I have new sleeping pill

Question:

::I have new sleeping pill  Dormicum 7,5 mg ::I hope that this one help me to sleep, the pills that I had before don’t ::work anymore. ::Temazepam10mg 2x and Oxazepam10mg 2x. ::Most of the night I sit outside in a corner of the house, ::thinking will I go away or go inside and try to sleep. ::So I hope that the new one will help me to sleep. ::When I don’t sleep the P/A is very high, so I hope for the best. Dear Diana, Good luck with your new sleeping med. Wishing you sound sleep and sweet dreams. Jackie ~*~Nothing lasts forever, not even troubles~*~    ~Arnold H. Glasgow — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

My dear Family; I have new sleeping pill  Dormicum 7,5 mg I hope that this one help me to sleep, the pills that I had before don’t work anymore. Temazepam10mg 2x and Oxazepam10mg 2x. Most of the night I sit outside in a corner of the house, thinking will I go away or go inside and try to sleep. So I hope that the new one will help me to sleep. When I don’t sleep the P/A is very high, so I hope for the best. Love Diana —

Hi Diana, I really hope this one works for you. I know the insomnia was the very worst thing for me when I was very, very sick. I was more freaked out about that than anything else, I think. Let us know how it works. Sweet dreams! Love, Dawn — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Diana , I hope this new med  helps with your  rest. Sue in Maine

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My dear Family; I have new sleeping pill  Dormicum 7,5 mg I hope that this one help me to sleep, the pills that I had before don’t work anymore. Temazepam10mg 2x and Oxazepam10mg 2x. Most of the night I sit outside in a corner of the house, thinking will I go away or go inside and try to sleep. So I hope that the new one will help me to sleep. When I don’t sleep the P/A is very high, so I hope for the best. Love Diana — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Diana schreef: My dear Family; I have new sleeping pill  Dormicum 7,5 mg I hope that this one help me to sleep, the pills that I had before don’t work anymore.

Wow! I’m sure this one will do the trick. Temazepam10mg 2x and Oxazepam10mg 2x.

These are benzos and we usually develop tolerance to the hypnotic effects of benzos over time. Most of the night I sit outside in a corner of the house, thinking will I go away or go inside and try to sleep. So I hope that the new one will help me to sleep. When I don’t sleep the P/A is very high, so I hope for the best.

So do I and I am optimistic. Philip Love Diana

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Diana schreef: My dear Family; I have new sleeping pill  Dormicum 7,5 mg I hope that this one help me to sleep, the pills that I had before don’t work anymore. Temazepam10mg 2x and Oxazepam10mg 2x. Most of the night I sit outside in a corner of the house, thinking will I go away or go inside and try to sleep. So I hope that the new one will help me to sleep. When I don’t sleep the P/A is very high, so I hope for the best. Love Diana

Oops. Earlier I was mistaken, I confused Dormicum with another med. Dormicum is *midazolam*, another benzo but one that is actually most effective as a sleeping aid, it’s much stronger than temazepam & oxazepam. Philip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Diana, Wishing you lots of good sleep with the new med.  Many people have higher anxiety levels when they don’t get their needed rest. Sweet dreams tonight.  Please let us know how this works for you. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My dear Family; I have new sleeping pill  Dormicum 7,5 mg I hope that this one help me to sleep, the pills that I had before don’t work anymore. Temazepam10mg 2x and Oxazepam10mg 2x. Most of the night I sit outside in a corner of the house, thinking will I go away or go inside and try to sleep. So I hope that the new one will help me to sleep. When I don’t sleep the P/A is very high, so I hope for the best. Love Diana — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

My dear Family; I have new sleeping pill  Dormicum 7,5 mg I hope that this one help me to sleep, the pills that I had before don’t work anymore. Temazepam10mg 2x and Oxazepam10mg 2x. Most of the night I sit outside in a corner of the house, thinking will I go away or go inside and try to sleep. So I hope that the new one will help me to sleep. When I don’t sleep the P/A is very high, so I hope for the best. Love Diana — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Progressive Muscle Relaxation <8/15/06>

Question:

Thank you for all this information – I had forgotten about some of these techniques.  Have you tried any of it yourself?  How much sucess have you had with what you’ve tried? — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Thank you for all this information – I had forgotten about some of ::these techniques.  Have you tried any of it yourself?  How much sucess ::have you had with what you’ve tried? Dear Crystal, Welcome to ASAPM! Yes, I have tried all of these exercises. I found them to be very helpful, especially the progressive muscle relaxation ones. Give it a try, it definitely cannot hurt. I suggest you do these exercises on a daily basis. Twice a day is even better Good luck! Jackie ~*~You have the freak flag… you just don’t fly it~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Progressive Muscle Relaxation       Progressive muscle relaxation is one example of a deep relaxation technique that can be used to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, insomnia, and certain types of chronic pain. Based upon the simple premise of tensing, or tightening, one muscle group at a time followed by a release of the tension, this form of relaxation is used by physicians (in combination with standard therapies) for a number of conditions, including headaches, cancer pain, high blood pressure, and digestive disturbances. This form of muscle relaxation is progressive in two senses.   Firstly, the muscle groups are tightened and relaxed one at a time in a specific order, generally commencing with the lower extremities and ending with the face, abdomen, and chest, although other sequences have been used by some practitioners. Secondly, a greater degree of muscle tension is attempted in subsequent exercises as compared with beginning efforts as one gains experience with the technique. The technique of progressive muscle relaxation was described by Edmund Jacobson in the 1930s based upon his premise that mental relaxation should naturally result from physical relaxation. Like the Relaxation Response pioneered by Herbert Benson in the 1970s, progressive muscle relaxation can be learned by nearly anyone and requires only 10-20 minutes per day. You may practice this technique seated or lying down in a completely quiet place free from all distractions. The individual muscle groups are tightened for 5-8 seconds and the tension is then released. While releasing the tension, try to focus on the changes you feel when the muscle group is relaxed. Imagery may be helpful in conjunction with the release of tension; you can try to imagine stressful feelings flowing out of your body as you relax each muscle group. You should stay relaxed for 15-30 seconds and move on to the next muscle group. In addition to its stress-reduction and health benefits, progressive muscle relaxation is an excellent tool to help learn about the body and its signals. With practice and time, you can learn to accurately identify tension signals in your body and actively work to reduce stress and tension and their accompanying physical reactions. http://stress.about.com/cs/relaxation/a/aa110600a.htm How to Create a Serene Sacred Space "Sacred Space" is a special place you can retreat to and spend time alone in quiet meditation or retrospection. Here are a few helpful ideas for creating an indoor sanctuary. Difficulty Level: average Time Required: 25 to 45 minutes Here’s How: Choose an area within the interior of your home for your "Sacred Space" (a spare bedroom, a revamped pantry area, a corner space, etc.) Clear this space of stagnant energies by performing a ritual smudging (cleanse with smoke from burning sage wand). This should also be repeated periodically after you begin using your sacred space Consider your personal comforts and each of your senses in choosing the suggested furniture and articles to fill this space. Comfort: floor cushions, a gentle swaying rocker, or perhaps a stuffed chaise to stretch out in. Sounds: wind chimes, water fountains, CDs & player, a hand-carved wooden flute. Taste: peppermints for mental clarity, calming herbal tea blends, cinnamon red hot candies to awaken the taste buds. Smells: scented candles, incense, freshly cut sprig of lavender. Visual: mirrors, posters, paintings, artwork, altar. Touch: objects with a variety of textures such as crystals, feathers, sea shells, woven cloths, teddy bears, etc. A window placement within the space is especially welcome to allow fresh air and sunshine for healing and happiness. Tips: Once your space is ready, honor it by making your presence there often. Set boundaries by deciding who else, if anyone, is allowed in your Sacred Space. Keep a supply of colored pens and notebooks if you want to maintain a journal in your Sacred Space. http://healing.about.com/library/howto/ht_sacredspace.htm How to Relax and Ground Your Body Grounding exercises help tremendously with maintaining a balance of our physical and spiritual bodies. This particular exercise can serve as an excellent tool for identifying physical stresses and upsets. Difficulty Level: average Time Required: 25-60 minutes Here’s How: Lay down comfortably on a bed or massage table. Bring your thoughts from its busy mental chatter downward by focusing on your feet. Notice the soles of your feet, your toes, in-between your toes, the top of your feet. Do they feel hot? or cold? Do they hurt? Are they numb? Do you feel your blood circulating through them? Are they feeling tired? Once you have a made a strong connection with your feet, you may then move your focus upwards to your ankles. Notice, but don’t judge how the different parts feel. For example, when you wiggled your toes, how did that feel? Gradually shift your focus now to your lower legs, onto your knee caps, behind your knees, your thighs and upward. Keep reminding yourself not to rush. Allow yourself to breathe throughout the exercise, especially as you come to any areas of discomfort (stressed muscles, soreness, etc.) or at any spot that feels like there may be an energy block. Once you have moved through your torso and up to your neck drop back to your fingertips. Move to the hands, up your arms and shoulders, returning now to your neck. Finish up with your face and scalp. Tips: Don’t rush this process. Take your time moving upwards to each part of your body. Do not touch yourself. Just allow your mind to switch focus from wherever it is and mentally consider your body’s sensations. Do this exercise while laying down is recommended, but for anyone who tends to fall asleep quickly upon hitting the pillow sitting upright in a chair may be preferable. http://healing.about.com/library/howto/ht_ground.htm Basic Guided Relaxation: Advanced Technique Article by L. John Mason, Ph.D. This guided relaxation exercise is taken from exercises from Dr. Mason’s best selling book, Guide to Stress Reduction. A version of this technique is found on most of the guided relaxation tapes/CD’s found at the Stress Education Center’s Tapes/CD’s page. Please find the one that is best for your specific requirements. Look in the health series, if you have symptoms of stress. For the best results, have someone read this guided relaxation slowly to you, with appropriate pauses. You can also read this exercise into a tape recorder and then play it back to yourself when you want to relax. Remember, this exercise will work best for you with regular daily use and repetition over time. (4-6 weeks to see positive change and 8-12 weeks of regular use for the maximum benefits to begin.) Good health and enjoy your relaxation! Start of relaxation. Begin here. When you are ready to begin, start by getting yourself into a comfortable position in a space where you will not be unnecessarily disturbed, for about twenty minutes. As you sit back or lie back more comfortably, check to see if your arms and legs are in a relaxed uncrossed position. Let your shoulders release tension and let your neck begin to relax by letting your head just sink back comfortably into the pillow or chair. Check the muscles of your head and face, especially the muscles around your eyes, even your eye brows, and the muscles around your mouth, including your jaw and even your tongue. Before we begin, let me remind you that I do not want you to try to relax too quickly. In fact, I do not want you to try to relax at all! Because without any effort you will be able drift as deeply into relaxation as you wish to go, by just letting go of stress, thoughts, and physical tensions. To begin, start by taking three deep slow diaphragmatic breaths…pausing after you inhale, and then exhaling fully and completely. You might even imagine that as you exhale you can begin to release thoughts, tensions, even discomforts with the warm breath that you breathe out and away. (pause) After these first three slow breaths, then continue to breathe slowly, but naturally. Perhaps you can feel yourself taking another step deeper into relaxation and comfort with every exhalation. As you breathe slowly and naturally, please turn your attention to the relaxation that may be beginning in your arms and down into your hands. If you look very carefully, you might feel a slight difference, where one of your arms might be just a bit more relaxed than the other. It might be just a subtle difference, but one arm might feel slightly heavier, as if the muscles in that arm were more loose or more flexible. Or perhaps, one arms feels slightly warmer, as if, blood and energy could flow more freely and easily all the way down that arm… as if it were flowing down, through wide open blood vessels, and slowly, but freely, pulsing down into the hand and fingers. (pause) Or perhaps, both of your arms are equally relaxed, and that would be perfect as well. The only thing that matters is that you continue to breathe slowly and naturally, and perhaps you can begin to feel yourself drifting deeper into a dreamlike state where you can feel greater calmness and comfort, and where you begin to develop even greater awareness and control. As you continue to breathe slowly and gently, perhaps you can begin to become aware of the relaxation that may be starting down into your legs and feet. If you were to look very carefully, you might become aware of a slight difference, where one of your legs might be a bit more relaxed than the other. You might also find that one leg feels slightly heavier, as if the muscles in that leg were more … read more »

