Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Of Flovent And » insomnia

insomnia

Question:

If I have to take Theo-dur too late at night it keeps me awake.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anyone has insomnia from their asthma medications.  I’m taking Flovent 2x a day 2 puffs. AJ

Response:

I was wondering if anyone has insomnia from their asthma medications.  I’m taking Flovent 2x a day 2 puffs. AJ

Response:

I have experienced insomnia and I am on the same amount of Flovent. The doctor says that it would not cause it but I don’t know. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. *smile* Shannon

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anyone has insomnia from their asthma medications.  I’m taking Flovent 2x a day 2 puffs. AJ

Response:

Hello! Absolutely…I’ve not enjoyed more than 4 hours (undisturbed) sleep since I began taking Flovent and Serevent last year. Patrice – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anyone has insomnia from their asthma medications.  I’m taking Flovent 2x a day 2 puffs. AJ

Response:

Is Flovent a newer inhaled steroid?  Is it better than Flunisolide (brand name of Aerobid in US)?  Is it more effective than Aerobid?  I didn’t think inhaled steroids were that notorious for causing sleep problems, but I could be wrong. Is Serevent a Beta Antagonist (sp?)?  That could be very well be your problem.  Albuterol (Salbuterol), a Beta Antagonist, Theophylline, and the older family of bronchodilators (Metaproterenol Sulfate being one) are notorious for causing sleep problems. By the way, I’m curious to find out if anybody is still using Metaproterenol Sulfate (Metaprel) and/or Isoproterenol(Isoprel) as one their main medicines to control their asthma anymore and if so why?   I remember having really bad side effects from Metaprel, but that was once one of the main stay asthma medicines 20 years ago. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello! Absolutely…I’ve not enjoyed more than 4 hours (undisturbed) sleep since I began taking Flovent and Serevent last year. Patrice

Response:

Does anyone have any ideas on trying to get some sleep when you can’t.  I’ve tried everything I can think of.  I don’t know if it’s my meds or what.  I just need sleep.  I’m too hyper to sleep, too sleepy to do a lot of things (hyper-running around house and playing w/ daughter , etc. I will do to some extent when supposed to be asleep).  I’ve ran out of ideas (literally).  please help.  I’m going on 2 hours sleep for the past 2 days combined and I have still 1 more 12 hour night shift left before I am off and need some sleep.

Response:

what are you taking? jen * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Seroquel balances my sleep/wake schedule, otherwise I decline to a near annihilating dose of barbituates. Gabriel * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

I’ve been taking trazodone at bedtime for a few months, and it’s great. Fall right to sleep and stay that way all night. If you’re taking stimulating ADs like Wellbutrin, don’t take them near bedtime.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have any ideas on trying to get some sleep when you can’t.  I’ve tried everything I can think of.  I don’t know if it’s my meds or what.  I just need sleep.  I’m too hyper to sleep, too sleepy to do a lot of things (hyper-running around house and playing w/ daughter , etc. I will do to some extent when supposed to be asleep).  I’ve ran out of ideas (literally).  please help.  I’m going on 2 hours sleep for the past 2 days combined and I have still 1 more 12 hour night shift left before I am off and need some sleep.

Response:

Put a fan or something in your room that makes a noise loud enough to drown out small noises. Focus your attention on your breathing…until it becomes regular…as you do let your awareness go to different parts of your body. Any where you find tension…try to relax the muscles in that area, continue to go around your body until you’ve completely relaxed it…and your breathing is deep and regular. If your mind is not still and that is keeping you awake,..try repeating a phrase. The one I use is "I will develope and use my positive potentials thus becomeing a fully actualized and intergrated self." This should work, ..antother thing that works for me is to pretend it’s 100 years in the future and that I’m dead…nothing matters…no thoughts…no tension….just eternity….sometimes that works…even in very tense situations. It’s like surrender. Drink some milk before bed, or take trytophan. Go to bed the same time each night. Don’t drink before bed. Don’t do anything physical for a few hours before bed. That being said, If your getting that little sleep, you might want to get some meds for it. Antihistimines that don’t have a decongestant can help if you don’t have anything else. Try ASH Alternatives to Suicide Homepage http://members.home.net/askash/index.html – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have any ideas on trying to get some sleep when you can’t.  I’ve tried everything I can think of.  I don’t know if it’s my meds or what.  I just need sleep.  I’m too hyper to sleep, too sleepy to do a lot of things (hyper-running around house and playing w/ daughter , etc. I will do to some extent when supposed to be asleep).  I’ve ran out of ideas (literally).  please help.  I’m going on 2 hours sleep for the past 2 days combined and I have still 1 more 12 hour night shift left before I am off and need some sleep.

Response:

I am currently taking 40 mg of Prozac (20/20 am/pm), 100 mg Luvox (between 5 & 10 pm), and 1 mg of Lorazapan (Ativan) every 4 – 8 hrs.  I have even tried taking my lorazapan, but I go into a light (very light) sleep, more of a rest than anything.  I sleep with a fan on.  I also sleep during the day and work all night. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – what are you taking? jen * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

go to bed with a good book and TRY to stay awake. a lot of us are what a pdoc of mine called contra-suggestible aka bloody-minded. Isabel

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have any ideas on trying to get some sleep when you can’t.  I’ve tried everything I can think of.  I don’t know if it’s my meds or what.  I just need sleep.  I’m too hyper to sleep, too sleepy to do a lot of things (hyper-running around house and playing w/ daughter , etc. I will do to some extent when supposed to be asleep).  I’ve ran out of ideas (literally).  please help.  I’m going on 2 hours sleep for the past 2 days combined and I have still 1 more 12 hour night shift left before I am off and need some sleep.

Response:

Talk to your doctor about dropping the Prozac and starting on a mood stabilizer. Antidepressants are notorious for triggering mania in a bipolar person. Insomnia as you describe is a classic sign of mania. Also ask about Klonopin – it is a good med to take for bipolar insomnia. Before I was dx’ed I tried all the usual home remedies (warm milk, meditation, OTC sleeping pills) to no effect. My GP put me on Ambien (a prescrip sleeping med) but even at doses high enough to knock out a horse, I still couldn’t sleep. That’s what tipped him off that I might be bipolar. At one point in my treatment I was on nothing but Prozac (had dropped lithium in state of denial/rebellion), and it flipped me into the worst insomnia ever – went 9 days without a wink of sleep at one point. You need your sleep – please seek medical attention. jen * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

I was wondering how many people have noted vision changes as a result of chronic seroquel use.   I was also wondering if seroquel increased the level of your creativity or your sense of being in touch with the afterlife or "grand scheme" of things in whatever sense you consider those things. Thumper – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Put a fan or something in your room that makes a noise loud enough to drown out small noises. Focus your attention on your breathing…until it becomes regular…as you do let your awareness go to different parts of your body. Any where you find tension…try to relax the muscles in that area, continue to go around your body until you’ve completely relaxed it…and your breathing is deep and regular. If your mind is not still and that is keeping you awake,..try repeating a phrase. The one I use is "I will develope and use my positive potentials thus becomeing a fully actualized and intergrated self." This should work, ..antother thing that works for me is to pretend it’s 100 years in the future and that I’m dead…nothing matters…no thoughts…no tension….just eternity….sometimes that works…even in very tense situations. It’s like surrender. Drink some milk before bed, or take trytophan. Go to bed the same time each night. Don’t drink before bed. Don’t do anything physical for a few hours before bed. That being said, If your getting that little sleep, you might want to get some meds for it. Antihistimines that don’t have a decongestant can help if you don’t have anything else. Try ASH Alternatives to Suicide Homepage http://members.home.net/askash/index.html Does anyone have any ideas on trying to get some sleep when you can’t.  I’ve tried everything I can think of.  I don’t know if it’s my meds or what.  I just need sleep.  I’m too hyper to sleep, too sleepy to do a lot of things (hyper-running around house and playing w/ daughter , etc. I will do to some extent when supposed to be asleep).  I’ve ran out of ideas (literally).  please help.  I’m going on 2 hours sleep for the past 2 days combined and I have still 1 more 12 hour night shift left before I am off and need some sleep.

Response:

Hi Tammy- You got some really good responses–so I’ll only add to them. Inositol–a b-vitamin will help–250 mg at bed time Instead of milk, try a carbohydrate.  Dry corn flakes was suggested–I tend to eat macaroons. LOL  it works! Calm’s Forte is available at GNC stores–and it is great–you can take it with any med–it is basically minerals. Isotonic minerals and calcium work wonders for me. Tryptohpan is a script.  So, try 5htp–its precursor and OTC.  But check any possible reactions with your meds.  You should not take 5htp or tryptophan if you are taking SSRIs. That should give you lots of things to try to see what works for you. Trazadone does not keep me asleep.  I take it at bedtime and when I wake up at around 4AM, I take another dose.   And finally, I’m ramping up on Neurontin–but so far it has definately helped me sleep better–but nothing esle yet–too low a dose. HTH, Nancy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Does anyone have any ideas on trying to get some sleep when you can’t.  I’ve tried everything I can think of.  I don’t know if it’s my meds or what.  I just need sleep.  I’m too hyper to sleep, too sleepy to do a lot of things (hyper-running around house and playing w/ daughter , etc. I will do to some extent when supposed to be asleep).  I’ve ran out of ideas (literally).  please help.  I’m going on 2 hours sleep for the past 2 days combined and I have still 1 more 12 hour night shift left before I am off and need some sleep.

Response:

Hi Tammy, Does anyone have any ideas on trying to get some sleep when you can’t.  I’ve tried everything I can think of.  I don’t know if it’s my meds or what.  I just need sleep.  I’m too hyper to sleep, too sleepy to do a lot of things (hyper-running around house and playing w/ daughter , etc. I will do to some extent when supposed to be asleep).  I’ve ran out of ideas (literally).  please help.  I’m going on 2 hours sleep for the past 2 days combined and I have still 1 more 12 hour night shift left before I am off and need some sleep.

What meds are you now taking? Is your doctor away of your lack of sleep? For me, the sleep disorder specialist prescribed Melatonin 3 mg daily.Also, nocaffeine has helped as well. I can empathazie with you as I only was getting 2-3 hours of sleep anight and then had to nap during the daytime. Peace, Lynda

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I was wondering how many people have noted vision changes as a result of chronic seroquel use.  

My doctor says that although the likelyhood is very low, there is a chance seroquel can cause cataracts. She wanted me to have my eyes checked after a month of being on a low dose of it and wrote me a referal to an eye doctor. I haven’t seen any changes in my vision, but if you’re experiencing any, I’d recommend a routine eye exam. Sincerely, Little Girl "Lead paint : Delicious, but deadly."

Response:

Hi Thumper, What sort of vision changes? I don’t know anything about Seroquel, but I have had some weird vision problems coinciding with onset of bipolar symptoms. These are characterized mostly by double vision/blurring. It occurs on and off – i.e., fine for weeks then I’ll get a full week in which I just can’t seem to focus. It is bad enough that I will have trouble reading those big green signs of the freeway. I’ve also had halos and floaters, but not as often. All of this is in one eye only. Had my vision thoroughly checked out, nothing wrong there. Had a cursory neurological exam by my GP, nothing wrong there. Tried going off my lithium for awhile, but still had problems. Was finally told it must be related to my migraines – perhaps a prodomal type thing. But sometimes I’m not so sure…. I wonder if the blurred vision gets so bad, it gives me a headache? Oh well…. thought I’d jump in and whine a little. ;-) jen * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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I have found that seroquel has made me more creative, or lucid; whereas other anti-psychotics tend to make me become zombee-like. As for ‘increased spirituality,’ . . . If this is a referance to myself, I wasn’t referring to the anti-psychotics as causing me to become more spiritual, and am not going to divulge my experience here so. . . Gabriel * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Thank you to everyone who had written back or thought about it.  Received a lot of good feedback.  I did try a lot of them, including calling the Dr.  He has changed my meds around again.  I’m still taking everything, the only 2 exceptions are the I now take the Luvox in the morning before I go to bed and he cut my Prozac in 1/2 and take just 20 mg in the morning as well.  I immediately could see the difference in the fact I became more irritable, still insomniac to a point, still nauseated, and started back smoking again after quitting a couple of months ago.  I eat less now and am loding more weight.  I can handle everything but the irritability.  I am irritable at everyone around me without realizing it until later, then I feel guilty.  I try to not be irritable and apologize.  I don’t like this part of me and no one else does either and tell me.  I don’t like feeling like this at all.  Some times I hate myself because of it, even though I know it will be better.  My family asks me if I took my meds. when they begin to see me cycle through either being real irritable or real hyper.  They keep me in check some seeing my moods change, sometimes quickly.  I will call my doc Monday morning to tell him what is still going on.  I will be taking some copies of the suggestions with me at my next visit.  I’m sorry if I am writing on, I will try not to go this long next time, just had as lot on my mind. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have any ideas on trying to get some sleep when you can’t.  I’ve tried everything I can think of.  I don’t know if it’s my meds or what.  I just need sleep.  I’m too hyper to sleep, too sleepy to do a lot of things (hyper-running around house and playing w/ daughter , etc. I will do to some extent when supposed to be asleep).  I’ve ran out of ideas (literally).  please help.  I’m going on 2 hours sleep for the past 2 days combined and I have still 1 more 12 hour night shift left before I am off and need some sleep.

Response:

Hi Tammy, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thank you to everyone who had written back or thought about it.  Received a lot of good feedback.  I did try a lot of them, including calling the Dr.  He has changed my meds around again.  I’m still taking everything, the only 2 exceptions are the I now take the Luvox in the morning before I go to bed and he cut my Prozac in 1/2 and take just 20 mg in the morning as well.  I immediately could see the difference in the fact I became more irritable, still insomniac to a point, still nauseated, and started back smoking again after quitting a couple of months ago.  I eat less now and am loding more weight.  I can handle everything but the irritability.  I am irritable at everyone around me without realizing it until later, then I feel guilty.  I try to not be irritable and apologize.  I don’t like this part of me and no one else does either and tell me.  I don’t like feeling like this at all.  Some times I hate myself because of it, even though I know it will be better.  My family asks me if I took my meds. when they begin to see me cycle through either being real irritable or real hyper.  They keep me in check some seeing my moods change, sometimes quickly.  I will call my doc Monday morning to tell him what is still going on.  I will be taking some copies of the suggestions with me at my next visit.  I’m sorry if I am writing on, I will try not to go this long next time, just had as lot on my mind.

Are you taking a mood stabilizer Tammy? If not then the irritability could be dysphoria triggered by taking an AD without the coverage of a MS. If you are taking a MS then another look at the ADS may be in order as well as perhaps adding an adjunct MS to the med combo. I hope you feel better soon. Please keep us posted. Peace, Lynda

Response:

Funny how you mentioned your family asking you if you have taken your meds. My wife has started the same regular line "have you taken you tablet today" since we both found out I was a manic depreccant sufferer. Interesting point you’ve made there. Opened my eyes. Darrell

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Tammy, Thank you to everyone who had written back or thought about it.  Received a lot of good feedback.  I did try a lot of them, including calling the Dr.  He has changed my meds around again.  I’m still taking everything, the only 2 exceptions are the I now take the Luvox in the morning before I go to bed and he cut my Prozac in 1/2 and take just 20 mg in the morning as well.  I immediately could see the difference in the fact I became more irritable, still insomniac to a point, still nauseated, and started back smoking again after quitting a couple of months ago.  I eat less now and am loding more weight.  I can handle everything but the irritability.  I am irritable at everyone around me without realizing it until later, then I feel guilty.  I try to not be irritable and apologize.  I don’t like this part of me and no one else does either and tell me.  I don’t like feeling like this at all.  Some times I hate myself because of it, even though I know it will be better.  My family asks me if I took my meds. when they begin to see me cycle through either being real irritable or real hyper.  They keep me in check some seeing my moods change, sometimes quickly.  I will call my doc Monday morning to tell him what is still going on.  I will be taking some copies of the suggestions with me at my next visit.  I’m sorry if I am writing on, I will try not to go this long next time, just had as lot on my mind. Are you taking a mood stabilizer Tammy? If not then the irritability could be dysphoria triggered by taking an AD without the coverage of a MS. If you are taking a MS then another look at the ADS may be in order as well as perhaps adding an adjunct MS to the med combo. I hope you feel better soon. Please keep us posted. Peace, Lynda

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi!  I’m looking for help from anyone out there who may have experienced symptoms similiar to mine. I have had a depression followed by a mild manic episode which has possibly caused 8 months of insomnia (ie early morning waking, and very light sleep). I have been told that I probably have manic depression but that the sleeping pattern I have  (ie extended insomnia) is unusual. I’m on trycyclic anti-depressants but they have been no help. Has anyone reading this had the same long-term sleeping problems? I would like to know what helped you! I’m using a friends e-mail at the moment, so , if you have any information for me would you be able to write to- Emma. C. Buninyong VIC  3357 Australia If you cannot rwrite you could reply by e-mail but please put EMMA as the subject. Thankyou! Emma, I haven’t been good and high in about 10 years, but in the past the most usual sign was insomnia, 3-5 days of it usually meant I was well on my way to a full blown episode. Lithium and wellbutrin (and time) have ended this pattern. -Doug    Hang in there, the sleep problems sound all to familiar.  I used klonopin at first but it is addictive, then Desyrl(sp?) which is a modern form of tricyclic that may have a serotonin effect as well and it helped tremendously….it will make some of us light headed and disoriented but it is a good sleep inducer.    I have found that sleep is the main area that changes regardless of whether i am high or low….it is tough.    i did try trcyclics at first and they helped.    we are all different i think, but there is a combination of meds that will kick in for you.    Ad you are not alone by a long shot, bpd, is simiply not publicized alot and when it is only he most extreme cases are mentioned.  those of us living a

‘normal’ Let’s start out setting the record straight.  Bipolar disorder, manic depression, uni-polor clinical depression on a good day or night for that fact, is a major pain in the ass!  The med merry-go-round gets so old; so very old.  I have started to feel like they’re I’m the brass ring everyone reaches for while reading the merry-go-rounds.  Sleep?  Who sleeps?  What is a normal sleep pattern?  Sometimes all I do is sleep 20 – 22 hours per day.  Others I sleep 2-3 hours and am wide awake for several days. I must add I am extremely cranky when going through this.  Will be glad to answer any other questions you may have. The Wild Woman (Claire)

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: Hi! :  I’m looking for help from anyone out there who may have experienced symptoms similiar : to mine. I have had a depression followed by a mild manic episode which has snip : I’m using a friends e-mail at the moment, so , if you have any : information for me would you be able to write to- : Emma. C. : Buninyong : VIC  3357 : Australia Emma, I am in Melbourne. I realise Buninyong isn’t very large but will "Emma C." be sufficient to find you at the P.O. there? I’ve got Bipolar disorder too, I’ve got a very good PsyDr at Royal Melbourne Hospital who my GP ("Dr Feelgood" from the radio show Pillowtalk – yep, shes a real GP!) referred me to. I’ll email an innocuous reply to your friend with subject line "emma" as instructed, look forward to hearing from you? — Graham. B’Doing!

