– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I suppose the heading says it all but I’ll tell my story of woe. I am 39, diagnosed with asthma at 34 — although in retrospect, I suspect I’ve had it much longer (but I never complained to the doc. about my shortness of breath because I’m overweight and "knew" that he’d just tell me to loose weight). When I was first diagnosed at 34 I had quit smoking for about a year — then I started again about 1 yr after diagnosis (we won’t discuss that stupid decision). Anyways, I’ve always viewed my asthma as a very "minor" issue in my life. I took my steriodal inhalers — occasionally had to double dose in the AM — but generally I did pretty good. I quit smoking on August 11 of this year. On August 19 I woke in the morning and after ventolin managed a measely 150 on my Peak Flow (when my asthma is sort of in abeyance I blow around 400). Went to see the Dr. and was put on Prednisone — so I was taking Pred. 40 mg/day, Becloforte 2XDay, 4 puffs, plus ventolin. Things seemed to get better — off the pred. on August 25. On Sept. 1 I made a visit to emergency for a nebulizer and was put back on pred. On the 2nd, I ended up in hospital with asthma problems but with the additional diagnosis of pneumonia in my right lung. I was released today. SO…. still on Pred. with all the inherent nasty side-effects there, eurethromyecin (antibiotic), ventolin, becloforte (soon to be flovent)and alledgedly on the mend. However, I DON’T FEEL ON THE MEND. I feel much better than I did, I can get air into my passages, sort of, my peak flow is hovering between 220-260 (before and after ventolin), while after the nebs in the hospital I was getting about 310. I’m not wheezing. But, my lungs are tight, it hurts to inhale deeply, like I should, and I have so far resisted "double dosing" my ventolin, but the temptation is coming closer since I know that if I take my dose, wait 5 min. and take another, I can actually breath. Having now discovered "what" the problem is with asthma — can anyone tell me what to expect from here — what should I do, not do, see, take, not take….I’ve read the site that John Rhoades is linked too and the FAQ — I guess what I’m looking for now is some quick tips for the fast cure. I’m back to see a Doc. on Sept. 11 — this is all complicated by the fact that my Dr. has left town and I was in the process of getting a new one with this "crap" all happened. So….tell me — What should I be doing, saying etc. before and to the Dr.? All words of advice appreciated.
Under current US Guidelines, you should also be taking a long-term, bronchodilator; either salmeterol (Serevent) inhaler [2 puffs x 2] or theophylline SR [TheoDur] tablets. Ex-smokers sometimes benefit from using the Atrovent inhaler. A new inhaler, Combivent, combines Atrovent and Ventolin in one inhaler, for those who need both. It would be advisable to have lung function tests in a pulmonary test lab after you recover, to determine how much of your problem is asthma and how much is chronic bronchitis or emphysema. The later 2 conditions tend to be caused by smoking. You may benefit from programs in smoking cessation, diet, and exercise. Ellis
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I suppose the heading says it all but I’ll tell my story of woe. I am 39, diagnosed with asthma at 34 — although in retrospect, I suspect I’ve had it much longer (but I never complained to the doc. about my shortness of breath because I’m overweight and "knew" that he’d just tell me to loose weight). When I was first diagnosed at 34 I had quit smoking for about a year — then I started again about 1 yr after diagnosis (we won’t discuss that stupid decision). Anyways, I’ve always viewed my asthma as a very "minor" issue in my life. I took my steriodal inhalers — occasionally had to double dose in the AM — but generally I did pretty good. I quit smoking on August 11 of this year. On August 19 I woke in the morning and after ventolin managed a measely 150 on my Peak Flow (when my asthma is sort of in abeyance I blow around 400). Went to see the Dr. and was put on Prednisone — so I was taking Pred. 40 mg/day, Becloforte 2XDay, 4 puffs, plus ventolin. Things seemed to get better — off the pred. on August 25. On Sept. 1 I made a visit to emergency for a nebulizer and was put back on pred. On the 2nd, I ended up in hospital with asthma problems but with the additional diagnosis of pneumonia in my right lung. I was released today. SO…. still on Pred. with all the inherent nasty side-effects there, eurethromyecin (antibiotic), ventolin, becloforte (soon to be flovent)and alledgedly on the mend. However, I DON’T FEEL ON THE MEND. I feel much better than I did, I can get air into my passages, sort of, my peak flow is hovering between 220-260 (before and after ventolin), while after the nebs in the hospital I was getting about 310. I’m not wheezing. But, my lungs are tight, it hurts to inhale deeply, like I should, and I have so far resisted "double dosing" my ventolin, but the temptation is coming closer since I know that if I take my dose, wait 5 min. and take another, I can actually breath. Having now discovered "what" the problem is with asthma — can anyone tell me what to expect from here — what should I do, not do, see, take, not take….I’ve read the site that John Rhoades is linked too and the FAQ — I guess what I’m looking for now is some quick tips for the fast cure. I’m back to see a Doc. on Sept. 11 — this is all complicated by the fact that my Dr. has left town and I was in the process of getting a new one with this "crap" all happened. So….tell me — What should I be doing, saying etc. before and to the Dr.? All words of advice appreciated. Many thanks.
