Question:

Theoretically the canisters should last 30 days, but I find them running low quicker than that.  So with Advair you wouldn’t have to worry about that.

Right 28 days with a counter which reduces after each dose,

Response:

there is a major advantage in patient compliance having only one product to use instead of two. Another advantage is that the dose is adjustable. – it comes in low and high doses. It seems that the attractive package does make it more patient compliant, as soon as he recovers from the sticker shock. Murray Grossan, M.D. http://www.ent-consult.com http://www.TinnitusRelief.net http://www.emedicine.com/ent/topic516.htm

Response:

My doctor told me the Advair was more expensive.   Is it really true that the Servent/Flovent is more expensive?  And, I’m talking about the real cost, not the fact that I’d have one copay instead of two. Another factor is, for me, I don’t get

Advair is more expensive versus one inhaler but if you add the Flovent inhaler and the Serevent inhaler they will be less.

Response:

 The final question is cost: does your health insurance cover Advair.

It should as you save around $30.00 by using the advair rather then the Flovent and Serevent separately.I would think if you presented this to the insurance people they would appreciate you trying to save them money.

Response:

 The final question is cost: does your health insurance cover Advair. It should as you save around $30.00 by using the advair rather then the Flovent and Serevent separately.I would think if you presented this to the insurance people they would appreciate you trying to save them money.

My doctor told me the Advair was more expensive.   Is it really true that the Servent/Flovent is more expensive?  And, I’m talking about the real cost, not the fact that I’d have one copay instead of two. Another factor is, for me, I don’t get the 120 doses per canister of Serevent and Flovent.  Theoretically the canisters should last 30 days, but I find them running low quicker than that.  So with Advair you wouldn’t have to worry about that.

Response:

Is there something about combining Flovent and Serevent into one package that is more effective than taking them separately?

There are two advantages. 1) The delivery system takes less kill/practice and since MDI technique is notoriously horrible it is hoped that the delivery will be better. 2) Cost. The Advair discuss is priced less than the two inhalers separately and if you pay by the copay it will probably be only one instead of two. — CBI, MD "Believe those who are seeking the truth; doubt those who find it." -Andre Gide

Response:

My doctor told me the Advair was more expensive.   Is it really true that the Servent/Flovent is more expensive?  And, I’m talking about the real cost, not the fact that I’d have one copay instead of two.

All prices are AWP (average wholesale price). Induhvidual indusurers may make special deals. That said: Advair is more expensive that either Flovent or Serevent alone but less expensive than both. Since the Pulmicort Turbuhaler has three months worth of medicine in each device it is less expensive than Flovent and the combo od Pulmicort and Serevent is about the same as Advair. Oc course, if it cuts two co-pays to one it is cheaper for you regardless of AWP. In my experience the only insurers that won’t pay for Advair also don’t pay for Serevent. Another factor is, for me, I don’t get the 120 doses per canister of Serevent and Flovent.  Theoretically the canisters should last 30 days, but I find them running low quicker than that.  So with Advair you wouldn’t have to worry about that.

Correct. Since it has a numerical counter and a delivery device that does not rely on gas pressures you would not have to guess exactly when it will run out either. — CBI, MD

Response:

Why all this hype about Advair?  All it is, is a combination of Flovent’s active ingredient + Serevent’s active ingredient, in a funny new package. Is there something about combining Flovent and Serevent into one package that is more effective than taking them separately? — Steven D. Litvintchouk                   Advair cuts down on number of inhalers used: from two to one. Also  the

delivery system is different: Advair uses a powder and Flovent is a mdi. If you have problems with an mdi, then, on that basis, the switch to advair could be indicated. The problem with Advair is that during an exacerbation you cannot vary the Advair dosage, you will have to supplement with Flovent in whatever strength is required. In terms of efficacy, from personal experience, I find no difference and this is supported by my pulmonologist.  The final question is cost: does your health insurance cover Advair. John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Why all this hype about Advair?  All it is, is a combination of Flovent’s active ingredient + Serevent’s active ingredient, in a funny new package. Is there something about combining Flovent and Serevent into one package that is more effective than taking them separately?

According to my Pulmologist the powder form is more effective in getting into your lungs and does a better job.

Response:

Only a couple of differences. — It’s a dry powder inhaler, so no propellant to react to. — It’s one puff twice daily, not 2 each twice daily (i.e., 1 not 4, twice daily)  Helps compliance — There’s a counter on the device.  Helps keep track of when to replace. There were studies about it being more effective than just flovent, but I haven’t seen anything about it being better than the pair of medications prescribed separately.  Other than what’s listed above, it would appear to be a compliance issue.  I prefer it since I cough after taking the 4 puffs, but not after taking advair.  YMMV. Liam

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My pulmonologist wants to try switching me from Flovent to Advair. And I’ve heard so many other asthma and COPD patients praising Advair. Why all this hype about Advair?  All it is, is a combination of Flovent’s active ingredient + Serevent’s active ingredient, in a funny new package. Is there something about combining Flovent and Serevent into one package that is more effective than taking them separately? — Steven D. Litvintchouk

Response:

My pulmonologist wants to try switching me from Flovent to Advair. And I’ve heard so many other asthma and COPD patients praising Advair. Why all this hype about Advair?  All it is, is a combination of Flovent’s active ingredient + Serevent’s active ingredient, in a funny new package. Is there something about combining Flovent and Serevent into one package that is more effective than taking them separately? — Steven D. Litvintchouk                  

Response:

Question:

Just buy a separate voltage converter (what the heck are those things called?..someone help me) that will enable you to use your nebulizer, hairdryer, etc. when in Europe. They are not expensive. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m going to Europe for 3 weeks in June.  I’ve had severe asthma for my whole life (50, now) that’s usually under control with Albuterol, Serevent, and Flovent.  I’ll be taking those medihalers with me, but, thought it might be wise to take some kind of portable nebulizer and some albuterol solution just in case. I assume I’m looking for a battery powered ultrasonic one, but, was wondering if there’s one with a transformer/recharger that works with the European voltages (220 VAC/50Hz).  I’ll be traveling in France, Germany, and Italy. Thanks!

