Question:

Hi, I was wondering what your opinions/experiances are with regard to brand names vs. generic drugs. I am curious about effectiveness/side effects etc. I think I will be starting on Ritalin but I am interested in your thoughts on what ever it is you take as I know sometimes meds. get switched. Thank You! Vince

Response:

I’ve been taking methylphenidate for 4 years now (since age 17) and I’ve definitely noticed a difference between the generic and brand name.  Next time I go for a refill I’m going to have my psych. put an exception code on the Rx so my insurance will cover the regular Ritalin because the generic is unpredictable.  Perhaps compounding matters is the fact that I’m on the sustained-release form, and generic SR seems to sometimes release too quickly or seemingly not at all.  It’s annoying.  It’s better than nothing, but when I had the brand name stuff I didn’t have that problem even with the SR.  I’d actually like to go back to a more frequent dose of the regular release rather than the SR, but I’ll have to see what my dr. says.  Hope this helps, Anne * 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:

brand names vs. generic drugs.

My son takes Ritalin SR and only brand name. When he got the generic it made him terribly sick to his stomach and he said the drug effects were different. Not so with brand. Now we have the Dr. write on the prescription ‘medically necessary’ so the pharmacy will give him brand instead of generic. As best I understand it, generic drugs only have to have a certain percentage of the active drug per batch in order to be considered that drug. Therefore, the formulation per pill can be quite undependable. The brand name drugs are more careful to ensure consistency of dosage per pill. Just my .02 worth. Stefanie "Give of yourself unto others and to life, for what you reap is beyond measure or compare" Me…

Response:

I’ve been taking methylphenidate for 4 years now (since age 17) and I’ve definitely noticed a difference between the generic and brand name.

A friends son had much the same experience, not with SR, just plain. The brand name worked MUCH better and it was kind of a blind test because he didn’t know of the switch.

Response:

I’ve been taking methylphenidate for 4 years now (since age 17) and I’ve definitely noticed a difference between the generic and brand name. A friends son had much the same experience, not with SR, just plain. The brand name worked MUCH better and it was kind of a blind test because he didn’t know of the switch.

When our son was taking Ritalin, we, and his teachers noticed the difference between generic and brand.  They would call and ask if we had forgotten to give it to him…. Those were the 10 mg tablets, however.  We didn’t notice a big difference in the 20MG slow release, however.  Then again, we were living in a different area, and using a different pharmacy. Does anybody know how many pharmaceutical companies make generic?  When we originally complained to the first phamacy (large retail grocery chain), their pharmacist got a little huffy and said that their generics were "the finest" or whatever.  I know it’s a silly question, but was just wondering….:-)   Thanks

Response:

I used to work for a Pharmaceutical company that manufactured generics. Although we did not produce a generic for Ritalin, I can say that the company had to follow strict guidelines as to the way the drug performed.  The FDA splits hairs before they give approval on a generic drug.  One thing I remember them saying was that a drug had to perform within a certain percentage of deviance from the Branded product.  If you were taking a gen that was on the outer upper limit and switched to the outer lower limit, that is a big difference from drug to drug. Although my knowlege of this stuff is limited I hope what little I have said has helped…..

Response:

That is interesting because my HMO changed their generic methylphenidate about a year and a half ago.  The generic they used to have actually worked pretty well, but the stuff they switched to seems to be defective.  I tried the regular Ritalin shortly after the switch to the new generic, and it was very effective.  Then for some reason my doctor didn’t put the exception code on the Rx, and I had to get the bad generic again.  It’s good enough for me to keep paying attention in school, etc., but I never know when I take it if it is going to be a dose that "works" or doesn’t. Anne * 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:

This is a good analogy for me as one of the primary reasons for me trying it is to be able to pay attention in class and do homework. I also want it to be able to perform daily chores/maintenance etc. like other people. Vince

Response:

be glad they have generic Rialin – I lost my insurance coverage and now a months worth of adderal, which has no generic equivalent, costs over $100…count your blessings

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After this I tried Celexa, Effexor and Zoloft.  Each helped for a week or two and then the irritability and aggression began to steadily increase until it became urgent that I stop the drug. Hi Louise, I had feelings and thoughts of aggression for a few weeks after starting to raise the Zoloft dose to high levels. What I did was take a little bit of Benadryl, about a few grains from a broken store-brand capsule, to settle the agitation.  Eventually after a few days of the Benadryl the agitation stopped and never came back again. I also started raising the dose very gradually. I have a family history of bipolar (called manic depressive back then), and my pdoc concluded that I should NEVER take any more SSRIs because I have the biological tendency to become manic from them. Are you sure you are manic on them permanently? Some of us get manic on them for a while, but only for a while. I was euphorically hypomanic from Zoloft for four months, with some jitters thrown in.  Eventually all that left. How long were you on any of the SSRIs? So, does anyone know whether the Klonopin would prevent the irritable, agitated and aggressive symptoms that I always get after a few weeks on an SSRI?  Would it be worth trying an SSRI now that I am solidly on Klonopin or is it likely that the same thing will happen? Well, I took Benadryl for a few days to calm down the agitation. It wasn’t much–just a few grains once or twice a day–not enough to make one sleepy. It worked for me.  It is used to help those who go through akathisia/ agressiveness when having starting SSRIs.  It may or may not work for you.

I was never on an SSRI for more than a month or two because my I and my pdoc and my therapist became fearful that my anger and irritation were so intense that I would lose control and they felt I should get off of them. I guess I was wondering whether the Klonopin would be like the Benedryl. Louise — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ::Two people I was very close to have passed away in the last ::6 months and another is moving far away in about 6 weeks. ::The moving has thrown me over the line and I am becoming ::more and chronically depressed, hopeless and it’s getting ::real hard to function in the mornings. <gently snipped Dear Louise, Sorry about all the loss in your life. (((((Louise))))) You seem so sensitive to lots of medication. Have you thought about getting some therapy to help deal with your feelings of loss? It could help you a lot. Healing thoughts being sent your way. Jackie ~*~If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude~*~  ~~ Maya Angelou quote

I’m sorry, I should have said that I am in therapy.  In fact, in January, my therapist of 10 years suddenly had a stroke and died – that is one of the "losses". I have started with someone else….but it’s not the same and I don’t know if it ever will be. Louise — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::I’m sorry, I should have said that I am in therapy.  In ::fact, in January, my therapist of 10 years suddenly had a ::stroke and died – that is one of the "losses". I’m so sorry (((((Louise))))) Jackie ~*~Life is not the way it’s supposed to be. It’s the way it    is. The way you deal with it is what makes the difference~*~   ~~ Virginia Satir   — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Over the last 10+ years, I’ve tried several SSRIs to treat a chronic low level, lifelong depression.  I have also suffered from a lot of anxiety and panic attacks and have usually been thought to have an "agitated depression" when I’ve sought psychiatric help. The only ADs that ever helped were the ones that put me to sleep and made me just able to function, but not "live", because I’d rather be sleeping, almost no matter what.  That was Luvox.  But when the dose of Luvox was raised, I didn’t become more sleepy, I became more agitated, argumentative and intolerably irritable.  I was on the verge of destruction – myself and others. After this I tried Celexa, Effexor and Zoloft.  Each helped for a week or two and then the irritability and aggression began to steadily increase until it became urgent that I stop the drug. I have a family history of bipolar (called manic depressive back then), and my pdoc concluded that I should NEVER take any more SSRIs because I have the biological tendency to become manic from them. I used Lamictal for several years with minimal success.  I need to take lots of benzos to counter the panic attacks and eventually began getting them in a variety of ways because the pdoc didn’t want me to take them every day (ativan mostly). Then I stopped the lamictal and felt better, as I suspected I would.  I was off all medication except for ativan prn for about 8 months. Then, last May (06), there were some serious changes in my life and I became extremely anxious.  I went to see a new pdoc who suggested that we focus on the panic attacks and the anxiety and see what happens.  I am now taking 2mg Klonopin daily and it has definitely helped to level me out and yet, to leave me able to feel and think clearly and have good judgment.  It has provided a lot of relief with minimal side effects.  I don’t really care that it might be addictive. Two people I was very close to have passed away in the last 6 months and another is moving far away in about 6 weeks. The moving has thrown me over the line and I am becoming more and chronically depressed, hopeless and it’s getting real hard to function in the mornings. Seroquel was suggested but I refused it because of its potential to cause diabetes.  This is a disease I dread and I will not take a drug that makes it happen to some people and they don’t know why! So, does anyone know whether the Klonopin would prevent the irritable, agitated and aggressive symptoms that I always get after a few weeks on an SSRI?  Would it be worth trying an SSRI now that I am solidly on Klonopin or is it likely that the same thing will happen? Thanks for reading this long post and for any experiences and/or suggestions you have. Louise — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Over the last 10+ years, I’ve tried several SSRIs to treat a chronic low level, lifelong depression.  I have also suffered from a lot of anxiety and panic attacks and have usually been thought to have an "agitated depression" when I’ve sought psychiatric help. The only ADs that ever helped were the ones that put me to sleep and made me just able to function, but not "live", because I’d rather be sleeping, almost no matter what.  That was Luvox.  But when the dose of Luvox was raised, I didn’t become more sleepy, I became more agitated, argumentative and intolerably irritable.  I was on the verge of destruction – myself and others. After this I tried Celexa, Effexor and Zoloft.  Each helped for a week or two and then the irritability and aggression began to steadily increase until it became urgent that I stop the drug. I have a family history of bipolar (called manic depressive back then), and my pdoc concluded that I should NEVER take any more SSRIs because I have the biological tendency to become manic from them. I used Lamictal for several years with minimal success.  I need to take lots of benzos to counter the panic attacks and eventually began getting them in a variety of ways because the pdoc didn’t want me to take them every day (ativan mostly). Then I stopped the lamictal and felt better, as I suspected I would.  I was off all medication except for ativan prn for about 8 months. Then, last May (06), there were some serious changes in my life and I became extremely anxious.  I went to see a new pdoc who suggested that we focus on the panic attacks and the anxiety and see what happens.  I am now taking 2mg Klonopin daily and it has definitely helped to level me out and yet, to leave me able to feel and think clearly and have good judgment.  It has provided a lot of relief with minimal side effects.  I don’t really care that it might be addictive. Two people I was very close to have passed away in the last 6 months and another is moving far away in about 6 weeks. The moving has thrown me over the line and I am becoming more and chronically depressed, hopeless and it’s getting real hard to function in the mornings. Seroquel was suggested but I refused it because of its potential to cause diabetes.  This is a disease I dread and I will not take a drug that makes it happen to some people and they don’t know why! So, does anyone know whether the Klonopin would prevent the irritable, agitated and aggressive symptoms that I always get after a few weeks on an SSRI?

Klonopin isn’t a mood stabilizer, so my guess is that it wouldn’t prevent a mood swing to hypomania/mania. Our resident psychiatrist Margrove might be able to suggest a good med combo. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is used for depression in bipolars cause it is thought it is less likely than other antidepressants to result in a mood swing . Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Two people I was very close to have passed away in the last ::6 months and another is moving far away in about 6 weeks. ::The moving has thrown me over the line and I am becoming ::more and chronically depressed, hopeless and it’s getting ::real hard to function in the mornings. <gently snipped Dear Louise, Sorry about all the loss in your life. (((((Louise))))) You seem so sensitive to lots of medication. Have you thought about getting some therapy to help deal with your feelings of loss? It could help you a lot. Healing thoughts being sent your way. Jackie ~*~If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude~*~  ~~ Maya Angelou quote — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

After this I tried Celexa, Effexor and Zoloft.  Each helped for a week or two and then the irritability and aggression began to steadily increase until it became urgent that I stop the drug.

Hi Louise, I had feelings and thoughts of aggression for a few weeks after starting to raise the Zoloft dose to high levels. What I did was take a little bit of Benadryl, about a few grains from a broken store-brand capsule, to settle the agitation.  Eventually after a few days of the Benadryl the agitation stopped and never came back again. I also started raising the dose very gradually. I have a family history of bipolar (called manic depressive back then), and my pdoc concluded that I should NEVER take any more SSRIs because I have the biological tendency to become manic from them.

Are you sure you are manic on them permanently? Some of us get manic on them for a while, but only for a while. I was euphorically hypomanic from Zoloft for four months, with some jitters thrown in.  Eventually all that left. How long were you on any of the SSRIs? So, does anyone know whether the Klonopin would prevent the irritable, agitated and aggressive symptoms that I always get after a few weeks on an SSRI?  Would it be worth trying an SSRI now that I am solidly on Klonopin or is it likely that the same thing will happen?

Well, I took Benadryl for a few days to calm down the agitation. It wasn’t much–just a few grains once or twice a day–not enough to make one sleepy. It worked for me.  It is used to help those who go through akathisia/ agressiveness when having starting SSRIs.  It may or may not work for you. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Question:

Carol: I took Paxil for a year, then switched to Celexa. The latter had far fewer side effects for me. Have you discussed this with your doctor? Best, Anne

Response:

I have been on Celexa, 30mg, for 6-8 weeks now. I have not noticed any side effect whatsoever. I am quite happy with it. AnxiousCollegeKid

Response:

This is a just a "me-too" to SSRI side-effects. The zoloft and effexor I tried out caused nothing but problems… -Doug (remove "botizer" from email addy to respond)

Response:

Hi all, Having a great deal of difficulty with the side effects of the SSRIs, and also having trouble sticking w/them as a result. Which SSRIs do you think have the least side effects? Thanks, Carol

Response:

:Hi all, : :Having a great deal of difficulty with the side effects of the SSRIs, and :also having trouble sticking w/them as a result. : :Which SSRIs do you think have the least side effects? : :Thanks, :Carol Dear Carol, There really is no easy answer to your question being reactions to meds are so very individualized. One SSRI that quite a few are having good luck with is Celexa. However, there is no guarantee that this AD would cause you the least amount of side-effects. How many SSRI`s have you tried? There is also a chance that you just can`t tolerate SSRI`s. You might want to talk to your doctor about the Tricyclic class of antidepressants, they are as effective as the SSRI`s. Take care Jackie ~*~In Everything You Hope Or Do, I`ll Encourage And Believe In You~*~

Response:

Hi all, Having a great deal of difficulty with the side effects of the SSRIs, and also having trouble sticking w/them as a result. Which SSRIs do you think have the least side effects? Thanks, Carol

This is very much an YMMV matter, our reactions to meds are so individual. In theory Celexa is supposed to have the lowest side effects profile of the SSRI’s. You are not married to SSRI’s by the way, there are other antidepressants out there too (such as the TCA’s). Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Question:

Effexor Withdrawal Causing Crackling Sounds in the Brain Antidepressants  "Thank God for this website." I had a nervous breakdown six years ago and after being on other

anti-depressants without a problem, my psychiatrist felt that Effexor had less of an effect on the heart, and so switched me to Effexor. I have tried unsuccessfully to quit on many

occasions, even though I only take 37.5 mgs per day. The extreme lethargy I feel when I have tried to quit, the tingling in various parts of my body, the weird dreams and most

troublesome of all, the crackling, electric sounds in my head have caused me too much distress to ever be successful.

Hi, I think that you have to think about all these  side effect problems. Maybe they are not side-effect, maybe they are only telling you that you are stressed, and you need to fix your problems, otherwise the side-problems will be forever with you B

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Effexor Withdrawal Causing Crackling Sounds in the Brain Antidepressants  "Thank God for this website." I had a nervous breakdown six years ago and after being on other  anti-depressants without a problem, my psychiatrist felt that Effexor had less of an effect on the  heart, and so switched me to Effexor. I have tried unsuccessfully to quit on many  occasions, even though I only take 37.5 mgs per day. The extreme lethargy I feel when I have  tried to quit, the tingling in various parts of my body, the weird dreams and most  troublesome of all, the crackling, electric sounds in my head have caused me too much distress to  ever be successful. Hi, I think that you have to think about all these  side effect problems. Maybe they are not side-effect, maybe they are only telling you that you are stressed, and you need to fix your problems, otherwise the side-problems will be forever with you B

I thought cross-posting to and from different kind of newsgroups was not the reason why they started alt.support.schizofrenia. Btw, is it not forbidden in the FAQ ? Berty

Response:

Question:

My son has been prescribed Effexor for over 2yrs and it has proved more effective than Prozac. However, when taking his normal dosage of 187.5mg a day, a heavy rash breaks out on his arms and upper body. When he reduces the dosage, the rash subsides but he quickly becomes depressed again. Has anyone else had similar problems and how did they overcome them? Or is there an alternative medication which is at least as effective without these distressing side effects. Thanks.

Response:

hello – Upon my initial introduction to Effexor, I too had a rash, but it was on my face. My skin became very red, and then got flaky. It was not itchy, per se, but felt very aching and tight. I used an aloe vera-based moisturizer on my face for about a week, and so far, the rash has not returned. Have your son’s doctors been diligent with helping him with this side effect? If the Effexor is successful for him, it would be a shame not to try to control the rash. Perhaps a skin specialist might be able to offer some help. — regards, Compucat  ^+^<

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My son has been prescribed Effexor for over 2yrs and it has proved more effective than Prozac. However, when taking his normal dosage of 187.5mg a day, a heavy rash breaks out on his arms and upper body. When he reduces the dosage, the rash subsides but he quickly becomes depressed again. Has anyone else had similar problems and how did they overcome them? Or is there an alternative medication which is at least as effective without these distressing side effects. Thanks.

Response:

Thanks for your prompt reply. My son’s rash comprises of dark red spots which itch and then turn to sores. Maybe he should see a skin specialist. Unfortunately, with the NHS, this could take some time to arrange —

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hello – Upon my initial introduction to Effexor, I too had a rash, but it was on my face. My skin became very red, and then got flaky. It was not itchy, per se, but felt very aching and tight. I used an aloe vera-based moisturizer on my face for about a week, and so far, the rash has not returned. Have your son’s doctors been diligent with helping him with this side effect? If the Effexor is successful for him, it would be a shame not to try to control the rash. Perhaps a skin specialist might be able to offer some help. — regards, Compucat  ^+^< My son has been prescribed Effexor for over 2yrs and it has proved more effective than Prozac. However, when taking his normal dosage of 187.5mg a day, a heavy rash breaks out on his arms and upper body. When he reduces the dosage, the rash subsides but he quickly becomes depressed again. Has anyone else had similar problems and how did they overcome them? Or is there an alternative medication which is at least as effective without these distressing side effects. Thanks.

Response:

Hi and Welcome to the ng, My son has been prescribed Effexor for over 2yrs and it has proved more effective than Prozac. However, when taking his normal dosage of 187.5mg a day, a heavy rash breaks out on his arms and upper body. When he reduces the dosage, the rash subsides but he quickly becomes depressed again. Has anyone else had similar problems and how did they overcome them? Or is there an alternative medication which is at least as effective without these distressing side effects. Thanks.

‘Rash is a relatively uncmmon occurrence but I strongly suggest you discuss this with his doctor. — LyndaNP Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. Ringer

Response:

Question:

Hey everyone. i was wondering if anyone had any side effects from zoloft?  I’ve been on zoloft for 6 weeks now and after 4 weeks I got terrible diareah and nausea and the wieredest thing is i missed my period.  Any other women have that sort of thing happen to them?  The only reason I’m asking is I’m trying to figure out if i might possibly be pregnant.  So let me know. Joanne

Response:

I take 150 mgs of zoloft daily and had/have absolutely no symptoms at all. It never affected my periods either.  Maybe you’d better get one of those little test kits? td "Joanne Johnson" <za…@worldnet.att.net

wrote in message

news:7K1F7.155058$3d2.5648274@bgtnsc06-news.ops.worldnet.att.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hey everyone. i was wondering if anyone had any side effects from zoloft?  I’ve been on zoloft for 6 weeks now and after 4 weeks I got terrible diareah and nausea and the wieredest thing is i missed my period.  Any other women have that sort of thing happen to them?  The only reason I’m asking is I’m trying to figure out if i might possibly be pregnant.  So let me know. Joanne

Response:

Joanne, Common adverse effects of Zoloft are as follows: Nausea Somnolence Diarrhea Insomnia Constipation Ejaculatory Dysfunction Dyspepsia Agitation Anorexia Impotence Weight gain Your missed period could be a coincidence. The other two symptoms are common side effects of Zoloft. Talk to your doctor if the symptoms are more than a minor inconvenience. Risa Whenever I wake up on top of the mattress, I know I’m getting up on the right side of the bed.

Response:

Sure.  Look at the   Fruits and  Nuts  in  here. KCOM missed his  period  too. Joanne Johnson <za…@worldnet.att.net

wrote in message

news:7K1F7.155058$3d2.5648274@bgtnsc06-news.ops.worldnet.att.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hey everyone. i was wondering if anyone had any side effects from zoloft?  I’ve been on zoloft for 6 weeks now and after 4 weeks I got terrible diareah and nausea and the wieredest thing is i missed my period.  Any other women have that sort of thing happen to them?  The only reason I’m asking is I’m trying to figure out if i might possibly be pregnant.  So let me know. Joanne

Response:

wired me like a coke freak or something. I couldn’t handle the extra anxiety that it gave me. harumph

Response:

I’ve never missed a period while being on it.  But at first, it made me really hyper.  After about 8-9 weeks, that stopped.  I didn’t have any other side effects from it, luckily. kat "Joanne Johnson" <za…@worldnet.att.net

wrote in message

news:7K1F7.155058$3d2.5648274@bgtnsc06-news.ops.worldnet.att.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hey everyone. i was wondering if anyone had any side effects from zoloft?  I’ve been on zoloft for 6 weeks now and after 4 weeks I got terrible diareah and nausea and the wieredest thing is i missed my period.  Any other women have that sort of thing happen to them?  The only reason I’m asking is I’m trying to figure out if i might possibly be pregnant.  So let me know. Joanne

Response:

Had a close friend who experienced hypomania and increased aggressionand "magical speaking dreams" from it .She was unaware of it for some time. She wreaked havoc amongst her work colleagues and pals.She changed meds after the shrink realised (months later) what was up. Helski

Response:

I talk to my Dr and they say that its not from the zoloft.  I’m still testing negative on the home pregnancy tests.  I’ve got to go in and have blood work done to find out for sure.  I’ll let ya all know one way or the other what happens. Joanne

Response:

Hi Joanne, Taking Zoloft (Lustral over here in the UK) was an awful mistake for me. Within hours, I was experiencing a really clamping jaw tension – which my daft doctor stupidly claimed I had always had even though I had never had it before. My eyes went odd and starey, and felt pressured – this settled down after a few days but they were never right while I was on it. I had the awful nausea you mentioned, plus the upset stomach, headaches, and all sorts of other goodies. The nausea stayed after taking it, so did the bad stomach. Oh and I had tremors as well. Boy that stuff loved me. NOT. I suggest you keep an eye on it as it may be that it doesn’t agree with you. I wish I had come off sooner. Maybe have a chat about alternatives if it continues to be a problem. I found these side effects with all SSRI’s I tried (= Prozac and Seroxat). If you get muscle tension that you haven’t had before, like I did in my jaw, then I think that may be a real indication it is wrong for you. That said, you may decide that even this ‘wrong’ is more right for you than being without the benefits of the drug. Everyone is unique, chemically. BFN, Cary Charles ;O) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

"Joanne Johnson" <za…@worldnet.att.net wrote in message news:7K1F7.155058$3d2.5648274@bgtnsc06-news.ops.worldnet.att.net… Hey everyone. i was wondering if anyone had any side effects from zoloft?  I’ve been

on

zoloft for 6 weeks now and after 4 weeks I got terrible diareah and

nausea

and the wieredest thing is i missed my period.  Any other women have

that

sort of thing happen to them?  The only reason I’m asking is I’m trying

to

figure out if i might possibly be pregnant.  So let me know. Joanne

Response:

Cary wrote:

Taking Zoloft (Lustral over here in the UK) was an awful mistake for me. Within hours, I was experiencing a really clamping jaw tension … My eyes went odd and starey, and felt pressured…

I’m surprised by your doctor’s attitude about what were obviously some bad side effects. I was inpatient when the treating psychiatrist ordered clonazepam (Klonopin in the U.S.) to slow me down a little bit. I had that same clamping jaw tension and weirdness in my vision. It was diagnosed as a mild allergic reaction. I was immediately given diphenhydramine (Benadryl) by injection. A couple of hours of sleep and I was good to go. No more of that med for me. I now use a program for my Palm pilot called Epocrates. It’s like a portable PDR (Physician’s Desk Reference), which is the 4" thick, 6-8 lb. (3.63 kg) tome that doctor’s in the U.S. use as a medication reference. I can look up any medication in seconds. I KNOW what to expect before I take the med, and I can search through classes of meds for something with less annoying or fewer side effects. That way, I’m as well informed as my doctor. E-mail me if you have more questions. Risa War doesn’t decide who’s right, only who’s left.

Response:

Unless you wish to be pregnant, I’ll pray that you aren’t I guess the diarehia is from the zoloft then… good to know… I wish everything goes well with you and zoloft… i think i’m going to have my pdoc take me off of it… i’ll try it out till the 11th and see… love ya’s! Tia

Response:

"RisaCaitlin" <risacait…@aol.competition

wrote in message

news:20011128071357.04371.00003384@mb-fc.aol.com…

I’m surprised by your doctor’s attitude about what were obviously some bad

side

effects.

So was I and my whole family, but at that time I had only had PTSD for about 18 years and they hadn’t diagnosed it – I ended up researching the problem on the internet and finding out that I had PTSD, then having to convince them, then having an assessment which ended with the guy telling me he had been told to disprove that I had PTSD, but instead was appalled at how I had been treated and that, yes, I definitely had PTSD! How is that for an easy ride? NOT!

I was inpatient when the treating psychiatrist ordered clonazepam

(Klonopin in

the U.S.) to slow me down a little bit. I had that same clamping jaw

tension

and weirdness in my vision. It was diagnosed as a mild allergic reaction. I was immediately given diphenhydramine (Benadryl) by injection. A couple of hours of sleep and I

was

good to go. No more of that med for me.

Well in hindsight I think I may have experienced something similar. I also wonder if it did long-term damage as my digestive system has never been the same since and I still have the awful clamping jaw that I never had before I took the stuff. I wonder if it altered something for the worse. Anyway, Kava Kava helps relax it if it is too bad. I did hear from an accident and emergency nurse though, and she said that she had encountered this muscular tension with SSRI usage, and that it was a sign that it really wasn’t agreeing with a person. Instead of keeping on taking it, they should come off it. Wish I had known that back then, or better still, that my doctor had! Never mind.

I now use a program for my Palm pilot called Epocrates. It’s like a

portable

PDR (Physician’s Desk Reference), which is the 4" thick, 6-8 lb. (3.63 kg)

tome

that doctor’s in the U.S. use as a medication reference. I can look up any medication in seconds. I KNOW what to expect before I take the med, and I

can

search through classes of meds for something with less annoying or fewer

side

effects. That way, I’m as well informed as my doctor.

I think that is a really sensible and responsible approach. I do loads of research before I take anything significant. I have learned the hard way, but it pays to be in the know.

E-mail me if you have more questions.

Thanks for that, and for your reply! BFN, Cary )

Response:

Finaly got into see my ob/gyn and i’m not pregnant but they think my hormones are messed up.  The side effects from the zoloft have gone away. Now I’ll have to have some blood work done to find out which hormores are messed up.  Maybe i will finally get some good help. Joanne UTend2KillMe <queenweasel…@aol.com

wrote in message

news:ef3a60d2.0111281922.502b9234@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Unless you wish to be pregnant, I’ll pray that you aren’t I guess the diarehia is from the zoloft then… good to know… I wish everything goes well with you and zoloft… i think i’m going to have my pdoc take me off of it… i’ll try it out till the 11th and see… love ya’s! Tia

Response:

"RisaCaitlin" <risacait…@aol.competition

wrote in message

news:20011128071357.04371.00003384@mb-fc.aol.com…

I was inpatient when the treating psychiatrist ordered clonazepam

(Klonopin in

the U.S.) to slow me down a little bit. I had that same clamping jaw

tension

and weirdness in my vision. <snip

Risa, I am supposed to be taking Klonopin for Restless Leg Syndrome, and it helped a lot for that.  I am having problems with my legs now I’m off of it. I find the muscle problems with Zoloft interesting in that I have fibromyalgia (and I believe Chronic Myofasial Pain Disorder).  Add to that the osteoarthritis (was on Celebrex) and I have muscles and joints hurting literally everywhere.  I am also supposed to be on neurontin.  I’m to the point where I just want my anti-depressant, estrogen, klonopin, celebrex and the ambien.  I am ready to ditch the other four meds I was on, but I think I ended up with them to counteract the side effects of the original meds (swelling in the feet and hands and high blood pressure).  I can never tell which ailment is causing which "feeling!"  No wonder the doctors just throw up their hands.  :-/ *HUGS* Jacque ~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~ Jacque Keller www.tjkeller.net/jkeller/Jacque/ (personal) www.bramblerose.net (business)

Response:

Question:

snipped Hmmmmmmmmmmmm  now see here, after 3 years of hindsight, continuing weirdness in the monthly department, (Just now missing my second in a row and having predictable hot flashes,) I stand to tell you that there MUST be a strong connection for me between hormone levels and my state of mind. Depression, panic attacks and anxiety are ALWAYS worse around my menstrual time.   sue

Hi Sue, Emotional disorders (anxiety/panic/depression etc) are believed to be centered in the parts of our brain that make up the Limbic system. This is, in the main, our primitive brain, that which we share with most animals, incl reptiles and probably dinosaurs. Oestrogen receptors are prevelant in the Limbic, particularly the Hypothalamus. Indeed many hormones are neurotransmitters, so hormonal fluctuations can, and almost certainly do, trigger many PAs etc. All part of the joy of being female, I guess!   Ian (who is glad he isn’t) Phobias:  Menophobia- Fear of menstruation.

Response:

Hi Blue, Thanks for your words of encouragement! I am feeling better today, and am taking off work to go see my Doc re the hormone bit. Am also going to sit in my Attys office until he has the time to see me re the fact that I am going to have to declare bankruptcy. This is all a bit much for me. So many issues to deal with, so confused and upset. So, if all you fine folks here at ASAP start hearing me "shout" a bit more, please do not be surprised, or offended. Just riding the rollercoaster for awhile. Hope to get off it, someday soon..Thank you all, for your love and support. I do so appreciate it  (((((ASAP GROUP HUG)))))))) Take Care   Stephanie  :-)

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Blue, Thanks for your words of encouragement! I am feeling better today, and am taking off work to go see my Doc re the hormone bit. Am also going to sit in my Attys office until he has the time to see me re the fact that I am going to have to declare bankruptcy. This is all a bit much for me. So many issues to deal with, so confused and upset. So, if all you fine folks here at ASAP start hearing me "shout" a bit more, please do not be surprised, or offended. Just riding the rollercoaster for awhile. Hope to get off it, someday soon..Thank you all, for your love and support. I do so appreciate it  (((((ASAP GROUP HUG)))))))) Take Care   Stephanie  :-)

Well, Steph, if it makes you feel any better to know YOU’RE NOT ALONE, I can tell you that I’ve been contemplating taking bankruptcy myself.  It’s not been much fun, and I’m trying to figure out a way that I can avoid it.   Now that I am once again able to feel hopeful, it isn’t such a depressing topic for me to consider — or for that matter, to talk about!  Just do what you think is best, and remember that sometimes we project the worse and then discover it wasn’t as bad as we imagined.  (I’ll not add the inverse of that statement, at this time ) Best Wishes — Blue (maybe I should change my name to Green? )

Response:

No!! Don’t change your name! I rather like it. The best therapist I ever had once told me: Ask yourself what is the worst thing that can happen, and can you live with that? I have often had to ask myself this! Thank you for your kind words. You are a very caring and supportive person. We here on ASAP are lucky to have you with us! Hope your situation works out ok..Thinking of you  :-) Stephanie

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I just need to get this out, so please be patient, ok? I am going through early menopause (40) And I swear to god…I almost lost it today!!!! My body…is so out of whack, I do not even know myself, anymore. This ALWAYS happens, one week before my…"monthly". I needed to go and buy cigarretes, it took all I could muster, to go get in my jeep, and drive…1 Mile!!!!!! I go there everyday….After work…..So..why was it so hard?  The hormones! They will kill me yet! Before the PA/Phobia!!!  Crying all weekend…..Sorry to unload…  I cannot stop the tears. Dread going to work in the AM….But..is good for me….. Thank you all for listening  :-)  Stephanie

Hi, Steph — Gosh, it sounds like you had a really rough time.  Please, here is your apology returned, as it is not necessary.  Were it not for the times that I unloaded to ASAP, I feel I might have run too dangerously close to the point of no return.  So, I, for one, am extremely sympathetic to anyone who feels the urge to post about what they’re feeling or experiencing — and it doesn’t always have to be a pretty picture, as often times what we feel is NOT *pretty* — at times our pictures may look quite ugly. Today I listened as someone told three others of us a story about a guy who had been a client at the place I work.  This person relayed that this man said he suffered from anxiety, and then the story was told of the must-have-been-at-least-twenty meds that the guy was on.  The story teller said they had not heard of any of the meds the guy was taking, but figured they must be psych meds.  Sure ’nuff, they were.  Story Teller then said, "The guy’s not working, he’s too *anxious* to do anything," and Story Teller felt that the guy just needed to be working and then not have time for such nonsense — to paraphrase in a major way. And I sat there and listened to Story Teller speak, and listened to the quiet of the others who were there also,  as each of us there — excluding Story Teller, apparently — have had or are continuing to have encounters with anxiety and or depression and/or whatnot.  I managed to keep my mouth shut, as it was the politically expedient thing to do, but it hit me hard as I thought of ASAP and those of us here now, and those who have been here in times past, and those that will surely be here in times to come…  I consoled myself with the thought that a wise person knows when to speak, and perhaps more importantly, when not to.  There’s comfort to be found hanging out with others who have been where you are now, or who are, yes, there WITH you now — knowing of the feelings you are experiencing. {{{ ASAP }}}  I just know you’ll be feeling better after having unloaded a bit (so I hope ) Best to Steph — Blue (I can see clearly now, my tears have dried…;)

Response:

Hey Sue, Thanks for the words of encouragement! And a good laugh! Ifeel much better today (the cycle began) GOD!!! The feeling is right up there…right with the PA….I wanted to kill myself yesterday! I curled up, in a ball, wishing to be rid of it. I know that this is because I bore a child, at the age of 17..I had been forewarned. But, with my PA/ Agoraphobic  condition, it is pure hell!!!! Thank You, for understanding  :-) Stephanie  Glad you are here too!

Response:

Hi all, I just need to get this out, so please be patient, ok? I am going through early menopause (40) And I swear to god…I almost lost it today!!!! My body…is so out of whack, I do not even know myself, anymore. This ALWAYS happens, one week before my…"monthly". I needed to go and buy cigarretes,   it took all I could muster, to go get in my jeep, and drive…1 Mile!!!!!!    I go there everyday….After work…..So..why was it so hard?  The hormones! They will kill me yet! Before the PA/Phobia!!!  Crying all weekend…..Sorry to unload…  I cannot stop the tears. Dread going to work in the AM….But..is good for me….. Thank you all for listening  :-)  Stephanie

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I just need to get this out, so please be patient, ok? I am going through early menopause (40) And I swear to god…I almost lost it today!!!! My body…is so out of whack, I do not even know myself, anymore. This ALWAYS happens, one week before my…"monthly". I needed to go and buy cigarretes,   it took all I could muster, to go get in my jeep, and drive…1 Mile!!!!!! I go there everyday….After work…..So..why was it so hard?  The hormones! They will kill me yet! Before the PA/Phobia!!!  Crying all weekend…..Sorry to unload…  I cannot stop the tears. Dread going to work in the AM….But..is good for me….. Thank you all for listening  :-)  Stephanie

Hi Stephanie!  My mom is beginning menopause and is having a bad time also.  I would strongly recommend going to your doctor–there are many options, and I’m certain there is something that could even things out for you.  (I wish my mom would go to her doctor, but that is another story!) I believe there are also some newsgroups that discuss menopause, and that might be something worth checking out too.  Hormones can really be a pain in the a**! Tammy

Response:

Hi all, I just need to get this out, so please be patient, ok? I am going through early menopause (40) And I swear to god…I almost lost it today!!!! My body…is so out of whack, I do not even know myself, anymore. This ALWAYS happens, one week before my…"monthly". I needed to go and buy cigarretes,   it took all I could muster, to go get in my jeep, and drive…1 Mile!!!!!!    I go there everyday….After work…..So..why was it so hard?  The hormones! They will kill me yet! Before the PA/Phobia!!!  Crying all weekend…..Sorry to unload…  I cannot stop the tears. Dread going to work in the AM….But..is good for me….. Thank you all for listening  :-)  Stephanie

wonderful, isn’t it, especially the "erotic" hot flashes <VBG CAthy P.H.O.B.I.A. People Helping Others Become Independent Again Panic/anxiety Support Group, New Jersey http://community.nj.com/cc/phobia

Response:

oooooohhhhhh  Stephanie!!  I hear ya woman!!!! <<<<Hi all, I just need to get this out, so please be patient, ok? I am going through early menopause (40) And I swear to god…I almost lost it today!!!! My body…is so out of whack, I do not even know myself, anymore. This ALWAYS happens, one week before my…"monthly". I just turned 46, and I have a running dialog with my doc about the effects of hormones.  I had my FIRST PA in the fall of 95 after a long string of <sh*t happens life events.  Loss was the key word that year.  My DH and I had spent five years building up a restaruant business for our mutual employer, and that was the year her health problems were found to be advanced colon cancer.  In the course of 9 months, we lost her, then MY job, in October MY DH was hospitalized with a ruptured appendix (no insurance), during which he was permanently replaced at HIS job, and I was only just working parttime myself.  Panic attacks started in November of that year, right around my 43rd birthday.  Life was soooo very difficult for me, I had lots of worries, debts, anger, grief, fear…….  and my monthlies started to get <weird as well. I was taking Xanax, weaning on Zoloft……  monthly crap was tossed off by the doc as—-  well—–  stress. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm  now see here, after 3 years of hindsight, continuing weirdness in the monthly department, (Just now missing my second in a row and having predictable hot flashes,) I stand to tell you that there MUST be a strong connection for me between hormone levels and my state of mind. Depression, panic attacks and anxiety are ALWAYS worse around my menstrual time.  My last visit to the ER, in August of ‘98,  happened in the morning, I came home around noon with a new RX for Xanax and Zoloft, and started my period around 2 pm that very same day.    Hmmmm. sez I, indeed, did I really need a swift kick in the head to FINALLY get the connection? My doc is unwilling to start me on ANY hormne therapy until I have been period free for a year.  Her feeling is that tinkering with the  whore-moans <g could be a LOT worse than continuing the Zoloft.  What <I would  really like is to lose the Zoloft and have Xanax for the BAD times, but she doesn’t go for that either.  So we are in a constant tug of war  watching and waiting to see what will happen next, and where this journey will go. ASAP has been extremely helpful for me in dealing with the PA’s.  I also lurk on Alt.support.menopause, where there is NOTHING NEW about depression, anxiety and panic attacks surrounding the whole Menopause woman. Feel free to e-mail anytime, whether it is to vent or to have a shoulder to cry on.   We can compare notes, and crib on each other’s experiences. BOY this is another time I can say < I am glad I came here because someone ELSE feels this way too!!!! sue

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just experienced another terrible time driving to and from work today. My panic attacks which have reappeared after a number of years on Tofranil-Xanax and then more recently Zoloft-Xanax are causing me huge problems driving. Each trip to work now is an experience to be dreaded. During the drive I am overcome with these intense feelings of panic, lightheadedness, and the desire to stop the car and get out. It seems worst when I stop at traffic lights. (I am now back on up to 2-mg of Xanax a day as needed and 3-tabs of Imipramine at bedtime-which I hope kicks back in soon). My psychiatrist seems to have little more to offer now except a day long clinic at a local hospital. ( I am looking into changing to a local clinic that specializes in panic disorders) I am considering stoping the driving now and getting a ride to work with a coworker but my psychiatrist says that will only make the agoraphobia worse and it would be better to struggle through the driving problem even if I am uncomfortable. I would appreciate any comments.

Hi, James — Far be it for me to suggest your shrink is wrong, but I do disagree with him/her on this one.  Struggling with driving problems can be dangerous. Why not try what you thought of and get a ride with a co-worker?  I just don’t see how that will make your agoraphobia worse, which, by the way, does not sound like agoraphobia to me.  I’m reminded of the time I was struggling to discontinue Xanax and the horrible problems I experienced with switching to Ativan and then tapering off of Ativan in a 15-day period.  I was told that, yes, I might be *uncomfortable* but that I would be safe.  Ha!  The last thing I was concerned about was being *safe* — I was experiencing severe withdrawal problems and could barely talk or walk, and sleep was out of the question.  I may be completely off on this one, as I am not a doctor of any sort.  Just seems to me that there are other options for you than *struggling with the driving problem.* Best Wishes — Blue

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just experienced another terrible time driving to and from work today. My panic attacks which have reappeared after a number of years on Tofranil-Xanax and then more recently Zoloft-Xanax are causing me huge problems driving. Each trip to work now is an experience to be dreaded. During the drive I am overcome with these intense feelings of panic, lightheadedness, and the desire to stop the car and get out. It seems worst when I stop at traffic lights. (I am now back on up to 2-mg of Xanax a day as needed and 3-tabs of Imipramine at bedtime-which I hope kicks back in soon). My psychiatrist seems to have little more to offer now except a day long clinic at a local hospital. ( I am looking into changing to a local clinic that specializes in panic disorders) I am considering stoping the driving now and getting a ride to work with a coworker but my psychiatrist says that will only make the agoraphobia worse and it would be better to struggle through the driving problem even if I am uncomfortable. I would appreciate any comments.

It’s impolite behaviour of some AD’s to suddenly stop working. If you did well for a long time on imipramine you might now want to try one of its next of kin (which often seem to work best), preferably clomipramine which is imipramine’s closest relative (brand name: Anafranil) or desipramine. But maye you’ll find imipramine working for you this time around as well. It seems you are talking about 75 mgs of imipramine and 2 mgs of Xanax. Both may be raised considerably (imipramine up to 250  mgs, Xanax up to 4 or 5 mgs at least). It sounds like a good idea to change doctors as there are many more possibilities med-wise that can be tried while being an outpatient. Considering the specific anxiety driving, you might want to start CBT which works especially for these kinds of *situational anxiety*. Philip

Response:

Hi,   I’m going through the exact same thing!  I few weeks ago I started having full blowns while driving, mainly home from work , on the interstate.  It seems to have happened when the time changed and the lights, traffic , etc really get me going!  I’ve been pretty much panic free for 5 years now except for anxiety here and there, now BOOM..back again!     I went to my psychiatrist who prescribed zoloft and i’ve been taking that for over 2 wks now + low dosage Klonopin…isn’t helping too much yet.    When i’m driving, I get REALLY dizzy, shaky, and i feel as though i am going to black out.  Every night I have to take a closer exit off the interstate and go the back roads, which take me forever to get home….it’s a struggle every day now….    If you find something to help you, please let me know.  I can’t afford to quit my job and that’s the frame of mind i’m in..just tired of fighting it on a daily basis. Good luck,   Deb

Response:

I have started having attacks as i drive now to.Stoplights are the worst for me.Lately i find that if I talk to myself(I know it sounds wierd)and tell myself that it will be green soon it does help a little.

Response:

Darryl,   The symptoms you describe sound all to familiar, The description of wanting to park the car and fleeing, well I have been there! I have been in this exact situation. I have then let it heighten to the point where my vision became blurred my hearing became so acute, and hands began to turn into clenched fists. You Know!    Darryl YOU KNOW. we are like a secret society, we understand one another, WE KNOW  when our friends and loved ones do not! Fear, Panic, not just being anxious, but sheer indescribable PANIC. The fear of loosing control, fear of a nervous breakdown, visions of mental institutions, what others think of us, being unstable or out of control.   I am not one to say "Come on Darryl, pick yourself up, dust yourself off." No, because I have been there, and am keenly aware that this panic disorder can come to me again. It seemed that  what seemed to hurt me the most, was I lost valuable time and I let this panic rob me of my sense of humor. I hid, afraid that I might have an attack, and that I would have to run out of an uncomfortable situation.   My advise, get some good relaxation tapes and practice, practice until you can say to yourself RELAX and you can feel yourself doing exactly that, slowing down, taking the edge off … by yourself .. without the medication.  Remind yourself of one simple FACT .. and that is:            " NO ONE EVER DIED FROM A PANIC ATTACK ! " It may sound corny, but please. When you feel as though the only thing that will get you through these attacks is to run, or avoid going for a ride or crossing bridges or whatever you associate with having these attacks. Remember NO ONE EVER DIED FROM A PANIC ATTACK! Learn to relax  Deep breaths, holding your breath and slowing exhaling telling yourself to relax, and getting the reward of feeling how cool it feels to sink into whatever you are sitting on and feeling relaxed, limp and relaxed. Practice this technique. and my mantra  . NO ONE …well hopefully you know it by now. Darryl do as I tell you, and the next time you have an attack it will get a little better for you, and then each time the attacks will loose intensity. You will be here Tomorrow no matter how severe the attack, to E-Mail me and let me know if this has in any way helped you.   Learn to laugh at yourself, don’t be too hard on yourself. Every thing is cool, everythings OK.               Jack We should have a secret hand shake or sign.     I KNOW! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So how are you when you drive at other times ie not associated with work? Darryl Just experienced another terrible time driving to and from work today. My panic attacks which have reappeared after a number of years on Tofranil-Xanax and then more recently Zoloft-Xanax are causing me huge problems driving. Each trip to work now is an experience to be dreaded. During the drive I am overcome with these intense feelings of panic, lightheadedness, and the desire to stop the car and get out. It seems worst when I stop at traffic lights. (I am now back on up to 2-mg of Xanax a day as needed and 3-tabs of Imipramine at bedtime-which I hope kicks back in soon). My psychiatrist seems to have little more to offer now except a day long clinic at a local hospital. ( I am looking into changing to a local clinic that specializes in panic disorders) I am considering stoping the driving now and getting a ride to work with a coworker but my psychiatrist says that will only make the agoraphobia worse and it would be better to struggle through the driving problem even if I am uncomfortable. I would appreciate any comments.

Response:

So how are you when you drive at other times ie not associated with work? Darryl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just experienced another terrible time driving to and from work today. My panic attacks which have reappeared after a number of years on Tofranil-Xanax and then more recently Zoloft-Xanax are causing me huge problems driving. Each trip to work now is an experience to be dreaded. During the drive I am overcome with these intense feelings of panic, lightheadedness, and the desire to stop the car and get out. It seems worst when I stop at traffic lights. (I am now back on up to 2-mg of Xanax a day as needed and 3-tabs of Imipramine at bedtime-which I hope kicks back in soon). My psychiatrist seems to have little more to offer now except a day long clinic at a local hospital. ( I am looking into changing to a local clinic that specializes in panic disorders) I am considering stoping the driving now and getting a ride to work with a coworker but my psychiatrist says that will only make the agoraphobia worse and it would be better to struggle through the driving problem even if I am uncomfortable. I would appreciate any comments.

Response:

Just experienced another terrible time driving to and from work today. My panic attacks which have reappeared after a number of years on Tofranil-Xanax and then more recently Zoloft-Xanax are causing me huge problems driving. Each trip to work now is an experience to be dreaded. During the drive I am overcome with these intense feelings of panic, lightheadedness, and the desire to stop the car and get out. It seems worst when I stop at traffic lights. (I am now back on up to 2-mg of Xanax a day as needed and 3-tabs of Imipramine at bedtime-which I hope kicks back in soon). My psychiatrist seems to have little more to offer now except a day long clinic at a local hospital. ( I am looking into changing to a local clinic that specializes in panic disorders) I am considering stoping the driving now and getting a ride to work with a coworker but my psychiatrist says that will only make the agoraphobia worse and it would be better to struggle through the driving problem even if I am uncomfortable. I would appreciate any comments.

Response:

Question:

I have not been on this newsgroup for a long time but feel the need to ask a serious question … is it common or uncommon to experience many terrible & frightening side effects when attempting to come off of Effexor? Over the past month or so  I have been tapering my daily dose of 225 mg Effexor  plus come off of 3 lithobids and 6 buspars a day and am sick as can be with the Effexor … it is the only one left that I am taking (except for a new prescription for Neurontin which is not causing any problems) and am still so sick I can hardly sit here to type. Please if this has been in the NG before and I overlooked it forgive me … if it is something anyone else knows about please answer and let me know if there is any hope that it will end soon. The pain is worse than the problem that made me take it ….

Response:

Hello,     I’ve been through Effexor withdrawal twice and it was pretty unpleasant both times, so you’re not alone.  For me the side effects included noticeable jaw tremor, a buzzing/tingling sensation inside my ear canal, dizziness (which is why you may be feeling sick) and a "spacey" feeling like I wasn’t all there.  These symptoms lasted for about two  months after I completely stopped the medication.  I’ve read on other newsgroups that other people have also had icky withdrawal symptoms from Effexor.  Some of their suggestions were to reduce the dosage very slowly and even to supplement the Effexor with another anti-depressant (such as Prozac) to help mitigate the effects.  Hope this helps,  Diana

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have not been on this newsgroup for a long time but feel the need to ask a serious question … is it common or uncommon to experience many terrible & frightening side effects when attempting to come off of Effexor? Over the past month or so  I have been tapering my daily dose of 225 mg Effexor  plus come off of 3 lithobids and 6 buspars a day and am sick as can be with the Effexor … it is the only one left that I am taking (except for a new prescription for Neurontin which is not causing any problems) and am still so sick I can hardly sit here to type. Please if this has been in the NG before and I overlooked it forgive me … if it is something anyone else knows about please answer and let me know if there is any hope that it will end soon. The pain is worse than the problem that made me take it ….

Response:

thank you Diana for your words … it helps to know I’m not alone, I will call my doctor tomorrow and see if he has something to help me through this … I dont want to take anything to help me feel *better* if it makes me feel this bad to withdraw …. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello,    I’ve been through Effexor withdrawal twice and it was pretty unpleasant both times, so you’re not alone.  For me the side effects included noticeable jaw tremor, a buzzing/tingling sensation inside my ear canal, dizziness (which is why you may be feeling sick) and a "spacey" feeling like I wasn’t all there.  These symptoms lasted for about two  months after I completely stopped the medication.  I’ve read on other newsgroups that other people have also had icky withdrawal symptoms from Effexor.  Some of their suggestions were to reduce the dosage very slowly and even to supplement the Effexor with another anti-depressant (such as Prozac) to help mitigate the effects.  Hope this helps,  Diana I have not been on this newsgroup for a long time but feel the need to ask a serious question … is it common or uncommon to experience many terrible & frightening side effects when attempting to come off of Effexor? Over the past month or so  I have been tapering my daily dose of 225 mg Effexor  plus come off of 3 lithobids and 6 buspars a day and am sick as can be with the Effexor … it is the only one left that I am taking (except for a new prescription for Neurontin which is not causing any problems) and am still so sick I can hardly sit here to type. Please if this has been in the NG before and I overlooked it forgive me … if it is something anyone else knows about please answer and let me know if there is any hope that it will end soon. The pain is worse than the problem that made me take it ….

Response:

I had horrible side effects coming off effexor also.  My pdoc gave me extra of another med (I can’t remember what) to tranquilize me and over-sedate me for the withdrawl period.  It was still horrible! Lisa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – thank you Diana for your words … it helps to know I’m not alone, I will call my doctor tomorrow and see if he has something to help me through this … I dont want to take anything to help me feel *better* if it makes me feel this bad to withdraw …. Hello,    I’ve been through Effexor withdrawal twice and it was pretty unpleasant both times, so you’re not alone.  For me the side effects included noticeable jaw tremor, a buzzing/tingling sensation inside my ear canal, dizziness (which is why you may be feeling sick) and a "spacey" feeling like I wasn’t all there.  These symptoms lasted for about two  months after I completely stopped the medication.  I’ve read on other newsgroups that other people have also had icky withdrawal symptoms from Effexor.  Some of their suggestions were to reduce the dosage very slowly and even to supplement the Effexor with another anti-depressant (such as Prozac) to help mitigate the effects.  Hope this helps,  Diana I have not been on this newsgroup for a long time but feel the need to ask a serious question … is it common or uncommon to experience many terrible & frightening side effects when attempting to come off of Effexor? Over the past month or so  I have been tapering my daily dose of 225 mg Effexor  plus come off of 3 lithobids and 6 buspars a day and am sick as can be with the Effexor … it is the only one left that I am taking (except for a new prescription for Neurontin which is not causing any problems) and am still so sick I can hardly sit here to type. Please if this has been in the NG before and I overlooked it forgive me … if it is something anyone else knows about please answer and let me know if there is any hope that it will end soon. The pain is worse than the problem that made me take it ….

–  **On Feb. 10th 1998, less than 1/3rd of Maine’s registered voters, repealed an amendment that added sexual orientation to the existing Maine Human Rights Act.  They allowed discrimination against gays and lesbians to continue in our state.  Make sure you are registered to vote and GO TO THE POLLS!  Don’t let 31% of your state’s registered voters decide critical issues for your entire state.  Gays and Lesbians in Maine will not give up our fight to stop discrimination**   http://home.att.net/~farklegirl/index.html

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Question:

Excellent response. I really wish someone had given me this advice before I got into it. SNIP Many to totally stupid and embarassing  things in public.

That would be me. This may get you taked about but not in a light you would like.

And how. The danger is that you don’t know what will happen.  For damn sure don’t have to plan on driving.  I went into a corn field one night on two Vodka martinis, sound asleep at the wheel.  They check for the level and it was only .15.  But the combination of that and my BP pills knocked my but out.

Okay, are you sure you mean .15? Legally drunk is .10, you know… Just checking. G. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -SNIP

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While on ADs, the effects of alcohol on my system are unpredictable. I

The effects of alcohol on bipolar people, on AD or not, is unpredictable. |Home page:http://reality.sgi.com/employees/chokshi_clubfed/ |Silicon Graphics, Inc., voice: (301) 572-1678, fax: (301) 572-8778 |—Mortal, why doth thou live like thou art immortal?

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

Well, Zoloft is an antidepressant. Alcohol is a CNS depressant. Your call. Danny

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

Zoloft (sertraline) is an antidepressant; alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, so the expectation would likely be that drinking while depressed would not be helpful to recovery. This is not to say that an occasional sip of alcohol would hurt, but it is always wise to speak with your own physician about these drinking while on psychiatric medications. I no longer drink while taking medications. I used to. Didn’t help at all to drink, in fact made it worse, so I quit. -jim

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers? Well, Zoloft is an antidepressant. Alcohol is a CNS depressant. Your call. Danny

It is possible to have seizures and also strokes when combining alcohol and zoloft. TheDelser

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: Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.       The term "depressant", when used in reference to alcohol, means that it slows you down, NOT that it causes the condition known as "depression". Alcohol *CAN* be dangerous with zoloft; it can make you MUCH drowsier/drunker than you expect, and long term alcohol use *CAN* cause depression (not because it’s a "depressant", but because of other changes that heavy use of alcohol causes in your body)      But light drinking is fairly safe.  The reason you’re told to avoid alcohol on zoloft is because you don’t have carte blanche freedom to drink as much as you want.

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: It is possible to have seizures and also strokes when combining alcohol : and zoloft.      Strangely, this is NOT mentioned in any of the literature on zoloft. Care to substantiate this claim, oh ignoble bullshitter?

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John, Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. Amazing tho that may seem. Carma – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.       The term "depressant", when used in reference to alcohol, means that it slows you down, NOT that it causes the condition known as "depression". Alcohol *CAN* be dangerous with zoloft; it can make you MUCH drowsier/drunker than you expect, and long term alcohol use *CAN* cause depression (not because it’s a "depressant", but because of other changes that heavy use of alcohol causes in your body)      But light drinking is fairly safe.  The reason you’re told to avoid alcohol on zoloft is because you don’t have carte blanche freedom to drink as much as you want.

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Zoloft affects Serotonin, while alcohol affects GABA transmission and recption.  Unless there’s effects we’re not aware of.

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John, Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. Amazing tho that may seem.

From the evidence of my eyes and memory, a lot of depressed people don’t. The information is probably news to someone reading it, old hat though it was to you. —          The opinions given above may be mine. They might also            just be what I feel like saying right now, okay?

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: John, : Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart : enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. : Amazing tho that may seem.      Why, then, didn’t you use the term "depressant" correctly in the following post that you made? : : Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.

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OUCH! nothing more to say…;)

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: OUCH! nothing more to say…;) : I’ve taken Zoloft for 3 years and drank for 3+ years.  Zoloft has helped, and has been therapeutic.  I no longer take Zoloft, but I still have my beers. will

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Well let’s see perhaps it is just I’ve been studying the wrong books but the last time I checked all forms of ETOH were listed as major central nervous system depressants and the formula 1 CNSD + 1 CNSD still looks like too drugged to cogitate properly let alone breath. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : John, : Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart : enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. : Amazing tho that may seem.      Why, then, didn’t you use the term "depressant" correctly in the following post that you made? : : Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.

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Hi all,  I’d like to mention an additional danger besides the one listed. Zoloft (as do ALL antidepressants) tends to lower the seizure threshold (i.e. make it easier to have a seizure) as does alcohol.  For most people this might not be a problem, but if you’re borderline seizure oriented, or especially overtired, be VERY careful of this combination.  I’d remind people as well, that this being cough/cold season, LIQUID nyquil is 50 proof or 25% alcohol.  Email welcome.  John Abeel — John Abeel, R.P.H. http://www.servtech.com/public/rxman " He who hath no scruples isn’t worth a dram " – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : John, : Not to be too dysphoric but some of us litle ole bipolars are smart : enough to know the difference between depression and a CNS depressant. : Amazing tho that may seem.      Why, then, didn’t you use the term "depressant" correctly in the following post that you made? : : Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good : : it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft.

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

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Ahcohol is a depressant, no matter what else you think about how good it  makes you feel. It interferes with you Zoloft. Carma – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

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Can anyone tell me what the dangers are of taking Zoloft and alcohol together?  Is it just that the Zoloft may not be affective, or are there physical dangers?

You may get drunk a LOT faster. Then again, you may not. Charlie’s Sneaker Pages: http://sneakers.pair.com/ Best Value in Airplanes: http://www.boeing.com/

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