated (all input right "now" would be, and is, appreciated:)

Sounds good – I would like to review the "almost" finished FAQ as I think it will be fun to review with respect to the clarity aspect. It won’t be done in a day or two, but it shouldn’t take all that long, either. Of course, I expect Ian to "sheer" it apart, once he has access again:)

LOL… Oh yes, I’m sure Ian will have some opinions and contributions to make, and I certainly wouldn’t want to deprive him of the opportunity to do so.  :) Best… ==== Blue (one who is curse-proof!… ) — Remove mypants to email me

Response:

I’m thinking about suggestions from newbies in particular — wondering what they would like to have seen in an SSRI-FAQ had it existed when they first found ASAP.

hmm. 1. the conditions they are used for 2. what each one in particular is mostly used for 3. how they work 4. something about the different doses 5. side effects of each ssri 6. coming off them 7. um…. — James Fife, Scotland ICQ:41149795 "there is NO point to life – life IS the point" -me 2001AD

Response:

7. um….

known interactions with other drugs/alcohol etc! there! — James Fife, Scotland ICQ:41149795 "there is NO point to life – life IS the point" -me 2001AD

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m thinking about suggestions from newbies in particular — wondering what they would like to have seen in an SSRI-FAQ had it existed when they first found ASAP. hmm. 1. the conditions they are used for 2. what each one in particular is mostly used for 3. how they work 4. something about the different doses 5. side effects of each ssri 6. coming off them 7. um….

Um… could i suggest it doesn’t include the side effects, just a URL to a source that lists them. Most of us, including me, are likely to experience them all on reading about them. Ian

Response:

Um… could i suggest it doesn’t include the side effects, just a URL to a source that lists them. Most of us, including me, are likely to experience them all on reading about them.

you *definately* don’t want to look at this then: <<<warning! http://www.paxilprogress.org/research/research_documents/paxil_sideef… <<<warning! (!) — James Fife, Scotland ICQ:41149795 "there is NO point to life – life IS the point" -me 2001AD

Response:

Um… could i suggest it doesn’t include the side effects, just a URL to a source that lists them. Most of us, including me, are likely to experience them all on reading about them. you *definately* don’t want to look at this then: <<<warning! http://www.paxilprogress.org/research/research_documents/paxil_sideef… <<<warning! (!)

No, I’m cool with that, James. I don’t even mind lookingat SEs for other TCAs, though they are exactly the same as the one I’m on. But the very first thing I do when I get a refill is bin the info sheet if the pharmacist hasn’t already done so.  The minds of mortals work in strange ways, huh? Ian

Response:

Sloopy wrote……. Hopefully, you got it and have eaten your monitor by now

I`ve been cheated!!!! In my tagline is specifically says that I require 14 chocolate bars and you only sent 6 What ‘ya think?

Whatever everyone agree`s on is just fine by me Jackie Acting like a witch…..Eating 14 chocolate bars…..this isn`t a holiday for

Response:

Hi Blue!  :)  Good to see you back.

Thanks, Dan.  It’s a real… er, pleasure <? to be back! IMO, YMMV and all that.  I personally don’t like the Q&A format.  All the information is there either way.   A well laid out document will allow users to find what they need.

I think Sloopy’s intention in bringing up the idea of creating an SSRI-FAQ in an open forum was to allow any and all to express their own opinions, and I am pleased we can have differences in our opinions I’m trying to imagine a newbie who’s gone to the trouble to find the FAQ and is willing to read it.  I just reread the post of Jackie’s where she put together information in a document-type format and contrasted that to Sloopy’s post where he’s posed suggestions for questions. And personally, I think the question and answer format is less *intimidating* somehow.  As you know, some of  us have difficulty concentrating at times, and I feel the question-and-answer format allows the reader to take in the information a bit at a time. However, as you state, a well laid-out document could achieve the same results.  It’s getting that document into a well laid-out state that then becomes the challenge.  Clarity is what is needed, whatever format the FAQ takes.  Should the FAQ take the form of a document rather than a question-and-answer format, I would be willing to review it and voice my opinions on how well it reads, for whatever that’s worth. <snippage As far as dissenting ideas, I had two sources in mind.  The antimed fanatics are one, you know they’ll have something to say about this. But they aren’t really the ones I had in mind.  I was mainly thinking of sincere posters that would like to have non-meds mentioned.

I think Sloopy, in his reply to your post, makes a valid point with respect to this.  If this is to be a FAQ on SSRIs, then that should be the subject of the SSRI-FAQ.  I am sympathetic to those sincere readers and/or posters who would like to have information on dealing with anxiety and panic without the use of meds, and I think this is best addressed as a separate issue as it is in the monthly FAQ. I haven’t heard commentary on the idea of making this a "meds" FAQ rather than just SSRIs.  How many newcomers will even know what an SSRI is and if their med is one?

Once again, I feel what Sloopy said with respect to taking this one step at a time makes sense.  And I do agree with Sloopy that the SSRI-FAQ would serve the purpose of answering those almost daily questions of  "My doctor just put me on <SSRI.  Does anyone know anything about <SSRI?"  That would be the time that the link to the SSRI-FAQ could be provided, and voila!  No more Jackie and Philip spending their time writing the same replies over and over and over again… Best Wishes === Blue — Remove mypants to email me

Response:

Hi Blue!  :)  Good to see you back. It ’tis, isn’t it?  Whoa Nellie!

