SSRIs

Question:

I’ve been having bad indigestion since 4 days ago … and I’ve barely been able to sleep since.  The main problem is that every time I drift off to sleep, I feel something coming up which wakes me up.  Last time a few months ago when I fell asleep with this feeling, I woke up having major stomach cramp (like a heart attack) and ended up on the bathroom floor and toilet for hours. I’ve been to the doctor and she’s been giving me Zantac 75mg and when I told her it helped a little bit today she gave me a sample pack of Nexium 40mg to try.  Anyone know how long it takes before it takes effect?  I took one earlier today.  I’m also taking Papaya Enzyme by Swiss on suggestions by people on these newsgroups (I don’t know how much is the limit since it doesn’t say so I hope I don’t overdose). I don’t have any food allergies that I know of and I’m taking the usual precautions (no food 3 hours before sleeping, no spicy, cold, acidic foods, taking in more soft foods and salads, etc.)  I suspect this strange episode might be due to the medication I’m currently taking for low serotonin levels (started 7 days ago).  I was taking these two prescriptions just prior to this indigestion (since then I’ve stopped taking them). 1) Paxil (paroxetine HCL) http://chealth.canoe.ca/drug_detail.asp?brand_name_id=374&dowhat=acce… 2) Apo-Alpraz (alprazolam) http://chealth.canoe.ca/drug_detail.asp?brand_name_id=335&dowhat=acce… 3) Tylonel  (extra strength 2 tablets 3 times a day, or twice a day with new 8 hour kinds) The last few quick naps I took were in my car, because I don’t have an elivated chair/bed at home.  (and due to a back and neck problem I can’t simply stack pillows).  I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up … now I know what it feels like to be sleep deprived … I’m only 26, female … am I too young to have these problems?

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve been having bad indigestion since 4 days ago … and I’ve barely been > able to sleep since.  The main problem is that every time I drift off to > sleep, I feel something coming up which wakes me up.  Last time a few months > ago when I fell asleep with this feeling, I woke up having major stomach > cramp (like a heart attack) and ended up on the bathroom floor and toilet > for hours. > I’ve been to the doctor and she’s been giving me Zantac 75mg and when I told > her it helped a little bit today she gave me a sample pack of Nexium 40mg to > try.  Anyone know how long it takes before it takes effect?  I took one > earlier today.  I’m also taking Papaya Enzyme by Swiss on suggestions by > people on these newsgroups (I don’t know how much is the limit since it > doesn’t say so I hope I don’t overdose). > I don’t have any food allergies that I know of and I’m taking the usual > precautions (no food 3 hours before sleeping, no spicy, cold, acidic foods, > taking in more soft foods and salads, etc.)  I suspect this strange episode > might be due to the medication I’m currently taking for low serotonin levels > (started 7 days ago).  I was taking these two prescriptions just prior to > this indigestion (since then I’ve stopped taking them). > 1) Paxil (paroxetine HCL)

http://chealth.canoe.ca/drug_detail.asp?brand_name_id=374&dowhat=acce… > 2) Apo-Alpraz (alprazolam)

http://chealth.canoe.ca/drug_detail.asp?brand_name_id=335&dowhat=acce… > 3) Tylonel  (extra strength 2 tablets 3 times a day, or twice a day with new > 8 hour kinds) > The last few quick naps I took were in my car, because I don’t have an > elivated chair/bed at home.  (and due to a back and neck problem I can’t > simply stack pillows).  I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up … > now I know what it feels like to be sleep deprived … I’m only 26, female > … am I too young to have these problems?

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=gerd HMc

Response:

Thanks for the response.  I don’t know how much longer I can go without sleep  :-(   The problem with me is that I need to be elivated more than 45 degrees in order for it to do anything (as I found out with my car seats). I’m trying to call some friends over to help me lift the mattress, the frame is one piece so the only thing that can be elivated is the mattress. So you mentioned for the Nexium it won’t do anything until the next day? Not even feel slight improvements?  It’s been about 20 hours since I took it.  My stomach was pretty much empty … Do you know if drifting off to sleep (and causing the acid or whatever to come back up) is slowing down my recovery?  It’s hard to stay awake after not sleeping for 5 (now 6) days straight.  :-( – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve been to the doctor and she’s been giving me Zantac 75mg and when I told > her it helped a little bit today she gave me a sample pack of Nexium 40mg to > try.  Anyone know how long it takes before it takes effect? > Proton pump inhibitors like Nexium work best if taken in the morning on > an empty stomach; then eat something 20-30 min. afterward. They will > not work well if taken episodically, as one might an H2 blocker such as > Zantac. They (Nexium and Zantac) can be used in combination. Symptoms > are usually improved after the first day. > I’m also taking Papaya Enzyme by Swiss on suggestions by > people on these newsgroups (I don’t know how much is the limit since it > doesn’t say so I hope I don’t overdose). > I would suggest stopping that, and any other potentially offending OTC > medications. > I’m taking the usual precautions (no food 3 hours before sleeping > More like 4 hours. > I suspect this strange episode > might be due to the medication I’m currently taking for low serotonin levels > (started 7 days ago). > Possibly. SSRIs can cause dyspepsia, like most any medication. Of > course, so can an untreated mood disorder, so you should definitely let > your doctor know you’ve stopped your meds if you haven’t already done > so. > The last few quick naps I took were in my car, because I don’t have an > elivated chair/bed at home.  (and due to a back and neck problem I can’t > simply stack pillows). > Try propping the legs of your bed’s headboard up on short (3-4") blocks > (old hardback books can work) to raise the head of the bed; this can > help with nighttime symptoms. Good luck.

Response:

Question:

For the past 3 months I’ve been taking 300 mg of neurontin twice a day, to help with pain related to a compressed nerve. I haven’t taken the neurontin over the past 4 days- scrip ran out and I didn’t fill it until today. Over the weekend, I had some terrible crying jags, feelings of anxiety (I’m on elavil for depression), jitteriness. Could this be related to going off the neurontin? Michele

Response:

Heya, Michelle,     Yeah, definitely. It’s not a good thing to do, at all. I understand you were kinda forced to, but you coulda had a major seizure.      Not chewing you out, ‘cuz I went off prednisone all at once myself, due to non-stop bleeding. Another no-no. I knew I was risking having a psychotic episode, but I figured who could tell? I also risked having my adrenals fail. Shame on us both, huh?      The neurontin’s working well for me and I’m aware it’s one of the ones to titer down from. Hope you’re aware of that now, too. Whoops! Hugs from Rosie — "If you wanna get it done, you gotta fight for yourself."  – Meat Loaf, Bat Outta Hell II

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> For the past 3 months I’ve been taking 300 mg of neurontin twice a > day, to help with pain related to a compressed nerve. I haven’t taken > the neurontin over the past 4 days- scrip ran out and I didn’t fill it > until today. Over the weekend, I had some terrible crying jags, > feelings of anxiety (I’m on elavil for depression), jitteriness. Could > this be related to going off the neurontin? > Michele

Response:

>For the past 3 months I’ve been taking 300 mg of neurontin twice a >day, to help with pain related to a compressed nerve. I haven’t taken >the neurontin over the past 4 days- scrip ran out and I didn’t fill it >until today. Over the weekend, I had some terrible crying jags, >feelings of anxiety (I’m on elavil for depression), jitteriness. Could >this be related to going off the neurontin? >Michele

I had mood problems when I went off Neurontin (rage mostly), so my personal response is yes it "could" be related.  I’ve seen others post of mood disturbances when coming off too, though most don’t seem to have the problem. – Jen

