Question:

My wife and I moved to Grande Prairie, Alberta, a year ago.  We came here from Prince Edward Island.  She is an American from Illinois. Since we got here, she has had increasing problems with her asthma, to the point that she is now being monitored and on a whole raft of medications, using sidestream, the whole nine yards.  My question is this; Is there any place in Alberta that is safe to live, or does the whole province pose a health risk to asthma sufferers.  If we can find relief further south, then we are willing to look at that option. Mike Nantau

Response:

Moving anywhere can usually be counted on to introduce the asthma sufferer to new triggers.  As usual it takes a while to get accustomed to them.  Hang in there. — Murray Stone phone:  (403) 486-5146  fax:  (403) 483-7791 snailmail:  616-21, 10405 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB, T5J 3S2 Canada

Response:

South is not good.  Here in Calgary asthma is pretty common.  Mine has gotten worse since moving here…but it is a beautiful city and I am not leaving.  I never had any problems in Grande Prairie with my asthma. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I moved to Grande Prairie, Alberta, a year ago.  We came here from Prince Edward Island.  She is an American from Illinois. Since we got here, she has had increasing problems with her asthma, to the point that she is now being monitored and on a whole raft of medications, using sidestream, the whole nine yards.  My question is this; Is there any place in Alberta that is safe to live, or does the whole province pose a health risk to asthma sufferers.  If we can find relief further south, then we are willing to look at that option. Mike Nantau

Response:

South is not good.  Here in Calgary asthma is pretty common.  Mine has gotten worse since moving here…but it is a beautiful city and I am not leaving.  I never had any problems in Grande Prairie with my asthma.

Hi, My asthma also seems to be a lot worse since I moved here to Calgary from Ottawa 10 months ago. However, I also love it and am not planning on leaving. I thought that the dryness (Ottawa is VERY humid) would improve my allergies and asthma, but it seems to have made me more sensitive. I’ve been to emerg 5 times since I’ve been here, but 4 of those times were prolonged exposure to a cat and the last one was the result of what I *think* is bronchitis (I’ve been coughing for 2 weeks!) So, I guess these weren’t speciically due to living in Alberta. I have noticed that the respiratory therapists seem a bit behind here in terms of medication. Each time I have been to emerg (at 3 different hospitals) and they ask me what I’m taking I show them my Maxair which I take along with Beclefort. In each case they had never heard of Maxair before. I thought that was kind of strange because it came out in Ontario about 6 months ago. I find Maxair to be wonderful, literally instant relief. Any suggestions on how to cure this bronchitis? My gp put me on antibiotics 2 days ago but it doesn’t seem to be going away. I’m having trouble sleeping because whenever I lie down I have a huge coughing fit. The Maxair doesn’t stop the cough or the congested feeling. I took an expectorand cough syrup – but stopped when I started on the antibiotics. Should I go back on the cough syrup too? Everyone in my office is buying me halls and bringing me water – very embarassing. Thanks for any advice. Alyssa PS – I tried Flovent and it made me cough even harder.

Response:

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.

Response:

Question:

x-no-archive: yes When I see my doctor again, I’m going to try a new inhaler.  Any suggestions from people about what ones are the best?  I need something better that I can use that won’t cause migraines. Rechelle

There are 4 beta2-agonist bronchodilator inhalers recommended by the NHLBI EPR2 national asthma guidelines; albuterol (MDI or DPI) [Ventolin] terbutaline  MDI [Breathaire] pirbuterol breath-actuated MDI [Maxair] bitolterol MDI [Tornalate] They all have similar action and side effects. Albuterol is the most popular and cheapest as its available in generic form. The asthma guidelines state that if you need to use the above rescue inhaler more than once per day, it indicates the need to increase your dose of inhaled steroids; Pulmicort Turbuhaler and Flovent MDI or DPI or the new most effective ones. Ellis — Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)

Response:

you may be right about the connection between headaches and albuterol. i have had no problems with my maxair inhaler, but when i do my nebulizer those days are full of pain and suffering due to powerful headaches. and i never get headaches normally and when i do nothing can compete with these doozies.

Response:

x-no-archive: yes When I see my doctor again, I’m going to try a new inhaler.  Any suggestions from people about what ones are the best?  I need something better that I can use that won’t cause migraines. Rechelle

For bronchodilators I think Albuterol is considered one of the safest – but they all tend to have similiar side effects.  Another popular bronchodilator is terbutaline – never used it myself so I don’t know what the side effects are like.  In Canada (not sure about US) – Berotec is another bronchodilator – and that was the first bronchodilator I used (I now use albuterol) – I found the side effects to be worse with Berotec vs albuterol – but than everyone is different.  I have also used one called ProAir (Procaterol HCl Hemihydrate) for a bronchodilator – I found that it worked a little slower for me than berotec – but it worked well and the sideeffects will almost nil.  Again I am not sure if this drug is in the US or not.  I hear mention of Maxair too – not sure if that is an older bronchodilator or not. As people have alos probably told you here – it is important to be on an inhaled steroid drug (ask the doctor about this) – so you shouldn’t have to use the bronchodilator short acintg) very often.  Perhaps you are getting headaches from too frequent use of albuterol and if you use it less you might find it alright.  You might also find that Serevent (long acting bronchodilator) gives you less side-effects – though because it takes about 30 minutes to kick it  - it isn’t a replacement for a shortacting bronchodilator.  Some countries have access to formoterol which is both fast acting and long acting (I don’t think it is approved in the US though not sure about Canada).

Response:

I hear mention of Maxair too – not sure if that is an older bronchodilator or not.

Not sure how long Maxair has been around, but my son, daughter and I all three use it.(for about 5 years)  I don’t think it is one of the "older" ones though.It gives better delivery of the med. without a spacer and is breath activated. This makes it hard to take if you are to the point of not being able to breathe well enough to actuate it, but by this point you need a neb anyway.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – x-no-archive:yes I’ve been lurking for about a day now and wanted to find out if anyone here has had any trouble taking Albuterol USP inhalers?  I’ve been asthmatic for several years now and was in bad shape Sunday night/Monday morning due to severe broncitis & sinus infection.  My peak flow was only 200 and I usually blow a 750.  I started the Albuterol yesterday and by last night had a severe migraine.  I was wondering if it was fluke or if I may have a problem with this.  I moved to the States from Canada and had a couple old inhalers but the dr. yesterday but me on a new one that he said was comparable.  Any advice on rescue inhalers would be greatly appreciated. Warmest regards, Rechelle

A side effect of albuterol at high dose is headache. However with a peak flow of only 27% PB, you would need a lot more than just albuterol. Most would head for the emergency room at this point. Some would try high dose inhaled steroids, like Pulmicort; the usual regimen is a burst dose of prednisone, along with albuterol. There are other rescue inhalers, like terbutaline; they’re all beta2 agonist bronchodilators; and all have similar side effects. Ellis — Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)

Response:

I also had a steriod injection, and am on Prednisone for now.  After this, we’re going to look at other alternatives.  Just wanted to find out about the Albuterol. Rechelle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – x-no-archive:yes I’ve been lurking for about a day now and wanted to find out if anyone here has had any trouble taking Albuterol USP inhalers?  I’ve been asthmatic for several years now and was in bad shape Sunday night/Monday morning due to severe broncitis & sinus infection.  My peak flow was only 200 and I usually blow a 750.  I started the Albuterol yesterday and by last night had a severe migraine.  I was wondering if it was fluke or if I may have a problem with this.  I moved to the States from Canada and had a couple old inhalers but the dr. yesterday but me on a new one that he said was comparable.  Any advice on rescue inhalers would be greatly appreciated. Warmest regards, Rechelle A side effect of albuterol at high dose is headache. However with a peak flow of only 27% PB, you would need a lot more than just albuterol. Most would head for the emergency room at this point. Some would try high dose inhaled steroids, like Pulmicort; the usual regimen is a burst dose of prednisone, along with albuterol. There are other rescue inhalers, like terbutaline; they’re all beta2 agonist bronchodilators; and all have similar side effects. Ellis — Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)

Response:

Question:

 Hi, I have been on zoloft for about a year now. It has absolutely erased my anxiety. I am on 25 mgs a day, which I know is low, but it seems to work for me. I have not slept well in months now, which I know is a side effect. At the same time, I am scared to try and come off this. The zoloft has zapped my depression and anxiety, yet who can go without good sleep? I know I have to call my doc, but I wanted to start with you guys first. chaz — The charter is available at:

Question:

        I’ve been on Effexor XR for a little over a month now.  I started with three days at 30-odd mg and then eleven days at 75mg, and have been at 150mg for the two weeks or so after that.  For shits and giggles, I decided not to take my fat pillie for just one day.         Well, I made it through my day without feeling too shabby.  I learned how to drive a manual transmission and was otherwise productive.   Then, came the night.         Every time I fell asleep, I’d get this strong feeling that an electrical pulse was being sent into my back and neck.  I’d fall asleep, feel like I was shocked a few times, then wake up and ask myself, "What the hell was that?"             These weren’t mild sensations.  Rather, it felt like the work of a cheap stun-gun or one of those electric weight-loss belts cranked up to eleven.           Now, when my friend had told me he went through some bad times coming off of Effexor, I hadn’t imagined anything like this.  I’ve never had such a strong and violent response from simply NOT taking something.   It seems especially odd because I’ve only been on the stuff for a month and change.  But now that I’ve read more about Effexor, I know it can only get worse from here.             I don’t have a point really, and I don’t have a moral.  I have a definite problem with depression, and I need something to help me operate on a socially functional level, but now I’m a little scared of what the future has in store for me if I ever, heaven forbid, go longer than one day without my fix.  I think I ought to force myself off of this drug ASAP and save myself from a possibly much wackier and even more extreme withdrawal process months or years down the line.         Oh well, at least it doesn’t make me impotent, right? -Jon