LOL, Sloopy… I just "luv" Nellie Best… === Blue — Remove mypants to email me

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Blue!  :)  Good to see you back. It ’tis, isn’t it?  Whoa Nellie! IMO, YMMV and all that.  I personally don’t like the Q&A format.  All the information is there either way.   A well laid out document will allow users to find what they need. It makes no difference, AFAIC.  As long as all the info is there, and easy to follow. The questions I last posed need to be included, however – in whatever format.  When I have the time, I’ll go back through it, and see how it lays out. Need all the answers to the questions, tho:) <snip As far as dissenting ideas, I had two sources in mind.  The antimed fanatics are one, you know they’ll have something to say about this. But they aren’t really the ones I had in mind.  I was mainly thinking of sincere posters that would like to have non-meds mentioned. I think you’re missing the point, Dan. The monthly FAQ has all sorts of non-med references. The idea behind *this* FAQ is that people ask the same questions about SSRIs all the time. For those who *ask*, then the URL to this particular FAQ, or the FAQ itself can be posted as a reply. I haven’t heard commentary on the idea of making this a "meds" FAQ rather than just SSRIs. I think one step at a time. When people ask about benzos (for example), there are sites all over the place that talk about their effectiveness and when/if they should be prescribed (and dependency caveats). There are also quite a few sites with opposite views. I not only doubt that a FAQ is necessary for tranquilizers in general, but think it would become a war zone! LOL However, when someone asks about them, they get answers "and" URLs to check. With the SSRI questions, however, there aren’t sites that provide the type of information that’s provided here on an almost daily basis. That’s why it’s an ASAP FAQ, for ease of replies, as well as "more" education on these meds than the poster may have even been aware to ask in the first place. AND, the main reason, I suppose, is that SSRIs are prescribed for just about anything these days, far more than any other class of medications, it appears. That’s why there are more questions about them, and why it seems a need to focus in with a good solid document that contains a lot of the answers to <koff frequenty asked questions:) How many newcomers will even know what an SSRI is and if their med is one? That’s one of the goals;)  Someone says "the doc just put me on Paxil (or whatever it’s called in a particular country), and I don’t know much about it. Can someone tell me about side effects I’ve heard about?" <  BAM – post the FAQ as a reply (just once) or the URL to it   Think of it more as a reply, rather than a FAQ document for searching, and you might see what I feel the aim is. — Sloopy:)

Is that not like telling people to read the F.Manal, just like some PC groups do.??? — Mark Brown

Response:

Hi Blue!  :)  Good to see you back. IMO, YMMV and all that.  I personally don’t like the Q&A format.  All the information is there either way.   A well laid out document will allow users to find what they need. People will read it or not in either style.  A very few start reading a newsgroup by looking for the FAQ.  Most read a couple of recent posts and join in, never knowing if there is a FAQ or not. As far as dissenting ideas, I had two sources in mind.  The antimed fanatics are one, you know they’ll have something to say about this. But they aren’t really the ones I had in mind.  I was mainly thinking of sincere posters that would like to have non-meds mentioned. I haven’t heard commentary on the idea of making this a "meds" FAQ rather than just SSRIs.  How many newcomers will even know what an SSRI is and if their med is one? tnx, drr – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <snippage *** I think it should be as most FAQs are, which is a question/answer format, seeing as it’s about "frequently asked questions."  What ‘ya think?  Would it read better if the info below were the made into answers? Anyone? Yup, I think it would read easier if the information is put in a question and answer format.  That would allow people to zero in on any particular concern or question they may have, which might help insure that the FAQ actually gets read. One thing that Dan suggested was giving counter info, of sorts. I thought about that, and that would lead to Breggin, at the very worst. Breggin has his web sites, and the anti-benzo squad has their FAQ for their mailing list. Hmmm….. gonna have to think about that one for awhile (and re-read the existing FAQ). Good start, yes?  I think it can become a real FAQ in a short time. Yes, it’s a good start.  Only time will tell whether it will actually serve its intended purpose, but how to know without trying? Best Wishes === Blue — Remove mypants to email me

– The second nicest guy on the internet Need the ASAP Mini-FAQ? A copy is at www.drrhodes.org

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –        Mark Brown tries to say… Think of it more as a reply, rather than a FAQ document for searching, and you might see what I feel the aim is. Is that not like telling people to read the F.Manal, just like some PC groups do.??? — Mark Brown I suppose the above comment can stand all by itself as your most helpful contribution to the FAQ on SSRIs.  A vast crevice of information, as always. — Sloopy:)

No. I don’t have the knowledge to contribute to the F.A.Q. WHAT I meant nothing beats discussion on individual topics. A  greater number of people would rather ask a question and have it answered rather than read lots , and lots of information e.g.. newbies, who don’t understand the basic concept of the various ways to deal with their condition Basically all I am saying is that the person or persons who write technical type things tend to write them from their  own knowledge or perspective, and newbies can easily get lost in techno-babble. I know that this does not add anything of a constructive nature. Y.M.M.V. naturally. — Mark Brown

Response:

Sloopy wrote….. Begin there, or you "will" get Soy for Halloween!