Response:

From what I’ve experienced (myself and with my kids),  about all of the neurologic (including psychiatric) medications should not be discontinued suddenly. Interesting note.  About a year ago, I had to take an antibiotic for a week or so that looked kind of like the Prozac that I take daily.  For two days, I didn’t realize that I wasn’t taking my dose of prozac in the morning with my other meds. (I’d look in my hand, see the green and white pill and I figured that I was okay, still not awake enough to realize that it was the antibiotic, not the prozac.)  I got pretty depressed after just two days, then at night after those days, as I was taking the antibiotic I realized that I’d missed the prozac.  This wasn’t a placebo affect thing – I didn’t know that I wasn’t taking it – but I did notice that I was really down.  I hurried and took my prozac and haven’t missed a day since. I talked to my psychiatrist and told him of the event.  Researchers have noticed a change in mood with just one day being missed of the SSRIs like Prozac.  Kind of wild – it takes 4-6 weeks to work, but the small change in blood level from just one day being missed. To me it was just more evidence of my body’s need for the medicine. Depression is a physical illness. Sorry for rambling.  Be careful with the meds.  We’ve all done what you have done.  (I did it with blood pressure medicine when first married – wanted to wait until payday.  My wife got pretty upset with me – I guess she wanted me to stick around.) Sorry to ramble. Martin

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> For the past 3 months I’ve been taking 300 mg of neurontin twice a > day, to help with pain related to a compressed nerve. I haven’t taken > the neurontin over the past 4 days- scrip ran out and I didn’t fill it > until today. Over the weekend, I had some terrible crying jags, > feelings of anxiety (I’m on elavil for depression), jitteriness. Could > this be related to going off the neurontin? > Michele

Response:

>For the past 3 months I’ve been taking 300 mg of neurontin twice a >day, to help with pain related to a compressed nerve. I haven’t taken >the neurontin over the past 4 days- scrip ran out and I didn’t fill it >until today. Over the weekend, I had some terrible crying jags, >feelings of anxiety (I’m on elavil for depression), jitteriness. Could >this be related to going off the neurontin? >Michele

It certainly could have been the neurontin Michele.  Neurontin is one of those medicines a person should not stop taking all at once.  I know you couldn’t help it this time. Neurontin should be tapered slowly to withdraw from.  I guess the worst thing it can cause is seizures.  Seems rather odd since it is an anti-seizure medicine huh? I take 600mg of neurontin 2 x’s a day and then 900mg at bedtime.  My doctor rx’d 900mg 3 times a day, but I couldn’t handle feeling sleepy without being able to sleep, so I talked with him and we changed it to the 600mg and 900 mg. Still get sleepy during the day, but with my weird sleeping habits any more, it doesn’t really matter. Sue We survive together or not at all.

Response:

I think that the big seizure risk for many of these medicines in ceasing them is because they are used  by people with epilepsy to control seizures. Without the seizure control medication, there is nothing to control the epilepsy, therefore the risk of seizures becomes higher. Some medications (such as Klonopin – aka clonazepam – benzodiazapine used for anxiety but also for seizures) will cause anybody seizures if stopped suddenly after being used for awhile. Key is to not run out of the medicine and to not cease it without medical supervision.  (I’m not being judgemental – I certainly have done that before!!  In a perfect world the medical supervision would be available without judgement and the financial worries wouldn’t exist.)  Same holds true for the long term pain meds – but how many of us have been left stranded by our docs – but that is a different subject. Martin

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->For the past 3 months I’ve been taking 300 mg of neurontin twice a >day, to help with pain related to a compressed nerve. I haven’t taken >the neurontin over the past 4 days- scrip ran out and I didn’t fill it >until today. Over the weekend, I had some terrible crying jags, >feelings of anxiety (I’m on elavil for depression), jitteriness. Could >this be related to going off the neurontin? >Michele > It certainly could have been the neurontin Michele.  Neurontin is one of those > medicines a person should not stop taking all at once.  I know you couldn’t > help it this time. > Neurontin should be tapered slowly to withdraw from.  I guess the worst thing > it can cause is seizures.  Seems rather odd since it is an anti-seizure > medicine huh? > I take 600mg of neurontin 2 x’s a day and then 900mg at bedtime.  My doctor > rx’d 900mg 3 times a day, but I couldn’t handle feeling sleepy without being > able to sleep, so I talked with him and we changed it to the 600mg and 900 mg. > Still get sleepy during the day, but with my weird sleeping habits any more, it > doesn’t really matter. > Sue > We survive together or not at all.

Response:

>I think that the big seizure risk for many of these medicines in ceasing >them is because they are used  by people with epilepsy to control seizures. >Without the seizure control

Actually it is simpler than that….these meds "lower the seizure threshold"…ie makes it "easier" for one to have a seizure …don’t ask me the mechanism..cuz I surely don’t understand it either!!!  So once your brain gets "used to" these anti seizure meds (even if you were never prone to seizures)…if you stop abruptly…boom..you may well have a seizure!!!  so the gradual taper is the way to avoid..hopefully the risk of having seizure!!! phew…talk about creating a problem where one never existed!! rb Hawki

Response:

I can not take prozac.  It makes me paranoid.  Man I thought my world was coming to an end.  I thought I was faking my pain and everything.  I thought I was going to jail. I was confessing I was faking everything.  I was plain an simple not faking at all.  I started throwing up come to find out my gallbladder needed to be removed.  They put me in the hospital because I was dehydrated.  I could not remember to ask the doc for my prozac.  When I did the nurse’s would say they would call him.  On the 3rd day my paranoia started to let up.  Now they will not give me any AD drugs in fear it will bring it on again.  To some it is a God sent drug to some it is a suicide drug.  I truly can see why it got the bad publicity it did when it first came out.  I used to think it was a great pill.  If you ever start feeling paranoid talk to your doc immediately PLEASE.  I mean drive as fast as u can to the doctor or ER.  It is one bad drug for me.  I took that drug for years and felt great.  Then all of sudden it hit me like a ton of bricks.  It was not a pleasant experience. Bonner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> From what I’ve experienced (myself and with my kids),  about all of the > neurologic (including psychiatric) medications should not be discontinued > suddenly. > Interesting note.  About a year ago, I had to take an antibiotic for a week > or so that looked kind of like the Prozac that I take daily.  For two days, > I didn’t realize that I wasn’t taking my dose of prozac in the morning with > my other meds. (I’d look in my hand, see the green and white pill and I > figured that I was okay, still not awake enough to realize that it was the > antibiotic, not the prozac.)  I got pretty depressed after just two days, > then at night after those days, as I was taking the antibiotic I realized > that I’d missed the prozac.  This wasn’t a placebo affect thing – I didn’t > know that I wasn’t taking it – but I did notice that I was really down.  I > hurried and took my prozac and haven’t missed a day since. > I talked to my psychiatrist and told him of the event.  Researchers have > noticed a change in mood with just one day being missed of the SSRIs like > Prozac.  Kind of wild – it takes 4-6 weeks to work, but the small change in > blood level from just one day being missed. > To me it was just more evidence of my body’s need for the medicine. > Depression is a physical illness. > Sorry for rambling.  Be careful with the meds.  We’ve all done what you have > done.  (I did it with blood pressure medicine when first married – wanted to > wait until payday.  My wife got pretty upset with me – I guess she wanted me > to stick around.) > Sorry to ramble. > Martin > For the past 3 months I’ve been taking 300 mg of neurontin twice a > day, to help with pain related to a compressed nerve. I haven’t taken > the neurontin over the past 4 days- scrip ran out and I didn’t fill it > until today. Over the weekend, I had some terrible crying jags, > feelings of anxiety (I’m on elavil for depression), jitteriness. Could > this be related to going off the neurontin? > Michele

