Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Aloha Daltons, I do not specifically about serotonin.  But… After several years of prednisone use I now have a bone density LOSS of about 35% per Dexascan.  No one knew?? the dangers when I started the drug in 1988. It can change,  mood, body weight (moon face), and other not so good side effects.  Avoid when you can and use very carefully.  According to an Endocrinologist sp?, steroids can affect bone density in one year or less. Mele Kaliki Maka, Merry Christmas to All, Edmund, Kauai, HI I have agressivness/anger/mood problems with prednisone in a major way.  This is the most problematic side effect for me.  :(

Yeah, it can do that too. See PI Precaution: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/pred.htm#sect-Precautions Excerpt: "Precautions: General Precautions The lowest possible dose of corticosteroid should be used to control the condition under treatment, and when reduction in dosage is possible, the reduction should be gradual. Psychic derangements may appear when corticosteroids are used,  ranging from euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality  changes, and severe depression, to frank psychotic  manifestations. Also, existing emotional instability or  psychotic tendencies may be aggravated by corticosteroids." I try to stay away from oral steroids like prednisone; have been able to control exacerbations with very high dose inhaled steroids, which is still much less steroid than prednisone, since its targeted to the lungs. So I double, triple, or if necessary quadruple my inhaled steroids during exacerbation (per Action Plan) Note–Oral steroids probably needed for peak flows below 50% of personal best. Ellis

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Aloha Daltons, I do not specifically about serotonin.  But… After several years of prednisone use I now have a bone density LOSS of about 35% per Dexascan.  No one knew?? the dangers when I started the drug in 1988. It can change,  mood, body weight (moon face), and other not so good side effects.  Avoid when you can and use very carefully.  According to an Endocrinologist sp?, steroids can affect bone density in one year or less. Mele Kaliki Maka, Merry Christmas to All, Edmund, Kauai, HI

I have agressivness/anger/mood problems with prednisone in a major way.  This is the most problematic side effect for me.  :(  

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Hi all  :) Anyone know the effect prednisone has on serotonin levels?

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Aloha Daltons, I do not specifically about serotonin.  But… After several years of prednisone use I now have a bone density LOSS of about 35% per Dexascan.  No one knew?? the dangers when I started the drug in 1988. It can change,  mood, body weight (moon face), and other not so good side effects.  Avoid when you can and use very carefully.  According to an Endocrinologist sp?, steroids can affect bone density in one year or less. Mele Kaliki Maka, Merry Christmas to All, Edmund, Kauai, HI

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Anyone know the effect prednisone has on serotonin levels?

I don’t know about serotonin interactions. Here’s a link to PI: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/pred.htm prednisone Excerpts: "Adverse Reactions: Neurological: Increased intracranial pressure with papilledema  (pseudo-tumor cerebri) usually after treatment; Convulsions;  Vertigo; Headache Endocrine: Menstrual irregularities; Development of Cushingoid state; Secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness, particularly in times of stress, as in trauma,  surgery or illness; Suppression of growth in children; Decreased carbohydrate tolerance; Manifestations of latent  diabetes mellitus; Increased requirements for insulin or  oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics Ophthalmic: Posterior subcapsular cataracts; Increased  intraocular pressure; Glaucoma; Exophthalmos" Copyright 1998 – Mosby Inc. – Mosby’s GenRx Many asthmatics on oral steroids have been able to switch to High Dose inhaled steroids like Pulmicort or Flovent 220, which results in a smaller systemic dose. Ellis

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Question:

Wish I had the material in front of me, but before moving we looked into an electrostatic filter for the air intake of our forced air system.  It was a permanent unit that required no cleaning and runs on 120 house current. How it works is to attract and then zap dust being carried through the intake (essentially a miniature incineration of dust).  Average cost was $600 Canadian depending on size.   I never saw it work but the fuel oil company (who are very good) gave me contacts of the couple of people who have used them in the area, and they report 1) a big improvement and 2) they feel their total system now reduces the dust problem in the house where previously it made it worse. We were convinced (but then we bought a new house and didn’t need it). Hope this posting doesn’t prompt an onslaught of SPAM. Bill. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For anyone who has asthma and a forced-air heating system, 1 month ago I had the entire system "power-vacuumed" for about 450 dollars (depends on number of ducts) and have had a very definite decrease in my symptoms, my need for albuteral/serevent and flovent (from 4-6 to 2 puffs per day). My previous heating filters would be pretty dirty (completely gray) after a month, the latest one is basically spotless after 4 weeks of use so I believe that the air in the house must be much cleaner. If you are in this situation you may want to give this a try. The cleaning company said it should be done every 4-7 years depending upon whether you have pets etc…It seems like a better guide is how long it takes the filter to get dirty.

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Just wanted to add that if anyone uses a humidifer with their heating system, the possibility exists for water vapor to become trapped in the elbows of the pipes thus leading to the growth of mold when the system is not in use for a period of time or is shut off for the spring/summer. Jarrett I live in the country – lots of dirt, polle and grass clippings sucked into my outdoor air unit.  I get my ducts cleaned every 5 years.  It does make a tremendous difference!

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Hit the send button too soon.  My point is if you use a humidifier pipes should be cleaned out on a more regular basis, say at the start of each heating season.  Also, de-lime the humidifier plates. Sorry about that, Jarrett Just wanted to add that if anyone uses a humidifer with their heating system, the possibility exists for water vapor to become trapped in the elbows of the pipes thus leading to the growth of mold when the system is not in use for a period of time or is shut off for the spring/summer. Jarrett I live in the country – lots of dirt, polle and grass clippings sucked into my outdoor air unit.  I get my ducts cleaned every 5 years.  It does make a tremendous difference!

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I live in the country – lots of dirt, polle and grass clippings sucked into my outdoor air unit.  I get my ducts cleaned every 5 years.  It does make a tremendous difference!

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We had our ducts cleaned before we turned the heat on in this house.  We moved in it in August and the house is 11 years old.  The former owners smoked and never had it done.  All I can say is that my 2 kids who get sick all the time were much more manageable this winter season.  I believe its a good investment.  We also bought a 3M electro-magnetic furnace filter and I think that has helped tremondously.  The dut is much less compared to when we had the regular furnace filter on. Gina

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For anyone who has asthma and a forced-air heating system, 1 month ago I had the entire system "power-vacuumed" for about 450 dollars (depends on number of ducts) and have had a very definite decrease in my symptoms, my need for albuteral/serevent and flovent (from 4-6 to 2 puffs per day). My previous heating filters would be pretty dirty (completely gray) after a month, the latest one is basically spotless after 4 weeks of use so I believe that the air in the house must be much cleaner. If you are in this situation you may want to give this a try. The cleaning company said it should be done every 4-7 years depending upon whether you have pets etc…It seems like a better guide is how long it takes the filter to get dirty.

You can keep the system even cleaner by installing washable filters on your air return vents, and on your heater vents.  I use cheesecloth, so that they can all be removed weekly and tossed in the washer. Chris Owens

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Question:

I was on oral prednisone for about 3 months, 40MG with a slow taper, I found I had bruising problems, which declined as I got down below 10MG. I also use Pulmicort, and before that, Flovent, and have seen no problems with those alone. As has been pointed out, people vary in their sensitivity. Boyd — "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." (Ellen Parr- author) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi does anyone know if my medications (Ventolin- Seratide 250- Uniphyllin) has anything to do with the bad bruises that keep appearing. I don’t even know why I am getting them as I don’t really knock myself or anything. Just wondered if they were related. Thanks in advance for any replies.

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I also get lots of bruises.  I think it also depends on the person.  Some people are more sensitive to the side effects. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any steroid can lead to bruising. When I am on Prednisone my legs look like I have been kicked by Jackie Chan! Denise Hi does anyone know if my medications (Ventolin- Seratide 250- Uniphyllin) has anything to do with the bad bruises that keep appearing. I don’t even know why I am getting them as I don’t really knock myself or anything. Just wondered if they were related. Thanks in advance for any replies.

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I have noticed since my son started Pulmicort that he bruises much more easily.  He had a nasty insect bite on his leg that left a black and blue mark for weeks.  His doctor said that inhaled steroids do that sometimes.  But the kid’s not wheezing anymore. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi does anyone know if my medications (Ventolin- Seratide 250- Uniphyllin) has anything to do with the bad bruises that keep appearing. I don’t even know why I am getting them as I don’t really knock myself or anything. Just wondered if they were related. Thanks in advance for any replies.

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Any steroid can lead to bruising. When I am on Prednisone my legs look like I have been kicked by Jackie Chan! Denise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi does anyone know if my medications (Ventolin- Seratide 250- Uniphyllin) has anything to do with the bad bruises that keep appearing. I don’t even know why I am getting them as I don’t really knock myself or anything. Just wondered if they were related. Thanks in advance for any replies.

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Hi does anyone know if my medications (Ventolin- Seratide 250- Uniphyllin) has anything to do with the bad bruises that keep appearing. I don’t even know why I am getting them as I don’t really knock myself or anything. Just wondered if they were related. Thanks in advance for any replies.

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Hello, I’ve been lurking for quit some time now. I’ve had diabetes for 3 years and was taking oral medications. Now my doctor has put me on insulin, this is my question. Is any one else that uses insulin’s  tummy as bruised as mine is? What am I doing wrong? It doesn’t hurt. It just looks horrible. Also sometimes a little bubble of insulin seeps out of my skin is this normal? I always hate to call the doctor for every little problem, so I was hoping some one could answer these questions for me.

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Gale, I get bruising from time to time. I can’t explain why it happens. I have heard it could be from pinching a to small of an area.It doesn’t matter where I shoot I can get bruising. A bubble does appear sometime right after I shoot but it is nothing to be concerned about. keep the faith rik — Padded room with a view                                    RWC3

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Hi Gale., I did have brusing when I first started, came from shoving the needle in to quickly for me.. Once I let the needle fall into the skin then slowly push it the rest of the way, the problems stopped. For *me* I found shooting at an angle wasn’t an option, I go straight in. But as with this.. its a YMMV also, the little bubble is normal, not enough to worry about, keep the needle inserted a extra couple seconds so it all gets dispensed.. should end that problem also. Good luck — RK [T1 that was smarter then her previous Doctors!][dx'd 5/00][Lantus Lover w/Novolog] http://www.diabeticnet.com – Main alt.support.diabetes website – Be fooled by no other imitations! http://www.zerolimit.net/files/zl-mirc.exe (#diabeticnet chatroom software)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I’ve been lurking for quit some time now. I’ve had diabetes for 3 years and was taking oral medications. Now my doctor has put me on insulin, this is my question. Is any one else that uses insulin’s  tummy as bruised as mine is? What am I doing wrong? It doesn’t hurt. It just looks horrible. Also sometimes a little bubble of insulin seeps out of my skin is this normal? I always hate to call the doctor for every little problem, so I was hoping some one could answer these questions for me.