Response:

I think I may have to stop Amitriptline… OR this drug is going to make me DIE!!!

Question:

Hi, Getting lots better as this ami wears out of my system.  I am not feeling sucidial or homicidial any longer at all.  So that is very good. I agree that my anxeity needs to be treated more agressivly.  I did get a appointment with a physitrist for a second opinion, but that is about 7 weeks away. I am doing a lot better. Thanks again for checking on me. Jamie How are you doing today? I don`t think I saw a post from you since this one. I`ve been worried about you. Your rheumy needs to take your anxiety into consideration. It needs to be treated as aggressively as your chronic pain. Anxiety will exacerbate your chronic pain…….and chronic pain will worsen your anxiety. I`m sure you have experienced this. Any chance you could get a second opinion from a different rheumy? Good luck and keep us updated.

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::I think my rheumy may try like half a mg of atavain to help with my ::sleeping.  But I don’t think he understands that .5 of atavain is far far ::less potent than the 2 mg of clonazopam that I had been taking in the past. ::But who know it might work, the clonazopam was making me kind of sedated in ::the morning hours, that is why I stoped taking it…. :: ::Anyway,, Thank you for your support.  I am much better now after taking some ::xanax. :: ::Jamie Dear Jamie, How are you doing today? I don`t think I saw a post from you since this one. I`ve been worried about you. Your rheumy needs to take your anxiety into consideration. It needs to be treated as aggressively as your chronic pain. Anxiety will exacerbate your chronic pain…….and chronic pain will worsen your anxiety. I`m sure you have experienced this. Any chance you could get a second opinion from a different rheumy? Good luck and keep us updated. Jackie ~*~When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to discover they are not it~*~             ~~ Bernard Bailey — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

HI, Unfortunatly, Karen is out in washington DC untill the end of the month on a service project. I did get to talk to gary (gfx) on the phone tonnight for quite a while.  I took a mg of xanax and it did help me calm down quite a bit.  I am much moire grounded now. I decided that I am going to sleep well tonight,,, So I did not take the amitriptline.  I decided that I need to discontinue the amitriptline untill I can talk to the doctor. And I went and found a bottle of clonazopam,  I took 3mg.  Its gonna take about another hour to kick in,  but then I will sleep quite well for the night.  I expect I will feel a great deal better by the morning.  I will just use enough benzos tonight tommrow and tommrow night, then I will be fine till I can contact the doctor on monday. Unfortunatly, my rheumotoligst seems like he is fairly afraid of benzos. And I don’t have a shrink, so I have to rely on my primary care to take care of eveything, but I am not sure my primary is comfortable with putting me on daily xanax.  But atleast I can get (and have) enough xanax and clonazopam to get though this time it take to get this amitriptline out of my system. I think my rheumy may try like half a mg of atavain to help with my sleeping.  But I don’t think he understands that .5 of atavain is far far less potent than the 2 mg of clonazopam that I had been taking in the past. But who know it might work, the clonazopam was making me kind of sedated in the morning hours, that is why I stoped taking it…. Anyway,, Thank you for your support.  I am much better now after taking some xanax. Jamie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <gently snipped ::Will all these feelings of wanting to be dead, and feeling like I didnt ::sleep and the anxieity and anger go away if I stay on this for like another ::week or two? (If I last that long) :: ::Please help, I am so frustrated, and I just dont know what to do.  My mind ::is clearly not functioning properly and I need help.  My doctor will be in ::on monday, but he is so busy that all i will be able to do is excharge faxes ::with him or a call to his nurse. Dear Jamie, Call your doctor`s service and tell them you have an emergency and need to talk to him ASAP. Wanting to be dead and feeling the way you do is nothing to fool around with. You need help NOW, not on Monday, but now. If your doctor is unwilling to help, go to your local ER. I`m really concerned about you. Show Karen your post and ask her to help you. You need real life support too. (((((Jamie))))) Jackie ~*~Life was so much easier when your clothes didn’t match and boys had cooties~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

slightly neurotic, paniced, anxieity ridden overwhelmed, agitated

Talk to you doc, Jamie. Go in there. It’ll be all right. Tell him/her that you’re goin’ nuts, and need a meds change, and don’t mention anything that might get you locked up in a hospital. (Word of advice, that one is.) Don’t fret about how to make it happen. If (s)he is too busy, wait. They’ll have time to see you. Ian — I’m sick of following my dreams. I’m just gonna ask where they’re goin’, and hook up with ‘em later. (Mitch Hedberg) http://sundry.ws/ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

slightly neurotic, paniced, anxieity ridden overwhelmed, agitated Talk to you doc, Jamie. Go in there. It’ll be all right. Tell him/her that you’re goin’ nuts, and need a meds change, and don’t mention anything that might get you locked up in a hospital. (Word of advice, that one is.) Don’t fret about how to make it happen. If (s)he is too busy, wait. They’ll have time to see you.

Thank you for your support.  I will be contacting my doc.  I am much more calm now with some xanax…. thanks Jamie — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::Will all these feelings of wanting to be dead, and feeling like I didnt ::sleep and the anxieity and anger go away if I stay on this for like another ::week or two? (If I last that long) :: ::Please help, I am so frustrated, and I just dont know what to do.  My mind ::is clearly not functioning properly and I need help.  My doctor will be in ::on monday, but he is so busy that all i will be able to do is excharge faxes ::with him or a call to his nurse. Dear Jamie, Call your doctor`s service and tell them you have an emergency and need to talk to him ASAP. Wanting to be dead and feeling the way you do is nothing to fool around with. You need help NOW, not on Monday, but now. If your doctor is unwilling to help, go to your local ER. I`m really concerned about you. Show Karen your post and ask her to help you. You need real life support too. (((((Jamie))))) Jackie ~*~Life was so much easier when your clothes didn’t match and boys had cooties~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

HI, I am about 11 days into taking amitriptline.  I increased the dose to 50mg from 25mg, per the doctors orders about 3 days ago.  (he actually wanted me to be on 125mg by now) Even at 50mg, I am not really finding it sedating, I usally end up getting to sleep 5 to 6 hours after I take the dose, and I often have to add chlortrimiton and xanax to to mix. Even at 50mg, I still wake up in the night with pain and disconfort.  I have also developed this severe diffuse itching, which I am not sure what it is from, possiable the hydrocodone. The problem is I will want to sleep, I wil be tired, and I just find myself so physicall uncomfortable from pain that I can’t get to sleep. In general, I feel like I am not really sleeping at all, even though I am in bed for a total of 8 to 12 hours.  (I do have severe PLMD about 274 movements per hour vs a normal of about 10 movements)  and I fear the ami might be maiking this worse.  I feel like the adderall is the only thing keeping me up at all in the day time.  I am falling asleep durring the day even still with the adderall. I am also becoming depressed, extremely agitated, and feeling very very agressive.  If I did not have xanax, I dont really want to think about what would be happening. At the rate this is going, with how I feel from this drug, I am going to need a antipschyotic to keep myself calm or lots of xanax.  I just cant deal with how horriable I am feeling.  This medicine makes me want to DIE.  And I have not been depressed at all for many months, fustrated, stressed yes, but Now, This med is making be feel so bad that I just want to be DEAD. Will all these feelings of wanting to be dead, and feeling like I didnt sleep and the anxieity and anger go away if I stay on this for like another week or two? (If I last that long) Please help, I am so frustrated, and I just dont know what to do.  My mind is clearly not functioning properly and I need help.  My doctor will be in on monday, but he is so busy that all i will be able to do is excharge faxes with him or a call to his nurse. Thank you in advance,, Signed slightly neurotic, paniced, anxieity ridden overwhelmed, agitated, Jamie — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