Response:

Question:

Jen, I hope you’re feeling better! I held onto Ultram and took one about 6 months later. Exactly the same itchiness, rashes, dizziness and extreme nausea appeared after just one and I didn’t feel right for a couple of days, so be cautious with trying it later since you reacted badly to it. In my case it didn’t work that well anyway, so the risk/benefit ratio wasn’t worth it for me, but if it works well for you, maybe the side effects are worth it … . I too find it difficult to find meds that work and don’t cause me intolerable side effects. I hope you find a painkiller that works and doesn’t make you feel awful Keep your chin up! Jay – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thank you, Jay, and everyone else who replied.  I think my response to > Ultracet (Ultram) was quite similar to yours.  After about a week my > body simply rejected the stuff (this has happened to me before – side > effects worsen until I can’t tolerate the med any longer, rather than > acclimating to it).  Then, when I stopped it, I had one day of the bad > reaction to the drug, followed by a few days of – I don’t know, I > guess it still being in my system or getting out or withdrawaing  - > got me.  I was ill for a few days, none as bad as the first.  And what > makes me think serotonin was implicated is I had radical mood swings > and terrible nightmares over those few days.  No energy, so lots of > sleep and lots of nightmares.  One days I was depressed and suicidal, > the next day I was irritated and anxious, and at times I felt > everything was absolutely fine.  I developed a rash one night that I > think was more anxiety than drug related, but as soon as I saw it I > freaked, which made it worse. > I was also extremely thirsty, my body telling me to flush out  the > med, I’m assuming. > Thank you for telling me your story.  It helped me understand. > Btw, the med worked wonders on my pain and I’ll hold onto it for an > as-needed crisis.  Perhaps not being on a regular dose it will be > tolerable.  Only time and my readiness to try will tell, though. > It’s extremely hard for me to find medications I can tolerate – > everything from antibiotics to antidepressants.  Bummer, having so > many medical problems and all… but, life is unfair I suppose.  I do > what I can. > Thanks again.  I wanted to check in a respond since everyone was so > kind in taking the time to answer my questions. > Jen

Response:

Thanks so much for the reply.  I was actually on Ultracet, not Ultram – which shows where my head is – but I guess the acetominphen isn’t the issue anyway. I have absolutely terrible reactions to SSRIs so your story actually sounds like me.  I think after my first dose yesterday (one week into it) I felt my body just reject the stuff – too much med.  I stopped it (Ultracet).  Couldn’t get out of bed the rest of the day.  Took a shower late afternoon, got so tired, fell into bed shaking. Today, still extremely tired, sweaty, brain fuzz, plus whatever I mentioned below.  Feels like how people describe the flu I guess. I’m glad to hear it passed quickly for you.  I’m very sensitive to meds and I’m so sick of feeling sick!  I really am. Thanks again.  Hope I’m making sense Jen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >As far as I know, Celebrex doesn’t cause dependency (it’s a COX-2 >inhibitor). One week on Ultram 3 tab a day sounds too short of cause >dependency too. >However I know that Ultram can cause some very weird reactions if you stop >it suddenly. I became allergic to it suddenly after taking it for a couple >of weeks and when I stopped it abruptly because of it, I had uncommanded >limb movements which was quite scary, then lost memory for the rest of the >night. It only lasted a day, but it was very unpleasant. According to my >husband, ER doctor said that he’d seen it many times in people suddenly >stopping Ultram (I don’t remember anything that happened in ER). I remember >reading that it’s supposedly due to it affecting the serotonin level, but I >might have got that wrong. I was really tired for about a week afterwards. > don’t see my first post yet but I forgot to mention this major > headache and nausea, bad stomach.  More probably.  Nauseous exhausted > jittery.  Did my first post come through? > Question was after a year and half on 400 mgs celebrex a day stop cold > turkey do you get withdrawal. > Or one week on Ultram 3 tabs a day, do you get withddrawal? > Feverish too. > Feels like drugs.

Response:

Sometmes we never make sense… Dont worry … Ronnie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks so much for the reply.  I was actually on Ultracet, not Ultram > – which shows where my head is – but I guess the acetominphen isn’t > the issue anyway. > I have absolutely terrible reactions to SSRIs so your story actually > sounds like me.  I think after my first dose yesterday (one week into > it) I felt my body just reject the stuff – too much med.  I stopped it > (Ultracet).  Couldn’t get out of bed the rest of the day.  Took a > shower late afternoon, got so tired, fell into bed shaking. > Today, still extremely tired, sweaty, brain fuzz, plus whatever I > mentioned below.  Feels like how people describe the flu I guess. > I’m glad to hear it passed quickly for you.  I’m very sensitive to > meds and I’m so sick of feeling sick!  I really am. > Thanks again.  Hope I’m making sense > Jen >As far as I know, Celebrex doesn’t cause dependency (it’s a COX-2 >inhibitor). One week on Ultram 3 tab a day sounds too short of cause >dependency too. >However I know that Ultram can cause some very weird reactions if you stop >it suddenly. I became allergic to it suddenly after taking it for a couple >of weeks and when I stopped it abruptly because of it, I had uncommanded >limb movements which was quite scary, then lost memory for the rest of the >night. It only lasted a day, but it was very unpleasant. According to my >husband, ER doctor said that he’d seen it many times in people suddenly >stopping Ultram (I don’t remember anything that happened in ER). I remember >reading that it’s supposedly due to it affecting the serotonin level, but I >might have got that wrong. I was really tired for about a week afterwards. >> don’t see my first post yet but I forgot to mention this major >> headache and nausea, bad stomach.  More probably.  Nauseous exhausted >> jittery.  Did my first post come through? >> Question was after a year and half on 400 mgs celebrex a day stop cold >> turkey do you get withdrawal. >> Or one week on Ultram 3 tabs a day, do you get withddrawal? >> Feverish too. >> Feels like drugs.

Response:

Jen, I react badly to quite a few meds (including SSRIs) myself, so I can sympathize! I hope you’ll be feeling better very soon. (By the way, I hope you don’t have a flu as well as a reaction to meds!) Jay

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks so much for the reply.  I was actually on Ultracet, not Ultram > – which shows where my head is – but I guess the acetominphen isn’t > the issue anyway. > I have absolutely terrible reactions to SSRIs so your story actually > sounds like me.  I think after my first dose yesterday (one week into > it) I felt my body just reject the stuff – too much med.  I stopped it > (Ultracet).  Couldn’t get out of bed the rest of the day.  Took a > shower late afternoon, got so tired, fell into bed shaking. > Today, still extremely tired, sweaty, brain fuzz, plus whatever I > mentioned below.  Feels like how people describe the flu I guess. > I’m glad to hear it passed quickly for you.  I’m very sensitive to > meds and I’m so sick of feeling sick!  I really am. > Thanks again.  Hope I’m making sense > Jen

Response:

how long ago did you stop the SSRIs? They can have some pretty aggresive withdrawals and it may take a while to get through them… – Ъ

Question:

>>hope you’re doing okay too hon, glad you got the lithium sorted out >im up to 50mg lamictal now, he says thats a basic therapeutic dose so we >shall see what happens… > I’m sooooo curious..

so far so good …. no side effects….. no dramatic effect on the bipolar either, but that i think will take some time… >im only hoping it was my ssri’s and not the >lamictal that caused me to go manic this morning, im pretty convinced it >was… > Well, I hope so too..

it hasnt happened again… i think it was a manic episode thats been building up, aggravated by taking 3 ssris on an empty stomach and then getting low blood sugar from not eating (which always makes me manic)… > BTW: do you also take benzo’s to sleep? I just did, that’s why i think of > it.. > I really enyoy this posting late at night, but I think I’d better go to bed > earlier. > Stupid thing is that I was tired all evening, but around midnight, when i > wanted to go to sleep, I finally felt energy..and I enyoy that…

yeah.. i know the feeling… i stay up too late because i feel like shit during the day but feel great after midnight, and of course that winds up the BP more and more…. i take benzos very rarely for sleep – mainly cos it could easily get habit forming – but if i’ve had a really bad nightmare that leaves me having panic attack as i wake, i take one.. or sometimes if i just cant sleep and im desperate and tense.. (but usually i just turn on the laptop computer and write … > Knuffel

en een dikke knuffel terug! m~ — free the cheese!!!

