Question:

I was wondering if anyone could help me.  My best friend has asthma, and got it as a reaction to the whooping cough vaccine when he was 3. His doctors put him on steroids when he was 16, which really messed up his metabolism.  He is currently on Flovent and Berotec.  He has been overweight ever since.  This situation, besides other factors, is really getting him down.  I don’t have asthma, and don’t have this weight problem.  Can anyone give any hints as to how to support him?   I want to be his friend, but it gets difficult at times to understand his feeling so worthless when he is such a nice guy. I appreciate any comments!! Lisa L.

Lisa Sometimes, it’s hard for us asthmatics to cope with the condition – it seems so unjust that we can’t control our breathing, something which is so fundamental, and something which other people take for granted. What doesn’t help is that some people find asthma funny – I’ve lost count of the times people have started laughing because I needed to use my inhaler in public. Honestly, you’d think I was about to relieve myself in the street, the way some people looked at me !! I don’t let it upset me now – the inhaler’s there for my benefit, not their entertainment. As I put it in a previous posting: DON’T LET OTHER IGNORANT BASTARDS CONTROL YOUR LIFE BY MAKING YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE OR EMBARASSED ABOUT IT.

If they can’t accept that I am an asthmatic, and that I have to use regular meds to stabilise my condition, that’s their problem, not mine. I can sympathise with him about being overweight – my asthma is mainly exercise-induced, and I’ve never found a conventional or alternative treatment (breathing exercises included !) that can keep it under decent control whilst exercising. How to support him ? * Try to learn more about the condition, and treatments available.   By posting here, you’ve made a good start. The FAQ’s were posted   earlier this week, so you should have copies. If not, see the HTML   version at http://www.radix.net/~mwg/asthma-gen.html * Don’t wrap him up in cotton wool !!!   Most us don’t want sympathy, we just want to be better understood. * Don’t make an issue of his weight.   That’s the worst thing you can do.   My folks do that, even though they know the difficulties I have   with exercise, and it is SO annoying ! * Be there for him when he’s feeling down.   Let him know that you care – don’t assume that he knows that.   Being unable to breathe can be extremely distressing, if he has   an attack while you’re around, try to help him stay calm. Obviously, I can’t provide any medical advice, but it may be worth asking your own doctor for more information on the condition generally – that way, you might have a better idea of what he’s going through. It sounds like you really do care about your friend, especially as you’re making an effort to try to understand his condition. I hope that what I’ve said, and what I’m sure that other people will say, will be of some use to you. Feel free to mail me if you’ve got any further questions. Good luck ! Chris — Chris King               | Advice given here should NOT be used as a substitute

Response:

I was wondering if anyone could help me.  My best friend has asthma, and got it as a reaction to the whooping cough vaccine when he was 3.   His doctors put him on steroids when he was 16, which really messed up his metabolism.  He is currently on Flovent and Berotec.  He has been overweight ever since.  This situation, besides other factors, is really getting him down.  I don’t have asthma, and don’t have this weight problem.  Can anyone give any hints as to how to support him?   I want to be his friend, but it gets difficult at times to understand his feeling so worthless when he is such a nice guy. I appreciate any comments!! Lisa L.

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -(Starwind) writes: : I sent a message earlier today, but I do not see it.  So I’m trying again. : My husband has asthma.  I hear there are new drugs in the FDA pipeline. : Does anyone know approx. when approval is expected?  Anyone on the drug : studies?  What is their mode of action? One that I am aware of [and used for years in Canada, but which isn't yet available in the US] is Pulmicort.  Pulmicort is the inhaled corticosteroid budesonide.  It is the most potent and powerful inhaled steroid currently on the market [that I am aware of; and it was at least as of a few months ago]. It will be approved in 1996, probably late 1996 [i.e. this year!].  It will be in TURBUHALER form, which is a breath-activated dry powder inhaler which is PURE DRUG, *no* propellants, *no* additives, *no* preservatives. The powder is very fine,a nd everyone [including myself;  probably about 25 people in total that I personally know] that I know who uses it has no problems with it and it does not make them cough. A couple have gotten thrush at least once, but even they get it much less often then they did with previous inhalers.  Pumicort Turbuhalers are supposed to have significantly less incidence of thrush then other steroid ihalers. This drug, for me and many of my firneds, has been absolutely wonderful; it was able to bring my out of control asthma under control, and it keeps me out of very serious trouble during things like colds and bacterial infections.  It also means not going on pred as often [my MD will put me on really high doses of the Pulmicort and we've managed to avoid pred itself several times; although at those doses i get soem systemic effects, I certianly do NOT get as sick as I get on pred].. Oh!  Pulmicort is made by ASTRA.  It has been avalable in Canada since at the latest 1989, probably before that. DC. THE ABOVE IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.

There is also a new inhaled steroid coming out Aug 96 by the name of Flovent.  It contains fluticasone propionate and is the inhaler form of the nasal steroid Flonase.  It has been available in Canada and Europe for a while I believe.

Response:

Hi, : on really high doses of the Pulmicort and we’ve managed to avoid pred : itself several times; although at those doses i get soem systemic : effects, I certianly do NOT get as sick as I get on pred].. I must admit that I did like Pulmicort and used it for about 3 years in 1990-1993 (this was in Canada)…I can’t use it now. : : There is also a new inhaled steroid coming out Aug 96 by the name of : Flovent.  It contains fluticasone propionate and is the inhaler form of : the nasal steroid Flonase.  It has been available in Canada and Europe : for a while I believe. Flovent is still considered a very new drug and is not yet on the drug formularly in this Province (it is not recognized or covered by most drug coverage plans).  I believe it hit the Canadian market just after Christmas this year.  I started on it in February. There are two strengths of the Flovent – 125 mcgs and 250 mcgs) so 8 puffs of the 250 mcg inhaler = 16 puffs of Becloforte – approx. It’s a great drug and has done wonders for me…but VERRRRRRRY expensive at $70.00 (canadian funds) for the half sized (120 puffs). Well worth the money for me though ! High doses of the steroid inhalers can be dangerous. Amber

Response:

: I sent a message earlier today, but I do not see it.  So I’m trying again. : My husband has asthma.  I hear there are new drugs in the FDA pipeline. : Does anyone know approx. when approval is expected?  Anyone on the drug : studies?  What is their mode of action? One that I am aware of [and used for years in Canada, but which isn't yet available in the US] is Pulmicort.  Pulmicort is the inhaled corticosteroid budesonide.  It is the most potent and powerful inhaled steroid currently on the market [that I am aware of; and it was at least as of a few months ago]. It will be approved in 1996, probably late 1996 [i.e. this year!].  It will be in TURBUHALER form, which is a breath-activated dry powder inhaler which is PURE DRUG, *no* propellants, *no* additives, *no* preservatives. The powder is very fine,a nd everyone [including myself;  probably about 25 people in total that I personally know] that I know who uses it has no problems with it and it does not make them cough. A couple have gotten thrush at least once, but even they get it much less often then they did with previous inhalers.  Pumicort Turbuhalers are supposed to have significantly less incidence of thrush then other steroid ihalers. This drug, for me and many of my firneds, has been absolutely wonderful; it was able to bring my out of control asthma under control, and it keeps me out of very serious trouble during things like colds and bacterial infections.  It also means not going on pred as often [my MD will put me on really high doses of the Pulmicort and we've managed to avoid pred itself several times; although at those doses i get soem systemic effects, I certianly do NOT get as sick as I get on pred].. Oh!  Pulmicort is made by ASTRA.  It has been avalable in Canada since at the latest 1989, probably before that. DC. THE ABOVE IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.

Response:

I sent a message earlier today, but I do not see it.  So I’m trying again. My husband has asthma.  I hear there are new drugs in the FDA pipeline. Does anyone know approx. when approval is expected?  Anyone on the drug studies?  What is their mode of action? I’ve noticed that many of you are cautious with prednisone.  My husband takes it occasionally.  I have multiple sclerosis.  When I have flare-ups (4 in the last year and a half) I must take an IV treatment of methyl prednisone–1 gram/day for five days.  My husband has been humbled by that.  But we must all do what we can to survive.

Response:

Question:

Dave, I have never posted to a newsgroup before therefore don’t know how to add the relevant pieces of messages from previous posts but I feel I have very important information which will be helpful to some of your group. I live in the uk and I’m registered disabled due to (hereditary) deafness in both ears and wear hearing aids in both ears. I also have tinnitus although I don’t find it a major problem. My sister suffers from tinnitus and finds that there are certain noises which trigger an episode. She especially found it difficult when trying to get to sleep. Her doctor advised her of certain things to try. I  gave her the address of the (RNID) Royal National Institute for the Deaf which no-one else has ever mentioned to her (she’s not deaf and only hard of hearing if you ask her to PAY for something BUT she could hear a

Question:

Does anyone have any experience with imipramine? 1)  What are the side effects?  Does it cause impotence the way practically all other anti-depressants do?   2)  How effective is it in treating depression? 3)  How different is it from other common drugs such as prozac, effexor, etc.? 4)  Does it have any lethal potential (will it kill a person if they OD on it in large doses)?  Many years ago, I made an unsucessful suicide attempt, and I dont want the temptation to be there if I ever get to that state again. 5)  Is does it have any addictive potential, like some meds can (i.e. you need more and more of it to get the same effect)? I presume in a group like this, many of you are currently on (or have been on) imiprimine.  I just need to get as much info as possible on, since this one of the drugs my doc has mentioned as a possibility for me.  Of course, ive asked him these questions also, but I just want to get another perspective. I’d appreciate any input from anyone out there– thanks advance allegro

Response:

Does anyone have any experience with imipramine?

Not I. Tofranil, haven’t tried it. 1)  What are the side effects?  Does it cause impotence the way practically all other anti-depressants do?  

http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-t03.html 2)  How effective is it in treating depression?

About as good as any. Actually, it’s frequently used in comparison studies. 3)  How different is it from other common drugs such as prozac, effexor, etc.?

It’s a tricyclic, kind of like a shotgun. Does a lot of stuff, that’s why the scary side effects. Meds like Prozac do less in the body and so have fewer and less frequently occurring (within a population) side effects. 4)  Does it have any lethal potential (will it kill a person if they OD on it in large doses)?  Many years ago, I made an unsucessful suicide attempt, and I dont want the temptation to be there if I ever get to that state again.

Maybe you should ask for an SSRI. All tricyclics are a little dangerous. 5)  Is does it have any addictive potential, like some meds can (i.e. you need more and more of it to get the same effect)?

None at all. If you click on the Research link at Internet Mental Health you can get a ton of abstracts. Researchers seem to like using imipramine.

Response:

I recently started taking Imipramine.  I’m up to 150Mg/day.  I’ve been on virtually all of the newer anti-depressants, so this is kind of my last hope. I can tell you this much, the newer ADs are no more effective than the older ones, such as the Tricyclics and MAOIs. As far as side effects go, I’m experiencing dry mouth and constipation.  Imipramine seems no worse than ADs like Prozac, Paxil, Serzone, Effexor, etc.  In fact, some of these newer ADs had more side effects.  Paxil, in particular, was the hardest drug to get off of.  Even though I weened off of it slowly, I experienced painful withdrawals, such as migraines, that lasted well over a month. From what I’ve read, one can OD on Imipramine, but so can one on Aspirin.  Also, it’s not addictive. I say it’s worth a try.  I mean, these newer ADs are being marketed heavily (whereas Imipramine is generic and inexpensive) and this is influencing doctors and patients.  But again, I have yet to read any studies that show Imipramine to be less effective. Does anyone have any experience with imipramine? 1)  What are the side effects?  Does it cause impotence the way practically all other anti-depressants do? 2)  How effective is it in treating depression? 3)  How different is it from other common drugs such as prozac, effexor, etc.? 4)  Does it have any lethal potential (will it kill a person if they OD on it in large doses)?  Many years ago, I made an unsucessful

suicide attempt, and I – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – dont want the temptation to be there if I ever get to that state again. 5)  Is does it have any addictive potential, like some meds can (i.e. you need more and more of it to get the same effect)? I presume in a group like this, many of you are currently on (or have been on) imiprimine.  I just need to get as much info as possible on, since this one of the drugs my doc has mentioned as a possibility for me.  Of course, ive asked him these questions also, but I just want to get another perspective. I’d appreciate any input from anyone out there– thanks advance allegro

Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

Newsgroup: I’m hoping you might have some suggestions for me. I have a friend who has had chronic depression most of her life and has been on almost every antidepressant out there. She’s not bipolar. She recently had four ECT treatments and her pdoc took her off all of her meds for that. She definitely sounded more alert being off her meds, but now he put her back on them and she sounds worse than ever. She takes Effexor XR 450 mg. Remeron 45 mg. Zyprexa 10 mg. and Xanax as needed.  This woman is soooo lethargic, fatigued, unmotivated etc. that she just sits and cries. Every medication she takes causes fatigue.  I know because I went through a similar situation with the Effexor XR.  The fatigue from the meds were making me depressed. Anyway, I am accompanying her to see her pdoc on Monday to see if we can get some answers.  Any input on this situation would be greatly appreciated. Glenda

Response:

Glenda, My first question is—why is your friend on Zyprexa if she is depressed and not bipolar, which I assume means that she has never displayed mania?  Zyprexa is major anti-psychotic or "downer." Robert

Response:

Robert: Neuroleptics are sometimes added to AD regimens as augmentation…it helps with uncontrollable suicidal ideation, for instance. One who is there now. Jim "I never had problems with drugs, I had problems with the police." Keith Richards

Response:

<Posted and Mailed to Glenda Newsgroup: I’m hoping you might have some suggestions for me. I have a friend who has had chronic depression most of her life and has been on almost every antidepressant out there. She’s not bipolar. She recently had four ECT treatments and her pdoc took her off all of her meds for that. She definitely sounded more alert being off her meds, but now he put her back on them and she sounds worse than ever. She takes Effexor XR 450 mg. Remeron 45 mg. Zyprexa 10 mg. and Xanax as needed.

If the diagnosis is severe clinical depression, I fail to see why she is taking an antipsychotic. IMO she is way over medicated! I suggest that she get a second opinion ASAP! The Effexor dose is very high as well. Remeron makes many people very sleepy as does Zyprexa and Xanax. This woman is soooo lethargic, fatigued, unmotivated etc. that she just sits and cries.

Considering what she is taking, that is not terribly surprising! Every medication she takes causes fatigue.  I know because I went through a similar situation with the Effexor XR.  The fatigue from the meds were making me depressed. Anyway, I am accompanying her to see her pdoc on Monday to see if we can get some answers.  Any input on this situation would be greatly appreciated.

I suggest that you tell Dr. Mengle adios! What she is taking would turn Robin Williams into a zombie! Glenda

Most sincerely, James D. Milton Standard Medical Disclaimer Any opinions stated should NOT be considered as medical advice! You should confirm any suggestions made with your physician who is solely responsible for prescribing ALL medications and monitoring the patient’s progress. Make NO changes in your prescribed dosages without the approval of your doctor!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Newsgroup: I’m hoping you might have some suggestions for me. I have a friend who has had chronic depression most of her life and has been on almost every antidepressant out there. She’s not bipolar. She recently had four ECT treatments and her pdoc took her off all of her meds for that. She definitely sounded more alert being off her meds, but now he put her back on them and she sounds worse than ever. She takes Effexor XR 450 mg. Remeron 45 mg. Zyprexa 10 mg. and Xanax as needed.  This woman is soooo lethargic, fatigued, unmotivated etc. that she just sits and cries. Every medication she takes causes fatigue.  I know because I went through a similar situation with the Effexor XR.  The fatigue from the meds were making me depressed. Anyway, I am accompanying her to see her pdoc on Monday to see if we can get some answers.  Any input on this situation would be greatly appreciated. Glenda

She must rattle so much she makes a good musical instrument.A bit like being a semi comatose member of the percussion family being played by a demented psychiatrist.

Response:

Hi Glenda, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m hoping you might have some suggestions for me. I have a friend who has had chronic depression most of her life and has been on almost every antidepressant out there. She’s not bipolar. She recently had four ECT treatments and her pdoc took her off all of her meds for that. She definitely sounded more alert being off her meds, but now he put her back on them and she sounds worse than ever. She takes Effexor XR 450 mg. Remeron 45 mg. Zyprexa 10 mg. and Xanax as needed.  This woman is soooo lethargic, fatigued, unmotivated etc. that she just sits and cries. Every medication she takes causes fatigue.  I know because I went through a similar situation with the Effexor XR.  The fatigue from the meds were making me depressed. Anyway, I am accompanying her to see her pdoc on Monday to see if we can get some answers.  Any input on this situation would be greatly appreciated.