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Sleep management has been number one in stabilizing my whole cycle. I targeted sleep as a major issue to get under control with meds. Ativan has consistently performed for me in this area. Some persons note a hangover with this med. I blooming well welcomed this, as reaching for a coffee in the morning had meaning again. It works for me in combination with Tegretol challenges as required

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi!  I’m looking for help from anyone out there who may have experienced symptoms similiar to mine. I have had a depression followed by a mild manic episode which has possibly caused 8 months of insomnia (ie early morning waking, and very light sleep). I have been told that I probably have manic depression but that the sleeping pattern I have  (ie extended insomnia) is unusual. I’m on trycyclic anti-depressants but they have been no help. Has anyone reading this had the same long-term sleeping problems? I would like to know what helped you! I’m using a friends e-mail at the moment, so , if you have any information for me would you be able to write to- Emma. C. Buninyong VIC  3357 Australia If you cannot rwrite you could reply by e-mail but please put EMMA as the subject. Thankyou! Emma, I haven’t been good and high in about 10 years, but in the past the most usual sign was insomnia, 3-5 days of it usually meant I was well on my way to a full blown episode. Lithium and wellbutrin (and time) have ended this pattern. -Doug

        Hang in there, the sleep problems sound all to familiar.  I used klonopin at first but it is addictive, then Desyrl(sp?) which is a modern form of tricyclic that may have a serotonin effect as well and it helped tremendously….it will make some of us light headed and disoriented but it is a good sleep inducer.         I have found that sleep is the main area that changes regardless of whether i am high or low….it is tough.         i did try trcyclics at first and they helped.         we are all different i think, but there is a combination of meds that will kick in for you.         Ad you are not alone by a long shot, bpd, is simiply not publicized alot and when it is only he most extreme cases are mentioned.  those of us living a ‘normal’ life with it are just a silent group i guess, busy dealing with it. regards Ernie ising

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Hi!   I’m looking for help from anyone out there who may have experienced symptoms similiar to mine. I have had a depression followed by a mild manic episode which has possibly caused 8 months of insomnia (ie early morning waking,  and very light sleep). I have been told that I probably have manic depression but that the sleeping pattern I have  (ie extended insomnia) is unusual. I’m on trycyclic anti-depressants but they have been no help. Has anyone reading this had the same long-term sleeping problems? I would like to know what helped you! I’m using a friends e-mail at the moment, so , if you have any information for me would you be able to write to- Emma. C. Buninyong VIC  3357 Australia If you cannot rwrite you could reply by e-mail but please put EMMA as the subject. Thankyou!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi!  I’m looking for help from anyone out there who may have experienced symptoms similiar to mine. I have had a depression followed by a mild manic episode which has possibly caused 8 months of insomnia (ie early morning waking, and very light sleep). I have been told that I probably have manic depression but that the sleeping pattern I have  (ie extended insomnia) is unusual. I’m on trycyclic anti-depressants but they have been no help. Has anyone reading this had the same long-term sleeping problems? I would like to know what helped you! I’m using a friends e-mail at the moment, so , if you have any information for me would you be able to write to- Emma. C. Buninyong VIC  3357 Australia If you cannot rwrite you could reply by e-mail but please put EMMA as the subject. Thankyou!

Emma, I haven’t been good and high in about 10 years, but in the past the most usual sign was insomnia, 3-5 days of it usually meant I was well on my way to a full blown episode. Lithium and wellbutrin (and time) have ended this pattern. -Doug

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I have had insomnia for as long as I can remember.  I have taken trazadone, klonipin, ativan, xanax, restorial, and I usually always get perscribed Ambien because it works.  I am on Depakote, Topamax, Seroquel, and Effexor XR so you think that would make me fall asleep but it doesn’t. Betsy Ach – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – jack and lisa"  I have been annoyed by it for 3 years.  But, I now have a p doc who will give me prescrip. for Clonipin, telling me to only take 1/2 pill when possible, instead of whole one. Last year, I used to lay my head down for half hour at a time, never sleeping all night, finally get dressed at 5:30 AM, go to diner, to keep house quiet for husband, trying to sleep.He has no trouble sleeping, unless I am roaming around. the clonipin can give a side affect or 2, but when I need it, which is usually the case, I take it. GGOODD luck. Dot

Response:

jack and lisa"  I have been annoyed by it for 3 years.  But, I now have a p doc who will give me prescrip. for Clonipin, telling me to only take 1/2 pill when possible, instead of whole one. Last year, I used to lay my head down for half hour at a time, never sleeping all night, finally get dressed at 5:30 AM, go to diner, to keep house quiet for husband, trying to sleep.He has no trouble sleeping, unless I am roaming around. the clonipin can give a side affect or 2, but when I need it, which is usually the case, I take it. GGOODD luck. Dot

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I have suffered from insomnia off and on all my life, well all my life that I can remember, even as a young girl like age 9 and upwords.. Tonight I am having insomnia and I know why..it is called alarm clock anxiety..When I have to wake up to an alarm clock I either can not sleep or I sleep restlessly.. So far I have not been able to fall asleep tonigh..it is almost 5:30am now and my alarm will go off at 11:30am..I have an appt to go to at 1:15pm.. In my early 20’s I was under a lot of stress because of bad relationships with my mother and my boyfriend so my anxiety would last for a week at a time..finally I had to go to the Dr. to get some Xanax..this knocked the shit out of me and I could sleep for days on that stuff.. I take 1mg of Klonopin twice a day but it doesn’t make me tired.. Now when I don’t have to get up to an alarm clock I usually fall asleep by 4:30am and sleep till about 3:30pm..I don’t work right now so that if why I have these crazy hours for sleeping..I am a night owl by nature..               MELISSA

HAPPY NEWYEAR–2000!!

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Melissa,     You sound alot like me, I’m a night owl too. I can remember not being able to sleep as young as 9 or 10 too. I usually try and go to bed before 2am, but not always successful. Getting to sleep isn’t usually that hard but staying asleep is my real problem. Waking up over and over and not being able to fall back asleep is really difficult to cope with. If I know that I’m going to have to get up via alarm clock I have a hard time sleeping too. It is almost unimaginable at the slightest things that can keep my brain awake and unable to drift off. It literally drives me nuts until one night I will finally just crash and sleep all night. Lisa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have suffered from insomnia off and on all my life, well all my life that I can remember, even as a young girl like age 9 and upwords.. Tonight I am having insomnia and I know why..it is called alarm clock anxiety..When I have to wake up to an alarm clock I either can not sleep or I sleep restlessly.. So far I have not been able to fall asleep tonigh..it is almost 5:30am now and my alarm will go off at 11:30am..I have an appt to go to at 1:15pm.. In my early 20’s I was under a lot of stress because of bad relationships with my mother and my boyfriend so my anxiety would last for a week at a time..finally I had to go to the Dr. to get some Xanax..this knocked the shit out of me and I could sleep for days on that stuff.. I take 1mg of Klonopin twice a day but it doesn’t make me tired.. Now when I don’t have to get up to an alarm clock I usually fall asleep by 4:30am and sleep till about 3:30pm..I don’t work right now so that if why I have these crazy hours for sleeping..I am a night owl by nature..               MELISSA HAPPY NEW YEAR–2000!!

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I have had insomnia almost as long as I can remember back into my childhood. I’m Bipolar II and continue to be VERY annoyed by it. I was wondering how many bipolars out there have this constant insomnia thing too? So raise your hand and speak up! Lisa

Can I ever sympathize with that! My mom tells me that I was prescribed sleeping meds even as a toddler :) However I find that whatever I get now tends to work for about a week and then loses its effectiveness sharply after that.  My problem is falling asleep — sleeping in the morning wouldn’t be a problem, if it weren’t for that pesky job I have to go to :) Usually I end up sleeping about 5 hours a night, except when I get totally exhausted. Cheers, TAE

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20 years of insomnia.  Lamactil and trazodone for me did the trick so far. Too soon to tell for sure.  Tried it all before.  Good luck.  Not sleeping and bipolar are a bad mix.   TW – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     I have had insomnia almost as long as I can remember back into my childhood. I’m Bipolar II and continue to be VERY annoyed by it. I was wondering how many bipolars out there have this constant insomnia thing too? So raise your hand and speak up! Lisa

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20 years of insomnia.  Lamactil and trazodone for me did the trick so far. Too soon to tell for sure.  Tried it all before.  Good luck.  Not sleeping and bipolar are a bad mix.   TW

My problem isn’t so much getting to sleep, but getting "good sleep". I usually wake up two or three times a night. Then even when I do sleep, I wake up the next day more tired than when I went to bed. My PDoc has siad it might be anxiety or maybe sleep apnea. My theory is that I am half asleep when I am awake, so I’m half awake when I am asleep.                       Ralph

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Hi Lisa,     I have had insomnia almost as long as I can remember back into my childhood. I’m Bipolar II and continue to be VERY annoyed by it. I was wondering how many bipolars out there have this constant insomnia thing too? So raise your hand and speak up!

I have aninterrupted sleep cycle and was evaluated at the sleep disorders lab at UNC here in Chapel Hill. I was told the following: 1. Go to bed the same time nightty…30 min. leeway here 2. Get up the same time daily even if I didn’t sleep 3. Go outside and saty there for about 3o min, to receive the morning light (which is the strongest) 4. Take 3 mg of Melatonin nightly to reset my circadian Rhythm  which can take weeks to months. 5. Stop taking any sleeping medication 6. NO caffeine 7. NO exercise at night So, perhaps a consultation with a sleep disorders specialist would be a prudent thing to do. I do not recommend that you take any OTC drugs including Melatonin without your doc’s approval. My sleep cycle has been awry for over 10 years but it is improving with the suggestions I was given. Best of luck to you. Peace, Lynda

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Hi Lisa: My hand is up.  I’m also BPII and have had insomnia most of my life.  I take 100 mg. of trazodone at bedtime and it normally keeps me asleep most of the night. Toni – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     I have had insomnia almost as long as I can remember back into my childhood. I’m Bipolar II and continue to be VERY annoyed by it. I was wondering how many bipolars out there have this constant insomnia thing too? So raise your hand and speak up! Lisa

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    I have had insomnia almost as long as I can remember back into my childhood. I’m Bipolar II and continue to be VERY annoyed by it. I was wondering how many bipolars out there have this constant insomnia thing too? So raise your hand and speak up! Lisa

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   I have had insomnia almost as long as I can remember back into my childhood. I’m Bipolar II and continue to be VERY annoyed by it. I was wondering how many bipolars out there have this constant insomnia thing too? So raise your hand and speak up! Lisa

I’ve had insomnia problems all my life, its now under control through medications used to treat my bipolar disorder. I take risperdol, depakote, xanax, and remeron at bed time. Quite a lot of drugs, but my sleep pattern is much improved since I started taking this mix. Hammer on you doctor, tell him that you’ve had these troubles all your life. I complained about it over several appointments over a few months and finally he listened. Web Page at: http://www.robertpo.com

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My 24 year old girlfriend can’t get to sleep and stay asleep.  Often she gets only two hours of sleep a night.  Any suggestions?  Please reply direct to me.  Thanks. Randy

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My 24 year old girlfriend can’t get to sleep and stay asleep.  Often she gets only two hours of sleep a night.  Any suggestions?  Please reply direct to me.  Thanks. Randy

Your girlfriend should try Reishi.  I used to have insomnia but since I started taking Reishi daily over a year ago, I have no more sleeping problem.  Furthermore, I wake up fresh in the morning without relying on an alarm clock and can start working almost immediately. I know over 200 friends who are on Reishi daily.  They report the same experience with Reishi. Dosage is important.  We take 4 capsules of 370 mg each of a 100% pure mycelium extract of Ganoderma Lucidum before going to bed.  The concentration of polysaccharides is over 40%.   500-1,000mg of Vitamin C should also be taken daily (after meals) to help the absorption of Reishi polysaccharides. Good health! Gilbert Ng, Ph.D.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I occasionally have bouts of insomnia and had a couple of questions which may or may not have answers. 1)During a cycle of insomnia which may last several days or longer, why   will I wake up at amost the same time in the wee hours, say 3:45 a.m. every time? This is regardless of what time I went to bed, or got up the previous morning, whether I fell immediately asleep or not, what I did during the day, etc. 2)Why, when I wake up suddenly in the middle of the night will I be unable to return to sleep until perhaps 20 or 30 minutes before I have to get up, after laying awake for perhaps two hours or more?  Many people told me they have had the same experience.  When I do fall asleep in that short time before having to rise, it always seem to be a very deep sleep and when the alarm goes off, I usually feel even more exhausted than when I was lying awake trying to falling asleep. 3)Finally, are there any known natural remedies for insomnia?  I have never taken anything like Sominex or other over the counter (or prescription drugs) for insomnia?  I was once told these drugs don’t really cause you to sleep, but rather put you in a "drugged state" and rather than asleep you are rather more unconscious, and what you get is not really as restful and healthful as "real sleep." Thanks. Deborah

I recently started taking a product made by Twin Labs called GABA Plus to see if it would help with insomnia.  Each capsule contains 100 mg. GABA, 600 mg. inositol, and 200 mg. niacinamide.  I take 4-5 capsules at bedtime.  I have been sleeping much better and in deeper stages of sleep.  I have tried many natural products that are supposed to help sleep, but this seems to have helped me the most.   Hope you find benefit also.   Also, I have read that if one wakes up at 3:00 in the morning, it may indicate a lack of calcium and magnesium.  Try taking some before bed. Another thing I think is helping me is to engage in aerobic exercise 3-4 times a week (the kind where you get your heart rate in the correct zone for you and keep it there for 15-20 minutes).  Let me know how it goes. I know how frustrating it can be to have insomnia.  I’m with you–natural remedies are the best.–ms

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What you describe are known in homeopathy as modalities. Modalities are the things that make a particular health problem worse or better. As my doctor, Peter Hinderberger said, "Homeopathy lives in the modalities." They’re the most important clue to the selection of the proper remedy. The particular modalities you describe (wakes up at 3 AM, has trouble falling back asleep, and wakes up feeling wretched) are well known modalities of the homeopathic medicine Nux Vomica. While I can’t conclude on the basis of your post that Nux Vomica is the correct medicine for you, you may want to consult a homeopathic book on self-care such as "Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicine" for the proper use of homeopathic medicines against insomnia. — Bernie Simon          Confucius said, "It is after the coldest weather that

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my aunt is tryiong out a ayurvedic formula commercially available as "Trimax" and she sais it is helping her with uneasy sleep… maybe it’ll help with insomnia… an herb known as valerian puts me right out but i heard it shouldnt be used continually… tryptophan is supposed to be very effective but the us government outlawed it for who-knows-why… it is present in milk… used to be able to find a food supplement for horses that contained 20% tryptophan but now i cant even find that… itxs the war on medicine i guess… GABA is upposed to help with sleep also, i believe you can still get that… …x

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     Finally, are there any known natural remedies for insomnia?   A music teacher of mine from South India used to drink warm milk with saffron and honey before retiring. While I can’t vouch for it as a remedy for insomnia, I must say it certainly is delicious. JB.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I occasionally have bouts of insomnia and had a couple of questions which may or may not have answers. 1)During a cycle of insomnia which may last several days or longer, why   will I wake up at amost the same time in the wee hours, say 3:45 a.m. every time? This is regardless of what time I went to bed, or got up the previous morning, whether I fell immediately asleep or not, what I did during the day, etc. 2)Why, when I wake up suddenly in the middle of the night will I be unable to return to sleep until perhaps 20 or 30 minutes before I have to get up, after laying awake for perhaps two hours or more?  Many people told me they have had the same experience.  When I do fall asleep in that short time before having to rise, it always seem to be a very deep sleep and when the alarm goes off, I usually feel even more exhausted than when I was lying awake trying to falling asleep. 3)Finally, are there any known natural remedies for insomnia?  I have never taken anything like Sominex or other over the counter (or prescription drugs) for insomnia?  I was once told these drugs don’t really cause you to sleep, but rather put you in a "drugged state" and rather than asleep you are rather more unconscious, and what you get is not really as restful and healthful as "real sleep." Thanks. Deborah