Response:

"ME" wrote > Hi hi hi, > Yeah. Good to be back, good to *see* all of you. > After a few no-connection-days, I went to my boyriend, stayed there for a > week, and now I’m back home (and I took my boyfriend with me).

Kewl Say hello from me > Well, last months was a bit down, but I’m getting better and better and took > my studybooks again today.. Didn’t do much, but I’m very very happy that I > care about studying, that I try…

Aww hon that’s so great – I am so happy for you > I probably had some problems lately because my lithiumlevel was to high, but > from now on things can only get better!!!

Yeah ) > By the way: i love ansewering questions (especially because i do not have > much to say today, so answering is easier..) > How are you doing now?? (i read you were doing not so well)

Yeah… welll…. I had a ugly mixed episode and then a crash – sorta recovering from that now. At the moment I’m really tired and slow because I have a fever and a nasty cold.  But I guess I’m okay And the sun’s out Warm huggles, TK

Response:

> hey its really nice to hear things are still going so well with you and > your boyfriend … not such good news from my side, we split up 4-5 > months ago, oh well, still good friends tho

Ohhh… I’m so sorry to hear that..(((((((((((((((((((((((((m))))))))))))))))))))))))) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > m – liberating cheese while waiting for my life’s work to copy itself > across the network to the desktop machine…. arggh…. i love this > computing stuff really…. (sometimes?)….. >>yeah lovely to see you back >>m~ > Thanks!!! ((((((((((((((((((((((m))))))))))))))))))))) >>>{{{{ Marie-Elise }}}}} >>>Hey it’s great to see you again!!! – so good your connection is okay now > >>>Where have you been? Did you stay with your boyfriend? >>>Any news? Wow are you? >>>Lots of questions? Do you mind? >>>Hugggggggs, >>>TK >>– >>free the cheese!!! > — > free the cheese!

Response:

>>hey its really nice to hear things are still going so well with you and >your boyfriend … not such good news from my side, we split up 4-5 >months ago, oh well, still good friends tho > Ohhh… I’m so sorry to hear > that..(((((((((((((((((((((((((m)))))))))))))))))))))))))

thanks hon… its okay now… it was pretty devastating at the time tho,   was a major part of why i had that huge depressive breakdown… but im okay now…. well, too okay, still quite high, but not buzzing like earlier! got the network going too… yay! hope you’re doing okay too hon, glad you got the lithium sorted out im up to 50mg lamictal now, he says thats a basic therapeutic dose so we shall see what happens… im only hoping it was my ssri’s and not the lamictal that caused me to go manic this morning, im pretty convinced it was… well ive been heading for a manic phase for a while, my pdoc commented on it and suggested i cut out one of my ssri tablets if i get too high… huggles m~ — free the cheese!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>hey its really nice to hear things are still going so well with you and >>your boyfriend … not such good news from my side, we split up 4-5 >>months ago, oh well, still good friends tho > Ohhh… I’m so sorry to hear > that..(((((((((((((((((((((((((m))))))))))))))))))))))))) > thanks hon… its okay now… it was pretty devastating at the time tho, >   was a major part of why i had that huge depressive breakdown… but im > okay now…. well, too okay, still quite high, but not buzzing like > earlier! got the network going too… yay! > hope you’re doing okay too hon, glad you got the lithium sorted out > im up to 50mg lamictal now, he says thats a basic therapeutic dose so we > shall see what happens…

I’m sooooo curious.. >im only hoping it was my ssri’s and not the >lamictal that caused me to go manic this morning, im pretty convinced it >was…

Well, I hope so too.. >well ive been heading for a manic phase for a while, my pdoc >commented on it and suggested i cut out one of my ssri tablets if i get > too high…

BTW: do you also take benzo’s to sleep? I just did, that’s why i think of it.. I really enyoy this posting late at night, but I think I’d better go to bed earlier. Stupid thing is that I was tired all evening, but around midnight, when i wanted to go to sleep, I finally felt energy..and I enyoy that… Knuffel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> huggles > m~ > — > free the cheese!

Response:

{{{{ Marie-Elise }}}}} Hey it’s great to see you again!!! – so good your connection is okay now Where have you been? Did you stay with your boyfriend? Any news? Wow are you? Lots of questions? Do you mind? Hugggggggs, TK

Response:

yeah lovely to see you back m~ > {{{{ Marie-Elise }}}}} > Hey it’s great to see you again!!! – so good your connection is okay now > Where have you been? Did you stay with your boyfriend? > Any news? Wow are you? > Lots of questions? Do you mind? > Hugggggggs, > TK

– free the cheese!!!

Response:

Hi hi hi, Yeah. Good to be back, good to *see* all of you. After a few no-connection-days, I went to my boyriend, stayed there for a week, and now I’m back home (and I took my boyfriend with me).. Well, last months was a bit down, but I’m getting better and better and took my studybooks again today.. Didn’t do much, but I’m very very happy that I care about studying, that I try… I probably had some problems lately because my lithiumlevel was to high, but from now on things can only get better!!! By the way: i love ansewering questions (especially because i do not have much to say today, so answering is easier..) How are you doing now?? (i read you were doing not so well) (((((((((((((((((((((((TK)))))))))))))))))))))))))) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> {{{{ Marie-Elise }}}}} > Hey it’s great to see you again!!! – so good your connection is okay now > Where have you been? Did you stay with your boyfriend? > Any news? Wow are you? > Lots of questions? Do you mind? > Hugggggggs, > TK

Response:

> yeah lovely to see you back > m~

Thanks!!! ((((((((((((((((((((((m))))))))))))))))))))) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> {{{{ Marie-Elise }}}}} > Hey it’s great to see you again!!! – so good your connection is okay now > Where have you been? Did you stay with your boyfriend? > Any news? Wow are you? > Lots of questions? Do you mind? > Hugggggggs, > TK > — > free the cheese!!!

Response:

hey its really nice to hear things are still going so well with you and your boyfriend … not such good news from my side, we split up 4-5 months ago, oh well, still good friends tho m – liberating cheese while waiting for my life’s work to copy itself across the network to the desktop machine…. arggh…. i love this computing stuff really…. (sometimes?)….. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->yeah lovely to see you back >m~ > Thanks!!! ((((((((((((((((((((((m))))))))))))))))))))) >>{{{{ Marie-Elise }}}}} >>Hey it’s great to see you again!!! – so good your connection is okay now > >>Where have you been? Did you stay with your boyfriend? >>Any news? Wow are you? >>Lots of questions? Do you mind? >>Hugggggggs, >>TK >– >free the cheese!!!

