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Both to varying degrees. — CBI, M.D. Please note: It is impossible to accurately diagnose medical problems without seeing the patient and reviewing the entire history. These posts are intended to be helpful and informative. Always check with your doctor before following any advice given.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m curious about meds. Would Flovent and Serevent be prescribed for Emphysema or are they usually just dxed for asthma?

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I’m curious about meds. Would Flovent and Serevent be prescribed for Emphysema or are they usually just dxed for asthma?

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(I asked this question a few days ago but it was buried in a longer post and I received no responses here.) I’d like to know what those of you who take both Singulair and Allegra/Claritin/Zyrtec do in terms of timing your medications – do you take them together or have you found it more effective to stagger them? I just added Singulair to my regime. Since they treat different things related to allergies, I expect it wouldn’t make much, if any, difference, but I’m curious to know if it has made a difference for anyone here.  I have HEPA filters in my home therefore fewer problems with allergies overnight than during the day, so I’m currently taking both Singulair and Allegra/180 when I get up in the morning in order to have maximum effect when I’m out of the house during the day. Thanks in advance. -S-

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (I asked this question a few days ago but it was buried in a longer post and I received no responses here.) I’d like to know what those of you who take both Singulair and Allegra/Claritin/Zyrtec do in terms of timing your medications – do you take them together or have you found it more effective to stagger them? I just added Singulair to my regime. Since they treat different things related to allergies, I expect it wouldn’t make much, if any, difference, but I’m curious to know if it has made a difference for anyone here.  I have HEPA filters in my home therefore fewer problems with allergies overnight than during the day, so I’m currently taking both Singulair and Allegra/180 when I get up in the morning in order to have maximum effect when I’m out of the house during the day. Thanks in advance. -S-

A side-effect of Singulair can be weird, vivid dreams.  Because of this some people have posted saying they have started taking the Singulair in the morning.

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A study presented at the latest AAAI meeting indicated that if you were on Singulair, you no longer need Claritin. My own personal experience though was when I tried to go without Zyrtec, the sneezing fits I had under control returned. My internet buddy in Texas has also returned to using both.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (I asked this question a few days ago but it was buried in a longer post and I received no responses here.) I’d like to know what those of you who take both Singulair and Allegra/Claritin/Zyrtec do in terms of timing your medications – do you take them together or have you found it more effective to stagger them? I just added Singulair to my regime. Since they treat different things related to allergies, I expect it wouldn’t make much, if any, difference, but I’m curious to know if it has made a difference for anyone here.  I have HEPA filters in my home therefore fewer problems with allergies overnight than during the day, so I’m currently taking both Singulair and Allegra/180 when I get up in the morning in order to have maximum effect when I’m out of the house during the day. Thanks in advance. -S-

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Mabye it’s just psychosomatic (sp?), but when I take Claritin my allergy problems clear up, and I take Singulair every night.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A study presented at the latest AAAI meeting indicated that if you were on Singulair, you no longer need Claritin. My own personal experience though was when I tried to go without Zyrtec, the sneezing fits I had under control returned. My internet buddy in Texas has also returned to using both. (I asked this question a few days ago but it was buried in a longer post and I received no responses here.) I’d like to know what those of you who take both Singulair and Allegra/Claritin/Zyrtec do in terms of timing your medications – do you take them together or have you found it more effective to stagger them? I just added Singulair to my regime. Since they treat different things related to allergies, I expect it wouldn’t make much, if any, difference, but I’m curious to know if it has made a difference for anyone here.  I have HEPA filters in my home therefore fewer problems with allergies overnight than during the day, so I’m currently taking both Singulair and Allegra/180 when I get up in the morning in order to have maximum effect when I’m out of the house during the day. Thanks in advance. -S-

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My left lung is the troublesome one, too.  Sometimes I feel like I’m not getting any air into it. –Jane

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I only know what the All Holy Geisinger Medical Center tells me! Which at times doesn’t seem like good advice, eh? Like do they know why every winter my son’s left lung swells to the point that it isn’t functioning? Oh no! Just the left one mind you.  Oh well, what can I do except believe every word they tell me. I will tell my son’s doctor your story, if it is allright with you? Thank You, Brandy

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I first discovered I had exercise induced asthma at 38 yrs going to the doctor with what he thought was the flu and I had accepted over a couple of months as who knows, getting older,  but I believed it to be asthma. He gave me inhalers and after 2 months of not being able to function, I asked for Accolate.  At that time I was so bad that I couldn’t believe I would have a normal life again.  After 6 weeks (much longer than I read it should take)  I finally felt normal.  Accolate had worked for me and I went about 4 years without using inhalers unless I did alot of exercise.  I have gone through a few periods of problems, certain periods of being over weight or stress but otherwise I cannot believe how much Accolate changed my life.  2x a day and it works well for alot of people but be sure to use it for longer than the the directions or what you read because if I gave up after a month I would not have known it had worked for me.  The 2X day makes more sense for control of a problem but some people cannot remember to take 2X day.   For me it is no problem…Good Luck, Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been reading here about Singulair and Accolate (sp?).  My doctor and I figured out I had asthma only about 18 months ago as turned 45 years old, and it’s been an ongoing process of education for me so far. My asthma is bearable without any medication under most circumstances save exercise, and I’m an avid exerciser.  Since I discovered Claritin (I’m allergic to just about everything environmental – dust, mold, pollen, etc.) and an Alburterol inhaler, the quality of my life has improved immensely.  But I’ve found that I really need to take two puff of my inhaler before any exercise (I do go at it hard) and that means taking two puffs of the inhaler once a day for the rest of my life.  For the last 18 months I’ve saved using the inhaler for only my hard exercise effort or really humid weather but I’ve found, as I become more sensitive to how things work in my body, my breathing is impaired during any exercise, even easy exercise – the tightening in my chest begins after 10-15 minutes if I’m only going at it easily. Should I ask my doctor about a pill instead of an inhaler?  Right now, I use the inhaler before I go out running or cycling and it makes all the difference in the world – I can finish at the pace at which I started and it’s my legs, and not my lungs, that limit what I can do. Many thanks in advance. -S-

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I only know what the All Holy Geisinger Medical Center tells me! Which at times doesn’t seem like good advice, eh? Like do they know why every winter my son’s left lung swells to the point that it isn’t functioning? Oh no! Just the left one mind you.  Oh well, what can I do except believe every word they tell me. I will tell my son’s doctor your story, if it is allright with you? Thank You, Brandy

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My doctor pescribed a Tilade inhaler for my exercise induced asthma.  You might ask your doctor about it.  As far as needing it for the rest of you life, there is currently no cure for asthma, only management.  Ceresse

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been reading here about Singulair and Accolate (sp?).  My doctor and I figured out I had asthma only about 18 months ago as turned 45 years old, and it’s been an ongoing process of education for me so far. My asthma is bearable without any medication under most circumstances save exercise, and I’m an avid exerciser.  Since I discovered Claritin (I’m allergic to just about everything environmental – dust, mold, pollen, etc.) and an Alburterol inhaler, the quality of my life has improved immensely.  But I’ve found that I really need to take two puff of my inhaler before any exercise (I do go at it hard) and that means taking two puffs of the inhaler once a day for the rest of my life.  For the last 18 months I’ve saved using the inhaler for only my hard exercise effort or really humid weather but I’ve found, as I become more sensitive to how things work in my body, my breathing is impaired during any exercise, even easy exercise – the tightening in my chest begins after 10-15 minutes if I’m only going at it easily. Should I ask my doctor about a pill instead of an inhaler?  Right now, I use the inhaler before I go out running or cycling and it makes all the difference in the world – I can finish at the pace at which I started and it’s my legs, and not my lungs, that limit what I can do. Many thanks in advance. -S-

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I only know what the All Holy Geisinger Medical Center tells me! Which at times doesn’t seem like good advice, eh? Like do they know why every winter my son’s left lung swells to the point that it isn’t functioning? Oh no! Just the left one mind you.  Oh well, what can I do except believe every word they tell me. I will tell my son’s doctor your story, if it is allright with you? Thank You, Brandy

Yes, please feel free to tell the story.  It is important for physicians to realize that medication can be helpful, but it may depend on the patient and situation.  Making broad claims can sometimes be misleading.  Good luck with that and with your son’s problem — that one sounds scary. Is the Geisinger Medical Center in Pennsylvania?  Northeastern part? If so, my parents have used it, too.  It has a big name in that region.