Response:

I know in England that Omeron does a battery one for

Question:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

Question:

I am on a clinical study and just found out that I have been taking exemestane for the last year instead of tamoxfin. I was sure I was taking Tamoxfin. I had hot flashes so bad I thought that you could time them like labor pains. They told me that the pills are really expensive and that they will pay for them for the next 4 years. The Dr.s upped the effexor to 150 mg and now I only have 5-8 hot flashes a day. I do have 2 bone density test a year. dx 8/02  lumpectomy 9/03 chemo and rads. Nancy

Response:

I am on a clinical study and just found out that I have been taking exemestane for the last year instead of tamoxfin. I was sure I was taking Tamoxfin. I had hot flashes so bad I thought that you could time them like labor pains. They told me that the pills are really expensive and that they will pay for them for the next 4 years. The Dr.s upped the effexor to 150 mg and now I only have 5-8 hot flashes a day. I do have 2 bone density test a year. dx 8/02  lumpectomy 9/03 chemo and rads. Nancy

Are you getting Zometa?  If not you should probably ask about it.  Helps keep your bones strong. – Tony — Tony Lima                        /"   ASCII ribbon campaign                                   /   against HTML mail                                   X    and postings                                  /

Response:

At my Dec blood work it came back where I had to much calcium, then came more test. so far everthing is ok. My Blood work from Monday 3/9/04 the liver test had some concern so I need to have that redone next week. I will ask at that time about Zometa. Thanks Nancy

Response:

Question:

Added benefits of pre-surgery:  bone scan and cat scan.  Bone scan found my arthritis (I could have told them), cat scan found a an unknown, unexplained lurker in my gut:  a leiomyoma, which is a benign intestinal tumor.  One out of 15 are discovered before autopsy…  Mine was 5 * 7 * 10 cc; described as the size of a baby’s head.  Leiomyoma was removed at the same time as the Prostate

John,     Wow ….. What a break. Bet you never thought you’d say you were "lucky" to get PCa!! What’s the deal with that leiomyoma? Could it have grown and caused blockage problems down the road?     Oh, my congrats on Mr. Happy. I hope to be posting the same info soon. Tom RRP 12/12/02

Response:

 What’s the deal with that leiomyoma? Could it have grown and caused blockage problems down the road? Tom RRP 12/12/02

Yeah.  It WAS causing problems, and as I think back, it was leaking a bit of blood.  Eventually it would have been found without killing me first )   I’m glad that my trusty Urologist was following the instruction manual for dealing with PCa.  He said that he liked to do the CAT scan because once in a while he picked up a kidney cancer.  He found garbage in my case, but, as Ripley says in the first Alien Movie, "lucky-lucky-lucky." John. —-== Posted via Newsfeed.Com – Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==—- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups —= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers – Total Privacy via Encryption =—

Response:

What’s the deal with that leiomyoma? Could it have grown and caused blockage problems down the road? Tom RRP 12/12/02

oh … and the surgeon who put my gut back together said that the leiomyoma tumors are slow-growing.  It would take several years to get to the size of a golf-ball.  I guess that sucker was in there for 20-30 years getting bigger and bigger )  I was one of those ‘interesting cases.’ John. —-== Posted via Newsfeed.Com – Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==—- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups —= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers – Total Privacy via Encryption =—

Response:

Hi, John….. I was relieved of my prostate on November 21…. so in two days, I am expecting to see Mr. Happy standing at attention. )  Thanks for sharing your success with recovery.  It’s the one thing left I keep hoping for!  I don’t see it happening anytime soon….. unless it’s just a change *overnight*. Take care… and use it well….. MikeH

Well, I think it comes and goes…  That’s what I’ve read on the news group, and that seems to be the case with me.  But as the coach said, if you can run a 4 minute mile once, you can do it again.  Just keep practicing and don’t loose heart ) John. —-== Posted via Newsfeed.Com – Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==—- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups —= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers – Total Privacy via Encryption =—

Response:

Hi, John….. I was relieved of my prostate on November 21…. so in two days, I am expecting to see Mr. Happy standing at attention. )  Thanks for sharing your success with recovery.  It’s the one thing left I keep hoping for!  I don’t see it happening anytime soon….. unless it’s just a change *overnight*. Take care… and use it well….. MikeH – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was relieved of the prostate 11/18/2002.  Started out with one or two pads, but was down to one pad after a week.  Quit the pads on the weekends about 2 months post op, and went work on a Monday at about 3 months, forgetting the pad (as it worked for Dumbo, it worked for me ;o), but I did not need the crows to tell me that I could fly.) The ‘one thing’ that had been old-reliable since 18 months did not function…  I got a script of vitamin V as my kindly Urologist refers to it…  No blue vision, occasional headaches, and a pathetic boner (like Harry Potter:  no bone, but flexible)  Was also taking an anti-depressant (Paxil) classed as SSRI, widely known by pharmacists and psychatrists as a doggie-downer; anti-depressant was to treat the lump in the throat that developed concomitant with the dx of prostate cancer.  Changed to Lexapro, a less potent SSRI anti-depressant, but still no cigar ;o)  On the advise of a pharmacist friend, skipped the Lexapro last night and bingo-bongo-sproingo.  Not quite Mr Happy, but certainly not mister Jell-O: it was insertion quality for sure.

