Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Of Flovent And » insomnia

insomnia

Question:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

HAPPY NEWYEAR–2000!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Susan Hoch                    

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Susan Hoch                    

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Flovent 220 » Hard time breathing

Hard time breathing

Question:

Kathleen, I wonder if you’ve cleaned (or had someone clean) your house thoroughly? After spending 5 days in the hospital earlier this month, I had my couch and carpets steam cleaned and paid a cleaning service to come in a clean REALLY good.  Also, I purchased a HEPA air filtering machine and pillow and mattress covers that are made specifically with asthmatics and allergy sufferers in mind.  Look around your house – do you have a lot of stuffed animals or things that collect and retain dust?  If so, move ‘em out.  That should help a lot. I’m trying to get in the habit of putting my bedding in the dryer for at least 20 minutes once a week.  Supposedly, that gets rid of any dust mites that might be lurking. My point is have a good look at your environment.  It can make a huge difference. Good luck – Laura

Response:

Dear Kathleen, Would you believe that many women find that their asthma actually becomes WORSE during pregnancy (or that they develop it for the first time)? I have not tried the non-drowsy antihistimines, but I know people who swear by them, and also people who have had trouble with irregular heart beat because of them. Vitamin C is purported to have antihistimine properties, I have tried this and it works well for me — 500 to 1000 mg during my mild season, 5000 to 8000 mg during my worst times. I am stunningly sensitive to medications, and I can take this amount without difficulty. Take the powder and mix it with water so that you are sipping it all day I take the buffered kind. To determine the amount that is right for you, just keep taking it until your bowels loosen, and back off from there. I have also read that pregnancy is a factor in candida overgrowth, which may aggravate your asthma / allergy symptoms. I tried an anti-candida diet for the first time this spring, and am having my most trouble free allergy season in a long time! You might want to investigate to see if the symptoms of candida overgrowth match yours. Candida Directory: The Comprehensive Guide to Yeast Free Living, by Helen Gustafson ASthma: Breathe Again Naturally and Reclaim Your Life, by Mimi Weisbord The Yeast Connection, by William G. Crook MD Good luck! Patti – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I was diagnosed with asthma a few years ago.  Last spring & summer season went quite smoothly for me and I assumed credit should be given to the allergy shots and inhaler treatments.  I am now beginning to wonder if that assumption was right.  I was pregnant last spring & summer and my doctor had told me that you tend to have more resistance to things during pregnancy. It is now spring and I can’t breathe!  I am taking Serevent inhaler 2puffs 2x daily, Flovent inhaler 2puffs 2x daily, Ventolin inhaler as needed (which is daily at least 3x), Nasacort nasal inhaler 2puffs each side daily, Uniphyl 400mg 2x daily, Intex Pse 2x daily and have been on Medral dose packs several times. It seems as though I walk outside and I’m immediately seized up.  I do not want to spend my life indoors. I now believe the season was better for me due the increased resistancy while I was pregnant.  I don’t plan on having anymore children and really want to breathe someday soon.   Please help!! Any suggestions you may have would be helpful.  Thank you

Response:

You might ask your doctor for allergy testing.  If you are allergic to some of the springtime pollens then they may be causing your current problems. _If_ the problem is caused by allergy you may be able to reduce your medications by trying one of the new non-sedating antihistimines. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diagnosed with asthma a few years ago.  Last spring & summer season went quite smoothly for me and I assumed credit should be given to the allergy shots and inhaler treatments.  I am now beginning to wonder if that assumption was right.  I was pregnant last spring & summer and my doctor had told me that you tend to have more resistance to things during pregnancy. It is now spring and I can’t breathe!  I am taking Serevent inhaler 2puffs 2x daily, Flovent inhaler 2puffs 2x daily, Ventolin inhaler as needed (which is daily at least 3x), Nasacort nasal inhaler 2puffs each side daily, Uniphyl 400mg 2x daily, Intex Pse 2x daily and have been on Medral dose packs several times. It seems as though I walk outside and I’m immediately seized up.  I do not want to spend my life indoors. I now believe the season was better for me due the increased resistancy while I was pregnant.  I don’t plan on having anymore children and really want to breathe someday soon.   Please help!! Any suggestions you may have would be helpful.  Thank you

Response:

I was diagnosed with asthma a few years ago.  Last spring & summer season went quite smoothly for me and I assumed credit should be given to the allergy shots and inhaler treatments.  I am now beginning to wonder if that assumption was right.  I was pregnant last spring & summer and my doctor had told me that you tend to have more resistance to things during pregnancy. It is now spring and I can’t breathe!  I am taking Serevent inhaler 2puffs 2x daily, Flovent inhaler 2puffs 2x daily, Ventolin inhaler as needed (which is daily at least 3x), Nasacort nasal inhaler 2puffs each side daily, Uniphyl 400mg 2x daily, Intex Pse 2x daily and have been on Medral dose packs several times. It seems as though I walk outside and I’m immediately seized up.  I do not want to spend my life indoors. I now believe the season was better for me due the increased resistancy while I was pregnant.  I don’t plan on having anymore children and really want to breathe someday soon.   Please help!! Any suggestions you may have would be helpful.  Thank you

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diagnosed with asthma a few years ago.  Last spring & summer season went quite smoothly for me and I assumed credit should be given to the allergy shots and inhaler treatments.  I am now beginning to wonder if that assumption was right.  I was pregnant last spring & summer and my doctor had told me that you tend to have more resistance to things during pregnancy. It is now spring and I can’t breathe!  I am taking Serevent inhaler 2puffs 2x daily, Flovent inhaler 2puffs 2x daily, Ventolin inhaler as needed (which is daily at least 3x), Nasacort nasal inhaler 2puffs each side daily, Uniphyl 400mg 2x daily, Intex Pse 2x daily and have been on Medral dose packs several times. It seems as though I walk outside and I’m immediately seized up.  I do not want to spend my life indoors. I now believe the season was better for me due the increased resistancy while I was pregnant.  I don’t plan on having anymore children and really want to breathe someday soon.   Please help!! Any suggestions you may have would be helpful.  Thank you

Which Flovent inhaler are you using? Flovent 44, Flovent 110, or Flovent 220 These are for Low, Medium, and High dose applications. Sounds like you need more inhaled steroids, so may need to increase the dose. Have you had your allergies tested. Sounds like you might be allergic to grass pollen, or other plants in your vicinity. I recognize all your drugs except the Intex Pse? You are taking quite a few. One drug that might be worth trying is the new anti-leukotriene Singulair, a pill you take once/day. Somtimes immunotherapy (allergy shots) can be useful for those who are very allergic. Be sure to breathe thru your nose at all times, to filter the air going to the lungs. If you have any problems with sinusitis or GERD, they should be treated. Ellis

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Effexor Side Effects » Effexor Side-Effects

Effexor Side-Effects

Question:

OK, first of all, how are you functioning during the daytime, after your 5 hours?

80 % of the time I can function during the day, while feeling tired; 20 % of the time I lay in bed all day. Also, I have chronic Fatigue and I am on long term disability. Anything good happening from this medication after 7 weeks?

Yes, anxiety has become less pronounced, but still need to up the Effexor to better control my anxiety. My fear is if I up the Effexor then I will get no sleep at all. What is it being prescribed for?

Anxiety. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – G Hello all, I have been taking Effexor XR 37.5 once a day for 7 weeks. The problem is the lack of sleep; I sleep 4 to 5 hours a night. Initially I thought this would go away once I acclimated to the medication, because that’s what happened in the past with other meds. Unfortunately this has not happened. My question is there any medication that would assist with my sleep problem, so I could get a good night sleep. This would probably be on a long term basis. Thank you to those who respond, Mike

Response:

OK, first of all, how are you functioning during the daytime, after your 5 hours?  Anything good happening from this medication after 7 weeks? What is it being prescribed for? G

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all, I have been taking Effexor XR 37.5 once a day for 7 weeks. The problem is the lack of sleep; I sleep 4 to 5 hours a night. Initially I thought this would go away once I acclimated to the medication, because that’s what happened in the past with other meds. Unfortunately this has not happened. My question is there any medication that would assist with my sleep problem, so I could get a good night sleep. This would probably be on a long term basis. Thank you to those who respond, Mike

Response:

Hello all, I have been taking Effexor XR 37.5 once a day for 7 weeks. The problem is the lack of sleep; I sleep 4 to 5 hours a night. Initially I thought this would go away once I acclimated to the medication, because that’s what happened in the past with other meds. Unfortunately this has not happened. My question is there any medication that would assist with my sleep problem, so I could get a good night sleep. This would probably be on a long term basis. Thank you to those who respond, Mike

Response:

talk to the doc who prescribed the Effexor?? that would be my first step. Lobo

Response:

Hello all, I have been taking Effexor XR 37.5 once a day for 7 weeks. The problem is the lack of sleep; I sleep 4 to 5 hours a night. Initially I thought this would go away once I acclimated to the medication, because that’s what happened in the past with other meds. Unfortunately this has not happened. My question is there any medication that would assist with my sleep problem, so I could get a good night sleep. This would probably be on a long term basis. Thank you to those who respond, Mike

Do you take Effexor for anxiety/panic, depression? Does it work at this low dose? Good sedating antidepressants that work also for anxiety/panic are amitriptyline (TCA) and Paxil (SSRI). Also Remeron which as a rule is somewhat less effective for anxiety disorders but does help people. Low dose ami and ditto Remeron are succesfully prescribed as  sleeping aids. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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

ZYBAN for Panic?