I am not a doctor but I have had similar problems with breathing during and after prednisone. Prednisone tends to bloat you just as eating a large meal can. Your stomach can push your lungs up and it becomes very hard to breathe. I would suggest to you, just as my dr. did to me, eat very small meals about 5-6 times a day. Your stomach will never be as full. Pneumonia can also damage your lungs somewhat. I can even be responsible for the onset of emphysema, especially in us astmatics. I have asthma and emphysema. Good luck and health to you. Sharon Adkins
I suppose the heading says it all but I’ll tell my story of woe. I am 39, diagnosed with asthma at 34 — although in retrospect, I suspect I’ve had it much longer (but I never complained to the doc. about my shortness of breath because I’m overweight and "knew" that he’d just tell me to loose weight). When I was first diagnosed at 34 I had quit smoking for about a year — then I started again about 1 yr after diagnosis (we won’t discuss that stupid decision). Anyways, I’ve always viewed my asthma as a very "minor" issue in my life. I took my steriodal inhalers — occasionally had to double dose in the AM — but generally I did pretty good. I quit smoking on August 11 of this year. On August 19 I woke in the morning and after ventolin managed a measely 150 on my Peak Flow (when my asthma is sort of in abeyance I blow around 400). Went to see the Dr. and was put on Prednisone — so I was taking Pred. 40 mg/day, Becloforte 2XDay, 4 puffs, plus ventolin. Things seemed to get better — off the pred. on August 25. On Sept. 1 I made a visit to emergency for a nebulizer and was put back on pred. On the 2nd, I ended up in hospital with asthma problems but with the additional diagnosis of pneumonia in my right lung. I was released today. SO…. still on Pred. with all the inherent nasty side-effects there, eurethromyecin (antibiotic), ventolin, becloforte (soon to be flovent)and alledgedly on the mend. However, I DON’T FEEL ON THE MEND. I feel much better than I did, I can get air into my passages, sort of, my peak flow is hovering between 220-260 (before and after ventolin), while after the nebs in the hospital I was getting about 310. I’m not wheezing. But, my lungs are tight, it hurts to inhale deeply, like I should, and I have so far resisted "double dosing" my ventolin, but the temptation is coming closer since I know that if I take my dose, wait 5 min. and take another, I can actually breath. Having now discovered "what" the problem is with asthma — can anyone tell me what to expect from here — what should I do, not do, see, take, not take….I’ve read the site that John Rhoades is linked too and the FAQ — I guess what I’m looking for now is some quick tips for the fast cure. I’m back to see a Doc. on Sept. 11 — this is all complicated by the fact that my Dr. has left town and I was in the process of getting a new one with this "crap" all happened. So….tell me — What should I be doing, saying etc. before and to the Dr.? All words of advice appreciated. Many thanks.
Kathleen, I wonder if you’ve cleaned (or had someone clean) your house thoroughly? After spending 5 days in the hospital earlier this month, I had my couch and carpets steam cleaned and paid a cleaning service to come in a clean REALLY good. Also, I purchased a HEPA air filtering machine and pillow and mattress covers that are made specifically with asthmatics and allergy sufferers in mind. Look around your house – do you have a lot of stuffed animals or things that collect and retain dust? If so, move ‘em out. That should help a lot. I’m trying to get in the habit of putting my bedding in the dryer for at least 20 minutes once a week. Supposedly, that gets rid of any dust mites that might be lurking. My point is have a good look at your environment. It can make a huge difference. Good luck – Laura
Dear Kathleen, Would you believe that many women find that their asthma actually becomes WORSE during pregnancy (or that they develop it for the first time)? I have not tried the non-drowsy antihistimines, but I know people who swear by them, and also people who have had trouble with irregular heart beat because of them. Vitamin C is purported to have antihistimine properties, I have tried this and it works well for me — 500 to 1000 mg during my mild season, 5000 to 8000 mg during my worst times. I am stunningly sensitive to medications, and I can take this amount without difficulty. Take the powder and mix it with water so that you are sipping it all day I take the buffered kind. To determine the amount that is right for you, just keep taking it until your bowels loosen, and back off from there. I have also read that pregnancy is a factor in candida overgrowth, which may aggravate your asthma / allergy symptoms. I tried an anti-candida diet for the first time this spring, and am having my most trouble free allergy season in a long time! You might want to investigate to see if the symptoms of candida overgrowth match yours. Candida Directory: The Comprehensive Guide to Yeast Free Living, by Helen Gustafson ASthma: Breathe Again Naturally and Reclaim Your Life, by Mimi Weisbord The Yeast Connection, by William G. Crook MD Good luck! Patti – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I was diagnosed with asthma a few years ago. Last spring & summer season went quite smoothly for me and I assumed credit should be given to the allergy shots and inhaler treatments. I am now beginning to wonder if that assumption was right. I was pregnant last spring & summer and my doctor had told me that you tend to have more resistance to things during pregnancy. It is now spring and I can’t breathe! I am taking Serevent inhaler 2puffs 2x daily, Flovent inhaler 2puffs 2x daily, Ventolin inhaler as needed (which is daily at least 3x), Nasacort nasal inhaler 2puffs each side daily, Uniphyl 400mg 2x daily, Intex Pse 2x daily and have been on Medral dose packs several times. It seems as though I walk outside and I’m immediately seized up. I do not want to spend my life indoors. I now believe the season was better for me due the increased resistancy while I was pregnant. I don’t plan on having anymore children and really want to breathe someday soon. Please help!! Any suggestions you may have would be helpful. Thank you