– free the cheese!

Response:

Question:

Hey All, I just got back from the Dr and he started me on a new medicine that I am not familiar with and I am hoping y’all can give me some insight on it – Topomax – I read on rx.com it is used for seizures but I don’t have them – what other things is it used for and what can I expect in the way of side effects?   Thanks in advance Polly His eye is on the sparrow….. and I know He watches me… Polly

Response:

>I just got back from the Dr and he started me on a new medicine that I am not >familiar with and I am hoping y’all can give me some insight on it – Topomax >- >I read on rx.com it is used for seizures but I don’t have them – what other >things is it used for and what can I expect in the way of side effects?  

It’s also being used for Neuropathy, like Neurontin is being used for. It’s in that class of meds. It can cause weight loss, unlike the other meds. Topamax is used for seizures, but many meds have "off label" uses, and that’s what Topamax, Neurontin, Tegretol, and Depakote (forgive me if I have left any out) are being used for; Neuropathy, migraines, and other things. I recommend WebMD.com…it’s a lot more thorough than rxlist.com when it comes to explaining medications. It’s also just a great site in general. I would type more but I cant see the screen. Nikki ******* I am who I am Your approval is neither Desired nor required ******* When you throw mud at someone, remember you are the one who is losing ground. ******* If anger is a crutch, then why cant I hit people with it? *******

Response:

Hi Polly ..  let me know if the Topomax helps your pain .. my pain Dr just told me he wants to try me on Neurontin .. and it’s an anti-seizure med,too. I’m leary and scared to start it                       thanks and good luck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hey All, > I just got back from the Dr and he started me on a new medicine that I am not > familiar with and I am hoping y’all can give me some insight on it – Topomax – > I read on rx.com it is used for seizures but I don’t have them – what other > things is it used for and what can I expect in the way of side effects? > Thanks in advance > Polly > His eye is on the sparrow….. > and I know He watches me… > Polly

Response:

Hey Polly ..  have you tried the Topomax yet ? I got my script filled for Neurontin (same type med {anti-seizure} as your Topomax) and it’s for ONE 300mg a day at bedtime..I don’t see how that small a dose can help my cervical spine pain ..        anxious to hear if you’re having any luck ! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hey All, > I just got back from the Dr and he started me on a new medicine that I am not > familiar with and I am hoping y’all can give me some insight on it – Topomax – > I read on rx.com it is used for seizures but I don’t have them – what other > things is it used for and what can I expect in the way of side effects? > Thanks in advance > Polly > His eye is on the sparrow….. > and I know He watches me… > Polly

Response:

>Hey Polly .. > have you tried the Topomax yet ? I

I have started it and I do seem to be resting better.  I hope yours will help you as well. Polly His eye is on the sparrow….. and I know He watches me… Polly

Response:

BUT are you having less pain during the day ? I’m so happy it is helping you have better nights ! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hey Polly .. > have you tried the Topomax yet ? I > I have started it and I do seem to be resting better.  I hope yours will help > you as well. > Polly > His eye is on the sparrow….. > and I know He watches me… > Polly

Response:

>BUT are you having less pain during the day ?

nope I see no difference during the day – unfortunantly- I only take it at bedtime so far… Polly His eye is on the sparrow….. and I know He watches me… Polly

Response:

>Hey Polly .. > have you tried the Topomax yet ? I got my script filled for Neurontin (same type >med {anti-seizure} as your Topomax) and it’s for ONE 300mg a day at bedtime..

You have to start small and titrate up.  I started at one 100mg at bedtime the first day (three days?  it was a long time ago), then one in the morning and one at bedtime, then three equally spaced.  When that didn’t do anything, I went to 200mg 3x/day, then 300.  Just kept going up, was good at 600mg 3x/day for a while, but then had to increase that.  Now I’m at 3000 mg/day in 4 doses, and the last week has been pretty miserable, so I don’t know where to go from here. >I don’t see how that small a dose can help my cervical spine pain ..

I think that that small a dose helps (sometimes).  I also think it only helps if it’s really nerve pain, it doesn’t do anything for other types of pain. >anxious to hear if you’re having any luck !

Same here.   And for you too. Jon Miller

Response:

me,too … I don’t understand why I have to take mine (Neurontin 300mg) at bedtime .. it has a 1/2 life of 5-7 hours .. so that means.. if I go to bed at 10PM, by 10AM I only have about 75mg in my system .. I’m going to ask the Dr about that on Thursday,,I thought maybe the pharmicist had not read the Dr’s script right .. ‘ at bedtime’ ..

Response:

I’m taking Neurontin 300mg, 3 times a day. Dick

Response:

IS it helping ? I can’t tell if the Neurontin is doing any good at all since I take ONE at bedtime..  The stuff sure is expensive ! I don’t have prescription plan so it’s all out of my pocket.. if my Dr ups the amount I take , I’ll have to research on Inet drugstores ..it’s $40 for 30 here and 3 a day sure would be expensive ! but worth it IF it relieved the pain ! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m taking Neurontin 300mg, 3 times a day. > Dick

Response:

anita stated: > IS it helping ? I can’t tell if the Neurontin is doing any good at all > since I take ONE at bedtime.. >  The stuff sure is expensive ! I don’t have prescription plan so it’s > all out of my pocket.. if my Dr ups the amount I take , I’ll have to > research on Inet drugstores ..it’s $40 for 30 here and 3 a day sure > would be expensive ! but worth it IF it relieved the pain !

Hello Anita, I’m sorry, I must have missed your question earlier.  I am taking Neurontin for CDH, and it is the *only* drug that has helped me.  It has not removed the pain entirely, but it has definitely saved my life.  I am taking 800mg x 3 = 2400mg per day.  From what I understand, your one at bedtime will not be enough to get into your system.  Anyone else know about that?  Anyhow, I think that most prescription plans give you a month’s supply, so I currently pay $15 for 90 pills–don’t think I’m gloating because I’m also paying $700/month just to keep my medical insurance and that’s absolutely draining my life’s savings… goodbye house, goodbye retirement .  For me personally, I would have no choice but to pay the $120/month.  Like I said, for me, it saved my life.  If you have the $120, you may want to try it for a month as you should know by then if it’s going to help.  Talk to your doctor; you’ll need a plan for ramping up your dosage (you can’t do it all at once).  Also, ramp yourself up, and then if you find relief, slowly ramp yourself back down to find the efficacy threshold.  I know that 4800mg does me no more good than 2400mg, but it seems to me that I have more frequent flare-ups when I only use 2000mg.  Everyone’s different, so you need to experiment within the supervision of your doctor.  Why pay for or take excess medication, right? Good luck, and I hope you can find some relief! -Deva

Response:

Anita, I think they have a patient assistant program.  I am going to check on that tomorrow.  My doc said he would fill out the paper work if I got the form and if they have it.  If they do I will post it tomorrow. Bonner

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> IS it helping ? I can’t tell if the Neurontin is doing any good at all > since I take ONE at bedtime.. >  The stuff sure is expensive ! I don’t have prescription plan so it’s > all out of my pocket.. if my Dr ups the amount I take , I’ll have to > research on Inet drugstores ..it’s $40 for 30 here and 3 a day sure > would be expensive ! but worth it IF it relieved the pain ! > I’m taking Neurontin 300mg, 3 times a day. > Dick

Response:

Also neurontin comes in a 100ml capsule.  If this med is what you are going to take you might see if you can break it down to 3 times a day.  Having your dose only at one time will not give you the relief you need.  So bottom-line is and your doc should know this is 3 times a day is better then one time a day. Bonner

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> me,too … I don’t understand why I have to take mine (Neurontin 300mg) > at bedtime .. it has a 1/2 life of 5-7 hours .. so that means.. if I go > to bed at 10PM, by 10AM I only have about 75mg in my system .. I’m going > to ask the Dr about that on Thursday,,I thought maybe the pharmicist had > not read the Dr’s script right .. ‘ at bedtime’ ..

