Question:
May I ask dosage? Grant seemed VERY loopy, disoriented and wobbly on it. Karen
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats? > Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying behaviors > and to treat interstitial cystitis (irritated bladder – Elavil is commonly used > for this purpose in people, too). Our female cat has been on Elavil for several > years now. She both had chronic urinary tract infections (several contrast > x-rays etc. done to rule out possible causes) and sprayed around the house. The > Elavil has stopped both the infections (well, they’re very rare versus every > other month) and the spraying. It has absolutely no effect on her personality > or energy level. When we first started her on it, she seemed unusually calm & > quiet but I wouldn’t say sedated. Now she is very happy, and so are we. We & > our vet are still not sure if the drug works by changing her brain chemistry or > by soothing her bladder wall. Either way, it is a chemical her body needs for > her to enjoy a good quality of life, so I don’t have any problem with keeping > her on the medication. > Michelle & Roxie et al.
Response:
>How long was your cat on the Elavil before you noticed a difference in her?
It’s been a while now, but I think we noticed some improvement pretty quickly. The vet tried her on Buspar first, which had no effect, and Prozac,which zonked her out. We think the Elavil both soothes her bladder and calms her kitty soul. She was unusually calm & quiet but not sedated at first, but with a constant level maintained, she’s perfectly normal & happy. Still quite the huntress (catches voles & moles even on a harness). Michelle
Response:
>May I ask dosage? Grant seemed VERY loopy, disoriented and wobbly on it.
Roxie is supposed to get 5 mg/day …I give her a 10 mg pill every other day so I don’t have to cut them (they are so incredibly bitter/foul tasting, it isn’t worth the effort). I know some folks on the group use an ear cream, which would probably let you customize the amount given. Every cat is unique, though – Roxie never acted loopy, disoriented, or wobbly, so you might want to talk with your vet. Michelle
Response:
That is what Grant was prescribed but I’m telling you he was loopy. Grant weighs 13 lbs. Hmm. Thanks for the info. Karen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> 10 mg, but the pill is split in half, once daily (so 5mg). Cocoa is 9 lbs > and seems a little dopey, but she’s only had him on it for a few days. > May I ask dosage? Grant seemed VERY loopy, disoriented and wobbly on it. > Karen > > >can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats? > > Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying > behaviors
Response:
Excellent site, Sue, thank you very much!
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Here’s some info I found: > http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=1377 > Hope this helps. > Sue > Do you know much about this drug? I’m a little confused in wondering if > Amytriptilline is the drug name and Amitriptylin(e) is the name on the > bottle, because I’ve seen it spelled both ways in the same article.
Response:
> can someone tell me why this would be used in cats? It’s an antidepressant > in humans. > tks!
Hi Karen, I know that it’s main use is as an antidepressant. I have Multiple Sclerosis, and I am prescribed it because it actually calms down my nervous system. Cheers Sue
Response:
She actually has 20 cats (all strays that get regular veterinary care (free, if you can believe any veterinarian would do that!!!), all altered, however, there are three that seem to be fighting for alpha male status. Two of them are still a little wild in that it’s extremely difficult to get them into a carrier to get them to the vet, and we’ve discovered once we get them into a live trap once, they’re never going to let it happen again. lol. Coco, however, has been to many different vets many different times, and all have ruled out any urinary infection of any type, so it’s deemed to be ‘territorial spraying’. She was at her wits end as when Coco marked, Polar and Taz would have to come and spray over him, so when this was finally suggested as a last resort, she figured it was the only thing she could do. How long was your cat on the Elavil before you noticed a difference in her?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats? > Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying behaviors > and to treat interstitial cystitis (irritated bladder – Elavil is commonly used > for this purpose in people, too). Our female cat has been on Elavil for several > years now. She both had chronic urinary tract infections (several contrast
Response:
10 mg, but the pill is split in half, once daily (so 5mg). Cocoa is 9 lbs and seems a little dopey, but she’s only had him on it for a few days.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> May I ask dosage? Grant seemed VERY loopy, disoriented and wobbly on it. > Karen > >can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats? > Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying > behaviors
Response:
Elavil is a brand name, the generic is amytriptiline (I’m not sure of the spelling ). I think that it only has to do with whether you prefer Greek or Latin spelling. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats? > Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying behaviors > and to treat interstitial cystitis (irritated bladder – Elavil is commonly used > for this purpose in people, too). Our female cat has been on Elavil for several > years now. She both had chronic urinary tract infections (several contrast > x-rays etc. done to rule out possible causes) and sprayed around the house. The > Elavil has stopped both the infections (well, they’re very rare versus every > other month) and the spraying. It has absolutely no effect on her personality > or energy level. When we first started her on it, she seemed unusually calm & > quiet but I wouldn’t say sedated. Now she is very happy, and so are we. We & > our vet are still not sure if the drug works by changing her brain chemistry or > by soothing her bladder wall. Either way, it is a chemical her body needs for > her to enjoy a good quality of life, so I don’t have any problem with keeping > her on the medication. > Michelle & Roxie et al.
Response:
>can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats?
Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying behaviors and to treat interstitial cystitis (irritated bladder – Elavil is commonly used for this purpose in people, too). Our female cat has been on Elavil for several years now. She both had chronic urinary tract infections (several contrast x-rays etc. done to rule out possible causes) and sprayed around the house. The Elavil has stopped both the infections (well, they’re very rare versus every other month) and the spraying. It has absolutely no effect on her personality or energy level. When we first started her on it, she seemed unusually calm & quiet but I wouldn’t say sedated. Now she is very happy, and so are we. We & our vet are still not sure if the drug works by changing her brain chemistry or by soothing her bladder wall. Either way, it is a chemical her body needs for her to enjoy a good quality of life, so I don’t have any problem with keeping her on the medication. Michelle & Roxie et al.
Response:
Here’s some info I found: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=1377 Hope this helps. Sue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Do you know much about this drug? I’m a little confused in wondering if > Amytriptilline is the drug name and Amitriptylin(e) is the name on the > bottle, because I’ve seen it spelled both ways in the same article. Also, > do you know if it is prescribed in territorial spraying matters to chill > them out a bit so they won’t be so territorial, or does it drug them up so > much that they can’t or just don’t care? This makes a big difference to me > as I know that antidepressants fix up (or change) the chemicals in the > brain, and sometimes have an anti-anxiety ingredient thrown in, whereas > stuff like valium or diazepam just dopes ‘em up. I’d rather the former. 
> Thanks for any info! > moi > It’s used to treat cats that inappropriately eliminate outside their > litterboxes and for some obsessive-compulsive behaviors. > Sue in > > can someone tell me why this would be used in cats? It’s an > antidepressant > > in humans. > > tks!
Response:
PM: > Do you know much about this drug? I’m a little confused in wondering if > Amytriptilline is the drug name and Amitriptylin(e) is the name on the > bottle, because I’ve seen it spelled both ways in the same article. Also, > do you know if it is prescribed in territorial spraying matters to chill > them out a bit so they won’t be so territorial, or does it drug them up so > much that they can’t or just don’t care? This makes a big difference to me > as I know that antidepressants fix up (or change) the chemicals in the > brain, and sometimes have an anti-anxiety ingredient thrown in, whereas > stuff like valium or diazepam just dopes ‘em up. I’d rather the former. > Thanks for any info! > moi
What my understanding is, is that if a cat is spraying due to urethral or bladder cystitis of any kind, they use this drug. It *seems* to have properties that help the condition of chronic pain. It is used the same way in humans with Interstitial Cystitis. However, it is not *known* for sure that this is really helping the condition. If you have a cat that is spraying, it is most important to have him checked by a vet. There are other possibilities too, in spraying. What article are you referring to? Go on to the web and look up FUS and FLUTD. I think you will learn what you want from reading those articles. Karen
Response:
can someone tell me why this would be used in cats? It’s an antidepressant in humans. tks!
Response:
It’s used to treat cats that inappropriately eliminate outside their litterboxes and for some obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Sue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> can someone tell me why this would be used in cats? It’s an antidepressant > in humans. > tks!
Response:
Do you know much about this drug? I’m a little confused in wondering if Amytriptilline is the drug name and Amitriptylin(e) is the name on the bottle, because I’ve seen it spelled both ways in the same article. Also, do you know if it is prescribed in territorial spraying matters to chill them out a bit so they won’t be so territorial, or does it drug them up so much that they can’t or just don’t care? This makes a big difference to me as I know that antidepressants fix up (or change) the chemicals in the brain, and sometimes have an anti-anxiety ingredient thrown in, whereas stuff like valium or diazepam just dopes ‘em up. I’d rather the former. Thanks for any info! moi
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It’s used to treat cats that inappropriately eliminate outside their > litterboxes and for some obsessive-compulsive behaviors. > Sue > can someone tell me why this would be used in cats? It’s an antidepressant > in humans. > tks!
Response:
May I ask dosage? Grant seemed VERY loopy, disoriented and wobbly on it. Karen
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats? > Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying behaviors > and to treat interstitial cystitis (irritated bladder – Elavil is commonly used > for this purpose in people, too). Our female cat has been on Elavil for several > years now. She both had chronic urinary tract infections (several contrast > x-rays etc. done to rule out possible causes) and sprayed around the house. The > Elavil has stopped both the infections (well, they’re very rare versus every > other month) and the spraying. It has absolutely no effect on her personality > or energy level. When we first started her on it, she seemed unusually calm & > quiet but I wouldn’t say sedated. Now she is very happy, and so are we. We & > our vet are still not sure if the drug works by changing her brain chemistry or > by soothing her bladder wall. Either way, it is a chemical her body needs for > her to enjoy a good quality of life, so I don’t have any problem with keeping > her on the medication. > Michelle & Roxie et al.
Response:
>How long was your cat on the Elavil before you noticed a difference in her?
It’s been a while now, but I think we noticed some improvement pretty quickly. The vet tried her on Buspar first, which had no effect, and Prozac,which zonked her out. We think the Elavil both soothes her bladder and calms her kitty soul. She was unusually calm & quiet but not sedated at first, but with a constant level maintained, she’s perfectly normal & happy. Still quite the huntress (catches voles & moles even on a harness). Michelle
Response:
>May I ask dosage? Grant seemed VERY loopy, disoriented and wobbly on it.
Roxie is supposed to get 5 mg/day …I give her a 10 mg pill every other day so I don’t have to cut them (they are so incredibly bitter/foul tasting, it isn’t worth the effort). I know some folks on the group use an ear cream, which would probably let you customize the amount given. Every cat is unique, though – Roxie never acted loopy, disoriented, or wobbly, so you might want to talk with your vet. Michelle
Response:
That is what Grant was prescribed but I’m telling you he was loopy. Grant weighs 13 lbs. Hmm. Thanks for the info. Karen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> 10 mg, but the pill is split in half, once daily (so 5mg). Cocoa is 9 lbs > and seems a little dopey, but she’s only had him on it for a few days. > May I ask dosage? Grant seemed VERY loopy, disoriented and wobbly on it. > Karen > > >can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats? > > Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying > behaviors
Response:
Excellent site, Sue, thank you very much!
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Here’s some info I found: > http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=1377 > Hope this helps. > Sue > Do you know much about this drug? I’m a little confused in wondering if > Amytriptilline is the drug name and Amitriptylin(e) is the name on the > bottle, because I’ve seen it spelled both ways in the same article.
Response:
> can someone tell me why this would be used in cats? It’s an antidepressant > in humans. > tks!
Hi Karen, I know that it’s main use is as an antidepressant. I have Multiple Sclerosis, and I am prescribed it because it actually calms down my nervous system. Cheers Sue
Response:
She actually has 20 cats (all strays that get regular veterinary care (free, if you can believe any veterinarian would do that!!!), all altered, however, there are three that seem to be fighting for alpha male status. Two of them are still a little wild in that it’s extremely difficult to get them into a carrier to get them to the vet, and we’ve discovered once we get them into a live trap once, they’re never going to let it happen again. lol. Coco, however, has been to many different vets many different times, and all have ruled out any urinary infection of any type, so it’s deemed to be ‘territorial spraying’. She was at her wits end as when Coco marked, Polar and Taz would have to come and spray over him, so when this was finally suggested as a last resort, she figured it was the only thing she could do. How long was your cat on the Elavil before you noticed a difference in her?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats? > Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying behaviors > and to treat interstitial cystitis (irritated bladder – Elavil is commonly used > for this purpose in people, too). Our female cat has been on Elavil for several > years now. She both had chronic urinary tract infections (several contrast
Response:
10 mg, but the pill is split in half, once daily (so 5mg). Cocoa is 9 lbs and seems a little dopey, but she’s only had him on it for a few days.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> May I ask dosage? Grant seemed VERY loopy, disoriented and wobbly on it. > Karen > >can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats? > Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying > behaviors
Response:
Elavil is a brand name, the generic is amytriptiline (I’m not sure of the spelling ). I think that it only has to do with whether you prefer Greek or Latin spelling. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats? > Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying behaviors > and to treat interstitial cystitis (irritated bladder – Elavil is commonly used > for this purpose in people, too). Our female cat has been on Elavil for several > years now. She both had chronic urinary tract infections (several contrast > x-rays etc. done to rule out possible causes) and sprayed around the house. The > Elavil has stopped both the infections (well, they’re very rare versus every > other month) and the spraying. It has absolutely no effect on her personality > or energy level. When we first started her on it, she seemed unusually calm & > quiet but I wouldn’t say sedated. Now she is very happy, and so are we. We & > our vet are still not sure if the drug works by changing her brain chemistry or > by soothing her bladder wall. Either way, it is a chemical her body needs for > her to enjoy a good quality of life, so I don’t have any problem with keeping > her on the medication. > Michelle & Roxie et al.
Response:
>can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats?
Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying behaviors and to treat interstitial cystitis (irritated bladder – Elavil is commonly used for this purpose in people, too). Our female cat has been on Elavil for several years now. She both had chronic urinary tract infections (several contrast x-rays etc. done to rule out possible causes) and sprayed around the house. The Elavil has stopped both the infections (well, they’re very rare versus every other month) and the spraying. It has absolutely no effect on her personality or energy level. When we first started her on it, she seemed unusually calm & quiet but I wouldn’t say sedated. Now she is very happy, and so are we. We & our vet are still not sure if the drug works by changing her brain chemistry or by soothing her bladder wall. Either way, it is a chemical her body needs for her to enjoy a good quality of life, so I don’t have any problem with keeping her on the medication. Michelle & Roxie et al.
Response:
Here’s some info I found: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=1377 Hope this helps. Sue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Do you know much about this drug? I’m a little confused in wondering if > Amytriptilline is the drug name and Amitriptylin(e) is the name on the > bottle, because I’ve seen it spelled both ways in the same article. Also, > do you know if it is prescribed in territorial spraying matters to chill > them out a bit so they won’t be so territorial, or does it drug them up so > much that they can’t or just don’t care? This makes a big difference to me > as I know that antidepressants fix up (or change) the chemicals in the > brain, and sometimes have an anti-anxiety ingredient thrown in, whereas > stuff like valium or diazepam just dopes ‘em up. I’d rather the former. > Thanks for any info! > moi > It’s used to treat cats that inappropriately eliminate outside their > litterboxes and for some obsessive-compulsive behaviors. > Sue in > > can someone tell me why this would be used in cats? It’s an > antidepressant > > in humans. > > tks!
Response:
PM: > Do you know much about this drug? I’m a little confused in wondering if > Amytriptilline is the drug name and Amitriptylin(e) is the name on the > bottle, because I’ve seen it spelled both ways in the same article. Also, > do you know if it is prescribed in territorial spraying matters to chill > them out a bit so they won’t be so territorial, or does it drug them up so > much that they can’t or just don’t care? This makes a big difference to me > as I know that antidepressants fix up (or change) the chemicals in the > brain, and sometimes have an anti-anxiety ingredient thrown in, whereas > stuff like valium or diazepam just dopes ‘em up. I’d rather the former. > Thanks for any info! > moi
What my understanding is, is that if a cat is spraying due to urethral or bladder cystitis of any kind, they use this drug. It *seems* to have properties that help the condition of chronic pain. It is used the same way in humans with Interstitial Cystitis. However, it is not *known* for sure that this is really helping the condition. If you have a cat that is spraying, it is most important to have him checked by a vet. There are other possibilities too, in spraying. What article are you referring to? Go on to the web and look up FUS and FLUTD. I think you will learn what you want from reading those articles. Karen
Response:
can someone tell me why this would be used in cats? It’s an antidepressant in humans. tks!
Response:
It’s used to treat cats that inappropriately eliminate outside their litterboxes and for some obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Sue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> can someone tell me why this would be used in cats? It’s an antidepressant > in humans. > tks!
Response:
Do you know much about this drug? I’m a little confused in wondering if Amytriptilline is the drug name and Amitriptylin(e) is the name on the bottle, because I’ve seen it spelled both ways in the same article. Also, do you know if it is prescribed in territorial spraying matters to chill them out a bit so they won’t be so territorial, or does it drug them up so much that they can’t or just don’t care? This makes a big difference to me as I know that antidepressants fix up (or change) the chemicals in the brain, and sometimes have an anti-anxiety ingredient thrown in, whereas stuff like valium or diazepam just dopes ‘em up. I’d rather the former. Thanks for any info! moi
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It’s used to treat cats that inappropriately eliminate outside their > litterboxes and for some obsessive-compulsive behaviors. > Sue > can someone tell me why this would be used in cats? It’s an antidepressant > in humans. > tks!
Response:
May I ask dosage? Grant seemed VERY loopy, disoriented and wobbly on it. Karen
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats? > Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying behaviors > and to treat interstitial cystitis (irritated bladder – Elavil is commonly used > for this purpose in people, too). Our female cat has been on Elavil for several > years now. She both had chronic urinary tract infections (several contrast > x-rays etc. done to rule out possible causes) and sprayed around the house. The > Elavil has stopped both the infections (well, they’re very rare versus every > other month) and the spraying. It has absolutely no effect on her personality > or energy level. When we first started her on it, she seemed unusually calm & > quiet but I wouldn’t say sedated. Now she is very happy, and so are we. We & > our vet are still not sure if the drug works by changing her brain chemistry or > by soothing her bladder wall. Either way, it is a chemical her body needs for > her to enjoy a good quality of life, so I don’t have any problem with keeping > her on the medication. > Michelle & Roxie et al.
Response:
>How long was your cat on the Elavil before you noticed a difference in her?
It’s been a while now, but I think we noticed some improvement pretty quickly. The vet tried her on Buspar first, which had no effect, and Prozac,which zonked her out. We think the Elavil both soothes her bladder and calms her kitty soul. She was unusually calm & quiet but not sedated at first, but with a constant level maintained, she’s perfectly normal & happy. Still quite the huntress (catches voles & moles even on a harness). Michelle
Response:
>May I ask dosage? Grant seemed VERY loopy, disoriented and wobbly on it.
Roxie is supposed to get 5 mg/day …I give her a 10 mg pill every other day so I don’t have to cut them (they are so incredibly bitter/foul tasting, it isn’t worth the effort). I know some folks on the group use an ear cream, which would probably let you customize the amount given. Every cat is unique, though – Roxie never acted loopy, disoriented, or wobbly, so you might want to talk with your vet. Michelle
Response:
That is what Grant was prescribed but I’m telling you he was loopy. Grant weighs 13 lbs. Hmm. Thanks for the info. Karen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> 10 mg, but the pill is split in half, once daily (so 5mg). Cocoa is 9 lbs > and seems a little dopey, but she’s only had him on it for a few days. > May I ask dosage? Grant seemed VERY loopy, disoriented and wobbly on it. > Karen > > >can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats? > > Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying > behaviors
Response:
Excellent site, Sue, thank you very much!
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Here’s some info I found: > http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=1377 > Hope this helps. > Sue > Do you know much about this drug? I’m a little confused in wondering if > Amytriptilline is the drug name and Amitriptylin(e) is the name on the > bottle, because I’ve seen it spelled both ways in the same article.
Response:
> can someone tell me why this would be used in cats? It’s an antidepressant > in humans. > tks!
Hi Karen, I know that it’s main use is as an antidepressant. I have Multiple Sclerosis, and I am prescribed it because it actually calms down my nervous system. Cheers Sue
Response:
She actually has 20 cats (all strays that get regular veterinary care (free, if you can believe any veterinarian would do that!!!), all altered, however, there are three that seem to be fighting for alpha male status. Two of them are still a little wild in that it’s extremely difficult to get them into a carrier to get them to the vet, and we’ve discovered once we get them into a live trap once, they’re never going to let it happen again. lol. Coco, however, has been to many different vets many different times, and all have ruled out any urinary infection of any type, so it’s deemed to be ‘territorial spraying’. She was at her wits end as when Coco marked, Polar and Taz would have to come and spray over him, so when this was finally suggested as a last resort, she figured it was the only thing she could do. How long was your cat on the Elavil before you noticed a difference in her?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats? > Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying behaviors > and to treat interstitial cystitis (irritated bladder – Elavil is commonly used > for this purpose in people, too). Our female cat has been on Elavil for several > years now. She both had chronic urinary tract infections (several contrast
Response:
10 mg, but the pill is split in half, once daily (so 5mg). Cocoa is 9 lbs and seems a little dopey, but she’s only had him on it for a few days.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> May I ask dosage? Grant seemed VERY loopy, disoriented and wobbly on it. > Karen > >can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats? > Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying > behaviors
Response:
Elavil is a brand name, the generic is amytriptiline (I’m not sure of the spelling ). I think that it only has to do with whether you prefer Greek or Latin spelling. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats? > Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying behaviors > and to treat interstitial cystitis (irritated bladder – Elavil is commonly used > for this purpose in people, too). Our female cat has been on Elavil for several > years now. She both had chronic urinary tract infections (several contrast > x-rays etc. done to rule out possible causes) and sprayed around the house. The > Elavil has stopped both the infections (well, they’re very rare versus every > other month) and the spraying. It has absolutely no effect on her personality > or energy level. When we first started her on it, she seemed unusually calm & > quiet but I wouldn’t say sedated. Now she is very happy, and so are we. We & > our vet are still not sure if the drug works by changing her brain chemistry or > by soothing her bladder wall. Either way, it is a chemical her body needs for > her to enjoy a good quality of life, so I don’t have any problem with keeping > her on the medication. > Michelle & Roxie et al.
Response:
>can someone tell me why this would be >used in cats?
Elavil (amiltriptylin) is used both to eliminate unwanted spraying behaviors and to treat interstitial cystitis (irritated bladder – Elavil is commonly used for this purpose in people, too). Our female cat has been on Elavil for several years now. She both had chronic urinary tract infections (several contrast x-rays etc. done to rule out possible causes) and sprayed around the house. The Elavil has stopped both the infections (well, they’re very rare versus every other month) and the spraying. It has absolutely no effect on her personality or energy level. When we first started her on it, she seemed unusually calm & quiet but I wouldn’t say sedated. Now she is very happy, and so are we. We & our vet are still not sure if the drug works by changing her brain chemistry or by soothing her bladder wall. Either way, it is a chemical her body needs for her to enjoy a good quality of life, so I don’t have any problem with keeping her on the medication. Michelle & Roxie et al.
Response:
Here’s some info I found: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=1377 Hope this helps. Sue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Do you know much about this drug? I’m a little confused in wondering if > Amytriptilline is the drug name and Amitriptylin(e) is the name on the > bottle, because I’ve seen it spelled both ways in the same article. Also, > do you know if it is prescribed in territorial spraying matters to chill > them out a bit so they won’t be so territorial, or does it drug them up so > much that they can’t or just don’t care? This makes a big difference to me > as I know that antidepressants fix up (or change) the chemicals in the > brain, and sometimes have an anti-anxiety ingredient thrown in, whereas > stuff like valium or diazepam just dopes ‘em up. I’d rather the former. > Thanks for any info! > moi > It’s used to treat cats that inappropriately eliminate outside their > litterboxes and for some obsessive-compulsive behaviors. > Sue in > > can someone tell me why this would be used in cats? It’s an > antidepressant > > in humans. > > tks!
Response:
PM: > Do you know much about this drug? I’m a little confused in wondering if > Amytriptilline is the drug name and Amitriptylin(e) is the name on the > bottle, because I’ve seen it spelled both ways in the same article. Also, > do you know if it is prescribed in territorial spraying matters to chill > them out a bit so they won’t be so territorial, or does it drug them up so > much that they can’t or just don’t care? This makes a big difference to me > as I know that antidepressants fix up (or change) the chemicals in the > brain, and sometimes have an anti-anxiety ingredient thrown in, whereas > stuff like valium or diazepam just dopes ‘em up. I’d rather the former. > Thanks for any info! > moi
What my understanding is, is that if a cat is spraying due to urethral or bladder cystitis of any kind, they use this drug. It *seems* to have properties that help the condition of chronic pain. It is used the same way in humans with Interstitial Cystitis. However, it is not *known* for sure that this is really helping the condition. If you have a cat that is spraying, it is most important to have him checked by a vet. There are other possibilities too, in spraying. What article are you referring to? Go on to the web and look up FUS and FLUTD. I think you will learn what you want from reading those articles. Karen
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can someone tell me why this would be used in cats? It’s an antidepressant in humans. tks!
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It’s used to treat cats that inappropriately eliminate outside their litterboxes and for some obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Sue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> can someone tell me why this would be used in cats? It’s an antidepressant > in humans. > tks!
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Do you know much about this drug? I’m a little confused in wondering if Amytriptilline is the drug name and Amitriptylin(e) is the name on the bottle, because I’ve seen it spelled both ways in the same article. Also, do you know if it is prescribed in territorial spraying matters to chill them out a bit so they won’t be so territorial, or does it drug them up so much that they can’t or just don’t care? This makes a big difference to me as I know that antidepressants fix up (or change) the chemicals in the brain, and sometimes have an anti-anxiety ingredient thrown in, whereas stuff like valium or diazepam just dopes ‘em up. I’d rather the former. Thanks for any info! moi
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It’s used to treat cats that inappropriately eliminate outside their > litterboxes and for some obsessive-compulsive behaviors. > Sue > can someone tell me why this would be used in cats? It’s an antidepressant > in humans. > tks!
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July 16, 2002
Question:
I have had problems sleeping for 5.5 years now. 3.5 years ago I saw an doctor for the first time about it. This is the storry so far: – 3.5 to 1.0 year ago: 50mg Vallergan (antihistamine) – 1.0 to 0.8 year ago: 40mg Surmontil (Trimipramine) and 30mg Vallergan – 0.8 to 0.5 year ago: 30mg Vallergan – 0.5 to 0.1 year ago: 20mg Prozac and 20mg Vallergan – 0.1 till now: 150mg Dothiepin (tricyclic with anti-anxiety properties) Without medication I have problems both getting to sleep and maintaining sleep. With medication I usually only have problems with too early awakening, without being able to get back to sleep. I guess I average about 5 hours sleep a night with medication, with about one really bad night a week. The Vallergan has allways worked in a way, but it’s not the "ultimate solution" of course. I used Surmontil for 3 months. The only thing it gave me, was irregular heart-rhythms. The only thing Prozac gave me, was decreased libido. 3 weeks ago I had a long talk with my doctor, and she "decided" anxiety is the most probable cause for my insomnia. I was then given Dothiepin, a tricyclic with anti-anxiety properties used widely in UK, and I finally ditched the Vallergan. I didn’t notice any sedation at all from the initial 75mg dose, so after a week it was upped to 150mg. The first 5 days on 150mg I slept better than I have done for ages. The week after that (till today) I haven’t slept good at all, though. I can still feel the sedation coming on, but I wake up way too early. If I wake up after 4 hours of sleep, or 5 hours after I took the 150mg of Dothiepin, I don’t feel sedated. So, it seems the sedation isn’t lasting long enough. 150mg is the maximum dose of Dothiepin outside hospital, so it can’t be upped. I’m a 183cm/100kg "Tyson-built" male. In 2 weeks time I will go on a holiday-trip. The last 5 years all my holiday-trips have largely been spoilt by insomnia, and now it seems like this one too will be of the half man-half zombie variety. What can I do? The Dothiepin was prescribed because it should help both insomnia and anxiety. Now, it doesn’t seem to help me much regarding insomnia, and it’s probably too early to tell what effects it will have on my anxiety. 3 weeks isn’t enough for most people? I have read, mostly on newsgroups, that Trazodone is by far the most sedating antidepressant. I have also read that the anti-anxiety effects of Dothiepin is very small/weak compared to Paxil, Xanax and more "specialized" stuff like that. So, I’m thinking that I should have Trazodone in the evening and fx. Paxil in the morning. What do you think? This would be bad because it means quitting Dothiepin before it has even got the chance to show what good it can do. I’m also going to counseling (for the first time) in a few days. I don’t think it will be in time to "save" my holiday, though.
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July 15, 2002
Question:
I have had bipolar disease all my life. I was finally diagnosed in 1998 and since that time I have run the gambot of medications to try to find one (or a cocktail) that makes me feel and act normal. I have finally done so. I am on Seroquel (this is the one that makes me feel normal), Neurontin (Mainly for my nerve pain and migraines), imipramine (a tricyclic, old drug, mainly for my IBS), 0.5 mg of Klonopin a day (mainly for sleep but it along with the Seroquel keeps me from having anxiety). I am very happy with this cocktail. I hope everyone else keeps trying and has a pdoc as up-to-date as mine is. Bless.
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Boy, you’re sure right on about trying to find the right "mix" to get some relief. After being suicidal for weeks (and really, really depressed) and losing 26 pounds in 8 weeks, I finally got smart enought (by accident, I’m sure) to go se my Doc and get my meds adjusted. He doubled me up on the Wellbutrin and prescribed Xanex. Man, I’d been in such a downward spiral for so long the difference, after taking the new meds, has been astonishing!! I actually feel like I have a future now and the suicidal thoughts are gone completely. I was able to get my divorce filed and tons of other stuff that I’d been putting off. My house was a mess, I literally hadn’t left the couch for 2 months. You know,my mother fought depression her whole life and they didn’t know as much about it in the 60’s as they do now. If they had, she would have had a much higher quality of life. I still don’t understad why some folks hesitate to take meds for depression or why, after they are on them for awhile they seem to want to quit taking them I had 2 suicide attempts last year and the meds (and some really good therapy) literally saved my life. You couldn’t get the meds away from me. I feel "NORMAL" for the first time in years and years. Good luck to you. Michael McCammon Portland, Oregon
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July 6, 2002
Question:
Could someone compare the different SSRI medications–what differences are there in their intended positive effects, and what differences are there in their side effects, including negative ones? What factors would tend to make a doctor choose one over the other, for a particular patient? If anyone knows of any web sites that show comparisons of these meds, I would be interested in seeing the URLS. Thank you.
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www.mentalhealth.com has a lot of useful, relevant info. Bri — Om mani p
July 4, 2002
Question:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > According "Vetinfo.com" (http://www.vetinfo.com/dthunder.html#Thunderstorm > Anxiety) > the most common recommendations for thunderstorm anxiety are Rescue > Remedy ™, which I think is also called Calming Essence ™ and Bach > flower remedies. > How successful these treatments are probably depends on who you ask, but they > are safe to try. > Melatonin, 0.1mg/kg once or twice daily, used during the thunderstorm > season in conjunction with amitriptyline 3mg/kg every 12 hours, may be > helpful, as well, based on a case report in the AVMA Journal by Dr. Linda > Aronson from Jan 1999. > Sometimes it is also helpful to put the dog in a small room with a LOUD fan. > (white sound) can often be helpful. > The main thing is be sure the dog cannot get out because it would be > heartbreaking to have him panic and bolt and maybe get lost. Old dogs > sometimes > have hearing loss that prevents them from knowing which DIRECTION a sound is > coming from. This can be quite stressful to them because their eyes are often > failing and maybe even sense of smell so that all means fear of what is now > the > ‘unknown’. > Good luck with your old friend. Try the ideas I mentioned here and I hope one > works.
I sound like a Benadryl salesman here lately, but our vet suggested we give that a try. We give our 57 lb dog one pill when she starts getting worked up over thunder and it has calmed her so well we can’t believe it. Due to all of our allergies, we always have a supply of the generic variety in stock around here.
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According "Vetinfo.com" (http://www.vetinfo.com/dthunder.html#Thunderstorm Anxiety) the most common recommendations for thunderstorm anxiety are Rescue Remedy ™, which I think is also called Calming Essence ™ and Bach flower remedies. How successful these treatments are probably depends on who you ask, but they are safe to try. Melatonin, 0.1mg/kg once or twice daily, used during the thunderstorm season in conjunction with amitriptyline 3mg/kg every 12 hours, may be helpful, as well, based on a case report in the AVMA Journal by Dr. Linda Aronson from Jan 1999. Sometimes it is also helpful to put the dog in a small room with a LOUD fan. (white sound) can often be helpful. The main thing is be sure the dog cannot get out because it would be heartbreaking to have him panic and bolt and maybe get lost. Old dogs sometimes have hearing loss that prevents them from knowing which DIRECTION a sound is coming from. This can be quite stressful to them because their eyes are often failing and maybe even sense of smell so that all means fear of what is now the ‘unknown’. Good luck with your old friend. Try the ideas I mentioned here and I hope one works.
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Our 11 year old lab never used to be bothered by thunderstorms until the past month. Now he goes into a panic when he hears thunder and is driving us crazy. Any ideas on how to calm him down? Jamie
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June 27, 2002
Question:
I am on Remeron for about 3 weeks, But it don’t seem to be helping my depression. I have also on lithium to augment the effect of Remeron. Any Help?
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: I am on Remeron for about 3 weeks, But it don’t seem to be helping my : depression. I have also on lithium to augment the effect of Remeron. Any : Help? Dose?
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> I am on Remeron for about 3 weeks, But it don’t seem to be helping my > depression. I have also on lithium to augment the effect of Remeron. Any > Help?
I’ve had great results with Zoloft 100mg, though I wasn’t bipolar. — Regards, .
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Aloha, Just curious about folks experience with Remeron. I have taken s.s.r.i’s off and on for ten yrs. Started having more migraine headaches that would not respond well to medication. Keep switching anti-depessants to find one that won’t cause more headaches. Thanks for you thoughts on this. And you might email me directly at
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Hi Larry and Welcome to the ng, > Just curious about folks experience with Remeron. I have taken > s.s.r.i’s off and on for ten yrs. Started having more migraine > headaches that would not respond well to medication. Keep switching > anti-depessants to find one that won’t cause more headaches. Thanks > for you thoughts on this. And you might email me directly at
Headache is not listed as a side effect for Remeron: CNS: Somnolence, dizziness, activation of mania or hypomania, > suicidal ideation, sedation, drowsiness, abnormal dreams, abnormal > thinking, tremor, confusion, hypesthesia, apathy, depression, > hypokinesia, vertigo, twitching, agitation, anxiety, amnesia, > hyperkinesia, paresthesia, ataxia, delirium, delusions, > depersonalization, dyskinesia, extrapyramidal syndrome, increased > libido, abnormal coordination, dysarthria, hallucinations, neurosis, > dystonia, hostility, increased reflexes, emotional lability, euphoria, > paranoid reaction.
Hope this AD will be effective for you. Peace, Lynda
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Hello all, I like to learn much about Remeron. could you help me out by suggesting websites? I found something about it on RxList.
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http://biopsychiatry.com/mirtaz.html http://www.druginfonet.com/faq/faqremer.htm http://www.neuropharmacology.com/ (remeron=mirtazapine) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hello all, >I like to learn much about Remeron. could you help me out by suggesting >websites? I found something about it on RxList.
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i had a very bad experience, and went from 145 to 185lbs in 2 weeks. I could not wake up in the morning. joe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello all, > I like to learn much about Remeron. could you help me out by suggesting > websites? I found something about it on RxList.
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I have Absolutely nothing positive to say about Remeron. I took it about a year ago and it only made my depression worse. I tried it over a long time in different doses 15-45 mg.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> i had a very bad experience, and went from 145 to 185lbs in 2 weeks. > I could not wake up in the morning. > joe > Hello all, > I like to learn much about Remeron. could you help me out by suggesting > websites? I found something about it on RxList.
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A doctor once gave me Remeron to help me sleep (before the ADD thing). I liked it, and it worked. There were about three days after starting n 30mg that it was really hard to get out of bed. You want to stay there, and its easy to sleep the day away. After this passed, I had no problems at all with it. I fell asleep at a normal time and woke up very refreshed at a normal time. Also, I’ve experimented with the dose after being off of it for a while. I found that taking about 7.5 mg gave me one day of feeling tired, and I could take 15 to 30 mg on other days without feeling tired the next day. I think Remeron is a good med. I don’t know how effective it is for depression, but it works wonders for insomnia. Trazadone was effective at 50mg until recently.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am new to this group. Been battling depression just over 1 1/2 > years. > I’ve tried Prozac, Paxil, Effexor and Luvox and a couple other > medications I can’t even remember. Crashed majorly 3 times in 6 > months. Anyway, I have been taking Serzone for a year. I liked it at > first but I don’t know that I am completely satisfied. For the last 9 > months I have been cycling (first at 400 mg./day…now at 600). I > will have 3-4 days of survival/some productivity and 3-4 days of rage. > I have just now started to seriously track it, but have definite > agreement from my husband. > I don’t like being on this roller coaster anymore. Have started to > investigate a new AD called Remeron. Came up with very little…my > pharmacist has never even heard of it. Is there anyone out there who > knows anything about this drug? All help appreciated.
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less sexual side effects than ssri’s, but may cause sedation or weight gain
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am new to this group. Been battling depression just over 1 1/2 > years. > I’ve tried Prozac, Paxil, Effexor and Luvox and a couple other > medications I can’t even remember. Crashed majorly 3 times in 6 > months. Anyway, I have been taking Serzone for a year. I liked it at > first but I don’t know that I am completely satisfied. For the last 9 > months I have been cycling (first at 400 mg./day…now at 600). I > will have 3-4 days of survival/some productivity and 3-4 days of rage. > I have just now started to seriously track it, but have definite > agreement from my husband. > I don’t like being on this roller coaster anymore. Have started to > investigate a new AD called Remeron. Came up with very little…my > pharmacist has never even heard of it. Is there anyone out there who > knows anything about this drug? All help appreciated.
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hi, does anyone know if welbutrin would go well with remeron. remeron by itself is too sedating for me? also looking into paxil
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I just started Remeron, and it is a bit sedating, which for me is a good thing. And, interestingly enough, after all the anti depressants I’ve tried (including Wellbutrin) I’m not smoking as much. Wellbutrin did make me very jittery and did not help me quit smoking…..if anything, I was so damn jittery I smoked more. So, for me right now, if it ain’t broke I’m not gonna try to fix it. I ‘ve done some research on Remeron and found out that it can affect some blood lab numbers, but this is working much faster than any other anti dep I’ve ever tried, and I was one pretty desperate person the last few weeks, taking Effexor and still feeling lousy. I’m hearing horror stories about Paxil……I was told it was sedating, and it made my daughter sleep all day. For me it didn’t do anything. Guess it takes info from NG’s and doing some internet research. Good luck, Tispe
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hi, does anyone know if welbutrin would go well with remeron. remeron > by itself is too sedating for me? > also looking into paxil
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>hi, does anyone know if welbutrin would go well with remeron. remeron >by itself is too sedating for me? > also looking into paxil
I don’t intend to discourage you but I’m afraid the anwers you’ll get to that kind of questions shall not have any scientific foundation , or stuff.
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However…. its just possible she might…. PLUS she’ll get real life experiences. For instance, I was put on Remeron to boost my Wellbutrin. It didn’t work for me. YBMV Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->hi, does anyone know if welbutrin would go well with remeron. remeron >by itself is too sedating for me? > also looking into paxil >I don’t intend to discourage you but I’m afraid the >anwers you’ll get to that kind of questions shall not >have any scientific foundation , or stuff.
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > However…. its just possible she might…. PLUS she’ll get real life > experiences. > For instance, I was put on Remeron to boost my Wellbutrin. It didn’t > work for me. YBMV > Linda >>hi, does anyone know if welbutrin would go well with remeron. remeron >>by itself is too sedating for me? >> also looking into paxil >I don’t intend to discourage you but I’m afraid the >anwers you’ll get to that kind of questions shall not >have any scientific foundation , or stuff.
I hear the higher remeron dosage, the lesser the sedation. I was on 15 and 30mg, and helped great with sleep, but still groggy next day, needing a couple cups of joe, but then i feel anxious. Im looking into trying 45mg remeron, after a few days if i still feel too sedated, adding welbutrin, which also may help my smoking and mood. Studies show dopamine cotrolles alot of addictions, and mood. Then take xanax or klonopin AS NEEDED, say for panic feeling or something very dramatic that may make you anxious. Im currently taking 10mg ambien along with 100mg of 5htp, and .25 xanax 2 times a day which helps, but not giving me the satisfaction i want. formerlly addicted to g, so my sleep patterns and mood and anxiety are out of wak
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For those who haven’t try Remeron yet (and are still hunting for a med that works for you) you might ask the doc about it. I have been on it (30mg) for a month and have had pretty good results. Depression has been minimal thus far (will probally be going to 45 mg soon). I have had more anxiety mania than normal but doc says may or may not be the Remeron. Two weeks ago he added Lorazepam to be taken as need for mania and yesterday added a climbing doseage of Paxil 20 mg to 40mg over next 3 weeks (he is doing his best to keep me off Lithium). Remeron gave me the munchies bad for the first 2 to 3 weeks but that seems to be letting up quite abit. Rocky www.angelfire.com/tn2/justme/
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> For those who haven’t try Remeron yet (and are still hunting for a med > that works for you) you might ask the doc about it. I have been on it > (30mg) for a month and have had pretty good results. Depression has been > minimal thus far (will probally be going to 45 mg soon). I have had more > anxiety mania than normal but doc says may or may not be the Remeron.
i tried remeron before i knew i needed a mood stabiliser too….. it put me in jail 4 days for assault….. 
( but, it gave me nice dreams…. it was several months before it really hit me, and i went hypo REAL bad. other than that i liked it a lot. anna > Two weeks ago he added Lorazepam to be taken as need for mania and > yesterday added a climbing doseage of Paxil 20 mg to 40mg over next 3 > weeks (he is doing his best to keep me off Lithium). > Remeron gave me the munchies bad for the first 2 to 3 weeks but that > seems to be letting up quite abit. > Rocky > www.angelfire.com/tn2/justme/
– ‘the softest of all soft things overrides the hardest of things….’ — i ching "blessed am i to dwell in this beautiful temple"
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Your & Anna’s reaction to the same drug is so opposite! My boyfriend has recently started taking it & he really likes it, so far. The downside is that he needs about 12 hours of sleep daily & sometimes has nightmares. The good part is that he seems to feel really happy & more productive. Does anyone else out there have anything to report on this med? (Including sexual difficulties i.e. "anorgasmia") …Or on Wellbutrin?…. (I’m still new to this…) Why are the drugs switched around so often?
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Hi Leslie, > Your & Anna’s reaction to the same drug is so opposite! My boyfriend > has recently started taking it & he really likes it, so far. > The downside is that he needs about 12 hours of sleep daily & sometimes > has nightmares. > The good part is that he seems to feel really happy & more productive. > Does anyone else out there have anything to report on this med? > (Including sexual difficulties i.e. "anorgasmia") > …Or on Wellbutrin?…. > (I’m still new to this…) Why are the drugs switched around so often?
Remeron is a tetracyclic AD and can cause somnolence in some users as well as abnormal dreams. Anorgasmia is not listed as a side effect. Wellbutrin can cause impotence in some male users. Med adjustments are indicated when the selected meds lose their effectiveness. Peace, — Lynda
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I’ve taken 30 mg of Remeron for a couple years (My diagnosis is dysthemia — mild cyclic depression). I used to get a little sleepy and very hungry, but have never minded it much. I now take about 25 mg of ritalin daily with it. I should add that I had a very, very anxious reaction to prozac, so an anti-depressant that is sedative rather than stimulating was much better for me. On the sexual side, I can’t really tell. As a 51-year-old male, I’m certainly experiencing less sexual interest and reliable performance than I used to, but how much of that is Remeron, I couldn’t tell you. If anything really unusual happened, my doctor suggested viagra, but it’s pretty acceptable so far. –Mark – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Your & Anna’s reaction to the same drug is so opposite! My boyfriend > has recently started taking it & he really likes it, so far. > The downside is that he needs about 12 hours of sleep daily & sometimes > has nightmares. > The good part is that he seems to feel really happy & more productive. > Does anyone else out there have anything to report on this med? > (Including sexual difficulties i.e. "anorgasmia") > …Or on Wellbutrin?…. > (I’m still new to this…) Why are the drugs switched around so often?
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Does anyone have any experiences with this drug?Does it help the depression?Sleep?Thanks
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> Does anyone have any experiences with this drug?Does it help the > depression?Sleep?Thanks
It helps me with depression and sleep (it makes me sleepy and drowsy, not too much during the day, though). It doesn’t seem to have the kick that paroxetine (paxil, seroxat, deroxat, etc) gave me, but on the other hand, it doesn’t have the lousy side effects and withdrawl effects I experienced from seroxat. GreetinX from Amsterdam X X Bas
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Hi Bas, Boy is it good to heard from you…I really missed you and tried to email you several times but they all bounced. How are you doing? It has been over 6 months at least!! I hope yu will stay around…. Yours, Lynda — Lynda
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Hi, > Does anyone have any experiences with this drug?
I have not taken it but it works well for some people. >Does it help the > depression?Sleep?Thanks
It is a tetracyclic AD.It has the potential side effect of somnolence and is better if taken at bedtime. Peace, — Lynda
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I’ve been taking 30 mg of Remeron at bedtime for almost 20 months now. The first night I took Remeron I slept like a baby. I had’nt done that in a long while, always had trouble falling asleep and once I finally did I was constantly waking. I noticed that that doom and gloom feeling I used to wake up with was gone. The only side effect for me was constant appetite which at first was O.K. because I was slightly underweight. I am just now considering not taking it anymore because I have put on 25lbs over 20 months and I am uncomfortable at my present weight, However, I would not hesitate going back on it if those old feelings come back. It really worked wonderfully for me.
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> I’ve been taking 30 mg of Remeron at bedtime for almost 20 months now. > The first night I took Remeron I slept like a baby. I had’nt done that > in a long while, always had trouble falling asleep and once I finally > did I was constantly waking.
remeron made me sleep well too…. and have reaaaallly really interesting dreams…. i really liked that part… mood-wise it made me really agitated and i actually freaked out on it after a few months. ( but, i wish i could take it cause the dreams were great. it upped my appetite too which could have been a downside if i gained tons of weight. didnt have time to see. peace anna I noticed that that doom and gloom feeling > I used to wake up with was gone. The only side effect for me was > constant appetite which at first was O.K. because I was slightly > underweight. I am just now considering not taking it anymore because I > have put on 25lbs over 20 months and I am uncomfortable at my present > weight, However, I would not hesitate going back on it if those old > feelings come back. It really worked wonderfully for me.
– ‘the softest of all soft things overrides the hardest of things….’ — i ching "blessed am i to dwell in this beautiful temple"
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when i had insomnia from my mania, i used remeron for sleep, and it actually worked for a little while. i had taken trazadone, ambien, valium, clonipin, atavan, all for sleep at other times and they too failed after some time. good luck
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Is there anyone else on remeron?? Does it make you tired as hell?? I am so tired all the time, but I am afraid to even tell my pdoc, because he made me suffer a debilitating depression for almost a month before he would even consider putting me on it because he is of the "antidepressants-make-bipolars-manic" school of thought and he is so overly cautious I am worried that he wouldn’t put me on another one and I suffer from major depression all the time w/o an antidepressant. Remeron works really well to alleviate the depression, and so I am afraid he will take me off of it if he knew how somnolent it makes me—sometimes I can barely drive. I need a couple of double latte`s to counteract it and I already have to go to substance abuse counselling for caffeine abuse so who knows what they will say about that. Michelle
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Hi Michelle, I never took Remeron, BUT – when I was having trouble sleeping my old PDOC gave me a sample packet to use if I couldn’t sleep. She said to only use when I really couldn’t get to sleep since it leaves you hung over the next day. Did your Pdoc instruct you to take the Remeron at bedtime? If your Pdoc thinks ADs make BPs "manic" – then he might read the BP 101 handbook – prescribe a mood stabilizer with the AD. In my EXPERIENCE, Effexor made me a bit hypomanic wo a mood stabilizer after a few months (at a higher dosage) BUT it did lift a totally debilitating depression. I am taking 60mg of Celexa now as my AD + 200mg Lamictal and 600mg Tegretol. So far so good. It took a while (4-6 weeks and a higher dose) of Celexa to notice any results. The only side-effect is "pregnancy-time" acne and flatuance (the farts) HA Ki – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Is there anyone else on remeron?? Does it make you tired as hell?? I >am so tired all the time, but I am afraid to even tell my pdoc, >because he made me suffer a debilitating depression for almost a month >before he would even consider putting me on it because he is of the >"antidepressants-make-bipolars-manic" school of thought and he is so >overly cautious I am worried that he wouldn’t put me on another one >and I suffer from major depression all the time w/o an antidepressant. >Remeron works really well to alleviate the depression, and so I am >afraid he will take me off of it if he knew how somnolent it makes >me—sometimes I can barely drive. I need a couple of double latte`s >to counteract it and I already have to go to substance abuse >counselling for caffeine abuse so who knows what they will say about >that. >Michelle
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My pdoc just switched me to Remeron. I was taking tegretol and paxil and am now taking tegretol and Remeron. I had a brief period of mania and have been haveing trouble sleeping for quite awhile. Thats why he switched me to Remeron. I must say, it is certainly putting me to sleep. Anyway, I’m looking for any input anyone might have on Remeron. Positive, negative and side effects. Much appreciated, Melanie
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I am taking lithium, Remeron and Effexor. The Remeron has definately caused a ton of sedation- I was sleeping 12 hours a day. However, Remeron is the first anti-depressant that has been able to do anything for the current depression I am in and I have been on MAOI’s, SSRI’s, tricyclics etc etc. My doc told me that the sedation should ware off over time. So, I am waiting. Martha
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Martha, thanks for your reply… I seem to be sedated no matter what I am taking! The Remeron so far seems to have caused diabetic/hypoglycemic type reactions: dizziness, extreme thirst, extreme hunger, major sugar cravings. My stomach is also very upset. The dizziness is wearing off, but I have been cycling bad all week long. (Nine cycles a day!) I have been on Nortryptaline, Serzone, Zoloft, Trazodone, Paxil and now Remeron. Hope this works! Good luck to you with this drug. Moira
Response:
Hi, I just got off of Remeron after almost three months. It was ineffective and I gained 25-30 lbs. while taking it. Most people I speak to that have taken it say the same…no big deal. Jes Sharai — Cor ad Cor Loquitur Heart Speaketh to Heart "Your Key to Mental Health on the Internet" http://www.sstar.com/jsharai/index.htm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My psychiatrist has recently prescribed anti-depressant Remeron because > the Effexor I have been on seems to be making me manic and I am turning > into a more and more rapid cycler. The problem is that after one dose > (actually a quarter of one dose) I fell sound asleep for fourteen hours > and could barely function the next day. I have searched the internet for > info but since Remeron is new, it’s hard to get. If anyone else has been > or is on it, can you please let me know what your reaction was and if such > sleepiness might pass eventually. My psychiatrist and I agreed it was best > to wait a few days, after the holidays, to continue this trial run. > Thanks. > JW
Response:
My psychiatrist has recently prescribed anti-depressant Remeron because the Effexor I have been on seems to be making me manic and I am turning into a more and more rapid cycler. The problem is that after one dose (actually a quarter of one dose) I fell sound asleep for fourteen hours and could barely function the next day. I have searched the internet for info but since Remeron is new, it’s hard to get. If anyone else has been or is on it, can you please let me know what your reaction was and if such sleepiness might pass eventually. My psychiatrist and I agreed it was best to wait a few days, after the holidays, to continue this trial run. Thanks. JW
Response:
Hi JW, I’ve been on Remeron for about 2 months, prescribed at 15 mg, but I only take half that. I had the heavy sedative effect too, even at 7.5mg I have to make sure I can sleep 7 hours or so before having to awaken. My pdoc said that he would actually prescribe MORE than less to correct the sleepiness. I just laughed. 7.5 has the needed AD effect. (I am bipolar with occasional moderate depressive episodes). I have found my sex drive to be way up and my digestive tract to be a mess. This is the extent of it for me. I can tell if I don’t take it for 3 or 4 days. I wonder what your doc thinks about increasing the dosage to cure the sleepiness. BTW I have chronic insomnia and was having to take Ambien to sleep, so this has really helped me. Of course, YMMV. And frankly most people that take this drug don’t seem to like it. Best of luck, Trish – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >My psychiatrist has recently prescribed anti-depressant Remeron because >the Effexor I have been on seems to be making me manic and I am turning >into a more and more rapid cycler. The problem is that after one dose >(actually a quarter of one dose) I fell sound asleep for fourteen hours >and could barely function the next day. I have searched the internet for >info but since Remeron is new, it’s hard to get. If anyone else has been >or is on it, can you please let me know what your reaction was and if such >sleepiness might pass eventually. My psychiatrist and I agreed it was best >to wait a few days, after the holidays, to continue this trial run. >Thanks. >JW
Response:
Hey everyone. I have a q about Remeron. I know it often causes weight gain. I’m wondering, for people who have tried it, did it make you gain weight? If so…how long were you taking the R for? How much weight did you gain? Did it increase your appetite or make you crave sweets, or was it something else? And if you _didn’t_ get weight gain or increased appetite from R, I’d like to hear about that as well. Looking for as many data points as I can find. -elizabeth
Response:
Hi Elizabeth I am currently taking Remeron, and have been for about the past month. I am naturally very thin and extremely underweight (5′11" and 115 lbs.) so I thought that taking Remeron would not only help with the depression and PD, but also cause me to put on a few pounds. Not so, I have gained only but a couple of pound since I started taking Remeron and have yet to see any increase in appetite. Good luck and take care. > Hey everyone. I have a q about Remeron. > I know it often causes weight gain. I’m wondering, for people who have tried > it, did it make you gain weight? If so…how long were you taking the R for? > How much weight did you gain? Did it increase your appetite or make you crave > sweets, or was it something else? And if you _didn’t_ get weight gain or > increased appetite from R, I’d like to hear about that as well. > Looking for as many data points as I can find. > -elizabeth
– Jason M. Carroll Motorola Tech Support fly.hiwaay.net/~jason
Response:
I feel heavier and my abdomen looks bigger but I only get weighed once a month (I’m in a wheelchair and can’t weigh myself) and I’ve only been on Remeron for three weeks so I don’t know if I’ve gained weight or not. It did not increase my appetite or make me crave sweets – it made me crave carbohydrates, like even just plain pieces of bread sometimes. Even as I was eating these things (coookies, crackers and tec.) I would be thinking: "Why am I eating this? It doesn’t taste all that good and it will just make me gain weight." I took one 15 mg pill each night before bed. I’ve heard weight gain problems are reduced or eliminated at higher doses, like 45 mg each night. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hey everyone. I have a q about Remeron. >I know it often causes weight gain. I’m wondering, for people who have tried >it, did it make you gain weight? If so…how long were you taking the R for? >How much weight did you gain? Did it increase your appetite or make you crave >sweets, or was it something else? And if you _didn’t_ get weight gain or >increased appetite from R, I’d like to hear about that as well. >Looking for as many data points as I can find. >-elizabeth
Response:
My doctor put me on Remeron at the beginning of the summer. I am a school teacher so I wanted to wait to try something new until school was over. After taking it for a few weeks, I started to get numbness in my hands and feet and I gained 20 pounds over the summer. Needless to say, I stopped taking the medication and the feeling came back in both my hands and feet. Now I am going to try and get the weight off. I believe that the numbness was from the weight gain in my hands and feet. I was unable to wear any of my shoes. Maybe things will be different for you. Just wanted to let you know what happened to me!!
Response:
Does anyone know anything about Remeron for depression? Like where to find info that isn’t in German.
Response:
elizabeth: I have gained much weight since starting remeron but wasn’t sure it was connected. I know that I do crave sweets tho more than I used to. It’s depressing to me to see my stomach get larger, as if I’m pregnant. ray
Response:
Elizabeth, Remeron was about the best med I ever tried. I gave it up because of the weight gain. It definitely increased my appetite, especially for sugar and carbs. However, while on it, I went on the Atkins diet very strictly, and began to exercise every day. After two months of this, I hadn’t lost a pound. So my guess is that Remeron has metabolic effects that contribute to weight gain, as well as appetite-increasing effects. Soon afterward, I went back on it. I am now taking it together with Wellbutrin and that seems to be offsetting the weight gain. All in all, this combo is really good. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hey everyone. I have a q about Remeron. >I know it often causes weight gain. I’m wondering, for people who have tried >it, did it make you gain weight? If so…how long were you taking the R for? >How much weight did you gain? Did it increase your appetite or make you crave >sweets, or was it something else? And if you _didn’t_ get weight gain or >increased appetite from R, I’d like to hear about that as well. >Looking for as many data points as I can find. >-elizabeth
Response:
Hi Does anyone out there take Remeron for their bipolar depression and if so how does it work for you? Thanks Doug
Response:
Hi Doug, I took Rameron 60mg at bedtime. It knocked me out. It helped the depression some, but not enough and it didn’t help the hypomania. I’m BP2. Thank U! Diane
Response:
<Posted and Mailed to Diane> >I took Remeron 60mg at bedtime. It knocked me out.
Try dividing your total dose up into 3-4 equal portions to be taken 8 or 6 hours apart. That should greatly reduce the zombie effect as well as enhancing your mood stability. IMO it is definitely worth a shot! >It helped the depression >some, but not enough and it didn’t help the hypomania.
Since Remeron (like Effexor) is prescribed to elevate your serotonin and norepinephrine levels, I’m not at all surprised that it wouldn’t help with your hypomania. In fact I am surprised that it didn’t make it worse. Why not talk to your pdoc about this? >I’m BP II.
I’m James. But I do HAVE BP. >Thank U! >Diane
Best regards from, James
Response:
It’s good that you are tracking it. Your notes will be quite helpful in follow-ups.
Response:
A doctor once gave me Remeron to help me sleep (before the ADD thing). I liked it, and it worked. There were about three days after starting n 30mg that it was really hard to get out of bed. You want to stay there, and its easy to sleep the day away. After this passed, I had no problems at all with it. I fell asleep at a normal time and woke up very refreshed at a normal time. Also, I’ve experimented with the dose after being off of it for a while. I found that taking about 7.5 mg gave me one day of feeling tired, and I could take 15 to 30 mg on other days without feeling tired the next day. I think Remeron is a good med. I don’t know how effective it is for depression, but it works wonders for insomnia. Trazadone was effective at 50mg until recently.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am new to this group. Been battling depression just over 1 1/2 > years. > I’ve tried Prozac, Paxil, Effexor and Luvox and a couple other > medications I can’t even remember. Crashed majorly 3 times in 6 > months. Anyway, I have been taking Serzone for a year. I liked it at > first but I don’t know that I am completely satisfied. For the last 9 > months I have been cycling (first at 400 mg./day…now at 600). I > will have 3-4 days of survival/some productivity and 3-4 days of rage. > I have just now started to seriously track it, but have definite > agreement from my husband. > I don’t like being on this roller coaster anymore. Have started to > investigate a new AD called Remeron. Came up with very little…my > pharmacist has never even heard of it. Is there anyone out there who > knows anything about this drug? All help appreciated.
Response:
less sexual side effects than ssri’s, but may cause sedation or weight gain
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am new to this group. Been battling depression just over 1 1/2 > years. > I’ve tried Prozac, Paxil, Effexor and Luvox and a couple other > medications I can’t even remember. Crashed majorly 3 times in 6 > months. Anyway, I have been taking Serzone for a year. I liked it at > first but I don’t know that I am completely satisfied. For the last 9 > months I have been cycling (first at 400 mg./day…now at 600). I > will have 3-4 days of survival/some productivity and 3-4 days of rage. > I have just now started to seriously track it, but have definite > agreement from my husband. > I don’t like being on this roller coaster anymore. Have started to > investigate a new AD called Remeron. Came up with very little…my > pharmacist has never even heard of it. Is there anyone out there who > knows anything about this drug? All help appreciated.
Response:
June 25, 2002
Question:
I’ve been taking doxepin for many years for sleep and recently had a psychiatrist mention I might want to talk to my Dr. about switching to trazodone since doxepin has given me a constant battle with my weight not to mention dry mouth, etc. I’m wondering if anyone might know the best way to wean off of doxepin and start trazodone. Can they be "overlapped" at all or must one be completely off one to start the other? Also, is there any way of knowing what an equivalent dosage might be. I take 150 to 200mg a night of doxepin. Thanks for any help.
Response:
Ask your doctor.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve been taking doxepin for many years for sleep and recently had a > psychiatrist mention I might want to talk to my Dr. about switching to > trazodone since doxepin has given me a constant battle with my weight > not to mention dry mouth, etc. I’m wondering if anyone might know the > best way to wean off of doxepin and start trazodone. Can they be > "overlapped" at all or must one be completely off one to start the > other? Also, is there any way of knowing what an equivalent dosage > might be. I take 150 to 200mg a night of doxepin. > Thanks for any help.