I began…..so I expect tons of chocolates before the 31st   Jackie Celexa ( Citalopram ) Recommended starting dose is 5mgs. Increase dose in 5mg increments once a week. Therapeutic range varies between 20 to 40 mgs, although some may do well on 10mgs and others may need 60mgs. Luvox ( Fluvoxamine ) Recommended starting dose is 12.5 to 25mgs. If sensitive to medication, the starting dose of 12.5 mgs is probably best. Increase dose in 12.5 or 25mg increments once a week. Therapeutic range varies between 100-300 mgs. Paxil ( Paroxetine) Recommended starting dose is 5mgs, for people sensitive to medication, it might be better to start at 2.5mgs. Paxil is available in liquid form to make taking very small doses easier. Increase dose in 2.5 or 5mgs increments once a week. Therapeutic range varies between 10-60mgs. Prozac ( Fluoxetine ) Recommended starting dose is 5mgs, for people sensitive to medication, it might be better to start at 2.5mgs. Prozac is available in liquid form to make taking very small doses easier. Increase dose in 2.5 or 5mg increments once a week. Therapeutic range varies between 10-60mgs. Zoloft (Sertraline ) Recommended starting dose is 25mgs, for people sensitive to medication, it might be better to start at 12.5mgs. Increase dose in 12.5 or 25mg increments once a week. Therapeutic range varies between 100-200 mgs, although some may do well on 50mgs and others may need 250mgs. *It is suggested that you increase your dose once a week….however,  you can wean even slower if you feel that is best. This is not a race, sometimes going slower is much better. General Info about SSRI`s It usually takes up to 6-8 weeks for an SSRI antidepressant to really kick in. Some people have reported that their SSRI`s started to work as early as 2 weeks, but don`t get nervous if this doesn`t happen to you. Patience is important when weaning on antidepressants. Common SSRI side-effects which you may or may not experience, are… nausea, diarrhea, increased anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, sleepiness, headache, tremors, dry mouth, weight gain and sexual dysfunction. They are normal, common and usually diminish with time, although some side-effects can be chronic. Any side-effect that is particularly bothersome should be discussed with your doctor. If nausea is a side-effect, take your medication with food, it can help decrease the stomach irritation SSRI`s can cause and that might decrease the nausea. Having trouble sleeping since starting your SSRI? If you are taking your antidepressant in the PM, a switch to the AM might help. Are you battling daytime fatigue since you started your SSRI? If you are taking your antidepressant in the AM, a switch to PM might help. Somtimes you have to experiment with the times you take your SSRI, there is no right or wrong time to take your med, it is what works best for you. Taking a benzodiazepine such as Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, or Valium during the weaning on process can minimize the side-effects. It is a common practice to prescribe a benzodiazepine for people weaning on antidepressants. Benzodiazepines can also help when weaning off SSRI`s and are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. It is very important to never stop your SSRI AD cold turkey or you could experience withdrawal symptoms. Paxil is the most likely out of all the SSRI`s to cause withdrawal symptoms, and Prozac is the least likely.  If and when the time comes to stop taking your antidepressant, make sure it is done under the supervision of your doctor. A slow wean, decreasing your dose in small increments is the best way to go.  Even if you wean off your antidepressant slowly, there is still a chance you can experience "SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome", which basically means withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms are dizziness, electric shock feelings, headaches, increased anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and nausea. These withdrawal symptoms are not dangerous, they will disappear with time. Make sure to inform your doctor if you are experiencing any withdrawal symptoms. Acting like a witch…..Eating 14 chocolate bars…..this isn`t a holiday for

Response:

<snippage *** I think it should be as most FAQs are, which is a question/answer format, seeing as it’s about "frequently asked questions."  What ‘ya think?  Would it read better if the info below were the made into answers? Anyone?

Yup, I think it would read easier if the information is put in a question and answer format.  That would allow people to zero in on any particular concern or question they may have, which might help insure that the FAQ actually gets read. One thing that Dan suggested was giving counter info, of sorts. I thought about that, and that would lead to Breggin, at the very worst. Breggin has his web sites, and the anti-benzo squad has their FAQ for their mailing list.

Hmmm….. gonna have to think about that one for awhile (and re-read the existing FAQ). Good start, yes?  I think it can become a real FAQ in a short time.

Yes, it’s a good start.  Only time will tell whether it will actually serve its intended purpose, but how to know without trying? Best Wishes === Blue — Remove mypants to email me

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created. It can be used in the weekly FAQ if need be, but more to the point would be a single reply to those who are just starting SSRIs, and want to know the ins and outs, including the positives as well as the negatives (or things to be avoided, or some to "possibly" be expected with the YMMV caveat). *Paxil is more sedating than Prozac, for example. *Starting doses for each of the SSRIs, and the best way to ramp up, and in what increments, and over how long a period of time. *Withdrawal syndrome and half-lives of each (and what that means) *Cross over in switching from one to another *How one may be right, but others may not, for the given individual *What meds shouldn’t be mixed with SSRIs, and the fact that Luvox changes the metabolism of alprozolam, to in effect, double the alprazolam dose. *Don’t mix with an MAOI inhibitor *Don’t mix with herbs unless checked with the doctor or pharmacist. *What about mixing SSRIs and alcohol? *What about sexual dysfunction, if it occurs?   etc., etc., etc…. Hmmm.. there’s a very skinny "basic" start.  Open forum as not a *professional* FAQ, but an ASAP FAQ, based on facts known, and experiences. Once completed, if this could be put on someone’s web site, where there’s space, all the better. No big deal there… I’m sure one of us would be willing to fork over some space. I have lots of spaces but I’m not sure if the URL of www.cobol-death.f2s.com would be great for an SSRI site do you??;-) I’d think this would be a good document, that can evolve with new data, as needed, but mainly used as an informative *tool*. — Sloopy:)   < suggestions? – thoughts? Sounds like a good idea. It would be very good for new people to read up on SSRI’s and not have to deal with some inconsistent information. I would like to see what the others think. I for one would vote yes. Jeff…

I take it , Jeff, when you mention Slopy you are having a joke with us. PLEASE-)))) — Mark Brown

Response:

I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created.