There is a homeopathic remedy, Nux Vomica, that fits your symptoms pretty well.  A quote from Boericke’s Materica Medica:         Sleep–*Cannot sleep after 3 a.m. until early towards;         early morning; awakes feeling wretchedly*  Drowsy after         meals, and in early evening.  Dreams full of bustle and         hurry.  *Better after a short sleep,* unless aroused. Your symptoms don’t have to fit this description exactly, and if you fit just the emphasized portions you should definitely try it.  Nux is for people who suffer from mental strain due to overwork and seek relief from stimulants, tobacco, wine, sex, or over-indulging in food. It is the "hangover remedy" and will definitely help when you have a hangover, but you should use it only rarely for this.  I took Nux 200c for sleep problems (prescribed by my doctor), but maybe you should start with 30c and if it helps but the effect isn’t long lasting then try 200c.   BTW you should get a book on homeopathy if you decide to try this and read up on how to use homeopathic remedies safely. Karen Allen

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I occasionally have bouts of insomnia and had a couple of questions which may or may not have answers. 1)During a cycle of insomnia which may last several days or longer, why   will I wake up at amost the same time in the wee hours, say 3:45 a.m. every time? This is regardless of what time I went to bed, or got up the previous morning, whether I fell immediately asleep or not, what I did during the day, etc. 2)Why, when I wake up suddenly in the middle of the night will I be unable to return to sleep until perhaps 20 or 30 minutes before I have to get up, after laying awake for perhaps two hours or more?  Many people told me they have had the same experience.  When I do fall asleep in that short time before having to rise, it always seem to be a very deep sleep and when the alarm goes off, I usually feel even more exhausted than when I was lying awake trying to falling asleep. 3)Finally, are there any known natural remedies for insomnia?  I have never taken anything like Sominex or other over the counter (or prescription drugs) for insomnia?  I was once told these drugs don’t really cause you to sleep, but rather put you in a "drugged state" and rather than asleep you are rather more unconscious, and what you get is not really as restful and healthful as "real sleep." Thanks. Deborah

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Bill try it with hypnosis Guenther – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large doses), Restoril (bad side effects.) I used to have troubles sleeping (I’d wake at 3am and be wide awake for 2 hours) until a friend asked me how much coffee I drank. I said 3 cups…two in the morning and one at 3pm. He told me to completely stop. Well, I love coffee so I decided to just stop at the 2 cups in the morning. The next night I slept clear through the night. Caffiene does really weird things to sleep patterns… Something else that really helps is a hot mug of Ovaltine before bed. The regular cocoa flavor, not the darker chocolate…too much sugar… Also, you ever notice how hard it is to stay awake when you’re tired and you’re trying to watch something like the news on TV? A radio station here used to play the old Suspense shows at 11pm. I’d get into bed and hit the sleep button on the clock radio so I could listen to it and the radio would shut off in an hour. I never made it through a show. Books on tape do the same thing! I hope these suggestions help. Nothing is worse than insomnia. Good Luck Bill

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Alcohol interferes with stage four sleep.  If you are using it for insomnia, you are just compounding the problem. As always, all opinions are purely those of the author, who accepts full responsibility for their ability to upset people. Michael P.Acord, MD

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I have had good experience with Nikken magnetic relaxation products. I was waking up in the night and having a hard time getting back to sleep. After four days with the mattress I now sleep completely through the night and wake up feeling more refreshed and withless stiffness. I would be happy to share this information. Clive Scullion Bodywork Central http://www.bodyworkcentral.com

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Steven, I have known quite a few people to have been helped by certain herbs and supplements.  I have some information if you would like some.  E-mail me your address and I will mail you off some information if you would like.

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Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply

 My recommendation is that she try massage therapy.  This is a great method for helping a person to relax.  There are techniques that can assist with insomnia.  Check your local yellow pages under massage therapy.  A therapist who is a member of the AMTA should be a good one.  Also, you can check out the NCTMB web page for more info on how to select a massage therapist. Sincerely, Ann

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I had the same problem all my life. Then someone recommended this to me & it really worked! Plus it has other benificial qualities, especially for women. Calcium!!!! It’s a natural calming agent. Try taking a supplement of 500mg’s one with breakfast one with dinner (this equals the RDA too). Get a supplement that also contains magnesium as this is needed for the body to absorbe calcium. [The body can only absorbe 500mg's of calcium at a time (hence the morning & nite dose).] It takes about 2 weeks to have effect. It has been bliss!!! If you do a search for calcium on the web, you can confirm these facts. Best. Love, Elizabeth Fiend         ‘;’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’         ;    slide guitar player in the psycho-thrash band    ;         ; http://philae.sas.upenn.edu/music/rock/morefiends/  ;         ‘                    215-551-1945                     ‘                       ‘;’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’

: Dear readers: : : My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply : suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried : valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried : chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed : Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large : doses), Restoril (bad side effects.)   : : The one remedy which really worked was L-tryptophane which the FDA : took off the market after a contaminated batch from Japan made various : people very sick, and now they refuse to allow it to be reintroduced : to the American market. : : Her symptoms include:  inability to get to sleep until 2-3 a.m.   : Irritability and anxiety if not rested.  Severe sleep : deprivation–which occurs usually without the intervention of one of : the above drugs–causes wild mood swings.  ANy help would be : appreciated. : I had the same problem. All the traditional herbal cures either did : not work or only worked for a short period. L-tryptophan worked on me : but I became a bit worried about taking it after all the adverse : publicity it got a few years ago. All the prescription drugs that I : have tried either stop working after a few weeks or they carry on : working until about half way through the following day. I have tried a : bit of diet "tuning" over the last few months and the best thing I : have found to get a good nights sleep is a generous glass of red wine : just before going to bed. The second best is a double Irish whiskey : with chilled water. So, it’s alcohol for me every night. : Steve : Stephen Wolstenholme: Author of Neural Network Shareware : web:    http://www.tropheus.demon.co.uk

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Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large doses), Restoril (bad side effects.)

I used to have troubles sleeping (I’d wake at 3am and be wide awake for 2 hours) until a friend asked me how much coffee I drank. I said 3 cups…two in the morning and one at 3pm. He told me to completely stop. Well, I love coffee so I decided to just stop at the 2 cups in the morning. The next night I slept clear through the night. Caffiene does really weird things to sleep patterns… Something else that really helps is a hot mug of Ovaltine before bed. The regular cocoa flavor, not the darker chocolate…too much sugar… Also, you ever notice how hard it is to stay awake when you’re tired and you’re trying to watch something like the news on TV? A radio station here used to play the old Suspense shows at 11pm. I’d get into bed and hit the sleep button on the clock radio so I could listen to it and the radio would shut off in an hour. I never made it through a show. Books on tape do the same thing! I hope these suggestions help. Nothing is worse than insomnia. Good Luck Bill

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large doses), Restoril (bad side effects.)   The one remedy which really worked was L-tryptophane which the FDA took off the market after a contaminated batch from Japan made various people very sick, and now they refuse to allow it to be reintroduced to the American market. Her symptoms include:  inability to get to sleep until 2-3 a.m.   Irritability and anxiety if not rested.  Severe sleep deprivation–which occurs usually without the intervention of one of the above drugs–causes wild mood swings.  ANy help would be appreciated.

I had the same problem. All the traditional herbal cures either did not work or only worked for a short period. L-tryptophan worked on me but I became a bit worried about taking it after all the adverse publicity it got a few years ago. All the prescription drugs that I have tried either stop working after a few weeks or they carry on working until about half way through the following day. I have tried a bit of diet "tuning" over the last few months and the best thing I have found to get a good nights sleep is a generous glass of red wine just before going to bed. The second best is a double Irish whiskey with chilled water. So, it’s alcohol for me every night. Steve Stephen Wolstenholme: Author of Neural Network Shareware web:    http://www.tropheus.demon.co.uk

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Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large doses), Restoril (bad side effects.)   The one remedy which really worked was L-tryptophane which the FDA took off the market after a contaminated batch from Japan made various people very sick, and now they refuse to allow it to be reintroduced to the American market. Her symptoms include:  inability to get to sleep until 2-3 a.m.   Irritability and anxiety if not rested.  Severe sleep deprivation–which occurs usually without the intervention of one of the above drugs–causes wild mood swings.  ANy help would be appreciated.

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AMBIEN is the brand name for zolpidem which is a short acting drug used only for short term relief of insomnia. It is the best drug for sleep inducing for lupus patients and sleep is very important in the treatment of the syndrome. j.mills,dph

Hmmmm… Is that the same as Zopiclon. (Imovane)? If not, this stuff isn’t available in Norway… — Best regards,                 Visit my homepage: Med vennlig hilsen,          <URL:http://home.newmedia.no/flaker/ _Aase Marit_ :) ))))))

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Could you please tell me what the active ingredient in Ambien is? (Had to dig through claim forms…)  Sorry; my receipt just calls it "ambien".  My MD said it was new (this was Fall of ‘95) and the "base

How did Ambien get started in the Arthritis newsgroup? Just wondering… I work for the R&D department of the company that makes it… For more info, you may wish to check out www.searlehealthnet.com. I’m not sure what the active ingredient is (I’m a graphic artist) but I’m sure you can find out through the web site.

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How did Ambien get started in the Arthritis newsgroup? Just wondering… I

How did a graphic artist come to join an RA newsgroup? (G) work for the R&D department of the company that makes it… For more info, you may wish to check out www.searlehealthnet.com. I’m not sure what the active ingredient is (I’m a graphic artist) but I’m sure you can find out through the web site.

My DR prescribed Ambien for my sleeping problems resulting from my RA in my neck (and other locations). I’ve found that 5mg about 30 min before bedtime works great most of the time. On a few occasions, I’ve need to take another 5mg an hour or so later. The benefits of a rest-filled night of sleep, vis-a-vis my RA, cannot be overstated. I’m just sorry that I refused to take sleeping pills for so long. Jima Adams

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You have to have great insurance to take Ambien around $2 a pill.

Hmmm… more like $.33 each for me.  My receipt says 30 tabs for $9.99 at Fay’s Drugs.  Maybe I have great insurance. Beth

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        Ambien is zolpidem tartrate, a non benozodiazepine (hence not related to valium, ativan etc) hypnotic of the imiazopyridine class. It is an effective sleep inducing agent for some people; I use it in fibromyalgia a lot.  However, some people have no effect or feel quite drugged. Regards, Susan Hoch, M.D. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Beth! Could you please tell me what the active ingredient in Ambien is? — Best regards,                 Visit my homepage: Med vennlig hilsen,          <URL:http://home.newmedia.no/flaker/ _Aase Marit_ :) )))))) I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – (snip) He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I get hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – You might want to ask your doctor about Ambien.  It is the best sleeping aid I have ever used.   (snip) I don’t know how it would interact with the Tylenol3.  Perhaps if you could sleep you wouldn’t need the Tylenol3? I want to heartily second the Ambien!  I am extremely sensitive to OTC sleep aids (take 1/2 dose and still fuzzy the next day) but I wasn’t getting my deep sleep.  My MD gave me the Ambien and it worked wonders! He told me there is no problem taking it with anything else I am on – which is Tylenol 3, anti-histamine/decongestant, a muscle relaxant, and Daypro (no, not all at once!  Each "as needed"). It truly is a "miracle drug" for me.  MD expressed a little concern about addiction to the Ambien though, and so he is rather stingy on prescribing it and I save it for "special occasions".  But as Laura/Sarah suggested, when I get the sleep I require, I don’t need so much in the line of pain meds. Good luck to you – Beth Floro

Susan Hoch                    

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He told me there is no problem taking it with anything else I am on – which is Tylenol 3, anti-histamine/decongestant, a muscle relaxant, and Daypro (no, not all at once!  Each "as needed").

You have to have great insurance to take Ambien around $2 a pill.   Kathi

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I take felxeril and it also doesn’t make me sleepy so much as it keeps in the deeper stges of sleep so I do not wake up every hour on the hour. Fortunatley, I have not had to take it much lately, but I had no problems with it when I was.  and at the time I was also on prenisone, relafin, and sulfasalizine.  Take Care. Nan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – (snip) He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I get hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list –

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – I finally doze from about six am to 9:30 or ten and thats it. My rd gave me 30 mgms of seraz (serax), but it only helped if I took 2 at a time.  Which is definately too many.  She gave up and sent me to my family doctor with this one.  He first gave me trypto something that didn’t help at all, and now he gives me immovane, which is only margianlly better, plus its addictive.  He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I ge hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – -methotrexate -cyclosporine -plaquenil tylenol #3 -paxil -immovane I feel like a toxic waste site. I’ve tried a couple of herbal remedies, but no luck at all there.  HELP PLEASE. Thanks, Aline

I tried some guaifenesin for fibromyalgia and low energy,   and found out that it helped me sleep better,   and dream a lot. I don’t take it AT bedtime,   just 400mg 2 or 3 times during the day. The only problem with this is you can’t take any salicylates,  that means no NSAIDS,  no aspirin,  etc. Guaifenesin is an OTC medicine,   $8.49 for 100 from a company on the ‘net. It is not a prescription drug.   — Shari Soza

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Hi, Beth! Could you please tell me what the active ingredient in Ambien is? — Best regards,                 Visit my homepage: Med vennlig hilsen,          <URL:http://home.newmedia.no/flaker/ _Aase Marit_ :) )))))) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – (snip) He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I get hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – You might want to ask your doctor about Ambien.  It is the best sleeping aid I have ever used.   (snip) I don’t know how it would interact with the Tylenol3.  Perhaps if you could sleep you wouldn’t need the Tylenol3? I want to heartily second the Ambien!  I am extremely sensitive to OTC sleep aids (take 1/2 dose and still fuzzy the next day) but I wasn’t getting my deep sleep.  My MD gave me the Ambien and it worked wonders! He told me there is no problem taking it with anything else I am on – which is Tylenol 3, anti-histamine/decongestant, a muscle relaxant, and Daypro (no, not all at once!  Each "as needed"). It truly is a "miracle drug" for me.  MD expressed a little concern about addiction to the Ambien though, and so he is rather stingy on prescribing it and I save it for "special occasions".  But as Laura/Sarah suggested, when I get the sleep I require, I don’t need so much in the line of pain meds. Good luck to you – Beth Floro

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Hi all, I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – I finally doze from about six am to 9:30 or ten and thats it. My rd gave me 30 mgms of seraz (serax), but it only helped if I took 2 at a time.  Which is definately too many.  She gave up and sent me to my family doctor with this one.  He first gave me trypto something that didn’t help at all, and now he gives me immovane, which is only margianlly better, plus its addictive.  He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I ge hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – -methotrexate -cyclosporine -plaquenil tylenol #3 -paxil -immovane I feel like a toxic waste site. I’ve tried a couple of herbal remedies, but no luck at all there.  HELP PLEASE. Thanks, Aline

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – I finally doze from about six am to 9:30 or ten and thats it. My rd gave me 30 mgms of seraz (serax), but it only helped if I took 2 at a time.  Which is definately too many.  She gave up and sent me to my family doctor with this one.  He first gave me trypto something that didn’t help at all, and now he gives me immovane, which is only margianlly better, plus its addictive.  He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I ge hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – -methotrexate -cyclosporine -plaquenil tylenol #3 -paxil -immovane I feel like a toxic waste site. I’ve tried a couple of herbal remedies, but no luck at all there.  HELP PLEASE. Thanks, Aline

Aline, You might want to ask your doctor about Ambien.  It is the best sleeping aid I have ever used.  I think I may even be approaching a normal sleep schedule–something I’ve never had before–since I am now finding myself getting sleepy around 10 pm and able to nod off at least half the time without any medication at all. I don’t know how it would interact with the Tylenol3.  Perhaps if you could sleep you wouldn’t need the Tylenol3? Good luck getting some shut-eye. Laura

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – -methotrexate -cyclosporine -plaquenil tylenol #3 -paxil -immovane I feel like a toxic waste site. I’ve tried a couple of herbal remedies, but no luck at all there.  HELP PLEASE. Thanks, Aline

Aline- I take or have taken most of the medications you’re on and I can relate to the insomnia problem. I’m wondering if you noticed an increased problem with sleep after starting the Paxil.  I take Zoloft which is chemically related to Paxil and Prozac and even though I take it in the morning it causes sleep problems for me and for a lot of other people. My doctor ordered doxepin to take at bedtime which has helped alot.  My psychiatrist said that taking one of the more sedating tricyclic antidepressants at bedtime can help offset the insomnia of the Zoloft/Paxil/Prozac.(I’ve tried all 3). Unlike sleeping pills, the anti-depressants are not addicting.  Deb

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I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – (snip) He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I get hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – You might want to ask your doctor about Ambien.  It is the best sleeping aid I have ever used.   (snip) I don’t know how it would interact with the Tylenol3.  Perhaps if you could sleep you wouldn’t need the Tylenol3?

