Question:

you know) particularly with sinus pressure. I AM going to talk to Health Services here and if they don’t have any bright ideas call my doctor at home again. Anyone know of anything I might try? — Emily

You might discuss taking a prednisone burst.  It is not a fun medication to take (I refer to it as "The side effect of the week medication.") but it should help you get through the cold. "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits." Einstein

Response:

Hi.   You shoudl be on more flovent. I was put on flovent 220 four puffs a day (the higher dose) when I was still having problems. your dose should definitely be increased!!! Ask for some flonase for your nose (isn’t habit forming, it is just like the steroid inhaler for your lungs). I have some similar problems to you, and using the albuterol too much, and using slo-bid (theophylline) were the WORST things I could do for any sort of anxiety attacks. Decongestant is FINE unless the doctor told you not to take it due to your other medications. Summary: get some extra meds to get you through your cold, and get the health people to give you the flovent 220! In the meantime, a pred. burst may be necessary. -jenny ideas as to what might help, that would NOT tend to make one nervous, i could really use them…the pseudoephedrine HELPS, but I still as I said had to use my inhaler in class a few hours after taking it this morning, and waking up in the morning or middle of the night gasping is not fun (as I’m sure many of you know) particularly with sinus pressure. I AM going to talk to Health Services here and if they don’t have any bright ideas call my doctor at home again. Anyone know of anything I might try? — Emily

Jennifer Gerbi                          http://www.students.uiuc.edu/~gerbi Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign   1-113 ESB             (217)244-0332

Response:

Talk to your doctor about all this.  Your doctor and you must decide how bad your anxiety disorder is and the risks of adding drugs that exasperate this condition.  However, it is common to do a short dose of oral prednisone when asthmatics get ill.  Talk to your doctor about this possibility to get you through until your cold gets better.  Upping your Flovent may help some but I’d probably go for the prednisone in this instance.  Again, talk to your doctor and see what he/she suggests to get you through it.  Pseudoephedrine (I’m guessing OTC) is a broad spectrum agonist against your adrenergic receptors so this is probably why you’re feeling more anxious while taking it.  Albuterol is specific for the beta-2 receptor so it mainly acts on the smooth muscles in your lung dilating them, although some gets in your system and can certainly make you more anxious also.  If it was me, I’d go for a short prednisone burst, but talk to your doc and see what they think.

Nah, I was told pred is for RED zone….I’m only in the upper end of yellow. And form what people here have been saying, that stuff gets people’s emotions terribly messed up all by itself. sounds like the last thing I want to be taking —

Response:

It sounds like a lot of your symptoms are related to post nasal drip. The nasal steroids are one good solution, but they will take a few days to do have an effect. The sedating antihistamines like Benedryl can dry the nose though their side effects, not necessarily from the histamine action. Avoid this if you are having a lot of chest congestion. Using saline nasal sprays every hour or two can help, as well as drinking hot liquids. If the Sudafed is helping your nose and not giving you anxiety problems then go with it. You will know if it gets you too hyped up. You and your doctor may just have to agree on a plan that includes stimulants when your asthma warrants and combat the effects with other sedatives. — Good Luck, CBI, M.D. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey…got a little problem here. I have a cold which is exacerbating my asthma badly. I’ve had to use albuterol for it several times (including this morning in class. Trying to take notes on complex math with your hands shaking is bad) in the last week. Now, I’m using that when I feel I need to, and I talked to my doctor once already (first time I was in yellow zone since having the chart set up) and am on Flovent 44 3×3 instead of my normal 2×2. I WAS taking a nasal spray decongestant, which worked pretty well except for wearing off before 12 hours was up, BUT you can only use that for 4 days and my 4 days are up. I AM taking pseudoephedrine now, but I’m really not supposed to; I have some sort of anxiety disorder (that I’ve very recently been put on meds for) and so I’m not supposed to take things that could make it worse. Now, admittedly my instincts say that the psuedoephedrine makes me less nervous than constantly using albuterol….but if anyone has any other ideas as to what might help, that would NOT tend to make one nervous, i could really use them…the pseudoephedrine HELPS, but I still as I said had to use my inhaler in class a few hours after taking it this morning, and waking up in the morning or middle of the night gasping is not fun (as I’m sure many of you know) particularly with sinus pressure. I AM going to talk to Health Services here and if they don’t have any bright ideas call my doctor at home again. Anyone know of anything I might try? — Emily

Response:

Talk to your doctor about all this.  Your doctor and you must decide how bad your anxiety disorder is and the risks of adding drugs that exasperate this condition.  However, it is common to do a short dose of oral prednisone when asthmatics get ill.  Talk to your doctor about this possibility to get you through until your cold gets better.  Upping your Flovent may help some but I’d probably go for the prednisone in this instance.  Again, talk to your doctor and see what he/she suggests to get you through it.  Pseudoephedrine (I’m guessing OTC) is a broad spectrum agonist against your adrenergic receptors so this is probably why you’re feeling more anxious while taking it.  Albuterol is specific for the beta-2 receptor so it mainly acts on the smooth muscles in your lung dilating them, although some gets in your system and can certainly make you more anxious also.  If it was me, I’d go for a short prednisone burst, but talk to your doc and see what they think. — James P Picotte Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hey…got a little problem here. I have a cold which is exacerbating my asthma badly. I’ve had to use albuterol for it several times (including this morning in class. Trying to take notes on complex math with your hands shaking is bad) in the last week. Now, I’m using that when I feel I need to, and I talked to my doctor once already (first time I was in yellow zone since having the chart set up) and am on Flovent 44 3×3 instead of my normal 2×2. I WAS taking a nasal spray decongestant, which worked pretty well except for wearing off before 12 hours was up, BUT you can only use that for 4 days and my 4 days are up. I AM taking pseudoephedrine now, but I’m really not supposed to; I have some sort of anxiety disorder (that I’ve very recently been put on meds for) and so I’m not supposed to take things that could make it worse. Now, admittedly my instincts say that the psuedoephedrine makes me less nervous than constantly using albuterol….but if anyone has any other ideas as to what might help, that would NOT tend to make one nervous, i could really use them…the pseudoephedrine HELPS, but I still as I said had to use my inhaler in class a few hours after taking it this morning, and waking up in the morning or middle of the night gasping is not fun (as I’m sure many of you know) particularly with sinus pressure. I AM going to talk to Health Services here and if they don’t have any bright ideas call my doctor at home again. Anyone know of anything I might try? — Emily

Response:

Hey…got a little problem here. I have a cold which is exacerbating my asthma badly. I’ve had to use albuterol for it several times (including this morning in class. Trying to take notes on complex math with your hands shaking is bad) in the last week. Now, I’m using that when I feel I need to, and I talked to my doctor once already (first time I was in yellow zone since having the chart set up) and am on Flovent 44 3×3 instead of my normal 2×2. I WAS taking a nasal spray decongestant, which worked pretty well except for wearing off before 12 hours was up, BUT you can only use that for 4 days and my 4 days are up. I AM taking pseudoephedrine now, but I’m really not supposed to; I have some sort of anxiety disorder (that I’ve very recently been put on meds for) and so I’m not supposed to take things that could make it worse. Now, admittedly my instincts say that the psuedoephedrine makes me less nervous than constantly using albuterol….but if anyone has any other ideas as to what might help, that would NOT tend to make one nervous, i could really use them…the pseudoephedrine HELPS, but I still as I said had to use my inhaler in class a few hours after taking it this morning, and waking up in the morning or middle of the night gasping is not fun (as I’m sure many of you know) particularly with sinus pressure. I AM going to talk to Health Services here and if they don’t have any bright ideas call my doctor at home again. Anyone know of anything I might try? — Emily

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey…got a little problem here. I have a cold which is exacerbating my asthma badly. I’ve had to use albuterol for it several times (including this morning in class. Trying to take notes on complex math with your hands shaking is bad) in the last week. Now, I’m using that when I feel I need to, and I talked to my doctor once already (first time I was in yellow zone since having the chart set up) and am on Flovent 44 3×3 instead of my normal 2×2. I WAS taking a nasal spray decongestant, which worked pretty well except for wearing off before 12 hours was up, BUT you can only use that for 4 days and my 4 days are up. I AM taking pseudoephedrine now, but I’m really not supposed to; I have some sort of anxiety disorder (that I’ve very recently been put on meds for) and so I’m not supposed to take things that could make it worse. Now, admittedly my instincts say that the psuedoephedrine makes me less nervous than constantly using albuterol….but if anyone has any other ideas as to what might help, that would NOT tend to make one nervous, i could really use them…the pseudoephedrine HELPS, but I still as I said had to use my inhaler in class a few hours after taking it this morning, and waking up in the morning or middle of the night gasping is not fun (as I’m sure many of you know) particularly with sinus pressure. I AM going to talk to Health Services here and if they don’t have any bright ideas call my doctor at home again. Anyone know of anything I might try? — Emily

Regarding nasal sprays, the steroid ones are very effective and can be used long term; Flonase, Rhinocort, Vancenase A nonsteroidal OTC one that can be tried is Nasalcrom (cromolyn) It’s moderately effective and can be used long term; needs to be used 3-4x/day for a couple of weeks to become effective. Regarding Flovent 44, this is the weakest of the formulations. In your case may be more practical to go to the middle formulation, Flovent 110. A twice a day regimen should be sufficient. One or two puffs. The higher steroid dose should control the asthma better. You really should stay away from decongestants if taking antianxiety drugs. Also minimize albuterol useage, no more than once/day. Ellis

Response:

Question:

I have read posts from people who talk about having strange dreams while taking Singulair I seem to remember something about visual disturbances and Atrovent, and

I had weird dreams from singulair and am making an appointment with an eye doctor as I am having visual problems with atrovent I think. The reason being,I went off of atrovent for one week and my eye problems cleared up. The first day after returning to atrovent my visual problems started back.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have read posts from people who talk about having strange dreams while taking Singulair I seem to remember something about visual disturbances and Atrovent, and I had weird dreams from singulair and am making an appointment with an eye doctor as I am having visual problems with atrovent I think. The reason being,I went off of atrovent for one week and my eye problems cleared up. The first day after returning to atrovent my visual problems started back.

Just a thought…Have you checked your blood pressure recently? You need to tell the Dr who prescribed it of your visual problems and the possability of it being caused by the Atrovent….vision problems could be a sign of a more serious problem. Jacquie

Response:

I have a 7-year-old-son who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, which is basically a mild form of autism. He talked late and had other developmental delays as well. He also had pretty severe problems with asthma from ages 2-1/2 to 6, and has taken a lot of medications over the last 4-1/2 years. His asthma is much better now, although we still occasionally need albuterol. I don’t think the asthma meds caused his developmental problems but I am wondering if they could have aggravated them. The signs were there before he was a year old, although we didn’t recognize them at the time. However, he seemed to get more fearful and less sociable between the ages of 2 and 3. He became very obsessive and started having major tantrums when he was about 4-1/2. At various times he has taken: Intal via nebulizer, Atrovent nebulizer, Nasarel (flunisolide) used as an inhaled steroid (placed in the nebulizer along with the Atrovent, rather than as a nasal spray,) Serevent inhaler (only a for a short time before he stopped sleeping) Flovent in various strengths, and Singulair. of course, he also took plenty of albuterol via nebulizer and inhaler, and  many oral prednisone bursts. I remember the hyperactivity and irritability from albuterol and prednisone far too well. I have read posts from people who talk about having strange dreams while taking Singulair. I seem to remember something about visual disturbances and Atrovent, and possible problems with vertigo and Intal. I realize these are not common side effects. But considering my son could not tell me how he was feeling when he was younger, I have to wonder if these things were happening. He has what is describe as "sensory defensiveness"—a hypersensitivity to certain textures and unexpected touch. He also dislike certain kinds of movement and is fearful of falling. I have been told this could reflect balance problems and affect gross motor development. What did it do to him while he was growing up if he felt ready to fall most of the time, or things suddenly looked different, or if he felt unable to sit still? If Singulair can cause strange dreams, what else could it have done to his brain? Does this sound familiar to anyone? Any other parents out there whose kids have asthma and developmental delays? Jean in NC

Response:

Question:

I tried homeopathic meds on myself but would not try them on my son. Kids really are too little to be messing with.  I know that you are searching for answers but there really are none.  The best advice I can give is to educate yourself on the disease and the medications or therapies used, this way you can be informed to make the best decisions for your child. nicamrem —Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.—

Response:

There are enough tombs,you can look. good willing is not good doing. Lothar

Response:

Neeraj, I face the same issue with my 3 year old daughter.  What really helps is avoiding any all all things that could trigger her asthma.  Also, use preventive medications if the doctor prescibes some.  Before 3 months my daughter went throught the allergy tests and now we know that my daughter is allergic to milk, dust mites, mold and mild dew.  We used to use the humidifier very often, now we don’t. People tell us that kids usually grow out of this, however, our doctor said that with each attack of asthma the chances of her growing out of it decreases.  That is the very reason we try our very best to avoid things that could trigger asthma. I know what you are going through.  Try your best and have faith in God. Chetan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi , I am wondering whether asthma is common among the childern in US. My 2 year old daughter has been dignosed with asthma and there is really no cure has been advised so far. Except temp relief by using breathing machine. I want to know if this is true that there is really no cure of the problem. Has anyone tried any Homeopathic Madicine ? Please advise.

Response:

Hi , I am wondering whether asthma is common among the childern in US. My 2 year old daughter has been dignosed with asthma and there is really no cure has been advised so far. Except temp relief by using breathing machine. I want to know if this is true that there is really no cure of the problem.

Yes, asthma is common; 10-20% of children seem to have it.  No, there isn’t an cure . . . just treatments. Has anyone tried any Homeopathic Madicine ?

Not anyone who actually wanted their child to survive to adulthood and understood the scientific fallacies behind homeopathy; IOW, this is a BAD idea. Chris Owens

Response:

I am wondering whether asthma is common among the childern in US. My 2 year old daughter has been dignosed with asthma and there is really no cure has been advised so far. Except temp relief by using breathing machine. I want to know if this is true that there is really no cure of the problem. Has anyone tried any Homeopathic Madicine ? Please advise.

Asthma is diagnosed using breathing tests. In toddlers, where breathing tests can’t be administered, the condition is often called RAD (reactive airways disease). As toddlers grow, they often outgrow the condition as their airways become larger. The treatment is inhaled albuterol for short term relief (and rescue), inhaled preventor meds like cromolyn or steroids for long term relief. Asthma is a chronic disease which needs ongoing drugs. There is no ‘cure’ but in some cases the syptoms resolve for a period of time. For Moderate to Severe cases in infants and toddlers, it’s advisable to see a pediatric allergist. Minimizing allergens and irritants in the environment is important. Homeopathy involves the use of very dilute drugs; not effective for asthma (unless contaminated with steroids). Link: http://www.aaaai.org/public/publicedmat/tips/tip20.html CHILDHOOD ASTHMA (AAAAI) Excerpt: "Approximately 10% of children have symptoms consistent with  asthma. Correct diagnosis and management of childhood asthma  requires an asthma and allergy specialist who recognizes the  uniqueness of childhood asthma, compared to asthma which  begins in adulthood." Ellis

Response:

Hi , I am wondering whether asthma is common among the childern in US. My 2 year old daughter has been dignosed with asthma and there is really no cure has been advised so far. Except temp relief by using breathing machine. I want to know if this is true that there is really no cure of the problem.

The most important thing you can remember is that There Is No Cure For Asthma.  Anybody who claims otherwise is trying to defraud you. Has anyone tried any Homeopathic Madicine ?

Try distilled water – it is the same stuff.  And will probably do more good as you will drink more of it. Another thing to consider is that statistically, asthmatics who use ‘alternative’ medicine have twice the hospitalization and death rates as those who do not. "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits." Einstein

Response:

Hi , I am wondering whether asthma is common among the childern in US. My 2 year old daughter has been dignosed with asthma and there is really no cure has been advised so far. Except temp relief by using breathing machine. I want to know if this is true that there is really no cure of the problem. Has anyone tried any Homeopathic Madicine ? Please advise.

Response:

My son is 6, has had asthma for 6 years.  I have gone to many doctors and there is no cure but there are methods to keep it under control.  He’s on inhaled steroids, Pulmicort and on Singulair, everyday.  When he breaks through he goes on ventolin and atrovent, and sometimes prednisone.  Right now the treatment is prevention but I keep the hope there might be a cure. Good Luck Gina

Response:

Question:

[Uthur] I’m trying to remember the name of a drug someone told me about a while back. It begins with ‘z’ (in Europe) and is used for treating anxiety. It *might* be a newish one.  I’d remember it if I heard it again. Can you help me out please?

Xanax (alprazolam) ? zolpidem? (more a sleeping pil) zopiclon?  (more a sleeping pil) Kind regards, Henk J. van Dijk — The charter is available at:

Question:

Hello Jeff, Seroxat and Paxil are two names for the same drug. The name Seroxat is used in the UK and Paxil, I believe, is what it’s called in the US. Sorry about the confusion. Before the cross posters arrived, quite suddenly it appeared, this was a great group. I started posting on 13th of December last and found that the group helped me greatly over the overwhelmingly miserable period during Christmas and the New Year. What I’m leading up to is that reading the post here and better still posting messages is highly therapeutic and is what I would recommend that you do but sadly the group no longer functions the way it did. Cormac’s suggestion is a good one if you can find a support group. I’m certain there are many such groups in the US but a lot depends on the nature of the support group and the particular way you interact with such a group. We are all different and I can go to a support group here in Dublin but I’m not at all happy with the way it’s run. The fella who set up the group effectively controls the group and I object strongly to this but am afraid to say anything to the psychologist in the hospital where the support group is based about the situation as I see it. The fella who runs the support group and the psychologist are great friends and if I said anything I can almost hear the psychologist ask me now why do I feel this way and I’m sure I would get nowhere and end up banging my head off the wall. Be wary in support groups. You will meet all types and I know from personal experience you may meet folks there who will use you if the conditions are right for that. That is exactly what happened to me. A long time member of the group homed in on me and ended up bullying me in a most insidious way. So, Jeff, beware in the support group setting. As the student who was treating me using CBT told me as she told me I could join the support I would meet all types in the support group. I thought what a strange thing to say. Are we not all on each other’s side I asked myself. The frightening answer is no. Peter Nolan. To email please remove x from xpeter…@gofree.indigo.ie

Response:

Hello Jeff, I’m attempting to send the message below a second time. It never made it first time round. — Peter Nolan. To email please remove x from xpeter…@gofree.indigo.ie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hello Jeff, Seroxat and Paxil are two names for the same drug. The name Seroxat is

used

in the UK and Paxil, I believe, is what it’s called in the US. Sorry about the confusion. Before the cross posters arrived, quite suddenly it appeared, this was a great group. I started posting on 13th of December last and found that the group helped me greatly over the overwhelmingly miserable period during Christmas and the New Year. What I’m leading up to is that reading the

post

here and better still posting messages is highly therapeutic and is what I would recommend that you do but sadly the group no longer functions the

way

it did. Cormac’s suggestion is a good one if you can find a support group. I’m certain there are many such groups in the US but a lot depends on the

nature

of the support group and the particular way you interact with such a

group.

We are all different and I can go to a support group here in Dublin but

I’m

not at all happy with the way it’s run. The fella who set up the group effectively controls the group and I object strongly to this but am afraid to say anything to the psychologist in the hospital where the support

group

is based about the situation as I see it. The fella who runs the support group and the psychologist are great friends and if I said anything I can almost hear the psychologist ask me now why do I feel this way and I’m

sure

I would get nowhere and end up banging my head off the wall. Be wary in support groups. You will meet all types and I know from

personal

experience you may meet folks there who will use you if the conditions are right for that. That is exactly what happened to me. A long time member of the group homed in on me and ended up bullying me in a most insidious way. So, Jeff, beware in the support group setting. As the student who was treating me using CBT told me as she told me I could join the support I would meet all types in the support group. I thought what a strange thing

to

say. Are we not all on each other’s side I asked myself. The frightening answer is no. Peter Nolan. To email please remove x from xpeter…@gofree.indigo.ie

Response:

Check the website  www.socialanxietyinstitute.org I find it extremly helpful. Consider joining a support group – mentioned in the web site. Jeff <jeff9…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:7eb49709.0204152150.287da20e@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I’m not sure anyone will see this or respond, but at minimum this posting will let me organize my thoughts and try to explain my situation. I’m male, 31 years old, and have lived with debilitating social anxiety for as long as I can remember, long before there were slick TV commercials for marginally effective pharmaceuticals to treat the disorder. I saw my first psychiatrist when I was 18, who told me I was a nice guy and would have a great life, just stop worrying so much.  By the time I was 24 I finally worked up the courage to talk to a doctor about my depression and social anxiety, and went through the usual suspects with less than impressive results: Zoloft, Serzone, Effexor, Moclobemide.  Then I contracted mono (great, what were the chances of that for a 27 year old virgin).  That completely knocked me out for several months.  Through my doctor, I finally got a referral to a good psychiatrist who diagnosed me with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and depression.  He put me on Parnate and Klonopin, and I was pleasantly surprised, because I actually felt better than I’d ever felt in my entire life.  I looked forward to my day… the pounding heart and sweaty palms went away, I didn’t think everyone was staring at me, and I could go out to social functions without getting incredibly nervous. The dietary restrictions for Parnate were a minor inconvenience. So were the sleep disturbances/minor insomnia.  My life became almost normal.  I went out with friends.  I know, I know, you aren’t supposed to feel better just from meds… it takes lots of CBT and hard work.  My experience, even with good therapists says that is not true.  I’ve read the books, and understand all the distortions and negative thought patterns that pass through my mind.  But being aware of them, and being able to get them under control are two separate things.  I just have this brain chemistry that kicks in so strongly that the power of thought is not enough. One year later, after relocating to the US, I mentioned the insomnia to my doctor and she said it was caused by depression, and tripled the dose of Parnate, and also suggested ECT, which I declined.  I didn’t sleep properly for days, and got extremely sick with a bacterial infection, probably because I was so tired and my immune system went on a vacation.  It scared me so much that I took myself off Parnate and Klonopin (tapered) without consulting my doctor, who I no longer trusted. This was the worst decision of my life (and I’ve made a lot of bad decisions).  After a few weeks, I quickly realized my error after I started returning to my old ways of hiding out in my apartment avoiding everyone.  Since then, I’ve been dragged through unsuccessful courses of Prozac, Effexor (yuck) and Wellbutrin (double yuck).  I can tolerate side effects, but generally expect to feel better rather than worse.  That all ended about two years ago, when I gave up on meds and doctors who have a kneejerk reaction of try Paxil… try Effexor… or whatever drug-du-jour is being peddled. So I’ve put myself in a terrible position.  The only thing that ever worked for me was a MAOI, and nobody wants to prescribe that.  Or a scheduled drug like Klonopin.  Probably now I’m profiled as exhibiting drug-seeking behavior.  But that seems odd since I have old unused prescriptions for both of the above sitting in the back of my medicine cabinet, as well as random assortments of various drugs sufficient to kill a horse. So, two years of being med-free, practicing meditation daily, and lots of aerobic exercise have not helped, and I am a complete isolated hopeless nervous mess.  When I went to my doctor last week for a sinus infection, I mentioned that I used to be on Parnate, and she said she couldn’t believe anyone prescribed that anymore, and proceeded to explain how great SSRIs are.  I just shut up, went home and took my antibiotics. I don’t know what to do.  Money is not an issue.  I just want to somehow get out of this mess.  I don’t look forward to anything… I can barely go out to buy groceries.  It really hurts me at work.  I may skip an old friend’s wedding because I don’t think I can handle it.  Not sure what to do.  I think good psychiatrists are hard to find- I can’t imagine anyone wanting to take on a case like mine. It seems like there is really no way out of this.  I’m just so tired of life being a constant struggle with getting nervous talking to anyone… I’m getting way too old for this. I’m not suicidal, but wouldn’t be terribly upset if I were run over by a truck tomorrow.  Yes, touching, I know. If you’ve made it this far, I apologize for my rambling. If you can think of any way to get out of this mess, let me know.  I can’t even think of a first step that isn’t destined for failure. Jeff psychiatrist I feel trapped in my apartment now and need help, but can’t figure out how to proceed.  My last attempt was several

Response:

Thanks Peter, Doug, and kicken for your thoughtful responses. I am going to get in touch with my doctor back in Canada, to see if he can help me out with some sort of letter of introduction. I had been a patient of his for several years, so there’s a good possibility he can help out.  Even the doctor in the US who tripled my dose of Parnate may be able to help out, and at least attest to the fact that I was doing okay.  I’m also going to write/phone local psychiatrists to determine if one of them has experience prescribing Parnate. Failing that, Peter mentioned a Seroxat/Paxil combo that I have not tried before, which sounds like it may be worth a try, though I am skeptical because of lack of success with anything other than a MAOI. The worst part is that the disease itself is a real hindrance to finding treatment, because my behavior is just so avoidant. Also, I always feel that it’s not taken seriously, like any of the more popular/trendy psychological disorders.  After all, I’m no threat to anyone, and I’m not experiencing any specific crisis.  At least now I have some concrete ideas on how to proceed – thanks all for the ideas on how to get out of this rut.   Jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -gd…@aug.com (Doug) wrote in message <news:3cbd5389.2725248@news.aug.com

… Jeff, At this point, it sounds like a plan would be to get back on the Parnate and Klonopin which you said you gave up on.  What are the possibilities of writing the doctor again who originally prescribed the Parnate and the Klonopin?  I believe s/he’s in another country now? so this may be impossible.  If you could and sent your posted letter with your cover letter, you might have a fairly good chance of at least getting a letter of introduction for another doctor.  This may be impractical, but what about trying to see the U.S. doctor who tripled the Parnate dose.  I mean there are at least 2 doctors who weren’t averse to prescribing Parnate and Klonopin for you.   The 2nd doctor could be a definite maybe.  Even if you can’t see this doctor because of distance, could you write a letter to her explaining what you’re going thru and request her to write a letter of introduction "To Whom It May Concern" (some unknown doctor as yet) that explains what you’ve tried, what worked and what her recommendation is. I did this when I relocated to another state in the U.S. several months ago and the introductory letter did help.  I’ve been able to continue taking the same meds, but I’m under a little tighter control right now than I was previously.  That could be changed by seeking out a new shrink or by possibly asking my new family GP if he’d be willing to take over the prescriptions. If none of the above is practical, you can write your own letter of introduction, using most, if not all of what you wrote in this post and make an appt. with a new psychiatrist.  Your post is very explicit so I’d include it too.  Good luck. Doug

Response:

Hi Jeff, I’m also 31 and have social phobia and depression probably my whole life. I’ve been on almost every med and combo and other treatments and Parnate is the only one to give some relief also. I do get frustrated at times about some side-effects and that it might not be working enough, then I go off and see how much worse I get and go back on. I would try finding a Dr. in your area that has experience prescribing MAOI’s. It’s rule of thumb to go back to what has helped in the past. I hope you find a good Dr. willing to give it to you and hope you feel better. I’ve been on and off of Parnate for almost a decade. I hope to get better to all the time. Take care B jeff9…@hotmail.com (Jeff) wrote in message

<news:7eb49709.0204152150.287da20e@posting.google.com

…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I’m not sure anyone will see this or respond, but at minimum this posting will let me organize my thoughts and try to explain my situation. I’m male, 31 years old, and have lived with debilitating social anxiety for as long as I can remember, long before there were slick TV commercials for marginally effective pharmaceuticals to treat the disorder. I saw my first psychiatrist when I was 18, who told me I was a nice guy and would have a great life, just stop worrying so much.  By the time I was 24 I finally worked up the courage to talk to a doctor about my depression and social anxiety, and went through the usual suspects with less than impressive results: Zoloft, Serzone, Effexor, Moclobemide.  Then I contracted mono (great, what were the chances of that for a 27 year old virgin).  That completely knocked me out for several months.  Through my doctor, I finally got a referral to a good psychiatrist who diagnosed me with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and depression.  He put me on Parnate and Klonopin, and I was pleasantly surprised, because I actually felt better than I’d ever felt in my entire life.  I looked forward to my day… the pounding heart and sweaty palms went away, I didn’t think everyone was staring at me, and I could go out to social functions without getting incredibly nervous. The dietary restrictions for Parnate were a minor inconvenience. So were the sleep disturbances/minor insomnia.  My life became almost normal.  I went out with friends.  I know, I know, you aren’t supposed to feel better just from meds… it takes lots of CBT and hard work.  My experience, even with good therapists says that is not true.  I’ve read the books, and understand all the distortions and negative thought patterns that pass through my mind.  But being aware of them, and being able to get them under control are two separate things.  I just have this brain chemistry that kicks in so strongly that the power of thought is not enough. One year later, after relocating to the US, I mentioned the insomnia to my doctor and she said it was caused by depression, and tripled the dose of Parnate, and also suggested ECT, which I declined.  I didn’t sleep properly for days, and got extremely sick with a bacterial infection, probably because I was so tired and my immune system went on a vacation.  It scared me so much that I took myself off Parnate and Klonopin (tapered) without consulting my doctor, who I no longer trusted. This was the worst decision of my life (and I’ve made a lot of bad decisions).  After a few weeks, I quickly realized my error after I started returning to my old ways of hiding out in my apartment avoiding everyone.  Since then, I’ve been dragged through unsuccessful courses of Prozac, Effexor (yuck) and Wellbutrin (double yuck).  I can tolerate side effects, but generally expect to feel better rather than worse.  That all ended about two years ago, when I gave up on meds and doctors who have a kneejerk reaction of try Paxil… try Effexor… or whatever drug-du-jour is being peddled. So I’ve put myself in a terrible position.  The only thing that ever worked for me was a MAOI, and nobody wants to prescribe that.  Or a scheduled drug like Klonopin.  Probably now I’m profiled as exhibiting drug-seeking behavior.  But that seems odd since I have old unused prescriptions for both of the above sitting in the back of my medicine cabinet, as well as random assortments of various drugs sufficient to kill a horse. So, two years of being med-free, practicing meditation daily, and lots of aerobic exercise have not helped, and I am a complete isolated hopeless nervous mess.  When I went to my doctor last week for a sinus infection, I mentioned that I used to be on Parnate, and she said she couldn’t believe anyone prescribed that anymore, and proceeded to explain how great SSRIs are.  I just shut up, went home and took my antibiotics. I don’t know what to do.  Money is not an issue.  I just want to somehow get out of this mess.  I don’t look forward to anything… I can barely go out to buy groceries.  It really hurts me at work.  I may skip an old friend’s wedding because I don’t think I can handle it.  Not sure what to do.  I think good psychiatrists are hard to find- I can’t imagine anyone wanting to take on a case like mine. It seems like there is really no way out of this.  I’m just so tired of life being a constant struggle with getting nervous talking to anyone… I’m getting way too old for this. I’m not suicidal, but wouldn’t be terribly upset if I were run over by a truck tomorrow.  Yes, touching, I know. If you’ve made it this far, I apologize for my rambling. If you can think of any way to get out of this mess, let me know.  I can’t even think of a first step that isn’t destined for failure. Jeff psychiatrist I feel trapped in my apartment now and need help, but can’t figure out how to proceed.  My last attempt was several

Response:

Jeff, At this point, it sounds like a plan would be to get back on the Parnate and Klonopin which you said you gave up on.  What are the possibilities of writing the doctor again who originally prescribed the Parnate and the Klonopin?  I believe s/he’s in another country now? so this may be impossible.  If you could and sent your posted letter with your cover letter, you might have a fairly good chance of at least getting a letter of introduction for another doctor.  This may be impractical, but what about trying to see the U.S. doctor who tripled the Parnate dose.  I mean there are at least 2 doctors who weren’t averse to prescribing Parnate and Klonopin for you.   The 2nd doctor could be a definite maybe.  Even if you can’t see this doctor because of distance, could you write a letter to her explaining what you’re going thru and request her to write a letter of introduction "To Whom It May Concern" (some unknown doctor as yet) that explains what you’ve tried, what worked and what her recommendation is. I did this when I relocated to another state in the U.S. several months ago and the introductory letter did help.  I’ve been able to continue taking the same meds, but I’m under a little tighter control right now than I was previously.  That could be changed by seeking out a new shrink or by possibly asking my new family GP if he’d be willing to take over the prescriptions. If none of the above is practical, you can write your own letter of introduction, using most, if not all of what you wrote in this post and make an appt. with a new psychiatrist.  Your post is very explicit so I’d include it too.  Good luck. Doug On 15 Apr 2002 22:50:24 -0700, jeff9…@hotmail.com (Jeff) wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I’m not sure anyone will see this or respond, but at minimum this posting will let me organize my thoughts and try to explain my situation. I’m male, 31 years old, and have lived with debilitating social anxiety for as long as I can remember, long before there were slick TV commercials for marginally effective pharmaceuticals to treat the disorder. I saw my first psychiatrist when I was 18, who told me I was a nice guy and would have a great life, just stop worrying so much.  By the time I was 24 I finally worked up the courage to talk to a doctor about my depression and social anxiety, and went through the usual suspects with less than impressive results: Zoloft, Serzone, Effexor, Moclobemide.  Then I contracted mono (great, what were the chances of that for a 27 year old virgin).  That completely knocked me out for several months.  Through my doctor, I finally got a referral to a good psychiatrist who diagnosed me with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and depression.  He put me on Parnate and Klonopin, and I was pleasantly surprised, because I actually felt better than I’d ever felt in my entire life.  I looked forward to my day… the pounding heart and sweaty palms went away, I didn’t think everyone was staring at me, and I could go out to social functions without getting incredibly nervous. The dietary restrictions for Parnate were a minor inconvenience. So were the sleep disturbances/minor insomnia.  My life became almost normal.  I went out with friends.  I know, I know, you aren’t supposed to feel better just from meds… it takes lots of CBT and hard work.  My experience, even with good therapists says that is not true.  I’ve read the books, and understand all the distortions and negative thought patterns that pass through my mind.  But being aware of them, and being able to get them under control are two separate things.  I just have this brain chemistry that kicks in so strongly that the power of thought is not enough. One year later, after relocating to the US, I mentioned the insomnia to my doctor and she said it was caused by depression, and tripled the dose of Parnate, and also suggested ECT, which I declined.  I didn’t sleep properly for days, and got extremely sick with a bacterial infection, probably because I was so tired and my immune system went on a vacation.  It scared me so much that I took myself off Parnate and Klonopin (tapered) without consulting my doctor, who I no longer trusted. This was the worst decision of my life (and I’ve made a lot of bad decisions).  After a few weeks, I quickly realized my error after I started returning to my old ways of hiding out in my apartment avoiding everyone.  Since then, I’ve been dragged through unsuccessful courses of Prozac, Effexor (yuck) and Wellbutrin (double yuck).  I can tolerate side effects, but generally expect to feel better rather than worse.  That all ended about two years ago, when I gave up on meds and doctors who have a kneejerk reaction of try Paxil… try Effexor… or whatever drug-du-jour is being peddled. So I’ve put myself in a terrible position.  The only thing that ever worked for me was a MAOI, and nobody wants to prescribe that.  Or a scheduled drug like Klonopin.  Probably now I’m profiled as exhibiting drug-seeking behavior.  But that seems odd since I have old unused prescriptions for both of the above sitting in the back of my medicine cabinet, as well as random assortments of various drugs sufficient to kill a horse. So, two years of being med-free, practicing meditation daily, and lots of aerobic exercise have not helped, and I am a complete isolated hopeless nervous mess.  When I went to my doctor last week for a sinus infection, I mentioned that I used to be on Parnate, and she said she couldn’t believe anyone prescribed that anymore, and proceeded to explain how great SSRIs are.  I just shut up, went home and took my antibiotics. I don’t know what to do.  Money is not an issue.  I just want to somehow get out of this mess.  I don’t look forward to anything… I can barely go out to buy groceries.  It really hurts me at work.  I may skip an old friend’s wedding because I don’t think I can handle it.  Not sure what to do.  I think good psychiatrists are hard to find- I can’t imagine anyone wanting to take on a case like mine. It seems like there is really no way out of this.  I’m just so tired of life being a constant struggle with getting nervous talking to anyone… I’m getting way too old for this. I’m not suicidal, but wouldn’t be terribly upset if I were run over by a truck tomorrow.  Yes, touching, I know. If you’ve made it this far, I apologize for my rambling. If you can think of any way to get out of this mess, let me know.  I can’t even think of a first step that isn’t destined for failure. Jeff psychiatrist I feel trapped in my apartment now and need help, but can’t figure out how to proceed.  My last attempt was several

Response:

I’m not sure anyone will see this or respond, but at minimum this posting will let me organize my thoughts and try to explain my situation. I’m male, 31 years old, and have lived with debilitating social anxiety for as long as I can remember, long before there were slick TV commercials for marginally effective pharmaceuticals to treat the disorder. I saw my first psychiatrist when I was 18, who told me I was a nice guy and would have a great life, just stop worrying so much.  By the time I was 24 I finally worked up the courage to talk to a doctor about my depression and social anxiety, and went through the usual suspects with less than impressive results: Zoloft, Serzone, Effexor, Moclobemide.  Then I contracted mono (great, what were the chances of that for a 27 year old virgin).  That completely knocked me out for several months.  Through my doctor, I finally got a referral to a good psychiatrist who diagnosed me with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and depression.  He put me on Parnate and Klonopin, and I was pleasantly surprised, because I actually felt better than I’d ever felt in my entire life.  I looked forward to my day… the pounding heart and sweaty palms went away, I didn’t think everyone was staring at me, and I could go out to social functions without getting incredibly nervous. The dietary restrictions for Parnate were a minor inconvenience. So were the sleep disturbances/minor insomnia.  My life became almost normal.  I went out with friends.  I know, I know, you aren’t supposed to feel better just from meds… it takes lots of CBT and hard work.  My experience, even with good therapists says that is not true.  I’ve read the books, and understand all the distortions and negative thought patterns that pass through my mind.  But being aware of them, and being able to get them under control are two separate things.  I just have this brain chemistry that kicks in so strongly that the power of thought is not enough. One year later, after relocating to the US, I mentioned the insomnia to my doctor and she said it was caused by depression, and tripled the dose of Parnate, and also suggested ECT, which I declined.  I didn’t sleep properly for days, and got extremely sick with a bacterial infection, probably because I was so tired and my immune system went on a vacation.  It scared me so much that I took myself off Parnate and Klonopin (tapered) without consulting my doctor, who I no longer trusted. This was the worst decision of my life (and I’ve made a lot of bad decisions).  After a few weeks, I quickly realized my error after I started returning to my old ways of hiding out in my apartment avoiding everyone.  Since then, I’ve been dragged through unsuccessful courses of Prozac, Effexor (yuck) and Wellbutrin (double yuck).  I can tolerate side effects, but generally expect to feel better rather than worse.  That all ended about two years ago, when I gave up on meds and doctors who have a kneejerk reaction of try Paxil… try Effexor… or whatever drug-du-jour is being peddled. So I’ve put myself in a terrible position.  The only thing that ever worked for me was a MAOI, and nobody wants to prescribe that.  Or a scheduled drug like Klonopin.  Probably now I’m profiled as exhibiting drug-seeking behavior.  But that seems odd since I have old unused prescriptions for both of the above sitting in the back of my medicine cabinet, as well as random assortments of various drugs sufficient to kill a horse. So, two years of being med-free, practicing meditation daily, and lots of aerobic exercise have not helped, and I am a complete isolated hopeless nervous mess.  When I went to my doctor last week for a sinus infection, I mentioned that I used to be on Parnate, and she said she couldn’t believe anyone prescribed that anymore, and proceeded to explain how great SSRIs are.  I just shut up, went home and took my antibiotics. I don’t know what to do.  Money is not an issue.  I just want to somehow get out of this mess.  I don’t look forward to anything… I can barely go out to buy groceries.  It really hurts me at work.  I may skip an old friend’s wedding because I don’t think I can handle it.  Not sure what to do.  I think good psychiatrists are hard to find- I can’t imagine anyone wanting to take on a case like mine. It seems like there is really no way out of this.  I’m just so tired of life being a constant struggle with getting nervous talking to anyone… I’m getting way too old for this. I’m not suicidal, but wouldn’t be terribly upset if I were run over by a truck tomorrow.  Yes, touching, I know. If you’ve made it this far, I apologize for my rambling. If you can think of any way to get out of this mess, let me know.  I can’t even think of a first step that isn’t destined for failure. Jeff psychiatrist I feel trapped in my apartment now and need help, but can’t figure out how to proceed.  My last attempt was several

Response:

Hello Jeff, I read through your message to the end. I stay away from this group now because of the cross posting. I’m sorry to tell you there are no simple answers for anyone like you or me suffering from Social Phobia. If there were this great newsgroup that has been decimated by cross posters wouldn’t exist. The only thing you can be certain of is that you will continue to suffer unless something great happens to you which it could. For me being able to leave my so called home where I live with my cruel parents would be the breakthrough for me but that can’t happen yet and may never happen. You say money isn’t a problem. In that case as bad as things may seem to be you could be like me living at home with almost no money at all. I’m not being dismissive here. I understand perfectly well that the solution for each of us that would give us the greatest relief is different for all of us and just because you can do what I can’t which is to get away from my parents in no way means that you aren’t suffering as much as I am. My advice to you is to keep trying. You say you are not suicidal and neither am I by the way then you will keep going forever hoping that things will sort themselves out somehow and maybe they will. The root cause of Social Phobia isn’t at all understood and naturally this is a major problem. I think I have a handle on it in my own case and this helps but the psychological battering I take from my parents 24/7 prevents me from making the breakthroughs I could now make if I was out on my own. I’m 48 by the way. Many people in the group(as it used to be) get great relif from drugs like Seroxat/Paxil but there was a post I saw at one point where the subject line was "Paxil is a Monster". So while drugs work for some people and in many cases transform their lives this is not always the case, indeed far from it. Satellites orbit the earth and perform many functions for us like providing us with a great telecommunications system but sadly the drugs available today are so primitive that they can hardly be described as therapeutic although drugs like anti-biotics are first class compounds. The same cannot be said for other drugs as you almost certainly know yourself. All I can say is you will keep going and always looking out for a way out of this savage disorder that annihilates it’s victims. I’m sorry I can’t help you. Have you tried Seroxat/Paxil? Some people in the group swear by it! Drugs would have no effect on me. Peter Nolan. To email please remove x from xpeter…@gofree.indigo.ie

Response:

Question:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

What is the best med for sleep? PLEASE!

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

Question:

Snip  I don’t know what she thought about that but now she has put me on 50mg of zoloft but did give me the .75 a day of xanex too. I guess to make a long story short is what is this zoloft and will it help with the panic attacks?  I seem to be ok with the xanex.  I am so confused about all these meds.

Ara, Zoloft is an anti depressent in the same family as Prozac (SSRIs).  It is commonly used for anxiety/panic with a lot of success.  However, as with most anti depressents, you may feel worse before you feel better.  It’s a common practice to perscribe a little Xanax to help out while getting past the initial anti depressent adjustment period.  Also, the initial adjustment period can be as long as 8 weeks.  So, after 8 weeks, if the Zoloft isn’t helping, it probably won’t help and it’s time to try another med.  People commonly see an improvement prior to 8 weeks though.  Many people have been helped by Zoloft, but a minority are not (I can’t take SSRIs because I get rare side effects).  You should have got a sheet from your pharmacist listing the common side effects, you should look those over so you don’t freak if one of them happens. While Xanax is very effective, and people who criticise Xanax in this NG usually get a lot of flack, it has the potential for users to develop a "dependency" on it, meaning you can’t quit taking it after you’ve used it for a while without withdraw symptoms; it must be slowly weaned off.  So, in parts of the medical comunity, Xanax is not politically correct.  Also, people who have a history of substance abuse are more likely to abuse Xanax; but this is rare for most panic/anxiety people.  The irony is that any drug that crosses the blood brain barrier like Zoloft, Xanax, Prozac, most beta blockers, etc. can’t be just stopped, they must be weaned off.  So what makes Xanax so bad?  I’m not sure. Odds are good that Zoloft will help you.  If it doesn’t or you can’t take the side effects (often they stop after a while) there’s lots of other meds to try. BTW, .75 mg of Xanax / day is a low dose, you may find yourself needing more later if the Zoloft does not kick in soon enough, be sure to see your Dr. if this happens. Your Dr. seems to be following a common strategy for anxiety/panic that’s helpful for many people.  You’ll just have to wait and see if it works for you. God bless,   Mark Before you buy.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, New here.  Don’t want to start the newbie stuff.  Just had a couple of questions if you all could help out.  To give a quick recap of what has been going on, I ended up in the ER last month with chest pains (nothing wrong with the heart)and tingly sensations in my neck, head and eyes. The ER doc put me on .5 mg of xanex 4 times a day. Said that it was probably a panic attack. Then he told me to see my regular doc in a couple of days and I did and she put me on .25mg 2 to 3 times a day. She basically said just take the two.  I didn’t seem enough so I took 3 a day and that seemed to be better.  Anyway, went today to get a refill. I told her that the 2 a day wasn’t enough and that I was taking 3.  I told her that the tingly sensations would start coming back if I only took the 2.  I also told her that the more stressed I got the worse the tingly sensations.  I don’t know what she thought about that but now she has put me on 50mg of zoloft but did give me the .75 a day of xanex too. I guess to make a long story short is what is this zoloft and will it help with the panic attacks?  I seem to be ok with the xanex.  I am so confused about all these meds. Thanks for all the help, Ara

Hi Ara & welcome to ASAP! Many doctors have trouble prescribing Xanax and other benzodiazepines because they mistakenly think they are *addictive*. This is not the case. Benzos, like almost all psychotropic and many non-psychotropic meds, will cause some *dependance* which means that you’d better not stop them suddenly but taper off slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Xanax can be taken in two ways: *as needed* (when you feel a PA coming on) or as a maintenance med in a regular daily dose. Xanax is a fast- but short acting med, it works for 5 hours average which means that appr. 5 hours after having taking one your body will warn you that it’s time for another dose. To prescribe Xanax in whatever dose to be taken twice a day is not very sensible becausae 24 hours divided by 5 = (more than) 4 times. The average therapeutic dose of Xanax is anywhere between 2-6 mgs. Its most important side effect is *sedation* which will cease or at least diminish a lot after your body has become accustomed to it. Obviously your doctor feels not comfortable treating you with Xanax alone and also maybe is undersubscribing so she gave you Zoloft which is an antidepressant from the SSRI-group which are often used for PD and are first choice meds just like the benzos are. AD’s will worsen your anxiety in the beginning and sometimes throw in some weird initial side effects of their own which is a reason to *start low – go slow*. Starting someone on 50 mgs of Zoloft is asking for trouble. Best is 12,5 mgs for a week and then slowly raise it in 12,5 mgs increments a week until therapeutic dose is reached. In itself the choice of Zoloft isn’t a bad one and the combo of an SSRI and a benzo is a good one (Xanax will also help avoiding or minimizing initial Zoloft side effects). Philip

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Hi all, New here.  Don’t want to start the newbie stuff.  Just had a couple of questions if you all could help out.  To give a quick recap of what has been going on, I ended up in the ER last month with chest pains (nothing wrong with the heart)and tingly sensations in my neck, head and eyes. The ER doc put me on .5 mg of xanex 4 times a day. Said that it was probably a panic attack. Then he told me to see my regular doc in a couple of days and I did and she put me on .25mg 2 to 3 times a day. She basically said just take the two.  I didn’t seem enough so I took 3 a day and that seemed to be better.  Anyway, went today to get a refill. I told her that the 2 a day wasn’t enough and that I was taking 3.  I told her that the tingly sensations would start coming back if I only took the 2.  I also told her that the more stressed I got the worse the tingly sensations.  I don’t know what she thought about that but now she has put me on 50mg of zoloft but did give me the .75 a day of xanex too. I guess to make a long story short is what is this zoloft and will it help with the panic attacks?  I seem to be ok with the xanex.  I am so confused about all these meds. Thanks for all the help, Ara Before you buy.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Tonight i am going to cut my usual pill in half making my daily dose .25 less then regular..how long should i maintain this before reducing more?? My shrink is on holidays and i finally got up enough courage to try a new med….sheesh shitty timing on my part.. also is it ok to advil for headaches while on these meds? I also take 40mgs a day of propanolol…thanks Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks

Shannon, You shouldn’t wean off Xanax while weaning on Celexa. Xanax helps you avoiding initial Celexa side effects which you’re so afraid of. So you’d better wait till Celexa is working properly. You can take Advil for headaches with your other meds but it might be a good question to consider whether your headache is’t an anxiety symptom too which may disappear when the Celexa will have kicked in (which may take a while, up to eight weeks although beneficial effect may come much earlier). Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – —

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Tonight i am going to cut my usual pill in half making my daily dose .25 less then regular..how long should i maintain this before reducing more?? My shrink is on holidays and i finally got up enough courage to try a new med….sheesh shitty timing on my part.. also is it ok to advil for headaches while on these meds? I also take 40mgs a day of propanolol…thanks Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks

Shannon –   I’ll start with the positive report that I’ve been on Zoloft (another SSRI like Celexa) for 10 weeks with no big problems with side-effects…I have another friend who’s fiancee is on Celexa and loves it!  Also, I’ve been on Xanax and Zoloft the entire time and have taken Advil several times with no problems…   As far as the Xanax weening, take your time…I was taking .25 mg/ 6 times a day…I am now down to three…First things first, I would not reduce your Xanax for at least several weeks so that you have time to adjust to the Celexa and see some results (the AD’s will not do anything for several weeks).  From my doctor’s advice and my own experience I recommend the following to ensure no problems:  Reduce your intake by no more than .25 mg/week…The best thing to do is to stop taking it first at times when you normally feel least anxious (for me the bedtime dose went first)…Also, DON’T feel like you must adhere to your reduced dosage…If you are having breakthrough problems (as per me the last few days), I’ve found you are much better off taking the extra dose that day so that you don’t aggrevate your situation…You should be able to go to your reduced dose as soon as your breakthrough ends… Hope this all helps… — Charles Phipps

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks Shannon –  I’ll start with the positive report that I’ve been on Zoloft (another SSRI like Celexa) for 10 weeks with no big problems with side-effects…I have another friend who’s fiancee is on Celexa and loves it!  Also, I’ve been on Xanax and Zoloft the entire time and have taken Advil several times with no problems…  As far as the Xanax weening, take your time…I was taking .25 mg/ 6 times a day…I am now down to three…First things first, I would not reduce your Xanax for at least several weeks so that you have time to adjust to the Celexa and see some results (the AD’s will not do anything for several weeks).  From my doctor’s advice and my own experience I recommend the following to ensure no problems:  Reduce your intake by no more than .25 mg/week…The best thing to do is to stop taking it first at times when you normally feel least anxious (for me the bedtime dose went first)…Also, DON’T feel like you must adhere to your reduced dosage…If you are having breakthrough problems (as per me the last few days), I’ve found you are much better off taking the extra dose that day so that you don’t aggrevate your situation…You should be able to go to your reduced dose as soon as your breakthrough ends… Hope this all helps… — Charles Phipps

Hi Shannon! I’m only 6 weeks ahead of you! Just Xanax and Celexa-not the other one. I didn’t even discuss weaning for the 1st 4 weeks when everything started kicking in with the Celexa. My doc said I’d probably "know" when it was time and she was right. Now that the Celexa is working, the Xanax actually works like it does for people without panic-I get too sleepy! And like Charles, I’ve had moments or a day when I had to take that extra .25mg after not having it-just try to go with the flow, which will probably be your mood eventually anyway. Just take it a day at a time. BTW, I was on 3mgs a day total of Xanax for almost 3 years-I’m down to 2.25mgs a day and everythings been just fine. Celexa does work well. Try to get back to me when you want to know about any of the less pretty aspects…most were transient and not bad at all. I thought it was helpful to find people who had the same reactions. Otherwise, I think I would have been more paranoid. Let me know. Denise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Tonight i am going to cut my usual pill in half making my daily dose .25 less then regular..how long should i maintain this before reducing more?? My shrink is on holidays and i finally got up enough courage to try a new med….sheesh shitty timing on my part.. also is it ok to advil for headaches while on these meds? I also take 40mgs a day of propanolol…thanks Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks — Shannon the Barbarian ~*Note To Self : Never, ever post to a Newsgroup again without Headgear and Full Body Armor*~

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Tonight i am going to cut my usual pill in half making my daily dose .25 less then regular..how long should i maintain this before reducing more?? My shrink is on holidays and i finally got up enough courage to try a new med….sheesh shitty timing on my part.. also is it ok to advil for headaches while on these meds? I also take 40mgs a day of propanolol…thanks Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks

Hi Shannon, In my opinion this is not the time to be weaning off your Xanax. Most people while weaning on a anti-depressant use a benzo to help them. If you start getting funny physical sensations, you might blame the Celexa when it is really being caused by weaning off Xanax. Who told you that you had to wean off Xanax? I really advise you against decreasing your Xanax dose as of this time. You need to talk to your therapist when he gets back from holiday. I do not recommend taking Advil with the Propanolol. I would call your doctor and discuss this with him. There is a possible interaction if you take the two, and that is a decreased anti-hypertensive effect of the Propanolol. Tylenol should be fine. I think I answered you questions without saying anything bad about the Celexa…..<G!!!! Good luck!! Jackie "Strange as it may seem, my life is based on a true story

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Question:

 Well, I have stumbled into a setback the last few days…I am much more functional since I started the Zoloft, and when my time is occupied I do pretty dang well…However, the last couple of days, I have been alone with not much to occupy my time…This has been difficult…Not as bad as before but difficult…Today I cannot enjoy my usual Sunday morning lounge with paper in hand…Now I am begining to worry that I have peaked in the effect I will get from the Zoloft/Xanax combo…Could this be?  I am just about through with week 4 (2 weeks at 50, 2 at 100), will I see more improvement as the weeks go on…I got lots of improvement after 2 weeks, but haven’t seen any since…Need some good stuff today from you all!

Hi Charles, I can only speak from my experience with Paxil, the way I felt at week 4 was alright, the way I felt at  week 8 was good. I had a slow but steady improvement from the second week on Paxil which was the beginning of April, all the way through the summer, even though I didn`t increase my dose past the beginning of May. And I do remember having a off week around week 9 or 10, it had to do with a conflict I had with a family member. And I was so afraid I was having a setback or the med stopped working, which just added to my anxiety. Being alone use to  be a trigger for my anxiety, I think it was a lack of stimulation for me. I can tell you since being on Paxil, I LOVE being alone when I have the opportunity. My husband just had a business trip to Mexico, and normally I would be anxious, I enjoyed him being gone, this tells me I am really doing well( or maybe it is that he annoys the hell out of me <g ) You are having a rough week, but the Zoloft probably has not reached full effectiveness. You have to give it more time. I know this is easier said than done, but you need to occupy your mind. When I had a problem with boredom, what would happen is my thoughts turn inward, thinking about my anxiety and monitoring every sensation and twitch I was having. Even though you are having a bad time, from what you wrote I see improvement.  Sometimes getting better isn`t just measured in  having "good" days, but how we handle our bad days, and you say yourself, it is not as difficult as before. That tells me Zoloft is having a effect on you. Patience my dear friend, you will get there. *Hugs* P.S. And in a few weeks, if you feel you are`nt at the place you want to be, maybe increasing the Zoloft, you can go as high as 200mgs. Jackie "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I cannot accept, And the wisdom to  hide the bodies of those I had to kill today because they ticked me  off and also, help me to be careful of the toes I step on today, as  they may be connected to the butt I may have to kiss tomorrow.

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Hi Charles! I cannot help with the meds questions, but I did want you to know that I am sending positive thoughts your way1 I hope you feel better soon! Being alone is tough, I know but you will get through it! Hang in there! Steph

Charles Writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -To all:  Well, I have stumbled into a setback the last few days…I am much more functional since I started the Zoloft, and when my time is occupied I do pretty dang well…However, the last couple of days, I have been alone with not much to occupy my time…This has been difficult…Not as bad as before but difficult…Today I cannot enjoy my usual Sunday morning lounge with paper in hand…Now I am begining to worry that I have peaked in the effect I will get from the Zoloft/Xanax combo…Could this be?  I am just about through with week 4 (2 weeks at 50, 2 at 100), will I see more improvement as the weeks go on…I got lots of improvement after 2 weeks, but haven’t seen any since…Need some good stuff today from you all! Thanks, — Charles Phipps

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Question:

The FDA has issued a new warning on the nonsedating antihistamine Hismanal. See FDA Talk Paper: "T98-5                       Ivy Fleischer Kupec:  301-827-6242 Feb. 9, 1998                Broadcast Media:      301-827-3434                             Consumer Inquiries:   800-532-4440  IMPORTANT NEW SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT HISMANAL FDA today is warning consumers and health care providers about new safety information regarding the prescription antihistamine Hismanal (astemizole). This warning is being issued in conjunction with the addition of more information in the product label about cardiovascular adverse events, new potentially serious drug interactions and rare reports of anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction. The following can be used to answer questions: Hismanal is associated with risks of death due to irregular heart rhythms when taken with certain other drugs and when used at higher than the recommended labeled dose. The new labeling provides information about a specific warning against simultaneously using Hismanal with other types of drugs such as the hypertension drug, Posicor (mibefradil dihydrochloride), and the antibiotics, Biaxin (clarithromycin) and TAO (troleandomycin). The new labeling also provides additional precautions against using Hismanal with a number of other drugs. These include: HIV protease inhibitors such as Crixivan (indinavir), Norvir (ritonavir), Invirase (saquinavir) and Viracept (elfinavir); serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac (fluoxetine), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Zoloft (sertraline), Serzone (nefazodone) and Paxil (paroxetine); and the antiasthma medication Zyflo (zileuton). Additionally, the label now recommends that Hismanal should not be taken with grapefruit juice. These recommendations are based on the potential of these drugs and grapefruit juice to interfere with the body’s handling and metabolism of Hismanal. The new labeling also emphasizes that patients with liver disorders should not take Hismanal. The new labeling is designed to give health care providers and consumers who use Hismanal the latest available information about these risks. In the event of Hismanal-related adverse events, health care providers are urged to contact the manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals One-to-One Customer Action Center at 1-800-JANSSEN (526-7736) or FDA MedWatch at (phone) 1-800-FDA-1088, (fax) 1-800-FDA-1078 or (mail) FDA, HF-2, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. #### "

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Thanks for the Warning, I already new about the Grapefruit juice. I just started Hismanal a few months ago.  Doesn’t do much for the itchy eyes, but it dries the heck out of my nose and mouth. Thank god my air-purifier is plugged in! _____ Environmental Consultant:  Management of Indoor Quality air.  MY Primary Management is on setting up Home-Businesses for people with little or no money                                              1-800-481-3181  

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