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I take both Flovent and Singulair, and both have helped immensely, especially with exercise.  But I still do have to take at least one puff of my Albuterol before exercise, but I don’t have any problems after that.  It used to be that I had to take 2 puffs before, during, and after.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been reading here about Singulair and Accolate (sp?).  My doctor and I figured out I had asthma only about 18 months ago as turned 45 years old, and it’s been an ongoing process of education for me so far. My asthma is bearable without any medication under most circumstances save exercise, and I’m an avid exerciser.  Since I discovered Claritin (I’m allergic to just about everything environmental – dust, mold, pollen, etc.) and an Alburterol inhaler, the quality of my life has improved immensely.  But I’ve found that I really need to take two puff of my inhaler before any exercise (I do go at it hard) and that means taking two puffs of the inhaler once a day for the rest of my life.  For the last 18 months I’ve saved using the inhaler for only my hard exercise effort or really humid weather but I’ve found, as I become more sensitive to how things work in my body, my breathing is impaired during any exercise, even easy exercise – the tightening in my chest begins after 10-15 minutes if I’m only going at it easily. Should I ask my doctor about a pill instead of an inhaler?  Right now, I use the inhaler before I go out running or cycling and it makes all the difference in the world – I can finish at the pace at which I started and it’s my legs, and not my lungs, that limit what I can do. Many thanks in advance. -S-

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That is where the Geisinger is. It is HUGE.

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I just realized I was having vivid dreams — probably caused by Advair. Thanks for mentioning this, because I hadn’t made the connection before. I was mini-golfing outside in the very cool air today and didn’t cough or feel short of breath even once, so Advair is certainly working for me. –Jane – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been reading here about Singulair and Accolate (sp?).  My doctor and I figured out I had asthma only about 18 months ago as turned 45 years old, and it’s been an ongoing process of education for me so far. My asthma is bearable without any medication under most circumstances save exercise, and I’m an avid exerciser.  Since I discovered Claritin (I’m allergic to just about everything environmental – dust, mold, pollen, etc.) and an Alburterol inhaler, the quality of my life has improved immensely.  But I’ve found that I really need to take two puff of my inhaler before any exercise (I do go at it hard) and that means taking two puffs of the inhaler once a day for the rest of my life.  For the last 18 months I’ve saved using the inhaler for only my hard exercise effort or really humid weather but I’ve found, as I become more sensitive to how things work in my body, my breathing is impaired during any exercise, even easy exercise – the tightening in my chest begins after 10-15 minutes if I’m only going at it easily. Should I ask my doctor about a pill instead of an inhaler?  Right now, I use the inhaler before I go out running or cycling and it makes all the difference in the world – I can finish at the pace at which I started and it’s my legs, and not my lungs, that limit what I can do. Many thanks in advance. -S- I tried only the inhaler when exercising, but I had to keep using more and more.  Dangerous and not recommended. I complained to my allergist and he had me try Singulair.  I’m in the 2/3 group for which Singulair is effective.  I am very lucky.  I can now run, often without using an inhaler before.  A miracle for me. I recommend trying Singulair or Accolate.  If they work (and there is no guarantee), they will really make your life better and exercise more fun.  Singulair has no side effects in me.  Some people have reported vivid dreaming and some other symptoms. Talk to your doctor.

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   You won’t know ’til you try it, will you?

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Since then I’ve been mountain biking at much higher speeds and I rarely touch my Albuterol anymore. It for all practical purposes eliminates the exercise induced component of my Asthma. It makes you hyper at first, but that diminishes over time. I also take Claritin. Caritin has been a break-through medication for me and I’d put Serevent in that category too. At least so far. Al

Advair diskus contains both flovent and serevent(in a powdered form which is inhaled.)  Severent inhalors gave me bad headaches. But your right, it doesn’t make you gittery. kurt

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I’ve been on it for a week now and have not noticed any significant results. Like you, I’m an avid exerciser. I’ve had Asthma since age 4 and I’m 62. I managed to get by with Albuterol until recently. The stress of mountain biking had me overdosing on the stuff. No bad affects, but I knew I was taking too much. So I did a WEB search and found Serevent. It’s a slow release medication and it acts like Albuterol does. You take 2 puffs in the morning and two in the evening. Since then I’ve been mountain biking at much higher speeds and I rarely touch my Albuterol anymore. It for all practical purposes eliminates the exercise induced component of my Asthma. It makes you hyper at first, but that diminishes over time. My Dr put me on Singulair and Azmacort too as apparently you need to be on anti inflammatory medication as well as the Albuterol and the Serevent. I also take Claritin. Caritin has been a break-through medication for me and I’d put Serevent in that category too. At least so far. Al

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been reading here about Singulair and Accolate (sp?).  My doctor and I figured out I had asthma only about 18 months ago as turned 45 years old, and it’s been an ongoing process of education for me so far. My asthma is bearable without any medication under most circumstances save exercise, and I’m an avid exerciser.  Since I discovered Claritin (I’m allergic to just about everything environmental – dust, mold, pollen, etc.) and an Alburterol inhaler, the quality of my life has improved immensely.  But I’ve found that I really need to take two puff of my inhaler before any exercise (I do go at it hard) and that means taking two puffs of the inhaler once a day for the rest of my life.  For the last 18 months I’ve saved using the inhaler for only my hard exercise effort or really humid weather but I’ve found, as I become more sensitive to how things work in my body, my breathing is impaired during any exercise, even easy exercise – the tightening in my chest begins after 10-15 minutes if I’m only going at it easily. Should I ask my doctor about a pill instead of an inhaler?  Right now, I use the inhaler before I go out running or cycling and it makes all the difference in the world – I can finish at the pace at which I started and it’s my legs, and not my lungs, that limit what I can do. Many thanks in advance. -S-

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I’ve been reading here about Singulair and Accolate (sp?).  My doctor and I figured out I had asthma only about 18 months ago as turned 45 years old, and it’s been an ongoing process of education for me so far. My asthma is bearable without any medication under most circumstances save exercise, and I’m an avid exerciser.  Since I discovered Claritin (I’m allergic to just about everything environmental – dust, mold, pollen, etc.) and an Alburterol inhaler, the quality of my life has improved immensely.  But I’ve found that I really need to take two puff of my inhaler before any exercise (I do go at it hard) and that means taking two puffs of the inhaler once a day for the rest of my life.  For the last 18 months I’ve saved using the inhaler for only my hard exercise effort or really humid weather but I’ve found, as I become more sensitive to how things work in my body, my breathing is impaired during any exercise, even easy exercise – the tightening in my chest begins after 10-15 minutes if I’m only going at it easily. Should I ask my doctor about a pill instead of an inhaler?  Right now, I use the inhaler before I go out running or cycling and it makes all the difference in the world – I can finish at the pace at which I started and it’s my legs, and not my lungs, that limit what I can do. Many thanks in advance. -S-

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If you are allergic to dairy products do not take singulair, it contains lactose. sue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been reading here about Singulair and Accolate (sp?).  My doctor and I figured out I had asthma only about 18 months ago as turned 45 years old, and it’s been an ongoing process of education for me so far. My asthma is bearable without any medication under most circumstances save exercise, and I’m an avid exerciser.  Since I discovered Claritin (I’m allergic to just about everything environmental – dust, mold, pollen, etc.) and an Alburterol inhaler, the quality of my life has improved immensely.  But I’ve found that I really need to take two puff of my inhaler before any exercise (I do go at it hard) and that means taking two puffs of the inhaler once a day for the rest of my life.  For the last 18 months I’ve saved using the inhaler for only my hard exercise effort or really humid weather but I’ve found, as I become more sensitive to how things work in my body, my breathing is impaired during any exercise, even easy exercise – the tightening in my chest begins after 10-15 minutes if I’m only going at it easily. Should I ask my doctor about a pill instead of an inhaler?  Right now, I use the inhaler before I go out running or cycling and it makes all the difference in the world – I can finish at the pace at which I started and it’s my legs, and not my lungs, that limit what I can do. Many thanks in advance. -S- I tried only the inhaler when exercising, but I had to keep using more and more.  Dangerous and not recommended. I complained to my allergist and he had me try Singulair.  I’m in the 2/3 group for which Singulair is effective.  I am very lucky.  I can now run, often without using an inhaler before.  A miracle for me. I recommend trying Singulair or Accolate.  If they work (and there is no guarantee), they will really make your life better and exercise more fun.  Singulair has no side effects in me.  Some people have reported vivid dreaming and some other symptoms. Talk to your doctor.