Response:

Anita, I am doing drug searches right now, because I no longer have prescription coverage. so I thought I would share this with you. http://auto.search.msn.com/results.asp?cfg=SMCINITIAL&RS=CHECKED&v=1&… FORM=AS5&q=pfizer Share Card Program card.  Scroll down to 8 pfizer products.  They have 1.800 #.  They charge 15 dollars only if you qualify.  Hope this helps.  Oh hell here is the number and questions Q2) How does a patient apply for the Share Card Program?       A2)  To enroll, patients simply call the toll-free enrollment and information hotline (1.800.717.6005). Trained operators initially screen for caller eligibility and then mail an enrollment kit to potential participants. Notably, operators will also help callers locate health and Medicare-related resources in their communities.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Anita, > I think they have a patient assistant program.  I am going to check on that > tomorrow.  My doc said he would fill out the paper work if I got the form > and if they have it.  If they do I will post it tomorrow. > Bonner > IS it helping ? I can’t tell if the Neurontin is doing any good at all > since I take ONE at bedtime.. >  The stuff sure is expensive ! I don’t have prescription plan so it’s > all out of my pocket.. if my Dr ups the amount I take , I’ll have to > research on Inet drugstores ..it’s $40 for 30 here and 3 a day sure > would be expensive ! but worth it IF it relieved the pain ! > > I’m taking Neurontin 300mg, 3 times a day. > > Dick

Response:

Anita, Okay first off I do not know if there is any assistance, but there are for other drugs. For example: Lets take this drug Norvac or neurontin 1) I called Pharmacy to see who made the drug 2) I asked if they had the makers phone number.  In my case they did not. 3) After finding out you can call the 1800 # to see if they have a 1800# for that company Now back to Norvac & neurontin Instead of calling the 1800# I found out it was made by parke-davis which is also considered Pfizer.  I went to Pfizer and from there I went to Pfizer products.  I clicked on the share card program.  Then it told me how much I would pay if I qualified. If I qualified it would be 15 dollars per month.  Just a flat fee. 4) I need to find out what their cut off is for assistance. So I scrolled down and found it to be 24000 5) first off I needed my last year tax return.  I then needed to know how much I made for 2001.  Since we filed joint we made XXXX amount of dollars therefore we made more then 24,000.  So we do not qualified. This is where it tells me how much I can make per couple or single. Pfizer recognized that Medicare-enrolled patients who have individual gross incomes of $18,000 (or $24,000 as couples) are truly struggling to afford essential medicines. For example, members of this demographic spend less than $600 per year on drugs-about half of what more affluent individuals spend.1 The consequence is a disproportionate share of poor health outcomes for those Medicare patients most in need. Accordingly, the eligibility threshold was set at a maximum annual income of $18,000 for individuals or $24,000 for couples who file jointly 6)Now if we did qualify I also found out something else they are the makers of another drug I take.  So check and see if this applies also.  I scrolled on down to find other products of theirs. Patients enrolled in the Share Card Program will have access to a multiplicity of prescription drugs manufactured or marketed by Pfizer, including many of those most commonly prescribed to seniors, such as Lipitor

Question:

>of this:

Wherever You Go (by Clint Black and Hayden Nicholas) Bottle of Prozac not very smooth Like snake bite cure from the medicine man Not bad poison if there’s something to soothe It’s a whole other world in the palm of your hand Out of this world and out of your mind Just like it don’t matter what you’re leaving behind Trying to change your life you change your point of view But no matter what you do it’s the same old you Wherever you go there you are You can run from yourself but you won’t get far You can dive to the bottom of your medicine jar But wherever you go there you are Bottle of scotch whiskey whatever you find When you’re out on a wire it’s a matter of time Changing every moment when you’re taking the fall There’s everything to gain when you’re losing it all Feel your head spinning with your feet on the ground You climb the wrong ladder and it’s keeping you down Think you’re gettin’ higher but you’re still layin’ low You don’t want to be anyone you know Repeat Chorus Once you’ve been bitten it’s like crossing a line It’s a part of the plan all that’s on your mind Think that it’ll help you find somebody to be But the man in the mirror is all you’ll see Repeat Chorus — DSM IV is the fabrication upon which psychiatry seeks acceptance by medicine in general. Insiders know it is more a political than scientific document. To its credit it says so –Loren R. Mosher, M.D.

Response:

Blah blah blah.. crawl back into your cave loser.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Well well well, if it isn’t Shawnee Vetter, posing as George, the last >of many persona she uses because she can’t fight her own fights. I see >you have started impersonating me again too. >Thanks for posting your pictures. You are uglier than I thought. Great >pig tails though. >If you are so much better, why don’t you get a life and leave ASDM >alone? Maybe it is because you are not better at all. Of course you >have to have a true biological based mental illness for the docs to >help you. I can understand why you hate pdocs so bad. They couldn’t >cure what you don’t have; right? >As to this child molester, Scott, why don’t you get your facts >straight, and you will never get the straight facts from Hoyt. He is >the one that "raised" Scott from an early age, and it was he that >Scott tried to keep me away from. He hated Hoyt and he claimed things >about him that I tend to believe now. I only knew Scott a few years >and was trying to get rid of him when he was arrested and I found out >about what he was accused of. >You might want to get Scott’s last name right. It would help your >credibility some. (not much) These continued attacks do little for it >either. >If you really want to be well, you need to leave here. If you can >really survive without pdoc’s meds, I am glad for you, but you will >not really be well until you shed this hate you have for pdocs and >everyone that finds relief from going to see them. >The replies you post here reflect your view which is unsupportable. >You try to find supporting information, and are forced to twist what >you find to meet your needs. When someone calls you on it, you ignore >them or insult them. Just go away Shawnee. You will be much better off >that way. I still wish you well. >HoP >informed me of this: >< >< ><well well well it’s head case dog killer oxy addict faggot pUal >montgomery popped it to ><take a shit. >< ><Hows your best butt buddy Scott Lang?  I suppose he’s not too >interested in you now that ><he’s finally been busted for child rape. >< ><When is your court date Pauly? >< >< ><>of this: ><> ><><. And again, your retort ><><that I do my own research makes me think that your claim that ><><anti-depressant use will make BP worse over time is pure bunk. ><> ><>This person has personal reasons for their views. Many times they >cite ><>stuff as supporting their views, but if you check, they have grossly ><>misinterpreted the source or use a few sources that agree with them. ><>There is no indication that using antidepressants make the course of ><>bp worse. The articles cited do indicate that bipolars should not >use ><>antidepressants without first establishing a stable mood using ><>traditional mood stabilizers like lithium or depakote. ><> ><>BTW, this person is posting under many different nicknames.

Response:

hi Anna,my name is Dawn and I am bipolar,I can talk anytime if you like.I take effexer,and I took neurontin for years,my bipolar got worse last year,I had a major depression,the way I cope now is try not to think so much,and it is still a constant struggle but maybe we can help eachother if you like.let me know.