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press down on the injection site for 10 seconds after your shot — kate

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I’ve been lurking for quit some time now. I’ve had diabetes for 3 years and was taking oral medications. Now my doctor has put me on insulin, this is my question. Is any one else that uses insulin’s  tummy as bruised as mine is? What am I doing wrong? It doesn’t hurt. It just looks horrible. Also sometimes a little bubble of insulin seeps out of my skin is this normal? I always hate to call the doctor for every little problem, so I was hoping some one could answer these questions for me.

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Hello, I’ve been lurking for quit some time now. I’ve had diabetes for 3 years and was taking oral medications. Now my doctor has put me on insulin, this is my question. Is any one else that uses insulin’s  tummy as bruised as mine is? What am I doing wrong? It doesn’t hurt. It just looks horrible. Also sometimes a little bubble of insulin seeps out of my skin is this normal? I always hate to call the doctor for every little problem, so I was hoping some one could answer these questions for me.

Well, I did at first also a little. For one thing, inject the insulin slowly. As for the insulin seeping out, count to 10 or so before withdrawing. — Dave – 5:23:57 PM T2 – 8/98 Glucophage, U & H A 4th generation Diabetic – Davors Daily Aphorism: I have a speech impediment… my foot. — —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

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press down on the injection site for 10 seconds after your shot — kate

Ten seconds is apparently the  correct time to hold the needle in place before *slowly* withdrawing. So say Novo and Lilly in their literature. Bruising is usually the result of just catching a blood vessel under the skin. So slow insertion and removal helps prevent damage to those vessels caused by too-fast movement. It’s just one of those things we all live with. I can go a fortnight without a bruise and then get three in a day. Ratty

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Hello, I’ve been lurking for quit some time now. I’ve had diabetes for 3 years and was taking oral medications. Now my doctor has put me on insulin, this is my question. Is any one else that uses insulin’s  tummy as bruised as mine is? What am I doing wrong? It doesn’t hurt. It just looks horrible. Also sometimes a little bubble of insulin seeps out of my skin is this normal? I always hate to call the doctor for every little problem, so I was hoping some one could answer these questions for me.

If your stomach is the only place you are injecting then you are ignoring other good locations and not allowing your stomach area enough time to heal.  I found that by setting up and following an exact injection site rotation schedule that I eliminated most of the bruising.  You can inject in your upper arm, the closer to the back of it the better, your upper thighs and even around your back as far as you can reach.  I learned that by keening up against a door frame that I could either pull my upper arm tight or with a twist I could bunch up the skin and then inject using one hand.  The trick is to stay leaning up against the door frame until you remove the syringe.  It is akward at first but with a little practice it can be done in the dame amount of time that it takes to inject in the thigh or stomach area. By injecting in the upper arm on one side and then the stomach area on the same side and then the thigh and then switching sides and going back up to the arm and then starting over, you will allow enough time to heal between injections in the same area. The back flow of insulin from the injection is nothing to be concerned about.  It can be avoided by simply placing your fingertip directly on the injection site and applying pressure for a few seconds immediately after pulling the syringe out. Derek Type 1 since 1975 Minimed 508 Insulin Pump http://www.diabeticnet.com http://sweetblood.org http://www.insulin-pumpers.org http://www.diabetesinterview.com http://www.zerolimit.net (irc server webpage for our chat room) #diabeticnet is the name of our IRC chat on zerolimit.net http://www.zerolimit.net/files/zl-mirc.exe  http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/misc/webtv.html http://www.xs4all.nl/~ircle/  <–Ircle Mac IRC software http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2001/06/cureall.htm

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Thank you all for the support, I will give it a try. It’s a good thing I don’t wear a bikini any more….lol…thanks you all have been great. Gale

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I’ve been lurking for quit some time now. I’ve had diabetes for 3 years and was taking oral medications. Now my doctor has put me on insulin, this is my question. Is any one else that uses insulin’s  tummy as bruised as mine is? What am I doing wrong? It doesn’t hurt. It just looks horrible. Also sometimes a little bubble of insulin seeps out of my skin is this normal? I always hate to call the doctor for every little problem, so I was hoping some one could answer these questions for me.

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<snip  I learned that by keening up against a door frame that I could either pull my upper arm tight or with a twist I could bunch up the skin and then inject using one hand.  The trick is to stay leaning up against the door frame until you remove the syringe.  It is akward at first but with a little practice it can be done in the dame amount of time that it takes to inject in the thigh or stomach area. <sniip i got this image of me doing this in a resturant just as my meal arrives. d.

I always used my stomach when injecting in restaurants. Derek Type 1 since 1975 Minimed 508 Insulin Pump http://www.diabeticnet.com http://sweetblood.org http://www.insulin-pumpers.org http://www.diabetesinterview.com http://www.zerolimit.net (irc server webpage for our chat room) #diabeticnet is the name of our IRC chat on zerolimit.net http://www.zerolimit.net/files/zl-mirc.exe  http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/misc/webtv.html http://www.xs4all.nl/~ircle/  <–Ircle Mac IRC software http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2001/06/cureall.htm

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Has anyone experienced bruising after squeezing a pimple? If so, do you know how to treat it properly without it causing an infection? And why does this happen with some pimples and not others? Thanks! -Bobbi

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:Has anyone experienced bruising after squeezing a pimple? : :If so, do you know how to treat it properly without it causing an :infection? :And why does this happen with some pimples and not others? You have bruised becuase you squeezed hard enough to burst fine blood vessels under the skin.  This was too hard and is probably resulting in causing more serious problems. Please go to a profesional skin care specialist and have them show you the proper way to extract them. Jeff :Thanks! :-Bobbi AAEA – American Aestheticians Education Association   (A non-profit professional organization dedicated to generic    and non-biased education, litigation and research for the    Esthetic and Beauty Care Service Provider Industries.)

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: :Has anyone experienced bruising after squeezing a pimple?

: You have bruised becuase you squeezed hard enough to burst fine blood : vessels under the skin.  This was too hard and is probably resulting : in causing more serious problems. On rare occasion I have had a cyst bruise which I didn’t squeeze. It would do so after "hanging around" for a long time, neither getting better nor getting worse. Maybe this is a result of the stuff inside being "backed up,"  or "stuck." Val Butler

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One should not squeeze pimples.  Bruising can lead to nodule formation and boil-like eruptions.  It usually makes matters worse in the medium to long-term, although it might appear cosmetically more attractive in the short-term. Cheers, Dr P M Lassoff London "Bake those donuts with extra grease This batch is for the Chief of Police"                          – The Pop-O-Pies

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Has anyone experienced bruising after squeezing a pimple? If so, do you know how to treat it properly without it causing an infection? And why does this happen with some pimples and not others? Thanks! -Bobbi

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:Has anyone experienced bruising after squeezing a pimple? : :If so, do you know how to treat it properly without it causing an :infection? :And why does this happen with some pimples and not others? You have bruised becuase you squeezed hard enough to burst fine blood vessels under the skin.  This was too hard and is probably resulting in causing more serious problems. Please go to a profesional skin care specialist and have them show you the proper way to extract them. Jeff :Thanks! :-Bobbi AAEA – American Aestheticians Education Association   (A non-profit professional organization dedicated to generic    and non-biased education, litigation and research for the    Esthetic and Beauty Care Service Provider Industries.)

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: :Has anyone experienced bruising after squeezing a pimple?

: You have bruised becuase you squeezed hard enough to burst fine blood : vessels under the skin.  This was too hard and is probably resulting : in causing more serious problems. On rare occasion I have had a cyst bruise which I didn’t squeeze. It would do so after "hanging around" for a long time, neither getting better nor getting worse. Maybe this is a result of the stuff inside being "backed up,"  or "stuck." Val Butler

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One should not squeeze pimples.  Bruising can lead to nodule formation and boil-like eruptions.  It usually makes matters worse in the medium to long-term, although it might appear cosmetically more attractive in the short-term. Cheers, Dr P M Lassoff London "Bake those donuts with extra grease This batch is for the Chief of Police"                          – The Pop-O-Pies

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Kenneth, you state you have been or currently are on prednsoine. That should be the answer to the bruising problem. It generally takes some time to be affected, you did not state the # of milg. you are on, if it is a high dosage then it could set it off earlier then one who has been on a small dosage for a number of years. If you continue on pred. I would suggest a med. called FOLGARD it helps somewhat after a period of time. Check with your local druggist and or Dr. D.S.M. (DM Ret. US Govt. Int. Affairs)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – grapefruit ? What foods contain flavanoids? Bruising, without the slightest trauma, usually reflects thinning of the dermis. What ever you are taking for nutritional supplements…they are not working. It is   remedied quite easily by consuming a diet rich in flavanoids. Along with a basic  supplement regimen of Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Essential Fatty Acids. Ken.W  7 Years Med Free All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

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grapefruit ?

****** Wouldn’t eating grapefruit  be  a  bad idea? Aside from the acidity I mean. m Wouldn’t the grapefruit  iinteract with any meds you’re takiing? Violet Tigress

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 Vi Wouldn’t eating grapefruit  be  a  bad idea? Aside from the acidity I  Vi mean. m Wouldn’t the grapefruit  iinteract with any meds you’re  Vi takiing?  Vi Violet Tigress         For what it is worth, my wife has continued to eat grapefruit         and other citrus plus tomatoes through all her problems. She         claims that she sees no ill effects and the last time at the         doctor, he said if it doesnt bother than eat it.         Quite recently I read an article claiming that the effects of         grapefruit on the meds MAY not be as bad as first thought. What         is good for today is gonna kill ya tomorrow.  Ya cant win!!                         Art ___ Blue Wave/DOS v2.30

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grapefruit ? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What foods contain flavanoids? Bruising, without the slightest trauma, usually reflects thinning of the dermis. What ever you are taking for nutritional supplements…they are not working. It is   remedied quite easily by consuming a diet rich in flavanoids. Along with a basic  supplement regimen of Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Essential Fatty Acids. Ken.W  7 Years Med Free All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

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I saw my GP yesterday, and she ordered a whole lot of blood tests (they took 6 vials from me) – FBE, LFT, iron, etc. Hopefully that will shed some light on the problem. Will these tests tell me about my platelets? I hope so, because I heard somewhere that platelets should be checked when there is bruising. I’ll find out the results next week. Thanks for the suggestion Amy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. Have you had your platelets checked recently?