Excellent idea.  Since no one (hopefully) will have experience will all the SSRI’s, there needs to be a way to compile book data with experience. < suggestions? – thoughts?

Seems like an offline task to compile.  Need some volunteers.  I would be willing. Gwen

Response:

I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created. snip Sounds like a great idea to me

Anything would be a  good idea to you..!! — Mark Brown

Response:

Well, here are my thoughts on this subject. 1.     We need a coordinator to grease wheels       and keep out the lint.  I nominate Sloopy.  :)       But I do have the time and interest myself.

No wonder the smiley after sloop’s name -(( – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -2.     I think we should create a med FAQ with SSRIs       as one major topic.  TCAs, benzodiazepines       and misc could be others.  This would be subject       to length requirements.  1000 lines is probably a       good maximum for one FAQ. 3.     Discussing the contents on ASAP has merit, but       this might not be the appropriate place.  Certainly       the progress and calls for comments should be       on ASAP. 4      Most of the information in this FAQ will be anecdotal       in nature.  It should be clear that that this is the case       with references to official and not so official       information. 5.     A decision should be made early on about how to       handle dissenting ideas.  Especially controversial       ones.  At first glance, I think that providing a section       about dissenting ideas with links provided by the       dissenters is sufficient. 6.     The final [sic] version should be regularly posted       at ASAP and with the news.answers system.  I can       help whoever does the final posting with this process. tnx, drr        "Gwenivere" says… Excellent idea.  Since no one (hopefully) will have experience will all the SSRI’s, there needs to be a way to compile book data with experience. < suggestions? – thoughts? Seems like an offline task to compile. Yak!  I’m hoping it can be worked on right here…. but…. Need some volunteers.  I would be willing. If it becomes something that doesn’t pan out in the open forum, then yup! A few of us can get together, put the collective knowledge <burp to keyboard, and then "present" what’s been compiled.  I’d like Ian’s input included (he’s not readily available right now) – although it might not be a FAQ but rather a novel;) Of course, there are several here, too many to mention by name, who I’d like to see jump in here and add bits and pieces, to lay down the groundwork – if not the basis for the FAQ, all together. Am I confusing you, Maui?  LOL

Yes — Mark Brown

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Would the FAQ include some of the more commonly used TCAs and Oddball ADs as well? Boyd – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sounds like a great idea.  When are you going to finish it?  :P Seriously, if no one jumps up and wants it, I’ll do it.  My ISP increased my file quota by 30 MB so I think there’s room …. If someone does want to take this on, I can add a summary to one of the other FAQs and a link to where they can get the rest of the info. tnx, drr I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created. It can be used in the weekly FAQ if need be, but more to the point would be a single reply to those who are just starting SSRIs, and want to know the ins and outs, including the positives as well as the negatives (or things to be avoided, or some to "possibly" be expected with the YMMV caveat). *Paxil is more sedating than Prozac, for example. *Starting doses for each of the SSRIs, and the best way to ramp up, and in what increments, and over how long a period of time. *Withdrawal syndrome and half-lives of each (and what that means) *Cross over in switching from one to another *How one may be right, but others may not, for the given individual *What meds shouldn’t be mixed with SSRIs, and the fact that Luvox changes the metabolism of alprozolam, to in effect, double the alprazolam dose. *Don’t mix with an MAOI inhibitor *Don’t mix with herbs unless checked with the doctor or pharmacist. *What about mixing SSRIs and alcohol? *What about sexual dysfunction, if it occurs?   etc., etc., etc…. Hmmm.. there’s a very skinny "basic" start.  Open forum as not a *professional* FAQ, but an ASAP FAQ, based on facts known, and experiences. Once completed, if this could be put on someone’s web site, where there’s space, all the better. I’d think this would be a good document, that can evolve with new data, as needed, but mainly used as an informative *tool*. — The second nicest guy on the internet Need the ASAP Mini-FAQ? A copy is at www.drrhodes.org

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created. It can be used in the weekly FAQ if need be, but more to the point would be a single reply to those who are just starting SSRIs, and want to know the ins and outs, including the positives as well as the negatives (or things to be avoided, or some to "possibly" be expected with the YMMV caveat). *Paxil is more sedating than Prozac, for example. *Starting doses for each of the SSRIs, and the best way to ramp up, and in what increments, and over how long a period of time. *Withdrawal syndrome and half-lives of each (and what that means) *Cross over in switching from one to another *How one may be right, but others may not, for the given individual *What meds shouldn’t be mixed with SSRIs, and the fact that Luvox changes the metabolism of alprozolam, to in effect, double the alprazolam dose. *Don’t mix with an MAOI inhibitor *Don’t mix with herbs unless checked with the doctor or pharmacist. *What about mixing SSRIs and alcohol? *What about sexual dysfunction, if it occurs?   etc., etc., etc…. Hmmm.. there’s a very skinny "basic" start.  Open forum as not a *professional* FAQ, but an ASAP FAQ, based on facts known, and experiences. Once completed, if this could be put on someone’s web site, where there’s space, all the better.

No big deal there… I’m sure one of us would be willing to fork over some space. I have lots of spaces but I’m not sure if the URL of www.cobol-death.f2s.com would be great for an SSRI site do you??;-) I’d think this would be a good document, that can evolve with new data, as needed, but mainly used as an informative *tool*. — Sloopy:)   < suggestions? – thoughts?