I want to heartily second the Ambien!  I am extremely sensitive to OTC sleep aids (take 1/2 dose and still fuzzy the next day) but I wasn’t getting my deep sleep.  My MD gave me the Ambien and it worked wonders! He told me there is no problem taking it with anything else I am on – which is Tylenol 3, anti-histamine/decongestant, a muscle relaxant, and Daypro (no, not all at once!  Each "as needed"). It truly is a "miracle drug" for me.  MD expressed a little concern about addiction to the Ambien though, and so he is rather stingy on prescribing it and I save it for "special occasions".  But as Laura/Sarah suggested, when I get the sleep I require, I don’t need so much in the line of pain meds. Good luck to you – Beth Floro

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My 24 year old girlfriend can’t get to sleep and stay asleep.  Often she gets only two hours of sleep a night.  Any suggestions?  Please reply direct to me.  Thanks. Randy

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My 24 year old girlfriend can’t get to sleep and stay asleep.  Often she gets only two hours of sleep a night.  Any suggestions?  Please reply direct to me.  Thanks. Randy

Your girlfriend should try Reishi.  I used to have insomnia but since I started taking Reishi daily over a year ago, I have no more sleeping problem.  Furthermore, I wake up fresh in the morning without relying on an alarm clock and can start working almost immediately. I know over 200 friends who are on Reishi daily.  They report the same experience with Reishi. Dosage is important.  We take 4 capsules of 370 mg each of a 100% pure mycelium extract of Ganoderma Lucidum before going to bed.  The concentration of polysaccharides is over 40%.   500-1,000mg of Vitamin C should also be taken daily (after meals) to help the absorption of Reishi polysaccharides. Good health! Gilbert Ng, Ph.D.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I occasionally have bouts of insomnia and had a couple of questions which may or may not have answers. 1)During a cycle of insomnia which may last several days or longer, why   will I wake up at amost the same time in the wee hours, say 3:45 a.m. every time? This is regardless of what time I went to bed, or got up the previous morning, whether I fell immediately asleep or not, what I did during the day, etc. 2)Why, when I wake up suddenly in the middle of the night will I be unable to return to sleep until perhaps 20 or 30 minutes before I have to get up, after laying awake for perhaps two hours or more?  Many people told me they have had the same experience.  When I do fall asleep in that short time before having to rise, it always seem to be a very deep sleep and when the alarm goes off, I usually feel even more exhausted than when I was lying awake trying to falling asleep. 3)Finally, are there any known natural remedies for insomnia?  I have never taken anything like Sominex or other over the counter (or prescription drugs) for insomnia?  I was once told these drugs don’t really cause you to sleep, but rather put you in a "drugged state" and rather than asleep you are rather more unconscious, and what you get is not really as restful and healthful as "real sleep." Thanks. Deborah

I recently started taking a product made by Twin Labs called GABA Plus to see if it would help with insomnia.  Each capsule contains 100 mg. GABA, 600 mg. inositol, and 200 mg. niacinamide.  I take 4-5 capsules at bedtime.  I have been sleeping much better and in deeper stages of sleep.  I have tried many natural products that are supposed to help sleep, but this seems to have helped me the most.   Hope you find benefit also.   Also, I have read that if one wakes up at 3:00 in the morning, it may indicate a lack of calcium and magnesium.  Try taking some before bed. Another thing I think is helping me is to engage in aerobic exercise 3-4 times a week (the kind where you get your heart rate in the correct zone for you and keep it there for 15-20 minutes).  Let me know how it goes. I know how frustrating it can be to have insomnia.  I’m with you–natural remedies are the best.–ms

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What you describe are known in homeopathy as modalities. Modalities are the things that make a particular health problem worse or better. As my doctor, Peter Hinderberger said, "Homeopathy lives in the modalities." They’re the most important clue to the selection of the proper remedy. The particular modalities you describe (wakes up at 3 AM, has trouble falling back asleep, and wakes up feeling wretched) are well known modalities of the homeopathic medicine Nux Vomica. While I can’t conclude on the basis of your post that Nux Vomica is the correct medicine for you, you may want to consult a homeopathic book on self-care such as "Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicine" for the proper use of homeopathic medicines against insomnia. — Bernie Simon          Confucius said, "It is after the coldest weather that

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my aunt is tryiong out a ayurvedic formula commercially available as "Trimax" and she sais it is helping her with uneasy sleep… maybe it’ll help with insomnia… an herb known as valerian puts me right out but i heard it shouldnt be used continually… tryptophan is supposed to be very effective but the us government outlawed it for who-knows-why… it is present in milk… used to be able to find a food supplement for horses that contained 20% tryptophan but now i cant even find that… itxs the war on medicine i guess… GABA is upposed to help with sleep also, i believe you can still get that… …x

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     Finally, are there any known natural remedies for insomnia?   A music teacher of mine from South India used to drink warm milk with saffron and honey before retiring. While I can’t vouch for it as a remedy for insomnia, I must say it certainly is delicious. JB.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I occasionally have bouts of insomnia and had a couple of questions which may or may not have answers. 1)During a cycle of insomnia which may last several days or longer, why   will I wake up at amost the same time in the wee hours, say 3:45 a.m. every time? This is regardless of what time I went to bed, or got up the previous morning, whether I fell immediately asleep or not, what I did during the day, etc. 2)Why, when I wake up suddenly in the middle of the night will I be unable to return to sleep until perhaps 20 or 30 minutes before I have to get up, after laying awake for perhaps two hours or more?  Many people told me they have had the same experience.  When I do fall asleep in that short time before having to rise, it always seem to be a very deep sleep and when the alarm goes off, I usually feel even more exhausted than when I was lying awake trying to falling asleep. 3)Finally, are there any known natural remedies for insomnia?  I have never taken anything like Sominex or other over the counter (or prescription drugs) for insomnia?  I was once told these drugs don’t really cause you to sleep, but rather put you in a "drugged state" and rather than asleep you are rather more unconscious, and what you get is not really as restful and healthful as "real sleep." Thanks. Deborah

There is a homeopathic remedy, Nux Vomica, that fits your symptoms pretty well.  A quote from Boericke’s Materica Medica:         Sleep–*Cannot sleep after 3 a.m. until early towards;         early morning; awakes feeling wretchedly*  Drowsy after         meals, and in early evening.  Dreams full of bustle and         hurry.  *Better after a short sleep,* unless aroused. Your symptoms don’t have to fit this description exactly, and if you fit just the emphasized portions you should definitely try it.  Nux is for people who suffer from mental strain due to overwork and seek relief from stimulants, tobacco, wine, sex, or over-indulging in food. It is the "hangover remedy" and will definitely help when you have a hangover, but you should use it only rarely for this.  I took Nux 200c for sleep problems (prescribed by my doctor), but maybe you should start with 30c and if it helps but the effect isn’t long lasting then try 200c.   BTW you should get a book on homeopathy if you decide to try this and read up on how to use homeopathic remedies safely. Karen Allen

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I occasionally have bouts of insomnia and had a couple of questions which may or may not have answers. 1)During a cycle of insomnia which may last several days or longer, why   will I wake up at amost the same time in the wee hours, say 3:45 a.m. every time? This is regardless of what time I went to bed, or got up the previous morning, whether I fell immediately asleep or not, what I did during the day, etc. 2)Why, when I wake up suddenly in the middle of the night will I be unable to return to sleep until perhaps 20 or 30 minutes before I have to get up, after laying awake for perhaps two hours or more?  Many people told me they have had the same experience.  When I do fall asleep in that short time before having to rise, it always seem to be a very deep sleep and when the alarm goes off, I usually feel even more exhausted than when I was lying awake trying to falling asleep. 3)Finally, are there any known natural remedies for insomnia?  I have never taken anything like Sominex or other over the counter (or prescription drugs) for insomnia?  I was once told these drugs don’t really cause you to sleep, but rather put you in a "drugged state" and rather than asleep you are rather more unconscious, and what you get is not really as restful and healthful as "real sleep." Thanks. Deborah

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Bill try it with hypnosis Guenther – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large doses), Restoril (bad side effects.) I used to have troubles sleeping (I’d wake at 3am and be wide awake for 2 hours) until a friend asked me how much coffee I drank. I said 3 cups…two in the morning and one at 3pm. He told me to completely stop. Well, I love coffee so I decided to just stop at the 2 cups in the morning. The next night I slept clear through the night. Caffiene does really weird things to sleep patterns… Something else that really helps is a hot mug of Ovaltine before bed. The regular cocoa flavor, not the darker chocolate…too much sugar… Also, you ever notice how hard it is to stay awake when you’re tired and you’re trying to watch something like the news on TV? A radio station here used to play the old Suspense shows at 11pm. I’d get into bed and hit the sleep button on the clock radio so I could listen to it and the radio would shut off in an hour. I never made it through a show. Books on tape do the same thing! I hope these suggestions help. Nothing is worse than insomnia. Good Luck Bill

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Alcohol interferes with stage four sleep.  If you are using it for insomnia, you are just compounding the problem. As always, all opinions are purely those of the author, who accepts full responsibility for their ability to upset people. Michael P.Acord, MD

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I have had good experience with Nikken magnetic relaxation products. I was waking up in the night and having a hard time getting back to sleep. After four days with the mattress I now sleep completely through the night and wake up feeling more refreshed and withless stiffness. I would be happy to share this information. Clive Scullion Bodywork Central http://www.bodyworkcentral.com

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Steven, I have known quite a few people to have been helped by certain herbs and supplements.  I have some information if you would like some.  E-mail me your address and I will mail you off some information if you would like.

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Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply

 My recommendation is that she try massage therapy.  This is a great method for helping a person to relax.  There are techniques that can assist with insomnia.  Check your local yellow pages under massage therapy.  A therapist who is a member of the AMTA should be a good one.  Also, you can check out the NCTMB web page for more info on how to select a massage therapist. Sincerely, Ann

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I had the same problem all my life. Then someone recommended this to me & it really worked! Plus it has other benificial qualities, especially for women. Calcium!!!! It’s a natural calming agent. Try taking a supplement of 500mg’s one with breakfast one with dinner (this equals the RDA too). Get a supplement that also contains magnesium as this is needed for the body to absorbe calcium. [The body can only absorbe 500mg's of calcium at a time (hence the morning & nite dose).] It takes about 2 weeks to have effect. It has been bliss!!! If you do a search for calcium on the web, you can confirm these facts. Best. Love, Elizabeth Fiend         ‘;’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’         ;    slide guitar player in the psycho-thrash band    ;         ; http://philae.sas.upenn.edu/music/rock/morefiends/  ;         ‘                    215-551-1945                     ‘                       ‘;’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’;';’

: Dear readers: : : My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply : suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried : valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried : chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed : Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large : doses), Restoril (bad side effects.)   : : The one remedy which really worked was L-tryptophane which the FDA : took off the market after a contaminated batch from Japan made various : people very sick, and now they refuse to allow it to be reintroduced : to the American market. : : Her symptoms include:  inability to get to sleep until 2-3 a.m.   : Irritability and anxiety if not rested.  Severe sleep : deprivation–which occurs usually without the intervention of one of : the above drugs–causes wild mood swings.  ANy help would be : appreciated. : I had the same problem. All the traditional herbal cures either did : not work or only worked for a short period. L-tryptophan worked on me : but I became a bit worried about taking it after all the adverse : publicity it got a few years ago. All the prescription drugs that I : have tried either stop working after a few weeks or they carry on : working until about half way through the following day. I have tried a : bit of diet "tuning" over the last few months and the best thing I : have found to get a good nights sleep is a generous glass of red wine : just before going to bed. The second best is a double Irish whiskey : with chilled water. So, it’s alcohol for me every night. : Steve : Stephen Wolstenholme: Author of Neural Network Shareware : web:    http://www.tropheus.demon.co.uk

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Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large doses), Restoril (bad side effects.)

I used to have troubles sleeping (I’d wake at 3am and be wide awake for 2 hours) until a friend asked me how much coffee I drank. I said 3 cups…two in the morning and one at 3pm. He told me to completely stop. Well, I love coffee so I decided to just stop at the 2 cups in the morning. The next night I slept clear through the night. Caffiene does really weird things to sleep patterns… Something else that really helps is a hot mug of Ovaltine before bed. The regular cocoa flavor, not the darker chocolate…too much sugar… Also, you ever notice how hard it is to stay awake when you’re tired and you’re trying to watch something like the news on TV? A radio station here used to play the old Suspense shows at 11pm. I’d get into bed and hit the sleep button on the clock radio so I could listen to it and the radio would shut off in an hour. I never made it through a show. Books on tape do the same thing! I hope these suggestions help. Nothing is worse than insomnia. Good Luck Bill

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large doses), Restoril (bad side effects.)   The one remedy which really worked was L-tryptophane which the FDA took off the market after a contaminated batch from Japan made various people very sick, and now they refuse to allow it to be reintroduced to the American market. Her symptoms include:  inability to get to sleep until 2-3 a.m.   Irritability and anxiety if not rested.  Severe sleep deprivation–which occurs usually without the intervention of one of the above drugs–causes wild mood swings.  ANy help would be appreciated.

I had the same problem. All the traditional herbal cures either did not work or only worked for a short period. L-tryptophan worked on me but I became a bit worried about taking it after all the adverse publicity it got a few years ago. All the prescription drugs that I have tried either stop working after a few weeks or they carry on working until about half way through the following day. I have tried a bit of diet "tuning" over the last few months and the best thing I have found to get a good nights sleep is a generous glass of red wine just before going to bed. The second best is a double Irish whiskey with chilled water. So, it’s alcohol for me every night. Steve Stephen Wolstenholme: Author of Neural Network Shareware web:    http://www.tropheus.demon.co.uk

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Dear readers: My wife has serious problems with insomnia (she’s also deeply suspicious about the Internet which is why I’m writing.)  She’s tried valerian which gives her headaches and makes her dizzy; she’s tried chamomile which has no effect whatsoever.  Doctors have prescribed Dalmane (addictive), Xanax (addictive and effective only in large doses), Restoril (bad side effects.)   The one remedy which really worked was L-tryptophane which the FDA took off the market after a contaminated batch from Japan made various people very sick, and now they refuse to allow it to be reintroduced to the American market. Her symptoms include:  inability to get to sleep until 2-3 a.m.   Irritability and anxiety if not rested.  Severe sleep deprivation–which occurs usually without the intervention of one of the above drugs–causes wild mood swings.  ANy help would be appreciated.

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AMBIEN is the brand name for zolpidem which is a short acting drug used only for short term relief of insomnia. It is the best drug for sleep inducing for lupus patients and sleep is very important in the treatment of the syndrome. j.mills,dph

Hmmmm… Is that the same as Zopiclon. (Imovane)? If not, this stuff isn’t available in Norway… — Best regards,                 Visit my homepage: Med vennlig hilsen,          <URL:http://home.newmedia.no/flaker/ _Aase Marit_ :) ))))))

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Could you please tell me what the active ingredient in Ambien is? (Had to dig through claim forms…)  Sorry; my receipt just calls it "ambien".  My MD said it was new (this was Fall of ‘95) and the "base

How did Ambien get started in the Arthritis newsgroup? Just wondering… I work for the R&D department of the company that makes it… For more info, you may wish to check out www.searlehealthnet.com. I’m not sure what the active ingredient is (I’m a graphic artist) but I’m sure you can find out through the web site.

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How did Ambien get started in the Arthritis newsgroup? Just wondering… I

How did a graphic artist come to join an RA newsgroup? (G) work for the R&D department of the company that makes it… For more info, you may wish to check out www.searlehealthnet.com. I’m not sure what the active ingredient is (I’m a graphic artist) but I’m sure you can find out through the web site.

My DR prescribed Ambien for my sleeping problems resulting from my RA in my neck (and other locations). I’ve found that 5mg about 30 min before bedtime works great most of the time. On a few occasions, I’ve need to take another 5mg an hour or so later. The benefits of a rest-filled night of sleep, vis-a-vis my RA, cannot be overstated. I’m just sorry that I refused to take sleeping pills for so long. Jima Adams

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You have to have great insurance to take Ambien around $2 a pill.

Hmmm… more like $.33 each for me.  My receipt says 30 tabs for $9.99 at Fay’s Drugs.  Maybe I have great insurance. Beth

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        Ambien is zolpidem tartrate, a non benozodiazepine (hence not related to valium, ativan etc) hypnotic of the imiazopyridine class. It is an effective sleep inducing agent for some people; I use it in fibromyalgia a lot.  However, some people have no effect or feel quite drugged. Regards, Susan Hoch, M.D. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Beth! Could you please tell me what the active ingredient in Ambien is? — Best regards,                 Visit my homepage: Med vennlig hilsen,          <URL:http://home.newmedia.no/flaker/ _Aase Marit_ :) )))))) I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – (snip) He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I get hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – You might want to ask your doctor about Ambien.  It is the best sleeping aid I have ever used.   (snip) I don’t know how it would interact with the Tylenol3.  Perhaps if you could sleep you wouldn’t need the Tylenol3? I want to heartily second the Ambien!  I am extremely sensitive to OTC sleep aids (take 1/2 dose and still fuzzy the next day) but I wasn’t getting my deep sleep.  My MD gave me the Ambien and it worked wonders! He told me there is no problem taking it with anything else I am on – which is Tylenol 3, anti-histamine/decongestant, a muscle relaxant, and Daypro (no, not all at once!  Each "as needed"). It truly is a "miracle drug" for me.  MD expressed a little concern about addiction to the Ambien though, and so he is rather stingy on prescribing it and I save it for "special occasions".  But as Laura/Sarah suggested, when I get the sleep I require, I don’t need so much in the line of pain meds. Good luck to you – Beth Floro

Susan Hoch                    

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He told me there is no problem taking it with anything else I am on – which is Tylenol 3, anti-histamine/decongestant, a muscle relaxant, and Daypro (no, not all at once!  Each "as needed").