Response:

effexor and nuerontin are not mood stabilizers. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >hi Anna,my name is Dawn and I am bipolar,I can talk anytime if you like.I >take effexer,and I took neurontin for years,my bipolar got worse last year,I >had a major depression,the way I cope now is try not to think so much,and it >is still a constant struggle but maybe we can help eachother if you like.let >me know.

Response:

well well well it’s head case dog killer oxy addict faggot pUal montgomery popped it to take a shit. Hows your best butt buddy Scott Lang?  I suppose he’s not too interested in you now that he’s finally been busted for child rape. When is your court date Pauly? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >of this: ><. And again, your retort ><that I do my own research makes me think that your claim that ><anti-depressant use will make BP worse over time is pure bunk. >This person has personal reasons for their views. Many times they cite >stuff as supporting their views, but if you check, they have grossly >misinterpreted the source or use a few sources that agree with them. >There is no indication that using antidepressants make the course of >bp worse. The articles cited do indicate that bipolars should not use >antidepressants without first establishing a stable mood using >traditional mood stabilizers like lithium or depakote. >BTW, this person is posting under many different nicknames.

Response:

Newsgroups: tacoma.general View: Complete Thread (4 articles) | Original Format National Enquirer? says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> This is just another reason to read Usenet.  Where else can such gems of > wisdom and truth be found? > If you haven’t been paying attention the last 400 or so odd years, its > too late now to try and catch up. Don’t come crying to this group when > you find the Shuler Clan stealing your property. Sheesh! > says… > > WTF? > > > The past actions of the Shuler clan have forced me to post this > > > weekly warning. > > > Beware of the Shuler clan for they will try to steal your land! > > > My ancestors the brothers Michael and Peter Lycon who were both born > > > in Varmland Sweden were among the first Swedish settlers in the New > > > Sweden Colony at Shackamaxon.  They arrived in the Philadelphia area > > > between 1650 and 1655.  Later the colony taken over by the evil > > > Pennsylvania Dutch. (This must have been the Shuler Clan) > > > ( By the way the http://www.kerchner.com/padutch.htm > > > Pennsylvania Dutch are not from Holland.  They just pretend to be. But > > > my Dutch Ancestors were from Holland. ) > > >  But that was not enough for the evil Shuler clan no!  Those > > > troublesome Shulers  follow us every where and steal our land.  It is > > > known that http://www.concentric.net/~Ssbray/shuler.htm the evil > > > Shulers moved into lands of my Cherokee ancestors after the forced > > > removal of the Cherokee and made their selves at home. > > > It all started in January 1674 when they tried to steal the land of my > > > first Dutch ancestor to visit turtle island.  My ancestor had the misfortune of being the > > > next door neighbor of a certain Evil Capt. Shuler.  The matter was > > > turned over to Commandant Drayer and Mr. Jeremias Van Renselaer. > > > The Shulers idea of a good time is to go find the most beautiful and > > > sacred oak tree in smokey mountains (the ancestral home of the > > > Cherokee) and then murder it.  Surely they knew that Oak trees are > > > sacred to the Cherokee. > > > Click here to learn more about the evil acts of the squatting, tree > > > chopping, tavern owning, land stealing Shuler clan > > > http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/RSchuler/Gabriel.htm > > > My ancestors fled to the West coast to get away from the evil Shuler > > > clan but true to their form the Shulers followed us. > > >   I bet it was not really the French and indians who > > > burned Schenectady to the ground in 1685 and kidnapped > > > my grandpa . I bet it was really the evil Shuler clan > > > dressed up like and pretending to be French Indians! > > > In addition to the soldiers in the fort those recorded as being killed > > > in the > > > massacre were: Mystery Weep, Jan Dirk se Van Epsom and three children, > > > Barest > > > Jan se Van Disbars and his son, Cornetist, An dries Arenas Bract and > > > one child, > > > Maria Viewed (wife of Doug Aukes),two children, Mary Aloff(wife of > > > Cornetist > > > Viewed, Jr.) Swear Tektites Van Velvet, his wife, Anthem Jan se Spoor, > > > Headlock > > > Meeker Romania, Bartholomew Romania (father and brother of Adam), > > > Gerbil Marseilles, wife and child, Robert Henpecking, Sander Van > > > Braked, > > > Jan Recourses, David Christianizes, his wife and four children, Cories > > > Aerobe Van > > > derby Bast, Willed Pie terse, Jan Poet man and wife, Domineer > > > Thiabendazole, > > > Frags Hardens Van de Bogart, Envelope Romania and infant child, Review > > > Shafts and son, Johannes son of Synonym Schermerhoorn.

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Question:

Id try it, I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Scott

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->  Printer Friendly  Send to a Friend > FDA Approves Lexapro as Newest Antidepressant > NYC company offers a re-engineered version of Celexa > By Bruce Sylvester > HealthScoutNews Reporter > THURSDAY, Aug. 15 (HealthScoutNews) — From one antidepressant a more > powerful one has sprung. > The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved the drug > Lexapro as a treatment for major depression. Interestingly, this > latest entry into the antidepressant market resulted from a molecular > re-engineering of the popular antidepressant Celexa. > Lexapro (escitalopram) is the first antidepressant to get the FDA’s > nod since Celexa (citalopram) won approval four years ago. Both are > made by Forest Laboratories of New York City and both are SSRIs > (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like their cousins Prozac, > Zoloft and Paxil. > "Lexapro is a more potent version of Celexa, in that the component > that fights depression has been isolated," says Talia Puzantian, a > clinical pharmacist in psychiatry at San Francisco General Hospital. > This means patients will only need 10 milligrams to 20 milligrams a > day of Lexapro, half of what is generally used with Celexa, Puzantian > adds. > The Celexa molecule contains two "mirror" parts called isomers, but > only one isomer helps fight depression. Researchers created Lexapro by > removing the inactive isomer. > Celexa’s patent does not run out until late 2005. However, the company > decided to seek FDA approval for Lexapro and market it as soon as > possible. > "Forest is taking a successful $1.4 billion dollar-a-year drug, > Celexa, out of active marketing three years before the patent > expires," says Andrew Farah, a psychiatrist and medical director of > High Point Regional Hospital in High Point, N.C. "They are replacing > it with a drug that is costing them more to make, but for which they > plan to charge less." > "Lexapro is stronger, starts working faster and appears to have a > lower side-effect profile. They could have held off on Lexapro, and > made their billions off of Celexa first. But that isn’t happening > here, and the implications, especially in terms of potency, side > effects and costs, could be huge for patients," he adds. > Farah notes the decision was driven by Howard Soloman, chief executive > officer of Forest, whose son, Andrew, suffered from debilitating > depression. The Solomans have publicly discussed the impact of the > disease on their family life and on their business priorities, mot > notably in a Business Week cover story in May. > Andrew Soloman emerged from the worst of his depression after several > months of treatment with Cipramil, the European version of Celexa. He > wrote a book about his struggle with the disease, The Noonday Demon: > An Atlas of Depression, which was published in June 2001 and won the > National Book Award for nonfiction. > "This will probably be a successful business decision by Forest, but > it wouldn’t be happening at all if Howard Solomon hadn’t gone to > Europe in the mid-1990s, searched for a better drug for his son, found > the European version of Celexa, licensed it for the U.S. market and > introduced it here," Farah says. > Three European and U.S. studies presented at the Anxiety Disorders > Association of America annual meeting in March also suggest that > today’s FDA approval could herald future indications for Lexapro. > A Duke University clinical study reported that, "Escitalopram > (Lexapro) treatment significantly improved anxiety symptoms relative > to placebo treatment. The reliable anti-anxiety effects of this new > drug suggest that it should be useful in the treatment of generalized > anxiety disorder." > A study conducted at the University Hospital of Vienna concluded, > "Escitalopram (Lexapro) 10-20mg/day is effective and well-tolerated in > the treatment of social anxiety disorder." > Finally, a University of California at San Diego study reported that, > "Escitalopram (Lexapro) in comparison to placebo significantly reduced > panic attack frequency and severity, anticipatory anxiety and phobic > avoidance, and significantly improved overall clinical status and > quality of life. The results of this study suggest that escitalopram > is efficacious and well-tolerated in the treatment of panic disorder." > Approximately 19 million adult Americans suffer from a depressive > illness each year. One of every four women and one in 10 men in the > United States will be diagnosed with depression during their lifetime. > The World Health Organization predicts depression will become the > leading cause of disability by the year 2020. > Forest Laboratories expects Lexapro to be available in pharmacies by > Sept. 5.