Question:

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

Response:

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

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

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Effexor Withdrawal » hello?

hello?

Question:

Hanging on by my nails.  Moved to Georgia.  My ex and Maria came too to try to keep family together for her.  I am assistant to a professor and go back out for teaching this season (next month) if can get energy up . . . could not handle effexor withdrawal so I put myself back on this weekend.  I need my zyprexa, but can’t have it.  Side effects put me in this damn wheel chair.  Not a single friend here.  I know Aware here, but not together enough to ask to meet yet.  Hard time doing my work — any work — really feel scared and hopeless and I am so aware that in the end the sick must have willpower or they can simply end up on a curb with dirty matted hair . . . very scared. Rosena  

Response:

Hanging on by my nails.  Moved to Georgia.  My ex and Maria came too to try to keep family together for her.  I am assistant to a professor and go back out for teaching this season (next month) if can get energy up . . . could not handle effexor withdrawal so I put myself back on this weekend.  I need my zyprexa, but can’t have it.  Side effects put me in this damn wheel chair.  Not a single friend here.  I know Aware here, but not together enough to ask to meet yet.  Hard time doing my work — any work — really feel scared and hopeless and I am so aware that in the end the sick must have willpower or they can simply end up on a curb with dirty matted hair . . . very scared. Rosena  

hi rosena.  i’m in sc.  met aware once,  she is nice.  mabey we could have an atlanta meet? dennis Death Be Not Proud by John Donne: Death be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for, thou art not so,

Response:

Hanging on by my nails.  Moved to Georgia.  My ex and Maria came too to try to keep family together for her.  I am assistant to a professor and go back out for teaching this season (next month) if can get energy up . . . could not handle effexor withdrawal so I put myself back on this weekend.  I need my zyprexa, but can’t have it.  Side effects put me in this damn wheel chair. Not a single friend here.  I know Aware here, but not together enough to ask to meet yet.  Hard time doing my work — any work — really feel scared and hopeless and I am so aware that in the end the sick must have willpower or they can simply end up on a curb with dirty matted hair . . . very scared. Rosena  

Hello :) ) Sorry you’re having it so tough at the moment – but good luck with the new job! Whiskery Hugs {{{{{Rosena}}}}} — —  Whiskers

Response:

i am slowly going insane being invisible

But you’re NOT, you’re probably lonely. My therp reminds me all the time: "Social isolation is considered severe punishment in prison."

Response:

i am slowly going insane being invisible

Honey, I wasn’t even here yesterday.  But I am now, and you’re not invisible. ***** Melissa "The wood is tired, and the wood is old. But we’ll make it fine if the weather holds. But if the weather holds, then we’ll have missed the point. That’s where I need to go." –Indigo Girls

Response:

i am slowly going insane being invisible

Response:

i am slowly going insane being invisible

I can see you. Mary Beth

Response:

Well met, Adam. Boy ARE you in the right place. Birds of a feather and all that. I hate the insomnia. It sucks the most because I know next comes the deep depression.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, i am new to this group, and from what i have read so far i will fit in just cosy. I have now been up for 47 hours, and although i am real tired as soon as my head hits the pillow i wake up again. The thought s in my head just dont stop.. You are useless, whats the point, nobody wants you… you cant even committ suicide without screwing up….so i sit here in front of my pc moping, waching the weekend drift by, not seeing anyone, not talking to any one. Occasionaly speaking on icq to an aquaintance, but then they rush off and do stuff constructive in their busy lives, and i sit and clean out my hard drive. Tomorrow is Monday, and i return to work. carry out the day and return to my pc….God I am so sad… what is the point??

Response:

Welcome to the jungle! Welcome to the jungle! It’s gonna bring you down. huh!     Guns and Roses Sorry just being dramatic.  :^) Gloria

Response:

Well, i am new to this group, and from what i have read so far i will fit in just cosy. I have now been up for 47 hours, and although i am real tired as soon as my head hits the pillow i wake up again. The thought s in my head just dont stop.. You are useless, whats the point, nobody wants you… you cant even committ suicide without screwing up….so i sit here in front of my pc moping, waching the weekend drift by, not seeing anyone, not talking to any one. Occasionaly speaking on icq to an aquaintance, but then they rush off and do stuff constructive in their busy lives, and i sit and clean out my hard drive. Tomorrow is Monday, and i return to work. carry out the day and return to my pc….God I am so sad… what is the point??

Welcome to ASD. Sincerely Stewart — The Metaphor Man  *and*  The Great Defender of the Self (remove the SPAMBLOCK) Please send me an e-mail copy of your posted response.

Response:

Well, i am new to this group, and from what i have read so far i will fit in just cosy. I have now been up for 47 hours, and although i am real tired as soon as my head hits the pillow i wake up again. The thought s in my head just dont stop.. You are useless, whats the point, nobody wants you… you cant even committ suicide without screwing up….so i sit here in front of my pc moping, waching the weekend drift by, not seeing anyone, not talking to any one. Occasionaly speaking on icq to an aquaintance, but then they rush off and do stuff constructive in their busy lives, and i sit and clean out my hard drive. Tomorrow is Monday, and i return to work. carry out the day and return to my pc….God I am so sad… what is the point??

Response:

Welcome to ASD.  I am in the minority concerning sleep habits.  When I go into "the pit," I become hypersomniac.  A couple years ago, I went through a stretch in which I slept 14-15 hours per day.  Of course, the waking hours were living hell.  Plus, that much sleep (fitful sleep, I might add) is disorienting. It seems to have the end effect of no sleep at all.  Anyway, I hope you get some sleep.  Keep posting. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, i am new to this group, and from what i have read so far i will fit in just cosy. I have now been up for 47 hours, and although i am real tired as soon as my head hits the pillow i wake up again. The thought s in my head just dont stop.. You are useless, whats the point, nobody wants you… you cant even committ suicide without screwing up….so i sit here in front of my pc moping, waching the weekend drift by, not seeing anyone, not talking to any one. Occasionaly speaking on icq to an aquaintance, but then they rush off and do stuff constructive in their busy lives, and i sit and clean out my hard drive. Tomorrow is Monday, and i return to work. carry out the day and return to my pc….God I am so sad… what is the point??

Before you buy.

Response:

Thank you all for the greetings, i dozed off at the keyboard. :-) Lillith I am there. I am alienating the friends i have, and i dont mean to

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well met, Adam. Boy ARE you in the right place. Birds of a feather and all that. I hate the insomnia. It sucks the most because I know next comes the deep depression.

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Zoloft Sertraline » SSRI FAQ

SSRI FAQ

Question:

No, I’m cool with that, James. I don’t even mind lookingat SEs for other TCAs, though they are exactly the same as the one I’m on. But the very first thing I do when I get a refill is bin the info sheet if the pharmacist hasn’t already done so.  The minds of mortals work in strange ways, huh?

agreed. some of those "side effects" are ridiculous though…i mean "alcohol abuse"?! -although i have been feeling like a drink lately, but you’re not meant to consume alcohol when taking paxil. — James Fife, Scotland ICQ:41149795 "there is NO point to life – life IS the point" -me 2001AD

Response:

<snippage BTW, there haven’t been any contributions to the FAQ, so I did some work on it, and have forwarded it to Jackie to look over, fill in blanks, etc.