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What foods contain flavanoids? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bruising, without the slightest trauma, usually reflects thinning of the dermis. What ever you are taking for nutritional supplements…they are not working. It is   remedied quite easily by consuming a diet rich in flavanoids. Along with a basic  supplement regimen of Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Essential Fatty Acids. Ken.W  7 Years Med Free All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

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All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason.

Have you had your platelets checked recently?

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I bruise more when taking Imuran or prednisone.  Sometimes all it takes is just pressing my skin up against a surface too hard (such as leaning it on a box, etc). Be well- Tracy CD class of ‘98 my homepage: http://home.talkcity.com/ParadiseDr/goodboie/index.html  : )  smile – it makes people wonder what you’re up to!

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Another strange side-effect I had while on Imuran was bleeding.  The tiniest scratch would cause awful bleeding and would take up to a half- hour to stop.  I work alot outside in my gardens and last summer, while on pred and Imuran, I had to carry a couple papertowels in my pocket as every time I turned around, I’d be bleeding from somewhere. Hugs,  Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I bruise more when taking Imuran or prednisone.  Sometimes all it takes is just pressing my skin up against a surface too hard (such as leaning it on a box, etc). Be well- Tracy CD class of ‘98 my homepage: http://home.talkcity.com/ParadiseDr/goodboie/index.html  : )  smile – it makes people wonder what you’re up to!

Response:

Bruising, without the slightest trauma, usually reflects thinning of the dermis. What ever you are taking for nutritional supplements…they are not working. It is   remedied quite easily by consuming a diet rich in flavanoids. Along with a basic  supplement regimen of Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Essential Fatty Acids. Ken.W  7 Years Med Free

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

Hi Amy, I have UC to and take prednisolone and mesalazine (same as mesasal). I find that everyfew months I will get tons of brusies coveing my arms and legs for a few weeks and then they just go. They are usually just little bruises but sometimes I find that they can be quite big too. Hope this helps Sarah

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

  LOL! Hugs,  Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not if the horse was a good dancer! Debs Thanks Linda, so it might be the Imuran and it has finally kicked in! Being kicked in the thigh by a horse sounds PAINFUL. I had one step on my foot once, got a lovely looking bruise but that is to be expected! Amy. Hi Amy, I don’t bruise easily – no bruise even after being kicked in the thigh by a horse that didn’t want to go into the horsetrailer but while I was taking Imuran, I’d find bruises when I didn’t remember hitting anything.  I seemed to get alot on the backs of my hands and on my arms.  Since being off Imuran, I haven’t bruised at all. Hugs,  Linda All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

YW Amy  About two summers ago, a friend’s horse stepped on my pinky toe and I’m sure she broke it.  Nothing I did for it made it feel better except to wear my cowboy boots.  I sure looked kinda funny that summer with my shorts and cowboy boots everywhere I went, LOL!   Hugs,  Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Linda, so it might be the Imuran and it has finally kicked in! Being kicked in the thigh by a horse sounds PAINFUL. I had one step on my foot once, got a lovely looking bruise but that is to be expected! Amy. Hi Amy, I don’t bruise easily – no bruise even after being kicked in the thigh by a horse that didn’t want to go into the horsetrailer but while I was taking Imuran, I’d find bruises when I didn’t remember hitting anything.  I seemed to get alot on the backs of my hands and on my arms.  Since being off Imuran, I haven’t bruised at all. Hugs,  Linda All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

Not if the horse was a good dancer! Debs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Linda, so it might be the Imuran and it has finally kicked in! Being kicked in the thigh by a horse sounds PAINFUL. I had one step on my foot once, got a lovely looking bruise but that is to be expected! Amy. Hi Amy, I don’t bruise easily – no bruise even after being kicked in the thigh by a horse that didn’t want to go into the horsetrailer but while I was taking Imuran, I’d find bruises when I didn’t remember hitting anything.  I seemed to get alot on the backs of my hands and on my arms.  Since being off Imuran, I haven’t bruised at all. Hugs,  Linda All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

Thanks Linda, so it might be the Imuran and it has finally kicked in! Being kicked in the thigh by a horse sounds PAINFUL. I had one step on my foot once, got a lovely looking bruise but that is to be expected! Amy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Amy, I don’t bruise easily – no bruise even after being kicked in the thigh by a horse that didn’t want to go into the horsetrailer but while I was taking Imuran, I’d find bruises when I didn’t remember hitting anything.  I seemed to get alot on the backs of my hands and on my arms.  Since being off Imuran, I haven’t bruised at all. Hugs,  Linda All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

Hi Amy, I don’t bruise easily – no bruise even after being kicked in the thigh by a horse that didn’t want to go into the horsetrailer but while I was taking Imuran, I’d find bruises when I didn’t remember hitting anything.  I seemed to get alot on the backs of my hands and on my arms.  Since being off Imuran, I haven’t bruised at all. Hugs,  Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

It seems, at least for me, that bruises just appear.  I have gotten them from just little bumps against furniture to anemia (a simple blood test can tell you if you are really low).  I find the skin reacts for some reason I really don’t understand myself and I have CD.  If you are real tired and the bruises are a lot contact your dr to be sure it’s ok.  UM MOM Susan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

All of a sudden my arms, legs, and stomach are covered in bruises for no apparent reason. I have been moving house, but I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting or anything! So this seems really unusual for me. Has this happened to anyone else before? I have UC, have been taking Mesasal for 18months, Imuran for 13 months (the last 6 at the proper weight-based dose of 100mg/day), recently used Salofalk enemas (4g) in addition to the 12 Mesasal for one month, and have used Colifoam for about 6 or 7 months. I have always had low iron but am not taking any supplements, and I recently found out I already had osteopaenia 18months ago before I was diagnosed with UC and took steroids. Pretty scary for a 25 year old but apparently it is not uncommon in IBD patients. So I haven’t really started on any new medications that would explain these bruises, although perhaps by coincidence just as the bruises started appearing, I also experienced significant improvement in my UC, giving me hope that I am going into remission for the first time since diagnosed. Only 2 toilet trips a day for the last week or so! That is the first time I have been that "healthy" since I was on 50mg of pred. Anyone have any suggestions for me about what might be causing those bruises? Thanks, Amy Melbourne, Australia

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It is only the first day of not taking Effexor and I feel like I’m going to die.  My head is pounding, I feel like I’m going to vomit, my eyes hurt, etc…. What can I do to feel better?? Take some Effexor. Are you tapering, or stopping cold turkey? I have been tapering for the last four months.  I went from taking 150 mg a day to 37.5 a day.  My doctor told me stop when I got down to 37.5.

A.  Reports have found people  who tapered down to that level and still have horrific withdrawal symptoms can avert the withdrawal symptoms by switching to an SSRI with a longer half life, then withdrawing from that. B. Reports indicate people may  avert experiencing withdrawals symptoms upon titration from Effexor  by use of Ondansetron, a drug commonly prescribed for the relief of the side effects (nausea etc.) associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. See http://www.effexorfx.freeuk.com/webdoc8.htm

Response:

When I went off effexor (I had the nasty withdrawl stuff too)…I opened the capsules and dumped some of the granules out and then closed it back up and swallowed it.  It was hardly scientific, but it worked pretty well.  So Just start trying to dump out around half the granules…then down to maybe 1/4…then maybe try to just stop. Hope that helps. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It is only the first day of not taking Effexor and I feel like I’m going to die.  My head is pounding, I feel like I’m going to vomit, my eyes hurt, etc…. What can I do to feel better??  

Response:

That was exactly my experience. Actually, I got down from 300mg to 37.5mg fast (in two weeks), but it was very hard to quit from there. My doctor added 30mg remeron, and I think that was the trick that helped me get down to 37.5 fast. Adding Remeron now, and then tapering it off too when you got rid of effexor completely might be good idea for you too. I used to get terrible vertigo, and a feeling of  not being here when I tried to quit from 37.5 (even though I was still taking remeron) From there, adding some small dose (2 – 4 mg/day) reboxetine helped me. I felt some vertigo from time to time for the next two months, but they all went away in the end. Don’t worry, you will get rid of it in the end, but ask your doctor to augment it with remeron or some other AD. That would help. cem

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It is only the first day of not taking Effexor and I feel like I’m going to die.  My head is pounding, I feel like I’m going to vomit, my eyes hurt, etc…. What can I do to feel better?? Take some Effexor. Are you tapering, or stopping cold turkey? I have been tapering for the last four months.  I went from taking 150 mg a day to 37.5 a day.  My doctor told me stop when I got down to 37.5.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It is only the first day of not taking Effexor and I feel like I’m going to die.  My head is pounding, I feel like I’m going to vomit, my eyes hurt, etc…. What can I do to feel better?? Take some Effexor. Are you tapering, or stopping cold turkey? I have been tapering for the last four months.  I went from taking 150 mg a day to 37.5 a day.  My doctor told me stop when I got down to 37.5.

Reducing Withdrawal Symptoms —- The following information has been drawn from the medical reports which have been published to date on the withdrawal symptoms associated with dose reduction or discontinuation of venlafaxine and from the feedback which I have received from venlafaxine patients. It is by no means intended to be a recommendation of a particular course of action but is simply given to provide a starting point for discussion between patients and their medical advisors with regard to the options available to reduce the severity of the withdrawal symptoms that are common even on a gradual tapered discontinuance of the drug. It appears plausible that both methods could be used simultaneously. —- 1. The rapid onset and the severity of the withdrawal symptoms on dose reduction or discontinuation of venlafaxine appear to stem from the relatively short half-life of the drug (5 hours). Medical data on the subject (Parker, for example) suggests that the withdrawal symptoms can therefore be reduced by gradually replacing venlafaxine with a longer half-life SSRI antidepressant and to then proceed to discontinue the SSRI. It should be noted that although this method has been reported to have been undertaken successfully, it contradicts the advice given by Wyerth-Ayerst, the manufacturer of venlafaxine, that a "wash-out" period be allowed before starting an SSRI.. However, it should also be noted that Wyerth-Ayerst has only recently acknowledged the potent severity of the withdrawal syndrome on venlafaxine discontinuation or dose reduction (see Medwatch – venlafaxine drug labelling changes) 2. The medical report published by Raby (full text available) reports on the relief of venlafaxine withdrawal symptoms by the use of ondansetron, a drug commonly prescribed for the relief of the side effects (nausea etc.) associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. The report also discusses the cause of these withdrawal symptoms and provides an explanation of why their severity appears to be unique to venlafaxine. In the case reported a patient who had been receiving 150 mg daily venlafaxine experienced disabilitating nausea, headaches, diarrhea and anxiety once the dose was reduced below 75 mg daily. Only after ondansetron was given, was the patient able to proceed with the tapering schedule of venlafaxine over several weeks. The only adverse side effect of ondansetron was constipation which was treated with laxatives. There was no reoccurrence of venlafaxine withdrawal symptoms after ondansetron was itself discontinued.

Response:

It is only the first day of not taking Effexor and I feel like I’m going to die.  My head is pounding, I feel like I’m going to vomit, my eyes hurt, etc…. What can I do to feel better??  

Response:

It is only the first day of not taking Effexor and I feel like I’m going to die.  My head is pounding, I feel like I’m going to vomit, my eyes hurt, etc…. What can I do to feel better??

Take some Effexor. Are you tapering, or stopping cold turkey?

Response:

It is only the first day of not taking Effexor and I feel like I’m going to die.  My head is pounding, I feel like I’m going to vomit, my eyes hurt, etc…. What can I do to feel better?? Take some Effexor. Are you tapering, or stopping cold turkey?

I have been tapering for the last four months.  I went from taking 150 mg a day to 37.5 a day.  My doctor told me stop when I got down to 37.5.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It is only the first day of not taking Effexor and I feel like I’m going to die.  My head is pounding, I feel like I’m going to vomit, my eyes hurt, etc…. What can I do to feel better?? Take some Effexor. Are you tapering, or stopping cold turkey? I have been tapering for the last four months.  I went from taking 150 mg a day to 37.5 a day.  My doctor told me stop when I got down to 37.5.

I’m sorry. I hope my first comment wasn’t taken wrong…..it is nevertheless the obvious thing to do. Can you take half again of this lesser dose? Sometimes, taking a small dose of a different antidepressant can help.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It is only the first day of not taking Effexor and I feel like I’m going to die.  My head is pounding, I feel like I’m going to vomit, my eyes hurt, etc…. What can I do to feel better?? Take some Effexor. Are you tapering, or stopping cold turkey? I have been tapering for the last four months.  I went from taking 150 mg a day to 37.5 a day.  My doctor told me stop when I got down to 37.5.

W.J. Giakas, J.M. Davis, Intractable withdrawal from venlafaxine treated with fluoxetine, Psychiatric Annals, February 1997, 27 (2), 85-86 and 92. Authors report three consecutive cases (26-35 year old women) where patients experienced severe withdrawal after discontinuing venlaxfaxine, following treatment ranging from a week or two to seven months: "Repeated attempts at gradually tapering the dosage were unsuccessful and led to intolerable withdrawal sensations."  In these and other cases, authors noted appearance of withdrawal symptoms within a few hours of patient missing a dose. Although, symptoms they saw "are not identical to a fully-fledged psychedelic experience or a true migraine headache, similarity is evident…"  In all cases, venlafaxine was eventually discontinued under cover of fluoxetine, which itself was later withdrawn uneventfully in one of the three cases.

Response:

Question:

HI All,    I have suffered on and off for years with depression and anxiety.  I have been on Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor SR and Serzone.  I have been off them for over 2 months (serzone was my last).  Well the anxiety is still there (no depression to speak of) so my Dr. prescribed Buspar today.  I took  5 mgs.  and within 1.5-2 hours I was dizzy, had a bad headache, was sick to my stomach, sweating uncontrollably and salivating like a dog.  My speach was also slightly affected.  Is this a usual reaction to Buspar at such a low level?  I never had these reactions when taking any of the above listed drugs.  I threw-up for over an hour and then felt fine.  I want to control my anxiety but cant if it will always cause this strong of a reaction.  I came off effexor cold turkey (dont try it) and did not feel this bad.  Any input would be greatly appreciated.  The rains have began once again here in Houston.  Tropical Storm Allison wants to take up permanent residence!  Thanks.  Randall in Houston

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HI All,   I have suffered on and off for years with depression and anxiety.  I have been on Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor SR and Serzone.  I have been off them for over 2 months (serzone was my last).  Well the anxiety is still there (no depression to speak of) so my Dr. prescribed Buspar today.  I took  5 mgs.  and within 1.5-2 hours I was dizzy, had a bad headache, was sick to my stomach, sweating uncontrollably and salivating like a dog.  My speach was also slightly affected.  Is this a usual reaction to Buspar at such a low level?  I never had these reactions when taking any of the above listed drugs.  I threw-up for over an hour and then felt fine.  I want to control my anxiety but cant if it will always cause this strong of a reaction.  I came off effexor cold turkey (dont try it) and did not feel this bad.  Any input would be greatly appreciated.  The rains have began once again here in Houston.  Tropical Storm Allison wants to take up permanent residence!  Thanks.  Randall in Houston

Imho don’t take anymore and tell your doc asap, Robert From C.C. No rain so far….. "A flute without holes, is not a flute. A donut without holes is a danish…. —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

I’ve been on 60 mg. of Buspar a9the maximum dosage allowed) for 8 weeks. Anxiety is way down and the only side effect I get is some tingling in my hands, I think. M

Response:

I always say time and time again that these cocksucking shrinks prescribe WAY rto hign a dose to start out. Many people for whatever reason cannot tolerate these doses prescribed to start. My advise to you is to start out at 1/5 the dose your doctor prescribed.

Response:

thanks to all your responses.  should i cut the 5 mg in half and really slowly ramp up?  i would think that since i reacted so severly to 5 mgs. of buspar that started out on Effexor or Zoloft would have really upset me too.  thanks…randall

Response:

Question:

A new study found that patient complaints of sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants are almost two times greater than believed by physicians, according to a report presented at the American Psychiatric Association’s annual meeting. Researchers studied 6,297 patients enrolled at 1,101 primary care offices throughout the U.S. and evaluated 10 different new generation antidepressants. Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norephinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are associated with a higher rate of sexual dysfunction, newer antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nefazodone have shown a lower incidence of the problem. "The SSRIs are known to cause sexual dysfunction as a side effect, but until now, there hasn’t been a study to look at all the new generation antidepressants to see how they compare," said Dr. Anita Clayton, associate professor and vice chair of the Department of Psychiatric Medicine at the University of Virginia and lead investigator of the study. "Physicians and patients are generally reluctant to talk about sexual problems. Therefore, physicians often underestimate the prevalence of antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction and the impact on patients, as shown in this study." Wellbutrin SR (bupropion HCI) Sustained-Release was associated with the lowest rate of sexual dysfunction (25 percent) after Wellbutrin (bupropion HCI) (22 percent), compared with an average of 40 percent with the SSRIs venlafaxine (Effexor) and mirtazapine (Remeron). The prevalence rate of sexual dysfunction ranged from 7 percent of patients receiving Wellbutrin SR to 23 to 30 percent for patients receiving the other antidepressants, including fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and venlafaxine XR. This article is brought to you by the "Depression Week" online newsletter. This newletter presents the latest news and views on developments in Depression, it is one of a family of specialized medical newsletters brought to you by Medical Week, LLC. http://www.depressionweek.org/

Response:

I went on 50mgd Zoloft 3 monthes ago and it has helped me.  Before I went on I had no energy of any kind, sexual or otherwise.  Now I’m back to my oldself.  I guess it just depends upon the person. —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Question:

Hi Cheryl, So sorry you are going through this.  Sending you caring and support!   Take care, Liz — There is always music amongst the trees in the garden but our minds must be very still to hear it. ASAP Gardening Site: http://www.chickadee.com/asapgardens

Response:

See below….(Phillip)

answered by email as I got it in my inbox as well. P. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Philip, It’s been the worst day…I have been so sick today…I still feel so odd, tomorrow I am only taking 25mg…( she has me on 50)  I had no short term memory, I would start saying something and forget, go into a room and forgot what I went for.. I haven’t had hardly a bite to eat and have been trying to drink.  I am caling Medusa tomorrow then I have to call my freakin primary to see her and then get a referral to go see someone able to help me with this medication..I can’t even think about it.   I think the worst today was when I woke up after just crashing I could hear my dead step father talking to me in my ear…that freaked me out.  I have been on the couch all day and thank God it’s Ted’s early day.  ;o( This whole thing saddens me. — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3 Ugh. I started 50mg of Z yesterday…from only a week of decreasing my Remeron from 30 to 15.  I feel like I am on a ship, everything is rocking and I am sweaty and feeling like a wet noodle. Of all freaking times to have to post about my meds with all the crap going on here…  That makes me more upset. One good thing, I have zippo appetite…that Snickers bar sitting on the hutch doesn’t even look appealing. I think you might ask your doctor to reduce the Zoloft dose to 12.5 mg and then raise it slowly. You are now experiencing initial SSRI side effects possibly augmented by Remeron withdrawal (although R is not associated witjh a withdrawal problem as a rule). Do you have one of those lovely benzos on the side to take *as needed*? Philip — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3

Response:

Thanks Philip~ I emailed you…oh you bet your boots I have my ativan handy! xoxo Cheryl — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – See below….(Phillip) answered by email as I got it in my inbox as well. P. Philip, It’s been the worst day…I have been so sick today…I still feel so odd, tomorrow I am only taking 25mg…( she has me on 50)  I had no short term memory, I would start saying something and forget, go into a room and forgot what I went for.. I haven’t had hardly a bite to eat and have been trying to drink.  I am caling Medusa tomorrow then I have to call my freakin primary to see her and then get a referral to go see someone able to help me with this medication..I can’t even think about it.   I think the worst today was when I woke up after just crashing I could hear my dead step father talking to me in my ear…that freaked me out.  I have been on the couch all day and thank God it’s Ted’s early day.  ;o( This whole thing saddens me. — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3 Ugh. I started 50mg of Z yesterday…from only a week of decreasing my Remeron from 30 to 15.  I feel like I am on a ship, everything is rocking and I am sweaty and feeling like a wet noodle. Of all freaking times to have to post about my meds with all the crap going on here…  That makes me more upset. One good thing, I have zippo appetite…that Snickers bar sitting on the hutch doesn’t even look appealing. I think you might ask your doctor to reduce the Zoloft dose to 12.5 mg and then raise it slowly. You are now experiencing initial SSRI side effects possibly augmented by Remeron withdrawal (although R is not associated witjh a withdrawal problem as a rule). Do you have one of those lovely benzos on the side to take *as needed*? Philip — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3

Response:

I am sorry you aren’t feeling well. Hopfully you will get used to the new meds very soon. Good luck and I hope you feel better. Amy

Response:

Ugh. I started 50mg of Z yesterday…from only a week of decreasing my Remeron from 30 to 15.  I feel like I am on a ship, everything is rocking and I am sweaty and feeling like a wet noodle. Of all freaking times to have to post about my meds with all the crap going on here…  That makes me more upset. One good thing, I have zippo appetite…that Snickers bar sitting on the hutch doesn’t even look appealing.

I think you might ask your doctor to reduce the Zoloft dose to 12.5 mg and then raise it slowly. You are now experiencing initial SSRI side effects possibly augmented by Remeron withdrawal (although R is not associated witjh a withdrawal problem as a rule). Do you have one of those lovely benzos on the side to take *as needed*? Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3

Response:

See below….(Phillip) Philip, It’s been the worst day…I have been so sick today…I still feel so odd, tomorrow I am only taking 25mg…( she has me on 50)  I had no short term memory, I would start saying something and forget, go into a room and forgot what I went for.. I haven’t had hardly a bite to eat and have been trying to drink.  I am caling Medusa tomorrow then I have to call my freakin primary to see her and then get a referral to go see someone able to help me with this medication..I can’t even think about it.   I think the worst today was when I woke up after just crashing I could hear my dead step father talking to me in my ear…that freaked me out.  I have been on the couch all day and thank God it’s Ted’s early day.  ;o( This whole thing saddens me. — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ugh. I started 50mg of Z yesterday…from only a week of decreasing my Remeron from 30 to 15.  I feel like I am on a ship, everything is rocking and I am sweaty and feeling like a wet noodle. Of all freaking times to have to post about my meds with all the crap going on here…  That makes me more upset. One good thing, I have zippo appetite…that Snickers bar sitting on the hutch doesn’t even look appealing. I think you might ask your doctor to reduce the Zoloft dose to 12.5 mg and then raise it slowly. You are now experiencing initial SSRI side effects possibly augmented by Remeron withdrawal (although R is not associated witjh a withdrawal problem as a rule). Do you have one of those lovely benzos on the side to take *as needed*? Philip — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3

Response:

Is 50mg a lot? Is it comparable to Remeron 30 or 15?

Yup, 50mgs is too high to start with. Some people start at 12.5mgs, others at 25mgs. Hope you are feeling better Jackie ~*~There came a time when the risk to remain tight in a bud was

Response:

Hi Cheryl, ((((Cheryl)))), I hope you feel better soon, I don’t have any words of wisdom for you, sorry. I’ve been gone a while, what’s going on here that I’m missing? Love Cathy — P.H.O.B.I.A. Off-line NJ Panic/Anxiety Support Group http://community.nj.com/cc/phobia

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ugh. I started 50mg of Z yesterday…from only a week of decreasing my Remeron from 30 to 15.  I feel like I am on a ship, everything is rocking and I am sweaty and feeling like a wet noodle. Of all freaking times to have to post about my meds with all the crap going on here…  That makes me more upset. One good thing, I have zippo appetite…that Snickers bar sitting on the hutch doesn’t even look appealing. — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3

Response:

Cheryl, Hope you are feeling better soon.  Those med changes can really get the best of us.  Hangin there… smiles, elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ugh. I started 50mg of Z yesterday…from only a week of decreasing my Remeron from 30 to 15.  I feel like I am on a ship, everything is rocking and I am sweaty and feeling like a wet noodle. Of all freaking times to have to post about my meds with all the crap going on here…  That makes me more upset. One good thing, I have zippo appetite…that Snickers bar sitting on the hutch doesn’t even look appealing. — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3

Response:

I’m so sorry you feel so crummy!  Pamper yourself today. Love, Di

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ugh. I started 50mg of Z yesterday…from only a week of decreasing my Remeron from 30 to 15.  I feel like I am on a ship, everything is rocking and I am sweaty and feeling like a wet noodle. Of all freaking times to have to post about my meds with all the crap going on here…  That makes me more upset. One good thing, I have zippo appetite…that Snickers bar sitting on the hutch doesn’t even look appealing. — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3

Response:

Is 50mg a lot? Is it comparable to Remeron 30 or 15?

different drug different mechanism of action-if your gonna do the medusa dance get her to dosie doe a bit and get her permission to up your ativan or up hers and call Jeff Apter-Zoloft compared to remeron is like qualuudes vrs speed so your now on dexamil and doin a bounce-50mg may be too high for a conversion for you it is a transition so make yourself comfortable as possible instead of white knuckling it-that lack of appetite will change to some carb craving soon this is a signal the zoloft is working but imo may be just change for change sake as the more you crave and consume the less you will burn and lose-she is using an older viewpoint that zoloft reduces appetite-ask some others here if their appetite is reduced-it is no less difficult to wean off then remeron in fact it may be a tad bit more difficult due to its energizing effects on some-get a professional opinion by a psychopharm doc not a transplant renal nephrologist whatever—- she wants to maximize the transplants life and that’s ok but there are other issues-including if you are psychologicaly ready to embark on being med free-trade offs is the name of the game-ch ch ch changes—-love bowie within a few days you will feel better be a patient patient but an assertive one-its your kidney now and your medical program- LM

Response:

TC3 wrote : Ugh. I started 50mg of Z yesterday…from only a week of decreasing my Remeron from 30 to 15.  I feel like I am on a ship, everything is rocking and I am sweaty and feeling like a wet noodle. Of all freaking times to have to post about my meds with all the crap going on here…  That makes me more upset. One good thing, I have zippo appetite…that Snickers bar sitting on the hutch doesn’t even look appealing.

Hi Cheryl. I’m sorry to hear you don’t feel so well right now. You’ll feel better later on I’m sure; not that that’s any great consolation… Hope you are better quickly. Take care please. -Z-

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Path: news.wxs.nl!transit.news.xs4all.nl!news-spur1.maxwell.syr.edu!news.maxwell. syr.edu!europa.netcrusader.net!207.172.3.44!feed2.news.rcn.net!feed1.news.r cn.net!rcn!not-for-mail X-Trace: UmFuZG9tSVaCEadlqERcrH2iB2DgoRe3oWrW7CknZkw+m+WUDUIrVGnuqIZuMKvN 12:55:51 GMT X-MimeOLE:  Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.50.4522.1200 X-Priority:  3 X-Newsreader:  Microsoft Outlook Express 5.50.4522.1200 X-MSMail-Priority:  Normal Xref: news.wxs.nl alt.support.anxiety-panic:263175 Thank you Anna! My doc thinks if I get off the Rem I can lose some weight…I just feel like I was so manic yesterday then crashed by midnight now I am really anxious and just feeling like a noodle. (  I have to get her ready for school and feel like I won’t be able to get her out of the door.. I don’t want to make her stay home because of this..that isn’t fair to her.  *sigh* I need your hug thanks xoxoxo love Cheryl

Dear one, yes you sounded a bit manic yestreday I think you have worn yourself down totally If you manage to get the sprogg to school try take some rest Cheryl We both know that tiredness is a great motor for PA. Hope you get some rest and hang in there Lotsa kisses over the ocean flying your way Anna – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3 Path: news.wxs.nl!news2.kpn.net!news.kpn.net!newsfeeds.belnet.be!news.belnet.be!f e ed2.onemain.com!feed1.onemain.com!news-out.cwix.com!newsfeed.cwix.com!feed2 . news.rcn.net!feed1.news.rcn.net!rcn!not-for-mail Feb 2001 07:29:59 -0500 Lines: UmFuZG9tSVZ9/f13lPYO1NQUJPzRlFuUUs+boUPTy+xZ+DqhBnD8RP1a78V4bucI 12:19:46 GMT X-MimeOLE:  Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.50.4522.1200 X-Priority:  3 X-Newsreader:  Microsoft Outlook Express 5.50.4522.1200 X-MSMail-Priority:  Normal Xref: news.wxs.nl alt.support.anxiety-panic:263162 Ugh. I started 50mg of Z yesterday…from only a week of decreasing my Remeron from 30 to 15.  I feel like I am on a ship, everything is rocking and I am sweaty and feeling like a wet noodle. Of all freaking times to have to post about my meds with all the crap going on here…  That makes me more upset. One good thing, I have zippo appetite…that Snickers bar sitting on the hutch doesn’t even look appealing. — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3 Dear cheryl, I did not know you where changing meds Why is that was the other med not doing its work ??? I am really sorry you feel like this. Maybe it gets better soon. I really hope so for you. And otherwise call the doc.  No need to feel awfull all the time !!! You had your share huh VERY ferm hug from Anna

Response:

Hi Cheryl, I know how you feel.  Supposedly, switching from Paxil to Zoloft was not supposed to be any big deal, but I feel different and it is not all my doing.  I am more nervous, and have the trembles.  I am just trying to be patient and see if it passes with time.  I still function, but do not feel comfortable.  Chores are getting done as usual, but not with the same peace. Hope you feel better soon, Cheryl.  Let us know how you are doing! Take care, Liz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ugh. I started 50mg of Z yesterday…from only a week of decreasing my Remeron from 30 to 15.  I feel like I am on a ship, everything is rocking and I am sweaty and feeling like a wet noodle. Of all freaking times to have to post about my meds with all the crap going on here…  That makes me more upset. One good thing, I have zippo appetite…that Snickers bar sitting on the hutch doesn’t even look appealing. — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3

– There is always music amongst the trees in the garden but our minds must be very still to hear it. ASAP Gardening Site: http://www.chickadee.com/asapgardens

Response:

I feel like dog doo. I am manic then exhausted, and I can’t remember anything…I was a mess getting her ready for school. Ack. I know it’s a transition.. Julie, that Snickers is still there so you know I am not feeling well~ LOL Is 50mg a lot? Is it comparable to Remeron 30 or 15? <Mercury, AD change and anxiety…perfect together LOL love Cheryl — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started 50mg of Z yesterday…from only a week of decreasing my Remeron from 30 to 15.  I feel like I am on a ship, everything is rocking and I am sweaty and feeling like a wet noodle. Of all freaking times to have to post about my meds with all the crap going on here…  That makes me more upset. One good thing, I have zippo appetite…that Snickers bar sitting on the hutch doesn’t even look appealing. Dear Cheryl, I`m sorry that you feel so lousy ( If you continue to feel this way, you might want to ask your doctor about decreasing your Zoloft dose to 25mgs for a week, them go to 50mgs, you could even wean slower than this by increasing in 12.5mg increments. I hope you feel better soon {{{{{Cheryl}}}}} Jackie

Response:

I started 50mg of Z yesterday…from only a week of decreasing my Remeron from 30 to 15.  I feel like I am on a ship, everything is rocking and I am sweaty and feeling like a wet noodle. Of all freaking times to have to post about my meds with all the crap going on here…  That makes me more upset. One good thing, I have zippo appetite…that Snickers bar sitting on the hutch doesn’t even look appealing.

Dear Cheryl, I`m sorry that you feel so lousy ( If you continue to feel this way, you might want to ask your doctor about decreasing your Zoloft dose to 25mgs for a week, them go to 50mgs, you could even wean slower than this by increasing in 12.5mg increments. I hope you feel better soon {{{{{Cheryl}}}}} Jackie

Response:

Ugh. I started 50mg of Z yesterday…from only a week of decreasing my Remeron from 30 to 15.  I feel like I am on a ship, everything is rocking and I am sweaty and feeling like a wet noodle. Of all freaking times to have to post about my meds with all the crap going on here…  That makes me more upset. One good thing, I have zippo appetite…that Snickers bar sitting on the hutch doesn’t even look appealing.

How long are you going to look at that Snickers Bar???? Sweetie, ignore the crap here. No biggie. Now, you know that it will take awhile for the Zoloft to get to a theraputic level in your system. You need to hang on through these few physical adjustments UNLESS they are bothering you too much. Then call the doctor and tell him. If you have a chance, call the pharmacist and ask him to give you the details on the zoloft. He should be able to pop that info on his screen while you are on the phone with him. Let him know the side effects you are having…then he can look it up. When my Effexor was increased, each time I had a strange symptom or side effect, which eventually went away. I hope that your sweats and unsteadiness will not be for long. Is that Snickers still sitting on your hutch? love,Julie

Response:

Ugh. I started 50mg of Z yesterday…from only a week of decreasing my Remeron from 30 to 15.  I feel like I am on a ship, everything is rocking and I am sweaty and feeling like a wet noodle. Of all freaking times to have to post about my meds with all the crap going on here…  That makes me more upset. One good thing, I have zippo appetite…that Snickers bar sitting on the hutch doesn’t even look appealing. — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Path: news.wxs.nl!news2.kpn.net!news.kpn.net!newsfeeds.belnet.be!news.belnet.be!f eed2.onemain.com!feed1.onemain.com!news-out.cwix.com!newsfeed.cwix.com!feed 2.news.rcn.net!feed1.news.rcn.net!rcn!not-for-mail UmFuZG9tSVZ9/f13lPYO1NQUJPzRlFuUUs+boUPTy+xZ+DqhBnD8RP1a78V4bucI 12:19:46 GMT X-MimeOLE:  Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.50.4522.1200 X-Priority:  3 X-Newsreader:  Microsoft Outlook Express 5.50.4522.1200 X-MSMail-Priority:  Normal Xref: news.wxs.nl alt.support.anxiety-panic:263162 Ugh. I started 50mg of Z yesterday…from only a week of decreasing my Remeron from 30 to 15.  I feel like I am on a ship, everything is rocking and I am sweaty and feeling like a wet noodle. Of all freaking times to have to post about my meds with all the crap going on here…  That makes me more upset. One good thing, I have zippo appetite…that Snickers bar sitting on the hutch doesn’t even look appealing. — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3

Dear cheryl, I did not know you where changing meds Why is that was the other med not doing its work ??? I am really sorry you feel like this. Maybe it gets better soon. I really hope so for you. And otherwise call the doc.  No need to feel awfull all the time !!! You had your share huh VERY ferm hug from Anna

Response:

Thank you Anna! My doc thinks if I get off the Rem I can lose some weight…I just feel like I was so manic yesterday then crashed by midnight now I am really anxious and just feeling like a noodle. (  I have to get her ready for school and feel like I won’t be able to get her out of the door.. I don’t want to make her stay home because of this..that isn’t fair to her.  *sigh* I need your hug thanks xoxoxo love Cheryl — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3

Path:

news.wxs.nl!news2.kpn.net!news.kpn.net!newsfeeds.belnet.be!news.belnet.be!f e ed2.onemain.com!feed1.onemain.com!news-out.cwix.com!newsfeed.cwix.com!feed2 . news.rcn.net!feed1.news.rcn.net!rcn!not-for-mail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – UmFuZG9tSVZ9/f13lPYO1NQUJPzRlFuUUs+boUPTy+xZ+DqhBnD8RP1a78V4bucI 12:19:46 GMT X-MimeOLE:  Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.50.4522.1200 X-Priority:  3 X-Newsreader:  Microsoft Outlook Express 5.50.4522.1200 X-MSMail-Priority:  Normal Xref: news.wxs.nl alt.support.anxiety-panic:263162 Ugh. I started 50mg of Z yesterday…from only a week of decreasing my Remeron from 30 to 15.  I feel like I am on a ship, everything is rocking and I am sweaty and feeling like a wet noodle. Of all freaking times to have to post about my meds with all the crap going on here…  That makes me more upset. One good thing, I have zippo appetite…that Snickers bar sitting on the hutch doesn’t even look appealing. — Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. TC3 Dear cheryl, I did not know you where changing meds Why is that was the other med not doing its work ??? I am really sorry you feel like this. Maybe it gets better soon. I really hope so for you. And otherwise call the doc.  No need to feel awfull all the time !!! You had your share huh VERY ferm hug from Anna

Response:

Question:

On my third week at 200 mg.  Still nothing.  Does anyone have any experience using Serzone?  Please share.

Response:

Taking serzone, 250 mg/day. Started at 75, then up to 125, then 150, now 250.  I’ve been on it probably 9-10 months.  I am very glad I found it. I can’t take prozac, paxil, zoloft, effexor . . . but the serzone does what it needs to. I don’t feel "flat" or numb – I still have emotions, it’s just that the highs are not as high nor the lows as low.  I still have bad days, but they come and go much quicker than when I was on no meds at all.  My pdoc says I will probably be on the serzone for a couple of years at least. The only side effects i’ve noticed are that I sweat a whole lot (I sweat a lot before I ever took ADs, so now it is profuse!), and my dreams are very, very vivid.  But I can handle both of those SE. Good luck with it, Oliver. Kym The Tintinnabulation of the bells, Bells, BELLS! Remove "blech" to e-mail me

Response:

serzone nearly wrecked everything , 400 per day , welcome to the zoo , well it was for me , the best med i took so far , has been no med , and i mean no med at all . not even a coffee .

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Taking serzone, 250 mg/day. Started at 75, then up to 125, then 150, now 250.  I’ve been on it probably 9-10 months.  I am very glad I found it. I can’t take prozac, paxil, zoloft, effexor . . . but the serzone does what it needs to. I don’t feel "flat" or numb – I still have emotions, it’s just that the highs are not as high nor the lows as low.  I still have bad days, but they come and go much quicker than when I was on no meds at all.  My pdoc says I will probably be on the serzone for a couple of years at least. The only side effects i’ve noticed are that I sweat a whole lot (I sweat a lot before I ever took ADs, so now it is profuse!), and my dreams are very, very vivid.  But I can handle both of those SE. Good luck with it, Oliver. Kym The Tintinnabulation of the bells, Bells, BELLS! Remove "blech" to e-mail me

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Response:

mind you, normally i wouldn’t be bothered by the easy access to a script… but it only verified for me that nobody in a 90 mile radius gives a sh*t about me.

Honey, it’s not you.  Doctors are under so much pressure to see as many people as possible that they simply give you pretty much what ever you ask for just to save time.  Yes it’s horrible, but it’s not aimed at you personally. anybody experience really bad headaches with this drug?

I couldn’t tell you that because I’ve had bad headaches pretty much all my life no matter what drug I’m on. Monica Tittle   Bad habits are hard to break.  Especially if you like them.                                   –Found inside a fortune cookie

Response:

That’s the med’s that my doc gave me. I’m taking 100 mg’s.  I’ve only started today, so I woulden’t know. The doc said it should take about 2 1/2 weeks to kick in. Give it another week.  If it is not working, then tell your doc. ~Racheal G           ICQ# 91183600 You can’t fight the tears that aint coming, or the moment of truth in your lies. When everything feels like the movies, you bleed just to know your alive. Before you buy.

Response:

The only side effects i’ve noticed are that I sweat a whole lot (I sweat a lot before I ever took ADs, so now it is profuse!), and my dreams are very, very vivid.  But I can handle both of those SE.

Oh god!  I thought it was just me!  I’ve never sweated very much before, but now I sweat buckets.  I was folding laundry (only three baskets) and I looked like I had been working out for an hour afterwards.  I’m talking dripping off my nose soaked hair kind of sweaty here. I wish I had the vivid dreams.  I haven’t had a good one in a very long time.  :-/ Monica Tittle   Bad habits are hard to break.  Especially if you like them.                                   –Found inside a fortune cookie

Response:

serzone had it’s ups n downs , sex was finally possible again , but the toilet trips were a little much , i got bum burn

% Sorry you had trouble with the serzone. For me it has been a godsend – a way to be able to live, productively, work, be active in my church, and quell most of the suic*de thoughts that I was having. As for no caffeine – ACK – i’d never survive! Kym The Tintinnabulation of the bells, Bells, BELLS! Remove "blech" to e-mail me

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Response:

% Sorry you had trouble with the serzone. For me it has been a godsend – a way to be able to live, productively, work, be active in my church, and quell most of the suic*de thoughts that I was having. As for no caffeine – ACK – i’d never survive! Kym The Tintinnabulation of the bells, Bells, BELLS! Remove "blech" to e-mail me

Response:

Question:

Hello. I just found this newsgroup, so please forgive me if this question has been asked before: Does anyone know of any empirical studies on feverfew?  I have used it for about five years (about two were used for determining the correct supplier, concentration, dosage, etc) and it has done wonders for me in decreasing the frequency and severity of my migraines. The problem is that when I do get the really bad migraines they are uncontrollable. On the advice of a (somewhat) trusted physician, I have recently stopped the feverfew in order to get some diagnostic tests done and to try IM Immetrex(sp?).  I am a bit nervous that the preventative benefits of the feverfew will be lost if I stay off it for too long. I would like to find some good hard studies to give to my physicians, all of which doubt the effectiveness and safety of feverfew. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help. Carl (remove NOSPAM from address)

Response:

Hi Carl, Why not continue the feverfew if it works, and use Imitrex or Maxalt or Zomig for the ‘horrible’ ones?. Also, there are several Neurologists who suggest a baby aspirin a day or a ‘light’ aspirin every 2nd day to cut down on intensity and severity of migraines.  This works for me, and Maxalt works great for the bad migraines.  I tried feverfew for 8 months and it did not help at all.  Most people who try it [Mygrafew in my case] don’t get any relief. I wish you luck. Email me any questions. Joyce

Response:

Joyce, Thanks for the message. I appreciate the advice. About feverfew: I needed advice from an herbologist (who specialized in pain relief) and from some of my relatives (who have been using it for their migraines) before I found the correct dosage, supplier, type, etc. to do me any good. One I did; however, I felt the effects in a few weeks. Here is what works best for me (and one of my friends): Retailer: GNC Brand: GNC Herbal Plus, Full Spectrum, (Feverfew, of course) Type: 125mg capsules, standardized to 0.5% parthenolides Dose: One capsule per day The problem with taking both Imitrex and feverfew is that the actions of both are similar, so there is no relief when the bad migraines appear (there is a synergistic effect that can initiate another headache). I do need to go off all supplements in order to be re-evaluated for migraines, so I have done so (reluctantly) until the tests are over. My physician gave me the IM Imitrex in case I had a migraine during that time, and also to determine the effects of the Imitrex if I had to use it while off the feverfew. I am allergic to aspirin, so can’t try your advice with that. Sounds interesting, though. I wonder if it is effective because of the counteraction of platelette aggregation or because of its action as a pain releiver? Haven’t tried Maxalt. What is it? Prescription or over-the-counter? Thanks again, and my wishes for many migraine-free days. Carl — – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Carl, Why not continue the feverfew if it works, and use Imitrex or Maxalt or Zomig for the ‘horrible’ ones?. Also, there are several Neurologists who suggest a baby aspirin a day or a ‘light’ aspirin every 2nd day to cut down on intensity and severity of migraines.  This works for me, and Maxalt works great for the bad migraines.  I tried feverfew for 8 months and it did not help at all. Most people who try it [Mygrafew in my case] don’t get any relief. I wish you luck. Email me any questions. Joyce

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writes: I could see why someone whose migraines had gotten better might just leave the group.

;-( Now I know why everyone has been so helpful, trying to cure my clusters!!! Bob Never Blame the Rainbows for the Rain [J.H.& R.T.]

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(snipped) I could see why someone whose migraines had gotten better might just leave the group. Priscilla

You’re right Priscilla.  I’ve been weaning myself away slowly, now, since the Imitrex has begun to work such wonders for me.  I’ll still "lurk" (and enjoy all the sinister connotations that go with that desgination ; ) and maybe even make a smart aleck comment now and again, although I’m trying to wean myself away from those too!   I have six days a month more time to read now!!!!  And speaking of reading, I must get back ‘The Sparrow’.  Thanks so much for recommending it although I sincerely hope you don’t expect me to write essays on the study questions in the back of the book! ; )   The only real difficulty I’ve had so far was in trying to tell Denny about the main character, ‘Sandoz’, and mistakenly calling him "Fiorinal"!!!! Anne : ) "We know the truth not only by the reason but also by the heart."  Blaise Pascal

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greetings… i just know that since taking feverfew my migraines have finally taken a break and left me alone… 3 months without a debilitating (2 days in bed) to a few minor ones ( 1 shot of imitrex) and now 3 weeks without any… i know this so hang in all and keep doing research and find out what works for you… but you have to research and try oh so many remedies/drugs etc.. take care

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: Hi Wind Dancer, : Most of us here have suffered with migraines many years, including myself. : Have you noticed that most of us also, including me, are saying that they have : gotten worse in the last few years???  Makes me wonder why????? This may be because those whose migraines have gotten worse are more vocal, or maybe if your migraines have gotten worse you notice more the people whose migraines have done the same.

Or perhaps we have access (electronically) to more people than we did years ago. I personally know about a dozen people who get migraines. Add the considerable number of people I’ve "met" through this group and you skew the statistics considerably. — Dana ‘96 FXD-Conv "Roxie" Web:  http://www.chaeron.com/danamania/ NOTE:  Remove Spamicide ™ before replying!!!

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Hi Wind Dancer, Most of us here have suffered with migraines many years, including myself. Have you noticed that most of us also, including me, are saying that they have gotten worse in the last few years???  Makes me wonder why????? ~~Heather~~

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: Hi Wind Dancer, : Most of us here have suffered with migraines many years, including myself. : Have you noticed that most of us also, including me, are saying that they have : gotten worse in the last few years???  Makes me wonder why????? This may be because those whose migraines have gotten worse are more vocal, or maybe if your migraines have gotten worse you notice more the people whose migraines have done the same. Mine have gotten better, and I know there are others, too.  I could see why someone whose migraines had gotten better might just leave the group. Priscilla

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good morning all… i have to share this – i have been taking feverfew for 3 months now and have not had a debilitating migraine for 8 weeks (the 2 day in bed type) and have not had a sever (1 shot of imitrex) for 2 weeks.  I have also started chiropractic care for the last 4 weeks… this is a first for me – i have had migraines since i was 10 years old – but never as bad as the last 1 1/2 years……there is hope for us all… we just have to research and find out what works for us.. take care

I’ve started going to a Chiropractice and it has helped. I used to get the ‘aura’ feel that something was going to happen. My neck would then really stiffen up and be sore, and a migraine would start. I still get the migraine headache, which I try to avoid with Imigran, but the neck pain is a lot better. It turned out that when I slept, I slept mostly in same position, on my front with my neck bent to the left. This made sense, when he said that after a week of this, it got too much for my neck and it hurt. On the migraine front now, I used to get it on Saturday when I relaxed and lay in. Now that I do skydiving at the weekends, I tend to feel rough mid week. At least my weekends are not so affected and I can enjoy the jumps and the parties! I’ll try taking Feverfew and see if that helps too. Belle.

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I would try feverfew, but I am afraid of taking it with my daily inderal.  I am worried about combining the herbs with the drugs.

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Feverfew Nasal Mist, uses only when it is needed/

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Feverfew Nasal Mist, uses only when it is needed/

Tell us more about this, please! — "It is useless to resent anything in this world." -E. Roosevelt oh, and please remove the "z" when replying by e-mail

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good morning all… i have to share this – i have been taking feverfew for 3 months now and have not had a debilitating migraine for 8 weeks (the 2 day in bed type) and have not had a sever (1 shot of imitrex) for 2 weeks.  I have also started chiropractic care for the last 4 weeks… this is a first for me – i have had migraines since i was 10 years old – but never as bad as the last 1 1/2 years……there is hope for us all… we just have to research and find out what works for us.. take care

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I thought Feverfew was a miracle herb. And it was for 11 months. But then the migraines returned. I hope you do better.

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Greetings from a longtime migraine sufferer, but new to this group.  I have suffered from migraines since I was a child.  I have found that daily feverfew is great at minimizing the nausea and vomiting part of migraines.  Yes I still get them, but to at least not have the vomiting I can function until my Imitrex kicks in.  Fortunately Imitrex works beautifully for me, since I have had no success with abortives like Inderal and Elavil.  I have found that if I catch my migraine early and on an empty stomach then oral Imitrex works, but if it has gone beyond that early point then my only hope is injectable Imitrex. I am intrigued by the 5-HTP mentioned in someones note, so am going to get some today. I’d love to find an alternative to Imitrex, as I’m still leary about the potential longterm side efects which are yet unknown. I  will try to keep in this ng loop, but due to my hectic schedule I may be spotty in my correspondence…….thanks

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Of course, the alternative may be worse than the original med…all part of migraine roulette. Like many of you, I’m a triptan test case, hoping we don’t discover a few years down the road that we’ve permanently damaged something important. But I have to weigh that against the fact that I’m convinced I wouldn’t be here at all without SOMETHING for the pain. I, too, am trying the 5THP…have to keep trying. Welcome to the group! –Julianne

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welcome mike!!! we’ll be happy to have you whenever your schedule permits. some of us (like myself) have so little a life, that we spend every day here, but it’s perfectly understandable that a hectic scedule permits little more than spotty correspondence. again,welcome!!!! Mike Barton wrote … Greetings from a longtime migraine sufferer, but new to this group.

….snip …. . – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I  will try to keep in this ng loop, but due to my hectic schedule I may be spotty in my correspondence…….thanks

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greetings from a longtime migraine sufferer, but new to this group.  I have suffered from migraines since I was a child.  I have found that daily feverfew is great at minimizing the nausea and vomiting part of migraines.  Yes I still get them, but to at least not have the vomiting I can function until my Imitrex kicks in.  Fortunately Imitrex works beautifully for me, since I have had no success with abortives like Inderal and Elavil.  I have found that if I catch my migraine early and on an empty stomach then oral Imitrex works, but if it has gone beyond that early point then my only hope is injectable Imitrex. I am intrigued by the 5-HTP mentioned in someones note, so am going to get some today. I’d love to find an alternative to Imitrex, as I’m still leary about the potential longterm side efects which are yet unknown. I  will try to keep in this ng loop, but due to my hectic schedule I may be spotty in my correspondence…….thanks Hello Mike,

I’ve tried feverfew without noticing any difference and wonder if the dosage I’m using is incorrect. If you’re having success, I’ll gladly try whatever dosage you’re taking. Also what brand do you use?     Carol     –the sheer joy of being

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the note.   I take Migracare by Enzymatic Therapy which has 600mcg of parthenolide.  I have tried less and it didn’t work and I’ve tried more with no greater effect.  I know some products are available with up to 1200mcg.  Perhaps – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greetings from a longtime migraine sufferer, but new to this group.  I have suffered from migraines since I was a child.  I have found that daily feverfew is great at minimizing the nausea and vomiting part of migraines.  Yes I still get them, but to at least not have the vomiting I can function until my Imitrex kicks in.  Fortunately Imitrex works beautifully for me, since I have had no success with abortives like Inderal and Elavil.  I have found that if I catch my migraine early and on an empty stomach then oral Imitrex works, but if it has gone beyond that early point then my only hope is injectable Imitrex. I am intrigued by the 5-HTP mentioned in someones note, so am going to get some today. I’d love to find an alternative to Imitrex, as I’m still leary about the potential longterm side efects which are yet unknown. I  will try to keep in this ng loop, but due to my hectic schedule I may be spotty in my correspondence…….thanks Hello Mike, I’ve tried feverfew without noticing any difference and wonder if the dosage I’m using is incorrect. If you’re having success, I’ll gladly try whatever dosage you’re taking. Also what brand do you use?     Carol     –the sheer joy of being

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has anyone tried this natural herb.. i have been using it for 5 weeks and have not had a "severe" type (usually sends one to bed for 2 days) – they have been milder and i can function.. would like to hear feedback thanks

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has anyone tried this natural herb.. i have been using it for 5 weeks and have not had a "severe" type (usually sends one to bed for 2 days) – they have been milder and i can function.. would like to hear feedback thanks

I’ve been taking Feverfew for a couple of months now, and have had 2 severe (go to bed) migraines during that time. Which, for me, is an improvement. I don’t think it’s a miracle or anything, but I do think it’s helping some. — Dana Taramina Web:  http://www.chaeron.com/danamania/ NOTE:  Remove Spamicide ™ before replying!!!

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has anyone tried this natural herb.. i have been using it for 5 weeks and have not had a "severe" type (usually sends one to bed for 2 days) – they have been milder and i can function.. would like to hear feedback thanks

Yes!!! I started taking Feverfew (1 380 mg. capsule per day) about three months ago, and have reduced both the frequency and severity of my migraines considerably.  In case I wasn’t sure , I somehow forgot to take them for a few weeks recently and the old #9-10 headaches were back with a vengance.  I am a believer, for sure.  Good luck.  By the way, I have noticed no side effects at all and can even take it on an empty stomach! Molly

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Feverfew is an herb, and it is effective for some, but usually only after taking it for quite a while – months sometimes.  My grandmother grew it when I was little and made us eat the leaves or drink tea from its leaves everyday, to "ward off evil in the body" as she said.  If it was going to work for you, it probably would have needed more than 3 weeks, and from what I understand, the new capsules and store brands have the same natural "weaknesses" of all other organic cures

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Without blinking an eye, he wrote a script for testosterone cream. I’d actually heard about it on the Leeza show and on Oprah, but figured my HMO would never provide such a thing–it has to be compounded. I have been on the testosterone cream for about 3 months–and my desire is SOOOO much better–not like when I was 20, but at least sex is now a regular activity for us.

You’ve got a very cool doctor.  I never thought of that.  Thanks for mentioning it.  

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Without blinking an eye, he wrote a script for testosterone cream. I’d actually heard about it on the Leeza show and on Oprah, but figured my HMO would never provide such a thing–it has to be compounded. I have been on the testosterone cream for about 3 months–and my desire is SOOOO much better–not like when I was 20, but at least sex is now a regular activity for us. You’ve got a very cool doctor.  I never thought of that.  Thanks for mentioning it.  

I saw him on a fluke.  I now have a NEW ob/gyn.  I was so afraid he would not speak english due to his name–I made hubby go with me. you see, I found a growth–or so I thought and I was really scared. Turns out to be just an extra flap of tissue and nothing to worry about. Also, the testosterone cream has totally alleviated my vulvodena–a pain in the you know where! LOL Nancy To respond via email, delete "nospam" from my address. Please visit the new moderated recovery group at alt.med.fibromyalgia.recovery.info Also, check out the guafenisin group at alt.med.fibromyalgia.guaifenesin Please visit the new group, alt.talk.grandparents.

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I have been on trazadone for almost 20 years.  Last summer, I lost all sexual desire–I don tthink it was the traz or other meds–maybe just stress of my situation. First I tried OTC synthetic progesterone and wild yam cream–that helped quite a bit.  Then I had a urgent appointment with a new ob/gyn (I am female) on another issue.and told him about my desire issue. Without blinking an eye, he wrote a script for testosterone cream. I’d actually heard about it on the Leeza show and on Oprah, but figured my HMO would never provide such a thing–it has to be compounded. I have been on the testosterone cream for about 3 months–and my desire is SOOOO much better–not like when I was 20, but at least sex is now a regular activity for us. HTH someone, Nancy To respond via email, delete "nospam" from my address. Please visit the new moderated recovery group at alt.med.fibromyalgia.recovery.info Also, check out the guafenisin group at alt.med.fibromyalgia.guaifenesin Please visit the new group, alt.talk.grandparents.

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I found this message board with posts from pdocs and others talking about how to revive sex drives in depressed patients who lose it through taking anti depressants.  I thought it might be of interest. Dr. Bob’s Psychopharmacology Tips SSRI sexual dysfunction —— I have had good experience withe use of buspirone to reverse SSRI effects on libido and orgasm and find this method to be more useful than other approaches touted in the literature. —— I haven’t had much luck with buspirone reversing sexual dysfunction (I am having better luck with bupropion). —— He responded very well to Prozac. Unfortunately he developed intolerable retarded ejaculation. Bupropion would be a good choice as it seldom causes sexual dysfunction. Trazodone can seldom be given in doses high enough to be effective without being too sedating. If the bupropion does not help, you might consider restarting the Prozac and co-administering buspirone 10-20 mg tid. Buspirone has been reported to protect some men from the sexual side effects of the SSRIs. If the buspirone fails, some other medications that may help sexual function are amantadine and cyproheptadine. —— I have found a number of strategies useful with this type of problem but no one panacea. Sometimes, adding 75 mg of bupropion can make a difference. There has been some success for some of my patients with cyproheptadine 2-4 mg about an hour before sex although most of my colleagues have not been impressed. There is the danger of the anti-serotonin effect with this drug but I have never encountered it. The sedation might also be a problem (since about half the people using antihistamines become sedated). Of course, sedation would be a big problem with trazodone, especially for those of us who favor morning sex. —— Although I haven’t had a report from any patients yet, I’ve heard that nefazodone (Serzone) is similar to bupropion in absence of sexual side effects. —— Either treat the sexual dysfunction secondary to SSRIs with one of the anecdotal treatments, e.g. buspirone 10-20 mg po tid, amantidine, or cyproheptidine, or switch to venlafaxine (in my experience less sexual dysfunction) or bupropion. —— Dr. John Feighner (creater of the Feighner criteria, which led to the RDC and then to DSM-III and IV) states that he has successfully treated SSRI-associated sexual dysfunction in 3 individuals with methylphenidate (Ritalin), 10-30 mg/day. This fits conceptually with reports of the efficacy of amantadine, another dopamine agonist, and with the idea that SSRI-associated apathy (including lowered libido) may be related to dopamine down-regulation. —— I’ve had fairly good (75%, small n) luck with cyproheptadine, 2-4 mg several hours before sex or 2-4 mg TID regularly, for sexual dysfunction/loss of interest with SSRIs. One also can try adding small doses of bupropion to the SSRI for both depression and loss of sexual interest. —— Some of us have had success with telling patients to skip the dose the day of expected sexual acitivity, and that works pretty well with venlafaxine (Effexor) (not a true SSRI, but…) in my experience. I have also noticed that just switching SSRIs can often alleviate the problem. I seem to be seeing that on the Prozac-Zoloft-Paxil axis I can just move a patient from one to another and often clear things up. I’ll bet that is a buggy solution and that my "n" is not large enough to justify any conclusions, but as long as it works I guess I’ll keep going with it. I have also been disappointed that trying to switch my patients to Wellbutrin, now touted for its lack of sexual side effects, doesn’t seem to help many of them. In the really problematic cases, I urge them to give a TCA a trial, because despite some of the other side effects those are still very reliable medications. I just don’t like having that lethal overdose potential and I prefer the rapid onset of action the SSRIs seem to demonstrate. —— My 2 cents’ worth: Lower SSRI dose. Try SSRI vacation on weekends. Add cyproheptadine 4-28 mg 30-60 min prior to sex (if they can stay awake). Add trazodone if problem seems to be erectile failure. Add bupropion 75-100 mg in AM (adrenergic effect seems to help). Switch out of class to therapeutic dose of bupropion, nefazodone, etc. My experience is that switching within class rarely works but is worth try in some cases. Re-think if this is medication side effect, consider work with couple. —— There are a few more psychopharmacologic interventions that are often useful: amantadine 100 mg bid or tid buspirone 5-10 mg tid or qid (may increase desire too) dextroamphetamine 5 mg tid or qid methylphenidate 10 mg tid or qid. —— I’ve also had good luck adding yohimbine, 5.4 mg bid to tid. —— Yohimbine is often effective but may precipitate manic episodes in pholks with bipolar disorder. —— Try adding buspirone (Buspar). Michael Norden recently reported benefits. I have been doing the same for about a year with substantial benefits about 1/2 the time. I use 5 mg bid upped qweek by 5 bid to 20-30 bid total. Usually it takes a couple of weeks to get effects. If the patient is on high dose SSRIs, be careful. One of my patients had a mild serotonin syndrome-like event on Buspar 60/d and Paxil 60/day. It is also helpful to be more specific about the sexual side effects. Decreased libido and ejaculatory latency are different phenomena and the latter may respond better to Buspar addition. In addition, many (maybe most) men on SSRIs report decreased masturbation frequency. But this does not necessarily indicate sexual dysfunction — since on closer questioning, many of these same men report intact erotic responsiveness to external sexual stimuli. —— One thing to consider is whether you can lower the dose of the SSRI. That was helpful for three of my female patients. Another female patient did well with cyproheptadine (Periactin) though it cut down on spontaneity. —— My experience with SSRIs is that they [can] cause decreased libido as well as anorgasmia. Personally, I believe that the problems are rather difficult to treat. I have had little success with adding Periactin, Buspar or Wellbutrin. I have found that more often than not I am forced to lower the SSRI or stop it completely when the patient complains about these side effects. —— I have found that loss of sex drive in depressed patients often occurs separately from the symptom of diminished libido that is part of depression. The … read more »

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