Response:

hi john – thanks for the progress report.  that’s pretty quick recovery for my happy.  i hope to be so lucky. it’s interesting, you mention that you had such a large prostate.  mine was about 30cc. but FELT like 65cc.  reminds you of the joke.  oh, it’s six on hand.  no, it’s five on one hand.  then when you get on the table and the doctor sticks his hand up there.  you know, it feels like six on one hand   ~ curtis knowledge is power – growing old is mandatory – growing wise is optional

Response:

  Was also taking an anti-depressant (Paxil) classed as SSRI, widely known by pharmacists and psychatrists

as a doggie-downer; anti-depressant was to treat the lump in the throat that developed concomitant with the dx of prostate cancer.  Changed to Lexapro, a less potent SSRI anti-depressant, but still no cigar ;o)  On the advise of a pharmacist friend, skipped the Lexapro last night and bingo-bongo-sproingo.  Not quite Mr Happy, but certainly not mister Jell-O: it was insertion quality for sure. Now to get off the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) and

onto a different anti-depressant. Happy to hear that both you and Mr. Happy are happy……as that side of things is not in my sphere of experience…..grin!! As to SSRI drugs, I know a lot about them because my daughter has a serotonin deficiency and has to take them.  There are roughly 30 different brands, of which Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Welbutrin, and Luvox are the more well known ones.  They are all newer derivatives of Prozac to my knowledge, but our good doctor on this group can better inform you. E. has been on Luvox (horrible fatigue), Welbutrin (stopped working) and now Effexor, which is working quite well as it attacks the problem from a different angle.  And each one worked for about 2 years, then she had to switch.  And every darn one of them has a lot of side effects!! So speak to your doctor…….or better yet, your pharmacist…..and see if there isn’t one that won’t be a ‘doggie downer’.  E. does not have that problem (G).  But as these SSRI drugs seem to be for chemical deficiencies, perhaps there is a totally different anti-depressant that will do in the meantime, that won’t interfere with Mr. Happy. Just my 2 Cdn. cents worth……and if you can manage without them…..go for it.  I refuse to take any myself at the moment and am doing OK without them.  If I need a pill temporarily, I will certainly take one though.  My rant on here last week got rid of a lot of it…..grin.   (thanks, people) The way I look at it is that ‘depression’ is a not an abnormal thing when life is tough, and unless it *really* interferes with your enjoyment of life, it will get better on its own.  I am not a doctor…..but on the flip side, I have seen the amazing difference in E’s life and also my sister’s……as she is battling the same Cheers…….Heather – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Way to go, John You just keep on smiling. We will know why. Lee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – it was insertion quality for sure. Mr. Happy is the better anti-depressant. You’d better believe it.  They can’t chisel the slight smile off my face today ) John. — Steve Kramer PSA 16 10/17/2000 Dx 11/01/2000 G7 (3+4), T2c PSA  .1  .1  .1  .27  .37  .75 Radiation MAY – JUL 2002 PSA  .34  .22  .15  .21 —-== Posted via Newsfeed.Com – Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==—- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups —= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers – Total Privacy via Encryption

=—

Response:

it was insertion quality for sure. Mr. Happy is the better anti-depressant.

You’d better believe it.  They can’t chisel the slight smile off my face today ) John. — Steve Kramer PSA 16 10/17/2000 Dx 11/01/2000 G7 (3+4), T2c PSA  .1  .1  .1  .27  .37  .75 Radiation MAY – JUL 2002 PSA  .34  .22  .15  .21

—-== Posted via Newsfeed.Com – Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==—- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups —= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers – Total Privacy via Encryption =—

Response:

The ‘one thing’ that had been old-reliable since 18 months did not function…  I got a script of vitamin V as my kindly Urologist refers to it…  No blue vision, occasional headaches, and a pathetic boner (like Harry Potter:  no bone, but flexible)  Was also taking an anti-depressant (Paxil) classed as SSRI, widely known by pharmacists and psychatrists as a doggie-downer; anti-depressant was to treat the lump in the throat that developed concomitant with the dx of prostate cancer.  Changed to Lexapro, a less potent SSRI anti-depressant, but still no cigar ;o)  On the advise of a pharmacist friend, skipped the Lexapro last night and bingo-bongo-sproingo.  Not quite Mr Happy, but certainly not mister Jell-O: it was insertion quality for sure.

Mr. Happy is the better anti-depressant. — Steve Kramer PSA 16 10/17/2000 Dx 11/01/2000 G7 (3+4), T2c PSA  .1  .1  .1  .27  .37  .75 Radiation MAY – JUL 2002 PSA  .34  .22  .15  .21

Response:

I was relieved of the prostate 11/18/2002.  Started out with one or two pads, but was down to one pad after a week.  Quit the pads on the weekends about 2 months post op, and went work on a Monday at about 3 months, forgetting the pad (as it worked for Dumbo, it worked for me ;o), but I did not need the crows to tell me that I could fly.) The ‘one thing’ that had been old-reliable since 18 months did not function…  I got a script of vitamin V as my kindly Urologist refers to it…  No blue vision, occasional headaches, and a pathetic boner (like Harry Potter:  no bone, but flexible)  Was also taking an anti-depressant (Paxil) classed as SSRI, widely known by pharmacists and psychatrists as a doggie-downer; anti-depressant was to treat the lump in the throat that developed concomitant with the dx of prostate cancer.  Changed to Lexapro, a less potent SSRI anti-depressant, but still no cigar ;o)  On the advise of a pharmacist friend, skipped the Lexapro last night and bingo-bongo-sproingo.  Not quite Mr Happy, but certainly not mister Jell-O: it was insertion quality for sure. Now to get off the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) and onto a different anti-depressant. Physical Specs:  Age 60, fairly good health, Gleason was about 6, 1Tc (or whatever the arragement of letters and numbers is) psa between 3.75 and just over 4.0 at time of discovery.  Large prostate at 65 cc, one core out of 12 positive (but with a prostate the size of a large lemon/small grapefruit, finding the CA in that haystack was luck).  Added benefits of pre-surgery:  bone scan and cat scan.  Bone scan found my arthritis (I could have told them), cat scan found a an unknown, unexplained lurker in my gut:  a leiomyoma, which is a benign intestinal tumor.  One out of 15 are discovered before autopsy…  Mine was 5 * 7 * 10 cc; described as the size of a baby’s head.  Leiomyoma was removed at the same time as the Prostate; was in the hospital for 6 days, and gained 20 pounds of water weight. With a grandfather who died of prostate cancer at age 65, early detection is a good thing in my case… My 20 cents. John. —-== Posted via Newsfeed.Com – Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==—- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups —= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers – Total Privacy via Encryption =—