Sounds like a good idea. It would be very good for new people to read up on SSRI’s and not have to deal with some inconsistent information. I would like to see what the others think. I for one would vote yes. Jeff…

Response:

I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created.

This sounds like a good idea to me. -David-

Response:

I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created.

snip Sounds like a great idea to me — Jon Guite Live support and chat for anxiety and panic disorders daily at #anx/pan For details see http://www.skcldv.demon.co.uk/anxpanw.htm

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Sloopy wrote…… I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created.

Cool!! Go for it Jackie Acting like a witch…..Eating 14 chocolate bars…..this isn`t a holiday for

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sloopy wrote…… I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created. Cool!! Go for it LOL! Well, I was hoping, that the collective experiences and wisdom here on ASAP would use this thread to *create* the FAQ.  Add some, delete some, and come up with a final draft – that most agree to. I began with a draft of some basics, that need to be expounded on. Begin there, or you "will" get Soy for Halloween! — Sloopy:)

I don’t have much experience of SSRI’s, except that Prozac had me climbing the walls, but I’d be glad to help in any other way I can. — Jon Guite Live support and chat for anxiety and panic disorders daily at #anx/pan For details see http://www.skcldv.demon.co.uk/anxpanw.htm

Response:

Question:

How long have you been taking the Zoloft?  And are you taking anything else (such as Xanax)?  I had some of that early on, but I truly believe that it is the interim feeling you get when the Zoloft is fighting anxiety.  In other words, instead of feeling anxious, you feel cloudy. At least that is my experience, because the longer I’ve been on Zoloft and the less often I have felt anxious, the less I have had this problem.  Also, occasionally, when I’ve taken a Xanax for an extra bad day, I feel this way when I come off of it.  Interesting. Best, Charly

I’ve been taking Zoloft for 6 months, and I don’t take anything else…I hardly have any anxiety any more, but this spaciness is freaking me out… Thanks Mandy

Response:

I’ve been on Zoloft for almost six months now, and these feelings started around the same time…..it’s so weird!

Yes, it is. What does your doctor say? Maybe you could try either adding a benzo or switching to another SSRI? Philip (don’t know really) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – MandySince when have you been taking Zoloft? As a rule dissociation is not a SSRI side effect but nothing is impossible. I have found a benzo helps me with dissociative feelings and perceptions. YMMV. Philip

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Hummingbird says

I posted a while ago about my feelings of unreality….I was wondering if maybe it is partly caused by the Zoloft….I feel like I’m just playing the part or something…It really scares me sometimes that I can’t FEEL some things….I take 200 mg/day…Does anybody know if Zoloft can cause these feelings?  I don’t understand why I feel this way.  It’s almost a constant thing now….I want to feel alive, but I just feel like nothing is real…Like I’m playing a part in some generic B movie or something….HELP! Mandy

hi mandy. I thought that was just of the effects of the anxiety/panic….jeeeezzzz! I don’t take Zoloft (but I like the big Z) – - though I know the "unreality" feeling. Hope your meds don’t cause that! Maybe some adjusting is needed by the doc….hmmm? -take care & good luck!! Z p.s. I usually feel like I’m some bizarre character in a Terry Gilliam movie if ya know what I mean.

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I’ve been on Zoloft for almost six months now, and these feelings started around the same time…..it’s so weird! MandySince when have you been taking Zoloft? As a rule dissociation is not a SSRI – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -side effect but nothing is impossible. I have found a benzo helps me with dissociative feelings and perceptions. YMMV. Philip

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no-archive:yes I posted a while ago about my feelings of unreality….I was wondering if maybe it is partly caused by the Zoloft….I feel like I’m just playing the part or something…It really scares me sometimes that I can’t FEEL some things….I take 200 mg/day…Does anybody know if Zoloft can cause these feelings?  I don’t understand why I feel this way.  It’s almost a constant thing now….I want to feel alive, but I just feel like nothing is real…Like I’m playing a part in some generic B movie or something….HELP! Mandy

How long have you been taking the Zoloft?  And are you taking anything else (such as Xanax)?  I had some of that early on, but I truly believe that it is the interim feeling you get when the Zoloft is fighting anxiety.  In other words, instead of feeling anxious, you feel cloudy. At least that is my experience, because the longer I’ve been on Zoloft and the less often I have felt anxious, the less I have had this problem.  Also, occasionally, when I’ve taken a Xanax for an extra bad day, I feel this way when I come off of it.  Interesting. Best, Charly

Response:

I posted a while ago about my feelings of unreality….I was wondering if maybe it is partly caused by the Zoloft….I feel like I’m just playing the part or something…It really scares me sometimes that I can’t FEEL some things….I take 200 mg/day…Does anybody know if Zoloft can cause these feelings?  I don’t understand why I feel this way.  It’s almost a constant thing now….I want to feel alive, but I just feel like nothing is real…Like I’m playing a part in some generic B movie or something….HELP!