Hey, Sloopy — You know, I feel that it’s somewhat unfortunate that there were so few contributions to this thread as I think others could offer some helpful opinions.  I’m thinking about suggestions from newbies in particular — wondering what they would like to have seen in an SSRI-FAQ had it existed when they first found ASAP.  I do understand how some may feel *shy* about jumping into a thread in which it looks as though only long-timers are discussing the subject.  However, I’m glad you did pose this idea to the group in an open forum format as it at least allowed for others to contribute should they have desired to do so. Others, such as yourself, who wish to contribute (one way or an udder), will receive a copy for review before it’s "almost" finished, and all input will be appreciated (all input right "now" would be, and is, appreciated:)

Sounds good – I would like to review the "almost" finished FAQ as I think it will be fun to review with respect to the clarity aspect. ;) It won’t be done in a day or two, but it shouldn’t take all that long, either. Of course, I expect Ian to "sheer" it apart, once he has access again:)

LOL… Oh yes, I’m sure Ian will have some opinions and contributions to make, and I certainly wouldn’t want to deprive him of the opportunity to do so.  :) Best… ==== Blue (one who is curse-proof!… ;) ) — Remove mypants to email me

Response:

I’m thinking about suggestions from newbies in particular — wondering what they would like to have seen in an SSRI-FAQ had it existed when they first found ASAP.

hmm. 1. the conditions they are used for 2. what each one in particular is mostly used for 3. how they work 4. something about the different doses 5. side effects of each ssri 6. coming off them 7. um…. — James Fife, Scotland ICQ:41149795 "there is NO point to life – life IS the point" -me 2001AD

Response:

7. um….

known interactions with other drugs/alcohol etc! there! — James Fife, Scotland ICQ:41149795 "there is NO point to life – life IS the point" -me 2001AD

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m thinking about suggestions from newbies in particular — wondering what they would like to have seen in an SSRI-FAQ had it existed when they first found ASAP. hmm. 1. the conditions they are used for 2. what each one in particular is mostly used for 3. how they work 4. something about the different doses 5. side effects of each ssri 6. coming off them 7. um….

Um… could i suggest it doesn’t include the side effects, just a URL to a source that lists them. Most of us, including me, are likely to experience them all on reading about them. Ian

Response:

Um… could i suggest it doesn’t include the side effects, just a URL to a source that lists them. Most of us, including me, are likely to experience them all on reading about them.

you *definately* don’t want to look at this then: <<<warning! http://www.paxilprogress.org/research/research_documents/paxil_sideef… <<<warning! (!) — James Fife, Scotland ICQ:41149795 "there is NO point to life – life IS the point" -me 2001AD

Response:

Um… could i suggest it doesn’t include the side effects, just a URL to a source that lists them. Most of us, including me, are likely to experience them all on reading about them. you *definately* don’t want to look at this then: <<<warning! http://www.paxilprogress.org/research/research_documents/paxil_sideef… <<<warning! (!)

No, I’m cool with that, James. I don’t even mind lookingat SEs for other TCAs, though they are exactly the same as the one I’m on. But the very first thing I do when I get a refill is bin the info sheet if the pharmacist hasn’t already done so.  The minds of mortals work in strange ways, huh? Ian

Response:

Sloopy wrote……. Hopefully, you got it and have eaten your monitor by now :)

I`ve been cheated!!!! In my tagline is specifically says that I require 14 chocolate bars and you only sent 6 :P What ‘ya think?

Whatever everyone agree`s on is just fine by me :) Jackie Acting like a witch…..Eating 14 chocolate bars…..this isn`t a holiday for

Response:

Hi Blue!  :)  Good to see you back.

Thanks, Dan.  It’s a real… er, pleasure <? to be back! ;) IMO, YMMV and all that.  I personally don’t like the Q&A format.  All the information is there either way.   A well laid out document will allow users to find what they need.

I think Sloopy’s intention in bringing up the idea of creating an SSRI-FAQ in an open forum was to allow any and all to express their own opinions, and I am pleased we can have differences in our opinions :) I’m trying to imagine a newbie who’s gone to the trouble to find the FAQ and is willing to read it.  I just reread the post of Jackie’s where she put together information in a document-type format and contrasted that to Sloopy’s post where he’s posed suggestions for questions. And personally, I think the question and answer format is less *intimidating* somehow.  As you know, some of  us have difficulty concentrating at times, and I feel the question-and-answer format allows the reader to take in the information a bit at a time. However, as you state, a well laid-out document could achieve the same results.  It’s getting that document into a well laid-out state that then becomes the challenge.  Clarity is what is needed, whatever format the FAQ takes.  Should the FAQ take the form of a document rather than a question-and-answer format, I would be willing to review it and voice my opinions on how well it reads, for whatever that’s worth. ;) <snippage As far as dissenting ideas, I had two sources in mind.  The antimed fanatics are one, you know they’ll have something to say about this. But they aren’t really the ones I had in mind.  I was mainly thinking of sincere posters that would like to have non-meds mentioned.

I think Sloopy, in his reply to your post, makes a valid point with respect to this.  If this is to be a FAQ on SSRIs, then that should be the subject of the SSRI-FAQ.  I am sympathetic to those sincere readers and/or posters who would like to have information on dealing with anxiety and panic without the use of meds, and I think this is best addressed as a separate issue as it is in the monthly FAQ. I haven’t heard commentary on the idea of making this a "meds" FAQ rather than just SSRIs.  How many newcomers will even know what an SSRI is and if their med is one?

Once again, I feel what Sloopy said with respect to taking this one step at a time makes sense.  And I do agree with Sloopy that the SSRI-FAQ would serve the purpose of answering those almost daily questions of  "My doctor just put me on <SSRI.  Does anyone know anything about <SSRI?"  That would be the time that the link to the SSRI-FAQ could be provided, and voila!  No more Jackie and Philip spending their time writing the same replies over and over and over again… :) Best Wishes === Blue ;) — Remove mypants to email me

Response:

Hi Blue!  :)  Good to see you back. It ’tis, isn’t it?  Whoa Nellie!

LOL, Sloopy… I just "luv" Nellie ;) Best… === Blue ;) — Remove mypants to email me

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Blue!  :)  Good to see you back. It ’tis, isn’t it?  Whoa Nellie! IMO, YMMV and all that.  I personally don’t like the Q&A format.  All the information is there either way.   A well laid out document will allow users to find what they need. It makes no difference, AFAIC.  As long as all the info is there, and easy to follow. The questions I last posed need to be included, however – in whatever format.  When I have the time, I’ll go back through it, and see how it lays out. Need all the answers to the questions, tho:) <snip As far as dissenting ideas, I had two sources in mind.  The antimed fanatics are one, you know they’ll have something to say about this. But they aren’t really the ones I had in mind.  I was mainly thinking of sincere posters that would like to have non-meds mentioned. I think you’re missing the point, Dan. The monthly FAQ has all sorts of non-med references. The idea behind *this* FAQ is that people ask the same questions about SSRIs all the time. For those who *ask*, then the URL to this particular FAQ, or the FAQ itself can be posted as a reply. I haven’t heard commentary on the idea of making this a "meds" FAQ rather than just SSRIs. I think one step at a time. When people ask about benzos (for example), there are sites all over the place that talk about their effectiveness and when/if they should be prescribed (and dependency caveats). There are also quite a few sites with opposite views. I not only doubt that a FAQ is necessary for tranquilizers in general, but think it would become a war zone! LOL However, when someone asks about them, they get answers "and" URLs to check. With the SSRI questions, however, there aren’t sites that provide the type of information that’s provided here on an almost daily basis. That’s why it’s an ASAP FAQ, for ease of replies, as well as "more" education on these meds than the poster may have even been aware to ask in the first place. AND, the main reason, I suppose, is that SSRIs are prescribed for just about anything these days, far more than any other class of medications, it appears. That’s why there are more questions about them, and why it seems a need to focus in with a good solid document that contains a lot of the answers to <koff frequenty asked questions:) How many newcomers will even know what an SSRI is and if their med is one? That’s one of the goals;)  Someone says "the doc just put me on Paxil (or whatever it’s called in a particular country), and I don’t know much about it. Can someone tell me about side effects I’ve heard about?" <  BAM – post the FAQ as a reply (just once) or the URL to it   Think of it more as a reply, rather than a FAQ document for searching, and you might see what I feel the aim is. — Sloopy:)

Is that not like telling people to read the F.Manal, just like some PC groups do.??? — Mark Brown

Response:

Hi Blue!  :)  Good to see you back. IMO, YMMV and all that.  I personally don’t like the Q&A format.  All the information is there either way.   A well laid out document will allow users to find what they need. People will read it or not in either style.  A very few start reading a newsgroup by looking for the FAQ.  Most read a couple of recent posts and join in, never knowing if there is a FAQ or not. As far as dissenting ideas, I had two sources in mind.  The antimed fanatics are one, you know they’ll have something to say about this. But they aren’t really the ones I had in mind.  I was mainly thinking of sincere posters that would like to have non-meds mentioned. I haven’t heard commentary on the idea of making this a "meds" FAQ rather than just SSRIs.  How many newcomers will even know what an SSRI is and if their med is one? tnx, drr – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <snippage *** I think it should be as most FAQs are, which is a question/answer format, seeing as it’s about "frequently asked questions."  What ‘ya think?  Would it read better if the info below were the made into answers? Anyone? Yup, I think it would read easier if the information is put in a question and answer format.  That would allow people to zero in on any particular concern or question they may have, which might help insure that the FAQ actually gets read. One thing that Dan suggested was giving counter info, of sorts. I thought about that, and that would lead to Breggin, at the very worst. Breggin has his web sites, and the anti-benzo squad has their FAQ for their mailing list. Hmmm….. gonna have to think about that one for awhile (and re-read the existing FAQ). Good start, yes?  I think it can become a real FAQ in a short time. Yes, it’s a good start.  Only time will tell whether it will actually serve its intended purpose, but how to know without trying? Best Wishes === Blue ;) — Remove mypants to email me

– The second nicest guy on the internet Need the ASAP Mini-FAQ? A copy is at www.drrhodes.org

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –        Mark Brown tries to say… Think of it more as a reply, rather than a FAQ document for searching, and you might see what I feel the aim is. Is that not like telling people to read the F.Manal, just like some PC groups do.??? — Mark Brown I suppose the above comment can stand all by itself as your most helpful contribution to the FAQ on SSRIs.  A vast crevice of information, as always. — Sloopy:)

No. I don’t have the knowledge to contribute to the F.A.Q. WHAT I meant nothing beats discussion on individual topics. A  greater number of people would rather ask a question and have it answered rather than read lots , and lots of information e.g.. newbies, who don’t understand the basic concept of the various ways to deal with their condition Basically all I am saying is that the person or persons who write technical type things tend to write them from their  own knowledge or perspective, and newbies can easily get lost in techno-babble. I know that this does not add anything of a constructive nature. Y.M.M.V. naturally. — Mark Brown

Response:

Sloopy wrote….. Begin there, or you "will" get Soy for Halloween! :)

I began…..so I expect tons of chocolates before the 31st :P   Jackie Celexa ( Citalopram ) Recommended starting dose is 5mgs. Increase dose in 5mg increments once a week. Therapeutic range varies between 20 to 40 mgs, although some may do well on 10mgs and others may need 60mgs. Luvox ( Fluvoxamine ) Recommended starting dose is 12.5 to 25mgs. If sensitive to medication, the starting dose of 12.5 mgs is probably best. Increase dose in 12.5 or 25mg increments once a week. Therapeutic range varies between 100-300 mgs. Paxil ( Paroxetine) Recommended starting dose is 5mgs, for people sensitive to medication, it might be better to start at 2.5mgs. Paxil is available in liquid form to make taking very small doses easier. Increase dose in 2.5 or 5mgs increments once a week. Therapeutic range varies between 10-60mgs. Prozac ( Fluoxetine ) Recommended starting dose is 5mgs, for people sensitive to medication, it might be better to start at 2.5mgs. Prozac is available in liquid form to make taking very small doses easier. Increase dose in 2.5 or 5mg increments once a week. Therapeutic range varies between 10-60mgs. Zoloft (Sertraline ) Recommended starting dose is 25mgs, for people sensitive to medication, it might be better to start at 12.5mgs. Increase dose in 12.5 or 25mg increments once a week. Therapeutic range varies between 100-200 mgs, although some may do well on 50mgs and others may need 250mgs. *It is suggested that you increase your dose once a week….however,  you can wean even slower if you feel that is best. This is not a race, sometimes going slower is much better. General Info about SSRI`s It usually takes up to 6-8 weeks for an SSRI antidepressant to really kick in. Some people have reported that their SSRI`s started to work as early as 2 weeks, but don`t get nervous if this doesn`t happen to you. Patience is important when weaning on antidepressants. Common SSRI side-effects which you may or may not experience, are… nausea, diarrhea, increased anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, sleepiness, headache, tremors, dry mouth, weight gain and sexual dysfunction. They are normal, common and usually diminish with time, although some side-effects can be chronic. Any side-effect that is particularly bothersome should be discussed with your doctor. If nausea is a side-effect, take your medication with food, it can help decrease the stomach irritation SSRI`s can cause and that might decrease the nausea. Having trouble sleeping since starting your SSRI? If you are taking your antidepressant in the PM, a switch to the AM might help. Are you battling daytime fatigue since you started your SSRI? If you are taking your antidepressant in the AM, a switch to PM might help. Somtimes you have to experiment with the times you take your SSRI, there is no right or wrong time to take your med, it is what works best for you. Taking a benzodiazepine such as Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, or Valium during the weaning on process can minimize the side-effects. It is a common practice to prescribe a benzodiazepine for people weaning on antidepressants. Benzodiazepines can also help when weaning off SSRI`s and are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. It is very important to never stop your SSRI AD cold turkey or you could experience withdrawal symptoms. Paxil is the most likely out of all the SSRI`s to cause withdrawal symptoms, and Prozac is the least likely.  If and when the time comes to stop taking your antidepressant, make sure it is done under the supervision of your doctor. A slow wean, decreasing your dose in small increments is the best way to go.  Even if you wean off your antidepressant slowly, there is still a chance you can experience "SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome", which basically means withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms are dizziness, electric shock feelings, headaches, increased anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and nausea. These withdrawal symptoms are not dangerous, they will disappear with time. Make sure to inform your doctor if you are experiencing any withdrawal symptoms. Acting like a witch…..Eating 14 chocolate bars…..this isn`t a holiday for

Response:

<snippage *** I think it should be as most FAQs are, which is a question/answer format, seeing as it’s about "frequently asked questions."  What ‘ya think?  Would it read better if the info below were the made into answers? Anyone?

Yup, I think it would read easier if the information is put in a question and answer format.  That would allow people to zero in on any particular concern or question they may have, which might help insure that the FAQ actually gets read. One thing that Dan suggested was giving counter info, of sorts. I thought about that, and that would lead to Breggin, at the very worst. Breggin has his web sites, and the anti-benzo squad has their FAQ for their mailing list.

Hmmm….. gonna have to think about that one for awhile (and re-read the existing FAQ). Good start, yes?  I think it can become a real FAQ in a short time.

Yes, it’s a good start.  Only time will tell whether it will actually serve its intended purpose, but how to know without trying? Best Wishes === Blue ;) — Remove mypants to email me

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created. It can be used in the weekly FAQ if need be, but more to the point would be a single reply to those who are just starting SSRIs, and want to know the ins and outs, including the positives as well as the negatives (or things to be avoided, or some to "possibly" be expected with the YMMV caveat). *Paxil is more sedating than Prozac, for example. *Starting doses for each of the SSRIs, and the best way to ramp up, and in what increments, and over how long a period of time. *Withdrawal syndrome and half-lives of each (and what that means) *Cross over in switching from one to another *How one may be right, but others may not, for the given individual *What meds shouldn’t be mixed with SSRIs, and the fact that Luvox changes the metabolism of alprozolam, to in effect, double the alprazolam dose. *Don’t mix with an MAOI inhibitor *Don’t mix with herbs unless checked with the doctor or pharmacist. *What about mixing SSRIs and alcohol? *What about sexual dysfunction, if it occurs?   etc., etc., etc…. Hmmm.. there’s a very skinny "basic" start.  Open forum as not a *professional* FAQ, but an ASAP FAQ, based on facts known, and experiences. Once completed, if this could be put on someone’s web site, where there’s space, all the better. No big deal there… I’m sure one of us would be willing to fork over some space. I have lots of spaces but I’m not sure if the URL of www.cobol-death.f2s.com would be great for an SSRI site do you??;-) I’d think this would be a good document, that can evolve with new data, as needed, but mainly used as an informative *tool*. — Sloopy:)   < suggestions? – thoughts? Sounds like a good idea. It would be very good for new people to read up on SSRI’s and not have to deal with some inconsistent information. I would like to see what the others think. I for one would vote yes. Jeff…

I take it , Jeff, when you mention Slopy you are having a joke with us. PLEASE-)))) — Mark Brown

Response:

I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created.

Excellent idea.  Since no one (hopefully) will have experience will all the SSRI’s, there needs to be a way to compile book data with experience. < suggestions? – thoughts?

Seems like an offline task to compile.  Need some volunteers.  I would be willing. Gwen

Response:

I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created. snip Sounds like a great idea to me :)

Anything would be a  good idea to you..!! — Mark Brown

Response:

Well, here are my thoughts on this subject. 1.     We need a coordinator to grease wheels       and keep out the lint.  I nominate Sloopy.  :)       But I do have the time and interest myself.

No wonder the smiley after sloop’s name -(( – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -2.     I think we should create a med FAQ with SSRIs       as one major topic.  TCAs, benzodiazepines       and misc could be others.  This would be subject       to length requirements.  1000 lines is probably a       good maximum for one FAQ. 3.     Discussing the contents on ASAP has merit, but       this might not be the appropriate place.  Certainly       the progress and calls for comments should be       on ASAP. 4      Most of the information in this FAQ will be anecdotal       in nature.  It should be clear that that this is the case       with references to official and not so official       information. 5.     A decision should be made early on about how to       handle dissenting ideas.  Especially controversial       ones.  At first glance, I think that providing a section       about dissenting ideas with links provided by the       dissenters is sufficient. 6.     The final [sic] version should be regularly posted       at ASAP and with the news.answers system.  I can       help whoever does the final posting with this process. tnx, drr        "Gwenivere" says… Excellent idea.  Since no one (hopefully) will have experience will all the SSRI’s, there needs to be a way to compile book data with experience. < suggestions? – thoughts? Seems like an offline task to compile. Yak!  I’m hoping it can be worked on right here…. but…. Need some volunteers.  I would be willing. If it becomes something that doesn’t pan out in the open forum, then yup! A few of us can get together, put the collective knowledge <burp to keyboard, and then "present" what’s been compiled.  I’d like Ian’s input included (he’s not readily available right now) – although it might not be a FAQ but rather a novel;) Of course, there are several here, too many to mention by name, who I’d like to see jump in here and add bits and pieces, to lay down the groundwork – if not the basis for the FAQ, all together. Am I confusing you, Maui?  LOL

Yes — Mark Brown

Response:

Would the FAQ include some of the more commonly used TCAs and Oddball ADs as well? Boyd – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sounds like a great idea.  When are you going to finish it?  :P Seriously, if no one jumps up and wants it, I’ll do it.  My ISP increased my file quota by 30 MB so I think there’s room …. If someone does want to take this on, I can add a summary to one of the other FAQs and a link to where they can get the rest of the info. tnx, drr I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created. It can be used in the weekly FAQ if need be, but more to the point would be a single reply to those who are just starting SSRIs, and want to know the ins and outs, including the positives as well as the negatives (or things to be avoided, or some to "possibly" be expected with the YMMV caveat). *Paxil is more sedating than Prozac, for example. *Starting doses for each of the SSRIs, and the best way to ramp up, and in what increments, and over how long a period of time. *Withdrawal syndrome and half-lives of each (and what that means) *Cross over in switching from one to another *How one may be right, but others may not, for the given individual *What meds shouldn’t be mixed with SSRIs, and the fact that Luvox changes the metabolism of alprozolam, to in effect, double the alprazolam dose. *Don’t mix with an MAOI inhibitor *Don’t mix with herbs unless checked with the doctor or pharmacist. *What about mixing SSRIs and alcohol? *What about sexual dysfunction, if it occurs?   etc., etc., etc…. Hmmm.. there’s a very skinny "basic" start.  Open forum as not a *professional* FAQ, but an ASAP FAQ, based on facts known, and experiences. Once completed, if this could be put on someone’s web site, where there’s space, all the better. I’d think this would be a good document, that can evolve with new data, as needed, but mainly used as an informative *tool*. — The second nicest guy on the internet Need the ASAP Mini-FAQ? A copy is at www.drrhodes.org

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created. It can be used in the weekly FAQ if need be, but more to the point would be a single reply to those who are just starting SSRIs, and want to know the ins and outs, including the positives as well as the negatives (or things to be avoided, or some to "possibly" be expected with the YMMV caveat). *Paxil is more sedating than Prozac, for example. *Starting doses for each of the SSRIs, and the best way to ramp up, and in what increments, and over how long a period of time. *Withdrawal syndrome and half-lives of each (and what that means) *Cross over in switching from one to another *How one may be right, but others may not, for the given individual *What meds shouldn’t be mixed with SSRIs, and the fact that Luvox changes the metabolism of alprozolam, to in effect, double the alprazolam dose. *Don’t mix with an MAOI inhibitor *Don’t mix with herbs unless checked with the doctor or pharmacist. *What about mixing SSRIs and alcohol? *What about sexual dysfunction, if it occurs?   etc., etc., etc…. Hmmm.. there’s a very skinny "basic" start.  Open forum as not a *professional* FAQ, but an ASAP FAQ, based on facts known, and experiences. Once completed, if this could be put on someone’s web site, where there’s space, all the better.

No big deal there… I’m sure one of us would be willing to fork over some space. I have lots of spaces but I’m not sure if the URL of www.cobol-death.f2s.com would be great for an SSRI site do you??;-) I’d think this would be a good document, that can evolve with new data, as needed, but mainly used as an informative *tool*. — Sloopy:)   < suggestions? – thoughts?

Sounds like a good idea. It would be very good for new people to read up on SSRI’s and not have to deal with some inconsistent information. I would like to see what the others think. I for one would vote yes. Jeff…

Response:

I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created.

This sounds like a good idea to me. -David-

Response:

I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created.

snip Sounds like a great idea to me :) — Jon Guite Live support and chat for anxiety and panic disorders daily at #anx/pan :) For details see http://www.skcldv.demon.co.uk/anxpanw.htm

Response:

Sloopy wrote…… I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created.

Cool!! Go for it :) Jackie Acting like a witch…..Eating 14 chocolate bars…..this isn`t a holiday for

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sloopy wrote…… I’d like to suggest that a FAQ on SSRIs be created. Cool!! Go for it :) LOL! Well, I was hoping, that the collective experiences and wisdom here on ASAP would use this thread to *create* the FAQ.  Add some, delete some, and come up with a final draft – that most agree to. I began with a draft of some basics, that need to be expounded on. Begin there, or you "will" get Soy for Halloween! :) — Sloopy:)

I don’t have much experience of SSRI’s, except that Prozac had me climbing the walls, but I’d be glad to help in any other way I can. — Jon Guite Live support and chat for anxiety and panic disorders daily at #anx/pan :) For details see http://www.skcldv.demon.co.uk/anxpanw.htm

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Category: Zoloft Sertraline
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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Zoloft Withdrawal » Reactions to Zoloft

Reactions to Zoloft

Question:

Travis, I currently take Zoloft as well and I have never heard about this kind of side effect. My friend suffered with seizures over the last ten years and was told he was epileptic but it turns out he had a brain tumor and went to the Mayo Clinic to have it removed. Maybe a MRI as requested by your doctor would rule this out? Maybe Benzo’s wouldn’t help you because you were reacting to Zoloft withdrawal, Klonopin would be worth a try now to see if it helps. Good Luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you take an anti-seizure medication? I tried it (before i chose to stop the Zoloft a while back) but it didn’t help at all.

Response:

Why on earth would you continue to take a drug that caused seizures? Why would any competent doctor prescribe it? Do you take an anti-seizure medication?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I get seizers from Zoloft. Unfortunately, it was the only medication that did anything to help. Since I restarted my medication, I have only passed out three times. But then again, I am not yet at full dosage yet (started at 25mg, increase by 25mg every other week until I reach my needed dose of 200mg). Probably once I get to full dose, I will start the shakes more often. It’s somewhat funny really, I am partially conscious the whole time. I hear but can’t see. I feel but feel no pain. It really freaks people out when it happens in public. Their all like "what do I do?" and stuff. AT least I know when I am going to have one. I just feel somewhat dizzy and seem to emit some sort of mediciney odor (smells like opening a new bottle of medicine). I usually have enough time to prepare, such as setting down the glass of water I may be holding, or sitting down, or whatever. I have yet to get hurt from it. When I fall, it is more of a slow slumping. Anybody else get this type of reaction to Zoloft? ~Travis — My Web: http://www.megalink.net/~farmers/ Gaming section yet to be finished. MT Bike section almost fully compleated. (trail pics work now)

Response:

No offense, man, but I wish I hadn’t read this. Does your doc know? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I get seizers from Zoloft. Unfortunately, it was the only medication that did anything to help. Since I restarted my medication, I have only passed out three times. But then again, I am not yet at full dosage yet (started at 25mg, increase by 25mg every other week until I reach my needed dose of 200mg). Probably once I get to full dose, I will start the shakes more often. It’s somewhat funny really, I am partially conscious the whole time. I hear but can’t see. I feel but feel no pain. It really freaks people out when it happens in public. Their all like "what do I do?" and stuff. AT least I know when I am going to have one. I just feel somewhat dizzy and seem to emit some sort of mediciney odor (smells like opening a new bottle of medicine). I usually have enough time to prepare, such as setting down the glass of water I may be holding, or sitting down, or whatever. I have yet to get hurt from it. When I fall, it is more of a slow slumping. Anybody else get this type of reaction to Zoloft? ~Travis — My Web: http://www.megalink.net/~farmers/ Gaming section yet to be finished. MT Bike section almost fully compleated. (trail pics work now)

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Zoloft Effexor » Serafem

Serafem

Question:

Yesterday I caught a story on NPR where a woman confessed that her PMDD was ruining here family life and that the Prozac=Serafem drug helped her cope and live a normal life.  Has anyone else tried this treatment?  I think if it’s true it could save my marriage from the constant monthly depression and fighting that’s becoming the norm in my home. Here’s a link to listen to the NPR report that is more about the marketing of Serafem but still informative: http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/atc/20010423.atc.12.rmm JaKe

Response:

Serafim (fluoxetine HCL) is very effective for this purpose.  It works quickly, unlike the way it works for depression. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -JaKe wrote:

Yesterday I caught a story on NPR where a woman confessed that her PMDD was ruining here family life and that the Prozac=Serafem drug helped her cope and live a normal life.  Has anyone else tried this treatment?  I think if it’s true it could save my marriage from the constant monthly depression and fighting that’s becoming the norm in my home. Here’s a link to listen to the NPR report that is more about the marketing of Serafem but still informative: http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/atc/20010423.atc.12.rmm JaKe

Response:

On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 19:33:02 GMT, Peter Ross <pr…@att.net

wrote: Serafim (fluoxetine HCL) is very effective for this purpose.  It works quickly, unlike the way it works for depression.

OTOH, it diminishes sex drive, and there are other possible approaches, notably hormone balancing, that could be taken first. Just a thought… — Empress "The vote means nothing to women. We should be armed." -Edna O’Brien

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"Empress of the Known Universe" <empresso…@yahoo.com

wrote in message

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On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 19:33:02 GMT, Peter Ross <pr…@att.net wrote: Serafim (fluoxetine HCL) is very effective for this purpose.  It works quickly, unlike the way it works for depression. OTOH, it diminishes sex drive, and there are other possible approaches, notably hormone balancing, that could be taken first. Just a thought… — Empress

Regulating the hormones is another approach to managing perimenstrual problems. Taking calcium supplements and vitamin B6 may also have some value. Different drugs can affect people in unique ways so I try not to discount a side effect as impossible, however, decreased sex drive is not the usual form of "sexual dysfunction" that people refer to with SSRI’s like Prozac/Sarafem. Usually the drive is intact but the ability to reach orgasm is impaired in 30-50% of women. Whether it is preferable to take antidepressants, other meds, hormones, or no medications is a personal decision. I find most women who are not on oral contraceptives already prefer to not take them. — CBI, MD

Response:

"Empress of the Known Universe" <empresso…@yahoo.com

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On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 23:12:58 -0400, "CBI" <replytothegr…@nospam.spamnet wrote: Usually the drive is intact but the ability to reach orgasm is impaired in 30-50% of women. Hmm.  I think I’d rather just not have a drive, thank you.

Yeah, but the guys kind of like it (not to mention their partners).

Response:

On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 17:55:58 GMT, JaKe <jkdrum…@yahoo.com

wrote: Yesterday I caught a story on NPR where a woman confessed that her PMDD was ruining here family life and that the Prozac=Serafem drug helped her cope and live a normal life.  Has anyone else tried this treatment?  I think if it’s true it could save my marriage from the constant monthly depression and fighting that’s becoming the norm in my home. Here’s a link to listen to the NPR report that is more about the marketing of Serafem but still informative: http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/atc/20010423.atc.12.rmm JaKe

Does that mean everything is peachy-keen for three weeks and then you descend into hell for a week?   I don’t know … sounds too simple to me.   I’d talk with qualified medical doctors about possible approaches rather than asking them to prescribe something just because you heard about it in a news report or a commercial.   Perhaps she has other more treatable medical problems … thyroid problems mimic depression so I’ve read … so can out of whack hormones. FloridaNB

Response:

What you say is exactly right, and is THE biggest problem in treating depression. As much as people who have never had depression like to think they know what it’s like, they plain and simply DON’T. There is NO scientific proof as to the actual cause of depression, there are plenty of theories, but no actual tests that can be done. That’s why depression is such a hit and miss illness, and why some people think you should "just get over it". I’ve suffered from it for a number of years, and luckily Zoloft has really helped me out. As for the sexual side effects, my wife is quite happy with them (premature ejaculation? Ha!). They don’t cause a decrease in sexual drive, just delayed orgasm, DEPRESSION causes a decrease in sexual drive. Just my two cents PS – whatever happended to Oceanmomma, and Momalot ??? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -floridaNB wrote:

On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 17:55:58 GMT, JaKe <jkdrum…@yahoo.com wrote: Yesterday I caught a story on NPR where a woman confessed that her PMDD was ruining here family life and that the Prozac=Serafem drug helped her cope and live a normal life.  Has anyone else tried this treatment?  I think if it’s true it could save my marriage from the constant monthly depression and fighting that’s becoming the norm in my home. Here’s a link to listen to the NPR report that is more about the marketing of Serafem but still informative: http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/atc/20010423.atc.12.rmm JaKe Does that mean everything is peachy-keen for three weeks and then you descend into hell for a week?   I don’t know … sounds too simple to me.   I’d talk with qualified medical doctors about possible approaches rather than asking them to prescribe something just because you heard about it in a news report or a commercial.   Perhaps she has other more treatable medical problems … thyroid problems mimic depression so I’ve read … so can out of whack hormones. FloridaNB

Response:

On Wed, 25 Apr 2001 15:48:41 GMT, floridanew…@hotmail.com (floridaNB) wrote:

Does that mean everything is peachy-keen for three weeks and then you descend into hell for a week?   I don’t know … sounds too simple to me.   I’d talk with qualified medical doctors about possible approaches rather than asking them to prescribe something just because you heard about it in a news report or a commercial.   Perhaps she has other more treatable medical problems … thyroid problems mimic depression so I’ve read … so can out of whack hormones.

This is exactly why direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription pharmaceuticals needs to be better regulated, if not completely banned. We do just fine without cigarette commercials on TV.

Response:

All right, enough with the details already! JaKe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Corolla Guy wrote:

What you say is exactly right, and is THE biggest problem in treating depression. As much as people who have never had depression like to think they know what it’s like, they plain and simply DON’T. There is NO scientific proof as to the actual cause of depression, there are plenty of theories, but no actual tests that can be done. That’s why depression is such a hit and miss illness, and why some people think you should "just get over it". I’ve suffered from it for a number of years, and luckily Zoloft has really helped me out. As for the sexual side effects, my wife is quite happy with them (premature ejaculation? Ha!). They don’t cause a decrease in sexual drive, just delayed orgasm, DEPRESSION causes a decrease in sexual drive. Just my two cents PS – whatever happended to Oceanmomma, and Momalot ??? floridaNB wrote: On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 17:55:58 GMT, JaKe <jkdrum…@yahoo.com wrote: Yesterday I caught a story on NPR where a woman confessed that her PMDD was ruining here family life and that the Prozac=Serafem drug helped her cope and live a normal life.  Has anyone else tried this treatment?  I think if it’s true it could save my marriage from the constant monthly depression and fighting that’s becoming the norm in my home. Here’s a link to listen to the NPR report that is more about the marketing of Serafem but still informative: http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/atc/20010423.atc.12.rmm JaKe Does that mean everything is peachy-keen for three weeks and then you descend into hell for a week?   I don’t know … sounds too simple to me.   I’d talk with qualified medical doctors about possible approaches rather than asking them to prescribe something just because you heard about it in a news report or a commercial.   Perhaps she has other more treatable medical problems … thyroid problems mimic depression so I’ve read … so can out of whack hormones. FloridaNB

Response:

Corolla Guy <james_ha…@excite.com

wrote:

: What you say is exactly right, and is THE biggest problem in treating : depression. As much as people who have never had depression like to : think they know what it’s like, they plain and simply DON’T. There is NO : scientific proof as to the actual cause of depression, there are plenty : of theories, but no actual tests that can be done. That’s why depression : is such a hit and miss illness, and why some people think you should : "just get over it". I’ve suffered from it for a number of years, and : luckily Zoloft has really helped me out. As for the sexual side effects, : my wife is quite happy with them (premature ejaculation? Ha!). They : don’t cause a decrease in sexual drive, just delayed orgasm, DEPRESSION : causes a decrease in sexual drive. Just a quick question: okay, so the climanx is delayed. Is it weaker? I find mine is.  Sort of descends into "Forty-five minutes, for this?" *gak!* Emma :) — "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind;  And therefore is wing’d Cupid painted blind." (A Midsummer Night’s Dream,I,i)

Response:

misscee <miss…@my-dejanews.com

wrote:

: Thanks for the link. I have been taking Prozac for about a year. My : opinion is that people should go on a powerful drug like prozac because : emotionally they have reached rock bottom, not to improve their : marriage. : Are you asking this question because you want to get your wife on : antidepressents? Be careful what you ask for – they can affect your sex : drive and I have heard all kinds of horror stories about these drugs. That is a very difficult dilemma to figure out. Maybe he loves his wife more than he loves his sex life. (Now that’s one rare devoted man!) ;

ECV — "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind;  And therefore is wing’d Cupid painted blind." (A Midsummer Night’s Dream,I,i)

Response:

Empress of the Known Universe <empresso…@yahoo.com

wrote:

: On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 19:33:02 GMT, Peter Ross <pr…@att.net

wrote:

:

Serafim (fluoxetine HCL) is very effective for this purpose.  It works

:

quickly, unlike the way it works for depression.

: OTOH, it diminishes sex drive, and there are other possible : approaches, notably hormone balancing, that could be taken first. : Just a thought… : — : Empress I found it made me more frisky. But it took away the potential of orgasm. (Now doesn’t *that* just bite!) Emma :) — "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind;  And therefore is wing’d Cupid painted blind." (A Midsummer Night’s Dream,I,i)

Response:

All Re-Uptake Inhibitors (prozac, zoloft, effexor, etc) have the probability of diminishing sex drive or causing/increasing anorgasmia (unable to have orgasms) The one specifically geared to have the least effect on sex drive/orgasms is Wellbutrin (same drug in the quit smoking pill). However, Wellbutrin is sometimes less effective than the others. ::shrug:: I’d rather be alive & have a lower sex drive.  For me, my mental illness is biochemical & deadly (manic depression). My Tuppence, Autum – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 17:55:58 GMT, JaKe <jkdrum…@yahoo.com

wrote: Yesterday I caught a story on NPR where a woman confessed that her PMDD was ruining here family life and that the Prozac=Serafem drug helped her cope and live a normal life.  Has anyone else tried this treatment?  I think if it’s true it could save my marriage from the constant monthly depression and fighting that’s becoming the norm in my home. Here’s a link to listen to the NPR report that is more about the marketing of Serafem but still informative: http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/atc/20010423.atc.12.rmm JaKe

Response:

I cannot say this enough, AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am a member of a family support group for family members who care for others with Mental Illness.  Almost 1/5th of our membership has this basically same story: Their ‘consumer’ was mis-diagnosed as manic/depressive or bipolar.  Given moderate to large doses of zoloft and/or depakote.  To quite smoking, they started taking wellbutrin.  The chemical combination was an automatic trigger (within literally one to two doses) of full extreme psychotic episodes. While these people were actually schizoprenic or schizoaffective, and were mis-diagnosed, keep in mind that the average schizoid sufferer is mis-diagnosed 3 times, and isn’t properly classified or treated for the first 8-10 years following onset of symptomatic behavior.  Wellbutrin is like cyanide to schizophrenics – not physically fatal, by psychiatrically damaging. I don’t know if any formal studies have been done, but I have heard this about 5 times in 4 weeks.  People who were responding to treatment, or only slightly symptomatic, got prodromal after 1 dose, and fully (multi-week) psychotic by the second or third dose of wellbutrin. AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RichP "Autum" <gol…@nospam.hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:3aedb0d2.14618676@news.qwest.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

All Re-Uptake Inhibitors (prozac, zoloft, effexor, etc) have the probability of diminishing sex drive or causing/increasing anorgasmia (unable to have orgasms) The one specifically geared to have the least effect on sex drive/orgasms is Wellbutrin (same drug in the quit smoking pill). However, Wellbutrin is sometimes less effective than the others. ::shrug:: I’d rather be alive & have a lower sex drive.  For me, my mental illness is biochemical & deadly (manic depression). My Tuppence, Autum On Tue, 24 Apr 2001 17:55:58 GMT, JaKe <jkdrum…@yahoo.com wrote: Yesterday I caught a story on NPR where a woman confessed that her PMDD was ruining here family life and that the Prozac=Serafem drug helped her cope and live a normal life.  Has anyone else tried this treatment?  I think if it’s true it could save my marriage from the constant monthly depression and fighting that’s becoming the norm in my home. Here’s a link to listen to the NPR report that is more about the marketing of Serafem but still informative: http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/atc/20010423.atc.12.rmm JaKe

Response:

On Wed, 02 May 2001 04:32:53 GMT, "RichP" <ri…@ilnk.com

wrote: I cannot say this enough, AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AVOID WELLBUTRIN AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<snip

Their ‘consumer’ was mis-diagnosed as manic/depressive or bipolar.  Given moderate to large doses of zoloft and/or depakote.  To quite smoking, they started taking wellbutrin.  The chemical combination was an automatic trigger (within literally one to two doses) of full extreme psychotic episodes.

Rich, while your sentiments are appreciated, read your own words. These people were adding an SSNRI (selective seretonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) to Zoloft which is either an SSRI or SSNRI itself. It is BAD to COMBINE the medications. ESPECIALLY if you’re manic depressive, one of the symptoms of which is psychotic episodes while manic. It is made VERY clear to doctors that if a manic-depressive gets too high of dosages of antidepressant, that it will trigger manic states. The higher the dosages, the worse the mania. Taken REASONABLY, however, antidepressants such as Zoloft, Paxil, Effexor, and Wellbutrin (yes, even Wellbutrin, which is basically the same thing as Effexor but not quite so strong & just a slightly different tweak to the Seretonin/Norepinephrine levels) are completely effective, expecially when taken in combination with anti-convulsants that provide an anti-manic effect, such as Depakote and Tegretol. Make sure you know what you’re talking about next time before trying to scare a whole bunch of people away from a necessary treatment regimen. Thank you for being concerned, however.  The thought is appreciated. Autum

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Do Xanax And Zoloft Hinder Libido » lots of questions???

lots of questions???

Question:

Candy, It could be the Celexa.  I am banking on the fact that it may be your routine being goofed up.  Most SSRI’s have the possibility of anxiety as a side affect.  You know I have had no problems, but thats just me. What dosage are you on? Chad Love is true when you can’t see eye to eye, but can still walk hand in hand.

Response:

:Hi I havent posted for a while but i have some questions. I have been on :the xanax for about 1 yr now for the second time around. I used to take :x anax and zoloft but the zoloft didnt do anything for me really. now i :am on the xanax again and i am taking celexa. I feel like i am ready to :go back on zoloft. With the celexa i feel a little jittery and i have :been having alot of anxiety which i think is strange because i am taking :my xanax regularly. does celexa cause or make anxiety heighten?

All the antidepressants may increase anxiety initially. However, this usually stops when they "kick-in," but that may take 3-8 weeks. You can reduce this side effect by starting on a low dose, usually 1/4 the smallest dose tablet (in this case 5mg) and upping the dose by 1/4 tablet every 7-10 days. Those that are particularly sensitive may need to start on and ramp up by only 1/8th of a tablet. :i have :been on the celexa for 4 weeks now and im trying to give it time but i :am so tired of feeling certin ways because of a med or no med. i jsut :dont know why im feeling this way  is it the celexa or is it just the :anxiety?

It may be a combination of both a chemical effect, and also a psychological one. A lot of us have pill phobia too. :why would i do this after taking my xanax though. i have never :had this problem before.

There are limits to how much anxiety any med, including the benzos, can control at any given dose. It seems that the Xanax dose you’re on isn’t sufficient to handle the increased anxiety Celexa is producing. Talk to your doctor about increasing Xanax for a few weeks. :i know m xanax use to last for about 8 hours :then it was about down to six and that is about all the time now but :since taking celexa about 4 hours after taking my xanax i feell lie im :going to have a panic attack.

Although it varies from person to person, Xanax is usually only effective for 4-5 hours. :i just dont understand. i have gone on 3rd :shift working now which has everything all screwed up anyway. my sleep :is screwed up and i am irritable.

All of which is probably contributing to the increased anxiety. :i hope none of this has to do with the :new med(celexa) my psychiatrist told me to give it some time.Any :suggestions or help, i really could use it right now.Thanks :

Only to hang in for a few more weeks. Antidepressants are generally very effective anxiety medications, but they do make matters worse initially. But when they begin working they make the pain and misery worthwhile. Its a bit like giving birth, but "labour" lasts much longer. :( :Candy Harvey

Best wishes Ian

Response:

Candy, Stick with it a couple more weeks.  The other posts are very informative.  I have worked 3rd shift, and the effects that gave me were almost as bad as the panic.  Your sleep pattern is all out of whack, plus the other things that are going on ith you.  Slow down, relax, and try to be nice to yourself, I am praying the Celexa will work for you! Chad Love is true when you can’t see eye to eye, but can still walk hand in hand.

Response:

Thanks for the info everyone. i will hang in there for a while and see what hapens. it is realy great to have you guys ther all of the time. hanks a million and i love yaall. Candy

Response:

Chad Im only on 20mg a day. but i tell you it is rough. one med always has to alter the other or symptoms  everythign is so messed up sometimes. Thanks for the advice. Candy

Response:

Hi Candy- I just switched from paxil to celexa.  For the first month I had increased anxiety and the jitters.  My pdoc said that if it didn’t subside I might need a higher dose, but she wanted to wait till I had been taking it eight weeks before any adjustments were made.  Even with low dose xanax I was still anxious.   The good news, is that at about five weeks the anxiety subsided and I am now doing better at six weeks into celexa than I did in ten months on paxil. If I were you I’d call the doc and try to hang in just a little bit longer.   YMMV Take care, Jess – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi I havent posted for a while but i have some questions. I have been on the xanax for about 1 yr now for the second time around. I used to take xanax and zoloft but the zoloft didnt do anything for me really. now i am on the xanax again and i am taking celexa. I feel like i am ready to go back on zoloft. With the celexa i feel a little jittery and i have been having alot of anxiety which i think is strange because i am taking my xanax regularly. does celexa cause or make anxiety heighten? i have been on the celexa for 4 weeks now and im trying to give it time but i am so tired of feeling certin ways because of a med or no med. i jsut dont know why im feeling this way  is it the celexa or is it just the anxiety? why would i do this after taking my xanax though. i have never had this problem before. i know m xanax use to last for about 8 hours then it was about down to six and that is about all the time now but since taking celexa about 4 hours after taking my xanax i feell lie im going to have a panic attack. i just dont understand. i have gone on 3rd shift working now which has everything all screwed up anyway. my sleep is screwed up and i am irritable. i hope none of this has to do with the new med(celexa) my psychiatrist told me to give it some time.Any suggestions or help, i really could use it right now.Thanks Candy Harvey

Response:

Hi I havent posted for a while but i have some questions. I have been on the xanax for about 1 yr now for the second time around. I used to take xanax and zoloft but the zoloft didnt do anything for me really. now i am on the xanax again and i am taking celexa. I feel like i am ready to go back on zoloft. With the celexa i feel a little jittery and i have been having alot of anxiety which i think is strange because i am taking my xanax regularly. does celexa cause or make anxiety heighten? i have been on the celexa for 4 weeks now and im trying to give it time but i am so tired of feeling certin ways because of a med or no med. i jsut dont know why im feeling this way  is it the celexa or is it just the anxiety? why would i do this after taking my xanax though. i have never had this problem before. i know m xanax use to last for about 8 hours then it was about down to six and that is about all the time now but since taking celexa about 4 hours after taking my xanax i feell lie im going to have a panic attack. i just dont understand. i have gone on 3rd shift working now which has everything all screwed up anyway. my sleep is screwed up and i am irritable. i hope none of this has to do with the new med(celexa) my psychiatrist told me to give it some time.Any suggestions or help, i really could use it right now.Thanks Candy Harvey

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Prescription Medication Knowledge Base » Zoloft Dose » Estrogen level effect on arthritis

Estrogen level effect on arthritis

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Doea anyone know if there is an effect on arthritis if you are in that time of your life when estrogen levels are behaving like the latest roller coaster from hell.  I know I read somewhere that this could impact one’s immune system and arthritis and Ijsut wondered if going on the birth control pill might even it out.  I am not yet menopausal but at 43 I am heading down that road soon. I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for at least 6 months.  I woul like to talk with someone who may have experienced this.  Thanks for your help! Nan

I am on HRT and I am menopausal.  Prior to menopause, my arthritis ebbed and flowed with the level of my estrogen.  As the estrogen dropped, the pain increased.  As you probably know, it’s the drop in estrogen–that brings on a period every month. For me, it also brought on pain. Four months ago, I started HRT. I would take Premarin (estrogen) for 25 days and Provera (progestin) for the last 9 of those 25 days.  Then nothing for 5 days.  As soon as I would start the progestin, I would get a killer flare. The gyn adjusted the Premarin dose (up) and I’ve been great since…no flare, more energy…not such a crab ass. Carol                 Human beings are flawed individuals…the cosmic bakers took us out a little too early.  That’s why we’re as crazy as we are—Jimmy Buffett

Response:

 I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for  at least 6 months.

I didn’t know this,is it standard procedure? Shel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Doea anyone know if there is an effect on arthritis if you are in that time of  your life when estrogen levels are behaving like the latest roller coaster  from hell.  I know I read somewhere that this could impact one’s immune system  and arthritis and Ijsut wondered if going on the birth control pill might even  it out.  I am not yet menopausal but at 43 I am heading down that road soon.  I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for  at least 6 months.  I woul like to talk with someone who may have experienced  this.  Thanks for your help! Nan

Response:

Doea anyone know if there is an effect on arthritis if you are in that time of  your life when estrogen levels are behaving like the latest roller coaster  from hell.  I know I read somewhere that this could impact one’s immune system  and arthritis and Ijsut wondered if going on the birth control pill might even  it out.  I am not yet menopausal but at 43 I am heading down that road soon.  I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for  at least 6 months.  I woul like to talk with someone who may have experienced  this.  Thanks for your help!

Well, I’m perimenopausal, I have severe RA, and yep, fluctuations in hormone levels *do* have an effect.  In my case, I’ve always had a worsening of my symptoms during the pre-menstrual period, when estro- gen levels spike.  These days, I’m experiencing out-of-cycle spikes, with the same worsening in joint pain, swelling, and length of morn- ing stiffness. I’ve discussed the problem with both my RD and my gyn, but there’s been no mention of using birth-control pills to level out the effect. Actually, I wouldn’t use them if they did have this effect; I still remember vividly the surge in well-being I experienced when I stop- ped using Lo-Ovral years ago (this was a low-dose combination pill). My gyn has recommended evening primrose oil, on the basis of what other patients have told him — he believes it to be safe, and did not think it would conflict with my other medications.  I’ve done some checking on the web and I believe this is probably true, but I’m waiting to check with my RD before I start.  According to the abstracts available through Medline, trials of evening primrose oil both for RA and for menopausal flushing have shown no significant benefit, but neither did they report any significant difficulties. Stacy Scott

Response:

Hi Nan and group, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Doea anyone know if there is an effect on arthritis if you are in that time of your life when estrogen levels are behaving like the latest roller coaster from hell.  I know I read somewhere that this could impact one’s immune system and arthritis and Ijsut wondered if going on the birth control pill might even it out.  I am not yet menopausal but at 43 I am heading down that road soon. I know they will not start you on HRT until you are not having your period for at least 6 months.  I woul like to talk with someone who may have experienced this.  Thanks for your help! Nan

      I’m not perimenopausal but I did think that there might have been a  connection between my overall increase in disease activity in the last year,  year and a half and my going off the pill.  My gyn/RD said it would be worth a  shot, so I’m back on the pill now for about 4-5 months.  Can’t say there’s  been any noticable change as yet and I’ve also added sulfasalzine to the mix  in the last month, so I’m hedging my bets, I guess. :)        I’m sure if you did a search on Medline, you’d get some info.  A friend  sent me the following abstract after hearing of my decision to get back on the  pill and I’m sure there’s lots more. Best wishes, Denise Sex hormones and rheumatoid arthritis: cause or effect relationships in a complex pathophysiology? Abstract: Sex hormones are believed to contribute to the risk of rheumatoid  arthritis (RA) because of the disease’s female preponderance, especially during the child-bearing  years, and because of the dramatic improvements seen during pregnancy. Available controlled data on serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) in  RA patients not treated with glucocorticoids are summarized. Hypotheses of sex hormone  contributions to RA are tested by judgemental criteria for the causes or determinants of disease.  Available data support hypoandrogenicity in RA patients, especially among premenopausal females and  males. Limited prospective studies in women and therapeutic trials of testosterone therapy in  men further support a role of sex hormones in RA. Interactions of sex hormones and glucocorticoids  are also believed to be important and deserve priority in future research. Author: Masi AT Address: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOM-P) 61605,  USA. Abbreviated Journal Title: Clin Exp Rheumatol Date Of Publication: 1995 Mar-Apr Journal Volume: 13 Page Numbers: 227 through 240 Number of References: 105 Country of Publication: ITALY Language of Article: Eng Issue/Part/Supplement: 2 ISSN: 0392-856X MESH Headings: Animal Arthritis, Rheumatoid (Central Concept) Disease Models, Animal Female Gout Human Immunity Male Pregnancy Risk Factors Sex Hormones (Central Concept) Steroids Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t Chemical Abstract Service Registry Number: 0 (Sex Hormones) 0 (Steroids) Article ID: 95385254

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Before I developed the RA I was the study coordinator for PMS and Preimenapause  studies at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center.  I agree, nono of  our data supports more than a placebo response from eveing primrose oil.  It  has some diaretic properties, so some women troubled with fluid retention may  experience some relief of that symptom only.   If you are taking an SSRI (Prozac, Zoloft, etc.) you may find that increasing  your dose during the premenstrual time decreases your symptoms.  Our research  showed strong evidence that PMS and preimenapausal symptoms could be reduced  by mid-cycle dosing, or mid-cycle increase.  I have seen good results during  studies, and I have good results increasing  my own Zoloft dose from 50 mg to  100mg pre-menstrually.  Good results meaning no increase in RD symptoms at  that time — not a reduction in overall symptoms. We were just doing some DHEA studies when I left, and I think that it an  interesting idea.  Be careful with DHEA from health food stores.  As DHEA is  not yet FDA approved except for research proposes as a medicine, it is not  regulated by the FDA for safety or efficacy.  Health Food store preparations  are regulated as a food, and purity and dose may vary widely. Donah Zack Crawford

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