You might ask your doctor for allergy testing. If you are allergic to some of the springtime pollens then they may be causing your current problems. _If_ the problem is caused by allergy you may be able to reduce your medications by trying one of the new non-sedating antihistimines. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diagnosed with asthma a few years ago. Last spring & summer season went quite smoothly for me and I assumed credit should be given to the allergy shots and inhaler treatments. I am now beginning to wonder if that assumption was right. I was pregnant last spring & summer and my doctor had told me that you tend to have more resistance to things during pregnancy. It is now spring and I can’t breathe! I am taking Serevent inhaler 2puffs 2x daily, Flovent inhaler 2puffs 2x daily, Ventolin inhaler as needed (which is daily at least 3x), Nasacort nasal inhaler 2puffs each side daily, Uniphyl 400mg 2x daily, Intex Pse 2x daily and have been on Medral dose packs several times. It seems as though I walk outside and I’m immediately seized up. I do not want to spend my life indoors. I now believe the season was better for me due the increased resistancy while I was pregnant. I don’t plan on having anymore children and really want to breathe someday soon. Please help!! Any suggestions you may have would be helpful. Thank you
I was diagnosed with asthma a few years ago. Last spring & summer season went quite smoothly for me and I assumed credit should be given to the allergy shots and inhaler treatments. I am now beginning to wonder if that assumption was right. I was pregnant last spring & summer and my doctor had told me that you tend to have more resistance to things during pregnancy. It is now spring and I can’t breathe! I am taking Serevent inhaler 2puffs 2x daily, Flovent inhaler 2puffs 2x daily, Ventolin inhaler as needed (which is daily at least 3x), Nasacort nasal inhaler 2puffs each side daily, Uniphyl 400mg 2x daily, Intex Pse 2x daily and have been on Medral dose packs several times. It seems as though I walk outside and I’m immediately seized up. I do not want to spend my life indoors. I now believe the season was better for me due the increased resistancy while I was pregnant. I don’t plan on having anymore children and really want to breathe someday soon. Please help!! Any suggestions you may have would be helpful. Thank you
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diagnosed with asthma a few years ago. Last spring & summer season went quite smoothly for me and I assumed credit should be given to the allergy shots and inhaler treatments. I am now beginning to wonder if that assumption was right. I was pregnant last spring & summer and my doctor had told me that you tend to have more resistance to things during pregnancy. It is now spring and I can’t breathe! I am taking Serevent inhaler 2puffs 2x daily, Flovent inhaler 2puffs 2x daily, Ventolin inhaler as needed (which is daily at least 3x), Nasacort nasal inhaler 2puffs each side daily, Uniphyl 400mg 2x daily, Intex Pse 2x daily and have been on Medral dose packs several times. It seems as though I walk outside and I’m immediately seized up. I do not want to spend my life indoors. I now believe the season was better for me due the increased resistancy while I was pregnant. I don’t plan on having anymore children and really want to breathe someday soon. Please help!! Any suggestions you may have would be helpful. Thank you
Which Flovent inhaler are you using? Flovent 44, Flovent 110, or Flovent 220 These are for Low, Medium, and High dose applications. Sounds like you need more inhaled steroids, so may need to increase the dose. Have you had your allergies tested. Sounds like you might be allergic to grass pollen, or other plants in your vicinity. I recognize all your drugs except the Intex Pse? You are taking quite a few. One drug that might be worth trying is the new anti-leukotriene Singulair, a pill you take once/day. Somtimes immunotherapy (allergy shots) can be useful for those who are very allergic. Be sure to breathe thru your nose at all times, to filter the air going to the lungs. If you have any problems with sinusitis or GERD, they should be treated. Ellis
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-
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.
- 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-
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-
- 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-
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
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-
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-
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-
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.
