Anti-Depressants

[Guest guest]

anti-depressants

> From: Ramu555@...

<snipped>

> St. 's Wort is a very good tea to drink for those suffering

depression.

St. 's Wort, although it is a milder anti-depressant than prescription

anti-depressants, can still have some of the same side-effects that

prescription anti-depressants have - it can cause rather than help with

anxiety, it can cause depression to get worse, and it can cause aggression,

and suicidal behavior. If a person takes it for a long time, it has to be

weaned off, just like an anti-depressant. People are not being told all of

the truth about St. 's Wort, and are believing that it is a completely

safe and natural substance. I took it for a year and a half, and suffered

increasing anxiety and anger, and when I finally realized that my episodes

of anger would correspond to within a couple hours of taking a dose, I

stopped taking it cold turkey, and ended up being suicidal several days

later as a withdrawal symptom. It was a total character change for me. I had

only started taking it to deal with minor depression, and I didn't have

anything to cause such severe emotional problems in my life at the time.

Once I got it completely cleared out of my system, (which took a couple

weeks), the anger, anxiety and depression lifted. A few months later I tried

to take it again, and began suffering the same anger and anxiety, just like

before, and it cleared up again when I discontinued it.

Part of the problem is that people believe the St. 's Wort will treat

the symptoms of anxiety, anger and depression, and when they occur, or are

made worse while taking it, is attributed to the depression, and not the St.

's Wort. Prescription anti-depressants are being treated the same way.

Many people who take them and suffer increasing depression, anxiety, and

agitation and anger, are treated as though those are from mental illness,

and not as a result of the medications they are taking. But there is growing

evidence showing that anti-depressants can contribute to violent crime, and

increased suicides.

If you take St. 's Wort and it doesn't seem to help, then you need to

consider that maybe you are one of the people who shouldn't take it.

Another alternative that can be considered is SAM-e. But even it has

problems. It should not be taken by anyone who has Bi-Polar disorder.

Bach Flower Remedies, on the other hand, are a much safer choice.

lindaj@...

[Guest guest]

<<So my question is does anyone have experience of problems between

Methotrexate and anti-depresants (specifically Paroxetine)>>

na, I don't know the answer to that question, but was wondering if you

are taking folic acid along with the metho? I noticed you said you were on

sulfasalazine before, which interferes with folic acid absorption. A couple

of weeks after I started sulfasalazine, I was suddenly hit with a bout of

depression out of the blue. Weeping, no appetite, lethargic, the works. I

took 2 800mcg tablets of folic, and within a few hours it was profoundly

better. A couple of more doses like that, that evening and the next

morning, and the depression was completely gone. There is a link between

folic acid depletion and depression....I think I have references somewhere,

if you are hard headed like me and need to see the facts....but it is a

cheap and easy thing to try if you are so inclined.....ask your doc if it is

ok to try. {{{{{{{{na}}}}}}}}}} a big hug and a wish that it is over

for you soon, along with whatever troubles are causing it. Liz G

[Guest guest]

Hello -

I also tried Elavil and had to get off after two weeks

- had every side effect listed! Then I tried Paxil

and couldn't function for even one day - extreme

dizziness and nausea. I've been on Celexa for three

weeks now and so far it is great. I was a little

nauseous at first but now it has subsided and I

haven't noticed any other side effects.

Regarding your second question, I do think that the

type of strenuous weight training you are doing can

trigger a crash. My doctor has advised against any

weight training for me - instead she recommends

Pilates and light aerobics like walking and warm water

training.

Hope you feel better soon - Jennie

--- Cheryl Spaulding <cspau2@...> wrote:

> I thought I would add my two cents to the

> Anti-depressant experience for

> any of you considering a new one or changing current

> anti-depressants.

> I have been on Elavil - for migraine pain and never

> felt worse. I felt

> like a zombie all the time (pain was numbed) and I

> gained over 20 lbs.

> very quickly. Prozac helped my migraines but made

> me into a different

> person. I had a lot of nauseu and weird headaches

> and I gained another

> 10 lbs. - it did seem to help my anxiety. After

> being off

> anti-depressants for the last 2 years - and after

> being diagnosed with

> EBV - I am now on " Celexa " which I love " so far " . I

> had very little

> side effects (except fatigue but it's hard to tell

> if it's related to

> the " Celexa or EBV) and I am feeling very relaxed.

> I am very worried

> about weight gain as a side effect however after

> four months I am happy

> to report I have not gained a pound and have no

> unusual cravings. I

> would be interested to hear from anyone else who has

> tried " Celexa " and

> what their thoughts are.

>

> Question for the group not related to

> anti-depressants: I have had EBV

> for 5 months and for the past two months - have

> started feeling lots

> better. Recently I started a weight training class

> at the gym and I am

> now experiencing what I think is a relapse. Could

> doing something a

> little strenuous like " weight training " (including

> lifting up to 20 lb.

> weights) put me into a relapse? I could just kick

> myself for doing that

> class. I have been walking every night for 40

> minutes but I was feeling

> so good that I thought I was ready to increase my

> level of activity.

> This is the only thing I have done differently - and

> I am feeling very

> down right now due to this set-back. I would like

> to hear opinions on

> re-lapsing.

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I just had an appointment with my primary doctor. I finally got up

the nerve to get a flu shot, but unfortunately was running a slight

temp, so they would not administer it.

I expected to be seen by " THE " doctor, but was seen by the Physicians

Assistant instead. I previously avoided her, thinking my history was

too complicated for her to follow. What I found was someone who

wasn't in a hurry to get in and out, and really listened to me.

On my last vist to my rheumy, he took me off of Ambien when I

complained that they were not as effective anymore and couldn't

sleep. I was hoping we could find something better. He was worried

about addiction and said to try benadryl instead.

I explained to the Physicians Assistant his concerns, and that I was

taking 4 benadryl a night and still not sleeping. Add in the stress

of being on disability leave (which ends in early March), up coming

surgery in end of February, worrying about keeping a roof over my

head, and the cost of Christmas, I now have the neighbors from He##

moved in upstairs with their loud stereo late at night and early in

the morning--my nerves are frayed.

She put me on Paxil and back on the Ambien. She hopes that together

they should help me get some rest, and we may even be able to cut

back the Ambien, but she is less worried about addiction to ambien

with all of this added stress. It hasn't been a week and I'm getting

a bit of rest. I'll be campaigning to the landlord to keep the noise

down. I just feel blessed right now to have found a doc to listen to

the " emotional side " of this illness.

Thanks all for listening.

Tammy in Phila

[Moderator's note: Tammy, I was in the same situation as you with regard to the

Ambien - it's not addictive, it just looses its effectiveness. Even the

manufacturer says it shouldn't be taken for more than 7 to 10 days. What works

great for me with no lack of effectiveness or need for larger doses over time is

Klonopin (clonazepam). A milligram or two of it along with some melatonin and

benadryl a couple of hours before bedtime almost always assures a good nights

sleep. Some people swear by Flexeril, but it just doesn't do anything at all for

me. Might be worth a try for you though. Ron]

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/10/2002 3:13:02 AM Eastern Standard Time,

Lotsoshoes@... writes:

> I finally got up

> the nerve to get a flu shot,

Tammy - first of all, why would you feel funny asking for a flu shot? Or is

it a needle phobia thing? and secondly, if you are on a DMARD (Methotrexate,

enbrel, etc.) you NEED a flu shot to protect you since your immunities have

been decreased by the DMARD.

[Guest guest]

Hmm! We seem to have a debate going on addiction to meds?? LOL

Well, I don't know as far as Addiction to Anti-Depressants. I have

taken them for many years and will probably be the case the rest of

my life. Not sure? But I (Think) that some people have an actual

chemical imbalance of which an Anti-Depressant helps. And on

treatment for me, they had to change to a different one because I did

become suicidle. I would (think) again, that that would be the

Chemical makeup of the person. This I do know, is that most people

who have a chemical imbalance tend to self medicate themselves with

street drugs and alcohol. So again, the person and their make up

could be the difference. Now I have had no problem going off any of

my meds if I follow doctors orders and go off very slowly. Trying to

just stop any meds I would think would be very difficult and cause

sides no matter which type of addiction the meds have. And I am not

an authority or Dr in any of this. But have been an addict. Have

chemical imbalance and a daughter Severly Bipolar. So I guess what I

am saying is: What is it being used for? It just could be a

necessary medication to help get through daily living. (I think that

is what I am saying) Dang, sometimes I forget my purpose of my post!

LOL........Hugs to all.........Dana in PA

Yes you have told us about your masters several times as well as what

you do for a living. I do know lots of people who cannot seem to get

OFF their anti depressants...whether this is all in their heads or a

real addiction problem who knows. I guess that just makes it

something we should all be aware of when we do choose to take these

kinds of meds. A heads up as it were.

LeighAnn

[Guest guest]

go to www.lef.org and search for depression protocol.

here you will find a variety of natural substances that in scientific

studies have

performed as well or outperformed your doctor prescribed meds almost

always with

few negative side effects and often with many positive side effects.

everybody wake up.

--

best

william meyer

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info. . I appreciate it.

I've had lyme for at least 11 years now (I am 39 and had symptoms in my teens,

so not quite so sure exacly how long). I've seen an alternative doc for I dont

know how many years and spent I don't know how much money..lol. I've found the

best treatment for me so far has been plain ol antibiotics and as for the

depression, I'm still looking. I tried many of the stuff listed on that page

with the same crummy side effects. There's a couple on that page that I want to

check out though.

Thanks for the link! I added it to my favorites.

Have a great day!

Anita

From: william meyer

Sent: Friday, May 09, 2003 2:53 PM

Subject: Re: [ ] anti-depressants

go to www.lef.org and search for depression protocol.

here you will find a variety of natural substances that in scientific

studies have

performed as well or outperformed your doctor prescribed meds almost

always with

few negative side effects and often with many positive side effects.

everybody wake up.

--

best

william meyer

[Guest guest]

gee, this is the second negative response to alt meds .

thanks for being so kind about it!

in depression, probably the greatest injury comes our inability to

take care of ourselves properly or to act proactively.

keep trying and you will get it!

>Thanks for the info. . I appreciate it.

>

>I've had lyme for at least 11 years now (I am 39 and had symptoms in

>my teens, so not quite so sure exacly how long). I've seen an

>alternative doc for I dont know how many years and spent I don't

>know how much money..lol. I've found the best treatment for me so

>far has been plain ol antibiotics and as for the depression, I'm

>still looking. I tried many of the stuff listed on that page with

>the same crummy side effects. There's a couple on that page that I

>want to check out though.

>

>Thanks for the link! I added it to my favorites.

>

>Have a great day!

>Anita

>

>

>From: william meyer

>

> Sent: Friday, May 09, 2003 2:53 PM

> Subject: Re: [ ] anti-depressants

>

>

> go to www.lef.org and search for depression protocol.

> here you will find a variety of natural substances that in scientific

> studies have

> performed as well or outperformed your doctor prescribed meds almost

> always with

> few negative side effects and often with many positive side effects.

> everybody wake up.

> --

> best

> william meyer

>

>

[Guest guest]

I hope ya didn't take it the wrong way. Was just trying to say " been there,

done that " ..lol. I know a lot of people who have really benefited from

alternative therapy. I still take a lot of the basic vitamins and my flax and

fish oils and acidophilus.

So thanks anyways..LOL.

I have to go to the local fair with 7 kids. Someone, please help me. LOL

Anita

Re: [ ] anti-depressants

gee, this is the second negative response to alt meds .

thanks for being so kind about it!

in depression, probably the greatest injury comes our inability to

take care of ourselves properly or to act proactively.

keep trying and you will get it!

>Thanks for the info. . I appreciate it.

>

>I've had lyme for at least 11 years now (I am 39 and had symptoms in

>my teens, so not quite so sure exacly how long). I've seen an

>alternative doc for I dont know how many years and spent I don't

>know how much money..lol. I've found the best treatment for me so

>far has been plain ol antibiotics and as for the depression, I'm

>still looking. I tried many of the stuff listed on that page with

>the same crummy side effects. There's a couple on that page that I

>want to check out though.

>

>Thanks for the link! I added it to my favorites.

>

>Have a great day!

>Anita

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

hi jeannie

believe it or not, we are all " normal " . we are precisely where we are supposed

to be given our choices.

we are all healthy and sick depending on your chosen point of view.

it is ultimately a matter of where you want to be.

some people say, " i'm so miserable i want to die! " i say, " here's the

revolver. "

because birth and death are the same.

when are " you " here?

to become a master of reality one needs to merely accept this moment completely

without judgement.

now, where do you want to go?

go there, each moment is identical to the next. we are always in the

same situation.

what do you choose to do?

we are all here benefiting from our love. everytime we love ourselves

and the moment

-reality- we are becoming our light and the light to others.

love transcends life and death.

love it unconditionally and you will become it.

strangely enough, hate it and you will become what you hate.

this process of becoming a " master " is slow at first like watching grass grow.

but, the light is there. i see it.

maybe the lyme knocked out some " bad " brain cells!

let's consider i am delusional from lyme. yet i am becoming happier and

more loving to others.

should i bemoan the loss of " sanity " ?

when are you allowed to be happy? what do you want?

are you making the world a better place in your sight?

can you be happy if you are not?

who decides what is better or not? who is your authority?

when are you here...

>Hey Jeannie,

>

>Thanks for sharing! I'm glad I'm not the only one! I can sure

>relate to getting more depressed ! You want to so bad to get better

>and will try anything, get your hopes up, and then get disappointed

>again! SOME day we'll be normal! I noticed that the yeast

>contributes to some of my depression. I need to get more strict

>with my carbs again.

>

>Finally feeling better today, thank goodness.

>Hope everyone can enjoy their weekend.

--

best

william meyer

[Guest guest]

<<<<<some people say, " i'm so miserable i want to die! " i say, " here's

the

revolver. " because birth and death are the same.

when are " you " here?>>>>.

Jeepers, I can't imagine how you would react in a crisis.

Conniek nwnj

When our bodies & minds are out of balance........we suffer!

Leave no stone unturned, research!......The mind is a powerful tool!

[Guest guest]

,

Go with your gut feeling. was put on Neurotin and a few other

Anti Depressant's.

Didn't help but made her worse. What meds is she taking? Your going against

a 13 year old and they have a mind of their own believe me. Forcing her to

take something is not the answer. It's a losing battle. Sit down and talk with

. Ask her about how she feels inside. Have her write down what questions

she has also. When did all this start causing a problem? The Doctor may

need to stop ALL meds and go another route. with another set of meds.

may get to where she will refuse ANY meds because nothing is helping the pain.

Even though the Doctor says it will help. She will feel its a guinea pig

effect. She may even get resentful towards you. So please sit down and talk

with her. Then you use your voice and tell the Doctor. I have went up against

what the Doctor says many times and I am glad I did. I also told the Doctor I

would rather go another route of treatment with . Ultram I have taken

and it doesn't work well with me. A ELder one day told me if I wanted to know

how my child felt with taking Meds then take the childs meds. lololol.

, came right out and said WHY give me medication when it's

not taking care of the Pain. All y'all want me to do is be knocked out on Pain

meds so I sleep. But when I wake up I am in more pain. Honey and I

went through hard times about meds. She still hates medications. I think it's

the Teen stage and dealing with a Disease. But these kid's know what helps and

what don't. So they should be listened to by the Doctor more. use to

take a handful of pills and she told me right out. None of these are helping

me anymore so why take them. She found out 1 of those pills had a side

effect that will go with her the rest of her life.

Robbin

[Guest guest]

- I hate that you are going through this!! It angers me a little that your

pediatrician wants to put her on an anti-depressant. That is not what she needs

unless there is some other pain relief purpose it offers. I am not sure, but

could it be possible that she just didn't respond to the injections? Is she on a

steroid relief. A quick pulse (5-7 days) might be something to consider with her

rheumatologist. It would offer some much needed relief and get her to a spot

that she could function. How long has she been on meds? I think that she needs

more than just the injections - is she on anything?

Tell to hang in there and that she is being very brave. She shouldn't

have to endure some much pain, much less be told her pain isn't real.

Alia and Caroline, age 4, poly and iritis

Evan, 37 weeks

________________________________

From: on behalf of cindy7042300

Sent: Tue 3/14/2006 4:57 PM

Subject: anti-depressants

HI,Again thank-you for yuor thoughts and prayers for . We were

again at the ped today and he wants to put on anti-depressants

to help with her pain management a week out from 8 joint injections

and she still has a fever, racing heart, no joint relief(worse if

anything), rapid respirations and high blood pressure. Dr. says he

thinks all of this is due to pain and anxiety. (13) says he is

not listening to her and doesn't understand znd she does not need anti-

depressants(beleive me I think I need the anti-depressants!ha!ha!)I

then talked to her ped rheumy and she is going to see her on Friday if

she is no better. She also said that her pain medicine(ultram) may be

causing her vitals to be high. I doubt that because ahe was on this

before injections. Does anyone have any experience with any of this?

Also very high platelet count in labs.

[Guest guest]

Hi . I am wondering what kind of antidepressant he is referring to and

also is it primarily for pain relief or is she having issues with anxiety? My

daughter has experience with anxiety and antidepressants, but not specifically

for pain management. Let me know if I can be of any help. Kim

In a message dated 3/14/2006 4:58:28 PM Central Standard Time,

cindy7042300@... writes:

Dr. says he

thinks all of this is due to pain and anxiety.

[Guest guest]

, I use to have joint injections and had the exact result,

Racing heart, High BP, anxiety. My Dr labled the reaction

as " Rushes " . Many of use old-timers may have flash backs when we hear

Rushes. I eventually had to stop all injections because of the

reactions.

I also took Ultram for several years believing there was no danger.

After taking it for about five years I started having too many ups

and down, so decided with my Dr's permossion, to stop taking it.

Wow!!! is all I can say. I thought I would die for about a month. I

had severe chills, depression, nausea, etc. Never felt as bad in my

entire life. It took me a full month to get back to feeling almost

normal. I will NEVER take Ultram again! I say use cautions if

prescribed. Ultram can cause changes in personallity, sleep, diet,

energy, etc.

Don't mean to alarm you, but if you have an alternative, I suggest

trying it first.

>

> HI,Again thank-you for yuor thoughts and prayers for . We

were

> again at the ped today and he wants to put on anti-

depressants

> to help with her pain management a week out from 8 joint injections

> and she still has a fever, racing heart, no joint relief(worse if

> anything), rapid respirations and high blood pressure. Dr. says he

> thinks all of this is due to pain and anxiety. (13) says he

is

> not listening to her and doesn't understand znd she does not need

anti-

> depressants(beleive me I think I need the anti-depressants!ha!ha!)I

> then talked to her ped rheumy and she is going to see her on Friday

if

> she is no better. She also said that her pain medicine(ultram) may

be

> causing her vitals to be high. I doubt that because ahe was on

this

> before injections. Does anyone have any experience with any of

this?

> Also very high platelet count in labs.

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I take elavil at night time to help me sleep, I only take

25 mg of it. I hardly ever have spasms. So maybe that’s helping

me!

C Warren

Co-Founder

www.achalasia.us

From: achalasia

[mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of michelle

Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 12:57 PM

achalasia

Subject: anti-depressants

Hey Everyone - I have been speaking with the

Practioner at my GI's

office about new meds. Usually I just take my protonix every day but

last week I had spasms for about 1 1/2 days. My first thought was to

get some ativan or something to take at night to help me sleep but then

I re-read Deb's famous NCCP post about the anti-depressants and

thought - hey, haven't done that before and a break from spasms would

be very nice.

So, my question to you who have done the same - what kind of side

effects have you had from the anti-D's? The practitioner mentioned

weight gain - don't want that. I've also heard about sexual side

effects from most anti-D's. I think she's going to recommend the

lightest dose of elavil (sp?) for me.

Any thoughts?

Happy Swallowing!

- in Va.

[Guest guest]

Hey - any weight gain issues?

>

> ,

>

> I take elavil at night time to help me sleep, I only take 25 mg of

it. I

> hardly ever have spasms. So maybe that's helping me!

>

>

>

> C Warren

>

> Co-Founder

>

> www.achalasia.us

>

> From: achalasia [mailto:achalasia ]

On Behalf

> Of michelle

> Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 12:57 PM

> achalasia

> Subject: anti-depressants

>

>

>

> Hey Everyone - I have been speaking with the Practioner at my GI's

> office about new meds. Usually I just take my protonix every day

but

> last week I had spasms for about 1 1/2 days. My first thought was

to

> get some ativan or something to take at night to help me sleep but

then

> I re-read Deb's famous NCCP post about the anti-depressants and

> thought - hey, haven't done that before and a break from spasms

would

> be very nice.

> So, my question to you who have done the same - what kind of side

> effects have you had from the anti-D's? The practitioner mentioned

> weight gain - don't want that. I've also heard about sexual side

> effects from most anti-D's. I think she's going to recommend the

> lightest dose of elavil (sp?) for me.

> Any thoughts?

>

> Happy Swallowing!

> - in Va.

>

[Guest guest]

No! None. I weigh 130 and I’m 5’5ish. Been

that way for awhile now.

C Warren

Co-Founder

www.achalasia.us

From: achalasia

[mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of michelle

Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 3:52 PM

achalasia

Subject: Re: anti-depressants

Hey - any weight gain issues?

>

> ,

>

> I take elavil at night time to help me sleep, I only take 25 mg of

it. I

> hardly ever have spasms. So maybe that's helping me!

>

>

>

> C Warren

>

> Co-Founder

>

> www.achalasia.us

>

> From: achalasia

[mailto:achalasia ]

On Behalf

> Of michelle

> Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 12:57 PM

> achalasia

> Subject: anti-depressants

>

>

>

> Hey Everyone - I have been speaking with the Practioner at my GI's

> office about new meds. Usually I just take my protonix every day

but

> last week I had spasms for about 1 1/2 days. My first thought was

to

> get some ativan or something to take at night to help me sleep but

then

> I re-read Deb's famous NCCP post about the anti-depressants and

> thought - hey, haven't done that before and a break from spasms

would

> be very nice.

> So, my question to you who have done the same - what kind of side

> effects have you had from the anti-D's? The practitioner mentioned

> weight gain - don't want that. I've also heard about sexual side

> effects from most anti-D's. I think she's going to recommend the

> lightest dose of elavil (sp?) for me.

> Any thoughts?

>

> Happy Swallowing!

> - in Va.

>

[Guest guest]

--

In talking to a doc a few years ago about weight gain/antidepressants, he said that he wasn't so convinced that it wasn't the "fixing of depression" that caused weight gain (or loss) as a "side effect" of the drug. Some people overeat when depressed, so when treated properly they lose weight b/c they're no longer overeating.... which then gets listed as a "side effect" of the drug when in fact it's a side effect of getting healthy! Similarly, some people lose their appetite when they are depressed, and then they start eating again when their depression subsides, so they gain weight. (Plus I'm sure that there are some drugs that DO cause weight loss or weight gain aside from the treating of the depression.)

What I'm getting at is this -- would you rather take a 15-minute walk around the block every day and be spasm-free (assuming that the drug helps your spasms and causes weight gain), or watch an extra 15 minutes of TV and suffer through spasms? Put that way makes it a bit of a no-brainer, eh? ;o)Elavil is a brand name for Amitriptyline, which is one of the drugs that some people have found helpful for treating NCCPs. It is in the tricyclic family of antidepressants. Nortriptyline is another tricyclic that has been helpful.

Others find that the SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) family works for them -- Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa, etc.

I also had good luck with Wellbutrin (Bupropion), which is a norephinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitor.

Just as when treating depression, the key is to find the drug that works for YOUR PERSONAL brain chemistry. If Amitriptyline doesn't work, try Nortriptyline, if that doesn't work, try an SSRI, etc. Without knowing exactly what's gone haywire w/ the brain's communications, there's no way of knowing exactly which drug is going to help you the most.

Also, while most people find that low doses (even below a typical "low dose") are enough to stop the NCCPs, that may or may not be your experience. As with anything with our stupid disease, every case is different while still being the same. (How's that for a contradiction?)

Also, from personal experience, GO VERY SLOWLY at first and give your body time to react. I know when I was on Paxil, the first two weeks were HORRIBLE -- I actually took a pillow and blanket to work and shut my office door and turned out the light and napped on the floor for my entire lunch hour those first two weeks, I was so drowsy! Then almost like flipping a switch, the third week I wasn't drowsy anymore and took my pillow and blanket home and never brought them back. Lots of people think "it's always gonna be like this" and they quit a new drug before giving their body a chance to get used to it. (With that being said, if you're still sleeping constantly (or whatever side effect you may have) a month after starting the drug, then it's just not the drug for you!) Same for going off a drug -- wean yourself from it over the course of several weeks to avoid withdrawal symptoms. (I took four weeks to gradually reduce my Paxil dosage and never experienced a single problem.)

Hope this helps, feel free to ask any questions that you think I may be able to help with!Debbi in Michigan, aka Pepto-Pink Debbi, aka Debbi with the big long NCCP post

Hey Everyone - I have been speaking with the Practioner at my GI's office about new meds. Usually I just take my protonix every day but last week I had spasms for about 1 1/2 days. My first thought was to get some ativan or something to take at night to help me sleep but then I re-read Deb's famous NCCP post about the anti-depressants and thought - hey, haven't done that before and a break from spasms would be very nice.So, my question to you who have done the same - what kind of side effects have you had from the anti-D's? The practitioner mentioned weight gain - don't want that. I've also heard about sexual side effects from most anti-D's. I think she's going to recommend the lightest dose of elavil (sp?) for me.Any thoughts?Happy Swallowing!- in Va.

[Guest guest]

Debbi,

To true, Welbutrion didn’t work for me at all. It

only made me have nightmares. It didn’t help with the spasms at

all. I didn’t like the way it made me feel, so after 1 month I quit

it and switched to Elavil, works great for me. I take it for sleeping,

but I guess it works for two different things LOL. My NCCP and my sleep

disorder (that they have never been able to figure out)!!!

C Warren

Co-Founder

www.achalasia.us

From:

achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of Debbi

Heiser

Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 10:08 PM

achalasia

Subject: Re: anti-depressants

--

In talking to a doc a few years ago about weight

gain/antidepressants, he said that he wasn't so convinced that it wasn't the

" fixing of depression " that caused weight gain (or loss) as a " side

effect " of the drug. Some people overeat when depressed, so when

treated properly they lose weight b/c they're no longer overeating.... which

then gets listed as a " side effect " of the drug when in fact it's a

side effect of getting healthy! Similarly, some people lose their

appetite when they are depressed, and then they start eating again when their

depression subsides, so they gain weight. (Plus I'm sure that there are

some drugs that DO cause weight loss or weight gain aside from the treating of

the depression.)

What I'm getting at is this -- would you rather take a 15-minute

walk around the block every day and be spasm-free (assuming that the drug helps

your spasms and causes weight gain), or watch an extra 15 minutes of TV and

suffer through spasms? Put that way makes it a bit of a no-brainer,

eh? ;o)

Elavil is a brand name

for Amitriptyline, which is one of the drugs that some people have found

helpful for treating NCCPs. It is in the tricyclic family of

antidepressants. Nortriptyline is another tricyclic that has been

helpful.

Others find that the SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake

inhibitor) family works for them -- Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa,

etc.

I also had good luck with Wellbutrin (Bupropion), which is

a norephinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitor.

Just as when treating depression, the key is to find the drug

that works for YOUR PERSONAL brain chemistry. If Amitriptyline doesn't

work, try Nortriptyline, if that doesn't work, try an SSRI, etc. Without

knowing exactly what's gone haywire w/ the brain's communications, there's no

way of knowing exactly which drug is going to help you the most.

Also, while most people find that low doses (even below a

typical " low dose " ) are enough to stop the NCCPs, that may or may not

be your experience. As with anything with our stupid disease, every case

is different while still being the same. (How's that for a

contradiction?)

Also, from personal experience, GO VERY SLOWLY at first and give

your body time to react. I know when I was on Paxil, the first two weeks

were HORRIBLE -- I actually took a pillow and blanket to work and shut my

office door and turned out the light and napped on the floor for my entire

lunch hour those first two weeks, I was so drowsy! Then almost like

flipping a switch, the third week I wasn't drowsy anymore and took my pillow

and blanket home and never brought them back. Lots of people think

" it's always gonna be like this " and they quit a new drug before

giving their body a chance to get used to it. (With that being said, if

you're still sleeping constantly (or whatever side effect you may have) a month

after starting the drug, then it's just not the drug for you!) Same

for going off a drug -- wean yourself from it over the course of several weeks

to avoid withdrawal symptoms. (I took four weeks to gradually reduce my

Paxil dosage and never experienced a single problem.)

Hope this helps, feel free to ask any questions that you think I

may be able to help with!

Debbi in Michigan, aka

Pepto-Pink Debbi, aka Debbi with the big long NCCP post

Hey Everyone - I have been speaking with the Practioner at my GI's office

about new meds. Usually I just take my protonix every day but last week I had

spasms for about 1 1/2 days. My first thought was to get some ativan or

something to take at night to help me sleep but then I re-read Deb's famous

NCCP post about the anti-depressants and thought - hey, haven't done that

before and a break from spasms would be very nice.

So, my question to you who have done the same - what kind of side effects have

you had from the anti-D's? The practitioner mentioned weight gain - don't want

that. I've also heard about sexual side effects from most anti-D's. I think

she's going to recommend the lightest dose of elavil (sp?) for me.

Any thoughts?

Happy Swallowing!

- in Va.

[Guest guest]

Hi , I am a year and a half post heller/fundo and I take 2

5mg alprazolam (Xanax) every night before bed. It helps me sleep

spasmless all night long. No side effects that I have noticed except

it makes me tired (which is what I want before bed.) Sex drive still

high!!! There is a comfort factor in it too - since I don't have

spasms anymore at night (unless I don't take it for a couple days).

Also, for a quick fix I do the water and crackers like a lot of

others - chug chug gulp gulp. But my 10mg of nifedepine (Procardia)

helps almost immediately especially if I pop the capsule and squeeze

it under my tongue. It also helps me eat a meal by relaxing the

smooth muscle of my E. I have low blood pressure already so I have

to be careful not to take too much or I get dizzy however, that is

the only side effect I have with it. It has gotten better as I have

gotten used to it. The only time I really have trouble is when I am

stressed - then I might take another dose.

To me, they are both wonder drugs as my achalasia is back full blown

without them. As log as they work, I am going to keep using them.

Hope that helps or gives you or the others some ideas.

Happy swallowing to you too!

in Illinois

>

> Hey Everyone - I have been speaking with the Practioner at my GI's

> office about new meds. Usually I just take my protonix every day

but

> last week I had spasms for about 1 1/2 days. My first thought was

to

> get some ativan or something to take at night to help me sleep but

then

> I re-read Deb's famous NCCP post about the anti-depressants and

> thought - hey, haven't done that before and a break from spasms

would

> be very nice.

> So, my question to you who have done the same - what kind of side

> effects have you had from the anti-D's? The practitioner mentioned

> weight gain - don't want that. I've also heard about sexual side

> effects from most anti-D's. I think she's going to recommend the

> lightest dose of elavil (sp?) for me.

> Any thoughts?

>

> Happy Swallowing!

> - in Va.

>

[Guest guest]

I'm fortunate that I don't have problems with my sex drive, but we're all different. I'm on Celexa 40 mg, Remeron ( Mertazepine) 30 mg, which I started when the Celexa felt like it wasn't doing the job as well. Recently I added Ritalin because I didn't have the drive for life that I normally have. It's a wierd feeling that you start to percieve that you are lazy and don't feel you want to do anything, but it actually is a symptom of deppression. I've been on at least a dozen different antideppresants in the last 15 years, some of them never work while others just work for a little while. Believe me when I tell you that you have to keep trying, life is beautiful (of course also painfull sometimes). Think about different antideppresants that work on different receptors such as Serotonin or Nephinefforine (spelling???). It seems that it takes forever to reach the right combination, but it's worth it. One of the best I've ever tried was St s Wort But I always have to stop it when I go back on treatment because of the interactions. Keep a smile on your face.

Sousa

[Guest guest]

I'm fortunate that I don't have problems with my sex drive, but we're all different. I'm on Celexa 40 mg, Remeron ( Mertazepine) 30 mg, which I started when the Celexa felt like it wasn't doing the job as well. Recently I added Ritalin because I didn't have the drive for life that I normally have. It's a wierd feeling that you start to percieve that you are lazy and don't feel you want to do anything, but it actually is a symptom of deppression. I've been on at least a dozen different antideppresants in the last 15 years, some of them never work while others just work for a little while. Believe me when I tell you that you have to keep trying, life is beautiful (of course also painfull sometimes). Think about different antideppresants that work on different receptors such as Serotonin or Nephinefforine (spelling???). It seems that it takes forever to reach the right combination, but it's worth it. One of the best I've ever tried was St s Wort But I always have to stop it when I go back on treatment because of the interactions. Keep a smile on your face.

Sousa

[Guest guest]

That is exactly how I feel now. Like I am just a lazy ass when I have been a go getter all of my life. I just want to stay at home on the sofa. I have been to several Dr.s but have found nothing to help.

In a message dated 1/6/2007 11:50:59 A.M. Central Standard Time, jsousa8946@... writes:

I'm fortunate that I don't have problems with my sex drive, but we're all different. I'm on Celexa 40 mg, Remeron ( Mertazepine) 30 mg, which I started when the Celexa felt like it wasn't doing the job as well. Recently I added Ritalin because I didn't have the drive for life that I normally have. It's a wierd feeling that you start to percieve that you are lazy and don't feel you want to do anything, but it actually is a symptom of deppression. I've been on at least a dozen different antideppresants in the last 15 years, some of them never work while others just work for a little while. Believe me when I tell you that you have to keep trying, life is beautiful (of course also painfull sometimes). Think about different antideppresants that work on different receptors such as Serotonin or Nephinefforine (spelling???). It seems that it takes forever to reach the right combination, but it's worth it. One of the best I've ever tried was St s Wort But I always have to stop it when I go back on treatment because of the interactions. Keep a smile on your face.

Sousa