You have to have great insurance to take Ambien around $2 a pill.   Kathi

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I take felxeril and it also doesn’t make me sleepy so much as it keeps in the deeper stges of sleep so I do not wake up every hour on the hour. Fortunatley, I have not had to take it much lately, but I had no problems with it when I was.  and at the time I was also on prenisone, relafin, and sulfasalizine.  Take Care. Nan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – (snip) He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I get hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list –

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – I finally doze from about six am to 9:30 or ten and thats it. My rd gave me 30 mgms of seraz (serax), but it only helped if I took 2 at a time.  Which is definately too many.  She gave up and sent me to my family doctor with this one.  He first gave me trypto something that didn’t help at all, and now he gives me immovane, which is only margianlly better, plus its addictive.  He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I ge hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – -methotrexate -cyclosporine -plaquenil tylenol #3 -paxil -immovane I feel like a toxic waste site. I’ve tried a couple of herbal remedies, but no luck at all there.  HELP PLEASE. Thanks, Aline

I tried some guaifenesin for fibromyalgia and low energy,   and found out that it helped me sleep better,   and dream a lot. I don’t take it AT bedtime,   just 400mg 2 or 3 times during the day. The only problem with this is you can’t take any salicylates,  that means no NSAIDS,  no aspirin,  etc. Guaifenesin is an OTC medicine,   $8.49 for 100 from a company on the ‘net. It is not a prescription drug.   — Shari Soza

Response:

Hi, Beth! Could you please tell me what the active ingredient in Ambien is? — Best regards,                 Visit my homepage: Med vennlig hilsen,          <URL:http://home.newmedia.no/flaker/ _Aase Marit_ :) )))))) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – (snip) He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I get hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – You might want to ask your doctor about Ambien.  It is the best sleeping aid I have ever used.   (snip) I don’t know how it would interact with the Tylenol3.  Perhaps if you could sleep you wouldn’t need the Tylenol3? I want to heartily second the Ambien!  I am extremely sensitive to OTC sleep aids (take 1/2 dose and still fuzzy the next day) but I wasn’t getting my deep sleep.  My MD gave me the Ambien and it worked wonders! He told me there is no problem taking it with anything else I am on – which is Tylenol 3, anti-histamine/decongestant, a muscle relaxant, and Daypro (no, not all at once!  Each "as needed"). It truly is a "miracle drug" for me.  MD expressed a little concern about addiction to the Ambien though, and so he is rather stingy on prescribing it and I save it for "special occasions".  But as Laura/Sarah suggested, when I get the sleep I require, I don’t need so much in the line of pain meds. Good luck to you – Beth Floro

Response:

Hi all, I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – I finally doze from about six am to 9:30 or ten and thats it. My rd gave me 30 mgms of seraz (serax), but it only helped if I took 2 at a time.  Which is definately too many.  She gave up and sent me to my family doctor with this one.  He first gave me trypto something that didn’t help at all, and now he gives me immovane, which is only margianlly better, plus its addictive.  He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I ge hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – -methotrexate -cyclosporine -plaquenil tylenol #3 -paxil -immovane I feel like a toxic waste site. I’ve tried a couple of herbal remedies, but no luck at all there.  HELP PLEASE. Thanks, Aline

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – I finally doze from about six am to 9:30 or ten and thats it. My rd gave me 30 mgms of seraz (serax), but it only helped if I took 2 at a time.  Which is definately too many.  She gave up and sent me to my family doctor with this one.  He first gave me trypto something that didn’t help at all, and now he gives me immovane, which is only margianlly better, plus its addictive.  He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I ge hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – -methotrexate -cyclosporine -plaquenil tylenol #3 -paxil -immovane I feel like a toxic waste site. I’ve tried a couple of herbal remedies, but no luck at all there.  HELP PLEASE. Thanks, Aline

Aline, You might want to ask your doctor about Ambien.  It is the best sleeping aid I have ever used.  I think I may even be approaching a normal sleep schedule–something I’ve never had before–since I am now finding myself getting sleepy around 10 pm and able to nod off at least half the time without any medication at all. I don’t know how it would interact with the Tylenol3.  Perhaps if you could sleep you wouldn’t need the Tylenol3? Good luck getting some shut-eye. Laura

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – -methotrexate -cyclosporine -plaquenil tylenol #3 -paxil -immovane I feel like a toxic waste site. I’ve tried a couple of herbal remedies, but no luck at all there.  HELP PLEASE. Thanks, Aline

Aline- I take or have taken most of the medications you’re on and I can relate to the insomnia problem. I’m wondering if you noticed an increased problem with sleep after starting the Paxil.  I take Zoloft which is chemically related to Paxil and Prozac and even though I take it in the morning it causes sleep problems for me and for a lot of other people. My doctor ordered doxepin to take at bedtime which has helped alot.  My psychiatrist said that taking one of the more sedating tricyclic antidepressants at bedtime can help offset the insomnia of the Zoloft/Paxil/Prozac.(I’ve tried all 3). Unlike sleeping pills, the anti-depressants are not addicting.  Deb

Response:

I hope you can help me.  I’m at my wits end.  I have never been the best sleeper, but now I find I’m up all night – (snip) He says its the lesser of two evils – I suffer more if I don’t sleep, than if I get hooked. Any suggestions?  I hate to add more drugs to the list – You might want to ask your doctor about Ambien.  It is the best sleeping aid I have ever used.   (snip) I don’t know how it would interact with the Tylenol3.  Perhaps if you could sleep you wouldn’t need the Tylenol3?

I want to heartily second the Ambien!  I am extremely sensitive to OTC sleep aids (take 1/2 dose and still fuzzy the next day) but I wasn’t getting my deep sleep.  My MD gave me the Ambien and it worked wonders! He told me there is no problem taking it with anything else I am on – which is Tylenol 3, anti-histamine/decongestant, a muscle relaxant, and Daypro (no, not all at once!  Each "as needed"). It truly is a "miracle drug" for me.  MD expressed a little concern about addiction to the Ambien though, and so he is rather stingy on prescribing it and I save it for "special occasions".  But as Laura/Sarah suggested, when I get the sleep I require, I don’t need so much in the line of pain meds. Good luck to you – Beth Floro

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Wheezing Cough And Flovent » Anyone Taking Singulair and *not* taking Advair/Flovent?

Anyone Taking Singulair and *not* taking Advair/Flovent?

Question:

I too have mild, allergy and exercise induced asthma. I started Singulair over a year ago, and have hardly ever had to use any other medicine during that period. I am very happy this way. Erica Steve Freides heeft geschreven in bericht – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I changed a few medications at once a few months back, resulting in a huge improvement in my condition.  I was taking Serevent and Allegra and added Singulair and Flovent. (I didn’t add Flovent but switched from Serevent to Advair.) I know a significant number of people take Advair/Flovent but do not take Singulair.  I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try. Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

The lowest strength of Flovent is 50ug/pf fluticasone, usually prescribed 2 pf twice/day. This could be tapered in half to 1 pf x2; or cut in 1/4 to 1 pf/day.

I have used this method for quite sometime and have had good success.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It makes more sense to just change one drug at a time, so you can see what it’s effect is, independent of the other drugs. It would make sense to go back to Serevent and add Flovent to equal your present dose of Advair. Then taper down the Flovent to the level to control your symptoms and keep peak flows in the Green Zone on your peak flow meter. My Advair is the lowest doseage of Flovent already, so there’s nothing there to taper. The lowest dose strength of Advair is 100ug/pf fluticasone,  usually prescribed twice/day. This could be tapered in half  to 1 pf/day. The lowest strength of Flovent is 50ug/pf fluticasone, usually prescribed 2 pf twice/day. This could be tapered in half to 1 pf x2; or cut in 1/4 to 1 pf/day.

Good points.  I could try my 100/50 Advair only in the mornings, but I like the idea of separating them and trying to lower the Serevent best. -S- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ellis  I’m quite convinced that Singulair has helped me and that I may be able to get by without either Serevent or Flovent. Colin’s suggestion of separating Advair into its components then reducing the Serevent is certainly worth trying as well. I will do a bit of experimenting with what’s in-house here already and report back in a few weeks. -S- The general rule on steroid inhalers is to use the minimum dose to control the problem, especially at Moderate and High dose levels. As a more simplistic approach, you could just try reducing the puffs of Advair. [however this simultaneously reduces the salmeterol and fluticasone]. Note that Advair comes in 3 strengths; if you are not using the lowest strength version you could try switching to that. Note that Singulair only helps about 2/3 who try it; if it doesn’t help it should be dropped. In my case it helps my rhinitis more than the asthma. Ellis Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

It makes more sense to just change one drug at a time, so you can see what it’s effect is, independent of the other drugs. It would make sense to go back to Serevent and add Flovent to equal your present dose of Advair. Then taper down the Flovent to the level to control your symptoms and keep peak flows in the Green Zone on your peak flow meter. My Advair is the lowest doseage of Flovent already, so there’s nothing there to taper.

The lowest dose strength of Advair is 100ug/pf fluticasone,  usually prescribed twice/day. This could be tapered in half  to 1 pf/day. The lowest strength of Flovent is 50ug/pf fluticasone, usually prescribed 2 pf twice/day. This could be tapered in half to 1 pf x2; or cut in 1/4 to 1 pf/day. Ellis  I’m quite convinced that Singulair has helped me and – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – that I may be able to get by without either Serevent or Flovent. Colin’s suggestion of separating Advair into its components then reducing the Serevent is certainly worth trying as well. I will do a bit of experimenting with what’s in-house here already and report back in a few weeks. -S- The general rule on steroid inhalers is to use the minimum dose to control the problem, especially at Moderate and High dose levels. As a more simplistic approach, you could just try reducing the puffs of Advair. [however this simultaneously reduces the salmeterol and fluticasone]. Note that Advair comes in 3 strengths; if you are not using the lowest strength version you could try switching to that. Note that Singulair only helps about 2/3 who try it; if it doesn’t help it should be dropped. In my case it helps my rhinitis more than the asthma. Ellis Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I changed a few medications at once a few months back, resulting in a huge improvement in my condition.  I was taking Serevent and Allegra and added Singulair and Flovent. (I didn’t add Flovent but switched from Serevent to Advair.) I know a significant number of people take Advair/Flovent but do not take Singulair.  I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try. It makes more sense to just change one drug at a time, so you can see what it’s effect is, independent of the other drugs. It would make sense to go back to Serevent and add Flovent to equal your present dose of Advair. Then taper down the Flovent to the level to control your symptoms and keep peak flows in the Green Zone on your peak flow meter.

Thank you and thanks to everyone else who has responded thus far. My Advair is the lowest doseage of Flovent already, so there’s nothing there to taper.  I’m quite convinced that Singulair has helped me and that I may be able to get by without either Serevent or Flovent. Colin’s suggestion of separating Advair into its components then reducing the Serevent is certainly worth trying as well. I will do a bit of experimenting with what’s in-house here already and report back in a few weeks. -S- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The general rule on steroid inhalers is to use the minimum dose to control the problem, especially at Moderate and High dose levels. As a more simplistic approach, you could just try reducing the puffs of Advair. [however this simultaneously reduces the salmeterol and fluticasone]. Note that Advair comes in 3 strengths; if you are not using the lowest strength version you could try switching to that. Note that Singulair only helps about 2/3 who try it; if it doesn’t help it should be dropped. In my case it helps my rhinitis more than the asthma. Ellis Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

It would make sense to go back to Serevent and add Flovent to equal your present dose of Advair. Then taper down the Flovent to the level to control your symptoms and keep peak flows in the Green Zone on your peak flow meter.

IMO, it would make more sense to taper the Serevent since Flovent prevents asthma symptoms and Serevent merely treats those symptoms. — "What Sept. 11 did was remind us that there are times when we must fight for our country, that, indeed, there are things – our liberty, our democracy, our belief in human rights and human dignity – worth fighting for." Newsday.com editorial – 27 May 2002

Response:

I take Advair and singulair with humibid.  This combination works really well for me.  I use proventil hcf for emergencies.  My dr told me that singulair is not a replacement of the inhalers only helps most.  I would recommend you go back to what your dr has told you to take and give it time to see if it works.  If the inhaler isn’t than call your pulmonary and let them know.  I mostly have myself under control with my copd and asthma.  But it take time.  UM MOM Susan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I changed a few medications at once a few months back, resulting in a huge improvement in my condition.  I was taking Serevent and Allegra and added Singulair and Flovent. (I didn’t add Flovent but switched from Serevent to Advair.) I know a significant number of people take Advair/Flovent but do not take Singulair.  I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try. Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

I changed a few medications at once a few months back, resulting in a huge improvement in my condition.  I was taking Serevent and Allegra and added Singulair and Flovent. (I didn’t add Flovent but switched from Serevent to Advair.) I know a significant number of people take Advair/Flovent but do not take Singulair.  I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try.

It makes more sense to just change one drug at a time, so you can see what it’s effect is, independent of the other drugs. It would make sense to go back to Serevent and add Flovent to equal your present dose of Advair. Then taper down the Flovent to the level to control your symptoms and keep peak flows in the Green Zone on your peak flow meter. The general rule on steroid inhalers is to use the minimum dose to control the problem, especially at Moderate and High dose levels. As a more simplistic approach, you could just try reducing the puffs of Advair. [however this simultaneously reduces the salmeterol and fluticasone]. Note that Advair comes in 3 strengths; if you are not using the lowest strength version you could try switching to that. Note that Singulair only helps about 2/3 who try it; if it doesn’t help it should be dropped. In my case it helps my rhinitis more than the asthma. Ellis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

I changed a few medications at once a few months back, resulting in a huge improvement in my condition.  I was taking Serevent and Allegra and added Singulair and Flovent. (I didn’t add Flovent but switched from Serevent to Advair.) I know a significant number of people take Advair/Flovent but do not take Singulair.  I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try. Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  I carry a Proventil inhaler for emergencies but have never needed it since I added Singulair and Advair to my routine.  I have discussed the matter with my physician who said, while he doesn’t think I should stop Advair, neither does he think it will hurt me. -S-

Response:

I was wondering if many people take Singulair but not Advair/Flovent.  I’m considering trying a brief experiment of stopping Advair and seeing how I do.  My expectation is that I will miss Advair but I thought it would be interesting to give it a try.

Here is my situation: I have had allergic and exercise induced asthma for over 10 years. Even with Albuterol, Severant, or Flovent I could not run more than a mile before having to stop, weeze, and gasp for air.  It was frustrating since I was trying to get back to running as I had done 10 years before, but couldn’t.  My saving medicine was Singulair.  It began to work the first day and has been helping me ever since I started it 2 1/2 years ago.  I got back to running a few weeks after starting Singulair and haven’t stopped since.  I’m 54 and run 4 miles about 4 times per week. Hardly olympic pace, but pretty good for someone my age.  I use my inhaler (Albuterol) about twice a week just to have ‘clear runs’ — I think this is more psychological than physiological, frankly.  I rarely (once every other month?) use my inhaler for any other reason.  I take no other asthma medication. Singulair is worth trying.  Your mileage may vary.  The following statistics come up a lot, but I’m not sure of their accuracy.  Take them as rough values.  About 1/3 of the people trying it are helped a lot (the lucky 1/3 I appear to be in),  1/3 are helped some, 1/3 are not helped at all.  I have zero side effects.  Some people have complained about vivid dreaming in Singulair (I thought I might be experiencing this from time to time, but, if so, I like it — I’m really not sure though).  A few people in this group have complained of headaches or difficulty sleeping.  Maybe others can add to this. Generally, it is free of side effects and for the most part (I’ve only seen one exception in this NG group) it does not lose its effectiveness.   Background:  my asthma is mild and largely related to allergans and exercise, i.e., if I stay in my HEPA-filtered house and don’t exercise, I have no symptoms.  I have never been hospitalized for asthma or breathing difficulties of any kind.  

Same for me, in general. — Lou Pecora   – My views are my own.

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Wheezing Cough And Flovent » Serevent Reaction?

Serevent Reaction?

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve been taking Serevent 2 puffs twice a day and Flovent two puffs twice a day for about 6 months with amazing results.  I’ve gotten to the point that I rarely use my Proventil which is almost a miracle to me. In the last week or so I’ve started having anxiety-like attacks in the evening. I don’t have racing hearbeat but I feel extremely anxious and weird.  Kinda like I took too much Theo-Dur, if any of you know that feeling.  It is very intense.  The only thing I can link it to is the evening dose of Serevent. Has anyone else had this? Maybe I only need to take the Serevent in the a.m.?  I’m going to see my doc but thought I would ask here just in case he tries to tell me I’m nuts (G). Thanks for your help. CarolR

Saw my doctor today and he said the Serevent can cause the anxiety problems. He suggested I try 1 puff twice a day, or 2 puffs in the a.m. and 1 at night to see if that would work.  Also told me to use my peak flow meter to see if I even needed to the Serevent to open the airways.  I had been using to open it up so the Flovent would work.  So…we shall see how it goes. Thanks for all your notes. CarolR

Response:

I’ve been taking Serevent 2 puffs twice a day and Flovent two puffs twice a day for about 6 months with amazing results.  I’ve gotten to the point that I rarely use my Proventil which is almost a miracle to me. In the last week or so I’ve started having anxiety-like attacks in the evening.  I don’t have racing hearbeat but I feel extremely anxious and weird.  Kinda like I took too much Theo-Dur, if any of you know that feeling.  It is very intense.  The only thing I can link it to is the evening dose of Serevent.  Has anyone else had this? Maybe I only need to take the Serevent in the a.m.?  I’m going to see my doc but thought I would ask here just in case he tries to tell me I’m nuts (G). Thanks for your help. CarolR

Response:

You are not nuts. I had the same experience and had to eventually cut out the Serevent due to the anxiety attacks. I know I am very sensitive to medications, and even one puff once a day was too much for me. I am feeling alot better as far as the anxiety goes since stopping Serevent. Hope this helps.

Response:

You are not nuts. I had the same experience and had to eventually cut out the Serevent due to the anxiety attacks. I know I am very sensitive to medications, and even one puff once a day was too much for me. I am feeling alot better as far as the anxiety goes since stopping Serevent. Hope this helps.

It helps a lot.  At least I know I’m not the only one this has happened to! What’s weird is that it doesn’t happen witht he morning dose but just the evening dose.  Maybe I can only take 1 dose a day now? I didn’t take it this morning and I found I really needed it.   Is nothing simple anymore?? (G) CarolR

Response:

Hello: This is EXACTLY why I stopped taking serevent. The exact same symptoms you have. You know, I don’t know why there is so much emphasis on using serevent to get off of a shorter acting type of albuterol. In my opinion, serevent has more severe side effects. I’d talk to your doctor about stopping the serevent. The flovent for me made a HUGE difference. Mabye up that if it gets worse when you go off the serevent. On 12 Aug 1999, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been taking Serevent 2 puffs twice a day and Flovent two puffs twice a day for about 6 months with amazing results.  I’ve gotten to the point that I rarely use my Proventil which is almost a miracle to me. In the last week or so I’ve started having anxiety-like attacks in the evening.  I don’t have racing hearbeat but I feel extremely anxious and weird.  Kinda like I took too much Theo-Dur, if any of you know that feeling.  It is very intense.  The only thing I can link it to is the evening dose of Serevent.  Has anyone else had this? Maybe I only need to take the Serevent in the a.m.?  I’m going to see my doc but thought I would ask here just in case he tries to tell me I’m nuts (G). Thanks for your help. CarolR

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

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Zoloft Dose » Going through a hard time after many years

Going through a hard time after many years

Question:

Hi Everyone, my name is Augest.  I am twenty nine and i have panic disorder and ocd sinc the age of 11.  I was on zoloft fot eight years and recently weaned myself off to try and go it alone.  A week ago all my symptoms returned and I have been having attacks 24/7 since then.  I am so despondent.  I had to drop my online college course, put my part time job on hold and delay my business I’m working on starting.  All I can do is have attacks.  I’m waiting for the zoloft to kick in, but I feel like a failure for having to go back on it.  I have a feeling  I will have to be on medication for the rest of my life if I am going to be able to function.  I am so sad.  Was I stupid to try and go it alone?  Has anyone else tried and failed?  Please write to me, as I need someone to talk to who understands. Always, Augest

Response:

Hi Everyone, my name is Augest.  I am twenty nine and i have panic disorder and ocd sinc the age of 11.  I was on zoloft fot eight years and recently weaned myself off to try and go it alone.  A week ago all my symptoms returned and I have been having attacks 24/7 since then.  I am so despondent.  I had to drop my online college course, put my part time job on hold and delay my business I’m working on starting.  All I can do is have attacks.  I’m waiting for the zoloft to kick in, but I feel like a failure for having to go back on it.  I have a feeling  I will have to be on medication for the rest of my life if I am going to be able to function.  I am so sad.  Was I stupid to try and go it alone?  Has anyone else tried and failed?  Please write to me, as I need someone to talk to who understands. Always, Augest

Oh yeah, I am dealing with this right now.  Putting the job on hold, med changes, etc.  Actually, I did try to wean myself off of my AD a couple of times and not with good results.  You are not a failure because you need medication.  Would someone call I diabetic a failure?  No.  You are going to be fine.  If you need your medication, there is nothing wrong at all with it. Good Luck, Vicki

Response:

Hi Everyone, my name is Augest.  I am twenty nine and i have panic disorder and ocd sinc the age of 11.  I was on zoloft fot eight years and recently weaned myself off to try and go it alone.  A week ago all my symptoms returned and I have been having attacks 24/7 since then.  I am so despondent.  I had to drop my online college course, put my part time job on hold and delay my business I’m working on starting.  All I can do is have attacks.  I’m waiting for the zoloft to kick in, but I feel like a failure for having to go back on it.

Hi Augest! You could take a benzodiazepine such as Xanax for your current panic attacks until the Zoloft kicks in. Bet you wouldn’t feel like a failure if you had to go back on  a blood pressure or diabetes med. You might be disappointed, but you wouldn’t feel like a failure. I have a feeling  I will have to be on medication for the rest of my life if I am going to be able to function.

You never know. At this point in time, you have to go back on. I am so sad.  Was I stupid to try and go it alone?  Has anyone else tried and failed?  Please write to me, as I need someone to talk to who understands.

I’ve tried to discontinue meds for panic disorder and depression on several occasions, but find I do best on a combo of Zoloft, desipramine, and Klonopin. Otherwise I start having panic attacks when driving on the freeway and start getting depressed. I’ve been on Zoloft for 10 years, desipramine for about 5 years, and Klonopin for 16 years. I have tried to discontinue all of these meds on one or more occasions and found I needed to stay on them. I think it’s a good idea to try to see how one does off a med from time to time. Also I have always tried to get down to the minimal effective dose for every med I’m on. Always, Augest

Take care (((Augest))) Chip   :)

Response:

I think it’s a good idea to try to see how one does off a med from time to time. Also I have always tried to get down to the minimal effective dose for every med I’m on. Take care (((Augest))) Chip   :)

I think you are right, Chip.  A minimal dose is best. I sometimes wonder what this drug is doing to my body longterm which is why I wanted off. I’m taking xanax as I wait for the zoloft to kick in, but it is not working as effectiely as it used to in combating the panic attacks.  I wish I knew why.  Used to be I’d take one pill and sleep like a baby, now it barely effects me.  I guess I’m in for a lot of long nights ahead. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Augest

Response:

I think it’s a good idea to try to see how one does off a med from time to time. Also I have always tried to get down to the minimal effective dose for every med I’m on. I think you are right, Chip.  A minimal dose is best. I sometimes wonder what this drug is doing to my body longterm which is why I wanted off.

That’s understandable. Don’t forget about the adverse effects untreated long term anxiety and depression can have on the body. To say nothing of all the suffering. I’m taking xanax as I wait for the zoloft to kick in, but it is not working as effectiely as it used to in combating the panic attacks.  I wish I knew why.

Maybe when the Zoloft was in effect, you needed less Xanax for anxiety relief. Currently your baseline anxiety level is way up, so you need more Xanax. That should change once the Zoloft kicks in. Used to be I’d take one pill and sleep like a baby, now it barely effects me.  I guess I’m in for a lot of long nights ahead.

I’d use the Xanax in generous enough doses to knock the anxiety level way down and block panic attacks untill the Zoloft kicks in. Chip

Response:

Hi Augest, I’ve been where  you are now. I tried lowering my Zoloft dose a few times to see if I still needed it.  The panic attacks did return at the lower dose. Your body is adjusting to the Zoloft now and that may be adding to your anxiety.  How much Zoloft are you starting at ?  Your "ride" may be smoother if you gradually go up in 50 mg increments every 2 weeks.  If you’re in a hurry and can "tough it out", then maybe you can go up in higher doses.  Follow your doctor’s directions and keep him/her updated. Maybe you need a benzo like clonazepam or xanax to relieve your anxiety right now. Tell your doc how you’re feeling and see what he/she recommends. Take it easy :  ) Tony

Response:

Maybe you need a benzo like clonazepam or xanax to relieve your anxiety right now. Tell your doc how you’re feeling and see what he/she recommends. Take it easy :  ) Tony

Hi Tony, I got the xanax, but it isn’t as effective on me as it used to be.  I’m trying to tough this out.  I’m hoping I can keep my zoloft levels low.  I started at 50mg two days ago.  I can feel the zoloft trying to work, but there just isn’t enough of it in my system yet to be effective.  My doctor said the same thing as you, to increase in two weeks.  I’m going to do that.  I’d like to stay under my old dose of 100mg though.  I didn’t like the side effects.  We’ll see what happens.  Thanks for the support. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Augest

Response:

Hi Tony, I got the xanax, but it isn’t as effective on me as it used to be.  I’m trying to tough this out.  I’m hoping I can keep my zoloft levels low.  I started at 50mg two days ago.  I can feel the zoloft trying to work, but there just isn’t enough of it in my system yet to be effective.  My doctor said the same thing as you, to increase in two weeks.  I’m going to do that.  I’d like to stay under my old dose of 100mg though.  I didn’t like the side effects.  We’ll see what happens.  Thanks for the support. Augest

Hi Augest, I’d hate to throw a monkey wrench into your progress but I have made the switch from Zoloft to Effexor XR because it seemed that Zoloft had stopped working after about 6 years.  This probably won’t happen to you.  I may have just been completely burned out from constant stress at work for many years.  Anyway, I have found that Effexor XR is a very smooth med, does not mute my emotions and doesn’t have sexual side effects. That’s my case, it may not be the same for you.  For instance, I initially went from Zoloft to Lexapro and was incredibly tired all the time from the Lexapro.  You may fare well on Lexapro. Effexor XR is an SNRI (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor). Good luck with the Zoloft.  100 mg was my therapeutic dose although I did have some success at 50 mg when my stress levels were low. Tony

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Effexor Xr 150 » anyone have experience with Atarax?

anyone have experience with Atarax?

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i’ve used this three times for bad panic attacks, and while it does sedate me, the after effects are really awful.  the next day when i wake up, i feel like my body is still asleep, like i have to drag my limbs around.  my teeth kind of buzz in my head (like with SSRI withdrawal), and i feel very "out of it", as though i’m watching myself go through the motions from outside my body (depersonalization?).  my pulse seems high, and i just have trouble doing every day things.  this lasts for at least 32 hours after i take even a minute dose (10 mg, my prescription is for 25).  i’ve taken this before for allergies and never had this reaction.  it feel so much like SSRI withdrawal, i wonder if it could be blocking my Effexor or something? i’m only taking Effexor SR 150 mg regularly, no other meds except Atatax 25mg as needed. -kelly

atarax was originally designed as a mild antihistamine similar to other first generation drugs like benadryl-it had a few other effects that seemed to be useful for treating other conditions one being its sedating ability-it really isn’t an anxiolytic-it was also and still is used as a presurgical med-it helps knock you out. It can potentiate the effects of effexor or vice versa, so you may be more deeply sedated from it. The response you have and the side effects you are having are not uncommon even when the drug is used alone LM

Response:

atarax was originally designed as a mild antihistamine similar to other first generation drugs like benadryl-it had a few other effects that seemed to be useful for treating other conditions one being its sedating ability-it really isn’t an anxiolytic-it was also and still is used as a presurgical med-it helps knock you out. It can potentiate the effects of effexor or vice versa, so you may be more deeply sedated from it. The response you have and the side effects you are having are not uncommon even when the drug is used alone

thanks, i’ll be asking for something different at my next appt.  i can’t use a medication that knocks me out for 32 hours afterwards. -kelly

Response:

Atarax is not a good med for anx/pan. Take a benzo like Xanax or Ativan *as needed*, they actually work.

ok… but for now, all i have is Atarax, and i was wondering if anyone else had any similar experiences with it. -kelly

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i’ve used this three times for bad panic attacks, and while it does sedate me, the after effects are really awful.  the next day when i wake up, i feel like my body is still asleep, like i have to drag my limbs around.  my teeth kind of buzz in my head (like with SSRI withdrawal), and i feel very "out of it", as though i’m watching myself go through the motions from outside my body (depersonalization?).  my pulse seems high, and i just have trouble doing every day things.  this lasts for at least 32 hours after i take even a minute dose (10 mg, my prescription is for 25).  i’ve taken this before for allergies and never had this reaction.  it feel so much like SSRI withdrawal, i wonder if it could be blocking my Effexor or something? i’m only taking Effexor SR 150 mg regularly, no other meds except Atatax 25mg as needed. -kelly

Atarax is not a good med for anx/pan. Take a benzo like Xanax or Ativan *as needed*, they actually work. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Prozac Effexor » ZYBAN for Panic?

ZYBAN for Panic?

Question:

I read an article about people taking Zyban (a quit smoking drug) to treat depression and panic. Anyone ever try it?

Response:

Zyban, which is sold to help people quit smoking, is actually the same drug as Wellbutrin, which is used to treat depression.  Wellbutrin SR (slow release) is now available.  But Wellbutrin *can* cause jitteriness, so it is not often prescribed as a first-course anti-depressant for someone with anxiety.  However, after using the SSRI’s for years and finally getting tired of the sexual side effects, I began using Wellbutrin SR over a year ago.  I have had no heightened sense of anxiety.  Your Mileage May Vary….. I also take Xanax 0.5mg three times a day.   It is more likely that a psychiatrist would prescribe one of the SSRI drugs (Prozac, Effexor, Celexa, among others) before prescribing Wellbutrin to treat someone with a combo of depresison *and* anxiety attacks. When I began taking Prozac, it was as if my world change completely… I became more self-confident, and I was able to confront some of my long-held fears.  I too, Prozac for about 10 years before converting to the Wellbutrin. Best wishes! MikeH :)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I read an article about people taking Zyban (a quit smoking drug) to treat depression and panic. Anyone ever try it?

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Side Effects Of Effexor » What are your thoughts on this?

What are your thoughts on this?

Question:

would that be memory ‘loss’, or just short term memory is an effect in itself?  or do you mean short term memory is slowed, which would mean one would only remember what one did yesterday when yesterday becomes in my homestate this week: (connecticut))

Bikers? Or do you mean posers on "hawgs?" I don’t care what patch they wear, all I meet these days are suburbanites playing dress-up and gangster games. It’s not lost or anything. Short-term memory just becomes more difficult to access while under the effects of THC. After an hour, everything is back to normal, whatever that may be. — Compute Free <http://debian.org<http://freedos.org<http://openbsd.org Help People  <http://rawa.org<http://tibet.org<http://gadenrelief.org Do Something <http://www.msf.org<http://www.icrc.org/<http://icbl.org Now <http://www.foei.org<http://www.greenpeace.org<http://activist.ca

Response:

Short-term memory is the most easily noted effect for marijuana, but other processes are slowed too, such as reaction time.

would that be memory ‘loss’, or just short term memory is an effect in itself?  or do you mean short term memory is slowed, which would mean one would only remember what one did yesterday when yesterday becomes in my homestate this week: (connecticut)) —Brian

Response:

The wrong link for the Compassion Club listings. It’s with an ‘h’: <http://medicalmarihuana.ca/compassionclubs.html Maybe. Can’t seem to remember right now. hahahahaha — Compute Free <http://debian.org<http://freedos.org<http://openbsd.org Help People  <http://rawa.org<http://tibet.org<http://gadenrelief.org Do Something <http://www.msf.org<http://www.icrc.org/<http://icbl.org Now <http://www.foei.org<http://www.greenpeace.org<http://activist.ca

Response:

I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds?

Some of them. Vertigo, dizzyness and nausea. It can keep you from choking to death on vomit in your sleep. It renders a sense of euphoria. It is considered a euphoriant depressant drug. It’s very good for pain. Being called a "depressant" drug does not mean that it causes depression. A depressant drug slows down some brain processes. Short-term memory is the most easily noted effect for marijuana, but other processes are slowed too, such as reaction time. As for being a drug, it sure looks like a plant to me. Food. I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?)

Only if they’re brownies made with hashish. Pot cake and pot cookies are popular. To eat it, and not have it cost a fortune or use a whole lot, you have to first melt the finely-ground herb in the butter or other fat to be used in the recipe. Then bake it. By melting it into the fat prior to cooking it will emulsify and the active compounds will be more available upon ingestion. Do not cook with hashish – today that is considered a waste, which it is. The quality of both marijuana and hashish has changed a lot in the past twenty years. Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

Look for a Compassion Club in your area. Ask your physician for a prescription for medical marijuana if it is available in your area. In Canada and some US states, you can grow your own or contract for someone to do it for you. A prescription and some licenses are required. There are also medical marijuana suppliers, but they are quite expensive since the marijuana is indoor grown, organically under lab conditions at great expense. The price is similar to black market marijuana. If you grow your own, or contract a grower, it can be done anually and outdoors and can be very cheap. I don’t know which states in the USA it is legal in, but there are a few. There are also ways to get it in Europe and Britian, I don’t know those either. But, just in case it’s useful, here is the Canadian government site for obtaining the forms for the permits and licenses: Health Canada: <http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hecs-sesc/ocma/ Compassion Clubs: <http://medicalmarijuana.ca/compassionclubs.html There are more clubs than what are listed there. Good seeds: <http://www.kindseed.com/ The favourites for medical use are: Jack Herer – Sensi Seeds (way overpriced, but hardy) Chronic – Serious Seeds (medium priced, longtime favourite) Chemo – Jordan Island Seeds (very good price, upcoming challenger) I’d go for the Chemo. It was developed as a medical grade strain, hence the name. — Compute Free <http://debian.org<http://freedos.org<http://openbsd.org Help People  <http://rawa.org<http://tibet.org<http://gadenrelief.org Do Something <http://www.msf.org<http://www.icrc.org/<http://icbl.org Now <http://www.foei.org<http://www.greenpeace.org<http://activist.ca

Response:

snip Instead, I sit here with no way to solve anything,  Just withdrawing, knowing winter is coming, and I’ll still be in this stress mess.  I don’t have the energy I had before my trip to the hospital.  I need some help, and have tried everything, to no avail.  It’s complicated, and somehow there are no answers.   Just a big stress mess that is really taking it’s toll.

Sounds as though that spell in hospital triggered something.  Have you told your doctor what you feel like?   — —  Whiskers

Response:

Pigtail, I’ve got lots of thoughts on this, including someone in your area that might just be eager to help.  Loads of experience (23 years) from having my ill mother with me in my California residence and having to deal with the problem of needing medical benefits for her but the State disqualifying her because she was my dependant, but if she lived in her own place, she would be allowed to have a live in caretaker and still keep her benefits, but if the caretaker was related to her she’d be disqualified, because then they might consider her head of household…..  I’m sure you know this song by now.  It was written by the No Way to Win group of bureaucrats. Let me get my thoughts together, I’m still having trouble concentrating, and I’ll email you direct later today.  Also, you mentioned that your mother is 87.  My mother was 82, but I’m only 43 (the baby).  I need to know your age, simply because, as we both know, the State can be very fixated on your age and what benefits and help they will let you receive all due to that magic number.  Direct email me with it, so that I’ll hear the message come in. Blessings, Cait

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi!  This is Pigtail back again.  Thank you Whiskers (love it) for your reply and help.  Thank you Alan for the great sense of humor in your message, and thanks Tara for welcoming me.  I appreciate all of you.  I have to say that I’m not really comfortable posting personal thoughts, etc., but could use some new friends, and support. I wish I could reach out somehow, and touch each one of you, and make things turn better…like quick for you.  My heart and thoughts are with you anyway.  It is hard to see other’s suffering. This will be too long to write at one time.  I live alone, and have helped the elderly and animals, my entire life.  I do many things for the less fortunate. A year ago, I had some kind of attack….physician said gall bladder, but I didn’t have very good vibes about it.  I had been out stacking bales of hay.  In brief, this became a nightmare from hell.  Before I was rudely interrupted and sent to the hospital, I was packing to move. You know….the entire house torn completely up.  Putting everything in storage, and trying to paint, digging everything out of the yard..(e-gads), etc.  I got out of the hospital in December, cold and raining, and back to the house just like I left it.  In no shape, or mood to do anything but look at it all. Here I sit a year later overwhelmed in trying to figure out how to ever accomplish this.  I can’t even find my good sense of humor….it is gone. I have became angry, stressed to the max, disgusted, and signs of depression lurking around me. Then I decided I would see about helping a couple people in the homeless shelter.  If I could find the right people, it would help us both.  I could give someone a permanant place to live, and maybe we could just get moved.  All of us could be close to homeless if anything went wrong with our income for a few months. I would need someone compatible, etc. and I didn’t know how to go about this too well.  I wanted someone that I could really help, and one who would appreciate it.  I finally decide to leave the house…….and go to the shelter. Well, that did not turn out too good.  They had to be screened, agree to see you, make an appointment, fill out all this information……  But, you can’t do it quite like that, it could mean losing your medical, etc. if you say they are living with you.  There must be another way, but I don’t know what it is. Nothing I try to do works.  I can’t figure out why. I have a whole business in storage.  I should be pouring plaster molds right now for Christmas.  It helps the animals, elderly, and the homeless. I do animal assisted therapy, and this helps support all of the above. Instead, I sit here with no way to solve anything,  Just withdrawing, knowing winter is coming, and I’ll still be in this stress mess.  I don’t have the energy I had before my trip to the hospital.  I need some help, and have tried everything, to no avail.  It’s complicated, and somehow there are no answers.   Just a big stress mess that is really taking it’s toll. Sorry this is so long.  We all have different things to deal with, don’t we?  Thank you for listening.  I’m here if anyone needs or wants to talk.  You can email me also, if you like.  I wish good things to happen to each of you.

— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

The pot is a depressant and will just make matters worse. Tell your doctor about you’re trouble with the meds. He can make changes if he deems it necessary.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

Response:

Hi!  This is Pigtail back again.  Thank you Whiskers (love it) for your reply and help.  Thank you Alan for the great sense of humor in your message, and thanks Tara for welcoming me.  I appreciate all of you.  I have to say that I’m not really comfortable posting personal thoughts, etc., but could use some new friends, and support. I wish I could reach out somehow, and touch each one of you, and make things turn better…like quick for you.  My heart and thoughts are with you anyway.  It is hard to see other’s suffering. This will be too long to write at one time.  I live alone, and have helped the elderly and animals, my entire life.  I do many things for the less fortunate.   A year ago, I had some kind of attack….physician said gall bladder, but I didn’t have very good vibes about it.  I had been out stacking bales of hay.  In brief, this became a nightmare from hell.  Before I was rudely interrupted and sent to the hospital, I was packing to move. You know….the entire house torn completely up.  Putting everything in storage, and trying to paint, digging everything out of the yard..(e-gads), etc.  I got out of the hospital in December, cold and raining, and back to the house just like I left it.  In no shape, or mood to do anything but look at it all. Here I sit a year later overwhelmed in trying to figure out how to ever accomplish this.  I can’t even find my good sense of humor….it is gone. I have became angry, stressed to the max, disgusted, and signs of depression lurking around me.   Then I decided I would see about helping a couple people in the homeless shelter.  If I could find the right people, it would help us both.  I could give someone a permanant place to live, and maybe we could just get moved.  All of us could be close to homeless if anything went wrong with our income for a few months. I would need someone compatible, etc. and I didn’t know how to go about this too well.  I wanted someone that I could really help, and one who would appreciate it.  I finally decide to leave the house…….and go to the shelter. Well, that did not turn out too good.  They had to be screened, agree to see you, make an appointment, fill out all this information……  But, you can’t do it quite like that, it could mean losing your medical, etc. if you say they are living with you.  There must be another way, but I don’t know what it is. Nothing I try to do works.  I can’t figure out why. I have a whole business in storage.  I should be pouring plaster molds right now for Christmas.  It helps the animals, elderly, and the homeless. I do animal assisted therapy, and this helps support all of the above.   Instead, I sit here with no way to solve anything,  Just withdrawing, knowing winter is coming, and I’ll still be in this stress mess.  I don’t have the energy I had before my trip to the hospital.  I need some help, and have tried everything, to no avail.  It’s complicated, and somehow there are no answers.   Just a big stress mess that is really taking it’s toll. Sorry this is so long.  We all have different things to deal with, don’t we?  Thank you for listening.  I’m here if anyone needs or wants to talk.  You can email me also, if you like.  I wish good things to happen to each of you.

Response:

Thanks Tara. Paul in Ontario discoursed thusly: I’ve become one of those people who I use to call

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – is everything. I’m really living my worse night-mare! I thought I could handle anything in my life but mental illness mixed with a chronic disease is a one two punch that has rocked me to my foundation. I feel lower than a snakes belly!!! The important thing to keep in mind, Paul, is it’s *feelings*and not reality. The reality is, anyone who gets hit with that kind of one-two punch is going to feel shaky. It’s not weakness. It’s not failure. It’s a hell of a hit to have to take. So, cut yourself some slack. You didn’t ask for this shit, you don’t deserve this shit, and you’re doing the best you can in the circumstances. That’s the most any of us can do. Tara J. Ballance Montreal, Canada

Response:

Thanks all for responding. I kinda felt I was clutching at straws with the cannabis thoughts, but when you are sick and tired of being sick and tired Endocet pain killers which ultimatley led to my attempt at suicide. is everything. I’m really living my worse night-mare! I thought I could handle anything in my life but mental illness mixed with a chronic disease is a one two punch that has rocked me to my foundation. I feel lower than a snakes belly!!!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Twist- I also suffer from Hepatitis C, and a number of my friends (who do also) SWEAR by marijuana as a great way to relieve the pain and nausea from the Hep itself, as well as the Hep tx. As I’m sure you well know, a number of us are put on antids before beginning tx because of the side effects of the interferon. However, if you are suffering from NATURAL depression, (not drug induced) I’m not sure that I would go that route. Even though it DOES take 2-4 (or longer) weeks to fully realize any relief from a new antid, if the sides are THAT bad, it is unlikely that the relief will outweigh them. I would suggest that you go ahead and tell the doctor that  you simply cannot take the sides, and try something else. Better to do it now, than to go through however long you give it, then find that it doesn’t work. Simply MHO though. Wanda

Response:

Twist- I also suffer from Hepatitis C, and a number of my friends (who do also) SWEAR by marijuana as a great way to relieve the pain and nausea from the Hep itself, as well as the Hep tx. As I’m sure you well know, a number of us are put on antids before beginning tx because of the side effects of the interferon. However, if you are suffering from NATURAL depression, (not drug induced) I’m not sure that I would go that route. Even though it DOES take 2-4 (or longer) weeks to fully realize any relief from a new antid, if the sides are THAT bad, it is unlikely that the relief will outweigh them. I would suggest that you go ahead and tell the doctor that  you simply cannot take the sides, and try something else. Better to do it now, than to go through however long you give it, then find that it doesn’t work. Simply MHO though. Wanda

Response:

I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds?

It definately won’t help with depression, except that it might help you sleep. It is an amazing painkiller though, if the pain is physical. I suffer from severe migraine headaches and marijuana is the only thing I’ve ever known to successfully relieve them (after 10 years of looking). I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?)

I go to an affluent high school rife with drug use and no one I know of bothers with mixing it into food. I’ve been told you need quite a lot of it to do this, which could be expensive? I don’t know how much your medication is though.

Response:

I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

pot is a depressant as is alcohol…stay away from both, hang in there, let the meds have time to work.  I’m waiting on mine to kick in (just started 3 days ago) and its not easy.  I have good and bad moments…you will too-post here, check with your doc, call friends, play with a pet…stay away from self-medication though.

Response:

Yes, I know. But everyone keeps telling me I should wait another 2-4 weeks to see if effexor will work.

If you are getting side-efects that you can’t put up with, then certainly talk to the doctor again.  There are lots of different anti-depressants, and each person reacts differently. Don’t stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first; some things are best ‘tapered off’ gradually. — —  Whiskers

Response:

No, I don’t think taking an illegal depressant will help your depression.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

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Yes, I know. But everyone keeps telling me I should wait another 2-4 weeks to see if effexor will work.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this. see a doctor , there are lots of drugs besides effexor

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

see a doctor , there are lots of drugs besides effexor

Response:

I’m a 48 year old father of three and married to a great woman. But, and a big but, I’m sick and very depressed. I have Hep C and hemophilia etc, etc, tried to take my life 2 weeks ago, etc, etc,… I’m having a rough time with the side effects with effexor. It’s been years since I’ve done it but do you think Cannabis is a way to go to relieve some of the adverse side effects to depression and meds? I don’t smoke so I’m thinking more like Hash-brownies(do they still call them that?) Would love to hear some thoughts and Idea’s about this.

Response:

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Effexor Withdrawal » Major Effexor Withdrawal, HELP!!!

Major Effexor Withdrawal, HELP!!!

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.

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Effexor Side Effects » effexor side effects

effexor side effects

Question:

I have been taking effexor for two weeks after being on parnate for ten years and have been having terrible dreams and a very hard time coming out of a dream sleep in the morning- kind of like dreaming while awake- it’s really unpleasant.                                                                  Has anyone out there had  a similiar experience with effexor or any other anti- depressent? Thanks. Lara

Response:

I have been taking effexor for two weeks after being on parnate for ten years and have been having terrible dreams and a very hard time coming out of a dream sleep in the morning- kind of like dreaming while awake- it’s really unpleasant.                                Has anyone out there had  a similiar experience with effexor or any other anti- depressent? Thanks. Lara

Hi lara, I did take Effexor but did not experience any side effects. Here is some info on side effects. No mention of bad dreams. http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-e02.html#Head_6 Adverse Effects Commonly Observed Adverse Reactions: The most commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of venlafaxine (incidence of 5% or greater) and not seen at an equivalent incidence among placebo-treated patients (i.e., incidence for venlafaxine at least twice that for placebo), derived from the 1% incidence Table III, were asthenia, sweating, nausea, constipation, anorexia, vomiting, somnolence, dry mouth, dizziness nervousness, anxiety, tremor, blurred vision, and abnormal ejaculation/orgasm and impotence in men. Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment: Nineteen percent (537/2897) of venlafaxine-treated patients in Phase II and III depression studies discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction (see Table II). The more common events (=1%) associated with discontinuation of treatment and considered to be drug-related (i.e., those events associated with dropout at a rate approximately twice or greater for venlafaxine compared to placebo) included Table II. Table II Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment                       Venlafaxine   Placebo CNS   Somnolence              3%           1%   Insomnia                3%           1%   Dizziness               3%           —   Nervousness             2%           —   Dry Mouth               2%           —   Anxiety                 2%           1% Gastrointestinal   Nausea                  6%           1% Urogenital   Abnormal Ejaculation*   3%           — Other   Headache                3%           1%   Asthenia                2%           —  Sweating                 2%           —  *  percentages based on the number of males.  – Less than 1% Incidence in Controlled Trials: Table III that follows enumerates adverse events that occurred at an incidence of 1% or more, and were more frequent than in the placebo group, among venlafaxine-treated patients who participated in 4- to 8-week placebo-controlled trials in which patients were administered doses in the range of 75 to 375 mg/day. Reported adverse events were classified using a standard COSTART-based Dictionary terminology. Dose Dependency of Adverse Events: A comparison of adverse event rates in a fixed-dose study comparing Effexor 75, 225, and 375 mg/day with placebo revealed a dose dependency for some of the more common adverse events associated with Effexor use, as shown in Table IV. The rule for including events was to enumerate those that occurred at an incidence of 5% or more for at least one of the venlafaxine groups and for which the incidence was at least twice the placebo incidence for at least one Effexor group. Tests for potential dose relationships for these events (Cochran-Armitage Test, with a criterion of exact 2-sided p-value <= 0.05) suggested a dose-dependency for several adverse events in this list, including chills, hypertension, anorexia, nausea, agitation, dizziness, somnolence, tremor, yawning, sweating, and abnormal ejaculation . – Table III Treatment-Emergent Adverse Experience Incidence in 4-to 8-Week Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials (Percentage) –                                              Effexor   Placebo Body System          Preferred Term          (n=1033)  (n=609) – Body as a whole      Headache                    25        24                      Asthenia                    12         6                      Infection                    6         5                      Chills                       3        –                      Chest Pain                   2         1                      Trauma                       2         1 Cardiovascular       Vasodilatation               4         3                      Increased blood/pressure                        hypertension               2        –                      Tachycardia                  2        –                      Postural hypotension         1        – Dermatological       Sweating                    12         3                      Rash                         3         2                      Pruritus                     1        – Gastrointestinal     Nausea                      37        11                      Constipation                15         7                      Anorexia                    11         2                      Diarrhoea                    8         7                      Vomiting                     6         2                      Dyspepsia                    5         4                      Flatulence                   3         2 Metabolic            Weight loss                  1        – Nervous              Somnolence                  23         9                      Dry mouth                   22        11                      Dizziness                   19         7                      Insomnia                    18        10                      Nervousness                 13         6                      Anxiety                      6         3                      Tremor                       5         1                      Abnormal Dreams              4         3                      Hypertonia                   3         2                      Paraesthesia                 3         2                      Libido decreased             2        –                      Agitation                    2        –                      Confusion                    2         1                      Thinking abnormal            2         1                      Depersonalization            1        –                      Depression                   1        –                      Urinary retention            1        –                      Twitching                    1        – Respiration          Yawn                         3        – Special Senses       Blurred vision               6         2                      Taste perversion             2        –                      Tinnitus                     2        –                      Mydriasis                    2        – Urogenital           Abnormal ejaculation/                        orgasm                    12 [2]     2                      Impotence                    6 [2]     2                      Urinary frequency            3         2                      Urination impaired           2        –                      Orgasm disturbance           2 [3]    – [3]                      Menstrual disorder           1 [3]    – [3] – [1] Events reported by at least 1% of patients treated with Effexor are     included, and are rounded to the nearest %. Events for which the     Effexor incidence was equal to or less than placebo are not listed     in the table, but included the following: abdominal pain, pain, back     pain, flu syndrome, fever, palpitation, increased appetite, myalgia,     arthralgia, amnesia, hypaesthesia, rhinitis pharyngitis, sinusitis     cough increased urinary tract infection and dysmenorrhoea [3] —  Incidence less than 1% [2] Incidence based on number of male patients. [3] Incidence based on number of female patients. – Adaptation to Certain Adverse Events: Over a 6-week period, there was evidence of adaptation to some adverse events with continued therapy (e.g., dizziness and nausea), but less to other effects (e.g., abnormal ejaculation and dry mouth). Vital Sign Changes: Venlafaxine treatment (averaged over all dose groups) in clinical trials was associated with a mean increase in pulse rate of approximately 3 beats per minute, compared to no change for placebo. It was associated with mean increases in diastolic blood pressure ranging from 0.7 to 2.5 mm Hg averaged over all dose groups, compared to mean decreases ranging from O.9 to 3.8 mm Hg for placebo. However, there is a dose dependency for blood pressure increase (see Warnings). Laboratory Changes: Of the serum chemistry and hematology parameters monitored during clinical trials with venlafaxine, a statistically significant difference with placebo was seen only for serum cholesterol, i.e., patients treated with venlafaxine had mean increases from baseline of 3 mg/dL, a change of unknown clinical significance. Table IV Treatment-Emergent Adverse Experience Incidence    in a Dose Comparison Trial                                      Effexor (mg/day) Body System/              Placebo     75        225       375 Preferred Term            (n=92)    (n=89)    (n=89)    (n=88) Body as Whole   Abdominal pain            3.3%      3.4%      2.2%      8.0%   Asthenia                  3.3%     16.9%     14.6%    

… read more »

Response:

Hi Lara, Yes the odd dreaming is definatly a side effect of effexor. Some people also have a terrible time getting to sleep. I found that when I put the dose up, my anxiety got worse and I used to get very frustrated trying to get to sleep! I also had really WEIRD dreams. Aswell as yelling out in my sleep (I’ve always talked in my sleep though), I sometimes punched and kicked my poor fiance! This is my advice to you: 1. If you find yourself getting anxious and irritable, and your doctor tells you to up the dose, be VERY wary of doing that, because it is possible that the effexor could be causing the anxiety. 2. When/if you decide to come off the effexor, please do it VERY slowly. Some people go fine going off it over a week or two, but others have very serious yucky withdrawls. (I did it over 2 weeks and got really dizzy and nauseous and very, very moody!). To help you sleep better, perhaps try some simple relaxation techniques before bed (like stretching, then when you’re in bed concentrate on your breathing or something. I you’ll find that you’re dreams will be worse if you’re particularily stressed when you go to bed. Um… I hope this helped a little. Kara.