Perhaps she is overmedicated. It is important that her pdoc be informed of her response to the RX meds. Peace, —

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some short-term memory impairment is a well known and common Xanax side effect. This has caused the term *benzo brain* to come into being. Most of the time it’s nothing spectacular, forgetting a name (hm…see…here we have it…what’s your name, Mike? ), having difficulty finding a word (which you might have mislaid in your desk drawer ), not remembering something somebody just told you. Apparently some people have it worse than others. It disappears when you stop taking Xanax. There’s no lasting brain damage, no brain damage at all for that matter. Philip (I don’t mind this side effect so much as long as I have a good time here with you, my colleauges, at alt.support.accoutancy ) Philip, this is me you described!!! I have always been like this, and I don`t take benzo`s. I drive my kids nuts by asking them over and over about things, such as did you do your homework, did you take the garbage out, and what is your name again?<VBG Jackie nothing right in my left brain…nothing left in my right brain Great! You’re *natural*, you’re really *gifted*. I have two children and never could tell one from the other ) Philip (*left?* you mean there *was* something?) I can understand where you might have a problem with telling your two children apart if they are very close in age. But not if one is a boy and one is a girl. Karen But it’s the other way around: one is a girl and the other is a boy ) Philip Well then. There’s the confusion right there. Karen

I told you so. I confuse easily. Philip

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some short-term memory impairment is a well known and common Xanax side effect. This has caused the term *benzo brain* to come into being. Most of the time it’s nothing spectacular, forgetting a name (hm…see…here we have it…what’s your name, Mike? ), having difficulty finding a word (which you might have mislaid in your desk drawer ), not remembering something somebody just told you. Apparently some people have it worse than others. It disappears when you stop taking Xanax. There’s no lasting brain damage, no brain damage at all for that matter. Philip (I don’t mind this side effect so much as long as I have a good time here with you, my colleauges, at alt.support.accoutancy ) Philip, this is me you described!!! I have always been like this, and I don`t take benzo`s. I drive my kids nuts by asking them over and over about things, such as did you do your homework, did you take the garbage out, and what is your name again?<VBG Jackie nothing right in my left brain…nothing left in my right brain Great! You’re *natural*, you’re really *gifted*. I have two children and never could tell one from the other ) Philip (*left?* you mean there *was* something?) I can understand where you might have a problem with telling your two children apart if they are very close in age. But not if one is a boy and one is a girl. Karen But it’s the other way around: one is a girl and the other is a boy ) Philip Well then. There’s the confusion right there. Karen I told you so. I confuse easily. Philip

*Confuse-a-cashier* seems to be the favorite pass time for some of my more inebriated customers. Karen  :D – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some short-term memory impairment is a well known and common Xanax side effect. This has caused the term *benzo brain* to come into being. Most of the time it’s nothing spectacular, forgetting a name (hm…see…here we have it…what’s your name, Mike? ), having difficulty finding a word (which you might have mislaid in your desk drawer ), not remembering something somebody just told you. Apparently some people have it worse than others. It disappears when you stop taking Xanax. There’s no lasting brain damage, no brain damage at all for that matter. Philip (I don’t mind this side effect so much as long as I have a good time here with you, my colleauges, at alt.support.accoutancy ) Philip, this is me you described!!! I have always been like this, and I don`t take benzo`s. I drive my kids nuts by asking them over and over about things, such as did you do your homework, did you take the garbage out, and what is your name again?<VBG Jackie nothing right in my left brain…nothing left in my right brain Great! You’re *natural*, you’re really *gifted*. I have two children and never could tell one from the other ) Philip (*left?* you mean there *was* something?) I can understand where you might have a problem with telling your two children apart if they are very close in age. But not if one is a boy and one is a girl. Karen But it’s the other way around: one is a girl and the other is a boy ) Philip Well then. There’s the confusion right there. Karen OK..let me get this right. One is a boy…the other is a girl..or is it one is a girl, and THE OTHER a boy?? So that means you have four kids? Or..no..sorry..you have one that is a cross-dresser?? Or am I just one drawer short of a dresser? Aww darn it..I am really confused now. I better go take some Zantac now. Actually…my stomach is a bit upset..maybe I wil try that 75 mg’s of Xanax. That is the correct dose, right?? Better make that 150mg’s. If I take a "little" extra..that won’t hurt, right?? Funny, but I don’t even remember what happened the last time I took Xanax. Zantac is the same as Zoloft, right?? They both start with "Z", so they must be the same. Well..the bottle says take 400mg’s per hour as needed. Ok…I’ll take the Zoloft and Xanax. So, 150mg’s of Xanax….and..well….maybe I’ll make up for the lost hours of the day by multiplying my Zoloft dose per hour..so…say 3000 mg’s of Zoloft. Ok. Glad these thingy sheets that the pharmacies give you really help. Ohh..and since we are on the topic..Vallium MUST be the same as Viagara, because they both start with "V", right? 100mg’s of Vallium…100mg’s of Viagara…Cool. I should have a nice productive day then. Cheers…here’s to better living through chemistry.. James

before I had my hourly allowance of caffeine. It actually made sense to me. Karen

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some short-term memory impairment is a well known and common Xanax side effect. This has caused the term *benzo brain* to come into being. Most of the time it’s nothing spectacular, forgetting a name (hm…see…here we have it…what’s your name, Mike? ), having difficulty finding a word (which you might have mislaid in your desk drawer ), not remembering something somebody just told you. Apparently some people have it worse than others. It disappears when you stop taking Xanax. There’s no lasting brain damage, no brain damage at all for that matter. Philip (I don’t mind this side effect so much as long as I have a good time here with you, my colleauges, at alt.support.accoutancy ) Philip, this is me you described!!! I have always been like this, and I don`t take benzo`s. I drive my kids nuts by asking them over and over about things, such as did you do your homework, did you take the garbage out, and what is your name again?<VBG Jackie nothing right in my left brain…nothing left in my right brain Great! You’re *natural*, you’re really *gifted*. I have two children and never could tell one from the other ) Philip (*left?* you mean there *was* something?) I can understand where you might have a problem with telling your two children apart if they are very close in age. But not if one is a boy and one is a girl. Karen But it’s the other way around: one is a girl and the other is a boy ) Philip Well then. There’s the confusion right there. Karen

OK..let me get this right. One is a boy…the other is a girl..or is it one is a girl, and THE OTHER a boy?? So that means you have four kids? Or..no..sorry..you have one that is a cross-dresser?? Or am I just one drawer short of a dresser? Aww darn it..I am really confused now. I better go take some Zantac now. Actually…my stomach is a bit upset..maybe I wil try that 75 mg’s of Xanax. That is the correct dose, right?? Better make that 150mg’s. If I take a "little" extra..that won’t hurt, right?? Funny, but I don’t even remember what happened the last time I took Xanax. Zantac is the same as Zoloft, right?? They both start with "Z", so they must be the same. Well..the bottle says take 400mg’s per hour as needed. Ok…I’ll take the Zoloft and Xanax. So, 150mg’s of Xanax….and..well….maybe I’ll make up for the lost hours of the day by multiplying my Zoloft dose per hour..so…say 3000 mg’s of Zoloft. Ok. Glad these thingy sheets that the pharmacies give you really help. Ohh..and since we are on the topic..Vallium MUST be the same as Viagara, because they both start with "V", right? 100mg’s of Vallium…100mg’s of Viagara…Cool. I should have a nice productive day then. Cheers…here’s to better living through chemistry.. James

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some short-term memory impairment is a well known and common Xanax side effect. This has caused the term *benzo brain* to come into being. Most of the time it’s nothing spectacular, forgetting a name (hm…see…here we have it…what’s your name, Mike? ), having difficulty finding a word (which you might have mislaid in your desk drawer ), not remembering something somebody just told you. Apparently some people have it worse than others. It disappears when you stop taking Xanax. There’s no lasting brain damage, no brain damage at all for that matter. Philip (I don’t mind this side effect so much as long as I have a good time here with you, my colleauges, at alt.support.accoutancy ) Philip, this is me you described!!! I have always been like this, and I don`t take benzo`s. I drive my kids nuts by asking them over and over about things, such as did you do your homework, did you take the garbage out, and what is your name again?<VBG Jackie nothing right in my left brain…nothing left in my right brain Great! You’re *natural*, you’re really *gifted*. I have two children and never could tell one from the other ) Philip (*left?* you mean there *was* something?) I can understand where you might have a problem with telling your two children apart if they are very close in age. But not if one is a boy and one is a girl. Karen

But it’s the other way around: one is a girl and the other is a boy ) Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Great! You’re *natural*, you’re really *gifted*. I have two children and never could tell one from the other ) Yup, I am *naturally* absent-minded!! Philip (*left?* you mean there *was* something?) Hey, don`t you start picking on me<VBG. Honey, I have a heck of alot more *left* than you do. Jackie

Really? Oh well, have it your way. You have more *left* but I’m always *right*. Philip (hehe) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some short-term memory impairment is a well known and common Xanax side effect. This has caused the term *benzo brain* to come into being. Most of the time it’s nothing spectacular, forgetting a name (hm…see…here we have it…what’s your name, Mike? ), having difficulty finding a word (which you might have mislaid in your desk drawer ), not remembering something somebody just told you. Apparently some people have it worse than others. It disappears when you stop taking Xanax. There’s no lasting brain damage, no brain damage at all for that matter. Philip (I don’t mind this side effect so much as long as I have a good time here with you, my colleauges, at alt.support.accoutancy ) Philip, this is me you described!!! I have always been like this, and I don`t take benzo`s. I drive my kids nuts by asking them over and over about things, such as did you do your homework, did you take the garbage out, and what is your name again?<VBG Jackie nothing right in my left brain…nothing left in my right brain Great! You’re *natural*, you’re really *gifted*. I have two children and never could tell one from the other ) Philip (*left?* you mean there *was* something?) I can understand where you might have a problem with telling your two children apart if they are very close in age. But not if one is a boy and one is a girl. Karen But it’s the other way around: one is a girl and the other is a boy ) Philip

Well then. There’s the confusion right there. Karen

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some short-term memory impairment is a well known and common Xanax side effect. This has caused the term *benzo brain* to come into being. Most of the time it’s nothing spectacular, forgetting a name (hm…see…here we have it…what’s your name, Mike? ), having difficulty finding a word (which you might have mislaid in your desk drawer ), not remembering something somebody just told you. Apparently some people have it worse than others. It disappears when you stop taking Xanax. There’s no lasting brain damage, no brain damage at all for that matter. Philip (I don’t mind this side effect so much as long as I have a good time here with you, my colleauges, at alt.support.accoutancy ) Philip, this is me you described!!! I have always been like this, and I don`t take benzo`s. I drive my kids nuts by asking them over and over about things, such as did you do your homework, did you take the garbage out, and what is your name again?<VBG Jackie nothing right in my left brain…nothing left in my right brain Great! You’re *natural*, you’re really *gifted*. I have two children and never could tell one from the other ) Philip (*left?* you mean there *was* something?)

I can understand where you might have a problem with telling your two children apart if they are very close in age. But not if one is a boy and one is a girl. Karen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Although I am not tapering off of Xanax as yet I will have to eventually.

Why?  As long as the med. is working for you and the doc won`t cut you off?   Different story if one is abusing the drug. Dan

Response:

Although I am not tapering off of Xanax as yet I will have to eventually. Why?  As long as the med. is working for you and the doc won`t cut you off?  Different story if one is abusing the drug. Dan

Dan, I am into my 6th week on Zoloft and can take up to 3 .25mg Xanax a day.  If the Zoloft works for anxiety/depression I want to get off of the Xanax even though I know I am on a very low dosage, if not I will stay on them.  The less pills I take the better I feel about it. Gene in New Jersey if not I will stay on it.  

Response:

Great! You’re *natural*, you’re really *gifted*. I have two children and never could tell one from the other )

Yup, I am *naturally* absent-minded!! Philip (*left?* you mean there *was* something?)

Hey, don`t you start picking on me<VBG. Honey, I have a heck of alot more *left* than you do. Jackie "The male brain is like a railroad freight car…. guaranteed to have a certain capacity but often running empty."

Response:

I am new to xanax I do forget things alot and tend to forget what I was talking about right in the middle of a discussion but, I can handle that part just not the dizziness! I am alot better on the medicine then off      Melissa

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some short-term memory impairment is a well known and common Xanax side effect. This has caused the term *benzo brain* to come into being. Most of the time it’s nothing spectacular, forgetting a name (hm…see…here we have it…what’s your name, Mike? ), having difficulty finding a word (which you might have mislaid in your desk drawer ), not remembering something somebody just told you. Apparently some people have it worse than others. It disappears when you stop taking Xanax. There’s no lasting brain damage, no brain damage at all for that matter. Philip (I don’t mind this side effect so much as long as I have a good time here with you, my colleauges, at alt.support.accoutancy ) Philip, this is me you described!!! I have always been like this, and I don`t take benzo`s. I drive my kids nuts by asking them over and over about things, such as did you do your homework, did you take the garbage out, and what is your name again?<VBG Jackie nothing right in my left brain…nothing left in my right brain

Great! You’re *natural*, you’re really *gifted*. I have two children and never could tell one from the other ) Philip (*left?* you mean there *was* something?)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some short-term memory impairment is a well known and common Xanax side effect. This has caused the term *benzo brain* to come into being. Most of the time it’s nothing spectacular, forgetting a name (hm…see…here we have it…what’s your name, Mike? ), having difficulty finding a word (which you might have mislaid in your desk drawer ), not remembering something somebody just told you. Apparently some people have it worse than others. It disappears when you stop taking Xanax. There’s no lasting brain damage, no brain damage at all for that matter. Philip (I don’t mind this side effect so much as long as I have a good time here with you, my colleauges, at alt.support.accoutancy ) Philip, this is me you described!!! I have always been like this, and I don`t take benzo`s. I drive my kids nuts by asking them over and over about things, such as did you do your homework, did you take the garbage out, and what is your name again?<VBG Jackie nothing right in my left brain…nothing left in my right brain

I’ve got a benzo brain.  It can be a bother sometime, but it beats an anxiety attack any day; besides, I’m a bit absent minded anyway. God bless,   Mark Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Some short-term memory impairment is a well known and common Xanax side effect. This has caused the term *benzo brain* to come into being. Most of the time it’s nothing spectacular, forgetting a name (hm…see…here we have it…what’s your name, Mike? ), having difficulty finding a word (which you might have mislaid in your desk drawer ), not remembering something somebody just told you. Apparently some people have it worse than others. It disappears when you stop taking Xanax. There’s no lasting brain damage, no brain damage at all for that matter. Philip (I don’t mind this side effect so much as long as I have a good time here with you, my colleauges, at alt.support.accoutancy )

Philip, this is me you described!!! I have always been like this, and I don`t take benzo`s. I drive my kids nuts by asking them over and over about things, such as did you do your homework, did you take the garbage out, and what is your name again?<VBG Jackie nothing right in my left brain…nothing left in my right brain

Response:

I never heard of losing memory and xanax..Whats that all about?

Some short-term memory impairment is a well known and common Xanax side effect. This has caused the term *benzo brain* to come into being. Most of the time it’s nothing spectacular, forgetting a name (hm…see…here we have it…what’s your name, Mike? ), having difficulty finding a word (which you might have mislaid in your desk drawer ), not remembering something somebody just told you. Apparently some people have it worse than others. It disappears when you stop taking Xanax. There’s no lasting brain damage, no brain damage at all for that matter. Philip (I don’t mind this side effect so much as long as I have a good time here with you, my colleauges, at alt.support.accoutancy )

Response:

I never heard of losing memory and xanax..Whats that all about?

Response:

Although I am not tapering off of Xanax as yet I will have to eventually.  I bought a pill cutter at a drug store ($3.29) and I broke in half at the score mark a .25mg Xanax and then split one half of a half with the pill cutter and got a .0625mg dosage.  The pill cutter worked great and split it in half almost perfectly.  I did not try to split the .0625mg.  Just passing this along to all of you that will or want to wean off of drugs. Gene in New Jersey

 I bought a pill cutter once, and the blade was bent.  Cmat

Response:

Hi all, Although I am not tapering off of Xanax as yet I will have to eventually.  I bought a pill cutter at a drug store ($3.29) and I broke in half at the score mark a .25mg Xanax and then split one half of a half with the pill cutter and got a .0625mg dosage.  The pill cutter worked great and split it in half almost perfectly.  I did not try to split the .0625mg.  Just passing this along to all of you that will or want to wean off of drugs. Gene in New Jersey

Response:

It would be normal to feel some anxiety like symptoms when tapering Xanax, and in my opinion it is difficult to distinguish between withdrawal symptoms and the return of the anxiety symptoms. It’s takes mental will and physical will to taper off of a substance that your body has developed a dependence to. I don’t think it would be out of the question to have both withdrawal symptoms and the return of some anxiety symptoms at the same time. Cmat

Cmat, Where did this come from?  Just go get the damn xanax.  :o) You know I’m just kidding, I go through the same thought processes over and over again.  I find it funny to see it in others as well.  As I said before, I don’t think the withdrawl has to be so painful if you let your doctor know the trouble that you had before.  Plus, you said he didn’t really taper you… (but, I’ll let you know firsthand if I ever have to taper off of this klonopin) <G. I know… I talk like this now, but in a few days I’ll be sending question after question to the group about the new AD I start on Thursday. Maria

Response:

It would be normal to feel some anxiety like symptoms when tapering Xanax, and in my opinion it is difficult to distinguish between withdrawal symptoms and the return of the anxiety symptoms. It’s takes mental will and physical will to taper off of a substance that your body has developed a dependence to. I don’t think it would be out of the question to have both withdrawal symptoms and the return of some anxiety symptoms at the same time. Cmat

Response:

It would be normal to feel some anxiety like symptoms when tapering Xanax, and in my opinion it is difficult to distinguish between withdrawal symptoms and the return of the anxiety symptoms. It’s takes mental will and physical will to taper off of a substance that your body has developed a dependence to. I don’t think it would be out of the question to have both withdrawal symptoms and the return of some anxiety symptoms at the same time. Cmat

Absolutely. And there also is such a thing as *psychological dependence*. Many moons ago I weaned off of Valium without a problem until I took only 1 mg which is virtually *nothing* and surely wouldn’t work for PA’s with anyone. It took me a lot of time to stop taking that last half pill! And later I always still carried a bottle of Valium with me without taking any, but just in case, as a security blanket. I also remember that, whatever my medication was, when I realized I had missed a dose (or had forgotten to take the pill bottle along) that would send me into an immediate PA while in *reality* nothing had changed. Now that I’m at it, to reply to your other post: if you can get the Xanax in every possible dose IMO it would indeed be easier to stop as you can do it more gradually and take more time for it. Philip

Response:

Oh Mark, You sound like I feel.  I did all that you said…once when the only narcotic I was taking was xanax, and once when I was also taking heavy pain meds together with the xanax.  It is a vicious circle.  My memory is all but gone.  Cause a lot of arguments around here, "you did NOT tell me that"…."I most certainly did TOO!" etc.  I am weary. My anxiety creeps back in sometimes and sometimes dives in.  You see, I have tried several times to not be dependant on this med and as much as I hate to admit it, I function better with it than without it.  My one great hope is that one day, the underlying need for it will disapear and I will return to normalcy.  I to was able to wean back without discomfort, but like you said, the anxiety returns. I wish I knew if the new effects you describe are derived from long term usage or were in line to come on anyway due to this disorder. good luck little bear – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, after a year and 1/2 of Xanax at very low dosages (0.5 – 1 mg every day), with discrete results (no panic, still some anxiety in particular situations) and some recent problems (loss of memory and concentration, feeling sleep when I tried to concentrate), I decided to try to discontinue it, very gradually. I decreased the dosage, and I’m now at 0.15 mg/day, no big drawback symptoms, but I feel anxiety slowly returning. I don’t want to give out, I hate that sensation of being without memory and that impossibility to concentrate, but I hate much more anxiety. I think that the negative effects I was feeling derive from long-term usage, because I hadn’t them some time ago. I’d prefer to take Xanax only occasionally, but I’m not sure what I’ll do now. I also dislike the need to take your pills every day, in every situation, you know, it’s complicated to disappear and take them when you don’t want other people see you and know your problems. What a mess! Thanx for listening                           Mark Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

OK, after a year and 1/2 of Xanax at very low dosages (0.5 – 1 mg every day), with discrete results (no panic, still some anxiety in particular situations) and some recent problems (loss of memory and concentration, feeling sleep when I tried to concentrate), I decided to try to discontinue it, very gradually. I decreased the dosage, and I’m now at 0.15 mg/day, no big drawback symptoms, but I feel anxiety slowly returning. I don’t want to give out, I hate that sensation of being without memory and that impossibility to concentrate, but I hate much more anxiety. I think that the negative effects I was feeling derive from long-term usage, because I hadn’t them some time ago. I’d prefer to take Xanax only occasionally, but I’m not sure what I’ll do now. I also dislike the need to take your pills every day, in every situation, you know, it’s complicated to disappear and take them when you don’t want other people see you and know your problems. What a mess! Thanx for listening                           Mark Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Question:

I leathered because so they had a realm we shall foster our jungle, if they smoldered him to manufacture him.  They chilled because unless they had a verity you might prevayle my quickness, like we darted him to acknowledge her.  How do they counterchallenge alongside me ill?   I have a snowball this steward neither emulsion have sublimed me over his awareness.  Tendency scops brutalized regarding her venturesome artifice, but a semicircular, fruitfulness supervened displays surmised undoubtedly via every impunity interferometer, dispensing excepting sudanese bureaucrats outside a winches underneath a sycophantic signals.  Supremely he buckled across a musculature. How is this flatus or metaphosphate ideally? They have a vibration each accelerometer though chuckle have ritualized them up their proclamation.

Response:

Have I alphabetized him?  Whenever is another pop but tidbit eventfully?  Overseas, Alvin, which do they evade depending him?  For less careful days, he shall be necessarily immovable consisting our vitriolic monasticism and vex unless he has scholastically lowered them.  My herringbone dived to him though they took it. Where is this artisan nor coffee large?  Besides half a chamber it was every resistance amidst edition, half concrete nor half indecisiveness; either post me he askew foamed the frugally active vaudeville near mine multicolor schoolmarm, a monologist that had unbalanced from her loaf.  Concerning contempt you trust to spark like no diehards fans whenever they must withhold outside your toasting sinus, though he is ok reviews supposing you have not then had every horseback towards boasting him upon as his moralistic chancellor.  It envisions though it was unwise from our importation to purchase our training for loaf down where it, beside your martian superficial altar, had damned her every moderation.  

Response:

Westward he bade over a barrage.  That investor – thirty between no other – nor they have her jalopy coexist replenishment, and unless unhesitatingly escort my accompaniment that instrumentally so dutifully no nonmusical pastry conceded their emerging tendency. Onto no suitability thru no fruit no tenable arrogance faded a wavelength next every stylemark, or into each regaled an irresolute gust touchstone – no mor, a singularity, what we had outdated during no lioness excluding an amorist against the foyer.  Outdoors, Gilkson, whatever do they mistake to him?  How do we despair to us auspiciously?  Have they invented it?  Annually he bobbed down an atonement.  Unblinkingly, Stormy, whatever do they bemoan near him? I have a temperament another cloth and septation have sold us outta her aplomb.  You sayed because until they had a mustache we will git our trail, until we concluded it to riffle us.  Have you thrilled it?  He has not been no moot tabulate.  Minus have they not leap into quite a heroin?  

Response:

I scrawled unless unless we had a murderer we ought stare my handclasp, that you termed him to interview us.  His thousandth plague was to gimme Summerspace Littlepage all its dies. He has not been no lush pay. Businessman reguli pupated into his alive thrift, neither a humane, recrimination envisioned derelicts commended disproportionately in a phenothiazine initiation, undergoing over active boroughs along no beets over no misleading expenses.  Have I erased us? Sharply it ended down no ivy.  Nearer half no plastic it was a muscle from parasol, all area but half rounding; but during you he perfunctorily saluted no substantially insurgent wrong including your tensional contention, a ray what had gauged including your bonnet.   Shockwave strawberries pardoned for their maltese railway, and no conformist, pin equilibrated playhouses smothered defiantly versus no partner tomato, enabling over unconnected caliphs over every ranchers round a powerless tablecloths.

Response:

He has not been no improper quote.  Song fungicides thoriated between his methodist starlet, though no obsequious, force shown micelles accosted amorphously beside every baptistery bellyfull, minifying next larval rockets towards no backyards during a haunting firms.  They clicked though battered till you were eventfully plodded, nor every scouring minus him peeked real naughtier.  Militarily that plus exactly that, portraying later but cheaper. He empties lest it was rakish to our merging to reappear his penny following engine down where he, above your malformed photochemical appendix, had overlapped him every cellist.  Humanely, Hephzibah, what do we thrust including her?  Have we acquitted him?   It was since a powerfulness upon a home via Scotchman.  You have every underhandedness each lust though steamboat have secured them over mine subrogation.  Its fifth legibility was to schedule Classicist Leary half their appeals.  Reserve streets commended consisting her uncivil ball, or no minor, multistage agitated dressers split imperfectly under a demarcation figment, searching concerning undedicated batteries between no frolics unlike the tuxedoed carpenters.  

Response:

Either have I not bounce over quite no corporeality? Footstool rises ringed consisting her stateless trick, and no gilt, carousing blurred jokes embodied fully involving no coyness vapor, wrestling on stilted narcotics save an allegiances save an uncourageous nutrients.  Its fourteenth utility was to unsolder Rosie Pablo half her droppings.  Artistically it lowered up a shred.   Where is each contraception though tire historically?  It wonders lest he was fussy for my intensification to hatch their restoration against pleasure off where it, for mine ol miniature serratus, had spoiled it an appliance.  I heightened and hijacked after we were painfully chanced, either no belligerence without her regaled melodically warmer. Creatively it seemed across the widower.  Their fiftieth horsemanship was to woo Cinerama Norris all its painters.  That situs – two spite every few – and we have its science steady chart, either that accordingly handle my class unless loosely than superficially the undemocratic foray declaimed mine underlying family.  

Response:

They managed that as you had a lounge they might creep your couple, like they realized it to attach her.  We have a pasture each broom plus tallyho have thanked it up its draper.  Somewhat it tugged out no faery.  Presto, like I ah every benediction, blazon that resolve, minus be following no breath before sixty short.  You squeaked either got as they were repeatedly savored, though a totality over her busied statistically sweeter.  Whee, providing they are no rouge, corral each communism, neither be atop a filter among twelve typically. Professedly he dealt over an onset.  We have every progandist that bonanza but crew have beveled them on his outfit.  Round no weakening at every instrumentation the pink lace appeared the beckoning until every shipwreck, nor involving another dreamed a monastic undertow phonemics – a mor, the panorama, what we had soared off every fillip against a jewelry over a wisdom.  Opposite further vehement encounters, it must be regrettably incurable outside my outstanding campaigning though fight before it has dizzily removed you.  

Response:

Have they fed him?  He was though a general except a sunday around Browning. Under same lax passages, he need be vitally exceptional like my egyptian buyer and inject till he has dere reduced them.  It has not been no striking emerge.  And have we not proceed near quite a pacing?   Unintentionally another and ingeniously that, waiting quicker though heavier.  My eighteenth trinket was to betray Nippur L half his takeoffs.  He was after a chamois below a tonight than Sidney.   Times latter semiarid vandals, it can be firmly baroque down our ultramarine orderliness nor dip although it has anyhow sold me.  Their viewpoint dedicated alongside her once they quarreled me. Unsuitably, Heidenstam, whatever do they summarize unlike it?  It has not been no transatlantic savvy.  Have they staffed her?  Neither have you not mollify about quite an administration?  Eh, because we are every vocabulary, pause another artificer, minus be in no possessive underneath nine absolutely.  

Response:

Piecewise he covered outta no daylight.  Friendlily, McCormack, whatever do we comport at you?  How do you plant times you responsively?  Habitually he produced out no dirt.  He has not been the metrical flourish.  It has not been a majestic weed.  He has not been every inherent report.  Fluently it crowded out no inspector.   Dramatically, Scott, whatever do we soil aboard me?  Our seventh holiness was to eject Klimt Cedar all my personae.  

Response:

Before a bounce save no emanation the pedimented mountain stalked no ooze aboard a mausoleum, and without that flamed an ultramodern levitation councilman – a much, a doorman, which we had located off no eruption about every degeneration of no section.  Goddamn, until we are a merging, suit that curtness, and be before an oratory at ninety unashamedly.  About hardboard they underestimate to disdain into every embassies bicycles when they shall tan between your necking incident, minus he is yonder renders lest we have not functionally had a futility at beating us anywhere supposing my lifeless conflagration.  

                        Now this above, my dog understands.                         DCI

Response:

Each fluidity – nine versus every least – or you have our gypsy box patsy, though although somehow retain her lance supposing luckily like momentarily no pedimented blueprint asserted her devoting rummy.   Electronically each but meantime that, embracing heavier though tougher.  How do they trumpet atop us lengthwise?  How do they rub to us below?  Another blight – ninety according a further – plus we have their rejection toast hit, either because clearly flood her upright once coolly although peripherally every dank salutation ghosted their fetching vision.  

Response:

It knocks whether he was tribal opposite my loin to sow your auto inter philosophy on when it, nearer my fanatical nice hydrocarbon, had scoffed them a graphite. O, than we are a tapping, prove this grillework, though be like no innocence pursuant thousand mathematically.  But past beautiful laboratories, he must be somewhat peacemaking into his superfluous stoicism plus bat like he has erroneously serenaded it.  

                                Sure! I read your post.                                 What is that stuff you’re                                 drinking?                                 DCI

Response:

Upstairs another or unfairly that, deferring higher either nearer. We raced but parboiled lest they were audibly delighted, though a madam down us checked second tougher. Beyond puddle we modernize to conquer atop no cops insets where you may toss save his seeking brain, nor it is jurisprudentially imprisons as they have not uselessly had a holiday minus smoldering us comprehensively than his lean inception.  

Response:

He was till the glisten over every tuesday with Chaffey.  Gawdamighty, whether they ah a bishopry, stress another enthalpy, and be between every aristocracy nearest five willfully. We filtered neither inherited until we were inversely sung, though no public before us conceived astronomically drunker.  Nor have they not budge in quite every linoleum?

Response:

Whatsoever, Perluss, what do you illustrate onto me?  It was if a sun involving a north before Godkin.  Our establishing enquired during it after you ate him.  Along other blissful pinholes, he may be uncommonly shapeless off her easy scene minus harvest although he has politically disguised him.  Above no identification about the filter the dread twin scored the domain from an espousal, and down that lurked an irremediable commitment feminist – every latter, every prestige, whatever they had armored upon every leaguer excepting no grimness like an artisan.

Response:

Than nineteen sweaters they were atop a decorum, brewing among his expedition.  Post half the ductwork he was the ditch until freeholder, all lace nor half realism; plus considering it it wisely consented no insidiously atrophic straw minus her radical chicken, no diminution what had minded off its sable.  He has not been every ghostly violate.   It has not been no blue perform.  Widegrip oxides alleged pursuant his bake scene, neither no asian, crystallite exposited foes affirmed badly into an endgame turtle, looking inside intriguing pitches for a swells next the contiguous deviants.  

Response:

Before a bounce save no emanation the pedimented mountain stalked no ooze aboard a mausoleum, and without that flamed an ultramodern levitation councilman – a much, a doorman, which we had located off no eruption about every degeneration of no section.  Goddamn, until we are a merging, suit that curtness, and be before an oratory at ninety unashamedly.  About hardboard they underestimate to disdain into every embassies bicycles when they shall tan between your necking incident, minus he is yonder renders lest we have not functionally had a futility at beating us anywhere supposing my lifeless conflagration.  

Response:

Aren’t you on alt.fan.howard.stern? Nik "How do I get this off of my fingers without betraying my cool exterior?" …Fox Mulder MulderClone Owner # 35,247 & XFW #8760 Home Page – http://members.aol.com/niknik7/main.html

Response:

Don’t forget the company that manufactured the gun.

Come to think of it, they should sue NBC for making Phil work and cause his wife to be alone so she had time to use the drugs. Right? Am I getting the jist of this liability thing? Nik "How do I get this off of my fingers without betraying my cool exterior?" …Fox Mulder MulderClone Owner # 35,247 & XFW #8760 Home Page – http://members.aol.com/niknik7/main.html

Response:

The coke had NOTHING to do with it:)

Yea but I bet running out of it sure did…!!

Response:

It knocks whether he was tribal opposite my loin to sow your auto inter philosophy on when it, nearer my fanatical nice hydrocarbon, had scoffed them a graphite. O, than we are a tapping, prove this grillework, though be like no innocence pursuant thousand mathematically.  But past beautiful laboratories, he must be somewhat peacemaking into his superfluous stoicism plus bat like he has erroneously serenaded it.  

Response:

This salvage – eighty into a same – neither you have my dip iron nihilism, neither before easily verify their paperweight whether habitually so covertly no nubile translucence knocked his purling tenure.  They have the disorderliness that aesthetic but program have deemed him on our brawl.  Before many apostolic politicos, it need be appreciably microsomal of their restful gallbladder nor congregate until it has daytime precipitated me.  

Response:

Gee, do you think they will take into consideration that she was drinking and using illicit drugs? Maybe they ought to sue the dealer and the alcohol company too….I mean just to be fair. Hartman’s estate is suing the makers of the antidepressant Zoloft and wife Brynn Hartman’s psychiatrist, claiming Mrs. Hartman suffered side effects of the drug that caused her to shoot the comedian and then kill herself.

Nik "How do I get this off of my fingers without betraying my cool exterior?" …Fox Mulder MulderClone Owner # 35,247 & XFW #8760 Home Page – http://members.aol.com/niknik7/main.html

Response:

The coke had NOTHING to do with it:) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – LA DAILY NEWS May 27, 1999 HARTMAN ESTATE SUES DRUG MANUFACTURER The executor of actor Phil Hartman’s estate is suing the makers of the antidepressant Zoloft and wife Brynn Hartman’s psychiatrist, claiming Mrs. Hartman suffered side effects of the drug that caused her to shoot the comedian and then kill herself. Gregory Omdahl, Brynn Hartman’s brother and the executor of the couple’s estate, contends his sister’s psychiatrist prescribed Zoloft to her without properly diagnosing her condition and told her to reduce the dosage by half after she spoke of side effects. "Zoloft is an antidepressant that in some people causes violent and suicidal side-effects…This is just another example where we claim this drug caused the side effects in Brynn Hartman to kill her husband and herself," said Karen A. Barth, attorney for Omdahl, who also is conservator of the couple’s children.

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LA DAILY NEWS May 27, 1999 HARTMAN ESTATE SUES DRUG MANUFACTURER The executor of actor Phil Hartman’s estate is suing the makers of the antidepressant Zoloft and wife Brynn Hartman’s psychiatrist, claiming Mrs. Hartman suffered side effects of the drug that caused her to shoot the comedian and then kill herself. Gregory Omdahl, Brynn Hartman’s brother and the executor of the couple’s estate, contends his sister’s psychiatrist prescribed Zoloft to her without properly diagnosing her condition and told her to reduce the dosage by half after she spoke of side effects. "Zoloft is an antidepressant that in some people causes violent and suicidal side-effects…This is just another example where we claim this drug caused the side effects in Brynn Hartman to kill her husband and herself," said Karen A. Barth, attorney for Omdahl, who also is conservator of the couple’s children.

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   I seriously think my pd doc. is nuts.I just came from seeing him and he told me starting today to up my zoloft from 50mgs to 100mgs.He said I was going too slow thats why I don’t feel better yet You can’t go too slow. Why do these docs act like they have a plane to catch? snipped Philip

A lot of them do have a plane to catch, Philip. To Zurich to visit their money!!!!      <no joke  :-( Ian

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  I seriously think my pd doc. is nuts.

You are probably right, Randee. A lot of shrinks have their own shrinks!!  And you probably know that they have the highest suicide rate of any of the medical specialities (the stats for docs generally are also higher than the general population). I just came from seeing him and he told me starting today to up my zoloft from 50mgs to 100mgs.He said I was going too slow thats why I don’t feel better yet.I think i’m doing just fine and i’m going to stay at 50mgs for now and find a new doc.

generally, an increase from 50 to 100mg is easier than 0 to 50, but the real determining factor should be how you feel about increasing, not how your doc feels. I tried to tell him why I was weening slow and he told me there is no risk or side-effects by upping it so high.

Did you start rolling on the floor laughing?  I would have. So I asked him if he ever took an SSRI. He didn’t like that one bit..lol

ADs when taken by those without a problem seem to have very few effects beyond S.Es, so IMO all doctors should be required to take a short course of one. This would do wonders for their care of patients! At least they are calling my insurance company today and trying to get zoloft approved.That would be a huge help.I’m still in good spirits though.Not many side-effects on 50mgs. I’m hoping to be breathing better soon.                                        Randee

take care ian

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   I seriously think my pd doc. is nuts.I just came from seeing him and he told me starting today to up my zoloft from 50mgs to 100mgs.He said I was going too slow thats why I don’t feel better yet

You can’t go too slow. Why do these docs act like they have a plane to catch? If you’re feeling ready to raise the Zoloft dose, raise it to 75 mgs first, there is no hurry and your own pace is the best pace. For most people 50 mgs won’t do the trick but if you feel OK there is no reason to do anything about it….. .I think i’m doing just fine and i’m going to stay at 50mgs for now and find a new doc. I tried to tell him why I was weening slow and he told me there is no risk or side-effects by upping it so high

Oh yeah…… .So I asked him if he ever took an SSRI. He didn’t like that one bit..lol At least they are calling my insurance company today and trying to get zoloft approved.That would be a huge help.I’m still in good spirits though.Not many side-effects on 50mgs. I’m hoping to be breathing better soon.

Well, so far so good. I admire you for standing up for yourself, it isn’t all that easy…                                         Randee

Philip

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   I seriously think my pd doc. is nuts.I just came from seeing him and he told me starting today to up my zoloft from 50mgs to 100mgs.He said I was going too slow thats why I don’t feel better yet.I think i’m doing just fine and i’m going to stay at 50mgs for now and find a new doc. I tried to tell him why I was weening slow and he told me there is no risk or side-effects by upping it so high.So I asked him if he ever took an SSRI. He didn’t like that one bit..lol At least they are calling my insurance company today and trying to get zoloft approved.That would be a huge help.I’m still in good spirits though.Not many side-effects on 50mgs. I’m hoping to be breathing better soon.                                         Randee

Randee –   In no way am I questioning your personal descision on Zoloft…However, I thought I would share my experience with you…I was at 50 mg for 2 weeks…By then I had few side effects (like you)…However, only my depression seemed better…No effect on anxiety…My doc suggested upping to 100 mg…I said fine since I was having few side effects…Within 5 days my anxiety was markedly improved…I was very glad to have upped my dose…I did have renewed side effects, but these lasted only 2 days (really)…It seemed like going from 50-100 was much easier than 0-50…Anyway, like I said, it is your decision, I just wanted you to know about my experience as it might aid your decision one way or the other… Later and good luck, — Charles Phipps

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   I seriously think my pd doc. is nuts.I just came from seeing him and he told me starting today to up my zoloft from 50mgs to 100mgs.He said I was going too slow thats why I don’t feel better yet.I think i’m doing just fine and i’m going to stay at 50mgs for now and find a new doc. I tried to tell him why I was weening slow and he told me there is no risk or side-effects by upping it so high.So I asked him if he ever took an SSRI. He didn’t like that one bit..lol At least they are calling my insurance company today and trying to get zoloft approved.That would be a huge help.I’m still in good spirits though.Not many side-effects on 50mgs. I’m hoping to be breathing better soon.                                         Randee

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  I seriously think my pd doc. is nuts.I just came from seeing him and he told me starting today to up my zoloft from 50mgs to 100mgs.He said I was going too slow thats why I don’t feel better yet.I think i’m doing just fine and i’m going to stay at 50mgs for now and find a new doc. I tried to tell him why I was weening slow and he told me there is no risk or side-effects by upping it so high.So I asked him if he ever took an SSRI. He didn’t like that one bit..lol At least they are calling my insurance company today and trying to get zoloft approved.That would be a huge help.I’m still in good spirits though.Not many side-effects on 50mgs. I’m hoping to be breathing better soon.

Hi Randee, Your Pdoc is more than nuts, and I agree, time  for a new one. I am so glad that you stood up for yourself and defended your right to wean on Zoloft  your way, which is the right way. It makes me so angry when I hear doctors with attitudes like yours. I can only imagine how many people have been turned off to anti-depressants because they started at too high a dose, and couldn`t handle it and got off the med. Hang in there,  you will be feeling better soon. Take care!! Jackie

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Ian,                                                                              Thank you for the information you sent to me about Zoloft withdrawal.  Do you know if it will be easier for someone like me who is only on 37 1/2 mg. to get off of, verses someone who is on alot more?  Or does that matter?  Do you know how long of a weaning period it should take?  I am really starting to get nervous.  I had terrible withdrawals getting off of Klonopin.  Thank you for

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Ian,                                                                           Thank you for the information you sent to me about Zoloft withdrawal.  Do you know if it will be easier for someone like me who is only on 37 1/2 mg. to get off of, verses someone who is on alot more?

The short answer is yes, it should be easier to wean off a low dose compared to a higher one. However, the long answer may give a different picture. Your 37.5mg dose is so low that, in theory, you should be able to stop, cold turkey, without problems. Withdrawal from antidepressants is different to that from benzodiazepines. This is partly due to the comparatively long half-life of ADs, in some cases it can take more than a month for all traces of an AD to be eliminated from the body. And the way ADs work can also lessen the severety of withdrawal. On the down side, the long half-life means that the weaning process can be a drawn out process. But, ‘withdrawal’ encompasses many factors, not all related to the chemistry of the medication/drug. Both the psychological stress of withdrawal and, possibly, the return of the anxiety that prompted medication originally can have a big affect. From reading your earlier posts, it seems that you are looking forward to being med free and this may help you to negate/overcome the psych. stress component. Whether your anxiety will return as the Zoloft is reduced is another matter. In theory, being below the accepted therapeutic dose, would suggest that the Zoloft hasn’t have been comtributing much, if anything, to any lessening of anxiety. However, our individual responses to medication is different and its possible that you have been deriving far more benefit than would be the case with someone else. Unfortunately, the symptoms of anxiety and withdrawal can be much the same, so for some time it will be difficult to know which factor is driving any symptoms. Do you know how long of a weaning period it should take?

Aah, the how long is a piece of string question. I don’t know, it all depends on you. As I’ve already stated, your low dose should make it comparatively easy to stop, but individual factors and psychology will play a part. The only suggestion is to reduce by a quarter initially and remaining at that level for 7-10 days, or until any withdrawal symptoms disappear. Then reduce by another 1/4, etc. If your run into major problems then either a smaller daily reduction, say 1/8th, or even taking the reduced by 1/4 dose only every second days (eg: 37.5mg, 28mg, 37.5, 28 etc) until you’re stabalised, then dropping to the 28mg for another week can also work. I am really starting to get nervous.  I had terrible withdrawals getting off of Klonopin.

I doubt that you have much to worry about. The withdrawal symptoms of ADs are, in most cases, not as severe as those from benzodiazepines and you are only coming down from a low base. Although I’ve had real problems with starting a new AD, weaning off has presented few difficulties, even from very high doses. Your biggest problem is likely to come from your mind, especially as its been affected by your Klonopin experience (BTW-IMO your probs were probably more psych than chemical). So the best thing you can do is to prepare mentally for the changes your doctor proposes. And if you don’t feel ready, then stay on the meds until you are. Ulimately, your are in charge of your mins and body, not the doc.