I am 26 and have had asthma since I was a child. Today I consider my asthma to be well controlled. I use my bronchodilator two puffs twice a day (sometimes 3 if I exercise or otherwise trigger an attack), take singulair once a day, and am getting allergy shots which seem to be reducing my asthmatic reactions to allergens. However, I still have occasional mild attacks when I go out in the wind and cold or when I exercise. I use my inhaler (third time for the day) and it goes away. To me, this is much better than my asthma has ever been and I’m satisfied, but my doctor says having any asthma symptoms at all can cause airways remodeling. He wants me to take inhaled steroids (flovent) as well. I am worried about the flovent because I am at an extremely high risk for osteoporisis (my grandmother got it despite consuming 200% RDA calcium every day of her life and taking hormonal supplements after menopause–everything you’re supposed to do). Can an occasional mild, easily treatable attack really cause airways remodeling? (Also, consider that when I was young my asthma was not controlled well at all–I had frequent moderate attacks, a couple of severe ones, and had to use my bronchodilator 6 times a day, so I’m sure some remodeling has already occurred–I don’t know if that’s relevant). Also, how long does Serevent take to start working? I tried that once briefly and it didn’t seem to help, so I stopped, but am considering trying that again instead of the steroids. Thanks, Karen
Is trying a weaker inhaled steroid (such as Vanceril or even Azmacort) an option? The side effects of steroids are more severe the stronger the steroid is, as I understand it, and Flovent is one of the stronger ones.
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am 26 and have had asthma since I was a child. Today I consider my asthma to be well controlled. I use my bronchodilator two puffs twice a day (sometimes 3 if I exercise or otherwise trigger an attack), take singulair once a day, and am getting allergy shots which seem to be reducing my asthmatic reactions to allergens. However, I still have occasional mild attacks when I go out in the wind and cold or when I exercise. I use my inhaler (third time for the day) and it goes away. To me, this is much better than my asthma has ever been and I’m satisfied, but my doctor says having any asthma symptoms at all can cause airways remodeling. He wants me to take inhaled steroids (flovent) as well. I am worried about the flovent because I am at an extremely high risk for osteoporisis (my grandmother got it despite consuming 200% RDA calcium every day of her life and taking hormonal supplements after menopause–everything you’re supposed to do). Can an occasional mild, easily treatable attack really cause airways remodeling? (Also, consider that when I was young my asthma was not controlled well at all–I had frequent moderate attacks, a couple of severe ones, and had to use my bronchodilator 6 times a day, so I’m sure some remodeling has already occurred–I don’t know if that’s relevant). Also, how long does Serevent take to start working? I tried that once briefly and it didn’t seem to help, so I stopped, but am considering trying that again instead of the steroids. Thanks, Karen
I would recommend consider going on low dose beclomethasone; say 2 pf Vancenase or Beclovent twice a day. Beclomethasone is the steroid inhaler with the longest history of safety and is the one recommended in pregnancy. The dose is 42 ug beclomethasone per puff, so 4 puffs is only 168 ug/day. This should help prevent remodeling. There are some concerns that some other steroid inhalers like Azmacort, maybe even Flovent, have more severe side effects; certainly their record is much shorter. Serevent is a long-acting bronchodilator. It should start working within 15 minutes and peaks out at about 4 hours later. Regarding calcium, note that vitamin D is also needed to enable absorption; this can come from milk, vitamin pills or sunshine. Ellis
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My anxiety/panic attacks are actually a lot better than they use to be. My depression isn’t as intense as it was say a couple of months ago either. Right now, my biggest problem seems to be obsessive thoughts that I cannot get out of my mind. For example, I called a lady friend of mine night before last and she still hasn’t called me back. She normally calls be back shortly after I call her. This evening I have gotten myself all worked up about her not calling, thinking that she doesn’t like me anymore or is mad at me about something. Does anyone else experience this obsessive type of thinking? Is it part of anxiety or is it possibly a deeper problem? Take care and happy Easter. Yes. A thought goes through my mind and it circulates and intensifies and it becomes very hard to get rid of. At times the thoughts are very positive obsessions (now that the Zoloft is lifting the depression); other times they are negative obsessions. It could be part of anxiety or depression IMO. The Zoloft has merely transferred them more often to the "positive zone." Of course, you constantly have to work to break those negative cycles. Don’t simmer on anything but positive obsessions.
Hello Marie, Thanks for your reply. Obsessing about things is a big problem with me. It seems everyday I am obsessing about some new thought or worry. I have been really bad for this for about six years now. Sometimes I’ll get so worked up I’ll be just beside myself and don’t know what to do. When I get like this Seroquel PRN seems to be really helpful. Anyways, thanks again for your reply. Take care. Chris Hecker
Hello group, I have been struggling with anxiety pretty much my entire adult life. In addition to anxiety I also suffer from depression, possibly bi-polar. The meds that I am curently on are Effexor XR- 150 mg Seroquel – 50 mg HS Inderal (to counteract shaking caused by my meds) 40 mg Lithium carbonate – 600 mg HS My anxiety/panic attacks are actually a lot better than they use to be. My depression isn’t as intense as it was say a couple of months ago either. Right now, my biggest problem seems to be obsessive thoughts that I cannot get out of my mind. For example, I called a lady friend of mine night before last and she still hasn’t called me back. She normally calls be back shortly after I call her. This evening I have gotten myself all worked up about her not calling, thinking that she doesn’t like me anymore or is mad at me about something. Does anyone else experience this obsessive type of thinking? Is it part of anxiety or is it possibly a deeper problem? Take care and happy Easter. Chris H. Internet Security 101 – http://www.internetsecurity101.net
My anxiety/panic attacks are actually a lot better than they use to be. My depression isn’t as intense as it was say a couple of months ago either. Right now, my biggest problem seems to be obsessive thoughts that I cannot get out of my mind. For example, I called a lady friend of mine night before last and she still hasn’t called me back. She normally calls be back shortly after I call her. This evening I have gotten myself all worked up about her not calling, thinking that she doesn’t like me anymore or is mad at me about something. Does anyone else experience this obsessive type of thinking? Is it part of anxiety or is it possibly a deeper problem? Take care and happy Easter.