The many triggers of anxiety and panic

Question:

In my long quest to dicover the elusive causes of my own anxiety, I have made the following list of all the things that can cause or worsen anxiety and panic.  Only some of these seem to affect me but they all can be a problem for some people I’m told.  If you have anxiety or panic it is a good idea to watch out for these! caffeine sugar alcohol nicotine stimulating drugs / narcotics fear anger hunger tiredness loneliness allergies – is this really one? too much to do too little to do / boredom not believing you are accomplishing anything low self esteem / self-hatred feeling depressed Are there any more you would like to add? — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In my long quest to dicover the elusive causes of my own anxiety, I have made the following list of all the things that can cause or worsen anxiety and panic.  Only some of these seem to affect me but they all can be a problem for some people I’m told.  If you have anxiety or panic it is a good idea to watch out for these! caffeine sugar alcohol nicotine stimulating drugs / narcotics fear anger hunger tiredness loneliness allergies – is this really one? too much to do too little to do / boredom not believing you are accomplishing anything low self esteem / self-hatred feeling depressed Are there any more you would like to add? — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE —

Life. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::Are there any more you would like to add? Too much stimulation (lights, loud music, too many people, etc) Too little stimulation Physical illness (harder to cope with anxiety when sick, symptoms of illness can remind you of your anxiety/panic symptoms) Thoughts Feelings Loss Abuse Vibrator malfunction Jackie ~*~Would you respect my mind more if it bounced gently when I walked?~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In my long quest to dicover the elusive causes of my own anxiety, I have made the following list of all the things that can cause or worsen anxiety and panic.  Only some of these seem to affect me but they all can be a problem for some people I’m told.  If you have anxiety or panic it is a good idea to watch out for these! caffeine sugar alcohol nicotine stimulating drugs / narcotics fear anger hunger tiredness loneliness allergies – is this really one? too much to do too little to do / boredom not believing you are accomplishing anything low self esteem / self-hatred feeling depressed Are there any more you would like to add? — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — Life.

death Sally

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Lack of a good night’s sleep Carl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In my long quest to dicover the elusive causes of my own anxiety, I have made the following list of all the things that can cause or worsen anxiety and panic.  Only some of these seem to affect me but they all can be a problem for some people I’m told.  If you have anxiety or panic it is a good idea to watch out for these! caffeine sugar alcohol nicotine stimulating drugs / narcotics fear anger hunger tiredness loneliness allergies – is this really one? too much to do too little to do / boredom not believing you are accomplishing anything low self esteem / self-hatred feeling depressed Are there any more you would like to add? — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <gently snipped ::Are there any more you would like to add? Too much stimulation (lights, loud music, too many people, etc) Too little stimulation Physical illness (harder to cope with anxiety when sick, symptoms of illness can remind you of your anxiety/panic symptoms) Thoughts Feelings Loss Abuse Vibrator malfunction   <<<<<<<good one Jackie..LOL

Carl Jackie ~*~Would you respect my mind more if it bounced gently when I walked?~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

In my long quest to dicover the elusive causes of my own anxiety, I have made the following list of all the things that can cause or worsen anxiety and panic.  Only some of these seem to affect me but they all can be a problem for some people I’m told.  If you have anxiety or panic it is a good idea to watch out for these!

   Well, the ones that affect me off this list are caffeine stimulating drugs / narcotics fear anger tiredness loneliness too much to do not believing you are accomplishing anything low self esteem / self-hatred feeling depressed

   Damn, too many things seem to mess me up. Are there any more you would like to add?

   Lack of sleep. Not the same as tiredness, I can get enough sleep to get through the day fine, but if it’s below a certain amount I’ll still spend the entire day anxious and over-reacting to stress. I’m doing that today actually. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In my long quest to dicover the elusive causes of my own anxiety, I have made the following list of all the things that can cause or worsen anxiety and panic.  Only some of these seem to affect me but they all can be a problem for some people I’m told.  If you have anxiety or panic it is a good idea to watch out for these!    Well, the ones that affect me off this list are caffeine stimulating drugs / narcotics fear anger tiredness loneliness too much to do not believing you are accomplishing anything low self esteem / self-hatred feeling depressed    Damn, too many things seem to mess me up. Are there any more you would like to add?    Lack of sleep. Not the same as tiredness, I can get enough sleep to get through the day fine, but if it’s below a certain amount I’ll still spend the entire day anxious and over-reacting to stress. I’m doing that today actually.

I’m the same way.  If I get less than 8 hours sleep, the anxiety is always worse.  Sometimes I need a 12 or more hour sleep-a-thon to come back to my senses. Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

  Lack of sleep. Not the same as tiredness, I can get enough sleep to get through the day fine, but if it’s below a certain amount I’ll still spend the entire day anxious and over-reacting to stress. I’m doing that today actually.

I wake up in the middle of the night with an attack.  If I just lay there, I start thinking and it brings it on.  If I get up and get on the computer, that keeps my mind occupied and I can usually avoid one. Houseguests Vacations Chores Having to wake your husband up in the morning, knowing he’s gonna bitch you out in his sleep and won’t remember doing it, but bitches you out again ’cause he ends up going in late.   :~) kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I’m the same way.  If I get less than 8 hours sleep, the anxiety is always worse.  Sometimes I need a 12 or more hour sleep-a-thon to come back to my senses. Tony

Me three!  I need a good 10 hours or things go screwy.  If I don’t get them at night I really feel the need for a nap the next day as well as feeling more anxious and irritable.  I think anxiety drains the old batteries pretty badly. — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In my long quest to dicover the elusive causes of my own anxiety, I have made the following list of all the things that can cause or worsen anxiety and panic.  Only some of these seem to affect me but they all can be a problem for some people I’m told.  If you have anxiety or panic it is a good idea to watch out for these! caffeine sugar alcohol nicotine stimulating drugs / narcotics fear anger hunger tiredness loneliness allergies – is this really one? too much to do too little to do / boredom not believing you are accomplishing anything low self esteem / self-hatred feeling depressed Are there any more you would like to add? —

illness (colds, flu, etc.) insomnia being around people you don’t like overstimulation (like a party or crowded mall) lack of control over a situation — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Jackie, tx for making me smile I would add: Lack of sleep When my hubby goes away on business trips Maybe too much chocolate Kim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <gently snipped ::Are there any more you would like to add? Too much stimulation (lights, loud music, too many people, etc) Too little stimulation Physical illness (harder to cope with anxiety when sick, symptoms of illness can remind you of your anxiety/panic symptoms) Thoughts Feelings Loss Abuse Vibrator malfunction Jackie ~*~Would you respect my mind more if it bounced gently when I walked?~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

allergies – is this really one?

For me, it’s not the allergy itself. It’s not being able to take a satisfying breath because my nose is stuffed, my post-nasal drip is clogging my throat, or my chest is tight and congested with inflammation and immobile mucus. Add a sinus headache for that extra special touch. Then there’s the cure — some antihistamines threaten my alertness and decongestants make me too dry, alert and jangly. Either can leave me feeling spacey and disconnected. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

We just got back from the peds. office

Question:

snip He also takes my large kitchen knives out of my butcher block cart and hides them in closets. He won’t go to bed unless the shades are completely shut in his windows. etc. etc. I’m not sure, because he’s only 10 now and has been on Ritalin for a year, but the meds. seem to exaggerate it.

I recall, somewhere in that 8 to 11 ??? age bracket "running away from home" for about 3/4 of a day  :) Maybe, I even did something like that a couple of times. … What motivated me to do such a thing? LOL!  … My mother was fond of coercing me by threatening to "Chop me up into little pieces and make mince meat out of me."  I seem to recall taking her semi-seriously at the time.  My method of responding to the emotional potboiler was to ‘literalize’ it.  Heck, there seemed to be more to be gained than lost by taking the situation overly seriously. I recall using that method on several occasions.  … Quite safe and effective, actually!  :-) IMO, pure, classic ADD response.  "Embrace the hyperfocus with gutso!" For those with ADD; the "Hyperfocus is your friend". No bullshit. Why? .. It’s a property of perception, .. a method of "proof". MothWrangler uses this method ( *maybe* ) without realizing it ( *maybe* ). Others *may* do the same *perhaps* … Why some many ‘hums & hahs’?  … It’s very difficult ( for me atleast ) to know that is occuring. WTF am I driving at? I mean thus: Humans are ‘Convergence junkies’ … Even those who claim to only live outside the box <g  … Not doubt about it. When it comes to communicating between two or more people, there is contest for siezing and holding the focus of awareness ( Attention ) … Diving into a hyperfocus seizes that tactical high ground. Famous Example: Bill Clinton’s philandering with Monica Lewinski. Here is what I mean by seizing the focus of awaereness …. ~~~ Is or isn’t Clinton, "fit" to be Preident of the U.S.A. for his philandering with Lewinski? Answer, Yes or No?    The focus is seized and a decision is demanded, contingent upon that focus. Given that focus, the answer is obvious  … No.  ( Although, I consider myself to be a liberal, even I would have to accept that a head of state should restrain themself from "such" ) Why didn’t Clinton get impeached.  … Amazingly, people weren’t as stupid as they might have been. In seizing the tatcical focus high ground, a person is also seizing the strategic high ground.  … Most, all other consierations are displaced and pushed out-of-sight, out of mind. Don’t ignore the question.  A serious business!  Does or doesn’t Clinton … ? And the falicy.  there are 100,000 questions of the form: Does or doesn’t Clinton deserve to be President for his performance on issue "X". Every person will fail to make the grade on at least some minor proportion of those 100,000 questions/criteria.  The super human doesn’t exist. If the fitness of acting as President comes down to the hair breadth hinge point of just-a-single question  … the answer to the overall question must be No, for sure. Having a president who holds that post by the slimmest of margins of competency/appropiatness is dumb .  .. it’s too important, a job.  The person who does it must be clearly qualified .. over qualified with a wide margin of safety. The ruse was to "Ask the question on the basis of a single criterion for evaluation. " ..It almost worked. Cordially,

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – He also takes my large kitchen knives out of my butcher block cart and hides them in closets. He won’t go to bed unless the shades are completely shut in his windows. etc. etc. I’m not sure, because he’s only 10 now and has been on Ritalin for a year, but the meds. seem to exaggerate it. Does his doctor know about that? No, this is fairly new behavior. I’ve always viewed the things he has done as personality idiosyncrasies. It never dawned on me to have him diagnosed or medicated…until at a "well child" office visit with his ped. when she told me she thought he should be tested for ADHD. The more I research, the more *symptoms* of various disorders I discover in both my boys. Do you think these behaviors should be mentioned to his ped.? I would. They might be related to his medications. They might be signs of a comorbid disorder that might make treatment more complex. Better to mention them and find out they’re nothing serious, than to not mention them, and later regret that you hadn’t. Especially if the doctor later asks: "Why didn’t you tell me about this sooner? You should have." Nancy Unique, like everyone else

Yes, that makes sense.