Response:

Are they as good as the pills a person can find in the gutter from time to time on the down town streets? Sometimes they are black, but if you scrape off the dirt, they are a different color. Sometimes they are m&m tasting.  hmmm.  do they make chocolate flavored ssri pillz? Oh, no.  that is the trouble. i have been taking chocolate instead of drugz…

: :  Printer Friendly  Send to a Friend : : : FDA Approves Lexapro as Newest Antidepressant : : NYC company offers a re-engineered version of Celexa : : By Bruce Sylvester : HealthScoutNews Reporter : : : : : : : THURSDAY, Aug. 15 (HealthScoutNews) — From one antidepressant a more : powerful one has sprung. : The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved the drug : Lexapro as a treatment for major depression. Interestingly, this : latest entry into the antidepressant market resulted from a molecular : re-engineering of the popular antidepressant Celexa. : : Lexapro (escitalopram) is the first antidepressant to get the FDA’s : nod since Celexa (citalopram) won approval four years ago. Both are : made by Forest Laboratories of New York City and both are SSRIs : (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like their cousins Prozac, : Zoloft and Paxil. : : "Lexapro is a more potent version of Celexa, in that the component : that fights depression has been isolated," says Talia Puzantian, a : clinical pharmacist in psychiatry at San Francisco General Hospital. : : This means patients will only need 10 milligrams to 20 milligrams a : day of Lexapro, half of what is generally used with Celexa, Puzantian : adds. : : The Celexa molecule contains two "mirror" parts called isomers, but : only one isomer helps fight depression. Researchers created Lexapro by : removing the inactive isomer. : : Celexa’s patent does not run out until late 2005. However, the company : decided to seek FDA approval for Lexapro and market it as soon as : possible. : : "Forest is taking a successful $1.4 billion dollar-a-year drug, : Celexa, out of active marketing three years before the patent : expires," says Andrew Farah, a psychiatrist and medical director of : High Point Regional Hospital in High Point, N.C. "They are replacing : it with a drug that is costing them more to make, but for which they : plan to charge less." : : "Lexapro is stronger, starts working faster and appears to have a : lower side-effect profile. They could have held off on Lexapro, and : made their billions off of Celexa first. But that isn’t happening : here, and the implications, especially in terms of potency, side : effects and costs, could be huge for patients," he adds. : : Farah notes the decision was driven by Howard Soloman, chief executive : officer of Forest, whose son, Andrew, suffered from debilitating : depression. The Solomans have publicly discussed the impact of the : disease on their family life and on their business priorities, mot : notably in a Business Week cover story in May. : : Andrew Soloman emerged from the worst of his depression after several : months of treatment with Cipramil, the European version of Celexa. He : wrote a book about his struggle with the disease, The Noonday Demon: : An Atlas of Depression, which was published in June 2001 and won the : National Book Award for nonfiction. : : "This will probably be a successful business decision by Forest, but : it wouldn’t be happening at all if Howard Solomon hadn’t gone to : Europe in the mid-1990s, searched for a better drug for his son, found : the European version of Celexa, licensed it for the U.S. market and : introduced it here," Farah says. : : Three European and U.S. studies presented at the Anxiety Disorders : Association of America annual meeting in March also suggest that : today’s FDA approval could herald future indications for Lexapro. : : A Duke University clinical study reported that, "Escitalopram : (Lexapro) treatment significantly improved anxiety symptoms relative : to placebo treatment. The reliable anti-anxiety effects of this new : drug suggest that it should be useful in the treatment of generalized : anxiety disorder." : : A study conducted at the University Hospital of Vienna concluded, : "Escitalopram (Lexapro) 10-20mg/day is effective and well-tolerated in : the treatment of social anxiety disorder." : : Finally, a University of California at San Diego study reported that, : "Escitalopram (Lexapro) in comparison to placebo significantly reduced : panic attack frequency and severity, anticipatory anxiety and phobic : avoidance, and significantly improved overall clinical status and : quality of life. The results of this study suggest that escitalopram : is efficacious and well-tolerated in the treatment of panic disorder." : : Approximately 19 million adult Americans suffer from a depressive : illness each year. One of every four women and one in 10 men in the : United States will be diagnosed with depression during their lifetime. : The World Health Organization predicts depression will become the : leading cause of disability by the year 2020. : : Forest Laboratories expects Lexapro to be available in pharmacies by : Sept. 5. : : :

Response:

Question:

Psychiatric Drug Facts Peter R. Breggin, M.D. Judges Reduce Sentences in Latest Paxil and Prozac

Question:

hi andy, its worth getting it checked out – they usually say you should be monitored closely if taking an ssri if you get manic…. i havent come across this myself but i know ssri’s can cause sleep disturbances, usually difficulty sleeping… one question – when do you take the Zispin? if you’re taking it at night, maybe try taking it in the morning – i was told to take my ssri (zoloft) in the morning because it tends to be stimulant and can cause difficulty sleeping. i found myself having very surreal dreams while taking valproate – but thats a mood stabiliser so it functions in a different way. best to get it checked by your pdoc. good luck m > NEW TO THE GROUP..Zispin has been the first anti-depressant (of > many)to have had more positive than negative effects on me. However, i > have noticed lately (been on 30mg for 9 months) i have been wakening > thro the night during "out of bed experiences". eg searching thro > wardropes/drawers looking for, i dont know what. > I was wondering if anybody else has had similar on this drug or is it > a sign of impending mania???  I dont take prophylactics like lithium > as im extremely sensitive to medications but have been moderately > depressed for almost three years now (since my last "high").   Thanks > in advance for any feedback. >  sorry but im new to this computer interface stuff

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Question:

A few days ago I started taking CELEXA to treat depression.  For the past several years I have been taking about 25 tablets of Dramine everyday.  I am not concerned with the side effects.  I am worried that this will prevent the Celexa from working.  Does anyone know/

Response:

There have been no studies about the effects of diphenhydramine and caffeine, the major metabolites of dimenhydrinate, and citalopram. Metabolic drug interactions can cause blood levels of either drug to be lowered or raised. These three drugs work on different receptors in the brain, so theoretically there should not be problems in that area. As a curious and nosy person, may I inquire as to why you take 20 tablets of dimenhydrinate daily, and what effect it has on you.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> A few days ago I started taking CELEXA to treat depression.  For the past > several years I have been taking about 25 tablets of Dramine everyday.  I am > not concerned with the side effects.  I am worried that this will prevent > the Celexa from working.  Does anyone know/

Response: