Q: i want to purchase drysol what drug store can i buy it from?
i need help with my excessive sweating, specially on my face. Is drysol economic?

A: google. you will find out where to buy it. good luck.

Q: is it normal for skin to sting while using drysol?
I have used Drysol on my hands for the past two nights, and in the morning when I wash it off, my hands start to sting, and it sortof feels like pins and needles, like when your hand or foot falls asleep. is this normal, or should I stop using drysol?
thanks!

A: You only need to use it like 2 or 3 times a week and can stop after your sweating is gone. It might sting because you can have tiny cuts on your skin or overuse.

Q: For those who use drysol to stop excessive sweating, how much do you put on at night?
I got the bottle with the dab o matic applicator and i have been putting on a dab to cover my entire armpit area(7 – 8 dabs) but it has been burning so much that I cannot sleep, although less now than when I first started putting it on. I also notice that it drips down to other parts of my armpit that I did not cover. Do you think this is too much? How much do you put on yourself?

A: Hey there,
I used Drysol for a while.
In they’re website they say “Repeat use of Drysol Solution for 2 or 3 nights until the desired lack of sweating is achieved. After that, usually once or twice a week should maintain the desired effect”.

My problem was that it’s pretty irritating,
For an article that describes the causes and treatments of excessive sweating press on the link below:

http://www.squidoo.com/stopsweatingmylife

Take care

Q: Does Drysol work for sweating and where can I find it?
Can I just pick it up at any old store? Is it painful? Most importantly, will it make a difference?

A: drysol is a prescription only product. however there are many otc versions that are very close to the active ingredient. look in the deodorant section, they are usually called “clinical strength”.

Q: Where can I purchase drysol without a perscription?
Walmart? Walgreens? I live in the Texas area.

Drysol(used for hyperhidrosis (ecsessive sweating

A: You can get anything in Mexico without a perscription….

Q: I am getting ready to start using Drysol. Can you use deoderents when you do not have the Drysol on?
The instructions say not to use deoderents or anti-perspirants while using it. Even if you are only using it once a week?

A: i use it once a week and i use both deodrants and anti-perspirants w/it. otherwise its ineffective….the same sweaty armpits. oh do remember that it has this tingly effect that will bug you everytime you put it. and its also a good idea not to put it on shaved skin, cuz it makes it more irritating

Q: How much does the hypercare drysol cost?
I heard of a presciption anti-prespirant but I was wondering if it is expensive

A: You can easily check your minimal health care rates in internet, for example here – health-quotes.isgreat.org

Q: If I haven’t used drysol in a week or so am I okay to wear another antiperspirant or deoderant?
I know you can’t use it while you’re wearing drysol but I haven’t used it in about a week and since I’m going to go play volleyball tonight I need something just to keep me smelling good so is it okay if I use and antiperspirant or deoderant?

A: Since you’ve been off the DrySol for a week, then it will be just fine to wear regular antiperspirant and deodorant for now. Not a problem.

Q: Is drysol causing red bumps under armpits?
I started using it a long time ago so I can’t tell. I need something to control sweating but not give red bumps. Help please?

A: You should try switching to a different type. There’s also Certain Dri, Maxim, and other prescription ones. It sounds like you are getting an allergic reaction. If it was me I’d discontinue use of that product.

Q: Has anyone found a prescription antiperspirant that works better than Drysol?
I tried Drysol and all it did was give me a really bad rash. I’m only 16 so finding a solution to this problem is my top priority. Any help or suggestions is appreciated!

A: It’s not a prescription antiperspirant, but it works great for me and I have trouble finding a good deodorant – Secret Clinical Strength. It says it is prescription strength without the prescription.

http://www.secret.com/ClinicalStrength.do

Q: If i take a shower after using drysol, will it wash away?
i put on drysol last night and now its morning and i want to take a shower. will it still work? or will it be washed away? ty.

A: Yes, it will still work. In fact, that’s the way to use it: overnight (often with saran wrap occlusion). After being on overnight,it has blocked up the sweat glands, so it won’t matter if you take a shower in the morning.

Q: Is drysol or other products that cures hyperhidrosis available in philippines?
im only 16 but im already suffering from hyperhidrosis,i cant live like this..plss i need your help! help me find anything that can cure my suffering..

A: You would need to ask a doctor that question;

Q: How long does drysol work for?
I have been using it for 2 days now and i see a huge improvement. Now i am going to use it once or twice a week. How long will these result last for? i hear some people say after a year or so it stops working

A: in the beginning id still put it on atl east once a week
but after maybe 2-3 weeks i wouldnt put any on and i saw results for a good 2-3 months..ocassionally putting a bit more on. I havent sed drysol in about 8 months now and my sweating is NOWHERE near how it used to be. It reallly helped!

Once u start using it , you’ll see huge improvements and need to use it less and less often

Q: what will happen if you apply drysol used for treatment for hyperhydrosis to the groin area by the way I am a?
My doctor prescribed the medication for excessive under arm sweating but i also sweat below in the prubic area so what will happen if I apply it there?

A: it may cause irritation and make it worse so just after showering apply baby powder to dry the area with that will kill any unpleasant feeling

Q: Will using DRYSOL cure my excessive sweating forever?
I have been using this for about 4 days now. I have seen some improvement (less sweat). So can I stop using it now? And only use it again when the sweating gets heavier again? How does this product work exactly?

A: Keep using it until you stop sweating, then it will work for 3-4 weeks and then you’ll need to use it again for 3 of 4 days. It will not work permanently. Also, I found it used to sting like no other, when I use it I blow dry my armpits until it is dry and that usually prevents some of the stinging. Good luck!

Q: If I stop taking Zyprexa will I lose the weight I gained?
I gained 30 lbs in 3 months of taking Zyprexa. I know I should not stop taking the meds without talking to my doctor first, but I just wanted to know if I will lose the weight I gained if I stop taking Zyprexa.

Exercise and diet did not help. So please don’t bother recommending it.

A: Probablly not because you stopped the drug, per se.
Atypical antipsychotics affect the satiety (feeling of fullness) center regulated in the hypothalamus.
Once I found that out, I’ve been very careful about portion size and mindless eating. So far, I’ve lost 20 lbs after gaining 85 lbs from Zyprexa, then Seroquel (which I still take).
You can, too.

Q: What are the withdrawal symptoms of Zyprexa?
What are the withdrawal symptoms of Zyprexa?
I am about to stop taking Zyprexa and I am scared that I will get unwanted symptoms

A: Check out this link…it gives a bunch of info on Zyprexa withdrawel. Just make sure it’s OK with your doctor before you stop taking it…he or she might gradually reduce your perscription rather than cutting you off cold turkey.

Q: Does Zyprexa affect the normal brain functions?
I was wondering does Zyprexa affect normal brain functions such as dreams?
Does Zyprexa cause you stop dreaming?

A: well zyprexa (olanzepine) definitly has an affect on the normal brain, thus why it is implicated in schitzophrenia and other psychotic conditions.

As for can it have effects on dreams…. i wouldnt see why not. Zyprexa interacts with a slew of neurochemical pathways, from dopamine to serotonin, interactig with many receptors of many functions in the brain. This is a classic “dirty drug”. With that said, it most definilty can influence normal brain functioning in an awake and sleep state.

Do not take this drug unless you are absolutly required by a licensed professional. The long term effects of this drug can lead to life threatning disease and excessive weight gain.

Good luck….

Q: What are the chances of increased cholesterol and/or diabetes from Zyprexa?
What are the chances of developing increased cholesterol from Zyprexa and what are the chances of developing diabetes from Zyprexa?

I would stop taking it now but I can’t as I have and it’s made my bipolar worse. I need to continue taking it despite these risks. That’s why I would like to truly know the odds of developing these conditions.

Thanks…

A: The main complaint with depression is the weight that people gain. For whatever the reason when someone is on this med they have craving for food that is basically not that good for you which leads to the weight gain. Basically it comes down to how much attention you pay to your diet and a bit of luck. The makers of Zyprexa have been sued numerous times do to patients showing up with Diabetes. I gained over sixty pounds in a six month period. That being said most antipsychotics have the tendency to pile on the pounds but none as fast as Zyprexa in my opinion.

Q: how to maintain or lose weight on Zyprexa?
I am starting Zyprexa tomorrow and I would love to know how to keep my weight down. I cannot afford to gain weight. I have lost 23 pounds & trying to lose 20 more.

A: To lose weight (fat), include more fibrous slow digesting carbs, as opp. to the fast digesting ones.

No white breads, fast foods, sodas (not even diet) no ketchups, sugar, only skim milk, not 2%, skim and whole grain non sweet (sugary) cereal, whole wheat bread, maybe buy some soy or whey protein.

Include lean meats like ham, and other sources of protein. Avoid red meats. Take a multivitamin, calcium and vitamin d every 2 days, one or two V8s a day (or every other day).

Don’t starve, eat small healthy meals. A lot of small meals opposed to a few bigger ones– make sure is has at least 8-10 or more g of protein, not too much protein because the body can only digest a certain amount at a time; and avoid too many fruits, carbs and sugars. Fibrous veggies, greens (no starches or potatoes) are good, and no BBQ sauce (unless used sparingly) and not too much (if any) salad dressing.

Before bed (2 hrs), eat something with protein, don’t
eat many carbs before bed. Eat some of that good cereal in the morning, you need quality carbs, just not too much, and the slow digesting ones.

Do slow crunches until you can not do anymore, jog stairs (be safe though), warm up first and do sprints, short bursts of intense activity is very effective compared to long weak activity, just don’t over do it. Also include some slow but long endurance jogging. Be active!

Jog stairs ;and also do some lunges until it burns, do this every day or 2 days, keep going and don’t give up, same with eating, you need some fat, so one or two fish oils daily.

Eat fish (not fried, be careful, very careful for bones) Peanut butter on whole wheat (no jelly), which has protein, and don’t worry about the fat in that. Avocados, has fat, good fat; eat it when your hunger cravings get you.

When you do crunches, also twist on some to work your sides, keep tension on your abs.

Need more info, go to bodybuilding.com

Q: i need to go off of zyprexa 20mg, in order to lose weight. has anyone done that?
I’ve been on zyprexa for 7 years and steadily gained weight over that period of time. My copay on it went up also and I really can’t afford it anymore. I also take prozac and wellbutrin and xanax for panic attacks. I want to get to the point where I can give up taking zyprexa but the withdrawls are awful.

A: Please contact your doctor before you undertake a dangerous attempt to get off Zyprexa on your own. I don’t get why you are taking so many anti-depressants, this may be a large part of the problems..Your weight gain is of secondary importance, first get the whole medication issue resolvled..

Q: What happens if I take Zyprexa in the morning or afternoon?
My prescription says take one tablet at bedtime. What would happen if I took it at a time other than bedtime?
I take it because I have bipolar disorder.

A: http://books.google.com/books?id=Xx7iNGdV25IC&pg=PA583&dq=taking+olanzapine+in+bipolar+disorder&lr=&as_brr=3&cd=1#v=onepage&q=taking%20olanzapine%20in%20bipolar%20disorder&f=false (they said dose should 5 to 20 mg/day)
http://www.zyprexa.com/bipolar/zyprexabipolarhome.jsp (official site of this drug)
http://www.zyprexa.com/bipolar/learnaboutzyprexa/howzyprexaworks.jsp (same site. how it work and its safety for u)
http://www.drugs.com/zyprexa.html (Before taking Zyprexa, may help u)

Q: Can someone explain what zyprexa is used for?
I have breifly read that it is for people with schizophrenia or bipolar. But can a healthy person like myself that has no medical conditions take it to gain weight or will it damage me mentally? I am 5′11″ and weigh 67kg or 147lbs, I’m 27 and sick of being skinny and really want to have a nice looking build with a chest and biceps. What can I do without having to eat a lot of protein and carbs to gain weight/muscle…zyprexa or similar? or something else?

A: My fiance was on Zyprexa for a short period of time. It didn’t really do anything but cause him to be more irritable. However, it can cause diabetes. One of our friends got type 2 diabetes from it. I wouldn’t recommend it, especially if you have diabetes in your family.

http://www.rxlist.com/zyprexa-drug.htm

As for weight gain, steroids puts on a lot of weight in a short period of time.

The best would be to buy some protein mix/shakes and drink them daily. Don’t overdo it. Protein packed shakes can help you gain a lot of weight and with exercise it can help you build lots of muscle. That’s what my older brother did.

Good luck!

Q: Is diarrhea a symptom of Zyprexa withdrawl?
My dad is weaning off of zyprexa and hes got some pretty bad diarrhea and I’m wondering if thats a symptom of it.

A: Withdrawal from Zyprexa does not usually cause diarrhea. Your dad should contact his physician ASAP if his problem is severe and lasts more than a day. He should also keep up his fluid intake as the biggest risk from diarrhea is dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Here is a quick link about withdrawal

http://schizophrenia.emedtv.com/zyprexa/withdrawal-from-zyprexa.html

Q: is it possible to take 20mg of zyprexa and still lose weight if i exercise?
i’ve gained 68 pounds on zyprexa over the last 8 years. recently, i’ve taken up walking. can i take zyprexa, the only thing that works and lets me sleep, and still lose some weight?

A: Why not? It is usually the medication (zyprexa) that increases the appetite or increases water retention in the body which contributes to the weight gain. So, any help to lose those extra pounds, even through walking is great. It also helps improve the health of both body and mind.

Q: How long does it take for Zyprexa to set in?
How long does it take for the bipolar medication to set in?

A: It can take more than a week. It did for me.

PS – worst medicine I’ve ever taken. Good luck on it, you’ll need it.

Q: Should I b worried about mixing Ativan and Zyprexa?
I was told by a doctor who wasent my psychiatrist, to take them a few hours apart, but I read that there bad to mix together. I took Ativan yesterday, over 24 hours ago. And I want to take my zyprexa tonight, its a daily med. Ive only taken Ativan twice.

A: It’s definitely safe if it’s been 24 hours. If you’re wondering about taking them closer together, no one can answer that better than a pharmacist! They are SO smart, kind, and helpful.
You can look up “Pharmacies” in the Yellow Pages, and call a 24-hour pharmacy now. Good luck to you.

Q: What is the difference between Zyprexa and Risperdal?
Are they for the same thing?

A: They are bothnewer atypical anti-psychotics used to treat schizophrenia and sometimes the manic phase of bipolar disorder. They are manufactured by different companies. Risperdal works more on the dopamine receptors and Zyprexa works more with the serotonin, but they both effect both chemicals in the brain.

Q: Where can I get free zyprexa samples?
I was wondering where I might obtain free zyprexa month long samples? I heard there was a website where you could do that?

A: the easiest place to get free samples is at your doctor’s office because the drug companies give them lots to give away. if you are looking for lower cost then you can use an online pharmacy like I do. I pasted a link to a generic of zypexa below from the site I use for my meds.

Q: Any knowledge of nearly passing out when standing up rapidly as a side affect of Zyprexa?
Is this a common side affect? I am unaware of it. I have almost passed out several times.

A: Check with your chemist. You might have low blood pressure or you could get that from fasting.

Q: How will Olanzapine(Zyprexa) make me feel?
Hi. I have been on 15mg of Olanzapine(Zyprexa) for about 10 days now. I am 22 years and and live in Scotland. The psychiatrist put me on them for high/manic mood i believe.How will they make me feel?I have been on them for ten days now and haven’t noticed much of a difference. I still feel high.

A: they made me feel doped up . sleeping in till 12 noon. made me put on or helped me put on 5 stone. now im off it i just feel so much more better. but needs must when you have smytoms of bi polar.

Q: Do you think 19 olanzapine and 21 celexa could kill someone?
if not kill you, what will it do to you?

A: If you, or someone you know, took the above drug cocktail, you need to head to the ER.

Drug overdoses vary from person to person. It may result in a miserable night of vomiting, but could also result in loss of life. If you, or someone you know, has overdosed, get to an emergency room asap.

For what its worth:
Celexa overdose symptoms include:

Dizziness
Sweating
Nausea and vomiting
Shakiness (tremor)
Drowsiness
Fast heartbeat (tachycardia).

Other Celexa overdose symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

Amnesia (memory loss)
Confusion
Seizures
Trouble breathing
Blue skin
Muscle pain
Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
Coma
Loss of life.

In studies, very high doses of Celexa (up to 2000 mg) did not cause loss of life. However, loss of life is more likely to occur if the drug is taken with other medications or alcohol.

For olanzapine:
Symptoms of an overdose include tachycardia, agitation, dysarthria, decreased consciousness and coma. Death has been reported after an acute overdose of 450 mg, but also survival after an acute overdose of 1500 mg.[30] There is no specific, known antidote for olanzapine overdose, and even physicians are recommended to call a certified poison control center for information on the treatment of such a case.

Q: Can anyone tell me what Lyrinel and Olanzapine is for?
I had to call a doctor for a member of my family,
as he had been lying on my couch for over a week, playing with his laptop, and in his usual bad mood bad mood.

The doctor thought my room was rather smelly,
and gave me a prescription to take to the drugstore, not sure what this prescription is for, can anyone help.

A: Are you his mother? Does he spend a lot of time with his laptop in an obsessive manner? Is he a regular user of Y/A and spend a lot of time on one particular site?
Maybe the medicine has something to do with this type of obsessive behavior.

Q: How long does the insomnia last when withdrawing from Zyprexa,Olanzapine?

A: As with any drug you may get side effects, these can occur when coming off the drug too.

Its a pain in the bum, but its a “how long is a piece of string question”, but I would say at most a week(ish) would not be unexpected.

However it may be the original problem you were medicated for that is casuing the problem, so it may well be worth continuing the treatment if it was your own choice to come off them.

Have a word with a doctor or pharmacist, they can both give you advice on side effects of starting and coming off a drug and are equally qualified to do so.

Q: Does the anti-psychotic Olanzapine knock you out?
I am on 20mg of Olanzapine for Bipolar illness. I am 22. I generally have trouble sleeping but i heard that Olanzapine knocks you out and makes you sleepy. Is this true?

A: it will make you drowsy. and at first you will probably fall asleep occasionally until you get used to it. then you won’t feel so drowsy.

Q: Has anyone been prescribed olanzapine and how did it make you feel?
I have it because my shrink said im hyper.manic depresion highs and lows..more highs,scared to take it!

A: Try this link to the Mind website:

Making sense of anti psychotics:

http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Making+sense/antip.htm

It will give you easy to read and understand information about the type of medication that you have been given.

I have clients who take this medication and they feel it is really helpful for them. Remember that everyone reacts to medication in different ways, so what some people will experience as side effects, others will not.

The best thing to do is give it a go and give it time to work and then see how you find it helps you. If you do have problems then go back to your GP and discuss them with him/her, there may be alternatives that would be better suited to you.

I’ve also included this link:

Understanding Bi Polar Disorder:

http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+manic+depression.htm

as this may provide you with more information about the type of illness that you are being treated for and help you to see that getting the right kind of treatment will be a good thing.

I would also suggest that you see if there is a mental health charity in your area:

http://www.mind.org.uk/Mind+in+your+area/

they are easy to access and you don’t need to be referred by anyone else, you can do it yourself.

They are used to dealing with people who suffer from mental distress and illness on a daily basis and they are very patient and understanding.

They offer a wide range of services and you will be able to find support and things to help you. They won’t judge you or force you to do anything that you don’t want to, but it is another way of getting support to help you with your treatment and diagnosis.

Hope this helps.

Take care and good luck.

Q: What would you like to ask?I am withdrawing from 7.5mg olanzapine, on my 3rd day and I can’t sleep – the stuff?
has messed up my sleep patterns, I manage to sleep at 8 in the morning for a few hours. Usually I sleep a couple of hours after I take it. Has anyone else been through this, does it wear off or is it permanent?
Please no-one mention doctors, I have not told my doctor and don’t intend to so no lectures as you don’t know my situation. I am asking for personal experience or someone you know whose been through this only.

A: Off course withdrawing from antipsychotics got terrible effects. So especially olanzapine is a medicine that gives sleep, so when you don’t take it, it would cause that problem. I don’t think it would be permanent but may be painful while body is trying to restore its normal habbits back.

Q: what does olanzapine do to the brain?
does it block the serotonin and dopamine receptors? if not, what does it do?

A: Zyprexa is a strong blocker of D-2 Receptor. It does hit many other receptors.

5HT2A, M1, H1, D1, D2, D3, D4, 5hT6, 5HT3, 5HT2C, 5HT2A.

Very close to Clozapine in chemical make-up.

Makes you tired, and fat.

Sold the stuff for 5 years. Works great for short term, but long term these days most docs go other places.

Q: Is 20mg of Olanzapine the highest dose?
Hi. I am 22 years old and today the psychiaitrst increased my Olanzapine to 20mg. Is this the highest dose?How will it make me feel? I am on it for Bipolar illness.

A: 20 mgs is the normal mainenance dose……. they don’t usually go higher than that. If it still doesn’t work they will probably switch to another med.

Q: Can Olanzapine treat Manic Depression alone?
How will Olanzapine(Zyprexa) make me feel?
Hi. I have been on 15mg of Olanzapine(Zyprexa) for about 10 days now. I am 22 years and live in Scotland. The psychiatrist put me on them for high/manic mood i believe.
1)How will they make me feel?
2)Can Olanzapine treat Manic Depression alone?

A: Everybody reacts differently to medication. It is a trial and error process so it is hard to say how it will affect your condition. It will take a little time for you to find out, usually about 3 weeks. Good Luck

Q: How does Zyprexa (Olanzapine) cause weight gain?
Will it just increase my appetite, or will it make me gain weight even if I don’t eat any more food than I am now?

Also, is weight gain dependent on dosage? I’m taking 2.5mg a day – am i likely to gain a lot of weight?

Thanks.

A: I took it when I was 16. It caused me to gain about 10 pounds. My appetite didn’t change, but the weight gain was pretty much inevitable. I hope Zyprexa works for you because it made me feel like a zombie. Not tired, but just out of body experience all the time. I’m now on Lithium. No weight gain and I can function just fine

Q: If a missed dose of Olanzapine would not affect blood levels much when will the level be constant please help?
thank you
tey told me if i missed a dose i should just take the next dose thanks
10mg and i take it everyday

A: Can you give more information such as dose and how many times a day you take it.

The mean half life of olanzapine is 30 hours, so after approx 30 hours there is still half of the drug in your system. So if you take it once a day then missing one dose is absoloutly fine and you shouldn’t notice any difference.

Q: Are mitazapine and Olanzapine side affects just as bad as eachother?

A: Side effects listed for Mirtazapine – weight gain. drowsiness, oedema, hypotension (low blood pressure).
For Olanzipine – drowsiness, weight gain, increased appetite.
There are other adverse reactions which require monitoring by your doctor but I have listed the ones that are most likely to bother you
People react differently to different drugs, so if one doesn’t suit you another might.

Q: Is olanzapine contraindicated in NYHA Class IV heart failure? give a reference.?
oops, I meant pioglitazone (Actos)
Hahaha all home remedies? That has to be one of the poorest websites I have ever seen – maybe just one step above one of those websites that shows up when you type in a URL wrong.

A: The NYHA class does not make any difference to the advice and the advice should be to ’select an alternative to rosiglitazone and and pioglitazone’. Hope the info below is helpful too

Q: Will i get a good nights sleep with Olanzapine(Zyprexa)?
Will i get a good nights sleep with Olanzapine?
Hi. I am 22 years old and currently on 20mg of Olanzapine. I have two questions.
1) Will i get a good nights sleep with Olanzapine?Will they make me sleepy?
2)Is this the highest dose i’m on?

A: You will sleep very well on this medication, plus you are on the highest dose, but it works well for bipolar disorder.

Q: ABILIFY (aripiprazole)?
ABILIFY (aripiprazole)
what Side effects are their for a healthy 19 year old male

A: Abilify side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Abilify and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats;

jerky muscle movements you cannot control;

sudden numbness or weakness, headache, confusion, or problems with vision, speech, or balance;

increased thirst or urination, loss of appetite, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, nausea, and vomiting

seizure (convulsions);

thoughts of hurting yourself;

feeling like you might pass out;

jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes); or

urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects may include:

choking or trouble swallowing;

dizziness, drowsiness, or weakness;

constipation, mild stomach upset;

headache, anxiety;

sleep problems (insomnia); or

weight gain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

Q: mixing abilify (aripiprazole) with Magic Mushrooms?
Hello,

I have been diagnosed with bipolar I disorder and have been taking abilify for about a month. I wanted to try mushrooms in a week, and I wanted to make sure it was safe to mix the two without any negative effects. If you could please get back to me, I’d really appreciate it!

A: Not a good plan. Ditch that plan and make a better plan.

Q: Does anyone else find they get upper body rocking with antipsychotics?
I currently take 4mg of Risperidone a day and find that I rock when I sit down. I can stop it if I consciously think about it but it starts again as soon as I stop concentrating. I also find that if I’m not rocking then my leg bounces. I also experienced this while on Aripiprazole. Does anyone else get this? Have you been prescribed anything that helped?

A: Though I can’t tell for sure as I’m not a specialist in the field of medicine, it could possibly be something called akathisia or inner restlessness / need to move. You may need a counteracting medication to help relieve this side effect such as cogentin or artane. Or as you tried before you could try switching medicines to see if it helps. Seroquel and Zyprexa have the lowest risks of akathisia.

But of course speak to your doctor first. Best of luck.

Q: Periodic Limb Movement Disorder – Abilfy (Aripiprazole)?
I have been taking Aripiprazole for the last 7 years for the treatment of Bipolar Disorder. Now for the last few days I got Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (perodic leg movement for 2 hours during sleep daily). Is it in anyway connected to Abilify (Aripiprazole). Presently I am taking 5 mg of Abilify as maintanance treatmnt for bipolar disorder.
It is not Tardive Diskensia , it is PLMD (Periodic Limb Movement Disorder).

A: In 6-week clinical studies of adults with MDD, the most commonly observed side effects associated with ABILIFY plus antidepressant therapy (ADT) reported in greater than or equal to 5% and twice the rate of placebo plus antidepressant therapy included an INNER SENSE of RESTLESSNESS or need to move (akathisia)
Abnormal or uncontrollable movements of face, tongue, or other parts of body. These may be signs of a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia (TD), which could become permanent
So PLEASE speak to Doc. If symptoms are causing you concern.

http://www.abilify.com/bipolar/aripiprazole/side-effects.aspx

Q: Abilify (Aripiprazole)?
I have been taking this pill because my psychologist thought I had bipolar disorder which turned out that I actually did not have bipolar disorder. I took the pill for about 4 weeks then I stopped when I when to the ER and asked then if I would be ok if I stopped taking it and they said that I would be fine. But would that pill effect my brain or anything ? I mean could this pill effect me with bipolar disorder ? Will I be ok?

A: Ol’ Abe Lincoln didn’t directly answer your question.
Abilify can be discontinued without tapering off as long as the dose is small. Because you took it for only four weeks, you’d still be on the lowest dose.
Abillify has no adverse effects on the brain. If it did, it wouldn’t be for sale.
One cannot “catch” bipolar disorder. It’s not induced by antipsychotic medications.
You’ll be fine.

Q: Aripiprazole/Abilify?
I know its an anti-psychotic but I was wondering if it is used as a mood stabiliser for bi-polar disorder as well??

A: Yes, it is used as a mood stabilizer as well. And it is quite effective. It also is used as an adjunct to antidepressants for depression that is more refractory than others.

For accurate and easy-to-understand information on mental health and illness, visit:

http://fitzpatrickconsultation.com

http://fitzpatrickconsultation.blogspot.com

Hope this was helpful.

Q: Have you ever taken Ablify(Aripiprazole)?
Why did your doctor prescribe it to you and how did you react?

A: I hated it. It made me so anxious and revved up that I felt like I wanted to kill someone. This has happened to other people I know as well.

But some people it works for, so good luck!

Q: I’m scared that I might die or commit suicide?
I’m scared that I might die or commit suicide, what should I do. I don’t have the phone number of the doctor. I’m taking ABILIFY (aripiprazole) and I’m a healthy 19 year old male.

A: You know what people did before legalized psychosomatic mood stabilizers?

They endured, matured, and grew strong.

I’m not telling you to go off your medication. But I sincerely hope you’ve had adequate medical opinion before impacting your behavioral hormones at this important stage of your life.

Now, as to your fear….it’s not fear.

Very very few people truly fear death. And usually, it’s because they suffer paranoia.

What you’re really afraid of is….boredom.

Why am I here? What am I supposed to do? What happens once I’ve got it done? 10 years from now…will anyone know I existed?

These are the things that drive us mad. This is the quiet fear that builds and explodes when you’re 40 and wondering about your legacy.

So, how to combat this?

Simple. Build something.

Build a family. Build a house. Serve things that will outlast you.

A good kid who has put 8 years into the military, comes home, finishes his education, marries a girl, starts a family, raises them, goes to church, volunteers his time helping others, and dies with his grandchildren bedside….

…doesn’t have these fears. He KNOWS what outlives him. He’s belonged to organizations that will continue once he’s gone. He’s built and been part of a legacy.

You need to take a direction in your life that will lead you to your legacy.

Here is what I did:

I wrote my obituary. Then I threw it out and wrote it again from scratch.

It gave me a detailed blueprint of exactly what and when I had to accomplish to reach my goals.

Ten years later, I’m still following it.

Good Luck!

Q: I was just diagnosed with bipolar disorder and i have a sample of Abilify, what does it make you feel like?
so, yea.
Abilify (aripiprazole) 5 mg.
what does it make you feel like?
and what would it make you feel like for someone who isnt schizophrenic or manic-depressive?

A: I am bipolar and I cannot take abilify. It makes me agitated like crazy. Since you are newly diagnosed it may take several times to find the right meds for you. This is agravating but hang in there. If one med does not work, then have your doc change the med. Often it takes more than one med to get your symptoms under control. Just keep trying, it will get better.

Q: How many pills to take?
I have four 10mg of aripiprazole or abilify. Im 5′4 115 how many should I take I dont want to o.d and will I even get high? I though it was xanax but i looked it up and it was abilify thats why im asking.
cant smoke the grass man gotta go to court for possestion and trespassing thats why I wanna pop pills to get high…What about tripple cs which one do I buy and take?

A: You are about to make yourself very sick. It is not even close to xanax. You will not feel any euphoria, but it might sedate you a little bit. You will probably get a headache, nauseousness, anxiety, constipation, restlessness and many other effects you probably do not want.

Q: Will my friend be ok see below?
My friend has just taken too much meds 120mg of mirtazapine (4 30mg tabs) 40mg of aripiprazole (4 10mg tabs) and 2mg of risperidone. Do I need to tell her to get medical help or will she just sleep it off?

A: Call an ambulance right now. You do not want to be responsible for your Friend to continue to be in pain this is a cry for help. HELP THEM, HELP THEM NOW!!!!
Let me know how this comes out.

Q: AM i the only person in the world who have felt a stimulant like antidepressant effect from abilify?
generically Aripiprazole?

Actually almost immediately I became energised and considerably less depressed on ABILIFY

A: Abilify is actually an anti psychotic but it does have activating properties. They are using it for people who don’t get enough relief from anti depressants. Some people do become sedated from it but lower doses will make you less depressed. It’s very common.

Q: Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) onset of action?
Does it take up to 2 weeks to reach it’s full effect like prozac or? Also for Abilify (aripiprazole), how long does that take to reach full effect?

A: Yeah, for Pristiq, it generally takes two to four weeks before you begin to feel the symptoms begin to abate.

With adjunctive Abilify added to the regimen it becomes a lot more difficult to predict when to expect additional reliief as it’s awfully variable from one patient to the next.

Q: Recently Diagnosed with PTSD?
What was thought to be Bipolar diorder turned out to be PTSD (Post Tramatic Stress Disorder) I will be seeking help from a councelor as well as undergo meds. He tripled my anixety meds (Clonazepam) and gave me Abilify (aripiprazole). My wife and in-laws understand and seem supportive. As soon as my mood stabilizes then he’ll switch me to prozac or something like it yet my immediate family says I am stupid to do so….What do I do?

A: First, no one is stupid who is trying to find the right treatment program to use to help them return to who they were before a tramatic event happened.

Second, some people need meds to get them to calm down first, then they can work with a counselor, reduce the meds & eventually learn behavioral techniques to help them get off meds entirely. Others will need some form of meds for the rest of their life.

You should continue to ask questions, try the different meds to see which help you most to calm down & discuss other options with your counselor. Only you will know what is the process that works best for you & those in your life

I made a personal choice to not put unnatural, man-made chemicals into my body, or be used as a guinea pig by the pharmecutical companies, so I use a regiment of natural herbs, tai chi, yoga & meditation to help me through rough patches. But, I live alone, appreciate my solitude & don’t have people harping at me, so I can do this.

Find the right path for yourself, then follow it.

Q: Getting off bipolar meds…any help please?
I REALLY want to get off Bipolar meds, aripiprazole and citalopram, what can i do? I am drinjing too much also and occasional weed

A: It would be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor will help you gradually reduce your medication if he/she believes you can stop taking them. Best Wishes to you.

Q: How long does it take for the restlessness to go away with Abilify?
I am bipolar and just started Abilify for 3 days now and the restlessness is really bothering me. I was wondering how long it would take for it to go away… How long does it take for your body to get used to the Abilify so you can sleep normally at night? Any ideas? Any input would be great
Thank you

A: For some the restlessness may go away and for others it doesn’t. I was one of the ones where the restlessness didn’t go away on it’s own, so I have to take a counteracting medication for it. There are 2 medications that can be tried with Abilify (that I know of) if the restlessness continues or gets worse. They are Cogentin and Artane. I’m on low dose Abilify (5mg/day) and still had restlessness. I had it bad enough for it to actually be considered medically termed akathisia. That’s why I need to take the countering medication I’m taking. Don’t fret. There are ways of helping the restlessness should it continue. I know taking “side effect” medications seems like a bad thing but it may be worth it if the Abilify helps you with the bipolar. Abilify does help my bipolar disorder and I take Cogentin to manage the restlessness/akathisia. I hope all goes well for you and I wish you best of luck in your treatment decisions.

Q: What kind of side effects did you have while on Abilify?
I just started taking Abilify today for anxiety. Just wondering how it worked for others, and what kind of side effects people had.

Thanks.

A: my daughter took it for awhile and just made her zombie like. and she slept alot, and was always tired.

i’m not saying these will be the same for you, because everyone reacts differently.

Q: Can Abilify have reverse effect on weight gain?
Can it actually make you lose weight instead of gain weight like it says as a side effect? I’ve noticed my appetite is decreasing on Abilify. Is that it?

A: From what I know about Abilify it’s weight neutral. That doesn’t mean it won’t decrease your appetite or make you lose weight. Thus far from Abilify, and I’ve been on it a short while, I’ve lost 2 pounds so anything is possible. Best of luck…

Q: Will cutting down to 1mg of abilify from 2mg help my depression?
Ive been taking abilify for about 2 weeks now and ive seen some difference but ive also been having a couple side effects (tightness in my fingers and feeling on edge). I called my doctor and told him and he said to cut it half and see if that helps. I havent dont that yet because im not sure if doing this will help my bi polar disorder or not.

A: I would try cutting it. That is a low dose. If it doesn’t work, seek something that will. My son was a zombie on 5mg 2x a day. Now I split a 5mg per day, and he’s himself.

Q: When do the side effects of Abilify subside?
I recently started on Abilify at 10 mg a day about a week ago and I switched from Zyprexa. Now I am having bad insomnia and consistent nausea throughout the day. Will these side effects lessen over time? How about a lower dower will that lessen the side effects? Any way in general to improve these side effects? Thanks in advance.

A: How long have you been on the Abilify? Did you stop the Zyprexa at the same time? It will take about 4 weeks for the withdrawals of Zyprexa to be fully gone as well as 4 weeks for the side effects to fully lessen on Abilify.

Insomnia is something that can happen with Abilify so in your case it’s best taken in the morning. The nausea can be lessened by taking Abilify with a meal, preferably breakfast if you take it in the morning.

Also, be sure to tell your doctor exactly what you are going through so he/she can help you best.

Feel better soon…
Andy…

Q: Can taking abilify and xanax at the same be fatal?
The Xanax are .25, but I plan on taking enough to get a little messed up. With two abilify to put me to sleep tonight.

A: By checking out WebMD, it doesn’t look like it. Read & verify for yourself though.

Abilify:

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-64439-Abilify+Oral.aspx?drugid=64439&drugname=Abilify+Oral&source=2

Xanax:

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-9824-Xanax+Oral.aspx?drugid=9824&drugname=Xanax+Oral

Q: How come my doctor prescribed me both Abilify, and Divalproex sodium for my Bipolar disorder?
i’m totally confused.
he prescribed me it a while ago, but i’ve only been taking the abilify, because i didnt know what the other one was for, until now, when i looked it up.
and i read something about Divalproex Sodium helping with headaches… is that true?
please help, i’m so lost!

A: divalproex is an anti seizure medication that is also used for nerve pain and in bipolar disorder.
abilify is classified as an anti psychotic (calms manic episodes) while divalproex works as a mood stabilizer (helps prevent mood swings). they are both recommended, so go ahead and take both as they are prescribed.

Q: What’s the best dose of Abilify to use for depression?
I’m taking abilify 5mg on top of Parnate 40mg. I want to know if that’s the best dose. Does anyone also on Abilify plus an MAOI know the best dose?

A: Dosages of medication are individualistic, just as which antidepressant works best for which person is individualistic. I take 5 mg of Abilify for depression, along with other medications, albeit not an MAOI. Your doctor has to look at what other meds you take, possible drug interactions, side effects, and other factors. So, finding the “best” dose for you is going to be done by talking to your doctor who knows you and can decide what will work best with your other meds, the possible drug interactions, etc.

Q: How am I supossed to feel while using Abilify?
I am using abilify and I feel kinda weird. Is that suppossed to happen?

A: Abilify (aripiprazole) is an anti-psychotic for the treatment of schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder and depression. It is a powerful drug and has many side effects some of which may feel “weird”. Look up “Abilify, side effects” in a yahoo! web search; wikipedia has a good summary.

Q: Is it safe to take diuretics while taking Abilify?
over the counter ones? because i am retaining water. and no i cant call my psychiatrist because i dont have one, i was prescribed abilify when i was in a mental hospital and never had a psychiatrist. thanks!

A: i guess that could depend on what sort of diuretic you’re taking exactly. and i also would advice you to find a psychiatrist who monitors your health, if you want to/have to keep taking psychotropic drugs.

Q: How is Abilify alone for depression?
I’ve heard of Abilify being used with antidepressants for depression but because of the bipolar/mania risk, I can no longer take antidepressants, but Abilify I am currently on 5mg. How good is Abilify alone for depression? Does anyone here take Abilify by itself for depression? How does it work for you?

A: Abilify main purpose is used as a mood stabilizer, and it’s usually used to treat bi-polar disorder, I have heard of it being used for depression when accompany by severe anger. If your having manic moods then abilify should help the mania and the depression that comes along with it.

Q: Why do doctors prescribe Abilify if one of the side-effects is death?
Would it be ludicrous to suggest, or a symptom of a paranoid personality disorder to suggest that the reason doctors prescribe Abilify to manic-depressives even though one side-effect is death is because it is sort of like an ethnic cleansing only instead of by race by mental condition? In other words, to get rid of the mentally ill once and for good?

A: Because that is a rare side effect and it as rare as like 1 in a billion there is also many other side effects.. They give it and the reason is because the good way outways the bad

Q: How to counteract the sleepiness caused by Abilify?
I am taking Abilify. I am less depressed, but one of the major side effect is sleepiness. I want to sleep the whole day. It´s so hard to stay up. My eyes close. One day i´m restless, the other day i´m sleepy. Did this happen to you? Does this symptom of sleepiness goes away in a month??? How to counteract the sleepiness caused by Abilify??PLEASE HELP
I already take abilify before bedtime

A: I would suggest that you take your abilify before bedtime. That way you will also get the benefit of a good nights sleep. I am glad that you are less depressed with the Ability.

Q: How good is lexapro with abilify?
Lexapro is okay for me right now, but how well does abilify supplement it?

A: Lexapro is an SSRI antidepressant. Abilify (aripiprizole) is an anti-psychotic. They work in different ways so abilify will not supplement Lexapro. Look both of them up in a Yahoo! web search for much more info on their compatibility.

Q: What is the truth about taking “Abilify” and drinking alcohol?
My doctor prescribed me a drug called “Abilify” and all I can find is that patients should be told not to drink alcohol while taking it. I enjoy coming home from work and hanging out around the house with a beer or something in my hand. Anyone with some advice?

A: Abilify is what is known as a Central Nervous System depressant. Alcohol is also a central nervous system depressant. If you combine the two, the effects will be even greater than either one alone, but not in a good way. This is the reason that it is not recommended to take the two together

Q: How long does it take to get used to the side effects of Keppra?

A: Some prescription medications’
side-effects you’ll never get used
to. (It varies, of course–different
meds have different side effects;
and some are worth it, others are
not.)
I’d suggest you educate yourself
a bit by going to Keppra’s web-
site. They’ll tell you what the side
effects are. And then talk to your
neurologist.

Good luck.

Q: Question about seizures in children. Does anyone have children that have had seizures and they now take Keppra?
My daughter is 4 years old. She recently had a seizure. She is currently taking Keppra and seems really out of it and has a hard time walking. She seems kinda week from it and drousy. They did blood work today. Just want to know if anyone else uses this drug and if it works for them. Thanks

A: My daughter used to be on Keppra, but it didn’t work for her (nor did any other drug) and it did make her very “out of it” as you have described. That doesn’t mean it won’t work for your daughter though, and she may get over the dopey feeling in time.

My daughter is now off all medications with the exception of Clonazapam Wafers to stop bouts of seizures and Miralax to help her stool. She is on a diet called Low Glycemic Index Treatment (LGIT). It helps, but we’re going to go futher and put her on the next diet which is similar to the Atkins diet (but more strict about which types of carbs to give her).

I also find that giving her fish oil daily helps and I found one that tastes pretty good (like orange baby aspirin) – it’s called Coromega. Another important part is daily vitamins. My daughter takes a sugar free scooby doo vitamin every day. LOL – actually, we all do!

Q: My 3 year old is on keppra.. Does anyone with kids in this age group have any experience w/this drug?
My son, whom has CP, has had seizures since 18 months old. He was on Trileptal the past year and had seizures the whole time. He was just weaned from the Trileptal to the Keppra and I was just wondering if anyone else has any experience with this drug, if they had seizures or not while on it. Thanks.

A: No, I don’t have any experience with that drug. I just wish you and your family all the good luck, blessing and strength in the world.

Q: Can I concive a child on the medications Keppra and Lamictal (anticonvulsants)?
I have my seizures under control.

A: Please discuss it with your doctor, it is not yahoo question. Both of those medications are not the best for pregnancy, although they are much better than other anti-epileptic drugs. On the other hand if you have a seizure during pregnancy, it can have a devastating effecs on you and your baby. It is a hard question of benefit versus risk that only a doctor who has your whole chart in front of him can decide.

Q: What decongestant can I give my son while he is on Keppra?
Benadryl, or Sudafed?

A: I’m a trained adviser in Epilepsy and if you want advice on what decongestant you can give him go to the link below for nice.org.uk tape in keppra and it will give all the different interactions with anti epileptic medications

If you can’t find the answer there go to nhsdirect who will talk to you online or arrange to call you on a mobile or land line

As someone who is o anti epileptic medications he is entitled to a medical exception from prescription charges. If you have not already got an exemption card you can get an application from you local G.P or ask you pharmacy

They will give you what in medical terms is known as “best advice”!

The 2 links r below:-)

Q: Keppra XR is once daily dosing (on label) so why am I on twice a day?
I’m confused. If extended release is meant for once daily only why did my doctor request 3 pills twice a day? I used to be on the regular Keppra. Am I overdosing?

Thank You!

A: If you are taking the same dosage as the regular Keppra, then you are not overdosing. The XR has the same amount of the drug–it is just formulated differently so that it’s released over a longer period of time.

I’m never quite sure what they mean when they say “extended release” vs “controlled release” vs “sustained release”. I think “extended release” is the same as “sustained release”, i.e., it follows first order kinetics (whereas, “controlled release” follows zero-order kinetics). Basically, the levels in your blood will still fluctuate–just not as fast as they would with the regular formulation. Because of this slower behavior, the drug can be prescribed once/day instead of twice/day.

Why did your doctor prescribe it twice/day? There are two possibilities:
(1) it was a mistake and the doctor meant for you to keep taking the regular Keppra, or (2) since you are at the max dose already, your doctor may feel better breaking it up into twice/day to help keep your blood levels more constant throughout the day. Keppra is not something I prescribe in my field, but I’ve seen the same thing done with Lantus (insulin glargine) dosing in diabetics. It was meant to be a once/day dosing, but some doctors prefer to break it up to twice/day because they think it helps maintains a more constant level throughout the day.

The only way to know for sure is to ask your doctor why he prescribed it that way.

Q: does anyone have a child on keppra? used to treat epilepsy. have u noticed behavioral side effects?
my daughter is 18 mo. old and she was recently diagnosed with epilepsy. they first thought her seizures were febrile and didnt do much until she started having them more often and prolonged. after a normal eeg they still diagnosed her with epilepsy. she has just been prescribed keppra and the doctor mentioned that there may be behavioral side effects. i would like to know of anyones experience with this medication. thank you!

A: 13 posts – Last post: 11 Nov 2007
I was switched to Keppra and it has been a nightmare for me, making me nausous, …. go overboard with medications initially designed to treat epilepsy. … I do have a question to ask and that is does anyone have any muscle twitches? … After the adjustment, I have had no side effects or seizures,

Q: Side effects from taking Keppra for seizures?
My son has had two seizures in the last 6 months and his neurologist put him on seizure meds before having an MRI and EEG done. He has these two tests this week but his DR put him on Keppra before these tests were done. We have noticed increased irritability and clumsiness. The increased anger and sarcasm is concerning and I’m hoping this will go away in time. I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this with their child? My son is 12 years old.

A: You might want to try asking at one of the following sites:

http://www.epilepsy.com

http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org

There are lots of great resources to reach from at these sites, as almost everyone there either has epilepsy or loves someone who does. Kinda increases the chances of getting your questions answered. Best of luck to you!

Q: How common is hair loss with the drug keppra?

A: It seems to be pretty common. Medication induced hair loss usually beings around 2-3 months after starting the medication. So if the time line fits your hair loss, the medication can be suspected. It is said that keppra depletes b6. B6 is an important hair growth nutrient. Some people using keppra supplement with B6 for this reason.

Q: Has anyone Heard of the Medicine Keppra?
It is for Seizure and i wondering about side affects. Thanks for answering.

A: Keppra® is a medicine that is used with other medicines to treat primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children 6 years of age and older with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, myoclonic seizures in patients 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and partial onset seizures in patients 4 years of age and older with epilepsy.

Keppra® is generally well tolerated but may not be for everyone. Keppra® may cause extreme sleepiness, tiredness, weakness or problems with muscle coordination. You should call your health care provider right away if you experience any of these problems or if you experience mood and behavior changes such as aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, apathy, mood swings, depression, hostility, and irritability. A few people may get psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and unusual behavior. A few people may get thoughts of suicide. The most common side effects with Keppra in adults are sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, and infection. In children, the most common side effects are sleepiness, accidental injury, hostility, irritability, and weakness.

Q: Is Keppra ever used for bipolar disorder?
I know lots of epilepsy meds are used for bipolar. I know its an epilepsy medicaton but is it ever used in bipolar

A: Here is a link to a discussion by patients who were prescribed Keppra for Bi-polar.

http://www.epilepsy.com/discussion/979094

It is also listed as an off-label use for bipolar here:

http://www.crazymeds.us/keppra.html

I have taken Keppra for several years for seizures acquired as a result of head trauma. For me it has the side effect of moderate depression. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have depression AND bipolar!

Q: Does the medicines Lamictal and Keppra react with each other?

A: To be certain call your pharmacy and ask the pharmacist they will know for certain. They have all the information on their computers.

I do this when I have medication questions.

Q: how long does it take the drug keppra to take affect in your system after the dosage is increased?
once a person is on the drug keppra for seizure disorder , how long does it take to take affect in your system once the dosage is increased

A: ask your neurologist.

Q: should I take keppra with niacin?
I have seizures and I’ve been prescribed to take 500mg of keppra twice a day however I have to take a drug test in the morning and I may just fail. Will the niacin pills affect me in a good or bad way?

A: Buddy you failed! period.

Q: i accidentally took my son’s keppra 250mg and I am 3 months pregnant,?
I called poison control and a pharmacy and they said probably nothing will happen, but I don’t like that word “probably”. I am sooooo scared, it is sunday night and there are no doctors to call. Anyone as stupid as I am out there? Also, I am supposed to give myself lovenox injections for a blood disorder, and don’t know if I should now since I took that stupid keppra. Oh how do I wish there was a doctor or pharmacist reading this.

A: Contact your local hospital and speak with the on-call doctor there. They will be able to tell you if you need to come in so they can check you out or if there is something at home you can do.

Q: What time of day is it best to take avandia, morning or before dinner?

A: Your dose of Avandia may be taken once a day in the morning or divided in half and taken in the morning and evening, with or without food.

RN

http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/rxdrugprofiles/drugs/ava1532.shtml

Q: Is it advisable to take alpha betic alongside glucophage, avandia and dionil?

A: No, the other three drugs you listed are not in the correct order,

Q: Can any one tell about Avandia?
The Dr has prescribed avandia, there is a history of heart disease, and stroke. Would it be wise, for me to take it.

A: Every drug has their possibilities for complications. As long as you feel comfortable with your doctor and his decision (and you have talked about all possibilities) then try it. If you still don’t feel it wise to take it, then get a second opinion. Have you tried other medications to lower your blood glucose? See if you can explain to your doctor about a change of drug. Good luck!

Q: confused on meds/ Lantis and avandia. Have lost sight in one eye due to swelling and macular edema.?
Avandia causes macular edema, swelling of eyes. If not taken will bottom out in diabeic coma. Is there no other med to replace advandia? Also take lantis by shot 30 mg pm.

A: I don’t know they’ve found the mechanism by which avandia gives macular degeneration. Lantus is a long acting insulin to kind of force your cells to uptake glucose properly. You have type II diabetes but you could easily be treated on insulin only regime or insulin + tablets or just tablets. Probably they’ve discontinued use of avandia because of your eye worries and put you on actrapid/novarapid three times daily plus lantus. This is the closest you can get to the natural regulation of blood sugars.

Q: why prescribe Avandia rather than long acting insulin by injection for type 2 diabetic control?

A: Type 2 diabetics are producing enough insulin, it’s just that their bodies are unable to utilize it. Avandia frees up that insulin for the body to use, and without the risk of hypoglycemia.

Injected insulin has to be carefully monitored and errors can have terrible consequences.

Q: has anyone taken avandia, i hear that it makes you gaing weight?
I just was recently diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic and since have changed my eating habits and my exercises.The doctor told me i should lose some weight and i’m trying however i hear that avandia makes you gain some weight. If any one has taken this could you please offer any suggestions. i just can’t seem to lose weight.

A: Avandia is an insulin sensitizer, which means that it increases the effect that the insulin in your body (or the insulin your inject, the drug doesn’t care) has on you. Now, one of the things that insulin does is tell your body to take sugar up from the blood into cells where it can be metabolized and stored rather than filtered out through the kidneys, so yes, you will be able to use more of the calories from the food you eat and will tend to gain weight compared to an uncontrolled diabetic who is peeing out sugar due to high levels in the blood.
It’s also true that loosing weight can help type 2 diabetics control their blood sugar better. So why would be give a drug that seems to do something entirely opposite to the effect we would want? Well, because it also lowers serum glucose levels, which is the most important thing. First we try to get the blood sugar under control, then we worry about weight loss. So take your meds as your doctor prescribes them, talk to him about it, check your blood sugar to see how you’re doing, and you can work with your doctor to adjust your diet and exercise regimen to loose weight even while on the meds.

Q: Can you get pregnant from taking avandia and byetta?

A: Are you asking if Avandia (I’m on it) and Byetta (don’t know what that is) help you get pg if you’re TTC? Yes, Avandia for sure can b/c it will help with insulin resistance (IR) which, in turn, helps your hormones.

Do you have PCOS? I have it with IR and that’s why I’m on Avandia, Sprionolactone (Aldactone), and low-dose monophasic BC pills.

Q: Avandia or Actos, raises blood glucose readings?
Has anybody else had Avandia, Actos or another med raise your blood glucose levels, instead of lowering them like it is supposed to?

- Without changing your eating habits
- Without changing your daily routine
- Numbers went wild or went up consistently

What did your doctor tell you to do? What other information did you find out? What can be done to counteract the effect?

A: i was on avandia for about 2 yrs and my sugar was up and down and i got really dizzy after eating. the doc put me on actos 30mgs once a day and i also went to a diabetic clinic for a 4 week course which really showed me how to improve my eating and excersize program. with regular eating the right portions of foods and snacks i found i am a lot better and have more energy than i did before. the snacks help control your sugar especilly before bedtime. even if you are not hungry have a piece of fruit or a few crackers and a chunk of cheese to maintain the blood sugar. if you don’t eat right the liver kicks in and your sugar will rise because it thinks you need more insulin in your body. check with a diabetic clinic near you and you will be surprized how many things you don’t know about this disease.it is really well worth it.

Q: I have type two diabeties I just seen the FDA warnings for avandia?
I have type two diabeties I just seen the FDA warnings for avandia – I take 2 mg 1x daily when I go off my of it for any length of time and resume I get severe headaches especially in the nape of my neck/skull and a back ache in my upper back. Has anyone had these expiriences ?

A: I too was diagnosed with diabetes and was put on Avandia, I had to be taken off of it because it was affecting my kidneys. Best to speak with your doctor and ask for a different kind or better dosage of your meds. Good luck sweetie

Q: does anyone know the long term affects of metformin and avandia for diabetes?
what kind of reactions do you have with these drugs. i just started taking them i feel nausiated

A: Perhaps you can ween yourself off the meds with a proper diabetic diet.

Diet Guidelines

http://www.diabetes911.net/readit/chapter10.shtml

Blood Sugar Management

http://www.dlife.com/dLife/do/ShowContent/blood_sugar_management/

Q: Can i get pregnant while taking avandia and metformin?

A: i don’t know for sure about the avandia…but metformin HELPED me get pregnant. in my opinion you can get pregnant on ANY medication unless it is chemically putting you through menopause!

Q: does avandia used for diabetes have an increased risk of heart attack ?
saw it in the medscape.

A: This warning was a result of a retrospective study published recently which showed increased heart attack risk with Avandia. This study was funded by avandia’s competitor Pfizer. This is a risk associated with all drugs in that class of medication (actos and avandia), and has been known about since the drug was approved.

Prescription drugs are dangerous, which is why they are not readily available to the public and only available when prescribed by a physician and dispensed by a pharmacist who have a combined 16+ years of education in the field. This is not new information for them, this is just media hype in an effort to gain market share. It’s an advertising campaign.

This risk has been known about since the drug was approved. If you look at the study cited it merely analyzed the studies done to approve the drug. The FDA alert says this:

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aware of a potential safety issue related to Avandia (rosiglitazone), a drug approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Safety data from controlled clinical trials have shown that there is a potentially significant increase in the risk of heart attack and heart-related deaths in patients taking Avandia. However, other published and unpublished data from long-term clinical trials of Avandia, including an interim analysis of data from the RECORD trial (a large, ongoing, randomized open label trial) and unpublished reanalyses of data from DREAM (a previously conducted placebo-controlled, randomized trial) provide contradictory evidence about the risks in patients treated with Avandia.”

“Since the drug was approved, FDA has been monitoring several heart-related adverse events (e.g., fluid retention, edema and congestive heart failure) based on signals seen in previous controlled clinical trials of Avandia alone and in combination with other drugs, and from postmarketing reports. FDA has updated the product’s labeling on several occasions to reflect these new data, most recently in 2006. The most recent labeling change for Avandia also included a new warning about a potential increase in heart attacks and heart-related chest pain in some individuals using Avandia.”

Note that it says the FDA is aware of this, not that this is new data for the FDA. I will repeat again the sentiment that this is just an over-hyped media quoting a study that has already been done, and was already known by health care professionals when they made the decision to start you on Avandia.

Continue taking it until you have an opportunity to discuss it with your physician.

Q: Recently diagnosed Type ll Diabetes. Taking Avandia. Prescribed Metformin, should I take it?
I have been able to control my blood suger level with a good diet and exercise. I’m at 109 I would like some feedback. I don’t like the side effects of the Metformin.

A: You will need less medicine with this and will not need merformin.
These pranayam exercises will help control the diabetes and the side effects.Build up the timing gradually.If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume later(after about a minute).The benefits will be noticed in weeks as the sugar level is checked daily.Over the long term the diabetes will be in full control and the medicine can be reduced in consultation with the doctor.

Kapalbhati -(Do it before eating) Push air forcefully out through the nose about once per second. Stomach will itself go in(contract in). The breathing in(through the nose) will happen automatically. Establish a rhythm and do for 20 to 30 minutes twice a day.(Max 60 min/day)
Children under 15 years – do 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
Not for pregnant women. Seriously ill people do it gently.

Anulom Vilom –
Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril
then -keeping the left nostril closed deep breath-in through right nostril
then – close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 20 to 30 minutes twice a day(maximum 60 minutes in one day).
Children under 15 years – do 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.

Also everyday, press the centre point of the palm of both your hands 40 times with the thumb and press the tips of all fingers 40 times each.
Also do this: kneel down, breathe out,pull in stomach, keep your both hands on stomach, bend forward and try to touch the floor with your forehead.Do this 3 times to stimulate the kidney and pancreas.
Continue the exercises once a day, after the diabetes is in full control.

Q: Why didn’t the FDA pull Avandia after the heart attack side effect?

A: The Food and Drug Administration is a corrupt an inept agency. They are inextricably interwoven with the pharmaceutical industry. The FDA rarely ‘pulls’ a drug unless attorneys start televising 800 numbers. The FDA much prefers a company to ‘voluntarily’ withdraw a drug. The first drug in this class of thiazolidinediones – troglitazone – was voluntarily withdrawn by the manufacturer. The increased incidence of myocardial infarction (heart attack) with rosiglitazone (Avandia) has been known for years. In theory no sane physician would prescribe this drug at this point in time as the number of adverse trials are growing and they are consistent in their findings. The related drug pioglitazone (Actos) has not been linked to myocardial infarction. There is the question of whether pioglitazone is linked to onset or worsening of heart failure. Unfortunately the medical literature on this is neither clear nor consistent. In answer to your question the FDA is waiting for the manufacturer – GlaxoSmithKline – to voluntarily withdraw the drug. I believe that GlaxoSmithKline will withdraw the drug before the end of this year. If I may be of further assistance please let me know. I wish you the very of health and in all things may God bless.

Q: My doctor prescribed Avandia in October. Now she will not return my calls about my concern for this latest?
study about Avandia leading to cardiac problems. How can I take care of my heart while on Avandia?

A: For the past year I have been encouraging patients to email me rather than call the office. So many calls come through a busy office during a single day that it is not uncommon for a call to be ‘lost’. If you have called 2 or 3 times and not received an answer that would be – in my opinion – a breach of the physician patient covenant. Your concern however is what this recent study means – specifically – will taking rosiglitazone/Avandia lead to heart problems. The internet is a dangerous place and full of mis-information and half-truths. The study in question was a meta-analysis which by definition is statistically ‘invalid’. A meta-analysis ’sums’ up the results of various studies with different designs and end-points. Meta-analysis by its very nature has serious short comings. Such an analysis is utilized to suggest areas where further study is needed not to make direct or certain conclusions. The conclusion was that cardiovascular events and deaths were higher in the rosiglitazone patients but the analysis of the studies in question was flawed, the total number of patients studied ’small’ relative to the end-points, the duration ’short’, and actual numbers were small. For example 18 patients on rosiglitazone had events versus 12 patients not taking the drug or taking other drugs. Mathematically that is a 50% increase but simply because something is statistically ’significant’ does not mean that it is clinically meaningful. The study which led to the universal use of the drug rtPA to dissolve blod clots in those with heart attacks is a good example. The conclusion was that there was a 20% reduction in death. The actual figure was a decrease from 15% to 12% which is a 20% decrease. Stated in another fashion however the increase in survival was 3%. Since there was a 3% incidence of serious bleeding complications the actual benefit of rtPA was quite small. The point is that researchers are capable of manipulating numbers to achieve headlines. The study in question regarding rosiglitazone/Avandia is going to become more of a legal than a medical issue. Companies have been forced to withdraw drugs from the marketplace in similar circumstances. The first drug in this class of drugs which reduce insulin resistance – troglitazone – was withdrawn because physicians ignored well publicized data suggesting that the drug was not appropriate for all patients rather than due to problems with the drug itself. The two remaining drugs in this very important class are rosiglitazone/Avandia and pioglitazone/Actos. I use pioglitazone but not because I believe it to be safer than rosiglitazone. There are repeated references in the medical literature that pioglitazone has been linked to heart failure and yet there is no data to support such claims. The quality of American medicine has declined rapidly over the past 20 years and we no longer rank in the top 20 countries in the world in terms of outcome measures. Nonetheless – studies such as the one you refer to do not help at all – unless you are an attorney. When such news appears you did what you should have done. You were concerned and that is appropriate. The physicians role includes being sensitive to such concerns. The physician should be committed to education which decreases patient anxiety. You did not leap to a conclusion – you consulted your physician – or at least you tried to. If your physician had returned your call you would not have needed to resort to receiving potentially incorrect and harmful information from non-physicians on the internet. The Food and Drug Administration – which I admit is rather weak and does a very poor job – has no intention at this time of placing additional warnings or restrictions on rosiglitazone/Avandia. Until you speak with your physician you should not stop taking the drug. The best way you can take care of your heart is to control your glucose and that is what the rosiglitazone is for. If you would like additional information please let me know although it would help if I knew your age, onset of diabetes, glucose readings, A1C readings. lipid values, cardiovascular risk profile, other medical problems, and other medications. I wish you the very best of health and hope that this may reduce your anxiety until you are able to speak with your physician. May God bless. johnerussomd@jhu.edu

Q: What to do to alleviate pain in the testicle ?
What to do to alleviate pain in the testicle ?

Recently I went to the doctor with great pain in my left testicle. He sent me to ultrasound and after results determined I had a calcification, and there is nothing to do.

He prescribed me an anti-inflamatory pill, Celecoxib 400mg. And said to me that I’ll have to live with it.

Is there any recomendation, whether it’s natural or whatever, as a way to reduce this pain that paralize me so often. So I can reduce the use of this pills and prevent future pain.

Any please …

Thanks.

A: Let me be a little Smart-ellic here. Maybe you should go back and kick the doctor in his and tell him to just “live with it”. Go get a second opinion. Doctors that tell you cant do anything but live with it usually give that advice for a lack of knowledge of their profession. When you are paying 80-100 dollars for an office visit that lasts 15 minutes, you have the right to be treated with a little more effort than that. Don’t settle for that without getting a second opinion.

Q: Am I on too many medications?
Here is a list of my medications…..

Celexa (citalopram)
Ativan (lorazepam)
Methadone (methadone hcl)
Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
Opana ER (Oxymorphone)
Cesamet (synthetic THC)
Celebrex (Celecoxib)
I’m 23 years old and male……

Have pretty bad health……Can still walk but am in alot of pain……….

I feel like a zombie most of the time but it’s the only way I can manage living in such bad pain……..

Thanks for all your help

A: Only your doctor or doctors can advise you on this. Make sure each doctor knows what the others are giving you. Keep journal on how you feel and be honest with your doctor so that he can adjust your medications as necessary. Be sure to note things such as trouble sleeping, eating, bathing, etc. Sounds like your in pain and with all this medication you must have been having trouble for awhile. By keeping a diary or journal you can be honest with your self and keep a good line of communication with your doctors.

Q: Is it just me or do Cymbalta commercials make you want to cry?
You know, the one with slow piano music and gray pictures? And goes depression hurts. Cymbalta can help.

A: makes me want to bake cookies

Q: Is there anyone who is taking Cymbalta for chronic back pain?
If so do you feel that it is working? My doctor wants to take me off vicidon and try cymbalta for my chronic back pain. How is it working for you?

A: I have been takng Cymbalta for 2 years.
I also take vicodin for severe rls.
I recently was diagnosed with spondylolithesis and a herniated disc.
Cymbalta has not helped with my back pain.
Even the vicodin was not potent enough to control the back pain.
Have you tried gabapentin or Lyrica?
I imagine they would be more suitable than cymbalta.
As they all work to control neuropathic pain.
Has your doctor offered you a referal to a pain clinic?
Many people respond well to steroid injections.
I wish you well and hope youget the relief you need.
In my experience cymbalta failed to deliver any relief due to my back injury.

Q: What was your experience being on Cymbalta?
My current dr. (which I dont like, just venting) wants me on cymbalta for depression and anxiety and I am concerned with side effects, please explain your negative or postive experiences on it. And any advice on any other meds that has been helpful to you concerning depression and anxiety.

A: I have been taking Cymbalta for several years. It has helped my depression. I have noticed constipation that can be one of the side effects. Other than that, it’s a good antidepressant. I take Clonazepam as needed for anxiety which is also very helpful. I hope you and your doctor will find what
works best for you. Take Care.

Q: Can you drink alcohol while taking cymbalta?
In the pamphlet that comes with the cymbalta it says to avoid drinking alcohol because it can cause serious damage to your liver. I drink maybe once every couple of weeks. Is that still too much? Should I really not drink at all?

A: im taking cymbalta too, and yeah it says not to drink
i remember drinking when i took it and i got very very sick

i recommend you dont :[

it could be even worse symptoms

Q: Anyone taking cymbalta and having postive effects from it?
I have been reading on here about the negative effects everyone is having with cymbalta. But I have been doing wonderful on it. My appietite has decreased, I have tons of energy and I feel wonderful. Is this going on with anyone else? I have been on it a week.

A: I was on effexor for 3 years and I just wasn't stabilized. Ups and downs with no middle ground, Last October my doctor put me on Cymbalta. I have never felt so wonderful in years. The depression is extremely controlled and I have not had an episodes lasting more than hours- literally. Sexually, I'm doing fine, but a side from that I'm doing better at work dealing with stress and life in general. The increase of epinephrine and serotonin levels have done the trick. The only drawback I've had is that occasionally I've needed to take something to sleep. It's a great drug as far as I'm concerned. Hope you continue to maintain altitude!

Q: How long does Cymbalta Stay in your system?
My doctor told me to try Cymbalta two days ago at 30mg. I HATE it! I get really bad nausea that makes me feel like im pregnant, I get headaches and I am just not "myself" and this is only after two days! I was wondering if I will experience any with drawl symptoms even if I have only been taking it for 2 days.

I would appreciate your input! Thanks!

A: Cymbalta (duloxetine) has some bad side effects. It is reported by about 10-20% of patients as causing nausea, somnolence, insomnia and dizziness. You should tell your physician about this. It shouldn't be too hard to withdraw from but he/she will be better able to ascertain this.

Q: What can be a substitution for Cymbalta?
My Mom needs a substitution for the antidepressant Cymbalta, We can not afford the cymbalta itself. Please give serious answers.

A: Effexor is an SNRI like Cymbalta, so generally these medications have similar reactions within a patient. They both control serotonin and norepinephrine levels in your brain. There are other SNRIs out there though.

I don't know the price of Cymbalta, but Effexor is $30 a month. (I've seen television ads for another one of these called Pristiq, but I've never taken or researched it.) Unfortunately there is no generic for either medicines yet where I get my pills. So it is more costly. Most SNRIs do not have generics since they are relatively new to the psychological treatment. So over all I think this type of treatment is a little expensive than say Prozac or Zoloft both of which can be bought at $10 a month for generics. [*note: these prices are on my insurance plan, and other plans may differ]

If you can’t get it substituted:

When I took Cymbalta, my psychiatrist’s office had samples and would give me enough to last until my next appointment. Tell her doctor she can’t afford it and if she could have some samples. I only took Cymbalta short-term, but if your mother is taking them long-term her psychiatrist may not be comfortable giving her so much medicine.
Even by telling the doctor she can’t afford it, her doctor may try a different more cost efficient approach to her treatment.

Hope it helps.

Q: What is best for womans sex drive taking cymbalta?
Hi All,
I have suffered from depression for some years and have been taking cymbalta it is great for my depression but not so great for my sex life i am only 28 and i have no desire to have sex while on this medication and to make matters worse my partner has a HUGE sex drive i have tried other anitdepressents and pretty much the same thing. Can anyone recomend anything for sex drive?

A: One common problem that happens is this. I have been there and done that. You have to figure out what it is first that is destroying your sex drive. If your on medication like birth control or anti-depressants that is something to think about and do research on. Other then that it could just be stress, maybe the kids, really anything that makes your life stressful can do this and lower the libido.

One thing I tried that seemed to work while I was doing it was exercising. I just felt sexier doing it which kind of boosted my libido. However it wasn’t the best solution for me. My friend told me about these herbal enhancers that are made from natural herbs and don’t cause any side effects besides having wild sex. She said it’s the female version of viagra. I had to find out.

I would always have a weak orgasm too (if I had one at all), which after trying this sex enhancer, it boosted them tremendously. I don’t get multiple orgasms but I’ve had plenty since being on these herbs. It’s seriously like the best vibrator ride you’ve ever experienced. These things make me horny all the time, some days I don’t even take them because the urge is just too strong.

Don’t try out single herbs because they don’t do it like the blend of herbs these scientists and researchers pick out. I’ve tried a couple of them by itself and they did crap. The stuff that I’m on is called Hersolution, at the time I saved money on it at herenhancement.com . Make sure you get the 3 month supply that way you fall under the guarantee/return policy if the herbs don’t work for you, you can return them with no questions ask. I bet they will work though and you won’t have any problems. Also if your on medication of any sort, check out the gel because if your like me, you wouldn’t want to swallow any thing that might react with the medications your already on.

Well have a good day and hopefully you solved your problem.

Q: My Doctor has prescribed Cymbalta for me due to neck pain and headaches. Does anyone know anything about it?
Also I am scheduled for therapy and pain management. This pain causes great anxiety. Does anyone have any experience with Cymbalta?

A: I’ve been on the Cymbalta for quite awhile. (Maybe 2 years) because it helps the nerve pain, especially in my feet. They switched me from Paxil, and now I don’t know what I’d do without it. The pain management doctor was the one that made the switch.
I have been in a Pain Management program since mid 2002 and it helps to have the whole team approach to helping you remain as active as possible.

Good Luck and God Bless

Q: Is it possible to ween yourself off cymbalta?
I started taking cymbalta a couple weeks ago and I feel it is helping me but I dont want to be on any drug for a long time.I was wondering how long I should be on cymbalta ?Would switching to something more natural like st johns wort be as effective?

A: Yes, it’s possible & NOT a good idea.

You’re on Cymbalta for depression. I know it’s a drug. It’s helping your depression in more ways than you realize. St. John’s Wort is an herb that’s extremely dangerous to take. You need 300mg of it, compared to only 30, 60 or 90 of Cymbalta. It can interfere with other meds too.

Here’s more from webmd.com:

St. John’s Wort
For centuries, the flowering plant St. John’s wort was used as a health remedy in Europe. Today, St. John’s wort is best-known as a treatment for depression.

St. John’s Wort Uses
Some studies have found St. John’s wort helpful for depression. In fact, a few showed that St. John’s wort was as effective as some prescription antidepressants. But the evidence is conflicting. Two recent major studies showed that St. John’s wort worked no better than a placebo for moderate depression. St. John’s wort might prove more effective for milder forms of depression. For now, however, the evidence is uncertain.

St. John’s wort has also been studied in the treatment of other mood disorders, such as severe depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and seasonal affective disorder (SAD.) It’s also been used for insomnia, PMS, menopausal symptoms, and eczema. However, studies on St. John’s wort for these uses have not shown solid evidence of benefit.

St. John’s Wort Dose and Instructions for Use
For depression, the standard dose for adults is 300 milligrams of St. John’s wort (of 0.3% hypericin extract) taken three times a day. After the initial treatment, some people choose to go onto a lower maintenance dose of 300 milligrams to 600 milligrams of St. John’s wort per day.

St. John’s Wort Food Sources
There are no natural food sources of St. John’s wort.

St. John’s Wort Supplement Information
St. John’s wort may be sold as capsules, tablets, teas, and liquid extracts. In general, most St. John’s wort is standardized to 0.3% hypericin extract. Switching between products with higher and lower percentages of an extract may not be a good idea. Like any supplement, keep St. John’s wort supplements in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight.

St. John’s Wort Warnings
Side effects. At recommended doses, St. John’s wort generally does not cause side effects. Uncommon side effects of St. John’s wort include anxiety, dry mouth, sensitivity to sunlight, dizziness, stomach upset, headache, sexual problems, and fatigue.
Risks. Depression is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. Never try to treat it on your own without the help of an expert. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, St. John’s wort is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions. You should not take St. John’s wort if you’re using antidepressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, medicines for HIV, cancer drugs, cyclosporine, or digoxin. St. John’s wort may interfere with how these drugs work.

Here’s another source on the same site:

St. John’s Wort – Topic Overview
What is St. John’s wort?
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a plant with yellow flowers that people in European countries have used for centuries to treat mild to moderate depression. In the United States, it is sold as a dietary supplement and can be found at health food stores and pharmacies.

What is St. John’s wort used for?
St. John’s wort is used in the short-term treatment of mild to moderate depression. One study found that St. John’s wort may also be effective in treating moderate to severe major depression.1

It may take up to 2 to 3 weeks for St. John’s wort to improve depressive symptoms. Not all preparations of St. John’s wort are the same. A standardized form means the amount of St. John’s wort is the same in every capsule.

Is St. John’s wort safe?
St. John’s wort causes fewer side effects (such as digestive discomfort or headaches) than antidepressant medicines, although it may cause a rash with sun exposure.

St. John’s wort may interact with medicines used to treat some other illnesses, such as AIDS. It is important to let your doctor or pharmacist know if you want to try St. John’s wort so that he or she can determine whether it might interfere with other medicines you are taking.

Do not take St. John’s wort while you are taking other antidepressants. You may overmedicate yourself, resulting in serious negative side effects. Always talk with your doctor before you take any herbal remedies to treat depression or other conditions.
Do not take St. John’s wort while you are taking protease inhibitors (PIs) or nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) for the treatment of HIV infection.
Do not take St. John’s wort while you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way it regulates medication. A dietary supplement can be sold with limited or no resear

Q: I have been prescribed Cymbalta 30mg and have been taking it for about 5 months. I do not notice a thing?
My doctor says you should notice your mood getting a little better each day, but I really wasn’t that depressed to begin with. The doctor has me on pain meds, and knows this can cause some depression, so she has me on Cymbalta as well. This is a new drug and has a pain reliever element to it as well. Is this normal for this drug. Any similiar experience anyone has would be appreciated. Thanks.

A: I also have had been prescribed Cymbalta 60 mg..I was taken off of them after a short time as well because they wasn’t helping..please be sure to let your doctor know..

Q: When does the sleepiness from Cymbalta go away?
I have been on Cymbalta for about 6 days. I already feel a little better, but I am just so tired. At some point in the day I just crash and nap for about an hour in addition to getting 9 hrs of sleep. I don’t feel like doing much and I am afraid I am going to get fat from being lazy. Does this side effect diminish in time?

A: I’m sorry to hear you’re having a rough time adjusting. 6 days is still really early. Yes, many people experience feeling very tired/sluggish at first (with a lot of the SSRI’s), but it does go away for most people. It takes a little time to adjust–how much time depends on the indvidual, but feeling that way should lessen soon.

Try to give it a little time, and if you still feel this sleepy after a while, give your psychiatrist a call and check in with him/her.

Take care.

Q: How different is Cymbalta to Zoloft?
My zoloft is very expensive to get filled at the pharmacy and i have no health insurance so my mother gets her cymbalta free but she doesnt take it, so she was wondering for a way to save money if i would start the cymbalta, do u happen to know if they are anything alike?

A: Zoloft has a generic, and so, you should get that. Generic Zoloft is a lot cheaper than name brand Cymbalta.

Q: How can I get off cymbalta naturally?
I have heard of regimens of vitamins, herbs, amino acids etc. Does anyone know if there are any natural mood elevating concoctions that don’t involve horrible drugs like Cymbalta?

A: You may want to find a place in your community that offers Alternative Medicine. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions while coming off of Cymbalta. Good Luck.

Q: How do I get over withdrawal symptoms from Cymbalta and Remeron?
I went off Cymbalta and Remeron about a week ago and now I’m dizzy, have uncontrolled thoughts, insomnia, lack of appetite, headaches, and coldness… does anyone know how to get over these withdrawal symptoms?

A: Withdrawl effects of antidepressants will wear off in a week or two. If I were you or someone who cares about you, the “uncontrolled thoughts” are a concern as this is not a normal reaction to going off your medications. As for the other symptoms put together with “coldness” (I assume a feverish feeling of being cold, but not really being cold) sounds like a flu or some other bug…not going off antidepressants. Of course, it could just be a return of your depression/anxiety symptoms since you didn’t say if you went off them properly (after being at least 6 months free of symptoms and gradually weaning off of them) or not…

Obviously if you didn’t wean off of them and quit taking them early you are going to suffer with the return of symptoms and the mild withdrawl effects of antidepressants….either way, you’re body is going to get over the withdrawl and the underlying illness, well unless you do something about it (or are lucky enough for your mood to get better on it’s own, which is possible) chances are you’re screwed.

Q: What is the difference between Bupropion and Budeprion?
Or is it the same thing? (Wellbutrin XL)
If so, why are there two generic names for it?

I ask because previously I had been on 300mg bupropion and my doctor upped the dose by 150mg and when I went to the pharmacy to pick it up they gave me 150mg budeprion. I just want to make sure I’m taking the same thing…

A: I work as a pharmacy technician at CVS.
Bupropion is actually Wellbutrin and Budeprion is Wellbutrin XL or SR.

Wellbutrin (not SR or XL) has been available as generic for awhile now, and it’s called Bupropion. The SR and XL are both call Budeprion and the XL only just became available as a generic. The SR, sustained release is usually dosed twice a day and the XL is usually only once a day. The regular Wellbutrin I’ve seen dosed so many ways.

It is the same drug, both are Wellbutrin. The difference I know of is that Bupropion also goes as the brand name Zyban which has an indication to help someone quit smoking.

Hope that helps!

Q: What are the side effects with Bupropion (Wellbutrin)?
I am having extreme confusion, inside of my body jitters and jaw clenching. Has anyone else had any of these side effects with Bupropion?

A: Call your doctor to ask him. This is not the correct forum to ask such a question as you will get opinion not always fact. See the side effects page on your medication. Call the pharmacist and ask them.

Q: How does wellbutrin (bupropion) compare to ephedrine, caffeine, etc?
It seems there are a variety of stimulants that boost dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Though I realize it is unlikely to find an answer here… does anyone have any hard numbers comparing these drugs?

A: I have taken all 3 and can honestly tell you wellbuterin does not have any effect like ephedrine and caffiene. Whats really funny is that i have taken all 3 at the same time…

Q: How long did it take for bupropion sr to start working?
I started taking wellbutrin sr (bupropion sr) to heighten my sex drive. How long does it take for it to start working? How long does it take for the side affects to wear off (agitation, nausea…etc)?

A: Most anti-depressants actually decrease your sex drive, so I’m surprised you would take one to increase it. But then well-butrin is different than other anti-depressants so I guess it’s possible it can have the opposite affect. You should start feeling a difference after 2 or 3 weeks, although it could be up to 6 weeks. Good Luck.

Q: What are the long term side effects of taking Bupropion sr or Wellbutrin sr?
I am taking Wellbutrin and was wondering what the long term side effects of the drug can be.

A: none that I’m aware of

Q: Has anyone ever took lexapro and bupropion at the same time?
I am now taking lexapro for 3 1/2 weeks, I told my doctor I still feel the same so they perscribe me bupropion along with it. Has anyone ever took these two together? And if so how did you feel? I know it works differently for everyone but I’d like to hear from others anyways.
thank you!

A: I’m taking both of them together now and I feel great. I’ve been on various meds for depression since I was 21 (I’m 26 now) and most of the meds I tried either didn’t work for me or worked for awhile and then stopped. My doctor started trying combinations of meds together to see how I would react (drug resistant depression runs in my family) and wellbutrin (bupropion) and lexapro work well for me. I’ve been on this combination for over a year (the longest I’ve been on any med for depression) and I feel good. I’ve had good luck with it, but everybody is different in how they react to antidepressants. Hang in there on the meds…it can take up to 4-6 weeks for them to take full effect. Hope this helps.

Q: can anyone tell me the difference between wellbutrinxl & bupropion sr?
my insurance is moving the xl from tier 2 to tier 3,meaning a higher co-pay.need to know if they have the same results.

A: Bupropion is the generic name for Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin XL is a higher strength than Wellbutrin SR. I take 2 Wellbutrin SR per day or 1 Wellbutrin XL once a day. Have your Dr. write the Rx for the tier 2 form.

Q: How long does it take to lose weight on Bupropion?
I was recently diagnosed with ADHD after being depressed for several years. I also have a weight problem that makes me very depressed, and I am wondering how much weight approx. you lose over time such as a week, a month, etc.

A: Avoid crash diets. They are bad for health and you will gain what you have lost once you take a break. Crash diets are not a solution to weight loss. It might seem as if you have lost few pounds but the moment you give up on the crash diet every thing will bounce back with a vengeance. Take a look at it in this way. Do you think that it is possible for a person to survive on a crash diet for the rest of his or her life’ Certainly not! So at some time or the other, you will have to give up the crash diet and then you will see for yourself that a crash diet does more harm than good on the long run. Crash diets may have a lot to promise, but very rarely do these promises ring true. Crash diets are things people go on in order to wear an old dress or suit for a particular occasion. That’s the only purpose that they serve as far as I can see.

Q: Is it alright to take Guaifenesin while taking Bupropion?
I take a generic of Wellbutrin SR and the pharmacist reccommended a chest decongestiant. Should I be worried about their compatibility?

A: no problem at all sure

Q: How many grams of bupropion (WellbutrinZyban) would kill a 17-year-old, severely-underweight girl?
I’m not going to commit suicide. This is for a novel.
I’m seriously not going to overdose. For starters, I’m 15, and I’m completely average weight. Secondly, I don’t even take anti-depressents.

A: You should only take your dosage. It would take quite a bit to kill a person. More than likely you would end up brain damaged and unable to take care of yourself. I f you feel you have taken too much than you need to contact a poison control center right away. Be careful.

If by some chance you are contemplating suicide than please copy and paste the address below. They have people who can help you, and numbers you can call. There are other answers. It is never as bad as it seems, I promise. I’ve been there. It isn’t a good place to be. Get help. If it’s a friend, than get help for your friend. Blessings.

http://suicidehotlines.com/

Q: Has anyone tried to quit smoking with the use of Bupropion SR?
If so,Please tell me what your experiance with this drug was or is.
Thanks!

A: I took Wellbutrin several years ago for depression and, as a side effect, I quit smoking…unintentionally! I would not recommend this drug for the sole purpose of smoking cessation…overuse and abrupt cessation of this drug has been linked to seizures. If you’re looking to stop smoking, try Chantix…I took it for 1 month:stopped smoking by week 3 and have been smoke free since…about 10 months now. And it only required 1 month of medication.
Good luck!

Q: After discuss with our yahoo group members about bupropion?
After discuss with our yahoo group members about bupropion, about bupropion i discussed with doctor also
i started , daily 1 pill, for 2 days , even i cant stop smoking

please help friends

A: I think it takes some time for the buproprion to have an effect. Also, you need to make some effort yourself .. not just magically expect the meds to suddenly turn you into a non smoker.

I tried buproprion myself but unfortunately it did not agree with my system and affected my blood pressure etc so I had to stop.

I did come across ONE good book on how to quit smoking by a gentleman named Alan Carey. I have read many but this was the only one that actually got me to quit for two years. I think it’s called Alan Carey’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking. Highly recommend it if you can get a copy.

It’s not easy to quit, even though we know all the negative effects, and it really doesn’t help when people tell us to go visit cancer wards etc .. we know all that already, don’t we? Smoking is an addiction, and more recent research is showing that it has an anti-depressant effect, and that smokers who are depressed find it harder to quit than non-depressed smokers. If you have any emotional issues or stress that needs to be dealt with, then see a professional counselor about it. Maybe you will find it easier to quit after that. Also try exercising once a day .. like a brisk walk, and drinking more water and orange juice (it may not make you quit but at least you’ll be less unhealthy!)

Good luck ..

Q: Has anyone felt weird after taking wellbutrin/bupropion?
Been taking bupropion for a few days and I have been feeling a little confused. It seems like I am in a fog. I just feel uncomfortable and I cant explain the way I feel.

A: If you have only been taking it for a few days you will experience some side effects. Meds take a anywhere from 1 week to 6 weeks to be effective. You will feel better as your body adjusts to the medicine.You will know when its working. Your outlook becomes brighter, you have more energy and you will begin to smile again

This is what happened to me. I hope you will enjoy life again soon!

Q: What would happen if I take bupropion that’s not prescirbed to me?
What would happen if I take bupropion that’s not prescirbed to me???

A: If you are caught, jail time! It is illegal to take a prescription drug without a prescription.

Q: I am going off Bupropion 150mg and will taper off, but are there withdrawal symptoms?
I tried to do it cold turkey and had a migraine and felt flu like symptoms the next day, is that normal??

A: You might cut the pills in half, or get a prescription for a lower dose, and wean off it that way. After being on the lower dose or half pill for a week or so, try taking them every other day for a week or two, than try to stop. Or, you could take them every third day for a week if you wanted to. That should help with any problems…
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