Response:

<snipped I really hope so. I had to deal with so many *ism’s* and *schism’s* as a child with the adutls in my life. And then chose to deal with them (for a while anyway) as a young adult. I’m anything but a drama queen- I don’t revel in adversity. I’m not saying that I want my children to be *poster children*. I love them for who they are- all that they are- I just want them to be happy, healthy kids. *Normal is subjective*-LOL

Oh, I quite agree.  :-)  ADHD-C is "normal" for my family (all 18 criterion to some degree).  It’s the rest of the world that’s odd.  lol For all that we’ve got plenty of ADHD in the family, we’ve got plenty of successes, in our terms of success, anyhow.  My mom, both my sisters, and both my female cousins are nurses and quite good at what they do.  My male cousin is in partnership with my aunt and uncle, running a successful farm.  (Tough to do these days.)  My brother seems to have chosen "career" military.  On the non-employment end of things, we’ve all done a pretty good job of raising our kidlets thus far. We’re fairly emotionally healthy.  And we’ve all got good goals for our lives. Speaking of goals, that reminds me.  I’ve got to get plans finished up for enrollment of YD and YS in Freshman Comp at one of the local colleges.  We’re looking at doing a dual enrollment for their English coursework for their junior and senior years of high school. Kitten

Response:

<snipped

Sorry about the top post- dinner on stove When were you diagnosed with ADD, RL? <snip One of my son’s teachers told us that he *probably* had ADD.  .. This occured almost coincident to my own discovery that I had ADD.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No, this is fairly new behavior. I’ve always viewed the things he has done as personality idiosyncrasies. It never dawned on me to have him diagnosed or medicated…until at a "well child" office visit with his ped. when she told me she thought he should be tested for ADHD. The more I research, the more *symptoms* of various disorders I discover in both my boys. Do you think these behaviors should be mentioned to his ped.? There are a few things I wish now I’d mentioned to the doc we took the kids to when they were younger.  Anything to do with knives – yeah. Inflicting pain upon himself or others – yeah.  Negative comments about himself – yeah.  "Seeing" or "hearing" things noone else sees or hears – most definitely. These are things that your ped. really needs to know about.  If any of these things are going on, the earlier you start looking for help, the sooner you can get him through it. Kitten My son’s just sooo afraid of so many things! Some things, like the dark, seem rational- for a child. But at 10yrs. old, I would think some of the things he’s petrified of- are irrational.  I don’t know. But yes, when he started hiding my kitchen knives because they are scary… My mother’s younger brother was diagnosed with "paranoid schizophrenia", but it didn’t manifest until his mid-twenties…. a) To be honest, I don’t know any schitzophrenics BEFORE they had their first episode. .. I always had the impression that the pre-first-episode schitzophrenic is a very high functioning, well put together, strong achieving individual. A fine, well crafted piece of precision machinery.  … Perhaps, too fine and precise for the person’s own good.   Perhaps, I am just spouting an urban myth, here … ????? b) A *typical* (hehe) schitzophrenic has a rather specific "Pattern of Awareness"  .. Some describe it as a ‘Word Salad’ which seems to fit .. but really doesn’t say much. What does ‘Word Salad’ mean, specifically? OTOH, the structure to the Schitzophrenic "Pattern of Awareness" is remarkably clear and distinct.  .. I cannot describe it very well but some of those who specialize in diagnosing Schitzophrenic are quite sensitized to this attribute and used it for effective diagnosis. What people don’t seem to realize *yet* is that there are other, different "Patterns of Awareness" assoiated with other cognitive disorders. The Autistic "Pattern of Awareness" is very evident to me The Bipolar "Pattern of Awareness" is evident to me. The ADD "Pattern of Awareness" is evident to me. The Schitzophrenic "Pattern of Awareness" is evident to me. The OCD  "Pattern of Awareness" is NOT very evident to me.  Forf me personally, those with OCD are rich, complex and mysterious individuals.   … I suppose this is why I married one.  … I suppose this is why all (?) of my friends have been OCD type thinkers. I did not plan it this way.  .. That is how it turned out.   Very strange.  Significant. c)  As I see it, ADD and Schirtzophrenia are about as far apart from each other in the spectrum of disorders as one can get. Those features that describe ADD work to protect against Schitzophrenia. Here is an example of what I mean  …   Is it possible for me to hear voices?  Maybe? …  Perhaps? … But here is the thing  … even if I DID "hear voices", it would be irrelevent. My perception of reality is always in flux.  How I perceive things never remains fixed long enough for me to feel that it is real. Say that I imagine a voice in the back of my head.  … By the time I go to investigagte, the voice has disappeared.  … It will always disappear because my sense of perception is always changing.  .. It just doesn’t remain stable long enough for some "voice artifact" to gain meaning as ‘plausible reality’.  The ADD condition blocks the Schitzophrenic condition.  ’Reality’ just doesn’t get that ‘real’ for me.  My son doesn’t hear or see *things*, but since my uncle disappeared off the face of the earth 20 years ago, …. AFAIK, Schitzophrenic DON’T hear or see things *until* their 1st episode. I am NOT an expert. Nevertheless, I don’t think that it is expected until it reveals itself. Yes well, your uncle’s disappearance would tend to support the diagnosis of Schitzophrenia as being apropriate  :( my grandmother won’t talk about him- so I can’t ask what he was like as a child. I really don’t know what the *symptoms* of other disorders are… the more I look, the more it seems like: a little of this, a little of that.  Which even I know from abnormal psych- is not the way to use the DSM-IV 1) For whatever reason, I find it very difficult to "figure out" children.  … Even my own children. "Figuring out" adults is easy for me.  .. I was even able to "figure out" my own children when they became adults.  Understanding kids seems to be a whole different game. .. Very strange.  OTOH, perhaps, I just haven’t had the opportunity or experience to become sensitized to it.  There is an explanaition for this.  …. Children spend their time listening, re-acting, testing and learning.  … mostly learning and exploring.    This is what obscures the signal for me. 2) Most of *most* of the DSM-IV criterea converge to these focii  a) The person is stressed  b) The person is ineffective and frustrated   … that sort of DEFINES ‘Dysfunction’    : What ‘ TYPE’ of dysfunction it "is" regrettably is a secondary attribute. ADD, Schitzophrenia, Bipolar, Autism, OCD, ___, ___, ___ all lead to the same focus: DYSFUNCTIONAL. If a person is dysfunctional; then any path of diagnosis to that "Not viable as functioning ( dysfunctional) " focus will ring as being somewhat TRUE.     … stupid psychiatrists. Most of the time, he seems like a *normal* kid w/ ADHD… And the $64,000 question "IS" … What makes you believe that your son has ADD?  That is the real question, isn’t it? One of my son’s teachers told us that he *probably* had ADD.  .. This occured almost coincident to my own discovery that I had ADD.   .. Wrong diagnosis.  My son is clearly an OCD type, IMO. It was never suggested that another of my son’s had ADD. .. As a father, it’s difficult for myself to believe it. The son that I am talking about is an incredibly quite and inactive, nice, well behaved, skinny, completely accepting, good natured kid. ADD?   .. sorry, I can’t see it. Yet, there are some very strong, unmistakable signs that pretty much guarantee that he is an ADD type. … The problem is that you won’t find these traits on your standard diagnostic criterea list. How do I know that I am right? A little birdie told me?, … fuddle duddle?, … a fortune teller?. .. I just KNOW.

Response:

Well, we spoke with the pediatrician for a good while this time. She came up with a few options. She doesn’t think the Ritalin is causing my son’s insomnia. Well, in the respect that lowering_the_dose_is_the_solution.

I’m in a rush, but I want to tell you this:  My son started out on Ritalin LA and it gave him insomnia and did not control his behavior at school.  We switched to short-acting and the insomnia stopped and his behavior at school improved.  Apparently he was metabolizing the drug very slowly in the long-acting form so it was still working at night. Just my 2 cents. ~Patti

Response:

No, this is fairly new behavior. I’ve always viewed the things he has done as personality idiosyncrasies. It never dawned on me to have him diagnosed or medicated…until at a "well child" office visit with his ped. when she told me she thought he should be tested for ADHD. The more I research, the more symptoms of various disorders I discover in both my boys. Do you think these behaviors should be mentioned to his ped.?

Yep! The new behaviours as well as the idiosyncrasies he’s shown in the past. The more the ped. knows, the better she’ll be able to help. Vashti

Response:

Does the TV have a sleep timer?

Hey Patti! I haven't seen that you've posted lately… Are you around?

Question:

We made another appt. with my son’s ped. about his headaches and insomnia. We go tomarrow. Last appt. she had us keep a headache *journal* instead of lowering his dose. We tried cutting out Nintendo DS at bed time, etc. but the headaches/insomnia are still there. If she tries to get us to do something ELSE before she lowers his meds. is there any way I can kinda *force her hand*? I’d rather not change peds. since she is the only one my son feels comfortable with (and we’ve tried a few) but obviously, I want what’s best for my son. What can I say to her to get her to lower his Ritalin? I’ve done a lot of info searching but how do I *nicely* tell the Dr. "Mom knows best"? At least she thinks… -Michaela

Response:

<snipped If she tries to get us to do something ELSE before she lowers his meds. is there any way I can kinda *force her hand*? I’d rather not change peds. since she is the only one my son feels comfortable with (and we’ve tried a few) but obviously, I want what’s best for my son. What can I say to her to get her to lower his Ritalin? I’ve done a lot of info searching but how do I *nicely* tell the Dr. "Mom knows best"? At least she thinks…

JMO, but instead of insisting on lowering his Ritalin, take a different approach.  Let her know how often/strong the headaches are (from the journal you kept), and let her know it’s affecting his overall health. Tell her you want something done about the headaches ASAP, as he needs to get some sleep and to stop being in so much pain.  Don’t settle for another "pain journal" approach.  Tell her you want something concrete to stop his pain.  See where she goes with that. If she still doesn’t want to lower the Ritalin nor to give anything concrete to deal with his pain, ask her for an immediate emergency referal to a pain clinic and have her (or her staff) call in for an immediate appointment while you’re there. Being proactive about his pain should motivate her into action. HTH, Kitten

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We made another appt. with my son’s ped. about his headaches and insomnia. We go tomarrow. Last appt. she had us keep a headache *journal* instead of lowering his dose. We tried cutting out Nintendo DS at bed time, etc. but the headaches/insomnia are still there. If she tries to get us to do something ELSE before she lowers his meds. is there any way I can kinda *force her hand*? I’d rather not change peds. since she is the only one my son feels comfortable with (and we’ve tried a few) but obviously, I want what’s best for my son. What can I say to her to get her to lower his Ritalin? I’ve done a lot of info searching but how do I *nicely* tell the Dr. "Mom knows best"? At least she thinks… -Michaela

Hey Michaela, I got this side-effects list from drugs.com, but other sites contain similar information.  I can tell you what I would do.  Maybe some other folks have some info or advice to offer as well. I would go for a visit to this doc either leaving your child at home or bringing somebody to watch him in the waiting room while you speak to the doc alone.  I would tell the doc frankly everything you have said to me, outside of your child’s presence.  I’d tell her that my child loves her, and for that reason I really want to keep him in her care, but that I feel she isn’t listening to my concerns.  I would point out that at least twice before I have expressed concerns about my child’s headaches and insomnia which are significantly troubling to him, and that she has not addressed these concerns in a way that feels meaningful to me. These are common potential side-effects listed on every package insert.   I would express the concern that the increased dose unnecessarily increases my child’s risks for the less common and more serious side-effects.  I’d make sure she understood that I was willing to try the short-acting version of the medication and have them give a dose at school.  If she did not then finally address my concerns in some meaningful way, I would ask myself:  Is the pleasant 20 minutes she spends with my child every month or so worth the every-day frustration of his headaches and insomnia? Does anyone have anything to add? ~Patti Quote from www.drugs.com What are the possible side effects of methylphenidate?        

Do all AD's kill your sex drive?

Question:

I think so, for me, Lexapro was not so much that I couldn’t achieve orgasm, I could, I just didn’t ever care about it. Now, I"m in a bad place because in case you saw my post a few weeks ago, I abruptly stopped the Lex (long story why).  Anyway, gotta say, other than triggering a manic episdoe which I think I"m still in, love the sex drive. Can you consider taking a lower dose OR I even heard with Paxil you could take a "holiday".  For example, you would not trigger a panic or depressive episode if you didn’t take it for 2 days or so but would feel more sexual desire.  So, there could be something to that for you. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I am on 10mg also. I have been on this about 2 months now. What other AD’s have you tried TJ besides the lexapro? What other problems besides the sexual ones do you have? Carl

I find Lex makes my limbs weakish, makes me feel cold, makes me very sleepy, gives me a sore jaw and teeth from clenching, causes me to feel quite unmotivated. That’s all I can think of right now  At 10mg, none of these problems are too bad though – really I find Lex to be one of the nicest drugs for side-effects! — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

How long have you been on the 20mg Anne? Does it control your panic and anxiety enough so you don’t have to supplement with benzos? Did you start on 20mg or did your pdoc titrate you upwards slowly? Carl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Carl, I’m sorry to report that after 2 years on 20mg of Lexapro daily, the only appetite I have left is for food… and how.  :-( My pdoc has added Wellbutrin to my med cocktail to try to offset the eating side-effect of the SSRI. She thinks we may be able to drop my Lexapro to 10 mg or even go off it entirely and just use Wellbutrin, but I’m skeptical — I have had excellent results with my panic and anxiety from the Lexapro and I don’t want to lose any ground there. Good luck with the med… It’s *so* good for panic, anxiety, and depression; I’m really sad that it has killed my libido and increased my appetite.  :-( xxoo Anne — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

You mean a lower dose as in 5mg? I could try it I suppose then go back up to 10 if that doesn’t work. My pdoc wants me on 20mg but I don’t like that dosage level at all. I tried it for a few days and then reduced back down to 10. Are there ppl on 5 mg of lexapro and doing ok? I think this drug comes in 5-10-20 mg strengths. Carl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think so, for me, Lexapro was not so much that I couldn’t achieve orgasm, I could, I just didn’t ever care about it. Now, I"m in a bad place because in case you saw my post a few weeks ago, I abruptly stopped the Lex (long story why).  Anyway, gotta say, other than triggering a manic episdoe which I think I"m still in, love the sex drive. Can you consider taking a lower dose OR I even heard with Paxil you could take a "holiday".  For example, you would not trigger a panic or depressive episode if you didn’t take it for 2 days or so but would feel more sexual desire.  So, there could be something to that for you. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Thanks for answering my questions TJ. Here is another one. Are you on lexapro primarily for anxiety, panic, or depression? Carl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am on 10mg also. I have been on this about 2 months now. What other AD’s have you tried TJ besides the lexapro? What other problems besides the sexual ones do you have? Carl I find Lex makes my limbs weakish, makes me feel cold, makes me very sleepy, gives me a sore jaw and teeth from clenching, causes me to feel quite unmotivated. That’s all I can think of right now  At 10mg, none of these problems are too bad though – really I find Lex to be one of the nicest drugs for side-effects! — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Thanks for answering my questions TJ. Here is another one. Are you on lexapro primarily for anxiety, panic, or depression? Carl

I was put on Lex for depression, but it turned out to be quite effective for anxiety too.  My sister takes 20mg for depression and it works well for her too. — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

How long have you been on the 20mg Anne? Does it control your panic and anxiety enough so you don’t have to supplement with benzos? Did you start on 20mg or did your pdoc titrate you upwards slowly?

Hi Carl, I have been on 20 mg of Lexapro since fall 2004. I started on 10 mg in midsummer 2004. It didn’t take me very long to wean up.  I had previously been on Paxil and later Celexa. I generally do not need benzos during my daily life, although I continued to take Xanax .5 mg daily for the first half-year or so that I was on Lexapro. I still take one most nights to relax me and stop the "spinning wheel" of anxious thoughts that sometimes interferes with getting to sleep. I do take a Xanax when I need to drive outside my comfort zone on the highway. Years ago, before I developed depression, I used *only* Xanax for my panic and anxiety. Now I find that an SSRI helps me tremendously with all three disorders, more than the Xanax alone ever did.  With the antidepressant, I don’t feel as though I’m simply quelling my panic; I don’t start panicking to begin with. Everyone is different, of course. I feel fortunate that I’ve been able to make so much progress with meds and therapy. I just wish I didn’t have the appetite and sexual side effects. Oh well! xxoo Anne — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Now, I"m in a bad place because in case you saw my post a few weeks ::ago, I abruptly stopped the Lex (long story why).  Anyway, gotta say, ::other than triggering a manic episdoe which I think I"m still in, love ::the sex drive. Dear Abbey, Have you told your doctor about the mania? It`s really important that if you are manic, that you get treatment for it ASAP. Jackie ~*~Would you respect my mind more if it bounced gently when I walked?~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Hmm, Paxil is the abosolute WORST!!!  Remember Captain Flippy. Same for ::women as well as me, generallly. I`ve had no problems on paxil! I`ve worn out my vibrator ~~ Jackie ~*~Would you respect my mind more if it bounced gently when I walked?~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Try ::Paxil if you REALLY want to see Captain Floppy ruin your day Or, Mr. Softy  <—- Name of the icecream truck that comes around Jackie ~*~Would you respect my mind more if it bounced gently when I walked?~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I am on 10mg also. I have been on this about 2 months now. What other AD’s have you tried TJ besides the lexapro? What other problems besides the sexual ones do you have? Carl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How long have you been on the lexapro? Carl I’ve been on it a few times in the past (for a few months at most).  I find 10mg is about as much as I can take.  Are you on more?  It’s a powerful drug for sure, even 5mg gives me some sexual problems – and other problems too! — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Not all ADs. While Remeron (generic: mirtazapine) doesn’t seem to have any adverse sexual side effects at 30mg, it acts on additional neurotransmitters compared to Lexapro. One short term side-effect is the need to sleep/groggyness. This was great for me since I was suffering from longterm insomnia. The need to sleep tends to disappear as dose goes up and time passes. Another side-effect is weight gain. Talking to other folks that have been on it, they seems to crave carbs.  My way around that was to do a substantial substitution of healthy protein (chicken, fish, cottage cheese) and fats (monounsaturated like olive oil, avocadoes) in place of carbs from grains, starchy veg, very sweet/starchy fruit, and table sugar. I still get plenty of carbs via green leafy veggies, red bell peppers, certain beans/legumes, and lots of berries. If Lexapro continues to be a drag on your sex life, ask your doc about Remeron and see what s/he says. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

 Try Paxil if you REALLY want to see Captain Floppy ruin your day

LOL!  TJ, you have a way with words. (The famed "gift o’ gab" perhaps?) xxoo Anne — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Carl, I’m sorry to report that after 2 years on 20mg of Lexapro daily, the only appetite I have left is for food… and how.  :-( My pdoc has added Wellbutrin to my med cocktail to try to offset the eating side-effect of the SSRI. She thinks we may be able to drop my Lexapro to 10 mg or even go off it entirely and just use Wellbutrin, but I’m skeptical — I have had excellent results with my panic and anxiety from the Lexapro and I don’t want to lose any ground there. Good luck with the med… It’s *so* good for panic, anxiety, and depression; I’m really sad that it has killed my libido and increased my appetite.  :-( xxoo Anne — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I thought lexapro was not that bad but the longer I am on it, sex is almost impossible. I guess not having panic attacks is a lot better than worrying about your sex life. It would be great if you could have both. Carl I still do ok on Lex up to 10mg.  Not sure what more than that would do. Try Paxil if you REALLY want to see Captain Floppy ruin your day

Hmm, Paxil is the abosolute WORST!!!  Remember Captain Flippy. Same for women as well as me, generallly. Vicki — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I thought lexapro was not that bad but the longer I am on it, sex is almost impossible. I guess not having panic attacks is a lot better than worrying about your sex life. It would be great if you could have both. Carl — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I thought lexapro was not that bad but the longer I am on it, sex is almost impossible. I guess not having panic attacks is a lot better than worrying about your sex life. It would be great if you could have both. Carl

How long have you been on Lexapro, Carl?  I am not a doctor but I can tell you from experience that, usually, it is a side effect that eventually goes away for many.  Sometimes it takes 6 months but it does pass for many.  Talk to your doctor about it.  I just added Lexapro in a very small dose to my Wellbutrin XL and noticed what you have.  No interest at all.  The doctor told me it was probably the serotonin and that it should pass.  I have been on Lexapro before and, for me it did pass. Just hang in there.  If the drug helps you don’t give up on it. Vicki — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I thought lexapro was not that bad but the longer I am on it, sex is almost impossible. I guess not having panic attacks is a lot better than worrying about your sex life. It would be great if you could have both. Carl

I still do ok on Lex up to 10mg.  Not sure what more than that would do.  Try Paxil if you REALLY want to see Captain Floppy ruin your day — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::I thought lexapro was not that bad but the longer I am on it, sex is almost ::impossible. I guess not having panic attacks is a lot better than worrying ::about your sex life. It would be great if you could have both. Dear Carl, Antidepressant induced sexual dysfunction is quite common. For some, the side-effect resolves itself with time. For others, it is a chronic side-effect.  If it continues, talk to your doctor. You do have options. (Avoid the yohimbine, it can increase anxiety) ~*~Sexual dysfunction happens too often but is rarely asked or discussed in the clinic. Some physicians and patients feel embarrassed about this subject. When you have concerns, be open to your physician. Discuss the possibility of switching medication to an antidepressant (such as bupropion or mirtazapine) that doesn

Lexapro withdrawal cold turkey

Question:

I actually agree with you – I do not feel sad, crying, etc.  Just stressed out overly so from my kids.  But, I think it’s part of the whole process and when I get really crazy, I am going to use .25 mg of Klonopin! I think that’s pretty mild and since I"m feeling so good overall – I would rather just take it when I really can’t deal or find myself getting too angry at the kids. I need to get over this "paranoia" complex! In terms of every one’s purpose in this world is to irritate me! But, conversely, on the Lex, I was a zombie to some degree who just swallowed EVERY little bit of "shit" that was given to me.  And, that made me feel 10 x worse. Here’s the issue, I have a husband who wants me to be Ms. Sweetie all the time, I’m convinced.  He can’t tolerate any "rising up" from me so to speak even though he can be a jerk etc.  So, he’s in for a bit of a rude awakening.  Unfortunately, I have not told him I’ve gone off the meds b/c he will just yell at me.  Oh well, what a process. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::I actually agree with you – I do not feel sad, crying, etc.  Just ::stressed out overly so from my kids.  But, I think it’s part of the ::whole process and when I get really crazy, I am going to use .25 mg of ::Klonopin! I think that’s pretty mild and since I"m feeling so good ::overall – I would rather just take it when I really can’t deal or find ::myself getting too angry at the kids. :: ::I need to get over this "paranoia" complex! In terms of every one’s ::purpose in this world is to irritate me! But, conversely, on the Lex, I ::was a zombie to some degree who just swallowed EVERY little bit of ::"shit" that was given to me.  And, that made me feel 10 x worse. ::Here’s the issue, I have a husband who wants me to be Ms. Sweetie all ::the time, I’m convinced.  He can’t tolerate any "rising up" from me so ::to speak even though he can be a jerk etc.  So, he’s in for a bit of a ::rude awakening.  Unfortunately, I have not told him I’ve gone off the ::meds b/c he will just yell at me.  Oh well, what a process. Dear Abbey, I can relate to a lot of what you wrote. My first two kids are 16 months apart. The first few years were fun, but a lot work and very stressful at times.  Abbey, do you ever do anything nice for yourself? Do you ever get any ‘me’ time? It`s easy to lose oneself when working hard to be a good mom and wife. Don`t forget to take care of ‘Abbey’ too. Jackie ~*~Time heals all wounds, unless you pick at them~*~      ~~Shawn Alexander — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I actually agree with you – I do not feel sad, crying, etc.  Just stressed out overly so from my kids.  But, I think it’s part of the whole process and when I get really crazy, I am going to use .25 mg of Klonopin! I think that’s pretty mild and since I"m feeling so good overall – I would rather just take it when I really can’t deal or find myself getting too angry at the kids. I need to get over this "paranoia" complex! In terms of every one’s purpose in this world is to irritate me! But, conversely, on the Lex, I was a zombie to some degree who just swallowed EVERY little bit of "shit" that was given to me.  And, that made me feel 10 x worse. Here’s the issue, I have a husband who wants me to be Ms. Sweetie all the time, I’m convinced.  He can’t tolerate any "rising up" from me so to speak even though he can be a jerk etc.  So, he’s in for a bit of a rude awakening.  Unfortunately, I have not told him I’ve gone off the meds b/c he will just yell at me.  Oh well, what a process.

Medication had me feeling somewhat like a zombie for years and it took a lot away from me I think.  My wife gets a bit territorial when I start doing some of the things that I used to and she took over when I was too ill. That’s too bad because I’m going to do some of the things that I was able to do before no matter what and no matter who likes it. So, I might just understand a little of what you are facing.  Good luck. ((((((((Abbey))))))))))  (I hope that is right) — Ron P If it doesn’t hurt today, it probably will tomorrow. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Ok, ok, I’ve probably gone and done it because I sort of accidentally stopped my 20 mg of Lexapro cold turkey.  I"m new here, because, must admit, didn’t have any issues whatsoever on the Lexapro – well, unless you count 10 lbs I can’t lose, excessive tiredness, cloudy "head", forgetfulness, etc. Anyway, I forgot to take it for 2 days for some reason – that was last Weds or Thurs.  After I realized this, I also realized, hey, I feel fine.  So, I went one more day, then another and now here we are 1 week later.   But, I feel way better than fine – almost "manic".  Or, is it that the Lexapro symptoms of lethargy, cloudiness,e tc. are finally lifted?  Trust me, I"ve accomplished more work in the past week then I think I have on 2 years of Lexapro (initially prescribed for a major PPD meltdown after my last baby). Long story short here – my concern at this point is severe anger and insomnia.  Will this abate? I feel so angry and irritable.  In fact, I just smacked my daughter for well, a reason, but not a good enough one.  And, I"ve taken .5 mg Klonopin the past 3 nights and have slept wonderfully but am concerned about dependence. Now, don’t tell me to ask my doctor because my psychiatrist is about 100 years old and doesn’t care about me – just wants to prescribe and have me be on my way.  He’s about the only psychiatrist that is actually accepting patients that is in my ins. network. Whew – can any of you share your experiences? Thanks very much! – Linda — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::Long story short here – my concern at this point is severe anger and ::insomnia.  Will this abate? I feel so angry and irritable.  In fact, I ::just smacked my daughter for well, a reason, but not a good enough one. :: And, I"ve taken .5 mg Klonopin the past 3 nights and have slept ::wonderfully but am concerned about dependence. :: ::Now, don’t tell me to ask my doctor because my psychiatrist is about ::100 years old and doesn’t care about me – just wants to prescribe and ::have me be on my way.  He’s about the only psychiatrist that is ::actually accepting patients that is in my ins. network. :: ::Whew – can any of you share your experiences? Thanks very much! – Linda Dear Linda, I`m really sorry to hear that you are going through a bad spell right now. It is imperative you talk to a doctor, whether it is the 100 year old one, or your GP. I`m no doctor, but am concerned about your manic symptoms and that you smacked your daughter. You could be experiencing withdrawals, a reemergence of your depression, or something else. Only a professional can tell you for sure. Unless you take care of this ASAP, there is potential for you to hit your daughter again. You could end up really hurting irritability do not mix well with a two year old. You also should tell your husband how angry and irritable you feel. If this were ‘me’, I would get myself back on the lexapro immediately. I would then make it a point to find a better doctor to discuss changing the lexapro to a med that doesn`t make me so tired. For your sake, for your daughter`s sake, pick up the phone and call a doctor. If you find yourself feeling really angry to the point you have the urge to hit your daughter again, get someone to come over and stay with you. Good luck and please keep us posted!! Jackie ~*~Time heals all wounds, unless you pick at them~*~      ~~Shawn Alexander — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Ok, ok, I’ve probably gone and done it because I sort of accidentally stopped my 20 mg of Lexapro cold turkey.