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been on Effexor XR for a little over a month now.  I started with three days at 30-odd mg and then eleven days at 75mg, and have been at 150mg for the two weeks or so after that.  For shits and giggles, I decided not to take my fat pillie for just one day. Well, I made it through my day without feeling too shabby.  I learned how to drive a manual transmission and was otherwise productive. Then, came the night. Every time I fell asleep, I’d get this strong feeling that an electrical pulse was being sent into my back and neck.  I’d fall asleep, feel like I was shocked a few times, then wake up and ask myself, "What the hell was that?" These weren’t mild sensations.  Rather, it felt like the work of a cheap stun-gun or one of those electric weight-loss belts cranked up to eleven.   Now, when my friend had told me he went through some bad times coming off of Effexor, I hadn’t imagined anything like this.  I’ve never had such a strong and violent response from simply NOT taking something. It seems especially odd because I’ve only been on the stuff for a month and change.  But now that I’ve read more about Effexor, I know it can only get worse from here. I don’t have a point really, and I don’t have a moral.  I have a definite problem with depression, and I need something to help me operate on a socially functional level, but now I’m a little scared of what the future has in store for me if I ever, heaven forbid, go longer than one day without my fix.  I think I ought to force myself off of this drug ASAP and save myself from a possibly much wackier and even more extreme withdrawal process months or years down the line. Oh well, at least it doesn’t make me impotent, right? -Jon

If you punch in "effexor" on yahoo, you will get some links to sites that might offer you some help on xr withdrawal. There is an anti-nausia drug reported to help some patients ease off this drug more effectively. If you have found anymore help for withdrawal, please let us know. More and more people are reporting this same difficulty of going through withdrawal "hell" from effexor xr and have had to return taking it again just to function. Wyeth, the manufacturer knows about this and have posted more info on their site about tapering off this med. Hope this helps. Thanx Steveb

Response:

I’ve had the same experience.  But I have decided to stay on Effexor because it is the best AD out there for my type of depression. — John Lundquist —-

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been on Effexor XR for a little over a month now.  I started with three days at 30-odd mg and then eleven days at 75mg, and have been at 150mg for the two weeks or so after that.  For shits and giggles, I decided not to take my fat pillie for just one day. Well, I made it through my day without feeling too shabby.  I learned how to drive a manual transmission and was otherwise productive. Then, came the night. Every time I fell asleep, I’d get this strong feeling that an electrical pulse was being sent into my back and neck.  I’d fall asleep, feel like I was shocked a few times, then wake up and ask myself, "What the hell was that?" These weren’t mild sensations.  Rather, it felt like the work of a cheap stun-gun or one of those electric weight-loss belts cranked up to eleven. Now, when my friend had told me he went through some bad times coming off of Effexor, I hadn’t imagined anything like this.  I’ve never had such a strong and violent response from simply NOT taking something. It seems especially odd because I’ve only been on the stuff for a month and change.  But now that I’ve read more about Effexor, I know it can only get worse from here. I don’t have a point really, and I don’t have a moral.  I have a definite problem with depression, and I need something to help me operate on a socially functional level, but now I’m a little scared of what the future has in store for me if I ever, heaven forbid, go longer than one day without my fix.  I think I ought to force myself off of this drug ASAP and save myself from a possibly much wackier and even more extreme withdrawal process months or years down the line. Oh well, at least it doesn’t make me impotent, right? -Jon

Response:

I’ve been on Effexor XR for a little over a month now.  I started with three days at 30-odd mg and then eleven days at 75mg, and have been at 150mg for the two weeks or so after that.  For shits and giggles, I decided not to take my fat pillie for just one day. Well, I made it through my day without feeling too shabby.  I learned how to drive a manual transmission and was otherwise productive.   Then, came the night. Every time I fell asleep, I’d get this strong feeling that an electrical pulse was being sent into my back and neck.  I’d fall asleep, feel like I was shocked a few times, then wake up and ask myself, "What the hell was that…

Other people have reported "shocks" when withdrawing from Effexor and other antidepressants.  I quit Effexor XR 150mg cold turkey 1.5 weeks ago because my blood pressure was dangerously high.  So far I have not experienced ANY withdrawal symptoms.  My blood pressure is a bit lower but it may be because I also laid off most of the caffeine.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –    I’ve been on Effexor XR for a little over a month now.  I started with three days at 30-odd mg and then eleven days at 75mg, and have been at 150mg for the two weeks or so after that.  For shits and giggles, I decided not to take my fat pillie for just one day.    Well, I made it through my day without feeling too shabby.  I learned how to drive a manual transmission and was otherwise productive.   Then, came the night.    Every time I fell asleep, I’d get this strong feeling that an electrical pulse was being sent into my back and neck.  I’d fall asleep, feel like I was shocked a few times, then wake up and ask myself, "What the hell was that?"        These weren’t mild sensations.  Rather, it felt like the work of a cheap stun-gun or one of those electric weight-loss belts cranked up to eleven.      Now, when my friend had told me he went through some bad times coming off of Effexor, I hadn’t imagined anything like this.  I’ve never had such a strong and violent response from simply NOT taking something.   It seems especially odd because I’ve only been on the stuff for a month and change.  But now that I’ve read more about Effexor, I know it can only get worse from here.        I don’t have a point really, and I don’t have a moral.  I have a definite problem with depression, and I need something to help me operate on a socially functional level, but now I’m a little scared of what the future has in store for me if I ever, heaven forbid, go longer than one day without my fix.  I think I ought to force myself off of this drug ASAP and save myself from a possibly much wackier and even more extreme withdrawal process months or years down the line.    Oh well, at least it doesn’t make me impotent, right? -Jon

I was on Effexor XR 150mg for over a year, and suffered no memorable withdrawal symptoms when I d/c’ed.  Of course, I did taper off rather than going cold turkey, so maybe that helped.  Over a year later, I had another run-in with your friend and mine, the big "D", and now I’m on Zoloft 100mg.  From my personal experience, I would recommend either of these ADs to anyone, but would also suggest that they follow their doc’s instructions carefully. Andy

Response:

        Alright guys, I guess I’ve got a lot to think about.  Thanks for your input. -Jon

Response:

in general when stopping medication cold turkey one should expect withdrawal symptoms i have heard a lot of complaints from people who have stopped taking their medication abruptly…. however the simple solution to this is to not stop taking your medication abruptly if anyone has tapered off and still found themselves unable to escape severe withdrawal symptoms, i would like to hear it

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been on Effexor XR for a little over a month now.  I started with three days at 30-odd mg and then eleven days at 75mg, and have been at 150mg for the two weeks or so after that.  For shits and giggles, I decided not to take my fat pillie for just one day. Well, I made it through my day without feeling too shabby.  I learned how to drive a manual transmission and was otherwise productive. Then, came the night. Every time I fell asleep, I’d get this strong feeling that an electrical pulse was being sent into my back and neck.  I’d fall asleep, feel like I was shocked a few times, then wake up and ask myself, "What the hell was that?" These weren’t mild sensations.  Rather, it felt like the work of a cheap stun-gun or one of those electric weight-loss belts cranked up to eleven. Now, when my friend had told me he went through some bad times coming off of Effexor, I hadn’t imagined anything like this.  I’ve never had such a strong and violent response from simply NOT taking something. It seems especially odd because I’ve only been on the stuff for a month and change.  But now that I’ve read more about Effexor, I know it can only get worse from here. I don’t have a point really, and I don’t have a moral.  I have a definite problem with depression, and I need something to help me operate on a socially functional level, but now I’m a little scared of what the future has in store for me if I ever, heaven forbid, go longer than one day without my fix.  I think I ought to force myself off of this drug ASAP and save myself from a possibly much wackier and even more extreme withdrawal process months or years down the line. Oh well, at least it doesn’t make me impotent, right? -Jon

Response:

I tapered off Effexor XR with what seemed to be an entirely reasonably schedule, from 225 mg/day to 150 for a week, 75 for a week, 37.5 for a week, then half of that for a few days.  Have been experiencing all the symptoms mentioned below ever since, about 2 weeks.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – in general when stopping medication cold turkey one should expect withdrawal symptoms i have heard a lot of complaints from people who have stopped taking their medication abruptly…. however the simple solution to this is to not stop taking your medication abruptly if anyone has tapered off and still found themselves unable to escape severe withdrawal symptoms, i would like to hear it I’ve been on Effexor XR for a little over a month now.  I started with three days at 30-odd mg and then eleven days at 75mg, and have been at 150mg for the two weeks or so after that.  For shits and giggles, I decided not to take my fat pillie for just one day. Well, I made it through my day without feeling too shabby.  I learned how to drive a manual transmission and was otherwise productive. Then, came the night. Every time I fell asleep, I’d get this strong feeling that an electrical pulse was being sent into my back and neck.  I’d fall asleep, feel like I was shocked a few times, then wake up and ask myself, "What the hell was that?" These weren’t mild sensations.  Rather, it felt like the work of a cheap stun-gun or one of those electric weight-loss belts cranked up to eleven. Now, when my friend had told me he went through some bad times coming off of Effexor, I hadn’t imagined anything like this.  I’ve never had such a strong and violent response from simply NOT taking something. It seems especially odd because I’ve only been on the stuff for a month and change.  But now that I’ve read more about Effexor, I know it can only get worse from here. I don’t have a point really, and I don’t have a moral.  I have a definite problem with depression, and I need something to help me operate on a socially functional level, but now I’m a little scared of what the future has in store for me if I ever, heaven forbid, go longer than one day without my fix.  I think I ought to force myself off of this drug ASAP and save myself from a possibly much wackier and even more extreme withdrawal process months or years down the line. Oh well, at least it doesn’t make me impotent, right? -Jon

Response:

okay i do feel bad for you… my doc told me to take clonazepam… and it worked wonders maybe you should ask your doc – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I tapered off Effexor XR with what seemed to be an entirely reasonably schedule, from 225 mg/day to 150 for a week, 75 for a week, 37.5 for a week, then half of that for a few days.  Have been experiencing all the symptoms mentioned below ever since, about 2 weeks.

Response:

Question:

Hi Stan and Teilhard I stopped taking one type of medication because my husband said it didn’t make me better. he said I was better on the previous type. So i stopped for 3 days to switchover. but i didn’t cut down first. that’s where i made the mistake. i’m already in therapy and have been for a year. i don’t know if it helps. i’ve been  up and down throughout the year and this time i’m back to where i was when i started the therapy. no perhaps this time i’m worse. this time i want to die. i haven’t felt this bad before. i’ve told my son that i’m very sick and may not get better, so he’s prepared. i can only see this as the way to free the pain. otherwise it will always be with   me here. sue

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sounds like the medication has tranquilized you quite a bit. Maybe you need time to get stabilized. What has been happening with you? Why have you stopped the medication? Oh, by the way, welcome to ASD. Stan hi i’m Sue. i’m horribly depressed. the last 3 days i thought would be the end of me. but apparently coming off medication too quickly can have bad effects on you. i’m on different medication now. i feel lifeless,i look around my house and things are not familiar anymore. they look dull. the sky looks dull, my family look dull.all day spent in bed just lying there, not even sleeping, just lying thinking of what? i don’t even know. when does the madness go away. Remove "JUNK" for my valid address.