Dear Mandy, Has this symptom only been around since being on zoloft? Your comment *I can`t feel some things*, sounds like you are numb or apathetic. This seems to happen to some people while they are on anti-depressants. I urge you to talk to your doctor about this, perhaps a med change is in order. Take care. Jackie

Response:

I posted a while ago about my feelings of unreality….I was wondering if maybe it is partly caused by the Zoloft….I feel like I’m just playing the part or something…It really scares me sometimes that I can’t FEEL some things….I take 200 mg/day…Does anybody know if Zoloft can cause these feelings?  I don’t understand why I feel this way.  It’s almost a constant thing now….I want to feel alive, but I just feel like nothing is real…Like I’m playing a part in some generic B movie or something….HELP! Mandy

Zoloft can cause feelings of unreality (called depersonalization/derealization), *especially* if your dose has been titrated upwards too rapidly. I’d check with your doc. You may need a  reduction in you Zoloft dose. Also benzos have been quite effective in relieving feelings of unreality I have had. Even in small dosage, such as Xanax 0.25 mg four times per day. Chip Before you buy.

Response:

.It really scares me sometimes that I can’t FEEL some things….

this is different qualitatively then dissociation where you feel outside yourself-one is a ramping down of emotion the other a ramping up-when we dissociate we are purposly excluding ourselves from the present moment to reduce sensory input as a defense an exhaustion-the inability to feel emotions as acutely or as intensly is and can be a side effect of any ad med as they can tend to in some reduce appropriate anxieties as well as reduce specific spontaneous emotional responses-they get slowed down which is how these drugs work to reduce some emotional disturbances-so you may have to clarify what it is you actualy are experiencing LM

Response:

I posted a while ago about my feelings of unreality….I was wondering if maybe it is partly caused by the Zoloft….I feel like I’m just playing the part or something…It really scares me sometimes that I can’t FEEL some things….I take 200 mg/day…Does anybody know if Zoloft can cause these feelings?  I don’t understand why I feel this way.  It’s almost a constant thing now….I want to feel alive, but I just feel like nothing is real…Like I’m playing a part in some generic B movie or something….HELP! Mandy

Since when have you been taking Zoloft? As a rule dissociation is not a SSRI side effect but nothing is impossible. I have found a benzo helps me with dissociative feelings and perceptions. YMMV. Philip

Response:

I find most meditations make me feel that way. I have come to know it is all part of my symptoms of my anxiety disorder. I like to do journalling and meditation to get in touch with my feelings. It definately is unpleasant…I go in and out of unreality feelings and spaceyness quite frequently, especially when I go for walks. I feel like I’m not real and the world around me seems distant. Typical of someone from a traumatic background. Disassociation….I love those moments of clarity much better. I do not suffer as bad as I did, so I keep the hope. (((((HUGS))))) Debbie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I posted a while ago about my feelings of unreality….I was wondering if maybe it is partly caused by the Zoloft….I feel like I’m just playing the part or something…It really scares me sometimes that I can’t FEEL some things….I take 200 mg/day…Does anybody know if Zoloft can cause these feelings?  I don’t understand why I feel this way.  It’s almost a constant thing now….I want to feel alive, but I just feel like nothing is real…Like I’m playing a part in some generic B movie or something….HELP! Mandy

Response:

I posted a while ago about my feelings of unreality….I was wondering if maybe it is partly caused by the Zoloft….I feel like I’m just playing the part or something…It really scares me sometimes that I can’t FEEL some things….I take 200 mg/day…Does anybody know if Zoloft can cause these feelings?  I don’t understand why I feel this way.  It’s almost a constant thing now….I want to feel alive, but I just feel like nothing is real…Like I’m playing a part in some generic B movie or something….HELP! Mandy

Response:

Question:

I’ve been taking B-multi vitamin for years, and it does help. i recently started drinking st. johns wort tea, which also helps. but i find that none of that helps enough anymore.

Response:

Hello gang, This is my first post here. I started taking St. Johns Wort about two weeks ago for Anxiety/Panic and Depression. Over the past few days my symptoms have almost completely vanished!! I did the Paxil/Zoloft/Xanax/Buspar crap, and all they did was make me worse! Thank God for St. Johns Wort! I also started taking a multivitamin twice a day, and b-complex 3 times a day. I read that most people who suffer from Anxiety/Panic and Depression are usually very deficient in B vitamins. Have a great day!! Bryan Z.

Response:

Hi Bryan, It’s great that you’re feeling better. I just wanted to echo your support for St John’s Wort.  I’m in a similar situation.  I’ve been taking it only about a week and a half, and feel so much better too.  I’m also taking b vitamins and multivitamins… so maybe there is a connection here. Take Care, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello gang, This is my first post here. I started taking St. Johns Wort about two weeks ago for Anxiety/Panic and Depression. Over the past few days my symptoms have almost completely vanished!! I did the Paxil/Zoloft/Xanax/Buspar crap, and all they did was make me worse! Thank God for St. Johns Wort! I also started taking a multivitamin twice a day, and b-complex 3 times a day. I read that most people who suffer from Anxiety/Panic and Depression are usually very deficient in B vitamins. Have a great day!! Bryan Z.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello gang, This is my first post here. I started taking St. Johns Wort about two weeks ago for Anxiety/Panic and Depression. Over the past few days my symptoms have almost completely vanished!! I did the Paxil/Zoloft/Xanax/Buspar crap, and all they did was make me worse! Thank God for St. Johns Wort! I also started taking a multivitamin twice a day, and b-complex 3 times a day. I read that most people who suffer from Anxiety/Panic and Depression are usually very deficient in B vitamins. Have a great day!! Bryan Z.