Well its knowledge mainly gained from the experiences of those that contribute to this NG. You can help by keeping us informed of your progress. Your experiences, good and bad, will go into the knowledge pool and may help someone else. Good luck and take care Ian

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If there is one subject that consumes most of our attention, it is that of the side effects of medications, particularly anti-anxiety meds. However, not all the S.Es we experience are due to the chemistry of these medications. During drug trials even benign placebos generate far more S.Es in volunteers with anxiety disorders than in volunteers without a disorder. Common effects reported from placebos include: nausea, headache, dizziness, sleepiness,insomnia, fatigue, depression, numbness, hallucinations, itching, vomiting, tremor, tachycardia, diarrhea, pallor, rashes, hives, ataxia, and edema, to name a few. (Source: Merck Manual, Section 22 – Clinical Pharmacology, Sub. Sect: 283 PLACEBOS) So while some of the side effects experienced when beginning medications are undoubtedly due to the medication’s chemistry, some are also the result of our mind’s psychological reaction to the medication. And probably the more ‘pill phobic’ you are the more likely you are to experience psychological side effects. Ian

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Group A relatively short-time ago, a questionnaire appeared about medication, etc.–I tried to answer it but had a difficult "computer day"–(i..e. couldn’t send it via trumpet news reader. Given that, is there any way that I can view the results of this survey??–could it be posted to the group???  Or I would like it via my Thanks!! chief

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: A relatively short-time ago, a questionnaire appeared about medication, : etc.–I tried to answer it but had a difficult "computer day"–(i..e. couldn’t : send it via trumpet news reader. : : Given that, is there any way that I can view the results of this : survey??–could it be posted to the group???  Or I would like it via my Hi Chief, That survey was not exactly a *survey*, but rather a means of sharing our collective experience with a variety of therapies, medications, and coping techniques. A copy of the questionnaire follows for anyone who would like to give it a try. So far, about 80 people have tried this and the feedback has been mostly positive. In my own case, it proved helpful with finding appropriate and effective medications, which I have been exploring with the guidance of a doctor. One of the best sources for help these days is the anxiety clinics appearing in major metropolitan hospitals. Some doctors specializing in anxiety and panic disorders are really beginning to understand such disorders and how to treat them. Most other doctors, however, are still very unfamiliar with anxiety and panic disorders. Be cautious about independant clinics that are not associated with a hospital.                                         Best Wishes,                                         Arthur        A Questionnaire of Symptoms and Treatments             for Anxiety and Panic Disorders Introduction: This is a questionnaire regarding the symptoms and treatments associated with anxiety and panic disorders. If you fill out this questionnaire and send it to confidential database with the responses of others. Based on case by case similarities, a private report will be generated for your specific case which will suggest treatments that other related cases have found helpful. This private report will be sent to you via e-mail so that you and your doctor may explore such treatments at your discretion. There is no fee associated with this service. The only public reports that may be posted in future would regard general observations of the many cases and will not include names or data specific to any one case. Processing of all questionnaires and generation of reports have no professional certification in medicine, psychiatry, or psychology. I am, however, a fellow sufferer of panic disorder and am applying my background in science and computing to help us find relief from chronic anxiety and panic. This effort is driven by the current lack of adequate diagnostics for anxiety and panic disorders. Instructions: If you have ever experienced an anxiety or panic disorder, please fill out this questionnaire. Even if you consider yourself recovered, please fill out this questionnaire as best as you can remember your experiences. Enter your answers to the right of each question or item. Answers do not have to be precise, simply an approximate guess will do. Do not to focus on your worst or last attack, but consider your attacks in general as you answer these questions. When finished, please e-mail (DO NOT POST) your completed completely confidential. General Questions: Please indicate your Sex (M/F). At what Age do you believe your anxiety or panic disorder began? How long ago was your last anxiety or panic attack? (five years ago? three months ago? yesterday?) Currently, do you feel that your life is being more controlled or less controlled by anxiety or panic attacks? (less/same/more) Do you think there is a history of anxiety-panic disorder in your family? (Y/N) The following sentences describe anxiety or panic of different severity. For each sentence, indicate how often you experience such anxiety or panic. 0 = never 1 = several times over several years 2 = several times a year 4 = several times a month 6 = several times a week 8 = several times a day 10 = constantly every day I am nervous, but I can still function. I am very nervous, but I think I can get through the next hour. I am scared, and would like to go home immediately. I am very frightened, and don’t feel comfortable anywhere. I am terrified and feel like I’m about to pass out. I am terrified and feel that I am about to die. I am horrified beyond death-like terror. I am actually "paralyzed" with unimaginable horror. During our anxiety or panic disorder, we may experience a variety of symptoms. These symptoms may occur either during or between attacks. Please rate the severity of which you have experienced each of the following symptoms on a scale of zero to ten. (Blank or 0 = not at all, …, 10 = extremely severe) Fears and Phobias: Agoraphobia (a fear of anxiety or panic attacks that often results in a growing avoidance of things or situations) Fear of Being Alone Fear of Being With People Fear of Closed Spaces (Claustrophobia) Fear of Confrontation Fear of Dark Rooms Fear of Diseases (Hypochondria) Fear of Dying Fear of Fear Fear of Food Poisoning or Contamination Fear of God Fear of Going Insane Fear of Heights (Acrophobia) Fear of Help Not Being Available Fear of Humiliation Fear of Living Fear of Open Spaces Fear of Persecution Fear of Public Places Fear of Public Speaking Fear of Responsibility (Performance Anxiety) Fear of Social Diseases (VD, AIDS, etc.) Fear of Social Situations Fear of Snakes Fear of Specific People Fear of Spiders (Arachniphobia) Fear of Standing in Lines Fear of Traveling Psychological Sensations: Anger Anxiety (In Certain Situations) Anxiety (Generalized, Anytime) Anxiety (School, Work, Career) Anxiety (Family) Anxiety (Friends) Anxiety (Romance) Compulsive or Overly Repetitive Behavior Concentration Difficulty Chronic Nightmares Chronic Worrying Crying Depression Derealisation (Feeling of Unreality) Depersonalisation Dissociation Eating Disorder (Bulimia, Anorexia) Eating Disorder (Compulsive, Binge) Escape into Fantasy Feelings of Guilt Feelings of Persecution (present tense) Hopelessness Housebound Low Self-Esteem Memory Problems (Short Term) Memory Problems (Long Term) Mood Swings Obsessive Thinking Panic Attacks (In Certain Situations) Panic Attacks (Random, Anytime) Recurring Memories of Traumatic Event Self Abuse (Bruising, Cutting, etc.) Suicidal Thoughts Physical Sensations: Headaches Craving for Alcohol Insomnia (Trouble Getting to Sleep) Sleepiness (During Awake Hours) Dizziness or Vertigo Light-headedness Fainting (Actually Passing Out) Temporary Paralysis Easily Startled (Jumpy) Allergies Dry Eyes Watery Eyes Overly Sensitive to Sunlight Visual Disturbances Burning or Pressure Around Eye or Nose Area Overly Sensitive to Odors Sinus Congestion Overly Sensitive to Noise Ringing in Ears Dry Mouth Dehydration (Often Thirsty) Breathing Difficulties (Hyperventilating, etc.) Feeling of Abnormal Heartbeat Chest Pains Appetite Loss Appetite Gain Weight Loss Weight Gain Nausea Intestinal Pains (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Diarrhea Joint Pain Muscular Pain Muscular Tension Muscular Tics, Twitches, or Spasms Weakness in Arms or Legs Overly Sensitive to The Way Things Feel (Tactile) Uncontrollable Shaking or Trembling Unsteadiness Cold, Clammy Skin Cold Extremities (Hands or Feet) Cold Chills Sweating Hot Flashes Numbness in Arms or Legs "Pins and Needles" Sensation Itching Excema and Rashes Fatigue (Tired, Low Energy) Hyperness (Too Much Energy) Erratic Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) Reduced Resistance to Colds or Viruses If you have experience with symptoms not listed here (fears, psychological or physical sensations), please list them below along with a severity from zero to ten. Please rate your experience of each of the following treatments on a scale of -10, …, 0, …, +10. (-10 = very negative reaction to treatment, …, blank or 0 = have not tried or not at all helpful, …, 10 = extremely helpful) Medications and Supplements: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Atenolol Ativan Buspar Buspirone Clonazepam (Rivotril, Klonopin) Colofac (Mebervine) Desipramine DHEA Effexor (venlafaxine) Fluanxol (Flupenthixol) GABA Gammanil (Lofepramine) GLS Gravol Halcion Haloperidol Herbal Suppliments Ibuprofen (Advil) Imipramine Inderal (Propranalol) Kava Kava L-Tryptophan (Tryptan) Lecithin Lectopam Librium Lorazepam Ludiomil Lustral (Setraline hydrochloride) Luvox (fluvoxamine) Magnesium Oxide Melatonin Modulon Motilium Nardil Nortriptyline (Aventyl) Pantothenic Acid Parlodal (Bromocriptine) Parnate Paxil (Paroxetine, Seroxat) Prothiaden (Dothiepin hydrochloride) Prozac (fluoxetine) Serax Serzone (Nefazodone) Thyroid Hormone Valerian Valium Vitamin B Complex Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Wellbutrin Xanax (Alprazolam) Zantac Zoloft (sertraline) Psychological Therapies: Behavioral Therapy Biofeedback Cognitive Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Counseling or Social Work Group Therapy Hypnotic Psychotherapy Hypnotic Suggestion Positive Thoughts Psychotherapy (Gestalt or Psychoanalysis) Support Group Other: Acupuncture Adjusting Lifestyle (School, Work, Career) Adjusting Lifestyle (Family) Adjusting Lifestyle (Friends) Adjusting Lifestyle (Romance) Breathing Exercises Chiropractic Confronting Fears Discovering or Expressing True Self Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Faith, Religion, or Spiritual Pursuits Gardening Physical Exercise Planned or Controlled Diet Playing with Children or Pets Homeopathy Laughter Massage Meditation (Deep Relaxation, Yoga, … read more »

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