As I understand it, stopping an SSRI you’ve taken for so long cold turkey can bring about some nasty changes in brain chemistry. Your brain has gotten accustomed to the 20mg and all of a sudden it doesn’t have it. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Ok, ok, I’ve probably gone and done it because I sort of accidentally stopped my 20 mg of Lexapro cold turkey.  I"m new here, because, must admit, didn’t have any issues whatsoever on the Lexapro – well, unless you count 10 lbs I can’t lose, excessive tiredness, cloudy "head", forgetfulness, etc.

Go back to taking your lexapro.  If you want to stop, you need to ween down.  You do not want to become violent towards your daughter.  You will regret it. If your old pdoc will not listen, go to your regular doc and explain about your old-fart pdoc and how stopping cold turkey is making you feel manic and angry. Jim — There’s no place like 127.0.0.1 JimD Central FL, USA, Earth, Sol — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ok, ok, I’ve probably gone and done it because I sort of accidentally stopped my 20 mg of Lexapro cold turkey.  I"m new here, because, must admit, didn’t have any issues whatsoever on the Lexapro – well, unless you count 10 lbs I can’t lose, excessive tiredness, cloudy "head", forgetfulness, etc. Anyway, I forgot to take it for 2 days for some reason – that was last Weds or Thurs.  After I realized this, I also realized, hey, I feel fine.  So, I went one more day, then another and now here we are 1 week later.   But, I feel way better than fine – almost "manic".  Or, is it that the Lexapro symptoms of lethargy, cloudiness,e tc. are finally lifted?  Trust me, I"ve accomplished more work in the past week then I think I have on 2 years of Lexapro (initially prescribed for a major PPD meltdown after my last baby). Long story short here – my concern at this point is severe anger and insomnia.  Will this abate? I feel so angry and irritable.  In fact, I just smacked my daughter for well, a reason, but not a good enough one.  And, I"ve taken .5 mg Klonopin the past 3 nights and have slept wonderfully but am concerned about dependence.

It sounds like mania. Better touch base with your doc fast. Chip Can J Psychiatry. 2003 May;48(4):258-64. *Switch to mania upon discontinuation of antidepressants* in patients with mood disorders: a review of the literature. Ali S, Milev R. OBJECTIVE: To review the literature for reported cases of mania related to discontinuing antidepressant treatment, as well as for possible explanations of this phenomenon, and to present a case report. METHOD: We undertook a literature review through the PubMed index, using the key words mania, antidepressant withdrawal, and antidepressants in bipolar disorder. We reviewed 11 articles featuring 23 cases. Where available, we noted and tabulated certain parameters for both bipolar disorder (BD) and unipolar depression. We use a case example to illustrate the phenomenon of mania induced by antidepressant withdrawal. RESULTS: *For patients with unipolar depression, we found 17 reported cases of mania induced by antidepressant withdrawal*. Antidepressants implicated included tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (12/17), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (2/17), trazodone (1/17), mirtazapine (1/17), and paroxetine (1/17). For patients with BD, we found 19 reported cases of mania induced by antidepressant withdrawal, including our own case example. Of these, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (10/19), TCAs (4/19), MAOIs (2/19), and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (2/19) were implicated. CONCLUSION: Our case report supports the observation of antidepressant withdrawal-induced mania in patients with BD. It is distinguishable from antidepressant-induced mania, physiological drug withdrawal, and mania as a natural course of the illness. Many theories have been put forward to explain this occurrence. Noradrenergic hyperactivity and "withdrawal-induced cholinergic overdrive and the cholinergic-monoaminergic system" are the 2 most investigated and supported models. The former is limited by poor clinical correlation and the latter by its applicability only to anticholinergic drugs. PMID: 12776393 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&… — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Thank you for this post – it was the most helpful.  Now, I have to clarify that when I smacked my daughter, it was a tap and I am NOT justifying it but I also feel like my kids can act very poorly and sometimes time outs, other punishments, etc.  don’t do the trick.  I happen to work for a psychologist and never want to mix work/personal but maybe I will ask for his help. However, I am much more calm today so I guess the stuff weaned out more.  As for those who suggested going back on, I really don’t want to at this point b/c I don’t think I am depressed!  In fact, I will discuss that with whoever I see b/c how do you know when you are cured? I’ve had bouts of milder depression over the years and then big time PPD after the birth of my twins and also my son.  My son is the 2 year old and I have been on Lexapro since shortly after his birth – I tried to make it for about 3 months and then tried to check myself into a mental hosp. – they wouldn’t take me – said it was panic disorder and I wasn’t really "crazy".  Glad to hear but that didn’t help.  Anyway, between a combo of the Lex & Klono – I was finally ok but not up to par and it’s been this way for a while. So, thanks all for sharing your thoughts – and, I totally apologized to my daughter – told her I would get control of my anger, etc.  It’s hard But again, I explained to her I was wrong – etc. and that I would work on what I did and I think she understood! — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::However, I am much more calm today so I guess the stuff weaned out ::more.  As for those who suggested going back on, I really don’t want to ::at this point b/c I don’t think I am depressed!  In fact, I will ::discuss that with whoever I see b/c how do you know when you are cured? Dear Abbey, Sorry if we came on too strong. It`s hard when we don`t know you, and have to go by what you write in a post. I was worried for your daughter, and I was worried about you too. I`m glad you are doing better today. How do you know when you are cured? Hmmm, that is a hard one. Mental disorders are usually chronic conditions that can be controlled and managed but not cured. Some people will always need to be on meds, while others only need them during setbacks. I have no idea what category you fall into to. You need to monitor future episodes of irritability and anger. A lot of people think depression is feeling sad and crying all the time. It can be, but it can also manifest itself in others way, like irritability, anger, etc. Being you want to try being med free, it would be a good idea to have some support in the way of a psychologist. Good luck!! Jackie ~*~Time heals all wounds, unless you pick at them~*~      ~~Shawn Alexander — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

So tired lately

Question:

It’s like I go to bed and wake up feeling more exhausted than when I went to sleep. I hope this is just a temporary slump. — Doug — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Doug, I’ve been through periods of this also.  Then I’ve been through periods of insomnia.  Our bodies are a complex thing… I hope you can find some pep soon.  Maybe try making yourself do a few things here and there to attempt to override the exhaustion. smiles, Elise

It’s like I go to bed and wake up feeling more exhausted than when I went to sleep. I hope this is just a temporary slump. — Doug — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

It’s like I go to bed and wake up feeling more exhausted than when I went to sleep. I hope this is just a temporary slump. — Doug

Hey Doug, have you changed meds lately?  Antidepressants give me very poor quality sleep.  But then so does being depressed – so what ya gonna do? — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::It’s like I go to bed and wake up feeling more exhausted than when I went to ::sleep. I hope this is just a temporary slump. Chronic fatigue is the pits, huh? It`s probably just a slump. If the slump continues or gets worse, you really should talk to your doctor. Sending you some energizing vibes (((((Doug))))) Jackie ~*~How do I love thee? Hang on  a second …let me Google the ways~*~     ~~ Christine Geary — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

It’s like I go to bed and wake up feeling more exhausted than when I went to sleep. I hope this is just a temporary slump. — Doug

I hope you feel better soon, Doug. If not maybe have your doctor do a work up on you?  I had really bad fatigue at one point, and I started taking B12 in addition to my multivitamin.  I don’t know if it worked, or if I just snapped out of it, but I got over the fatigue.  I mentioned to my doctor I was taking it, and he didn’t say take it or don’t.. so I just take it in the mornings with my other meds.   Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I haven’t changed meds at all. — Doug

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s like I go to bed and wake up feeling more exhausted than when I went to sleep. I hope this is just a temporary slump. — Doug Hey Doug, have you changed meds lately?  Antidepressants give me very poor quality sleep.  But then so does being depressed – so what ya gonna do? — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Angling for a Fight???

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just posted to a couple of the other NGs I read about a problem that came up this evening.  It’s one of those that could turn a nice kitty into a mad cat looking for a fight.  <sigh Anyone know anything other than my buspar and my xanax to help me get to sleep?  Normally, either or them will do the trick, but I’ve got a curious feeling that an hour or so after taking my evening dose of buspar, I’ll need a xanax kicker, and even that may not work. I use a generic of the active ingredient in Benedryl (diphenhydramine HCL).  I generally use one 25 mg tablet for a normal day or two if I’ve taken my afternoon Adderall late or drunk extra caffeine or taken a nap in the afternoon.  Works great for me to get me to sleep. My MD recommended Benedryl for my occasional insomnia, but unlike you and some of my friends who also take it to help falling or staying asleep, I don’t find Benedryl to be a great solution. For me, Benedryl is highly sedating. It not only puts me to sleep, but it puts me to sleep for a long time–12, 14 hours is not uncommon, and for almost 24 hours after I finally wake up, I feel drowsy, queasy, and have severe brain fog. UGH. Wow!  I’m sorry to hear that.  It can wear off for me after 4-6 hours, so if I’m stressed I may wake up in the wee hours ("the hour of the wolf"), but it does usually help me initially get to sleep very well.

<G Benedryl does nothing for me, either way….it puts younger son to sleep….it puts older son on the roof! Interesting thing about antihistimines…they can put you to sleep, or put you on the roof.  Read the back on the box/bottle of any antihistime next time you get one, for the "fine print"…you will see in the cautions, "Can cause drowsiness or excitability"…. Same drug, totally opposite reactions….ever wonder how it does that? What I find totally hilarious is this:  People accuse me of "drugging my kids" when they are on methylphenidate (and appear like a "normal" kid) would not even bat an eyelash for me giving them benedryl…which turns one itno a zombie and one into Speedy Gonzales….and is available over the counter….which is the real "drug" here? <shaking head in wonder — Buny " Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal." ~ Albert Camus

Response:

Anyone know anything other than my buspar and my xanax to help me get to sleep?