Yes. A thought goes through my mind and it circulates and intensifies and it becomes very hard to get rid of. At times the thoughts are very positive obsessions (now that the Zoloft is lifting the depression); other times they are negative obsessions. It could be part of anxiety or depression IMO. The Zoloft has merely transferred them more often to the "positive zone." Of course, you constantly have to work to break those negative cycles. Don’t simmer on anything but positive obsessions.
I am currently taking Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Dalmane. I lost my father to terminal lung cancer in March 2000, my husband of 20 years left me 4 months later for someone he’d been having an affair with for quite some time which I was unaware of. We are now divorced ( I initiated it) and he will no longer speak to me as per his significant other. I am in therapy, but feel as though I have reached the end of my rope. There are no friends to call any more, not that there were in the beginning. No one likes bad news apparently it is contagious. What can I do to keep going with feeling lilke I’m going to "Hemingway" every morning. Thanks for any response. M
I am currently taking Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Dalmane. I lost my father to terminal lung cancer in March 2000, my husband of 20 years left me 4 months later for someone he’d been having an affair with for quite some time which I was unaware of. We are now divorced ( I initiated it) and he will no longer speak to me as per his significant other. I am in therapy, but feel as though I have reached the end of my rope. There are no friends to call any more, not that there were in the beginning. No one likes bad news apparently it is contagious. What can I do to keep going with feeling lilke I’m going to "Hemingway" every morning. Thanks for any response. M
Hi, I wonder why you are on both Zoloft and Welbutrin? Do you have any kids? Do you know if Margo Hemingway is related to Ernest? She went out the Hemingway too didn’t she? hope you feel better soon.
Welcome to ASD. I understand how you are feeling. You can talk about things here. And you will most likely make friends here. Stan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently taking Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Dalmane. I lost my father to terminal lung cancer in March 2000, my husband of 20 years left me 4 months later for someone he’d been having an affair with for quite some time which I was unaware of. We are now divorced ( I initiated it) and he will no longer speak to me as per his significant other. I am in therapy, but feel as though I have reached the end of my rope. There are no friends to call any more, not that there were in the beginning. No one likes bad news apparently it is contagious. What can I do to keep going with feeling lilke I’m going to "Hemingway" every morning. Thanks for any response. M
I know, people think that misfortune is like a disease. Everyone was all over me while I was pregnant, and nobody wants to come near me since my son has died, except the ones who really matter. It hurts though. Some people are ignorant assholes. That is really horrible shit to go through. Do anything for yourself that makes you feel better, the meds, talk therapy, a whole tub of chocolate icecream… You deserve it. Your husband’s actions would make a lot of people feel worthless, but I hope you know you’re not, now, and taking the initiative in leaving him was a step in the right direction, in building a new life for yourself where _you_ are important. The same thing happened to my best friend’s mother, she also lost her father to cancer and her husband cheated on her and is now living with the other woman. She did go through a really depressed period where she was hospitalised and tried to take her life, but now she’s studying fine art and is a much happier and more successful person than she ever was with her husband. It does happen, but give yourself time, and love. What doesn’t kill you will eventually make you stronger, so for now I too am just concentrating on staying alive. Amy
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently taking Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Dalmane. I lost my father to terminal lung cancer in March 2000, my husband of 20 years left me 4 months later for someone he’d been having an affair with for quite some time which I was unaware of. We are now divorced ( I initiated it) and he will no longer speak to me as per his significant other. I am in therapy, but feel as though I have reached the end of my rope. There are no friends to call any more, not that there were in the beginning. No one likes bad news apparently it is contagious. What can I do to keep going with feeling lilke I’m going to "Hemingway" every morning. Thanks for any response. M
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently taking Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Dalmane. I lost my father to terminal lung cancer in March 2000, my husband of 20 years left me 4 months later for someone he’d been having an affair with for quite some time which I was unaware of. We are now divorced ( I initiated it) and he will no longer speak to me as per his significant other. I am in therapy, but feel as though I have reached the end of my rope. There are no friends to call any more, not that there were in the beginning. No one likes bad news apparently it is contagious. What can I do to keep going with feeling lilke I’m going to "Hemingway" every morning. Thanks for any response. M
Hi M I’m taking 40mg Prozac and two hundred mg Welbutrin now for the past 30 days or so. I think that I’m feeling better, but that just may be the Glenn Livet. I see many parallels in your story to mine, although I have *always* had a predisposition toward clinical depression. This is a good place to be. You will find that just "being" with similarly afflicted souls will make you feel better (at least that is my experience). Welcome. Read, and post whne you feel like it. -=oc=-
Hope you feel better soon, but just thought that I would add that Wellbutrin kept me awake for 2 weeks before I gave up. Just something to keep in mind. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently taking Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Dalmane. I lost my father to terminal lung cancer in March 2000, my husband of 20 years left me 4 months later for someone he’d been having an affair with for quite some time which I was unaware of. We are now divorced ( I initiated it) and he will no longer speak to me as per his significant other. I am in therapy, but feel as though I have reached the end of my rope. There are no friends to call any more, not that there were in the beginning. No one likes bad news apparently it is contagious. What can I do to keep going with feeling lilke I’m going to "Hemingway" every morning. Thanks for any response. M
Well, a man is only as faithful as his options…I guess it’s their payback for being the buyer in the dating game….since women have a sex life while men have ’sex years’. But you can get a little satisfaction from the probability that he’ll do the same thing to her….who know’s, maybe you stole him from one upstream? But what are we supposed to make stop? If you don’t want pain, avoid humans. They’re always gonna disappoint. Get a dog…..or you can be unoriginal like 99.9% of the other women pet owners on the planet and get a cat. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am currently taking Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Dalmane. I lost my father to terminal lung cancer in March 2000, my husband of 20 years left me 4 months later for someone he’d been having an affair with for quite some time which I was unaware of. We are now divorced ( I initiated it) and he will no longer speak to me as per his significant other. I am in therapy, but feel as though I have reached the end of my rope. There are no friends to call any more, not that there were in the beginning. No one likes bad news apparently it is contagious. What can I do to keep going with feeling lilke I’m going to "Hemingway" every morning. Thanks for any response. M
Margaux Hemingway was a granddaughter of Ernest. She died from an overdose of sedatives, probably Klonopin per CNN. She was the fifth person in her family to suicide. sad. Erminia
yes very sad, seems like a legacy for them. it just shows how suicide causes more suicide.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently taking Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Dalmane. I lost my father to terminal lung cancer in March 2000, my husband of 20 years left me 4 months later for someone he’d been having an affair with for quite some time which I was unaware of. We are now divorced ( I initiated it) and he will no longer speak to me as per his significant other. I am in therapy, but feel as though I have reached the end of my rope. There are no friends to call any more, not that there were in the beginning. No one likes bad news apparently it is contagious. What can I do to keep going with feeling lilke I’m going to "Hemingway" every morning. Thanks for any response. M Hi, I wonder why you are on both Zoloft and Welbutrin? Do you have any kids? Do you know if Margo Hemingway is related to Ernest? She went out the Hemingway too didn’t she? hope you feel better soon.
Margaux Hemingway was a granddaughter of Ernest. She died from an overdose of sedatives, probably Klonopin per CNN. She was the fifth person in her family to suicide. sad. Erminia
I’ve been depressed for the past several months and I sleep too much. My new doc perscibed prozac and trazodone, has anyone had this experience? wil
Hi! I was on Prozac and Trazedone for a couple of years. I am still taking Trazedone at night (taking other meds during the day). Trazedone at a therapeutic dose at night will help you sleep good and hopefully will enable you after 8 hours of sleep to awaken refreshed and the Prozac should help keep you movin during the day. My new doc perscibed prozac and trazodone, has anyone had this experience?
<//< Cynthia / Southern California "Jesus Wept"
I’ve been depressed for the past several months and I sleep too much. My new doc perscibed prozac and trazodone, has anyone had this experience? wil
Wil, I used to take both these meds well before my diagnosis was well defined. I recall the prozac made me feel slightly "wired" and buzzing, and the trazodone was to help with sleep – and it also was supposed to counter the sexual side-effects of the prozac (I found trazodone didn’t help with that). I later switched to zoloft. For sleep I was later prescribed ambien (which again was supposed to counter the sexual side-effects of zoloft – it didn’t work for me). best, Rick S.
Wilfredo, I took prozac for a while and trazadone also. Separately. I’m currently on no meds for depression (except my thyroid LOL) but I do still occasionally take 50-100 mg of trazadone at night to sleep. My psychiatrist gave it to me and continues to prescribe it. It’s on an as needed basis. I love that stuff! Jane
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been depressed for the past several months and I sleep too much. My new doc perscibed prozac and trazodone, has anyone had this experience? wil Wil, I used to take both these meds well before my diagnosis was well defined. I recall the prozac made me feel slightly "wired" and buzzing, and the trazodone was to help with sleep – and it also was supposed to counter the sexual side-effects of the prozac (I found trazodone didn’t help with that). I later switched to zoloft. For sleep I was later prescribed ambien (which again was supposed to counter the sexual side-effects of zoloft – it didn’t work for me). best, Rick S.