Response:

Question:

Hi Sandra, I’m glad you’ve found something that works to help the problem.  Originally I started supplementing my daughter with the fish oil capsules because of the study that noted benefits for people with bipolar disorder (she was diagnosed at age and we didn’t get any behavioral improvements, but her handwriting went from illegible to legible over a few weeks.  For that benefit alone we’ve continued it.  The behavior has improved with age and hard work on her part (as well as the school’s part and ours).  At her IEP review this past week we all agreed that she no longer meets the criteria, and there was much rejoicing.  Not bad in light of the bipolar disorder. Do you take any non dietary inclusive fat supplements like fish oil or CLA? If not I’d be willing to bet Lee could steer you towards some helpful choices. Take care, Carmen

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Sandra, May I ask what causes your motor control problem?  My daughter has to take an antineuroleptic drug which causes a noticeable loss of fine motor control (especially in handwriting) that was greatly ameliorated by fish oil capsules (without counteracting the Neurontin’s positive side effects). Take care, Carmen Benign Essential Tremor, which has gotten progressively worse over the years, with some attending motor control problems that seem like, but are not, symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Basically it’s a  case of "these are the symptoms you have, but we can’t say what you have for sure." They went as far as diagnosing my niece with MS, but have backed off that diagnosis as the years have gone by. The use of high amounts of both water and fat have helped the problem a lot. Sandra I weighed in at 250 this morning, no surprise after a few days of illness, during which I took a carb break again, and my TOM. Two interesting things: My motor control lessened again. I’m having trouble using my mouse this morning. Last week the motor control was back after two days of going back to induction levels of carbs. But the carb break gave me the energy to continue performing through my illness this weekend. When the Renaissance festival is over, I’m going back to a two week induction period. For the summer, I am going to start charting everything, regarding intake and exercise, and set some limits to see if I can change my loss rate from 1 pound a week to two, or at least increase my inch loss a bit. I would love to be 235 by my birthday, Aug. 28. That would mean I would look about as I did when I reached my smallest size in 20 years, eight years ago. More later. Have a good week, everyone. Sandra lc since 1/15/01 four months gone! 40 pounds gone! 290/250/165

Response:

Benign Essential Tremor, which has gotten progressively worse over the years, with some attending motor control problems that seem like, but are not, symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Basically it’s a  case of "these are the symptoms you have, but we can’t say what you have for sure." They went as far as diagnosing my niece with MS, but have backed off that diagnosis as the years have gone by.

My father has Benign Essential Tremor – it started showing when he was 18.   Mostly, it affects his hands and fine motor movements, but since he’s been in his 60s, I’ve noticed that his head shakes just a tiny bit, too. For him, it’s an annoyance and an occasional frustration.  By profession, he’s a stamp dealer, so he’s sometimes got a problem holding his tongs steady while examining a stamp.   He likes soup, but he has a very hard time holding the spoon still, so he usually passes on it unless it’s in a mug he can hold with his whole hand.   I got him a special spoon – but he didn’t care for it.  I still have it – I can send it to you, if you’d like.  It’s a bulky thing, but it has a velcro strap that fits over the hand, and the bowl stays level no matter what your fingers or hand does.  (Read more about it at: http://www.steadyproducts.com/) We work around some of the problems – at the office, I often write checks to people because his handwriting is getty shaky.  At Starbucks, the kids there (what a great bunch they are <g) bring him his coffee to his table, and they put it in a bigger mug for him (a tall in a grande cup).  We never ask him to pour coffee (although, admittedly, he’s not the parent who accidentally spilled a mugful on me <g). He’s very open about it – and if he sees you looking at his hands, he’ll bring it up first.  Because he *is* in his mid-60s, a lot of people mistake it for Parkinson’s – but it’s actually the opposite of it.  With Parkinson’s you can’t hold your empty hand steady, but if you grab something, it won’t move.  With Benign Essential Tremor, Dad can hold his hands steady as a rock, but if he picks up something, it’s very shaky. It does run through that side of the family – Dad, a couple of cousins – even my ex-brother whom I haven’t talked to him in years, but I saw him on "Jeopardy!" a few months ago, and boy, he was just one big twitch. I found a paper written by two mechanical engineers who had created a device called "a wearable tremor-suppression orthosis," and I wrote to them, but never heard anything back.  If you want to read the paper:         http://www.vard.org/jour/98/35/4/kotov354.htm If I ever stumble across anything else, I’ll let you know. Take care and be well! Myra

Response:

Hi Sandra, May I ask what causes your motor control problem?  My daughter has to take an antineuroleptic drug which causes a noticeable loss of fine motor control (especially in handwriting) that was greatly ameliorated by fish oil capsules (without counteracting the Neurontin’s positive side effects). Take care, Carmen

Benign Essential Tremor, which has gotten progressively worse over the years, with some attending motor control problems that seem like, but are not, symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Basically it’s a  case of "these are the symptoms you have, but we can’t say what you have for sure." They went as far as diagnosing my niece with MS, but have backed off that diagnosis as the years have gone by. The use of high amounts of both water and fat have helped the problem a lot. Sandra – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I weighed in at 250 this morning, no surprise after a few days of illness, during which I took a carb break again, and my TOM. Two interesting things: My motor control lessened again. I’m having trouble using my mouse this morning. Last week the motor control was back after two days of going back to induction levels of carbs. But the carb break gave me the energy to continue performing through my illness this weekend. When the Renaissance festival is over, I’m going back to a two week induction period. For the summer, I am going to start charting everything, regarding intake and exercise, and set some limits to see if I can change my loss rate from 1 pound a week to two, or at least increase my inch loss a bit. I would love to be 235 by my birthday, Aug. 28. That would mean I would look about as I did when I reached my smallest size in 20 years, eight years ago. More later. Have a good week, everyone. Sandra lc since 1/15/01 four months gone! 40 pounds gone! 290/250/165

Response:

I weighed in at 250 this morning, no surprise after a few days of illness, during which I took a carb break again, and my TOM. Two interesting things: My motor control lessened again. I’m having trouble using my mouse this morning. Last week the motor control was back after two days of going back to induction levels of carbs. But the carb break gave me the energy to continue performing through my illness this weekend. When the Renaissance festival is over, I’m going back to a two week induction period. For the summer, I am going to start charting everything, regarding intake and exercise, and set some limits to see if I can change my loss rate from 1 pound a week to two, or at least increase my inch loss a bit. I would love to be 235 by my birthday, Aug. 28. That would mean I would look about as I did when I reached my smallest size in 20 years, eight years ago. More later. Have a good week, everyone. Sandra lc since 1/15/01 four months gone! 40 pounds gone! 290/250/165

Response:

Hi Sandra, May I ask what causes your motor control problem?  My daughter has to take an antineuroleptic drug which causes a noticeable loss of fine motor control (especially in handwriting) that was greatly ameliorated by fish oil capsules (without counteracting the Neurontin’s positive side effects). Take care, Carmen

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I weighed in at 250 this morning, no surprise after a few days of illness, during which I took a carb break again, and my TOM. Two interesting things: My motor control lessened again. I’m having trouble using my mouse this morning. Last week the motor control was back after two days of going back to induction levels of carbs. But the carb break gave me the energy to continue performing through my illness this weekend. When the Renaissance festival is over, I’m going back to a two week induction period. For the summer, I am going to start charting everything, regarding intake and exercise, and set some limits to see if I can change my loss rate from 1 pound a week to two, or at least increase my inch loss a bit. I would love to be 235 by my birthday, Aug. 28. That would mean I would look about as I did when I reached my smallest size in 20 years, eight years ago. More later. Have a good week, everyone. Sandra lc since 1/15/01 four months gone! 40 pounds gone! 290/250/165

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Question:

— Andy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Andy, I’ve seen three "shrinks" and all three give me something different to work with. Each one though fizzled out, couldn’t get much more after the first few visits. YMMV and IME Charla Hi Guy’s I’m starting to think that maybe I should find a new shrink. I pretty much have everything sorted out now, I can deal with the PA’s if I have to, and if I don’t have to, or don’t feel like sitting through one I go home….. to easy. I’ve got off the Xanax and Zoloft which was only making me worse and am now on Luvox and serapax, which works great. So everything is pretty cruzzy apart from the odd up and down. The problem I’m stuck with now I guess is best described as mild depression / mild constant background anxiety / mild emotional distress, no big problem, just slightly annoying. The thing is, I go to the Pdoc every week and go "this is how I feel and this is what’s going on ect" , but I don’t seem to be getting any new answers. Its always, take the meds, go to places for exposure and desensitisation of the PA’s, CBT, exercise, meditate and stop yourself as soon as you start getting in to any negative thought patterns. I feel like I talk, he listens, but doesn’t say much and what he does say I already know, and am doing it. Should I be getting more answers, and more response from him? or is that about all there is to it…. just keep going as I am and give things more time? The reason I’m asking is because I don’t want to spend more time and money building a repour with new Pdoc’s if the answers are going to be the same. Thanks. — Andy

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Its always, take the meds, go to places for exposure and desensitisation of the PA’s, CBT, exercise, meditate and stop yourself as soon as you start getting in to any negative thought patterns. I feel like I talk, he listens, but doesn’t say much and what he does say I already know, and am doing it. Should I be getting more answers, and more response from him? or is that about all there is to it…. just keep going as I am and give things more time? The reason I’m asking is because I don’t want to spend more time and money building a repour with new Pdoc’s if the answers are going to be the same. Thanks. — Andy

dump him therapy is a collaborative event that is involving and goal oriented-listening is not productive to getting things done-the goal is to learn coping techniques and various ways to recover. LM

Response:

     Dear Andy,            In my experience  it has always been the same. I went to this one shrink. 12 visits and each time it was the same. I listened to him describe HIS phobias. I’d love to splash his name all over the place, but i won’t. What did help me was group therapy. Have you tried this? If not you may want to check it out Debbie

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Guy’s I’m starting to think that maybe I should find a new shrink. I pretty much have everything sorted out now, I can deal with the PA’s if I have to, and if I don’t have to, or don’t feel like sitting through one I go home….. to easy. I’ve got off the Xanax and Zoloft which was only making me worse and am now on Luvox and serapax, which works great. So everything is pretty cruzzy apart from the odd up and down. The problem I’m stuck with now I guess is best described as mild depression / mild constant background anxiety / mild emotional distress, no big problem, just slightly annoying. The thing is, I go to the Pdoc every week and go "this is how I feel and this is what’s going on ect" , but I don’t seem to be getting any new answers. Its always, take the meds, go to places for exposure and desensitisation of the PA’s, CBT, exercise, meditate and stop yourself as soon as you start getting in to any negative thought patterns. I feel like I talk, he listens, but doesn’t say much and what he does say I already know, and am doing it. Should I be getting more answers, and more response from him? or is that about all there is to it…. just keep going as I am and give things more time? The reason I’m asking is because I don’t want to spend more time and money building a repour with new Pdoc’s if the answers are going to be the same. Thanks. — Andy

I agree with his referral to CBT. It seems just what you need now. I am glad that you

Question:

ROFLMAO! Brilliant! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Nashua, NH (March 6) – Diets high in carbohydrates are known for causing extreme laziness but researchers have show that they can also impair memory in humans, The Enquirer reported Monday. Studies of overweight humans which had been fed diets high in carbohydrates since birth showed they did not perform typical tasks as well as lean humans raised on a low carbohydrate diet. "High carbohydrate diets impair activity on virtually all of our measures," said Alfred E. Newman of the Baywatch Center for Bovine Care in California. In our study the lean adult humans went about their chores as one would expect.  The high carb diet humans however, were a different story.  They spent hours in front of the television and had apparently forgotten where the treadmill was, and even where the lawn mower was to be able to cut the lawn.  They seemed oblivious of the fact that the world outside was passing them by. "It’s remarkable how impaired these people are." Newman and his colleagues suspect that carbohydrates interfere with insulin and prevents the brain from using glucose.  They are concerned that the high carbohydrate diet consisting of french fries, potato chips and other snacks preferred by most teenagers could be damaging pathways to the brain. "And maybe the developing brain is much more susceptible than the older brain." "Maybe the developing brain is much more susceptible than the older brain. Did I say that already?", Newman added.