Have you tried melatonin? My HFA daughter has had very good results with that. Karen R.

Response:

Anyone know anything other than my buspar and my xanax to help me get to sleep? Have you tried melatonin? My HFA daughter has had very good results with that.

Oh, this wasn’t a melatonin issue.  It was a "If I still drank, I’d go get rip-roarin’ drunk" issue.  My older stepdaughter is getting married Saturday.  We’re paying for the reception.  We’d talked months ago and came to 100 guests.  I’d budgeted for 100, in the range of $15-$20/plate.  Found out LAST NIGHT that she invited 175, and they’re all coming. We own a farm.  We’re trying to get it to the point of being a farm that will pay all it’s own bills, but we’re not there yet.  She was out on her own when Chewy and I met, so she’s never lived here and doesn’t understand the realities of farm life. And, of course, this gives me a bit more insite into OS’s attitude that "Dad’s a programmer.  Programmers make lots of money. {heh!}  Dad should be able to provide whatever I want." Kitten

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone know anything other than my buspar and my xanax to help me get to sleep? Have you tried melatonin? My HFA daughter has had very good results with that. Oh, this wasn’t a melatonin issue.  It was a "If I still drank, I’d go get rip-roarin’ drunk" issue.  My older stepdaughter is getting married Saturday.  We’re paying for the reception.  We’d talked months ago and came to 100 guests.  I’d budgeted for 100, in the range of $15-$20/plate.  Found out LAST NIGHT that she invited 175, and they’re all coming. We own a farm.  We’re trying to get it to the point of being a farm that will pay all it’s own bills, but we’re not there yet.  She was out on her own when Chewy and I met, so she’s never lived here and doesn’t understand the realities of farm life. And, of course, this gives me a bit more insite into OS’s attitude that "Dad’s a programmer.  Programmers make lots of money. {heh!}  Dad should be able to provide whatever I want." Kitten

Kitten, I feel for you. AAARRRGGGHHH! Not much you can do about this now, given Chewy’s response, which, if he were my DH–well…. Later, after all of this settles, if you already haven’t done so, you and Chewy should probably discuss the fact that it’s not a good idea to reward SD’s unacceptable behavior because of his guilt about his being absent when she was growing up. It’s not helping her become a mature, responsible adult. In the meantime, grab your therapy lamb, and pet and pet and pet. Nancy Unique, like everyone else

Response:

Oh, this wasn’t a melatonin issue.  It was a "If I still drank, I’d go get rip-roarin’ drunk" issue.  My older stepdaughter is getting married Saturday.  We’re paying for the reception.  We’d talked months ago and came to 100 guests.  I’d budgeted for 100, in the range of $15-$20/plate.  Found out LAST NIGHT that she invited 175, and they’re all coming.

In that case maybe you could take that bottle of melatonin and jam it somewhere that will feel therapeutic to you, if not to her. Lesson learned — next time set a dollar amount for what you can contribute, and leave it up to her to choose the number of guests and the level of party that fits it. I really don’t get this. When I married, after being on my own, my DH and I paid for it, and kept it within our means. 20+ years later we are still happily married, while friends and family who went into debt to have "the wedding of their dreams" are divorced… Good luck. Is it too late to tell her that you had agreed to 100 guests, and she needs to find a way to fund the additional 75? Karen R.

Response:

I just posted to a couple of the other NGs I read about a problem that came up this evening.  It’s one of those that could turn a nice kitty into a mad cat looking for a fight.  <sigh Anyone know anything other than my buspar and my xanax to help me get to sleep?  Normally, either or them will do the trick, but I’ve got a curious feeling that an hour or so after taking my evening dose of buspar, I’ll need a xanax kicker, and even that may not work. Anyone up for a battle royale? Kitten any friends needing to know, just google my name + someone just shoot me

Response:

<snipped Anyone up for a battle royale? Kitten any friends needing to know, just google my name + someone just shoot me

er, make that someone shoot me now (and no, I’m not suicidal, it’s just an expression) Kitten

Response:

Tylenol PM is more of a nightmare than a sleep aide for me.

Tylenol PM works wonders for me.  Isn’t it strange how different we all react to these various meds. — Ann e-mail address is not checked

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone know anything other than my buspar and my xanax to help me get to sleep? Have you tried melatonin? My HFA daughter has had very good results with that. Oh, this wasn’t a melatonin issue.  It was a "If I still drank, I’d go get rip-roarin’ drunk" issue.  My older stepdaughter is getting married Saturday.  We’re paying for the reception.  We’d talked months ago and came to 100 guests.  I’d budgeted for 100, in the range of $15-$20/plate.  Found out LAST NIGHT that she invited 175, and they’re all coming. We own a farm.  We’re trying to get it to the point of being a farm that will pay all it’s own bills, but we’re not there yet.  She was out on her own when Chewy and I met, so she’s never lived here and doesn’t understand the realities of farm life. And, of course, this gives me a bit more insite into OS’s attitude that "Dad’s a programmer.  Programmers make lots of money. {heh!}  Dad should be able to provide whatever I want." Kitten

(I figure both of you need a hug about now) I also understand you shaking your head at the last statement…hubby is also a programmer, but a free-lancer…and while he does well when he has a project, when he does not–well, it is good that he is still active duty… I am with Nancy…go get that therapy lamb of yours and put her to work…consider it therapy for you and training for her! <G — Buny " Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal." ~ Albert Camus

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I just posted to a couple of the other NGs I read about a problem that came up this evening.  It’s one of those that could turn a nice kitty into a mad cat looking for a fight.  <sigh Anyone know anything other than my buspar and my xanax to help me get to sleep?  Normally, either or them will do the trick, but I’ve got a curious feeling that an hour or so after taking my evening dose of buspar, I’ll need a xanax kicker, and even that may not work. Anyone up for a battle royale? Kitten any friends needing to know, just google my name + someone just shoot me

I use a generic of the active ingredient in Benedryl (diphenhydramine HCL).  I generally use one 25 mg tablet for a normal day or two if I’ve taken my afternoon Adderall late or drunk extra caffeine or taken a nap in the afternoon.  Works great for me to get me to sleep. HTH. Priscilla

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just posted to a couple of the other NGs I read about a problem that came up this evening.  It’s one of those that could turn a nice kitty into a mad cat looking for a fight.  <sigh Anyone know anything other than my buspar and my xanax to help me get to sleep?  Normally, either or them will do the trick, but I’ve got a curious feeling that an hour or so after taking my evening dose of buspar, I’ll need a xanax kicker, and even that may not work. Anyone up for a battle royale? Kitten any friends needing to know, just google my name + someone just shoot me I use a generic of the active ingredient in Benedryl (diphenhydramine HCL).  I generally use one 25 mg tablet for a normal day or two if I’ve taken my afternoon Adderall late or drunk extra caffeine or taken a nap in the afternoon.  Works great for me to get me to sleep.

I just read your later messages. / Emily Latella ON Never mind! / Emily Latella OFF Priscilla

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just posted to a couple of the other NGs I read about a problem that came up this evening.  It’s one of those that could turn a nice kitty into a mad cat looking for a fight.  <sigh Anyone know anything other than my buspar and my xanax to help me get to sleep?  Normally, either or them will do the trick, but I’ve got a curious feeling that an hour or so after taking my evening dose of buspar, I’ll need a xanax kicker, and even that may not work. I use a generic of the active ingredient in Benedryl (diphenhydramine HCL).  I generally use one 25 mg tablet for a normal day or two if I’ve taken my afternoon Adderall late or drunk extra caffeine or taken a nap in the afternoon.  Works great for me to get me to sleep.

My MD recommended Benedryl for my occasional insomnia, but unlike you and some of my friends who also take it to help falling or staying asleep, I don’t find Benedryl to be a great solution. For me, Benedryl is highly sedating. It not only puts me to sleep, but it puts me to sleep for a long time–12, 14 hours is not uncommon, and for almost 24 hours after I finally wake up, I feel drowsy, queasy, and have severe brain fog. UGH. Nancy Unique, like everyone else

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For me, Benedryl is highly sedating. It not only puts me to sleep, but it puts me to sleep for a long time–12, 14 hours is not uncommon, and for almost 24 hours after I finally wake up, I feel drowsy, queasy, and have severe brain fog. UGH.

I have a different problem. Benedryl makes me very twitchy and I can’t fall asleep. Tylenol PM is more of a nightmare than a sleep aide for me. Karen R.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just posted to a couple of the other NGs I read about a problem that came up this evening.  It’s one of those that could turn a nice kitty into a mad cat looking for a fight.  <sigh Anyone know anything other than my buspar and my xanax to help me get to sleep?  Normally, either or them will do the trick, but I’ve got a curious feeling that an hour or so after taking my evening dose of buspar, I’ll need a xanax kicker, and even that may not work. I use a generic of the active ingredient in Benedryl (diphenhydramine HCL).  I generally use one 25 mg tablet for a normal day or two if I’ve taken my afternoon Adderall late or drunk extra caffeine or taken a nap in the afternoon.  Works great for me to get me to sleep. My MD recommended Benedryl for my occasional insomnia, but unlike you and some of my friends who also take it to help falling or staying asleep, I don’t find Benedryl to be a great solution. For me, Benedryl is highly sedating. It not only puts me to sleep, but it puts me to sleep for a long time–12, 14 hours is not uncommon, and for almost 24 hours after I finally wake up, I feel drowsy, queasy, and have severe brain fog. UGH.

Wow!  I’m sorry to hear that.  It can wear off for me after 4-6 hours, so if I’m stressed I may wake up in the wee hours ("the hour of the wolf"), but it does usually help me initially get to sleep very well. Priscilla

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