Response:

hi i’m Sue. i’m horribly depressed. the last 3 days i thought would be the end of me. but apparently coming off medication too quickly can have bad effects on you. i’m on different medication now. i feel lifeless,i look around my house and things are not familiar anymore. they look dull. the sky looks dull, my family look dull.all day spent in bed just lying there, not even sleeping, just lying thinking of what? i don’t even know. when does the madness go away.

Welcome to ASD, Sue. The only think I can recommend is looking for professional help. Seems you have seen a pdoc by your reference to medications. Why did you stop taking them? I hope you didn’t do it without supervision, that might be the cause you are feeling bad now. The other thing is therapy, but only you know whether you need it. Good luck to you, and feel free to post anything you like. — Teilhard The Extraterrestrial Eat the sandwich to email.

Response:

Sounds like the medication has tranquilized you quite a bit. Maybe you need time to get stabilized. What has been happening with you? Why have you stopped the medication? Oh, by the way, welcome to ASD. Stan hi i’m Sue. i’m horribly depressed. the last 3 days i thought would be the end of me. but apparently coming off medication too quickly can have bad effects on you. i’m on different medication now. i feel lifeless,i look around my house and things are not familiar anymore. they look dull. the sky looks dull, my family look dull.all day spent in bed just lying there, not even sleeping, just lying thinking of what? i don’t even know. when does the madness go away.

Remove "JUNK" for my valid address.

Response:

hi i’m Sue. i’m horribly depressed. the last 3 days i thought would be the end of me. but apparently coming off medication too quickly can have bad effects on you. i’m on different medication now. i feel lifeless,i look around my house and things are not familiar anymore. they look dull. the sky looks dull, my family look dull.all day spent in bed just lying there, not even sleeping, just lying thinking of what? i don’t even know. when does the madness go away.

Response:

Hi Stan and Teilhard I stopped taking one type of medication because my husband said it didn’t make me better. he said I was better on the previous type. So i stopped for 3 days to switchover. but i didn’t cut down first. that’s where i made the mistake. i’m already in therapy and have been for a year. i don’t know if it helps. i’ve been  up and down throughout the year and this time i’m back to where i was when i started the therapy. no perhaps this time i’m worse. this time i want to die. i haven’t felt this bad before. i’ve told my son that i’m very sick and may not get better, so he’s prepared. i can only see this as the way to free the pain. otherwise it will always be with   me here. sue

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sounds like the medication has tranquilized you quite a bit. Maybe you need time to get stabilized. What has been happening with you? Why have you stopped the medication? Oh, by the way, welcome to ASD. Stan hi i’m Sue. i’m horribly depressed. the last 3 days i thought would be the end of me. but apparently coming off medication too quickly can have bad effects on you. i’m on different medication now. i feel lifeless,i look around my house and things are not familiar anymore. they look dull. the sky looks dull, my family look dull.all day spent in bed just lying there, not even sleeping, just lying thinking of what? i don’t even know. when does the madness go away. Remove "JUNK" for my valid address.

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Response:

Sounds like the medication has tranquilized you quite a bit. Maybe you need time to get stabilized. What has been happening with you? Why have you stopped the medication? Oh, by the way, welcome to ASD. Stan hi i’m Sue. i’m horribly depressed. the last 3 days i thought would be the end of me. but apparently coming off medication too quickly can have bad effects on you. i’m on different medication now. i feel lifeless,i look around my house and things are not familiar anymore. they look dull. the sky looks dull, my family look dull.all day spent in bed just lying there, not even sleeping, just lying thinking of what? i don’t even know. when does the madness go away.

Remove "JUNK" for my valid address. X-No-Archive: yes Newsgroups: microsoft.test,alt.flame.niggers,alt.support.depression NNTP-Posting-Host: w088.z064003087.lax-ca.dsl.cnc.net 64.3.87.88 Lines: 1         Path: news.uni-stuttgart.de!uni-erlangen.de!newsfeed1.telenordia.se!news.algonet. se!algonet!news.maxwell.syr.edu!news.stealth.net!msrtrans1!msrnewsc1!cppssb bsa01.microsoft.com!tkmsftngp01!tkmsftngp04!u&n&a&c&anceller Xref: news.uni-stuttgart.de control:40722255 This message was cancelled from within The Unacanceller’s glorious new software, Lotus 1-2-3 For Rogue Cancellers.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – inscribed: hi i’m Sue. i’m horribly depressed. the last 3 days i thought would be the end of me. but apparently coming off medication too quickly can have bad effects on you. hi Sue, and welcome to asd. did your doctor tell you to go off the medication? doctors are really the only ones who should be deciding what medication works best for you. sometimes coming off a med too quickly can have pretty rotten side effects. i’m on different medication now. i feel lifeless,i look around my house and things are not familiar anymore. they look dull. the sky looks dull, my family look dull.all day spent in bed just lying there, not even sleeping, just lying thinking of what? i don’t even know. what are you taking? i’m on Zoloft (sertraline), but have been on several different meds. it typically takes about six weeks or so before one notices an effect from the medications and if they’re working or not. sk

Hi SunKitten, are you finding the Zoloft works for you? my son was on zoloft but we have weaned him off it. It’s been 6 weeks now. he goes back to school this week, so this will be the big test to see if he’s going to cope without medication. He’s only 7, so we don’t want him on medication if he can do without it. Sue

Response:

hi i’m Sue.

snip Hello Sue; welcome to ASD.  Make yourself at home ) — —  Whiskers

Response:

hi i’m Sue. snip Hello Sue; welcome to ASD.  Make yourself at home ) — —  Whiskers

Thanks Whiskers

Response:

discoursed thusly: I stopped taking one type of medication because my husband said it didn’t make me better. he said I was better on the previous type. So i stopped for 3 days to switchover. but i didn’t cut down first. that’s where i made the mistake. No, Sue, that’s not where you made your mistake. You made your mistake when you let your husband make your medication decisions for you. Is your husband also your medical doctor?

no, but he is right. i can see that now. i have thought back over the last few months while taking a new medication, and i really have been worse than previously. Because if he isn’t, then the only person who should be telling you what medication is helping you, is YOU. I get the feeling that your husband is also the one who taught you to refer to your depression as "madness", as you called it when in your first post you asked when does the madness stop. Depression is not madness, it’s a disease that mingles physiological problems with psychological problems. Most people respond best to a mix of the *right* medication and the *right* therapy. But it has the be the meds and therapist that are right for YOU.

I don’t know if I’ve found the right therapist. I’ve been to so many before, and this is the first one i’ve stuck with. Usually i stop going after a couple of sessions. Have you talked with your medical doctor at all about changing your medication? Have you discussed the different types of medication that are available in Australia, and decided with the advice of your doctor what you should be taking?

yes, my psychiatrist has been in contact with me over the weekend.  I’ve tried many different tablets. sometimes they work for awhile but then dont seem as effective. Which meds are you taking, which meds were you taking, and never mind what your husband says makes you better, how did you feel while you were taking them?

I’ve just gone back onto Aropax (Paroxetine). I was on Efexor-xr. Folks in asd will gladly give you all the support and understanding (and information about our own depression experiences) that we can. But if your husband needs depression support, he’ll have to write his own posts, about his own depression issues. We are here to help you with *your* problems. Welcome to asd.

Thank you – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tara J. Ballance Montreal, Canada

Response:

hi i’m Sue. i’m horribly depressed. the last 3 days i thought would be the end of me. but apparently coming off medication too quickly can have bad effects on you. i’m on different medication now. i feel lifeless,i look around my house and things are not familiar anymore. they look dull. the sky looks dull, my family look dull.all day spent in bed just lying there, not even sleeping, just lying thinking of what? i don’t even know. when does the madness go away.

Welcome to ASD, Sue. The only think I can recommend is looking for professional help. Seems you have seen a pdoc by your reference to medications. Why did you stop taking them? I hope you didn’t do it without supervision, that might be the cause you are feeling bad now. The other thing is therapy, but only you know whether you need it. Good luck to you, and feel free to post anything you like. — Teilhard The Extraterrestrial Eat the sandwich to email. X-No-Archive: yes Newsgroups: microsoft.test,alt.flame.niggers,alt.support.depression NNTP-Posting-Host: w088.z064003087.lax-ca.dsl.cnc.net 64.3.87.88 Lines: 1         Path: news.uni-stuttgart.de!rz.uni-karlsruhe.de!news.uni-ulm.de!news.belwue.de!ne ws-stu1.dfn.de!news-koe1.dfn.de!news-was.dfn.de!news-spur1.maxwell.syr.edu! news.maxwell.syr.edu!out.nntp.be!propagator-SanJose!in.nntp.be!news-in-sanj ose!sjc-feed.news.verio.net!sea-feed.news.verio.net!news.verio.net!msrnewsc 1!cppssbbsa01.microsoft.com!tkmsftngp01!tkmsftngp04!u&n&a&c&anceller Xref: news.uni-stuttgart.de control:40727072 This message was cancelled from within The Unacanceller’s glorious new software, Lotus 1-2-3 For Rogue Cancellers.

Response:

hi i’m Sue. snip Hello Sue; welcome to ASD.  Make yourself at home ) — —  Whiskers

Thanks Whiskers X-No-Archive: yes Newsgroups: microsoft.test,alt.flame.niggers,alt.support.depression NNTP-Posting-Host: w088.z064003087.lax-ca.dsl.cnc.net 64.3.87.88 Lines: 1         Path: news.uni-stuttgart.de!rz.uni-karlsruhe.de!news.uni-ulm.de!news.belwue.de!ne wsfeed.arcor-online.net!fr.clara.net!heighliner.fr.clara.net!news.stealth.n et!msrtrans1!msrnewsc1!cppssbbsa01.microsoft.com!tkmsftngp01!tkmsftngp03!u& n&a&c&anceller Xref: news.uni-stuttgart.de control:40726147 This message was cancelled from within The Unacanceller’s glorious new software, Lotus 1-2-3 For Rogue Cancellers.

Response:

hi i’m Sue.

snip Hello Sue; welcome to ASD.  Make yourself at home ) — —  Whiskers X-No-Archive: yes Newsgroups: microsoft.test,alt.flame.niggers,alt.support.depression NNTP-Posting-Host: w088.z064003087.lax-ca.dsl.cnc.net 64.3.87.88 Lines: 1         Path: news.uni-stuttgart.de!news.fh-hannover.de!fu-berlin.de!news.maxwell.syr.edu !out.nntp.be!propagator-SanJose!in.nntp.be!news-in-sanjose!sjc-feed.news.ve rio.net!sea-feed.news.verio.net!news.verio.net!msrnewsc1!cppssbbsa01.micros oft.com!tkmsftngp01!tkmsftngp03!u&n&a&c&anceller Xref: news.uni-stuttgart.de control:40719458 This message was cancelled from within The Unacanceller’s glorious new software, Lotus 1-2-3 For Rogue Cancellers.

Response:

I’ve just gone back onto Aropax (Paroxetine). I was on Efexor-xr.

Gosh. How long had you been taking Effexor? It is one of the anti-depressants which must be quit with outmost care, AND supervision. It takes about three weeks (or longer) to make you feel better, and I do not know how you should quit, because I am still on it. But one thing you must never forget: *do not do change anything in the way you medicate unless your pdoc says so*, not your husband. — Teilhard The Extraterrestrial Eat the sandwich to email.

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -salarmy4me wrote:

I am trying Serzone and Visken and am on only the second day. Visken is a beta-blocker with anti-anxiety and   anti-depressant properties. The initial testing of visken with ADs showed good results. People recovered faster than with   antidepressants alone. Visken has to be used only with certain antidepressants, though. Only Paxil, Prozac, Effexor, and   Serzone have been augmented. Of course, the combo has to be studied more, but maybe I am the guinea pig for the   combo. Dr. Bob’s discussion on this showed that 15 mg is the right dose: 5mg three times a day. The side effect profile is   benign. Interestingly, I had a burst of crying in joy today. I never had that with serzone alone, but perhaps its actually the   Serzone that has finally kicked in. If anyone is interested, I will tell you more about the augmentation strategy. * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

I’m interested…I tried Serzone but it didn’t help with my OCD. Am now on Effexor-XR. What is Visken? Thanks!

Response:

I am trying Serzone and Visken and am on only the second day. Visken is a beta-blocker with anti-anxiety and   anti-depressant properties. The initial testing of visken with ADs showed good results. People recovered faster than with   antidepressants alone. Visken has to be used only with certain antidepressants, though. Only Paxil, Prozac, Effexor, and   Serzone have been augmented. Of course, the combo has to be studied more, but maybe I am the guinea pig for the   combo. Dr. Bob’s discussion on this showed that 15 mg is the right dose: 5mg three times a day. The side effect profile is   benign. Interestingly, I had a burst of crying in joy today. I never had that with serzone alone, but perhaps its actually the   Serzone that has finally kicked in. If anyone is interested, I will tell you more about the augmentation strategy. * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

Response:

Question:

  I just changed my 9 yr old son’s dr…..he was on 75mg luvox and 1-1/2 mg risperdal for OCD/ADD/anxiety.    The meds were great for a few months but then it seemed he needed to change (had alot of tantrums, frustration, very impulsive etc) and the old doc wasn’t cooperative and very hard to talk to. Went yesterday to a new one and she changed him from Luvox to Zoloft (we’re reducing Luvox for a week and slowly adding Zoloft).  Also she split up the Risperdal so he takes some in the morning and some at night instead of all at once.  I hope the Zoloft works for him.  Does anyone have any comments about any of these meds, specifically for children?  Thank you Debbie

Response:

  I just changed my 9 yr old son’s dr…..he was on 75mg luvox and 1-1/2 mg risperdal for OCD/ADD/anxiety.    The meds were great for a few months but then it seemed he needed to change (had alot of tantrums, frustration, very impulsive etc) and the old doc wasn’t cooperative and very hard to talk to. Went yesterday to a new one and she changed him from Luvox to Zoloft (we’re reducing Luvox for a week and slowly adding Zoloft).  Also she split up the Risperdal so he takes some in the morning and some at night instead of all at once.  I hope the Zoloft works for him.  Does anyone have any comments about any of these meds, specifically for children?  Thank you Debbie

Sounds like your child is in good hands now. However, no-one wants to do research on the use of psych meds in children and pregnant women, so how these meds are used in these specific patient populations is taken from research done on nonpregnant adults. Chip Before you buy.

Response:

Hello everyone!! just wondering if anyone had this happen to them.  My doc put me on zoloft started at 12 1/2mg for a week then 25mg for 2 weeks then 50mg when i started taking the 50mg it made my heart flutter, so she put me back on 25mg again but it is not doing much for me now she wants me to try the 50mg again and i am scared she said try 25 in the morning then 25mg at night i am scared to do that also any suggestions? I just didnt like my heart doing that and i am scared it is going to happen again HELP Thanks Diana

I must say that your doc isn’t doing this as badly as some other docs do. She realizes that you have to wean on Zoloft slowly and that’s a good thing. Still, between 25 mg and 50 mg there is 37,5 mg. I think it’s advisable to try that first. Moreover it seems advisable to ask for a benzo (Xanax) on the side *as needed* which may help avoid or minimize initial Zoloft side effects like a fluttering heart. I hope you will hang in there as it takes about 8 weeks to be able to properly assess Zoloft’s value for you (but beneficial effect may be felt much earlier). Philip

Response:

Hello everyone!! just wondering if anyone had this happen to them.  My doc put me on zoloft started at 12 1/2mg for a week then 25mg for 2 weeks then 50mg when i started taking the 50mg it made my heart flutter, so she put me back on 25mg again but it is not doing much for me now she wants me to try the 50mg again and i am scared she said try 25 in the morning then 25mg at night i am scared to do that also any suggestions? I just didnt like my heart doing that and i am scared it is going to happen again HELP Thanks Diana

Diana –   I experienced a return of side-effects for a few days with each increased dose of Zoloft…One side effect for me was the shakes, which increased my anxiety and led to a racing heart…I suspect that you perhaps are having a similar experience…You may have to go through a few days of side-effects like this to reach a theraputic dose…And I checked the PDR, heart attack is not listed as a possible side-effect of Zoloft so don’t worry! Later, — Charles Phipps

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WOW!!  My Dr. started me off at 50mg right away..he did not work me up to 50mg..At any rate I had NO side effects at all from Zoloft.. ~But there’s one thing I know…the blues they send to meet me won’t defeat me, it won’t be long till happiness is out to greet me~

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Hello everyone!! just wondering if anyone had this happen to them.  My doc put me on zoloft started at 12 1/2mg for a week then 25mg for 2 weeks then 50mg when i started taking the 50mg it made my heart flutter, so she put me back on 25mg again but it is not doing much for me now she wants me to try the 50mg again and i am scared she said try 25 in the morning then 25mg at night i am scared to do that also any suggestions? I just didnt like my heart doing that and i am scared it is going to happen again HELP Thanks Diana

Response:

Hello everyone!! just wondering if anyone had this happen to them.  My doc put me on zoloft started at 12 1/2mg for a week then 25mg for 2 weeks then 50mg when i started taking the 50mg it made my heart flutter, so she put me back on 25mg again but it is not doing much for me now she wants me to try the 50mg again and i am scared she said try 25 in the morning then 25mg at night i am scared to do that also any suggestions? I just didnt like my heart doing that and i am scared it is going to happen again HELP Thanks Diana

Hi Diana, I have been dealing with those heart flutters on and off for years. I get mine when I am anxious, drink too much coffee, and have PMS. I don`t like them, but they are harmless. You won`t know if you will get  those flutters, unless you try the 50mgs again. There may be a way to lessen that possibility. Instead of going from 25mgs to 50mgs, go to 37.5mgs. Getting to your prescribed dose is not a race. You want to be as comfortable as possible, and if it means going at a slower pace, so then be it. Watch your caffeine consumption too, it can trigger the heart flutters. And if you should get them , remember they will pass and are harmless. Asking your doctor for a benzo might help too. Jackie "Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks out his head."

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I was started on 25mg of zoloft daily about two weeks ago for anxiety and panic disorder.  The first few days I took it I had some crazy mood swings but those went away after a while.  Lately I’ve had two episodes of depression that I wonder about.  I know that most side effects are supposed to go away but is this something I should talk to my doctor about immediately or should I just try to tough it out and hope that it goes away.  So far it’s been pretty bearable so I think I could get through it.  Any comments on this would be appreciated and any information on zoloft in general would be great.

15 mg if Zoloft is a subtherapeutic dose, it must be raised. The best way to do that is by weekly increments of 12.5 mg to avoid unpleasant side effects: *start low, go slow*. It may take a few weeks but your depression should disappear. So yes, ask your doctor to raise the dose 37.5 mg etc. Philip

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Hi, Jack, I take Zoloft and Clonazepam for depression and anxiety.  25 mg is low so maybe you could call your pdoc and see about a slight increase.  It never hurts to check in with your pdoc and let them know how you are feeling. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was started on 25mg of zoloft daily about two weeks ago for anxiety and panic disorder.  The first few days I took it I had some crazy mood swings but those went away after a while.  Lately I’ve had two episodes of depression that I wonder about.  I know that most side effects are supposed to go away but is this something I should talk to my doctor about immediately or should I just try to tough it out and hope that it goes away.  So far it’s been pretty bearable so I think I could get through it.  Any comments on this would be appreciated and any information on zoloft in general would be great.

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I was started on 25mg of zoloft daily about two weeks ago for anxiety and panic disorder.  The first few days I took it I had some crazy mood swings but those went away after a while.  Lately I’ve had two episodes of depression that I wonder about.  I know that most side effects are supposed to go away but is this something I should talk to my doctor about immediately or should I just try to tough it out and hope that it goes away.  So far it’s been pretty bearable so I think I could get through it.  Any comments on this would be appreciated and any information on zoloft in general would be great.

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Hi I have often had tinitus.  On and off.  The doctor once gave me a long story about how it was just a disease.  Its been quite bad lately and I found out in the last few weeks maybe from this newsgroup ( if so I apologize ) that it is caused by aspirin. I have been taking lots of painkillers to help with paxil withdrawals love Moira – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I took Zoloft last fall for anxiety for 2 and 1/2 months. (I got off it because it began to give me night tremors).  However, only after a month on it, my ears started ringing/hissing.  I also had a bad sinus infection at the time and I assumed it was related to that, never thinking the medication would do such a thing (HA–looks like the joke was on me!).  When I related this to my doctor, she never let on that she KNEW some antidepressants caused tinnitus (why not, I am now asking myself) and continued to let me take the drug for 6 more weeks! I’ve been off the Zoloft for 6 weeks now, and I STILL have the ringing/hissing in my ears.  Has anyone ever had this happen?  Is this EVER going to go away?. It drives you crazy and I fear now I’ll have it forever.

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Hi I have often had tinitus.  On and off.  The doctor once gave me a long story

about how it was just a disease.  Its been quite bad lately and I found out

in the last few weeks maybe from this newsgroup ( if so I apologize ) that it is caused by

aspirin. I have been taking lots of painkillers to help with paxil withdrawals

love Moira   Hi Moira, You say you are taking painkillers… what kind?  I have taken many, many different kinds (due to my headaches) and found that Midrin effected my ears horribly.  Could be an additional cause.. Lee feeling silly lately…must be a side effect

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I took Zoloft last fall for anxiety for 2 and 1/2 months. (I got off it because it began to give me night tremors).  However, only after a month on it, my ears started ringing/hissing.  I also had a bad sinus infection at the time and I assumed it was related to that, never thinking the medication would do such a thing (HA–looks like the joke was on me!).  When I related this to my doctor, she never let on that she KNEW some antidepressants caused tinnitus (why not, I am now asking myself) and continued to let me take the drug for 6 more weeks! I’ve been off the Zoloft for 6 weeks now, and I STILL have the ringing/hissing in my ears.  Has anyone ever had this happen?  Is this EVER going to go away?. It drives you crazy and I fear now I’ll have it forever.

For what it’s worth, I, too, suffered from tinnitus while on Zoloft (for a similar period of time as you) before switching to Prozac.  In my case, the tinnitus went away within days of stopping Zoloft.  I wouldn’t give up hope that yours will fade with time too. Good luck, Bob

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I’ve been off the Zoloft for 6 weeks now, and I STILL have the ringing/hissing in my ears.  Has anyone ever had this happen?  Is this EVER going to go away?. It drives you crazy and I fear now I’ll have it forever.

For what it’s worth, I, too, suffered from tinnitus while on Zoloft (for

a similar period of time as you) before switching to Prozac.  In my

case, the tinnitus went away within days of stopping Zoloft.  I wouldn’t

give up hope that yours will fade with time too.  (piggybacking on Bob)  I had a similar problem with a different med altogether.  I think it was Midrin.  It went away for the most part.  It still happens occasionally, but not on a constant basis.   If it keeps up, you should mention it to your doctor, or go to a specialist. Lee feeling silly lately…must be a side effect

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I took Zoloft last fall for anxiety for 2 and 1/2 months. (I got off it because it began to give me night tremors).  However, only after a month on it, my ears started ringing/hissing.  I also had a bad sinus infection at the time and I assumed it was related to that, never thinking the medication would do such a thing (HA–looks like the joke was on me!).  When I related this to my doctor, she never let on that she KNEW some antidepressants caused tinnitus (why not, I am now asking myself) and continued to let me take the drug for 6 more weeks!   I’ve been off the Zoloft for 6 weeks now, and I STILL have the ringing/hissing in my ears.  Has anyone ever had this happen?  Is this EVER going to go away?. It drives you crazy and I fear now I’ll have it forever.  

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Tom,     Welcome to ASAP. I’m 21 and diagnosed with manic depression, anxiety, panic attacks, ocd.. and now I’m beginning to wonder about something else, but anyways, the reason for your post and mine.     I’ve been on Zoloft since mid-October. I started on 25mg, two weeks later increased to 50mg, and then two weeks after that 100mg. I finally gained some control over my "problems." I was taken off Zoloft and put on Celexa for a 6 week rollercoaster. I’m back on the Zoloft, and have been since February. I’m up to 200mg a day.     Now, I have little side effects. In the beginning I had a lot of side effects, those you listed, extreme dry mouth, but not the rash and I still have a hard time getting out of bed at a decent hour, I have to keep myself on a very strict sleep pattern, or when I get off of it, I don’t go to bed until 2,3,4am, then never make it up in time to make it to work by 8:30am. And yes, the decreased sex drive is a pain.     Are you taking anything with the Zoloft? I was taking 100mg Zoloft and 4mg Xanax daily, now I’m on 200mg Zoloft and 3mg Klonopin daily. That might also explain the rash, and the waking up thing.     Hope this is of some help for you. Much Love, Brooke Hi Brooke, Do you take anything for the manic depression? Chip

No, because it rarely rears its ugly head, the manic side at least.. it’s often usually just regular old depression, however, we are keeping an eye on it (Daily journal of what’s going on and keeping track of how often the manic side rears up). The pdoc is really concerned with me hiding my depression from people as well as I do, so he wants to try and get that and the anxiety all under control. Much Love, Brooke PS I think the Klonopin helps with the manic too… that’s just my thought. Since I’ve switched from xanax to Klonopin I’ve had a lot fewer manic episodes. B.

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Hi Tom,     Welcome to ASAP. I’m 21 and diagnosed with manic depression, anxiety, panic attacks, ocd.. and now I’m beginning to wonder about something else, but anyways, the reason for your post and mine.     I’ve been on Zoloft since mid-October. I started on 25mg, two weeks later increased to 50mg, and then two weeks after that 100mg. I finally gained some control over my "problems." I was taken off Zoloft and put on Celexa for a 6 week rollercoaster. I’m back on the Zoloft, and have been since February. I’m up to 200mg a day.     Now, I have little side effects. In the beginning I had a lot of side effects, those you listed, extreme dry mouth, but not the rash and I still have a hard time getting out of bed at a decent hour, I have to keep myself on a very strict sleep pattern, or when I get off of it, I don’t go to bed until 2,3,4am, then never make it up in time to make it to work by 8:30am. And yes, the decreased sex drive is a pain.     Are you taking anything with the Zoloft? I was taking 100mg Zoloft and 4mg Xanax daily, now I’m on 200mg Zoloft and 3mg Klonopin daily. That might also explain the rash, and the waking up thing.     Hope this is of some help for you. Much Love, Brooke

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am new to the group and am interpreted if people can give me any feed back on Zoloft. I started on Zoloft and two months ago after about of panic and depressive episodes. Though the attacks had seemed to be lessening, it seemed to make sense at the time to treat them to prevent a reoccurrence. The first two weeks were difficult on Xanax and brought back the panic as well as diarrhea, stomach upset, heart palpitations, but these went away and I began to increase my dosage from 25mg to the doctor recommended 50mg. I can’t say I feel that much better and am wondering whether these are side effects. I knew about the decreased sex drive and can probably handle that. One major difference is that I used to wake up early in the morning with a feeling of anxiety and now I can hardly drag myself out of bed at a normal time. I also experience frequent headaches as if my head and nose is pinched. I also am putting on weight. Also wondering about the rash that appeared unexpectedly on my arms (though this could be from something else; it is pretty mild.) Do these sound familiar to anyone? I also am wondering about the dosage of 50mg since I felt pretty good on 25mg and have heard that is a standard dosage. Any thoughts about decreasing dosage? — Tom Semmes 301-530-9586 Fax 301-530-9587

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Tom,     Welcome to ASAP. I’m 21 and diagnosed with manic depression, anxiety, panic attacks, ocd.. and now I’m beginning to wonder about something else, but anyways, the reason for your post and mine.     I’ve been on Zoloft since mid-October. I started on 25mg, two weeks later increased to 50mg, and then two weeks after that 100mg. I finally gained some control over my "problems." I was taken off Zoloft and put on Celexa for a 6 week rollercoaster. I’m back on the Zoloft, and have been since February. I’m up to 200mg a day.     Now, I have little side effects. In the beginning I had a lot of side effects, those you listed, extreme dry mouth, but not the rash and I still have a hard time getting out of bed at a decent hour, I have to keep myself on a very strict sleep pattern, or when I get off of it, I don’t go to bed until 2,3,4am, then never make it up in time to make it to work by 8:30am. And yes, the decreased sex drive is a pain.     Are you taking anything with the Zoloft? I was taking 100mg Zoloft and 4mg Xanax daily, now I’m on 200mg Zoloft and 3mg Klonopin daily. That might also explain the rash, and the waking up thing.     Hope this is of some help for you. Much Love, Brooke

Hi Brooke, Do you take anything for the manic depression? Chip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am new to the group and am interpreted if people can give me any feed back on Zoloft. I started on Zoloft and two months ago after about of panic and depressive episodes. Though the attacks had seemed to be lessening, it seemed to make sense at the time to treat them to prevent a reoccurrence. The first two weeks were difficult on Xanax and brought back the panic as well as diarrhea, stomach upset, heart palpitations, but these went away and I began to increase my dosage from 25mg to the doctor recommended 50mg. I can’t say I feel that much better and am wondering whether these are side effects. I knew about the decreased sex drive and can probably handle that. One major difference is that I used to wake up early in the morning with a feeling of anxiety and now I can hardly drag myself out of bed at a normal time. I also experience frequent headaches as if my head and nose is pinched. I also am putting on weight. Also wondering about the rash that appeared unexpectedly on my arms (though this could be from something else; it is pretty mild.) Do these sound familiar to anyone? I also am wondering about the dosage of 50mg since I felt pretty good on 25mg and have heard that is a standard dosage. Any thoughts about decreasing dosage? — Tom Semmes 301-530-9586 Fax 301-530-9587

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I am new to the group and am interpreted if people can give me any feed back on Zoloft. I started on Zoloft and two months ago after about of panic and depressive episodes. Though the attacks had seemed to be lessening, it seemed to make sense at the time to treat them to prevent a reoccurrence. The first two weeks were difficult on Xanax and brought back the panic as well as diarrhea, stomach upset, heart palpitations, but these went away and I began to increase my dosage from 25mg to the doctor recommended 50mg. I can’t say I feel that much better and am wondering whether these are side effects.

Yes, these are common side effects from weaning on Zoloft and should be temporary. I knew about the decreased sex drive and can probably handle that. One major difference is that I used to wake up early in the morning with a feeling of anxiety and now I can hardly drag myself out of bed at a normal time. I also experience frequent headaches as if my head and nose is pinched. I also am putting on weight. Also wondering about the rash that appeared unexpectedly on my arms (though this could be from something else; it is pretty mild.) Do these sound familiar to anyone?

These can all be side effects, the headaches should be temporary. I also am wondering about the dosage of /50mg since I felt pretty good on 25mg and have heard that is a standard dosage. Any thoughts about decreasing dosage?

On the contrary you may not have noticed much positive change because you’re on a subtherapeutic dose. I think you should consult your doctor (hopefully a psychiatrist with some knowledge of anxiety disorders and not a GP…) about raising the dose. However, the best way to do this is in increments of 12.5 mg in order to avoid or minimize side effects caused by the dose increase. Having a benzo like Xanax or Ativan on the side to take *as needed* may be helpful too. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text — Tom Semmes 301-530-9586 Fax 301-530-9587

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I am new to the group and am interpreted if people can give me any feed back on Zoloft. I started on Zoloft and two months ago after about of panic and depressive episodes. Though the attacks had seemed to be lessening, it seemed to make sense at the time to treat them to prevent a reoccurrence. The first two weeks were difficult on Xanax and brought back the panic as well as diarrhea, stomach upset, heart palpitations, but these went away and I began to increase my dosage from 25mg to the doctor recommended 50mg. I can’t say I feel that much better and am wondering whether these are side effects. I knew about the decreased sex drive and can probably handle that. One major difference is that I used to wake up early in the morning with a feeling of anxiety and now I can hardly drag myself out of bed at a normal time. I also experience frequent headaches as if my head and nose is pinched. I also am putting on weight. Also wondering about the rash that appeared unexpectedly on my arms (though this could be from something else; it is pretty mild.) Do these sound familiar to anyone? I also am wondering about the dosage of 50mg since I felt pretty good on 25mg and have heard that is a standard dosage. Any thoughts about decreasing dosage? — Tom Semmes 301-530-9586 Fax 301-530-9587

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am new to the group and am interpreted if people can give me any feed back on Zoloft. I started on Zoloft and two months ago after about of panic and depressive episodes. Though the attacks had seemed to be lessening, it seemed to make sense at the time to treat them to prevent a reoccurrence. The first two weeks were difficult on Xanax and brought back the panic as well as diarrhea, stomach upset, heart palpitations, but these went away and I began to increase my dosage from 25mg to the doctor recommended 50mg. I can’t say I feel that much better and am wondering whether these are side effects. I knew about the decreased sex drive and can probably handle that. One major difference is that I used to wake up early in the morning with a feeling of anxiety and now I can hardly drag myself out of bed at a normal time. I also experience frequent headaches as if my head and nose is pinched. I also am putting on weight. Also wondering about the rash that appeared unexpectedly on my arms (though this could be from something else; it is pretty mild.) Do these sound familiar to anyone? I also am wondering about the dosage of 50mg since I felt pretty good on 25mg and have heard that is a standard dosage. Any thoughts about decreasing dosage?

Hi Tom, Welcome to ASAP! Alot of the symptoms you mentioned liked headache, weight gain and fatigue are side-effects of Zoloft. You could try going down to 25mgs ( ask your doctor first)  to see if the side-effects decrease but there is a good chance that 25mgs would not be enough to control your anxiety. The therapeutic dose of Zoloft is 100 to 200mgs, although there are people that do well on lower doses. It is also possible that better. Only you know what side-effects you are willing to tolerate or not tolerate. It is important that you talk to your doctor about what is going on so something can be done to help you. Take care Jackie ~*~When you get to the end of all the light you know and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: either you will be given something solid to stand on, or you will be taughhow to fly~*~

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My friend has an anxiety disorder-was recently prescribled 50 mg of Zoloft to take in the a.m.  She finds that she is very tired and ready for sleep around 2:30 p.m.   Is 50mg of Zoloft/day normally prescribed?  She’s complains of feeling too sedated. Thanks in advance for your response.  :0) Jennifer

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: :My friend has an anxiety disorder-was recently prescribled 50 mg of Zoloft to :take in the a.m.  She finds that she is very tired and ready for sleep around :2:30 p.m.   : :Is 50mg of Zoloft/day normally prescribed?  She’s complains of feeling too :sedated. : :Thanks in advance for your response.  :0) Dear Jennifer, Welcome to ASAP! Some people do well on 50mgs of Zoloft, others do well on 100mgs and then person to person. Sedation and feeling tired are common side-effects of antidepressants which is why it`s so important for people with anxiety disorder to start antidepressants at a low dose (zoloft would be12.5 or 25mgs) and to wean slowly (with Zoloft increasing the dose in 12.5 or 25 mg increments once a week or so). We tend to be sensitive to the side-effects of medication. Had your friend started Zoloft at 12.5 mg or even 25mgs the sedation may not have been so bad. She could try to stick this side-effect out, it might start to diminish once her body adjusts to the 50mgs. If she finds this side-effect is just too much for her, she should call her doctor and ask to lower her dose. Take care Jackie ~*~Do unto others as though you were the others~*~

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My friend has an anxiety disorder-was recently prescribled 50 mg of Zoloft to take in the a.m.  She finds that she is very tired and ready for sleep around 2:30 p.m. Is 50mg of Zoloft/day normally prescribed?  She’s complains of feeling too sedated. Thanks in advance for your response.  :0) Jennifer

If her sleepiness is due to the Zoloft, she could try 25 mg/day for awhile, and then raise the dose. Chip

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I definitely agree with lowering the dose initially. She could also try taking the 50mg at bedtime. Zoloft is one of those medications that usually must build up in the system over at least two weeks and it doesn’t really matter if you take it in the morning or at bedtime. Often it is just trial and error to find the regime that works best. Good luck, Russ,  M.D.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My friend has an anxiety disorder-was recently prescribled 50 mg of Zoloft to take in the a.m.  She finds that she is very tired and ready for sleep around 2:30 p.m. Is 50mg of Zoloft/day normally prescribed?  She’s complains of feeling too sedated. Thanks in advance for your response.  :0) Jennifer

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WHATS the story with Zoloft.Ive been on it for a week and still don,t feel any better.Please email me your xperiences with zoloft.Does it take a long time to work.  I DON,T want to give up on it yet I am taking 150mg a day Time wounds all heels!! Generally it takes up to 6 weeks for antidepressants to work.  Some though are fortunate that feel "something" happening by the end of the first week. Don’t give up.  Keep it up. I thought you might have written in another post about difficulty getting an orgasm.  This is experienced with SSRIs, and when it comes so soon after initiation of treatment it is more than likely due to that.  Let your MD know and he may want to change to another SSRI or some other antidepressant that does not have this side effect. kksoo

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Major Impact schreef: WHATS the story with Zoloft.Ive been on it for a week and still don,t feel any better.Please email me your xperiences with zoloft.Does it take a long time to work.  I DON,T want to give up on it yet I am taking 150mg a day Time wounds all heels!!

Alkthough I don’t have experiences with Zoloft I did take three other meds from the same (SSRI) group of antidepressants. These have in common that it may take awhile (anything up from 2-10 weeks) to take effect. So take that time to give the med a chance. After a week it’s already a very good sign that you experienced no side effects or heightened anxiety. This may well be the right med for you! Philip Peters – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –                                                                                                                                                l

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WHATS the story with Zoloft.Ive been on it for a week and still don,t feel any better.Please email me your xperiences with zoloft.Does it take a long time to work.  I DON,T want to give up on it yet I am taking 150mg a day Time wounds all heels!!                                                                                                                                                    l        

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  my 9 yr old son is taking zoloft..he started at 25mg the first week, now the 2nd week is up to 50 mg.  A little while after he takes it he says he feels hot and his head feels funny.  The whole day he is fine and it is really helping his impulsiveness, frustration and tantrums…these traits have nearly disappeared.  I am going to ask the doctor about it but is this normal?  He just was weaned off of Luvox at the same time he started the Zoloft. Debbie

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my 9 yr old son is taking zoloft..he started at 25mg the first week, now the 2nd week is up to 50 mg.  A little while after he takes it he says he feels hot and his head feels funny.  The whole day he is fine and it is really helping his impulsiveness, frustration and tantrums…these traits have nearly disappeared.  I am going to ask the doctor about it but is this normal?  He just was weaned off of Luvox at the same time he started the Zoloft. Debbie

Hi Debbie, Zoloft can cause sweating and headaches and that could be what your son is experiencing. I would mention this to the doctor, it should go away in a few weeks and appears to be mild, so I wouldn`t worry. That is wonderful that Zoloft has helped your son so much ) Take care!! Jackie

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Hopefully the side effects will go away. I had a really bad time on zoloft. Things did get better but I only took it for two days becuase I could not go to work. So mabe I’ll give a go when I have some space. Incidentally my doc said that the minumum dose was 50mg and that’s what I started on. I am in the UK, but this cannot be right. I think I may purchase myself a pill cutter — And god said. Let there be light. And there was light. But the darkness crept over me. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  my 9 yr old son is taking zoloft..he started at 25mg the first week, now the 2nd week is up to 50 mg.  A little while after he takes it he says he feels hot and his head feels funny.  The whole day he is fine and it is really helping his impulsiveness, frustration and tantrums…these traits have nearly disappeared.  I am going to ask the doctor about it but is this normal?  He just was weaned off of Luvox at the same time he started the Zoloft. Debbie

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I had the same symptoms the first couple of days after switching from Paxil. went to 50 the second week. Felt it for a while the first day of 50, but not since. Good luck to your son. Lee

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – my 9 yr old son is taking zoloft..he started at 25mg the first week, now the 2nd week is up to 50 mg.  A little while after he takes it he says he feels hot and his head feels funny.  The whole day he is fine and it is really helping his impulsiveness, frustration and tantrums…these traits have nearly disappeared.  I am going to ask the doctor about it but is this normal?  He just was weaned off of Luvox at the same time he started the Zoloft. Debbie Hi Debbie, Zoloft can cause sweating and headaches and that could be what your son is experiencing. I would mention this to the doctor, it should go away in a few weeks and appears to be mild, so I wouldn`t worry. That is wonderful that Zoloft has helped your son so much ) Take care!! Jackie

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Hopefully the side effects will go away. I had a really bad time on zoloft. Things did get better but I only took it for two days becuase I could not go to work. So mabe I’ll give a go when I have some space. Incidentally my doc said that the minumum dose was 50mg and that’s what I started on. I am in the UK, but this cannot be right. I think I may purchase myself a pill cutter

Oh yes, the UK where psychiatry still has to be invented…. 12.5 mg is the recommended starting dose (half a 25 mg tab), 25 mg may be managed but 50 mg is cruelty! Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — And god said. Let there be light. And there was light. But the darkness crept over me.  my 9 yr old son is taking zoloft..he started at 25mg the first week, now the 2nd week is up to 50 mg.  A little while after he takes it he says he feels hot and his head feels funny.  The whole day he is fine and it is really helping his impulsiveness, frustration and tantrums…these traits have nearly disappeared.  I am going to ask the doctor about it but is this normal?  He just was weaned off of Luvox at the same time he started the Zoloft. Debbie

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Oh yes, the UK where psychiatry still has to be invented…. Philip —

Not true!!! My shrink has a certificate of competence signed by no less a person than Noah (of Ark fame).  Must admit though I was a bit worried by the Thioridazine he gave me.  I could just make out on the label that it was best before 3000 BC — Jon Guite Live support and chat for anxiety and panic disorders at the #anx/pan chat room in Dalnet.  For details see http://www.skcldv.demon.co.uk/anxpanw.htm

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LEJ351 schreef: how long did it take for you to start feeling better?  I am only at 2 weeks and am still strugggling with insomnia, lack of appetite and  an acidic stomach.  I also use ativan as needed

Hopefully the Ativan will take you through these weeks as your body is adjusting to Zoloft. You should give Zoloft between 6-8 weeks to be able to evaluate its effect, but it’s entirely possible that you will feel better sooner than that. Philip

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I recently began taking zoloft and have never felt better.  I am curious why it seem many people take zoloft and xanax combo.  Does this help to alleviate some side effects?

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I recently began taking zoloft and have never felt better.  I am curious why it seem many people take zoloft and xanax combo.  Does this help to alleviate some side effects?

It does but when you don’t need it, so much the better! Glad it works! Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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how long did it take for you to start feeling better?  I am only at 2 weeks and am still strugggling with insomnia, lack of appetite and  an acidic stomach.  I also use ativan as needed

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how long did it take for you to start feeling better?  I am only at 2 weeks and am still strugggling with insomnia, lack of appetite and  an acidic stomach.  I also use ativan as needed

Hi: I am on ZOloft 25mg a day, and klonipin 3mg a day (all at bedtime)  I take benadryl 50mg PRN if I can’t get to sleep. For your stomach acidity, I had the same problem, and a simple dose of Zantac 75 (available without prescription) works wonders for the acid problem..in fact..NO problem!!!..It also doesn’t have any side effects. My pdoc lowered my Zoloft prescription after I found it caused too many side effects. At 25 mg’s at bedtime, it works wonders. I’ve been on it about a month now. Again, the benadryl as per needed, (even if I have to take it every second night!!) works great to knock off to sleep. Most impotantly, it keeps my sleep pattern regular.(ie. don’t sleep all day, and stay awake all night, which was my problem before I took the benadryl) Also, Gravol is simular to Benadryl, but a little bit milder, so may also want to consider this. These are non-prescription drugs, so you can take a shot yourself, and if they work..GREAT!! They’ve worked for me, and I’ve heard they worked well for many other, but, just try, as YMMV… Best of luck.. James — "All of us get lost in the darkness… Dreamers learn to stear by the stars.." Neil Peart, Rush, "The Pass"

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The feedback here is that it works for some people, doesn’t work for a lot of others. As I understand it, Meridia is not at all chemically similar to phen/fen and does not work on the system in a similar manner — the only similarity is that it is prescribed for the same condition, obesity. As for so-called "dangerous side effects," that should be "the suspicion that there might be dangerous side effects," not so far proven in any of the studies, but still generating enormous lawsuits. What there are already lawsuits going after Meridia, too? Tell me you’re kidding, please…

When the ambulance chasers salivating with greed invaded this newsgroup right after the recall, they were looking for people to join class actions for either of the two drugs. Inasmuch as I know someone who joined such a suit "just in case" — even though she had experienced no harm from the phen/fen — I can only assume that they got some Redux users, as well. I don’t know that any suits have been filed, but I know they were trying to get them started. — Truly Donovan reply to truly at lunemere dot com

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The feedback here is that it works for some people, doesn’t work for a lot of others. As I understand it, Meridia is not at all chemically similar to phen/fen and does not work on the system in a similar manner — the only similarity is that it is prescribed for the same condition, obesity. As for so-called "dangerous side effects," that should be "the suspicion that there might be dangerous side effects," not so far proven in any of the studies, but still generating enormous lawsuits. What there are already lawsuits going after Meridia, too? Tell me you’re kidding, please… When the ambulance chasers salivating with greed invaded this newsgroup right after the recall, they were looking for people to join class actions for either of the two drugs. Inasmuch as I know someone who joined such a suit "just in case" — even though she had experienced no harm from the phen/fen — I can only assume that they got some Redux users, as well. I don’t know that any suits have been filed, but I know they were trying to get them started.

Oh, so when you were talking about "dangerous side effects" and "enormous lawsuits" above you were talking about fen/Redux, and not Meridia, right? That wasn’t clear to me. As far as I know, the statute of limitations for filing class action suits on behalf of fen/phen "victims" has expired and I know of none that have been filed on time. As to invididual suits, none of them came out in favor of the so-called "victim". To email me, remove the X

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My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.  It is similar to Phen-Fen but without the dangerous side effects.  It works at stabilizing metabolism and reducing hunger.  His current users lose an average of 4 to 10 lbs. per month depending on if they exercise and diet in addtion to the pills.

I was on it for 6 weeks.  Didn’t work worth a damn–in fact, I think I gained a few pounds. My doctor switched me to phentermine, and I’ve been losing approx 10 pounds/month–35 now since May 1. — Steve Dyer

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My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.

My doctor put me on Meridia 4 weeks ago and so far so good!  I’ve lost 15 pounds and found that I feel full without a lot of cravings.  I’m also on  1000 calorie diet and trying to exercise on my treadmill 3-4 times a week.   I’ve been on 10mg but I’ve been feeling hungry and cravings the last few days so they’ve upped my prescription to 15mg which I’ll fill tomorrow. My major side effect was dry mouth, which has abated somewhat.  I had a killer headache on the second day but none since.  My blood pressure and heart rate are monitored regularly and haven’t shown any change, but I have always had low blood pressure so I wasn’t too worried about that possibility.  I was never on Fen/Phen so I can’t compare Meridia to it.  It is definitely nice to feel full without overeating for a change!! Kim 245/230/135 ComputerSmiths Consulting, Inc.                www.compusmiths.com   — Crafting Solutions for Computers

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If you give Meridia a try, I recommend having a complete physical before starting and then monitoring your blood pressure and heart rate carefully – perhaps even daily at first! While individual responses vary, mine was not so good. It suppressed my appetite to almost zero (positive!) but heart rate and blood pressure went up a lot. I felt great for the first two days. Then on day three of taking the medication I became so nauseous and light-headed I almost passed out at work and required medical attention. I was taking the recommended starting dose of 10 mg/day. It took three days for my heart rate to return to normal. The effect on my appetite was so dramatic that I am considering trying again at 5 mg dosage or taking 10 mg only every other day or two. — Katie– I never believe anything until it’s been officially denied. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.  It is similar to Phen-Fen but without the dangerous side effects.  It works at stabilizing metabolism and reducing hunger.  His current users lose an average of 4 to 10 lbs. per month depending on if they exercise and diet in addtion to the pills.

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My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.  It is similar to Phen-Fen but without the dangerous side effects.  It works at stabilizing metabolism and reducing hunger.  His current users lose an average of 4 to 10 lbs. per month depending on if they exercise and diet in addtion to the pills.

The feedback here is that it works for some people, doesn’t work for a lot of others. As I understand it, Meridia is not at all chemically similar to phen/fen and does not work on the system in a similar manner — the only similarity is that it is prescribed for the same condition, obesity. As for so-called "dangerous side effects," that should be "the suspicion that there might be dangerous side effects," not so far proven in any of the studies, but still generating enormous lawsuits. — Truly Donovan reply to truly at lunemere dot com

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The feedback here is that it works for some people, doesn’t work for a lot of others. As I understand it, Meridia is not at all chemically similar to phen/fen and does not work on the system in a similar manner — the only similarity is that it is prescribed for the same condition, obesity. As for so-called "dangerous side effects," that should be "the suspicion that there might be dangerous side effects," not so far proven in any of the studies, but still generating enormous lawsuits.

What there are already lawsuits going after Meridia, too? Tell me you’re kidding, please…

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My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.  It is similar to Phen-Fen but without the dangerous side effects.  It works at stabilizing metabolism and reducing hunger.  His current users lose an average of 4 to 10 lbs. per month depending on if they exercise and diet in addtion to the pills.

I just went off Meridia after two non-effective months.  I had killer PMS while on it too– carbo/salt cravings you wouldn’t believe. My dr attributes this to the weight I already lost– says that my hormones are just working much better now. Well gee thanks hormones. I’ve gained back 7 since they took away the Fen…. and somedays I feel like I’m tottering on the edge of gaining it all back – M.

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My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.  It is similar to Phen-Fen but without the dangerous side effects.  It works at stabilizing metabolism and reducing hunger.  His current users lose an average of 4 to 10 lbs. per month depending on if they exercise and diet in addtion to the pills.

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  As I understand it, Meridia is not at all chemically similar to   phen/fen and does not work on the system in a similar manner Meridia (sibutramine) is a chemically a phenethylamine, just like Dexedrine, phentermine, fenfluramine, and Redux.  Pharmacologically, it does not work the same way as those drugs; it’s mechanism is almost identical to that of the antidepressant drug Effexor (venlafaxine).  Effexor is useless for weight loss (except as an unwanted side effect in a small number of people) and so is Meridia.

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  My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.  It is similar to   Phen-Fen but without the dangerous side effects. There’s one other difference between Meridia and phen/fen: phen/fen worked, and Meridia doesn’t. Meridia wins on one count, however: it’s more expensive than phen/fen was. I predict that Meridia will be gone within a year, not because of some terrible side effect that’s discovered, but because it simply won’t sell. It doesn’t work any better than placebo.

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Meridia (sibutramine) is a chemically a phenethylamine, just like Dexedrine, phentermine, fenfluramine, and Redux.  Pharmacologically, it does not work the same way as those drugs; it’s mechanism is almost identical to that of the antidepressant drug Effexor (venlafaxine).  Effexor is useless for weight loss (except as an unwanted side effect in a small number of people) and so is Meridia.

Although I experienced a minor decrease in appetite while taking prozac, from what I understand more people gain weight on it than actually lose weight.  Do you know whether Effexor has the same reputation for causing weight gain?  If not, perhaps it would be worth a try to see if I’m one of that small number who loses. AB

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I’ve never heard of weight gain with Effexor.  A certain percentage of people experience weight loss with it, but the weight loss isn’t very significant.  I’ve been wondering lately whether Effexor combined with phentermine might be useful.  You could end up with overstimulation, at least theoretically, but it seems like they would potentiate one another. A few years ago, Lilly was going to try to get Prozac indicated for obesity. It does seem to suppress appetite in some people, but the effect is inconsistent, and even when it works, it’s not very dramatic. The world is still waiting for a really effective pharmacotherapy for obesity.  Phen/fen really seemed to have been it for a certain number of people, but I wasn’t one of them. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Meridia (sibutramine) is a chemically a phenethylamine, just like Dexedrine, phentermine, fenfluramine, and Redux.  Pharmacologically, it does not work the same way as those drugs; it’s mechanism is almost identical to that of the antidepressant drug Effexor (venlafaxine).  Effexor is useless for weight loss (except as an unwanted side effect in a small number of people) and so is Meridia. Although I experienced a minor decrease in appetite while taking prozac, from what I understand more people gain weight on it than actually lose weight.  Do you know whether Effexor has the same reputation for causing weight gain?  If not, perhaps it would be worth a try to see if I’m one of that small number who loses. AB

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:   I’ve just begun doing web searches for info on Effexor.  Having found :   anything addressing the combination of the Effexor and Phen yet.  Anyone :   have any info/ideas? : I haven’t found anything anywhere specifically addressing the combination. : A good place to look for information on stuff like this is MedLine, which : you can get to at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/ Okay, thanks. : The chemical name of Effexor is venlafaxine (MedLine refers to drugs by : their chemical names). : I’ve been searching for information on the combination of venlafaxine and : phentermine lately.  If I find anything, I’ll be sure to post it. : One possible concern about this combo would definitely be blood pressure. : Effexor, like Meridia (they’re very similar drugs) can cause a sustained : increase in blood pressure.  Phentermine can increase blood pressure too, : and should be used with caution where there’s already high blood pressure. : Of course, obesity has its own health risks, and on the balance, the risks : of the drug-induced hypertension may be offset by the benefits of weight : loss.  At least, this was the argument that Knoll (makers of Meridia) made : to get their product on the market. Yes, I’m a little worried about this doctor’s attention to health-related side effects – I realized after I left his office that he hadn’t even taken my blood pressure!  I’ve been having my blood pressure read every month or so throughout all med changes (phen/fen, phen/pro, etc.), and it’s always been around 110/70, so I’m not terribly worried, but obviously I’m going to have to be the one staying on top of what side effects to be worried about. It’s hard finding a doc who is informed about the brain/body aspects of obesity, knows the meds, the possible side effects, is open-minded (doesn’t prescribe diet/exercise exclusively), knows how to listen, and is a good overall doctor…  I just recently got med insurance after doing without (stupid, I know; I kept _meaning_ to get an individual plan, but the cost was offputting) for almost 2 years.  So I’m shopping. Julie

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My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.  It is similar to Phen-Fen but without the dangerous side effects. There’s one other difference between Meridia and phen/fen: phen/fen worked, and Meridia doesn’t. Meridia wins on one count, however: it’s more expensive than phen/fen was. I predict that Meridia will be gone within a year, not because of some terrible side effect that’s discovered, but because it simply won’t sell. It doesn’t work any better than placebo.

Placebos work for some people; so does Meridia. If it has to be expensive to have that effect, so be it. — Truly Donovan reply to truly at lunemere dot com

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  I’ve just begun doing web searches for info on Effexor.  Having found   anything addressing the combination of the Effexor and Phen yet.  Anyone   have any info/ideas? I haven’t found anything anywhere specifically addressing the combination. A good place to look for information on stuff like this is MedLine, which you can get to at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/ The chemical name of Effexor is venlafaxine (MedLine refers to drugs by their chemical names). I’ve been searching for information on the combination of venlafaxine and phentermine lately.  If I find anything, I’ll be sure to post it. One possible concern about this combo would definitely be blood pressure. Effexor, like Meridia (they’re very similar drugs) can cause a sustained increase in blood pressure.  Phentermine can increase blood pressure too, and should be used with caution where there’s already high blood pressure. Of course, obesity has its own health risks, and on the balance, the risks of the drug-induced hypertension may be offset by the benefits of weight loss.  At least, this was the argument that Knoll (makers of Meridia) made to get their product on the market.

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: I’ve never heard of weight gain with Effexor.  A certain percentage of : people experience weight loss with it, but the weight loss isn’t very : significant.  I’ve been wondering lately whether Effexor combined with : phentermine might be useful.  You could end up with overstimulation, at : least theoretically, but it seems like they would potentiate one another. Funny you should mention this.  Just yesterday I saw a new doctor, who seems to be developing a subspecialty in treating weight.  I told him my history – success with phen/fen, no success with Meridia or phen/pro or phen/wellbutrin, maintaining with difficulty on phen and 5-HTP.  He said that the only combo he’s been having success with has been phentermine and Effexor, so I’m starting that today.  Currently 30 mgs phentermine, 37.5 Effexor.   I’ve just begun doing web searches for info on Effexor.  Having found anything addressing the combination of the Effexor and Phen yet.  Anyone have any info/ideas? Julie

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I have been getting killer headaches when I take 15 mg, but not when I take 10 mg.  It’s happening consistantly enough that I think it’s related to the dosage.  Otherwise, I’ve been really happy with it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia. My doctor put me on Meridia 4 weeks ago and so far so good!  I’ve lost 15 pounds and found that I feel full without a lot of cravings.  I’m also on  1000 calorie diet and trying to exercise on my treadmill 3-4 times a week.   I’ve been on 10mg but I’ve been feeling hungry and cravings the last few days so they’ve upped my prescription to 15mg which I’ll fill tomorrow. My major side effect was dry mouth, which has abated somewhat.  I had a killer headache on the second day but none since.  My blood pressure and heart rate are monitored regularly and haven’t shown any change, but I have always had low blood pressure so I wasn’t too worried about that possibility.  I was never on Fen/Phen so I can’t compare Meridia to it.  It is definitely nice to feel full without overeating for a change!! Kim 245/230/135 ComputerSmiths Consulting, Inc.                www.compusmiths.com   — Crafting Solutions for Computers

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Do you know whether Effexor has the same reputation for causing weight gain?  If not, perhaps it would be worth a try to see if I’m one of that small number who loses. AB

I gained weiht on both drugs, not as much on Prozac, but quite a bit on Effexor, say 20 pounds over a 6 month period. JaneG

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My doctor has suggested I try the prescription Meridia.  It is similar to Phen-Fen but without the dangerous side effects.  It works at stabilizing metabolism and reducing hunger.  His current users lose an average of 4 to 10 lbs. per month depending on if they exercise and diet in addtion to the pills.

If they exercise and diet WITHOUT the pills they’ll lose 4 lbs a month.  It doesn’t sound like it’s worth it.

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Question:

I take a total of 375mg of Effexor (75mg tablets).  Does it matter when I take it?  I know that certain drugs it doesn’t matter when or how you break up the dosage, but in others it does make a difference.  Thanks for your help. T*A*R

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Apparently, Effexor needs to be taken twice a day as it doesn’t stay in the system as long as others. p – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I take a total of 375mg of Effexor (75mg tablets).  Does it matter when I take it?  I know that certain drugs it doesn’t matter when or how you break up the dosage, but in others it does make a difference.  Thanks for your help. T*A*R

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<Posted and Mailed Apparently, Effexor needs to be taken twice a day as it doesn’t stay in the system as long as others.

With that (375 mg) high of a dose of Effexor, I would definitely suggest taking it 4 times per day in order to level out the amount of antidepressant in a person’s system. I found that taking Effexor only twice per day induced ultra-rapid hypomanic swings in me. There is now a new extended release form of Effexor that should reduce this probability. However I have not personally tried that formulation. p I take a total of 375mg of Effexor (75mg tablets). Does it matter when I take it?  I know that certain drugs it doesn’t matter when or how you break up the dosage, but in others it does make a difference.  Thanks for your help.

That is a lot of Effexor! My guess is that your mood stabilizer is not doing its job for you adequately — if you need that large of a dosage of AD to keep you out of depression. I suggest that you talk with your pdoc if you are not satisfied with the effectiveness of your current mood stabilizer. If you start to take either of the two newer mood stabilizers (Neurontin or Lamictal), I strongly recommend that you discuss with your pdoc about cutting way back on your Effexor dose — else you will run the risk of being rapidly sent into (hypo)mania. BTW I take all my meds (with the exception of certain antibiotics and insulin) with meals or milk. This seems to help with stomach irritation and nausea. YSMV (Your Stomach May Vary). T*A*R

HTH! Best regards from, James — * Since I do not get a complete Newsfeed, I would appreciate receiving * * a copy of any responding posts. Please also indicate if you are      * * posting as well as emailing me. Thanks for helping me out!           *

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