Response:

Yeah, this is truly wonderful, John… still laughing – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Nashua, NH (March 6) – Diets high in carbohydrates are known for causing extreme laziness but researchers have show that they can also impair memory in humans, The Enquirer reported Monday. Studies of overweight humans which had been fed diets high in carbohydrates since birth showed they did not perform typical tasks as well as lean humans raised on a low carbohydrate diet. "High carbohydrate diets impair activity on virtually all of our measures," said Alfred E. Newman of the Baywatch Center for Bovine Care in California. In our study the lean adult humans went about their chores as one would expect.  The high carb diet humans however, were a different story.  They spent hours in front of the television and had apparently forgotten where the treadmill was, and even where the lawn mower was to be able to cut the lawn.  They seemed oblivious of the fact that the world outside was passing them by. "It’s remarkable how impaired these people are." Newman and his colleagues suspect that carbohydrates interfere with insulin and prevents the brain from using glucose.  They are concerned that the high carbohydrate diet consisting of french fries, potato chips and other snacks preferred by most teenagers could be damaging pathways to the brain. "And maybe the developing brain is much more susceptible than the older brain." "Maybe the developing brain is much more susceptible than the older brain. Did I say that already?", Newman added. Just came across this and it was of some concern. Not sure if the low carb WOE, is protective against the fat or not. Any comments? Fatty Diet Clogs Up Brain As Well As Arteries Reuters LONDON (March 1) – Diets high in fat are well known for causing blocked arteries but Canadian researchers have shown they can also impair memory in rats, New Scientist magazine reported Wednesday. Studies of adolescent rats which had been fed diets rich in animal and vegetable fats since birth showed they did not perform trained tasks as well as lean rodents raised on a more balanced diet. "High-fat diets impair performance on virtually all our measures," said Gordon Winocur of the Baycrest Center for Geriatric Care in Toronto. "It’s remarkable how impaired these animals are." Winocur and his colleagues suspect the fat interferes with insulin and prevents the brain from using glucose. They are concerned that the high fat diet preferred by most teenagers could be damaging pathways in the brain. "And maybe the developing brain is much more susceptible than the older brain," Winocur added. 14:23 02-28-01 Copyright 2001 Reuters Limited.  All rights reserved.  Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.  All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

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Yeah, this was reported in the New Scientist as well. Dryad, who wonders exactly how this "study" was done, and on whom — 279/275/160 Begun 2/14/01

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Nashua, NH (March 6) – Diets high in carbohydrates are known for causing extreme laziness but researchers have show that they can also impair memory in humans, The Enquirer reported Monday. Studies of overweight humans which had been fed diets high in carbohydrates since birth showed they did not perform typical tasks as well as lean humans raised on a low carbohydrate diet. "High carbohydrate diets impair activity on virtually all of our measures," said Alfred E. Newman of the Baywatch Center for Bovine Care in California. In our study the lean adult humans went about their chores as one would expect.  The high carb diet humans however, were a different story.  They spent hours in front of the television and had apparently forgotten where the treadmill was, and even where the lawn mower was to be able to cut the lawn.  They seemed oblivious of the fact that the world outside was passing them by. "It’s remarkable how impaired these people are." Newman and his colleagues suspect that carbohydrates interfere with insulin and prevents the brain from using glucose.  They are concerned that the high carbohydrate diet consisting of french fries, potato chips and other snacks preferred by most teenagers could be damaging pathways to the brain. "And maybe the developing brain is much more susceptible than the older brain." "Maybe the developing brain is much more susceptible than the older brain. Did I say that already?", Newman added.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just came across this and it was of some concern. Not sure if the low carb WOE, is protective against the fat or not. Any comments? Fatty Diet Clogs Up Brain As Well As Arteries Reuters LONDON (March 1) – Diets high in fat are well known for causing blocked arteries but Canadian researchers have shown they can also impair memory in rats, New Scientist magazine reported Wednesday. Studies of adolescent rats which had been fed diets rich in animal and vegetable fats since birth showed they did not perform trained tasks as well as lean rodents raised on a more balanced diet. "High-fat diets impair performance on virtually all our measures," said Gordon Winocur of the Baycrest Center for Geriatric Care in Toronto. "It’s remarkable how impaired these animals are." Winocur and his colleagues suspect the fat interferes with insulin and prevents the brain from using glucose. They are concerned that the high fat diet preferred by most teenagers could be damaging pathways in the brain. "And maybe the developing brain is much more susceptible than the older brain," Winocur added. 14:23 02-28-01 Copyright 2001 Reuters Limited.  All rights reserved.  Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.  All active hyperlinks have been inserted by

AOL.

Response:

Just came across this and it was of some concern. Not sure if the low carb WOE, is protective against the fat or not. Any comments? Fatty Diet Clogs Up Brain As Well As Arteries Reuters LONDON (March 1) – Diets high in fat are well known for causing blocked arteries but Canadian researchers have shown they can also impair memory in rats, New Scientist magazine reported Wednesday. Studies of adolescent rats which had been fed diets rich in animal and vegetable fats since birth showed they did not perform trained tasks as well as lean rodents raised on a more balanced diet. "High-fat diets impair performance on virtually all our measures," said Gordon Winocur of the Baycrest Center for Geriatric Care in Toronto. "It’s remarkable how impaired these animals are." Winocur and his colleagues suspect the fat interferes with insulin and prevents the brain from using glucose. They are concerned that the high fat diet preferred by most teenagers could be damaging pathways in the brain. "And maybe the developing brain is much more susceptible than the older brain," Winocur added. 14:23 02-28-01 Copyright 2001 Reuters Limited.  All rights reserved.  Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.  Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.  All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just came across this and it was of some concern. Not sure if the low carb WOE, is protective against the fat or not. Any comments? Fatty Diet Clogs Up Brain As Well As Arteries Reuters LONDON (March 1) – Diets high in fat are well known for causing blocked arteries but Canadian researchers have shown they can also impair memory in rats, New Scientist magazine reported Wednesday. Studies of adolescent rats which had been fed diets rich in animal and vegetable fats since birth showed they did not perform trained tasks as well as lean rodents raised on a more balanced diet. "High-fat diets impair performance on virtually all our measures," said Gordon Winocur of the Baycrest Center for Geriatric Care in Toronto. "It’s remarkable how impaired these animals are." Winocur and his colleagues suspect the fat interferes with insulin and prevents the brain from using glucose. They are concerned that the high fat diet preferred by most teenagers could be damaging pathways in the brain. "And maybe the developing brain is much more susceptible than the older brain," Winocur added. 14:23 02-28-01 Copyright 2001 Reuters Limited.  All rights reserved.  Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.  Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.  All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Certainly, a high fat and high carbohydrate diet can cause multiple problems. (If you are metabolising sugar, you aren’t using the fat you are consuming). No such correlation has been shown with high fat/low carbohydrate diets. Note this statement: Winocur and his colleagues suspect the fat interferes with insulin and prevents the brain from using glucose. From everything I have read, the brain and red blood cells need sugar for part of their function (other body tissues do not). But the brain and blood cells don’t need insulin to use sugar (while other body tissues do). So it doesn’t follow that even if fat interfered with insulin, that it should prevent the brain from using glucose.

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Just came across this and it was of some concern. Not sure if the low carb WOE, is protective against the fat or not. Any comments? <snip Winocur and his colleagues suspect the fat interferes with insulin and prevents the brain from using glucose. They are concerned that the high fat diet preferred by most teenagers could be damaging pathways in the brain. "And maybe the developing brain is much more susceptible than the older brain," Winocur added. 14:23 02-28-01

They’ve left out some information: the animals are not on an lc diet. Studies in humans have shown that a ketogenic (high fat, low everything else) diet can stop epileptic seizures. That’s because the brain does not use glucose as a primary source of food – it uses ketones! Since going on this diet, my sclerosis symptoms (except when I was taking in too much B-6, which brought them back) have cleared up completely. And my benign essential tremor (think of it as Katherine Hepburn shakes) has become a lot milder. My memory is better, my motor functions are up, in other words – bullshit! Also, from the comments Winocur made, (that a developing brain is more susceptible than an older brain, when brain damage research has shown that actually the opposite is true, because developing brain tissure is more regenerative and adaptable) he seems to be doing these experiments without any regard to the research of other scientists, or to what other factors are present in the animals’ environment. He has set out to prove a specific point, and to that end, has basically rigged the experiment to fulfill his expectations. Perhaps not consciously, but he’s getting what he wants. What the public doesn’t know is, often, when scientists report these "important" findings, we rarely hear, or make the connection, when they have to recant earlier findings down the road. In other words – don’t worry. Sandra

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Question:

Hi! After a series of severe migraines and several panic attacks related to work, I am now on indefinite medical leave. I’ve been on zoloft (50 mg) for about 6 months for depression, but I guess it’s not doing much. I’m seeing a counselor through the EAP who is working with me on relaxation techniques, and I have an appointment with the psychiatrist for Tues to hopefully find meds which will let me become more relaxed, sleep, and be able to face my co-workers and my 3rd grade students without getting anxious and having headaches, blood pressure surges, and panicy spells. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance. Also, is there anything specific I should tell/ask the psychiatrist? Apparently, I’m only going to see him for a short period, and my counselor will be monitoring my therapy long-term and will help decide when I should return to work. Right now, I’m hiding at home and trying to stay calm-even without going out, I average at least 1-2 panic attacks a day, and it seems that almost anything can spark one. Please tell me this gets better?

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! After a series of severe migraines and several panic attacks related to work, I am now on indefinite medical leave. I’ve been on zoloft (50 mg) for about 6 months for depression, but I guess it’s not doing much. I’m seeing a counselor through the EAP who is working with me on relaxation techniques, and I have an appointment with the psychiatrist for Tues to hopefully find meds which will let me become more relaxed, sleep, and be able to face my co-workers and my 3rd grade students without getting anxious and having headaches, blood pressure surges, and panicy spells. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance. Also, is there anything specific I should tell/ask the psychiatrist? Apparently, I’m only going to see him for a short period, and my counselor will be monitoring my therapy long-term and will help decide when I should return to work. Right now, I’m hiding at home and trying to stay calm-even without going out, I average at least 1-2 panic attacks a day, and it seems that almost anything can spark one. Please tell me this gets better? Hi Donna, I’m Kelly…I also take 50mg. of Zoloft a day for Panic Disorder. I started having them 9 months ago.With me , Zoloft has helped alot. I usually only have 3 bad days a month, and I can control the panic then.I don’t do any type of therapy..in fact hav’nt even seen a doctor in the last 5 months. I have 1 week in a month that I feel pretty much back to normal. Maybe Zoloft is’nt the answer for you? It will get better once the Doctor finds something that will make it better!!Don’t give up, it might take time, but it will get better! Good luck to you, Kelly

– Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! After a series of severe migraines and several panic attacks related to work, I am now on indefinite medical leave. I’ve been on zoloft (50 mg) for about 6 months for depression, but I guess it’s not doing much. I’m seeing a counselor through the EAP who is working with me on relaxation techniques, and I have an appointment with the psychiatrist for Tues to hopefully find meds which will let me become more relaxed, sleep, and be able to face my co-workers and my 3rd grade students without getting anxious and having headaches, blood pressure surges, and panicy spells. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance. Also, is there anything specific I should tell/ask the psychiatrist? Apparently, I’m only going to see him for a short period, and my counselor will be monitoring my therapy long-term and will help decide when I should return to work. Right now, I’m hiding at home and trying to stay calm-even without going out, I average at least 1-2 panic attacks a day, and it seems that almost anything can spark one. Please tell me this gets better?

Hi Donna, Welcome to ASAP. Yes, it can get much better. You just have to give it some time.  I am surprised that your Zoloft dose has not been increased, especially that you say your depression hasn`t really been helped by it. Zoloft 50mgs is not a therapeutic dose( although some people have done well on this dose), therapeutic dose for Zoloft is 100mgs to 200mgs. Your psychiatrist will either increase the Zoloft or change your med. It sounds like you are doing the right things( seeing a pdoc and a counselor) that will get you back on your feet quickly.  Is your counselor just practicing relaxation techniques, or is it part of Cognitive Behavioral therapy? Cognitive Behavioral therapy is a effective therapy for anxiety disorders. It has helped me alot along with the Paxil I take. Take care. Jackie

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! After a series of severe migraines and several panic attacks related to work, I am now on indefinite medical leave. I’ve been on zoloft (50 mg) for about 6 months for depression, but I guess it’s not doing much. I’m seeing a counselor through the EAP who is working with me on relaxation techniques, and I have an appointment with the psychiatrist for Tues to hopefully find meds which will let me become more relaxed, sleep, and be able to face my co-workers and my 3rd grade students without getting anxious and having headaches, blood pressure surges, and panicy spells. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance. Also, is there anything specific I should tell/ask the psychiatrist? Apparently, I’m only going to see him for a short period, and my counselor will be monitoring my therapy long-term and will help decide when I should return to work. Right now, I’m hiding at home and trying to stay calm-even without going out, I average at least 1-2 panic attacks a day, and it seems that almost anything can spark one. Please tell me this gets better?

I hope the psychiatrist is specialized in anxiety disorders.  You should be properly diagnosed and be prescribed some meds. Generally speaking *talk therapy*, however worthwhile for other reasons, is not a  good tool to get rid of anxiety symptoms quickly. The only therapy which can truthfully boast that is *Cognitive Behavioural Therapy* (CBT). I hope that’s what your *counselor* is doing with you. Ask  her/him. All this IMO and all that… ) A combination of meds and CBT is where the smart money is today and yes, it will get better. It may take some trial and error but hopefully you will be able to resume your *normal* life. Philip

Response:

Hi Donna, When you see your psychiatrist on Tuesday tell him you’re still having panic attacks. A change in meds should be able to block them. Either an increase in the Zoloft or the addition of a beno (Xanax, Klonopin, etc.) or possibly both. Strange you’re still on a rather low dose of Zoloft (it’s not blocking your panic attacks). Are you seeing the psychiatrist often enough so he can assess your response to treatment? I guess if it were me, I’d be seeing the psychiatrist more often for med monitoring and response to med treatment. I’ve never found counseling that useful or helpful, although I did like the support I got from it. What I found most useful was taking the right combo of  meds at the right dosages to block PAs and relapse of depression, and then facing my fears in small steps untill they were no longer fears. After the PAs are blocked, you can trying getting outside more. Also, SSRIs (such as the Zoloft you are on) are effective in preventing migraines (especially those related to stress and anxiety). My experience with panic disorder, agoraphobia, and intermittent depression has been that meds are the most helpful (I take Zoloft 150 mg/day and Klonopin 2 mg/day). I learned all the breathing  and relaxation techniques, jogging, spiritual gowth, self help books, diets, exercise, and all the rest. They all help, but I found I really needed the meds to get enough relief from my symptoms to get out in the world again, and back to work and functioning  in the world. Hope this helps, Chip Hi! After a series of severe migraines and several panic attacks related to work, I am now on indefinite medical leave. I’ve been on zoloft (50 mg) for about 6 months for depression, but I guess it’s not doing much. I’m seeing a counselor through the EAP who is working with me on relaxation techniques, and I have an appointment with the psychiatrist for Tues to hopefully find meds which will let me become more relaxed, sleep, and be able to face my co-workers and my 3rd grade students without getting anxious and having headaches, blood pressure surges, and panicy spells. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance. Also, is there anything specific I should tell/ask the psychiatrist? Apparently, I’m only going to see him for a short period, and my counselor will be monitoring my therapy long-term and will help decide when I should return to work. Right now, I’m hiding at home and trying to stay calm-even without going out, I average at least 1-2 panic attacks a day, and it seems that almost anything can spark one. Please tell me this gets better?

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Question:

Ok, I have read all the literature I can find, and talked to my pharmacist and a doctor (not the psychiatrist who prescribed it because I know more about the drug than he does). All the "official" stuff tells me that serzone doesn’t affect sexual function. So why, since I have been on it, had by sex drive dropped off to next to nothing? And why is it more difficult for me to achieve orgasm. When I was on Zoloft, I had the same thing happen, but sexual disfunction is a side effect of Zoloft. Anyone have experiences similar to mine? (BTW, I have a different doctor prescribing my meds now). Thanks in advance, Ev emorgan <at slonet <dot org eem <at efn <dot org Replying to the header is futile. Junk e-mail will be illiminated. And for good measure: There is a $1000 US fee for unsolicited commercial e-mail to any of my aforementioned addresses. This is your only warning. Die NetScum! Die!

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[posted and emailed] Ok, I have read all the literature I can find, and talked to my pharmacist and a doctor (not the psychiatrist who prescribed it because I know more about the drug than he does). All the "official" stuff tells me that serzone doesn’t affect sexual function. So why, since I have been on it, had by sex drive dropped off to next to nothing? And why is it more difficult for me to achieve orgasm. When I was on Zoloft, I had the same thing happen, but sexual disfunction is a side effect of Zoloft. Anyone have experiences similar to mine?

yes, only "statistically" does serzone not affect sexual function. that means it wasnt likely.. ‘cept in your case… what about wellbutrin? Thomas A. Ott http://www.geocities.com/heartland/5294 "All Things Are Possible Except Skiing Through A Revolving Door…" [remove "nospam." from my sig to respond...]

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