Wow… I know what I’m switching to when my prozac runs out. — ICQ me at 29104200

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Question:

I reported it to my pdoc and he said that he thought it was just side effects. I can’t deal with the side  effects! I need to work! I am not in a position to stop working! I am in a quandry. I can’t work with this illness and I can’t work with the side effects. I don’t know what to do!! Sadly, Joyce

Response:

I reported it to my pdoc and he said that he thought it was just side effects. I can’t deal with the side  effects! I need to work! I am not in a position to stop working! I am in a quandry. I can’t work with this illness and I can’t work with the side effects. I don’t know what to do!!

Ok, well… if you’ve reported it to your doctor and he’s that dismissive I would suggest it’s time to get a little firm with him, if you can possibly manage that. Dismissing such an effect so lightly isn’t any use to you. There are plenty of other medications you could be taking and such a glib reaction to a very real concern isn’t fair. My advice, FWIW, is to go back to your doctor and explain the situation in exactly the same terms you’ve explained it to us. If you find this hard to do, face to face (and it can be) you might consider writing him a letter about it. I’ve sometimes communicated with doctors that way and it can help, IME. Hope that’s some use. Good luck! — Gary Cooper

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I reported it to my pdoc and he said that he thought it was just side effects. I can’t deal with the side  effects! I need to work! I am not in a position to stop working! I am in a quandry. I can’t work with this illness and I can’t work with the side effects. I don’t know what to do!! Ok, well… if you’ve reported it to your doctor and he’s that dismissive I would suggest it’s time to get a little firm with him, if you can possibly manage that. Dismissing such an effect so lightly isn’t any use to you. There are plenty of other medications you could be taking and such a glib reaction to a very real concern isn’t fair. My advice, FWIW, is to go back to your doctor and explain the situation in exactly the same terms you’ve explained it to us. If you find this hard to do, face to face (and it can be) you might consider writing him a letter about it. I’ve sometimes communicated with doctors that way and it can help, IME. Hope that’s some use. Good luck! — Gary Cooper

I agree with Gary.  If you can’t bear the side effects, then your doc needs to change or adjust your medication.  I had much less of a side effect on Zoloft, but it was still unacceptable to me and my doc took me off. Iris —

Response:

I agree with Gary that you should report it asap to your doc, just in case.  I too take 20mg daily and had some slight "chills" and a general feeling of "spaciness."  Many on Paxil appreciate its overall effect, but need to take Xanax or another of its type to help ease the numerous, but mostly minor side effects.  I find the need for Xanax diminishes as time goes on (of course your mileage may vary – YMMV).  I can’t answer your question as to whether or not your tremors will cease. From my own experience, the side effects diminish to tolerable levels and then "plateau."  Others on this ng have had the opposite experience and they had to cease taking Paxil.  See your doc, & give it some time if the doc determines the tremors do not represent a serious situation.  Inquire about the Xanax.  I have found Paxil to be wonderfully effective but not a panacea.  Let us know what happens!  :-)     – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi folks, I’ve been on 20 mg. Paxil for 4 1/2 weeks. All side effects have gone away. But, for the last week and a half I’ve been trembling really bad. It is subsiding but is still noticeable. Will the trembling eventually go away? Anyone else have this problem on SSRI’s? I also feel kinda out of it. Hard to describe but just a unreal feeling. I have not had a panic attack for a long time and generally feel pretty good. I want to keep taking the Paxil but I don’t want to tremble for the rest of my life. Any advice? Joyce

Response:

Hi folks, I’ve been on 20 mg. Paxil for 4 1/2 weeks. All side effects have gone away. But, for the last week and a half I’ve been trembling really bad. It is subsiding but is still noticeable. Will the trembling eventually go away? Anyone else have this problem on SSRI’s? I also feel kinda out of it. Hard to describe but just a unreal feeling. I have not had a panic attack for a long time and generally feel pretty good. I want to keep taking the Paxil but I don’t want to tremble for the rest of my life. Any advice? Joyce

Response:

I’ve been on 20 mg. Paxil for 4 1/2 weeks. All side effects have gone away. But, for the last week and a half I’ve been trembling really bad. It is subsiding but is still noticeable. Will the trembling eventually go away? Anyone else have this problem on SSRI’s? I also feel kinda out of it. Hard to describe but just a unreal feeling. I have not had a panic attack for a long time and generally feel pretty good. I want to keep taking the Paxil but I don’t want to tremble for the rest of my life.

Joyce, I think you should report this to your doctor immediately. Did you have a problem with trembling before taking Paxil? — Gary Cooper

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Question:

We solved most of our puppy’s whining and barking problems when she was tiny, by building a small pen – small enough to be moved around the house, but big enough to provide her with a bed, a bowl of water and a litter tray.  That way, she could see us, feel included – she got lots of time out of the pen too being cuddled and things.  At night, the pen was at the side of the bed, and she settled down really quickly.  After a few weeks, and a few accidents, we got her housetrained, threw out the pen and she slept between our feet until she got too big then she moved onto the floor without much trouble.  HTH.

Jon, Thanks for the advice.  I am so looking forward to when she is housebroken. However, I must say, things have already been settling down here alot. Take care, Brad

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writes: Guess what, she went and got into one of the other dogs’ crates, vomited and returned to her own.

Tasha… I think that’s what my children did when they were sick…they came in my room and threw up! Jody

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b.

Maybe an alternative is Paxil.. I was on Zoloft and felt the panic syptom , they raised the dose and I had more trouble.  Paxil seems more along the lines for treatment of panic/depression. Meanwhile, enjoy watching your son and dog grow together. good luck,     MM<<<< Paul, Thanks for your reply.  If I can’t get Zoloft to work any better, I will try Paxil, it is the next step I guess. Brad

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I think that’s what my children did when they were sick…they came in my room and threw up!