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Effexor Xr With » Went to new pdoc appt.

Went to new pdoc appt.

Question:

Hi this is Ray  from  Mississippi I too just found out about depression and really ned to vent a little.  as well as I have some questions….

Edward from Florida says …. A real good place to start is Dr Ivan Goldberg’s Depression Central:   http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html Edward Reid

Response:

Hi Ray I saw your post and wanted to let you know you are reaching me hey it does not matter how old you are to get your life in order hope that you get yourself together and do what is right for you no matter what anyone else thinks take care and good luck

Response:

PLEASE don’t give up on all mood stabilizers! If your diagnosis is correct, an anti-depressant alone could trigger a manic episode.  I too was left dazed and confused by lithium and others. My work as an engineer requires alot of mental concentration and use of math and sciences…stuff I had taken for granted had become increasingly difficult, even the simplest tasks!  I now take Lamictal (300mg) and Effexor(75mg) with Klonepin(.5mg) for sleep.  Welbutrin made me near-anorexic (the very smell of food made me gag) and the closest to suicidal that I have ever been!  I literally had to beg my pdoc to switch me back to Effexor…he kept increasing Welbutrin despite my insistance that it was not working for me…because, he said, it is a "very good" drug.  Well, there are no good drugs/ bad drugs, just ones that work better or worse for an individual!  Too often pdocs loose site of the patient sitting before them. Good luck with whatever you decide, but I’d consider Lamictal if you haven’t already tried it. Desiree’

Response:

Welcome…..feel free to talk away. CJ<telescope down

Response:

Amy, Thanks!  Wonder if that means I’m addicted to the ole B/F  . . .   I’m going to look up that book.   (o: — Kath From here on my branch I can choose to plunge or soar. I think I shall sit a while longer. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There’s a book called "the Craving Brain" (I think, I have a Poor Memory Brain) that explores different activities and how they affect chemicals in the brain.  <snip

Response:

Hey there! Today I decided I wasn’t going to be a victim anymore and feel bad anymore from meds so I could keep a job and have no excuses for excessive absences.  I think I have been misdiagnosed as BPII.  I think I suffer from chronic depression and anxiety just like everyone else in my immediate and extended family. Right now I am depressed, but anyone would be after losing their job AGAIN and this time out of the blue after buying a 2 unit house.  That kind of depression there are no pills for you just get through it and move on. I have stopped taking my tegretol, but keeping my klonopin and periactin so I can sleep at night for now. Seeing my pdoc tomorrow, telling her about my decision and asking for her support to manage my anxiety and sleeping.  I also want her to think about what anit-depressant I may need to use in the future.  Wellbutrin sounds good especially since I have had such a lack of energy and brain power since I’ve been on mood stabilizers.  I hate them because they slowed my brain down and I couldn’t think or do complex tasks or remember anything.  I couldn’t do math or find words or spell.  I used to be so with it.   I hope now I can get better, think better, work better, love better and live better.  I am going to enjoy life!!!!!!  I am going to feel happy for the first time in 8 years. Wish me luck! Lisa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Kathy, Sounds encouraging! I started on Wellbutrin about a week ago (oops, that reminds me:  I forgot to take my pill this am . . . brb . . . ah, that’s better) at a dose of 2×100mg/day and I’m already feeling somewhat better.  My understanding is that it increases Dopamine levels in the brain. Which leads me to a question for our resident experts: I felt much less depressed this past weekend when I was spending time with my boyfriend.  I find spending time with him enjoyable.  Does enjoyment also increase dopamine levels? I have been meaning to look this up on the net, but haven’t managed to do so yet.  Thanks for your assistance in the meantime. — Kath From here on my branch I can choose to plunge or soar. I think I shall sit a while longer. Well I went to my new pdoc appt. yesterday.  She seems pretty cool. Uses humor alot.  I like that.  Also a little cautious.  She really didn’t want to change anything until she received records from my previous pdoc and my primary care provider.  She did mention about putting me on Wellbutrin.  She said Wellbutrin provides "energy" in her patients and lifts that depression right up".  Well something like that.  Right now since the Zoloft isn’t working she is weening me off of it.  I see her in another two weeks. Well that’s it for now.  Wish I had more to write to all of you.  Love to you all! Kathy

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Hi Ray,       welcome,there’s some good advice here. I’m 51 still don’t have my shit together.                                           Take Care                                                     Caddy

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Welcome Ray from mississippi    I was off of work for 8 weeks late last year,  I dont know what your suspended means?  Is it a leave of absence?  I need more info to answer this better.    Welcome again you will find this group helpful maybe you just posted before on a bad day ..always, Treacha ..as the twig bends…so the tree grows…

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You go girl. :) Lisa, mom of FF. "Fear can hold you prisoner, hope can set you free." The Shawshank Redemption

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Ray Wilson wrote : Hi this is Ray  from  Mississippi well  dont think i got a responce from my last post  and I would like verry much to join this newsgroup….  I just dont know if you’all see what Im posting  today is the 27th at 5:00  pm   exactly

I see ya, loud and clear, welcome. I too just found out about depression and really ned to vent a little.

YOu are in the right place. < as well as I have some questions….  My job suspended me from work… I’m in my 3rd week..  I cant help but think this is a setp takeing by them to get rid of me ???  Do I have any rights ???  what about the pills I’m on.. anyone have enough experance to tell me about them a little???

Well, I’ll leave all that to the others who are knowledgeable. <  God I feel so lost and alone  almost too embarrased to tell anyone..  I havent even year I guess I feel I should have my shit togeather by now and dont

Well, you know what my mama used to tell me? " Honey, it’s not a sin to get lice, it’s a sin to keep it."  You are headed in the right direction. <…. I reall would like to hear from anyone  just seeing this note  so that i know its going out….   well Im not a big talker  just dont want to spill my guts and find out latter that nobody heard me (again).  this is really new to me….  thanks in advance  - Ray

That’s my story, and I’m stickin’ to it.  Lisa, mom of FF. — "Fear can hold you prisoner, hope can set you free." The Shawshank Redemption snipped all underneath. :(

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Hi this is Ray  from  Mississippi well  dont think i got a responce from my last post  and I would like verry much to join this newsgroup….  I just dont know if you’all see what Im posting  today is the 27th at 5:00  pm   exactly I too just found out about depression and really ned to vent a little.  as well as I have some questions….  My job suspended me from work… I’m in my 3rd week..  I cant help but think this is a setp takeing by them to get rid of me ???  Do I have any rights ???  what about the pills I’m on.. anyone have enough experance to tell me about them a little???  God I feel so lost and alone  almost too embarrased to tell anyone..  I havent even year I guess I feel I should have my shit togeather by now and dont…. I reall would like to hear from anyone  just seeing this note  so that i know its going out….   well Im not a big talker  just dont want to spill my guts and find out latter that nobody heard me (again).  this is really new to me….  thanks in advance  - Ray – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well I went to my new pdoc appt. yesterday.  She seems pretty cool. Uses humor alot.  I like that.  Also a little cautious.  She really didn’t want to change anything until she received records from my previous pdoc and my primary care provider.  She did mention about putting me on Wellbutrin.  She said Wellbutrin provides "energy" in her patients and lifts that depression right up".  Well something like that.  Right now since the Zoloft isn’t working she is weening me off of it.  I see her in another two weeks. Well that’s it for now.  Wish I had more to write to all of you.  Love to you all! Kathy

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Hello Ray, welcome to the group. (so obviously I see your post :-) ) A lot of people here know a great deal about your rights and about meds, but I think you’ll have to be a bit more specific. What kind of pills are you taking? Sounds like you were recently diagnosed.  This really is the right place to come for information and for support.  Sometimes it just takes a while-there’s SO many posts…… Hang in there and take care, Amy Hi this is Ray  from  Mississippi well  dont think i got a responce from my last post  and I would like verry much to join this newsgroup….  I just dont know if you’all see what Im posting  today is the 27th at 5:00  pm   exactly

snip ….   well Im not a big talker  just dont want to spill my – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -guts and find out latter that nobody heard me (again).  this is really new to me….  thanks in advance  - Ray

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 Yes, you do have job rights. As a first step, check (or better yet, have a friend at work check if you can) what the standard company policy is for sick leave for any illness. For example, you may have 3 months to get back to your existing job, 6 months to get back to an "equivalent" job. It doesn’t matter what the illness is, so your friend doesn’t have to specify he/she is asking on your behalf or about your illness. If your company doesn’t have a written policy (but I bet they do), then you may have to do some further searching for an answer. But, start with the simple question first.  Also, you said "suspended," but I am assuming extended sick leave. Is that what you mean? Hope this helps – I’ve been through this, too, as have a lot of people in this group. Sally – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi this is Ray  from  Mississippi ….  My job suspended me from work… I’m in my 3rd week..  I cant help but think this is a setp takeing by them to get rid of me ???  Do I have any rights ?

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Ray,     1) Be sure to tell your doctor you think they are setting you up at work.     2) Be sure to read the NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) homepage (www.NAMI.org ) Read the part about the Americans with Disabilities Act and "reasonable accomodations", in case this applies to your situation.     Good luck and welcome to the newsgroup. — walleye – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi this is Ray  from  Mississippi well  dont think i got a responce from my last post  and I would like verry much to join this newsgroup….  I just dont know if you’all see what Im posting  today is the 27th at 5:00  pm   exactly I too just found out about depression and really ned to vent a little.  as well as I have some questions….  My job suspended me from work… I’m in my 3rd week..  I cant help but think this is a setp takeing by them to get rid of me ???  Do I have any rights ???  what about the pills I’m on.. anyone have enough experance to tell me about them a little???  God I feel so lost and alone  almost too embarrased to tell anyone..  I havent even year I guess I feel I should have my shit togeather by now and dont…. I reall would like to hear from anyone  just seeing this note  so that i know its going out….   well Im not a big talker  just dont want to spill my guts and find out latter that nobody heard me (again).  this is really new to me….  thanks in advance  - Ray Well I went to my new pdoc appt. yesterday.  She seems pretty cool. Uses humor alot.  I like that.  Also a little cautious.  She really didn’t want to change anything until she received records from my previous pdoc and my primary care provider.  She did mention about putting me on Wellbutrin.  She said Wellbutrin provides "energy" in her patients and lifts that depression right up".  Well something like that.  Right now since the Zoloft isn’t working she is weening me off of it.  I see her in another two weeks. Well that’s it for now.  Wish I had more to write to all of you.  Love to you all! Kathy

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Got your post.  Welcome.  This is a great group. Kathy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi this is Ray  from  Mississippi well  dont think i got a responce from my last post  and I would like verry much to join this newsgroup….  I just dont know if you’all see what Im posting  today is the 27th at 5:00  pm   exactly I too just found out about depression and really ned to vent a little.  as well as I have some questions….  My job suspended me from work… I’m in my 3rd week..  I cant help but think this is a setp takeing by them to get rid of me ???  Do I have any rights ???  what about the pills I’m on.. anyone have enough experance to tell me about them a little???  God I feel so lost and alone  almost too embarrased to tell anyone..  I havent even year I guess I feel I should have my shit togeather by now and dont…. I reall would like to hear from anyone  just seeing this note  so that i know its going out….   well Im not a big talker  just dont want to spill my guts and find out latter that nobody heard me (again).  this is really new to me….  thanks in advance  - Ray Well I went to my new pdoc appt. yesterday.  She seems pretty cool. Uses humor alot.  I like that.  Also a little cautious.  She really didn’t want to change anything until she received records from my previous pdoc and my primary care provider.  She did mention about putting me on Wellbutrin.  She said Wellbutrin provides "energy" in her patients and lifts that depression right up".  Well something like that.  Right now since the Zoloft isn’t working she is weening me off of it.  I see her in another two weeks. Well that’s it for now.  Wish I had more to write to all of you.  Love to you all! Kathy

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Well I went to my new pdoc appt. yesterday.  She seems pretty cool. Uses humor alot.  I like that.  Also a little cautious.  She really didn’t want to change anything until she received records from my previous pdoc and my primary care provider.  She did mention about putting me on Wellbutrin.  She said Wellbutrin provides "energy" in her patients and lifts that depression right up".  Well something like that.  Right now since the Zoloft isn’t working she is weening me off of it.  I see her in another two weeks. Well that’s it for now.  Wish I had more to write to all of you.  Love to you all! Kathy

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Kathy,  I hope it works out for you.    Lisa, mom of FF. — "Fear can hold you prisoner, hope can set you free." The Shawshank Redemption – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well I went to my new pdoc appt. yesterday.  She seems pretty cool. Uses humor alot.  I like that.  Also a little cautious.  She really didn’t want to change anything until she received records from my previous pdoc and my primary care provider.  She did mention about putting me on Wellbutrin.  She said Wellbutrin provides "energy" in her patients and lifts that depression right up".  Well something like that.  Right now since the Zoloft isn’t working she is weening me off of it.  I see her in another two weeks. Well that’s it for now.  Wish I had more to write to all of you.  Love to you all! Kathy

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Kathy, Sounds encouraging! I started on Wellbutrin about a week ago (oops, that reminds me:  I forgot to take my pill this am . . . brb . . . ah, that’s better) at a dose of 2×100mg/day and I’m already feeling somewhat better.  My understanding is that it increases Dopamine levels in the brain.   Which leads me to a question for our resident experts: I felt much less depressed this past weekend when I was spending time with my boyfriend.  I find spending time with him enjoyable.  Does enjoyment also increase dopamine levels? I have been meaning to look this up on the net, but haven’t managed to do so yet.  Thanks for your assistance in the meantime. — Kath From here on my branch I can choose to plunge or soar. I think I shall sit a while longer. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well I went to my new pdoc appt. yesterday.  She seems pretty cool. Uses humor alot.  I like that.  Also a little cautious.  She really didn’t want to change anything until she received records from my previous pdoc and my primary care provider.  She did mention about putting me on Wellbutrin.  She said Wellbutrin provides "energy" in her patients and lifts that depression right up".  Well something like that.  Right now since the Zoloft isn’t working she is weening me off of it.  I see her in another two weeks. Well that’s it for now.  Wish I had more to write to all of you.  Love to you all! Kathy

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There’s a book called "the Craving Brain" (I think, I have a Poor Memory Brain) that explores different activities and how they affect chemicals in the brain.  Most of it is about addictions, but there were parts on how being with people helps (and why-chemically) and how even altruistic behavior can have an effect on ….o heck, I WAS doing good there.  It is either dopamine or seratonin.  But both are "feel good" ones, right? Take care, Amy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Kathy, Sounds encouraging! I started on Wellbutrin about a week ago (oops, that reminds me:  I forgot to take my pill this am . . . brb . . . ah, that’s better) at a dose of 2×100mg/day and I’m already feeling somewhat better.  My understanding is that it increases Dopamine levels in the brain. Which leads me to a question for our resident experts: I felt much less depressed this past weekend when I was spending time with my boyfriend.  I find spending time with him enjoyable.  Does enjoyment also increase dopamine levels? I have been meaning to look this up on the net, but haven’t managed to do so yet.  Thanks for your assistance in the meantime. — Kath From here on my branch I can choose to plunge or soar. I think I shall sit a while longer.

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