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Tonight i am going to cut my usual pill in half making my daily dose .25 less then regular..how long should i maintain this before reducing more?? My shrink is on holidays and i finally got up enough courage to try a new med….sheesh shitty timing on my part.. also is it ok to advil for headaches while on these meds? I also take 40mgs a day of propanolol…thanks Shannon 
oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks
Shannon, You shouldn’t wean off Xanax while weaning on Celexa. Xanax helps you avoiding initial Celexa side effects which you’re so afraid of. So you’d better wait till Celexa is working properly. You can take Advil for headaches with your other meds but it might be a good question to consider whether your headache is’t an anxiety symptom too which may disappear when the Celexa will have kicked in (which may take a while, up to eight weeks although beneficial effect may come much earlier). Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – —
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Tonight i am going to cut my usual pill in half making my daily dose .25 less then regular..how long should i maintain this before reducing more?? My shrink is on holidays and i finally got up enough courage to try a new med….sheesh shitty timing on my part.. also is it ok to advil for headaches while on these meds? I also take 40mgs a day of propanolol…thanks Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks
Shannon – I’ll start with the positive report that I’ve been on Zoloft (another SSRI like Celexa) for 10 weeks with no big problems with side-effects…I have another friend who’s fiancee is on Celexa and loves it! Also, I’ve been on Xanax and Zoloft the entire time and have taken Advil several times with no problems… As far as the Xanax weening, take your time…I was taking .25 mg/ 6 times a day…I am now down to three…First things first, I would not reduce your Xanax for at least several weeks so that you have time to adjust to the Celexa and see some results (the AD’s will not do anything for several weeks). From my doctor’s advice and my own experience I recommend the following to ensure no problems: Reduce your intake by no more than .25 mg/week…The best thing to do is to stop taking it first at times when you normally feel least anxious (for me the bedtime dose went first)…Also, DON’T feel like you must adhere to your reduced dosage…If you are having breakthrough problems (as per me the last few days), I’ve found you are much better off taking the extra dose that day so that you don’t aggrevate your situation…You should be able to go to your reduced dose as soon as your breakthrough ends… Hope this all helps… — Charles Phipps
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks Shannon – I’ll start with the positive report that I’ve been on Zoloft (another SSRI like Celexa) for 10 weeks with no big problems with side-effects…I have another friend who’s fiancee is on Celexa and loves it! Also, I’ve been on Xanax and Zoloft the entire time and have taken Advil several times with no problems… As far as the Xanax weening, take your time…I was taking .25 mg/ 6 times a day…I am now down to three…First things first, I would not reduce your Xanax for at least several weeks so that you have time to adjust to the Celexa and see some results (the AD’s will not do anything for several weeks). From my doctor’s advice and my own experience I recommend the following to ensure no problems: Reduce your intake by no more than .25 mg/week…The best thing to do is to stop taking it first at times when you normally feel least anxious (for me the bedtime dose went first)…Also, DON’T feel like you must adhere to your reduced dosage…If you are having breakthrough problems (as per me the last few days), I’ve found you are much better off taking the extra dose that day so that you don’t aggrevate your situation…You should be able to go to your reduced dose as soon as your breakthrough ends… Hope this all helps… — Charles Phipps
Hi Shannon! I’m only 6 weeks ahead of you! Just Xanax and Celexa-not the other one. I didn’t even discuss weaning for the 1st 4 weeks when everything started kicking in with the Celexa. My doc said I’d probably "know" when it was time and she was right. Now that the Celexa is working, the Xanax actually works like it does for people without panic-I get too sleepy! And like Charles, I’ve had moments or a day when I had to take that extra .25mg after not having it-just try to go with the flow, which will probably be your mood eventually anyway. Just take it a day at a time. BTW, I was on 3mgs a day total of Xanax for almost 3 years-I’m down to 2.25mgs a day and everythings been just fine. Celexa does work well. Try to get back to me when you want to know about any of the less pretty aspects…most were transient and not bad at all. I thought it was helpful to find people who had the same reactions. Otherwise, I think I would have been more paranoid. Let me know. Denise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Tonight i am going to cut my usual pill in half making my daily dose .25 less then regular..how long should i maintain this before reducing more?? My shrink is on holidays and i finally got up enough courage to try a new med….sheesh shitty timing on my part.. also is it ok to advil for headaches while on these meds? I also take 40mgs a day of propanolol…thanks Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks — Shannon the Barbarian ~*Note To Self : Never, ever post to a Newsgroup again without Headgear and Full Body Armor*~
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Tonight i am going to cut my usual pill in half making my daily dose .25 less then regular..how long should i maintain this before reducing more?? My shrink is on holidays and i finally got up enough courage to try a new med….sheesh shitty timing on my part.. also is it ok to advil for headaches while on these meds? I also take 40mgs a day of propanolol…thanks Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks
Hi Shannon, In my opinion this is not the time to be weaning off your Xanax. Most people while weaning on a anti-depressant use a benzo to help them. If you start getting funny physical sensations, you might blame the Celexa when it is really being caused by weaning off Xanax. Who told you that you had to wean off Xanax? I really advise you against decreasing your Xanax dose as of this time. You need to talk to your therapist when he gets back from holiday. I do not recommend taking Advil with the Propanolol. I would call your doctor and discuss this with him. There is a possible interaction if you take the two, and that is a decreased anti-hypertensive effect of the Propanolol. Tylenol should be fine. I think I answered you questions without saying anything bad about the Celexa…..<G!!!! Good luck!! Jackie "Strange as it may seem, my life is based on a true story
Well, I have stumbled into a setback the last few days…I am much more functional since I started the Zoloft, and when my time is occupied I do pretty dang well…However, the last couple of days, I have been alone with not much to occupy my time…This has been difficult…Not as bad as before but difficult…Today I cannot enjoy my usual Sunday morning lounge with paper in hand…Now I am begining to worry that I have peaked in the effect I will get from the Zoloft/Xanax combo…Could this be? I am just about through with week 4 (2 weeks at 50, 2 at 100), will I see more improvement as the weeks go on…I got lots of improvement after 2 weeks, but haven’t seen any since…Need some good stuff today from you all! 
Hi Charles, I can only speak from my experience with Paxil, the way I felt at week 4 was alright, the way I felt at week 8 was good. I had a slow but steady improvement from the second week on Paxil which was the beginning of April, all the way through the summer, even though I didn`t increase my dose past the beginning of May. And I do remember having a off week around week 9 or 10, it had to do with a conflict I had with a family member. And I was so afraid I was having a setback or the med stopped working, which just added to my anxiety. Being alone use to be a trigger for my anxiety, I think it was a lack of stimulation for me. I can tell you since being on Paxil, I LOVE being alone when I have the opportunity. My husband just had a business trip to Mexico, and normally I would be anxious, I enjoyed him being gone, this tells me I am really doing well( or maybe it is that he annoys the hell out of me <g ) You are having a rough week, but the Zoloft probably has not reached full effectiveness. You have to give it more time. I know this is easier said than done, but you need to occupy your mind. When I had a problem with boredom, what would happen is my thoughts turn inward, thinking about my anxiety and monitoring every sensation and twitch I was having. Even though you are having a bad time, from what you wrote I see improvement. Sometimes getting better isn`t just measured in having "good" days, but how we handle our bad days, and you say yourself, it is not as difficult as before. That tells me Zoloft is having a effect on you. Patience my dear friend, you will get there. *Hugs* P.S. And in a few weeks, if you feel you are`nt at the place you want to be, maybe increasing the Zoloft, you can go as high as 200mgs. Jackie "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I cannot accept, And the wisdom to hide the bodies of those I had to kill today because they ticked me off and also, help me to be careful of the toes I step on today, as they may be connected to the butt I may have to kiss tomorrow.
Hi Charles! I cannot help with the meds questions, but I did want you to know that I am sending positive thoughts your way1 I hope you feel better soon! Being alone is tough, I know but you will get through it! Hang in there! Steph
Charles Writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -To all: Well, I have stumbled into a setback the last few days…I am much more functional since I started the Zoloft, and when my time is occupied I do pretty dang well…However, the last couple of days, I have been alone with not much to occupy my time…This has been difficult…Not as bad as before but difficult…Today I cannot enjoy my usual Sunday morning lounge with paper in hand…Now I am begining to worry that I have peaked in the effect I will get from the Zoloft/Xanax combo…Could this be? I am just about through with week 4 (2 weeks at 50, 2 at 100), will I see more improvement as the weeks go on…I got lots of improvement after 2 weeks, but haven’t seen any since…Need some good stuff today from you all! Thanks, — Charles Phipps
What are some of the side effects of the drug Paxil? One person has mentioned headaches.
what are some of the side effects of the drug Paxil? one person has mentioned headaches. Paxil (paroxetine) may cause side effects similar to those of the other major serotonin reuptake inhibitors currently on the market, Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline), namely: dryness of the eyes and mouth, mild constipation, restless sleep or insomnia, and decreased libido. i have been taking paxil for depression for the past six months and have experienced all of these effects, but they have all abated as time passes, except that i still have problems with restless sleep, and bruxism or grinding of the teeth during sleep. i’ve been experimenting with timing of the dosage to prevent this. apparently Paxil gives some people a feeling of more energy, and some a feeling of tiredness. i was advised that it has the least side effects of any of the serotonin reuptake inhibitors, especially in the area of stomach upset and/or decreased appetite. i haven’t experienced either of these, nor have i had headaches. i don’t want to take it forever, but i’ve had good results with it–in combination with sessions with a reputable therapist–for depression/social phobia. megan