LMAO!!!!!  Oh Gawd……I haven’t laughed all weekend!!!!!   But I HATE you for making me laugh this hard at 7am…..I hate laughing before  I’m awake!!!!! LOLOLOL! shaddap. kc – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Hey, I got a puppy too!  And the anxiety that goes with it.  AGH.  And the pee and dog puke, and whining, yapping, ripped up papers….double-AGH.

I was feeling like the only person on the planet that felt like he was going to have a nervous breakdown because I got a cute little puppy. First thing I’d say is that sometimes a side effect of Zoloft is anxiousness. Many people shoot a benzo (Xanax, Klonopin, ATivan) at it until it

subsides. I’m currently afraid of the Ativan my doc gave me, but I may try it again. Your point is a good one though and I believe you are right. You may be just reacting to a normal side effect and sticking it on the fact that you have a puppy.

–Snipped to save space– Try not to fret, sometimes animals pick up on it and will whine and cry worse. If you give in, the puppy has learned if he cries long enough you will come get him.  Make it stick.  Being miserable a couple days now is better than having a pest for a dog for the rest of it’s life.

Thanks for all that advice, I’m not the best dog trainer. You probably know all this stuff already.

No, some, but not all. And I used to breed Yorkies when my 3  kids were babies…..I let them set their own boundaries.  Kids got bit, dogs had hair pulled, there were fights over chewies….

Once again, I thought I was the ONLY person who would EVER dare get a new puppy with a young child at the same time. but unless you got a dog with a weird history or bad lineage they will grow up together like siblings and play and love each other even though there will be an occassional fight.

Well, my family got me an Italian Greyhound from a liniage of champion show dogs – which I have been told are very mild mannered easy to train dogs. But besides the occasional rough-housing, my son loves the dog. As a temporary hedge against anxiety, you might ask your doc if you can get a couple of benzos to smooth over the rough places…..it will even itself out. Hope this helps

This post has helped me more than you will ever know.  I thank you very much because I read it over and over and was able to calm down immensely…At first I wanted us to simply give the dog back to the breeders, but now I’m really adjusting and having fun. Thank you so much, Brad – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -KC Cindy

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, the other day, my family surprised me with a new puppy that I said I wanted a few months ago.  When I first saw her I thought like most people — "Wow she is so cute and adorable, I love her!" and told everyone how pleased I was.  Well, that night(as per the breeders instructions), she slept in bed with me and my wife and needless to say, we all slept in the wet spot. She whined and kept us awake most of the night.  The next night we put her in her kennel and she barked and woke us up and my 15 month old son.  By Saterday night, I was feeling depressed and panicky, kind of like "what have we done? A puppy is a huge responsibility and we have a 15 month old son for Heaven’s sake"

Hi B, Didn’t go the puppy route but did just adopt a 2nd dog about 6 months ago and went thru MONTHS of anxiety and saying what have I done???  No matter pup or 2 year old – bringing anything new into the family is always (in my opinion) going to cause stress.  With a 15 month old, I am sure you can relate to the massive changes.  Give it time and try and enjoy the pup while it is still a pup, they grow up faster than kids, ya know!  :)  It took me til about a month ago to finally feel good about our new addition and for me to stop being on edge all the time.  Think the pooch is glad too as I was on her about everything, expecting her to *know* all the rules like the older dog.  I had to stop and make time to spend with her everyday.  Been a long time since I did the pup thing, but you have the chance to train her and I think your son will like the companion.  Good luck! Gwen

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Hi all, I’ve been posting/lurking here for a couple of months now and had a pretty weird experience the other day that has me anxious as hell and depressed. Well, I had started taking my Zoloft 8 weeks ago again after being off of it for 3 months.  I’m at 50 mg. I was up to 100 mg. five months ago, but this time, the side effects have been pretty bad so I’ve been fighting to stabilize at 50. Anyway, I was finally feeling GREAT a week ago.  I was able to stop taking my sleep aids and I was making it through a good part of the day without even checking my state of mind for "crazy feelings" Well, the other day, my family surprised me with a new puppy that I said I wanted a few months ago.  When I first saw her I thought like most people — "Wow she is so cute and adorable, I love her!" and told everyone how pleased I was.  Well, that night(as per the breeders instructions), she slept in bed with me and my wife and needless to say, we all slept in the wet spot.  She whined and kept us awake most of the night.  The next night we put her in her kennel and she barked and woke us up and my 15 month old son.  By Saterday night, I was feeling depressed and panicky, kind of like "what have we done? A puppy is a huge responsibility and we have a 15 month old son for Heaven’s sake" Saturday, I upped my dosage 25 mg. and noticed a little MORE anxiety setting in.  Sunday and Monday I did the same and by late Monday morning I felt about as bad as I did 6 weeks ago. I worry about the puppy hurting my son, about my son hurting the puppy, about her messing on the floor…And since this whole episode happened, I now worry about if the Zoloft is going to help me when I am at full dosage. I know I am handling my anxiety better now than I was 6 weeks ago at the height of my Panic attacks/depression.  And I know I’m at only half the dosage…It’s just gonna take me awhile before I am able to deal with the side effects and up my dosage to the 100mg. I guess I’d like to here of others who have had similar situations.  It’s like, if I can’t enjoy the simple pleasures of life like a new puppy, what the hell can I enjoy? Thanks, B.

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