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From what my doctor has told me Singulair will not work for Exercise-Induced asthma. Hope this helps! Brandy

Tell your doctor it works for me.  For two years now I run 4 miles in the morning (~ 8 1/2 min/mi).  Before Singulair I couldn’t run that far or that fast with an inhaler.  Sometimes I couldn’t finish the first mile.  Never had that happen after I started Singulair.  I rarely use my inhaler, too.  It can help, but everyone is different.

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From what my doctor has told me Singulair will not work for Exercise-Induced asthma. Hope this helps! Brandy

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been reading here about Singulair and Accolate (sp?).  My doctor and I figured out I had asthma only about 18 months ago as turned 45 years old, and it’s been an ongoing process of education for me so far. My asthma is bearable without any medication under most circumstances save exercise, and I’m an avid exerciser.  Since I discovered Claritin (I’m allergic to just about everything environmental – dust, mold, pollen, etc.) and an Alburterol inhaler, the quality of my life has improved immensely.  But I’ve found that I really need to take two puff of my inhaler before any exercise (I do go at it hard) and that means taking two puffs of the inhaler once a day for the rest of my life.  For the last 18 months I’ve saved using the inhaler for only my hard exercise effort or really humid weather but I’ve found, as I become more sensitive to how things work in my body, my breathing is impaired during any exercise, even easy exercise – the tightening in my chest begins after 10-15 minutes if I’m only going at it easily. Should I ask my doctor about a pill instead of an inhaler?  Right now, I use the inhaler before I go out running or cycling and it makes all the difference in the world – I can finish at the pace at which I started and it’s my legs, and not my lungs, that limit what I can do. Many thanks in advance. -S-

I tried only the inhaler when exercising, but I had to keep using more and more.  Dangerous and not recommended.   I complained to my allergist and he had me try Singulair.  I’m in the 2/3 group for which Singulair is effective.  I am very lucky.  I can now run, often without using an inhaler before.  A miracle for me. I recommend trying Singulair or Accolate.  If they work (and there is no guarantee), they will really make your life better and exercise more fun.  Singulair has no side effects in me.  Some people have reported vivid dreaming and some other symptoms. Talk to your doctor.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dan wrote…… I take xanax before going to bed and get to slepp usually within 10 minutes, but I allways awaken about 1.5 to 2 hours later feeling anxious, and sweating terribly. My hands have gone to sleep due to poor circulation. What is the best med for sleep? PLEASE! Dear Dan, There is a good chance that you are undermedicated when it come to Xanax, the should discuss this with your doctor. How long have you been on Zoloft, what is your current dose and do you feel it has helped you any? How is your anxiety during the day? If Zoloft hasn`t helped you much and is causing you to sleep poorly…..perhaps instead of adding yet another med why not switch to another antidepressant? I have gone through stages where my hands are always falling alseep while I am sleeping I have a bad habit of tucking my arms under my head and that is whats makes them fall asleep. Take care Jackie "Our ultimate freedom is the right and power to decide how anybody or anything outside ourselves will affect us." -Stephen Covey

Jackie-I do the same thing you do with my hands under head for sleepling. I assumed it was just poor circulation that caused the numness, Today a doctor told me it is carpel tunnel that is causing them to go to sleep–or probably a pinched nerve.

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I can get ambien here in FLorida a hell of a lot easier than I can get xanax around here.. Ambien, sonata… (guess cause they aren’t in high demand on the street…)

There’s no problem with the availability of Ambien elsewhere, either. It’s zopiclone that can’t generally be obtained in the US, though it is available in Europe. I personally found zopiclone more effective than Ambien, though Ambien is quite good. -David-

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What is the best med for sleep? PLEASE! Ambien (zolpidem) is pretty good, I found. It’s more or less unique. There is also zopiclone, if you can get a script for it (it’s not generally available in the US).

I can get ambien here in FLorida a hell of a lot easier than I can get xanax around here.. Ambien, sonata… (guess cause they aren’t in high demand on the street…) Or you could try a sedating antidepressant like amitriptyline, doxepin, or mirtazapine (Remeron). But these work in a different way for sleeplessness, and may not work for everyone. -David-

when I added remeron to my xanax and zoloft (4mg and 100mg respectively daily) I have had a much easier time sleeping… YMMV. Much Love, Brooke

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I take xanax before going to bed and get to slepp usually within 10 minutes, but I allways awaken about 1.5 to 2 hours later feeling anxious, and sweating terribly. My hands have gone to sleep due to poor circulation. What is the best med for sleep? PLEASE!

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What is the best med for sleep? PLEASE!

Ambien (zolpidem) is pretty good, I found. It’s more or less unique. There is also zopiclone, if you can get a script for it (it’s not generally available in the US). Or you could try a sedating antidepressant like amitriptyline, doxepin, or mirtazapine (Remeron). But these work in a different way for sleeplessness, and may not work for everyone. -David-

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Dan wrote…… I take xanax before going to bed and get to slepp usually within 10 minutes, but I allways awaken about 1.5 to 2 hours later feeling anxious, and sweating terribly. My hands have gone to sleep due to poor circulation. What is the best med for sleep? PLEASE!

Dear Dan, There is a good chance that you are undermedicated when it come to Xanax, the should discuss this with your doctor. How long have you been on Zoloft, what is your current dose and do you feel it has helped you any? How is your anxiety during the day? If Zoloft hasn`t helped you much and is causing you to sleep poorly…..perhaps instead of adding yet another med why not switch to another antidepressant? I have gone through stages where my hands are always falling alseep while I am sleeping I have a bad habit of tucking my arms under my head and that is whats makes them fall asleep. Take care Jackie "Our ultimate freedom is the right and power to decide how anybody or anything outside ourselves will affect us." -Stephen Covey

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

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

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

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

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

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Hi Betsy, Excellent thread! For those of you who are on antidepressants, what different sorts of experiences have you had that show they’re working? We’re all taught to recognize such symptoms of depression as deep sadness, lack of energy, apathy, etc.

What shows they are working.  I think it’s good to approach this from both the lack of negative symptoms *and* the return of positives: – Less deep sadness, replaced by feelings of calm or "normalcy".  The "normalcy" is noticed by realizations that "hey!  this is how I used to feel when I wasn’t depressed!". – Lack of energy, replaced by just the ability to get out of bed and in the shower in order to make it to work on time.  Feeling rested after a normal nights sleep, instead of wanting to sleep all day. – Apathy replaced by hope that things can get better, and caring about that, which also can ironically cause some fear in me.  In the 3 weeks I’ve been taking meds for dysthymia (low grade chronic depression), these things, to the less profound degree I’ve felt them, have cleared up.  

Good!  I’m glad for you! But a more noticeable difference for me is a greater ability/willingness to be open and honest with my feelings *before* a fuse gets lit — I don’t keep from speaking up and let things fester so much.  Then a problem can be resolved when it’s still small, and my feelings stay more neutral during and after the resolution.  It’s weird.  : )

I’ve noticed that I tend to be able to resolve things in a more tactful appropriate manner sooner when I’m doing well on antidepressants.  One concern that I have is that one of the meds I take is Klonopin, and it gives me what I would consider an artificial self confidence and changes my personality in ways that I’m more laid back and I’ve noticed that people respond very positively to that.  My sense of humor increases too, or at least my ability to convey it. The concern is that Klonopin is addictive, and I must moderate its use.  I never take more than the prescribed dosage, but sometimes recently I have been taking up to 2mg (like today), so I want to go a week or so without it, or maybe taking only .5mg. Two of the lesser-talked-about symptoms of depression are persistent feelings of low self-worth and guilt.  I’m not saying that antidepressants are the cure-all for these feelings, but I wonder if the meds are helping to relieve some of these feelings in me so that speaking up is a more tolerable option now?

I think this goes back to speaking up — that can help relieve guilt. If you’re feeling less depressed and good about yourself in general, it’s easier to brush off someone else’s inappropriate guilt feelings. This past weekend I told my Mom I was going to try to contact the Make a Wish Foundation to see if she could get tickets to see Tiger Woods in Rockford.  My Mom’s been through a lot, she loves Tiger Woods, and it would make her sooooooo happy.  It would make me equally or more happy to be able to make her happy.  Well, when I asked my Mom if I have her permission to do that, my sister said, in an irritated condescending tone of voice that Make a Wish is only for terminally ill children. Well, my first feeling was hurt.  I had taken a risk and gone out of my way to try to do something positive, and immediately it was shot down by my sister (but my Mom liked the idea — anything to see Tiger Woods  My sister started to say more, and I realized I didn’t want to get into a debate with her.  So, I said I didn’t want to talk about it.  She called me rude for not wanting to talk about it, that when someone wants to talk I "should" talk.  I said no, I’m setting a boundary and I choose not to talk about it. Mainly, because I saw it as a lose-lose conversation or a win-lose conversation.  In converstations like that, I don’t want to be the winner or loser.  I want it to be win-win, or an intelligent discussion of the ways to find out what the Make a Wish covers, and also an acknowledgement of the intent. If I were in depression, I may not have been as internally comfortable about how I handled it.  I was at peace after I set the boundary, event though my sister was frustrated and tried to get me to participate more in the conversation. She also has a young daughter.  During the weekend she said "Kevin!!! Shannon has hair spray in her hand, you "should" have closed the bathroom door".  I said "Sure, no problem, I will be happy to do that in the future.  I just need to be informed of these things and you hadn’t let me know to do that".  She said yes, I know I did because I told Randy (my brother).  (as if someone else is evidence that she told me).  I left it as a final "I don’t believe you told me otherwise I would have gladly complied, but I’ll be sure to do it in the future". It’s almost like the meds have taken the power out of the "excuses" depression makes me vulnerable to (I’m too tired; it’ll never work; I’m not good enough) and the healthier thoughts I’ve been planting all along in therapy, etc. have a chance to actually be heard — by me.

YES.  *This* is what meds (IMO) are good for.  The depression support group I go to says this too, and this is my experience.  For me, the meds put me in a state where I’m more willing to remember and apply the healthy thoughts from therapy and other sources, and it also makes therapy more effective — instead of always dealing with depression in therapy and "dysthymia-struggles" (to coin a term), it can get to dealing more in the soluiton. Of course, it could all be placebo effect, too.  At this point I really don’t care.  : )  Just wondered what you guys have experienced?

I don’t think it’s the placebo effect.  After years of taking meds, not taking them when I was supposed to, forgetting to take them, not taking them as prescribed, taking them while drinking, I eventually had a lot of empirical data that leads me to believe, for me anyway, that the meds do help a lot.  I have been taking them as prescribed, except for Klonopin which I choose to take as needed because I know how addictive it can be. Betsy

Another point about meds.  Sometimes it takes a loooong time to find a good match, or the right meds (not to mention a good psychiatrist). Right now, crossing fingers, the combination of 150mg of Effexor XR, with 50mg Zoloft recently re-added (because I was proactive and contacted the psychiatrist), occasional use of Klonopin as needed, and 50-100mg of Trazodone for sleeping (I almost always take 50mg) works very well.  Today, I can honestly say I feel "normal" (just for today).  Maybe a little depressed and sad, but at least functional. About the placebo effect.  I wonder whether the full spectrum lights and the SAD lights have a placebo effect for me.  I don’t care.  All I know is that after a long day at work under my full spectrum light, when I go out into the dark winter here, I almost feel like I had a day of sunshine and the dark night seems more natural.  So, the lighting helps also. Kevin P.S. — thanks for your recent e-mail Betsy, I’ll try to get back to you (and a few others who’ve e-mailed in the last few weeks, some of whom I haven’t heard from in a while)

Response:

For those of you who are on antidepressants, what different sorts of experiences have you had that show they’re working? We’re all taught to recognize such symptoms of depression as deep sadness, lack of energy, apathy, etc.  In the 3 weeks I’ve been taking meds for dysthymia (low grade chronic depression), these things, to the less profound degree I’ve felt them, have cleared up.  But a more noticeable difference for me is a greater ability/willingness to be open and honest with my feelings *before* a fuse gets lit — I don’t keep from speaking up and let things fester so much.  Then a problem can be resolved when it’s still small, and my feelings stay more neutral during and after the resolution.  It’s weird.  : ) Two of the lesser-talked-about symptoms of depression are persistent feelings of low self-worth and guilt.  I’m not saying that antidepressants are the cure-all for these feelings, but I wonder if the meds are helping to relieve some of these feelings in me so that speaking up is a more tolerable option now? It’s almost like the meds have taken the power out of the "excuses" depression makes me vulnerable to (I’m too tired; it’ll never work; I’m not good enough) and the healthier thoughts I’ve been planting all along in therapy, etc. have a chance to actually be heard — by me. Of course, it could all be placebo effect, too.  At this point I really don’t care.  : )  Just wondered what you guys have experienced? Betsy

Response:

– Lack of energy, replaced by just the ability to get out of bed and in the shower in order to make it to work on time.  Feeling rested after a normal nights sleep, instead of wanting to sleep all day.

I’ve stopped taking 3-4 hour naps on the weekends.  : )  There’s all sorts of stuff to do when you look for it. I’ve noticed that I tend to be able to resolve things in a more tactful appropriate manner sooner when I’m doing well on antidepressants.  One concern that I have is that one of the meds I take is Klonopin, and it gives me what I would consider an artificial self confidence and changes my personality in ways that I’m more laid back and I’ve noticed that people respond very positively to that.

Is it an antianxiety med?  It’s interesting that you say it feels like an artificial self-confidence.  Does that mean that anxiety feels natural for you??  I don’t quite know how to respond, except that you seem to be staying self-aware about your use of it and that’s a good thing. I think this goes back to speaking up — that can help relieve guilt. If you’re feeling less depressed and good about yourself in general, it’s easier to brush off someone else’s inappropriate guilt feelings.

Exactly.  And the low self-esteem, that also leads to not speaking up or even counting my needs and feelings as important enough to bother dealing with. It’s a sort of self-sustaining loop in depression, apathy/low self-worth/lethargy. Regarding the incident with your sister, she sounds more than a little stressed-out herself.  : )  But you handled her very well! It’s almost like the meds have taken the power out of the "excuses" depression makes me vulnerable to (I’m too tired; it’ll never work; I’m not good enough) and the healthier thoughts I’ve been planting all along in therapy, etc. have a chance to actually be heard — by me. YES.  *This* is what meds (IMO) are good for.  The depression support group I go to says this too, and this is my experience.

You don’t know how encouraging it is to hear this, Kevin. One of the worst things about chronic depression is that little by little, year by year, you’re just resigning yourself to the fact that this is what life feels like.  You don’t even think it CAN be different.  It’s such a relief to know there’s something that can actually help.  And yet, I don’t feel as if the meds are "doing" it to me, I feel like I’m the one making the choices and changing my behavior.  I don’t think it’s the placebo effect.  After years of taking meds, not taking them when I was supposed to, forgetting to take them, not taking them as prescribed, taking them while drinking, I eventually had a lot of empirical data that leads me to believe, for me anyway, that the meds do help a lot.  I have been taking them as prescribed, except for Klonopin which I choose to take as needed because I know how addictive it can be.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, it really is valuable to me. You’ve been around the block with this and I know you speak from experience. Happy New Year! Betsy

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Shanon, How is it different that I am using a drug to alter the way I feel in somewhat the same way that they are using drugs to alter the way that they feel. -)  You are being monitored by a professional throughout the complete period of taking your "drugs" — your friends are not. -)  You are being prescribed the correct dosage of your "drug" — your friends not. -)  Your friends may become addicted to their drugs — you are *very* unlikely to become addicted to yours.

I agree with you completely.  I’m not a chemist, so when I was using pot all those years I really had no idea exactly what dosage I needed to obtain the feeling I wanted.  And I didn’t want to alleviate a painful condition, I wanted to obtain a high. The partnership with one and maybe two professionals, if you have a therapist, makes treatment with meds for depression a vastly different experience than chasing a high with street drugs. Betsy

Response:

Shanon, How is it different that I am using a drug to alter the way I feel in somewhat the same way that they are using drugs to alter the way that they feel.

-)  You are being monitored by a professional throughout the complete period of taking your "drugs" — your friends are not. -)  You are being prescribed the correct dosage of your "drug" — your friends not. -)  Your friends may become addicted to their drugs — you are *very* unlikely to become addicted to yours. Yes, medicine can also be a "drug" and basically humans can become addicted to almost anything, I think. Drugs have been widely used since the beginning of mankind. Weren’t it the Maya who used leaves of the coke plant to enhance their bodily capabilities?? The main difference between the drug known as medicine and what people think of as "real" drugs is that there is a safety/precaution variable included — your doc. If you’re self-medicating yourself its drug abuse and may lead to dependency. At least I think of it that way. Hope that helped. Pete ;O) — ~ But if you’re in the eye of storm. Think of the lonely dove. The experience of survival is the key. To the gravitiy of love. ~ -Enigma

Response:

Since I have started Paxil, I have noticed so many positive effects.. First of all, my anxiety level has plummetted  - thank God!!  Secondly, my need to complete everything in order has subsided a little bit, I no longer panic if I don’t follow a schedule  or stick to an exact plan.  My depression has gotten so much better as well, I still feel bad sometimes, but nothing how I used to feel. But, then I wonder if this is a good thing.  I mean, I have friends who do drugs like pot and ecstacy – they say that the drugs make them happy – ecstacy makes them feel empathetic and like they have a connection with people.  Pot makes them calm, helps them concentrate, takes the edge off of their angry dispositions.  So I’m wondering, how am I different from them in my own use of Paxil?  How is it different that I am using a drug to alter the way I feel in somewhat the same way that they are using drugs to alter the way that they feel.  The only difference is that my drugs are legal.   I guess I’m rambling.. Shanon

Response:

For those of you who are on antidepressants, what different sorts of experiences have you had that show they’re working?

I am able to sleep.  I am able to not obsess about things, to let things go, to go to work.  I am able to eat better without so much worry that I will wake up the next morning weighting a ton.  When I have gone off my antidepressants the first thing I notice returning is my anxiety, which results in insomnia and obsessive compulsive behaviors.  I have gone off and back on many times against medical advise, and I know that they help me tremendously.  When I am off, I crash so bad.  Love Kal

Response:

i am not as reactive emotionally. but in a good way.  i can still cry and i do feel anger, but its not rage anymore.

What a relief this must be.  I have had flashes of rage throughout the years, for me I think they’re related to unrelenting depression.   it has slowed my mind down.  my mind used to race so fast , i talked fast, etc.  now i am more even keeled.  it has helped me to sleep better and longer.  which is wonderful considering my history of insomnia.  and i am more positive thinking now, i dont get so down on myself and i dont feel hopeless. i look for solutions to problems now and it helps to keep my chin up

but you’re an important part of ase-d for me. You are not your struggles, you are the person inside and I just wanted to let you know I see you.  : ) Happy New Year! Betsy

Response:

Question:

Stan, M8, I hear ya loud and clear. I have tried every type of AD for just over 2 years now… with limited (being generous) success. I have come to terms with the fact that Benzos are my "insulin" so to speak. I am happy living with them for the rest of my life. Stan can u tell me something…. u seem to have been on them much longer than me….. I am curious to know whether you have had any long term, irreversible side-effects. Thanx, Russ. "Stan D." <es…@swipnet.se

wrote in message

news:%QCJ5.4726$Z75.12141@nntpserver.swip.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Benzos provide quick and effective help for my SP (hand tremor).  I shall always remember the first time I took them, back in the sixties. I had

never

before experienced that a drug could help.  Meprobamates and barbiturates were the common and useless drugs then.  When I take the benzo, the SP

worry

and fear disappear.  I start enjoying socialising in a way that feels natural.  This is where the soma comes in, the Saturday drug that people take in Huxley

Question:

hello, my son has been diagnosed with bipolar. he is an adult now and living in another state. we have been through alot together, were close but only talk everyother week. he starts college this fall. i worry about the stress hes under. hes 18 just finishing h.s.  i love him and try to give him the distance he ask for, it is quite possible he is in this cafe as it is new to me.  i came to this section in need of help in how i can stay out of his way and still be there when he needs me. what i’v found most interesting here is i have taken effexor before, last year. can my mild depression be a link to my sons manic depression.  i sometimes blame myself- and for no reason. i did’nt know effexor was used for bipolar disorder also.                                 love, tilly

Response:

Hello! My wife keeps switching doctors so she can get different diagnoses so she can try different medicines. I know from previous experience that AD’s without a mood stabilizer makes her manic. I was hoping someone would tell me Effexor would not do this. I am just waiting for the fireworks now. It probably won’t take long from what I am hearing! Once when they put her on Amitryptiline she decided it would be great to take the whole bottle. She almost ended her life that night. So I don’t understand what her newest doc is trying to prove by giving her Effexor w/o a mood stabilizer. Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Daniel Do you know from all the posts you have read that XR Effexor (that’s what I use too) is dangerous for your wife if she is diagnosed bipolar?  I do hope she isn’t bipolar or you’re in for a real treat. Sympathetically, Gandalf |Hi | |Thanks for the story. The doctor now has my wife on 150mg of sustained |release Effexor. But she is not taking any mood stabilizer like Lithium or |anything. I don’t know why. I guess they have changed her diagnoses |or something. I just hope the Effexor doesn’t send her up the wall or |anything. | |Good luck getting off the Effexor! | |Dan | | | Hi Daniel | | Effexor is same as the other AD, possible with bipolar if you are solid on a | mood stabilizer.  My personal situation is that I was unipolar manic until 3 | years ago, when a triple whammy stress threw me into my first clinical | depression.  So doctors fought me for 2 years, resisting any AD.  After being | depressed for 2 years and not being able to work or go to school for 1 year I | insisted on an AD.  My pdoc decided on effexor because of its short half life | (3 days and half of it is out of your system).  My ramped up VERY slowly, 5 | months until full therapeutic dosage.  It did not work for me until I was at | the full dosage.  But once I reached critical AD mass the stuff cleared away | my depression.  I stayed on it for 16 months, just going off it now. | | -Gandalf | | |Hi | | | |What would taking Effexor do to a person who has Bipolar Disorder? | |Would it help or possibly make them more manic? | | | |Dan | | |

Response:

Hi What would taking Effexor do to a person who has Bipolar Disorder? Would it help or possibly make them more manic? Dan

Response:

What would taking Effexor do to a person who has Bipolar Disorder? Would it help or possibly make them more manic?

About any AD can activate mania or hypomania. I’m on both Depakote and Effexor and find the combination quite agreeable. — IMPORTANT: Remove the edible part of the E-mail address before replying.

Response:

I took Effexor for 3 months.  I loved its affects. It was way cool.  Everything was bright and clear. Then I began to get headaches and it bottomed out. So much for that. I don’t remember ever getting really out of hand on Effexor. Then again I don’t remember yesterday. <sigh Becky who is really not much help

Response:

Hi Thanks for the reply to my post. I take it that the Depakote keeps the Effexor from causing mania? Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What would taking Effexor do to a person who has Bipolar Disorder? Would it help or possibly make them more manic? About any AD can activate mania or hypomania. I’m on both Depakote and Effexor and find the combination quite agreeable. — IMPORTANT: Remove the edible part of the E-mail address before replying.

Response:

Hi My wife just started on Effexor and is having a slight headache so far. Also blurry vision for an hour or so after taking it. And some dizziness. Just wondering if there is anything else that is about to happen! Thanks for the reply! Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I took Effexor for 3 months.  I loved its affects. It was way cool.  Everything was bright and clear. Then I began to get headaches and it bottomed out. So much for that. I don’t remember ever getting really out of hand on Effexor. Then again I don’t remember yesterday. <sigh Becky who is really not much help

Response:

Thanks for the reply to my post. I take it that the Depakote keeps the Effexor from causing mania?

Possibly. Although I can say that I’m definitely worse off without an AD. — IMPORTANT: Remove the edible part of the E-mail address before replying.

Response:

Hi Dan, Welcome to ASDM My wife just started on Effexor and is having a slight headache so far. Also blurry vision for an hour or so after taking it. And some dizziness.

All of these are potential side effects of Effexor. Just wondering if there is anything else that is about to happen!

Effexor can also increase blood pressure, so monitoring  of it is necessary. Alcohol should be avoided while taking Effexor. Report any rash or hives to the doctor immediately I suggest she notify her pdoc and report the headache and blurry vision. This may be dose related and perhaps starting at a lower dose and increasing slowly may help to avoid these unpleasant side effects. Peace, Reach beyond your grasp!

Response:

Thanks for the reply to my post. I take it that the Depakote keeps the Effexor from causing mania? Possibly. Although I can say that I’m definitely worse off without an AD. — IMPORTANT: Remove the edible part of the E-mail address before replying.

I’d have to agree with this completely too. I think some are more suseptable to the "mania", and some more to the "depression", but can easily switch. I think the Depakote adds a "balance" to the a.d. James — "Get some honesty… "Don’t Let The BASTARDS Grind You Down..".Latin Proverb take the best of me And the rest let go… When you’re tired of the Rage, Step outside your cage And let the real fool show.." Tears for Fear’s "Goodnight Song" Remember "Life is A Highway"?? Visit Tom Cochrane’s Official Homepage Http://www.tomcochrane.ca

Response:

Hi Daniel Effexor is same as the other AD, possible with bipolar if you are solid on a mood stabilizer.  My personal situation is that I was unipolar manic until 3 years ago, when a triple whammy stress threw me into my first clinical depression.  So doctors fought me for 2 years, resisting any AD.  After being depressed for 2 years and not being able to work or go to school for 1 year I insisted on an AD.  My pdoc decided on effexor because of its short half life (3 days and half of it is out of your system).  My ramped up VERY slowly, 5 months until full therapeutic dosage.  It did not work for me until I was at the full dosage.  But once I reached critical AD mass the stuff cleared away my depression.  I stayed on it for 16 months, just going off it now. -Gandalf

|Hi | |What would taking Effexor do to a person who has Bipolar Disorder? |Would it help or possibly make them more manic? | |Dan |

Response:

Hi So the Depakote would be a stabilizer and the Effexor helps with the depressive side of things. Ok. I think I am starting to understand! Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the reply to my post. I take it that the Depakote keeps the Effexor from causing mania? Possibly. Although I can say that I’m definitely worse off without an AD. — IMPORTANT: Remove the edible part of the E-mail address before replying.

Response:

Hello! My wife was having high blood pressure, dizziness, blurry vision and sleeping problems even before she came out of the hospital. And the prescription she has now is stronger than before. But is a sustained release version (150mg). So hopefully the side effects will not be as bad as they have been. Thanks for the helpful reply! Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Dan, Welcome to ASDM My wife just started on Effexor and is having a slight headache so far. Also blurry vision for an hour or so after taking it. And some dizziness. All of these are potential side effects of Effexor. Just wondering if there is anything else that is about to happen! Effexor can also increase blood pressure, so monitoring  of it is necessary. Alcohol should be avoided while taking Effexor. Report any rash or hives to the doctor immediately I suggest she notify her pdoc and report the headache and blurry vision. This may be dose related and perhaps starting at a lower dose and increasing slowly may help to avoid these unpleasant side effects. Peace, Reach beyond your grasp!

Response:

Hi Thanks for the story. The doctor now has my wife on 150mg of sustained release Effexor. But she is not taking any mood stabilizer like Lithium or anything. I don’t know why. I guess they have changed her diagnoses or something. I just hope the Effexor doesn’t send her up the wall or anything. Good luck getting off the Effexor! Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Daniel Effexor is same as the other AD, possible with bipolar if you are solid on a mood stabilizer.  My personal situation is that I was unipolar manic until 3 years ago, when a triple whammy stress threw me into my first clinical depression.  So doctors fought me for 2 years, resisting any AD.  After being depressed for 2 years and not being able to work or go to school for 1 year I insisted on an AD.  My pdoc decided on effexor because of its short half life (3 days and half of it is out of your system).  My ramped up VERY slowly, 5 months until full therapeutic dosage.  It did not work for me until I was at the full dosage.  But once I reached critical AD mass the stuff cleared away my depression.  I stayed on it for 16 months, just going off it now. -Gandalf |Hi | |What would taking Effexor do to a person who has Bipolar Disorder? |Would it help or possibly make them more manic? | |Dan |

Response:

Daniel Do you know from all the posts you have read that XR Effexor (that’s what I use too) is dangerous for your wife if she is diagnosed bipolar?  I do hope she isn’t bipolar or you’re in for a real treat. Sympathetically, Gandalf

|Hi | |Thanks for the story. The doctor now has my wife on 150mg of sustained |release Effexor. But she is not taking any mood stabilizer like Lithium or |anything. I don’t know why. I guess they have changed her diagnoses |or something. I just hope the Effexor doesn’t send her up the wall or |anything. | |Good luck getting off the Effexor! | |Dan |

| | Hi Daniel | | Effexor is same as the other AD, possible with bipolar if you are solid on a | mood stabilizer.  My personal situation is that I was unipolar manic until 3 | years ago, when a triple whammy stress threw me into my first clinical | depression.  So doctors fought me for 2 years, resisting any AD.  After being | depressed for 2 years and not being able to work or go to school for 1 year I | insisted on an AD.  My pdoc decided on effexor because of its short half life | (3 days and half of it is out of your system).  My ramped up VERY slowly, 5 | months until full therapeutic dosage.  It did not work for me until I was at | the full dosage.  But once I reached critical AD mass the stuff cleared away | my depression.  I stayed on it for 16 months, just going off it now. | | -Gandalf |

| |Hi | | | |What would taking Effexor do to a person who has Bipolar Disorder? | |Would it help or possibly make them more manic? | | | |Dan | | |

Response:

be cautious with effexor, my mother was on it and it caused her to flatline meaning she had no hi’s or lows, no emotion what so ever…also a close friend was on it and had petite mal seizures. be sure to read all info on depakote as well, it has some nasty side effects. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Question:

I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days.  My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time. If any of you can help us, I would appreciate it.   Thanks. Penzack

Response:

My understanding from everything I have read and talked to others is fogginess in the head is common and can take up to 2 weeks for the body to adjust to it. The appetite is probably the Ritalin.  That is a normal side effect.  My son has this too, but the Clonadine he takes at nite works well and I let him eat alot then.  He is 7 lbs. underweight. Regina … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time. If any of you can help us, I would appreciate it. Thanks. Penzack

Response:

Hi Penzack: I’ve been on Wellbutrin, and Dexedrine spansule ( long acting ) for six months, and haven’t encountered the side-effects you describe. Wellbutrin takes seven days to build up the blood levels to be effective. One possibility, might be simple anxiety ( that sounds sick ) but anxiety has a way of producing physical symptoms. The wellbutrin has actually helped me to reduce my anxiety. Let me know if I can be of more help. Regards, David. I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and

night)

Response:

Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time.

I didn’t take Wellbutrin, my son did.  All I can tell you is it takes time to build up in your system.  The psych said up to four weeks. Mark settled down after a few weeks.  We did find, however, after long term use (two years) Wellbutrin seemed to bring out an argumentative, agressive streak in him.  We had to take him off of it.  He’s the dreamy, inattentive ADHD type, with some depression (although that has thankfully begun to lift, I think with maturity.  He’s beginning to gain some control over his own life, and he’s happier for it.  He’s 18 now) — Ann Illegitimi non Carborundum annbal*at*thecia*dot*net

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Different people have different responses.  It often takes Wellbutrin a while to show any significant benefit–I’ve been on it 4 months now and I’m still seeing changes. I _wish_ Wellbutrin suppressed _my_ appetite.  On Ritalin, before it quit working for me, I managed to lose something like 30 pounds.  Since I’ve been on Wellbutrin I’ve gained that back and maybe a wee bit more. — — –John Reply to jclarke at eye bee em dot net

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days.  My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time. If any of you can help us, I would appreciate it. Thanks. Penzack

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days.  My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away? Thanks. Penzack

Hi, Just wanted to mention here that I am using Wellbutrin SR for smoking cessation.  I was to take 2 pills a day, but had to cut back to 1, as I was getting dizzy spells, and could not sleep at night.  As for my appetite, I am just the opposite, I am gaining too much weight. As for the glazed look, I felt dopey, not tired, but all in all it has helped me in my quest to stop smoking.

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You might want to check out this web page "http://www.mayohealth.org/usp/html/202098b.htm".  It’s a clinical trial overview of the drug.   I’ve been taking wellbutrin for only about 3 to 4 weeks.  When my dose was initially doubled up to 300 mg per day (in 2 doses) boy, did I get some un-nerving side-effects!  Heavy dissiness that would come in waves, feeling quite ‘out of it’, yet being more interactive with others.  Strange huh?  I also noticed that I was having trouble maintaining my tolerance level, ("snapping out" more easily) I believe that this was caused also by the cesasion of paxil over the last couple of weeks as well (withdraw simptoms).   I was also having a great deal of trouble sleeping through the night — 12 to 7, became 2 – 4.   I was very concerned about the side effects, especially the waves of dissiness.  They seemed almost like a rush that would make my nerves tingle and my eyes want to roll back in my head.  After discussing them with my doctor she cut me back to 1/2 doses. I am going to continue with the medication because of its reputation of becoming more effective with less noticeable side-effects as time goes on. If you are concerned by all means talk to your doctor, perhaps he/she may be able to suggest something to help him through this tough time.  I hope that your son (as well as myself) soon start to notice the more positive effects of Wellbutrin. Hang in there.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -You might want to check out this web page "http://www.mayohealth.org/usp/html/202098b.htm".  It’s a clinical trial overview of the drug.   I’ve been taking wellbutrin for only about 3 to 4 weeks.  When my dose was initially doubled up to 300 mg per day (in 2 doses) boy, did I get some un-nerving side-effects!  Heavy dissiness that would come in waves, feeling quite ‘out of it’, yet being more interactive with others.  Strange huh?  I also noticed that I was having trouble maintaining my tolerance level, ("snapping out" more easily) I believe that this was caused also by the cesasion of paxil over the last couple of weeks as well (withdraw simptoms). I was also having a great deal of trouble sleeping through the night — 12 to 7, became 2 – 4.   I was very concerned about the side effects, especially the waves of dissiness. They seemed almost like a rush that would make my nerves tingle and my eyes want to roll back in my head.  After discussing them with my doctor she cut me back to 1/2 doses. I am going to continue with the medication because of its reputation of becoming more effective with less noticeable side-effects as time goes on. If you are concerned by all means talk to your doctor, perhaps he/she may be able to suggest something to help him through this tough time.  I hope that your son (as well as myself) soon start to notice the more positive effects of Wellbutrin. Hang in there.

I am not against Wellbutrin, please don’t take this post that way. I just want to point out that Wellbutrin, like ANY medication or herbal supplement should be tested on you in low doses before you make a decision on whether it is for you. I nearly had a heart attack on 5mg of Wellbutrin.. because of an allergic reaction. My sister stopped eating altogether when they put her on it. Please, everyone, be safe. ~Wendy

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out: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days.  My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away? Thanks. Penzack Hi, Just wanted to mention here that I am using Wellbutrin SR for smoking cessation.  I was to take 2 pills a day, but had to cut back to 1, as I was getting dizzy spells, and could not sleep at night.  As for my appetite, I am just the opposite, I am gaining too much weight. As for the glazed look, I felt dopey, not tired, but all in all it has helped me in my quest to stop smoking.

Wellbutrin was the first drug that I took for treatment of my ADD and depression. It worked pretty well in the short time that I took it – it really helped my concentration, and I liked the appetite suppression aspect of it since I’m overweight, but my body just couldn’t tolerate it. I got dizzy, sleepy yet hyper at the same time, nervous, shaky, headachey, and just a feeling of sickness and toxicity – a bad taste in my mouth. I put up with it for a while, tried cutting back the dosage, but it only kept getting worse. I think my body just wasn’t excreting it well. Wellbutrin is in a class by itself. It’s not like any other drug. From what I understand, it’s not a reuptake inhibitor, and they are unsure as to what exactly the action is that it takes to make seratonin, norepenephrin and dopamine more available. Although it’s classed as an antidepressant, it actually acts like a stimulant on the CNS. Personally I don’t do too well on stimulants. Low doses of caffiene and dexedrine, ritalin, etc, don’t have much effect. Higher doses start to have a beneficial, calming effect, helping my concentration, etc, but then after a time I start to get sick, dizzy, nervous, headachey, etc etc, and the symptoms get progressively worse, as if it’s building up in my body and not being excreted, and making me sick. But in general I think I have a pretty sensitive system. In all the drugs I’ve tried since (Nortriptaline, Prozac, Effexor) I’ve only ever needed the lowest dose of the drug for effectiveness. I know people who take Wellbutrin and do great on it. I have a young cousin who takes it for ADD and it has had no negative side effects. My ex-husband takes it for alcohol addiction, and he said the only side effect was the loss of appetite. I would say that if the bad side effects, the dizziness and such continue, and you don’t seem to be getting any positive effects, then talk to your doctor about switching to something else. There are many other drugs out there you can try if Wellbutrin doesn’t work. wherever, at primenet dot com wherever you are…there you go.

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I have a 7yr old child who is on Ritalin, Clonidine and Wellbutrin 150mg SR once daily.  It will take up to 4 weeks before your body starts to effectively absorb the medication and then you will start to see results. it is a slow progress, you can’t expect to notice a difference in just a few days.  Just don’t give up.

s.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My 7 yr old was put on Wellbutrin 100mg a day.  We have seen great improvement.  He was taking Effexor for a while and I never did see the change.  With the Wellbutrin, it took probably 1-2 weeks to see a difference.  My son was talking about suicide and how everyone hated him and he couldn’t do anything right.  On the Wellbutrin, I haven’t heard hardly any depressive comments.  It’s been great.  But if you stick with it a while and you can’t tell a difference, try something else.  It’s my opinion that medications effect everyone differently. I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days. My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time. If any of you can help us, I would appreciate it. Thanks. Penzack

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My 7 yr old was put on Wellbutrin 100mg a day.  We have seen great improvement.  He was taking Effexor for a while and I never did see the change.  With the Wellbutrin, it took probably 1-2 weeks to see a difference.  My son was talking about suicide and how everyone hated him and he couldn’t do anything right.  On the Wellbutrin, I haven’t heard hardly any depressive comments.  It’s been great.  But if you stick with it a while and you can’t tell a difference, try something else.  It’s my opinion that medications effect everyone differently. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have just been put on Wellbutrin SR 150 mgs twice a day (morning and night) for ADD and depression symptoms(diagnosed 4 weeks ago).  I tried Ritalin, but it made depression worse, so now I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 days.  My depression is no better and I seem to be lightheaded (in a daze). My son, age 7 (ADHD/ODD/Depression) has also been put on Wellbutrin 75 mgs twice a day, he has been on it three days and does not show much improvement with Depression. He seems to be going around in a daze, but still very emotional.  He is also on Ritalin and Clonidine. He was weaned off Paxil a week ago. Can anyone tell me if this effect of Wellbutrin is common (the glazed look)? Does this wear off??  When does Wellbutrin start to really help??  Also, my son’s appetite has been effected and he does not need that.  He is already underweight. Is the appetite suppression temporary, or a long term effect of medication?  Also, when does the jitteryness and agitation go away?  My son has had an hour and a half of that to deal with at school before he is able to calm down.  The teacher is beside herself during that time. If any of you can help us, I would appreciate it.   Thanks. Penzack

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Gee, maybe a good slice of Ray Bari’s pizza with extra garlic before sex is all we need!  

Wasn’t that a Barry Manilow song? Thanks for publishing the dirt on nonoxynol-9.  Sounds like its worse than even I thought.  And now the gay organizations are giving out condoms lubricated with "extra strength" nonoxynol 9. Ed

I knew you would get a kick out of that. Yes, I will grudgingly verify that you were the first person that I ever heard speak out against N9. Hey, even a stopped clock can be right twice a day.          James M. Scutero, original proponent of misc.health.aids          misc.health.aids homepage: http://www.panix.com/~jscutero    MISC.HEALTH.AIDS * HIV/AIDS TALK ONLY * NO COMMERCIALS * NO MODERATORS

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Whey has a very high lysine to arginine ratio (2.75). I wonder if that is the reason why it works as an antiviral. Lysine has been shown to inhibit herpes viruses and may work against HIV. NEW YORK DAILY NEWS   WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1996     PAGE 8 FINDING A WHEY Could limit HIV spread by Joe Nicholson Daily News Staff Writer         Researchers yesterday said a substance made from whey, the liquid taken out of milk in making cheese, may have the power to stop the spread of the AIDS virus during intercourse.         Robert Neurath, a virologist at the New York Blood Center, held out the hope that the substance, dubbed B69, could be used as a foam or cream, like spermicides.         Neurath said he hit upon B69 after testing 68 other compounds with disappointing results: "It was a combination of persistence and luck, as is usual in life."         Neurath’s experiments, reported in February’s Nature Medicine journal, showed that B69 blocks HIV from entering CD4 cells, the immune cells the virus destroys.         Researchers cautioned, however, that B69 applications may not be a 100% preventive because it is uncertain whether B69 also would block other cell-entry sites.         "The compound could serve as the basis for preventive measures against HIV transmission…to supplement other barrier methods, like condoms," said the researchers.         Neurath said another big advantage of B69 was that a dose likely would cost only a few cents.         Neurath, whose laboratory work was funded with a $200,000 federal grant, said he was trying to raise at least $50,000 for animal testing.         Dr. John Adamson, president of the New York Blood Center, said B69 has the potential to save tens of thousands of lives. The treatment must first be tried on animals, and then, possibly a year from now, on humans.         The last big hope for stopping sexual spread of AIDS, Nonoxynol-9, was a disastrous failure, said Dr. Jeffrey Laurence of the American Foundation for AIDS Research.         Laurence, an AIDS researcher at Cornell Medical School as well as the foundation’s senior scientist for programs, said Nonoxynol-9 was tested in Africa several years ago.         "There were actually more infections in people who got the product," said Laurence. "It seemed to cause irritation in the vagina, and the hypothesis was that it eased the way for the AIDS virus."         Neurath said that unlike, Nonoxynol-9, B69 isn’t toxic to cells, so researchers "don’t expect…similar problems with this compound."         Neurath displayed a test tube of B69 liquid and said he was optimistic it would not cause negative reactions because it is a natural substance.          James M. Scutero, original proponent of misc.health.aids          misc.health.aids homepage: http://www.panix.com/~jscutero    MISC.HEALTH.AIDS * HIV/AIDS TALK ONLY * NO COMMERCIALS * NO MODERATORS

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Gee, maybe a good slice of Ray Bari’s pizza with extra garlic before sex is all we need!   Thanks for publishing the dirt on nonoxynol-9.  Sounds like its worse than even I thought.  And now the gay organizations are giving out condoms lubricated with "extra strength" nonoxynol 9. Ed

: Whey has a very high lysine to arginine ratio (2.75). I wonder if that is : the reason why it works as an antiviral. Lysine has been shown to inhibit : herpes viruses and may work against HIV. : NEW YORK DAILY NEWS   WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1996     PAGE 8 : FINDING A WHEY : Could limit HIV spread : by Joe Nicholson : Daily News Staff Writer :       Researchers yesterday said a substance made from whey, the liquid : taken out of milk in making cheese, may have the power to stop the spread : of the AIDS virus during intercourse. :       Robert Neurath, a virologist at the New York Blood Center, held : out the hope that the substance, dubbed B69, could be used as a foam or : cream, like spermicides. :       Neurath said he hit upon B69 after testing 68 other compounds : with disappointing results: "It was a combination of persistence and : luck, as is usual in life." :       Neurath’s experiments, reported in February’s Nature Medicine : journal, showed that B69 blocks HIV from entering CD4 cells, the immune : cells the virus destroys. :       Researchers cautioned, however, that B69 applications may not be : a 100% preventive because it is uncertain whether B69 also would block : other cell-entry sites. :       "The compound could serve as the basis for preventive measures : against HIV transmission…to supplement other barrier methods, like : condoms," said the researchers. :       Neurath said another big advantage of B69 was that a dose likely : would cost only a few cents. :       Neurath, whose laboratory work was funded with a $200,000 federal : grant, said he was trying to raise at least $50,000 for animal testing. :       Dr. John Adamson, president of the New York Blood Center, said : B69 has the potential to save tens of thousands of lives. The treatment : must first be tried on animals, and then, possibly a year from now, on : humans. :       The last big hope for stopping sexual spread of AIDS, : Nonoxynol-9, was a disastrous failure, said Dr. Jeffrey Laurence of the : American Foundation for AIDS Research. :       Laurence, an AIDS researcher at Cornell Medical School as well as : the foundation’s senior scientist for programs, said Nonoxynol-9 was : tested in Africa several years ago. :       "There were actually more infections in people who got the : product," said Laurence. "It seemed to cause irritation in the vagina, : and the hypothesis was that it eased the way for the AIDS virus." :       Neurath said that unlike, Nonoxynol-9, B69 isn’t toxic to cells, : so researchers "don’t expect…similar problems with this compound." :       Neurath displayed a test tube of B69 liquid and said he was : optimistic it would not cause negative reactions because it is a natural : substance. :          James M. Scutero, original proponent of misc.health.aids :          misc.health.aids homepage: http://www.panix.com/~jscutero :    MISC.HEALTH.AIDS * HIV/AIDS TALK ONLY * NO COMMERCIALS * NO MODERATORS

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