Response:
June 15, 2002
Question:
Barbara, it must be awful to be itching all the time! If the benadryl & calamine are working, then that’s what you gotta do to keep on your meds for pain. Have you tried Atarax or Vistaril? They are sometmes more effective than benadryl. Are you taking 25mg or 50mg of Benadryl each time? I don’t itch, but take Benadryl on occasion for other reasons, & I find it has an extreme drying effect on my mucous membranes & stuffs up my sinuses, & gives me a wicked headache. Have you tried tepid oatmeal (Aveeno, I think) baths to relieve the itching? Oatmeal is very good for various skin conditions that cause itching. For severe itching, Sinequan (Doxepin) & Thorazine (chlorpromezine) can be used. You should let your DR know how uncomfortable you are & ask him for something. I sure hope you get relief! (I had an allergic reaction to Zanaflex & before going into Anaphalactic shock, I had wicked hives/angioedema & I went nuts with the itching!! DR said that Cortisone cremes would be a waste of time. In this case, I had to go on very high dose of Cortisone) So, I can just imagine how you feel! hoping you get relief, ~Stacie~
Response:
Barbara, try the liquid Benedryl… Ronnie
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Every time I taxe Oxy or anything with Codeine……I scratch myself raw . I > end up taking Benedryl by the box and using calamine lotion all over my > body, just for a little pain relief. Is it worth it?? Sometimes I have to > wonder….. > Barbara > >Since taking more of the IR > >morphine and then with the increased MSC, I’m have a lot of itching. > >Is this a "normal" side effect best handled with OTC benadryl? (that’s > >what I using) My concern is that I have many drug allergies, including > >codeine, and I’m fearful that I may be developing a problem with > >morphine. > It’s pretty normal to itch with opiates. You’ve just had an increase, so > it’s > to be expected. If the Benadryl doesn’t work, ask your doctor to phone in > some > Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) into your pharmacy. That should take care of the > itchies. I get the itchies as well, for many reasons (kidney aren’t too > great) > and have no one here to even scratch my back…I hate that. Anyhow, as > long as > you have no other side effects of a pending allergy, you should be OK. > You’ve > been fine on MSContin and IR for this long, so it’s probably the increase > in > the dose. As I said, if the Benadryl doesn’t work (and you can go up to > doses > of 50-100mg as per your doctor) have your doc call in the Vistaril. I get > the > 50mg of Vistaril (Atarax is also the same thing, but for some reason, I > like > Vistaril better), and I can take 1-2 every 4-6 hours. Usually, I just take > 2 > every 6 hours. It works pretty well. I also take Phenergan for nausea and > for > some reason, that seems to work for me too. > Sorry for the typos…I am typing with one hand following surgery. I am > really > hurting. [NOTE: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING I WROTE EARLIER] I sent this in a > letter > to Kathy, the office manager, at my Rheumatologist’s office: "I had Carpal > Tunnel Surgery done Thursday 5/30/01 on my right hand/wrist (they knew > this as > I had an appointment on 5/28), and did not have it done the "new" way, > but > had to have it done the "old" way due to anatomy. In addition to that, I > had a cyst removed that was wrapped around a tendon and growing deep > within the > tissue. When I asked Dr. L (my Rheumy) about the pain at my visit on 5/28, > he > said no, I would not have ANY pain because I was having painful conditions > fixed (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and the cyst) so I would feel immediate > results, > no pain at all post-op OR the days after." Can you BELIEVE that my doc > would > say this???? I am in A LOT of pain! I mean, each day it gets better, but > to > tell me I would have NO pain????? I knew he would say that because he said > the > SAME thing when I had my eye surgery done in January and that hurt too > (but not > as bad as this)! He does it to get out of prescribing pain meds. Last > month, > when I asked about breakthrough pain meds (I take Duragesic and Methadone, > and > desperately need something short-acting), because I was having terrible > breakthrough pain, he almost yelled at me and said that short acting meds > were > too addicting, etc. I know, I need to find a new pain doc, but this one > also > treats my many medical conditions. Also, my insurance company is a PAIN > (literally) when it comes to issuing referrals, and I have been waiting > MONTHS > for referrals to see my doctors, including my HEART doctor (I have a heart > murmur due to a bad valve and also a very fast and at times irregular > heart > rate), my GI doctor (I cant eat, lost 10lbs in 3 weeks…this is > documented…went to the same doc May 7th and May 28th…throw up a > lot….pancreatic pain…bloating…etc), my Neurologist, a Neurosurgeon > (disc > herniations, stenosis, DDD, Neural Foraminal Enroachment, curvature of the > spine, etc), and also need a referral for my Rheumy after July 2nd…after > that > visit, my referral is used up, and if I don’t get another, I cant see him > and > wont get pain meds. I am talking about an insurance company that has not > yet > gotten me my wheelchair that my doctor wrote a prescription for 6 MONTHS > ago in > DECEMBER, and also a letter of medical necessity for (I have it). The cost > was > also approved by the insurance, and they sent me to a doctor they SAID > would > "fit" me for it (they did it to waste time) but that doc doesn’t do things > like > that. Luckily, he was SO nice, and was supposed to call my "supposed" case > manager (who NEVER calls me back) about a program at the hospital that > does do > wheelchairs. The insurance is just jerking me around in hopes that my > coverage > will end before they have to get it for me as it’s electric and very > expensive. > To them, it doesn’t matter if I have a life or not. It’s just terrible. > Anyhow, had to get that out. Thanks for listening. > Anyhow, Jennie, if the Benadryl doesn’t work, see if your doc will call in > the > Vistaril. It is not a controlled medication. It’s side effects are > minimal, and > can make you a bit tired, but I found that Benadryl makes me even more so. > Give > your body time to adjust to your new dose of MSContin, it might just take > time. > OK, this is enough for me. I am really hurting, not just my hands (I also > have > Carpal Tunnel in my left hand and will probably have surgery in July or > so) but > my back really hurts and I just feel awful. I had a terrible vomiting > spell > today, and did not sleep well at all, so I am going to try to sleep now. > Good luck! > Nikki > ******* > I am who I am > You’re approval is neither > Desired nor required > ******* > "When you throw mud at someone, remember you are the > one who is losing ground." > ******* > "He that can’t endure the bad will not live to see the good." > *******
Response:
Every time I taxe Oxy or anything with Codeine……I scratch myself raw . I end up taking Benedryl by the box and using calamine lotion all over my body, just for a little pain relief. Is it worth it?? Sometimes I have to wonder….. Barbara
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Since taking more of the IR >morphine and then with the increased MSC, I’m have a lot of itching. >Is this a "normal" side effect best handled with OTC benadryl? (that’s >what I using) My concern is that I have many drug allergies, including >codeine, and I’m fearful that I may be developing a problem with >morphine. > It’s pretty normal to itch with opiates. You’ve just had an increase, so it’s > to be expected. If the Benadryl doesn’t work, ask your doctor to phone in some > Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) into your pharmacy. That should take care of the > itchies. I get the itchies as well, for many reasons (kidney aren’t too great) > and have no one here to even scratch my back…I hate that. Anyhow, as long as > you have no other side effects of a pending allergy, you should be OK. You’ve > been fine on MSContin and IR for this long, so it’s probably the increase in > the dose. As I said, if the Benadryl doesn’t work (and you can go up to doses > of 50-100mg as per your doctor) have your doc call in the Vistaril. I get the > 50mg of Vistaril (Atarax is also the same thing, but for some reason, I like > Vistaril better), and I can take 1-2 every 4-6 hours. Usually, I just take 2 > every 6 hours. It works pretty well. I also take Phenergan for nausea and for > some reason, that seems to work for me too. > Sorry for the typos…I am typing with one hand following surgery. I am really > hurting. [NOTE: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING I WROTE EARLIER] I sent this in a letter > to Kathy, the office manager, at my Rheumatologist’s office: "I had Carpal > Tunnel Surgery done Thursday 5/30/01 on my right hand/wrist (they knew this as > I had an appointment on 5/28), and did not have it done the "new" way, but > had to have it done the "old" way due to anatomy. In addition to that, I > had a cyst removed that was wrapped around a tendon and growing deep within the > tissue. When I asked Dr. L (my Rheumy) about the pain at my visit on 5/28, he > said no, I would not have ANY pain because I was having painful conditions > fixed (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and the cyst) so I would feel immediate results, > no pain at all post-op OR the days after." Can you BELIEVE that my doc would > say this???? I am in A LOT of pain! I mean, each day it gets better, but to > tell me I would have NO pain????? I knew he would say that because he said the > SAME thing when I had my eye surgery done in January and that hurt too (but not > as bad as this)! He does it to get out of prescribing pain meds. Last month, > when I asked about breakthrough pain meds (I take Duragesic and Methadone, and > desperately need something short-acting), because I was having terrible > breakthrough pain, he almost yelled at me and said that short acting meds were > too addicting, etc. I know, I need to find a new pain doc, but this one also > treats my many medical conditions. Also, my insurance company is a PAIN > (literally) when it comes to issuing referrals, and I have been waiting MONTHS > for referrals to see my doctors, including my HEART doctor (I have a heart > murmur due to a bad valve and also a very fast and at times irregular heart > rate), my GI doctor (I cant eat, lost 10lbs in 3 weeks…this is > documented…went to the same doc May 7th and May 28th…throw up a > lot….pancreatic pain…bloating…etc), my Neurologist, a Neurosurgeon (disc > herniations, stenosis, DDD, Neural Foraminal Enroachment, curvature of the > spine, etc), and also need a referral for my Rheumy after July 2nd…after that > visit, my referral is used up, and if I don’t get another, I cant see him and > wont get pain meds. I am talking about an insurance company that has not yet > gotten me my wheelchair that my doctor wrote a prescription for 6 MONTHS ago in > DECEMBER, and also a letter of medical necessity for (I have it). The cost was > also approved by the insurance, and they sent me to a doctor they SAID would > "fit" me for it (they did it to waste time) but that doc doesn’t do things like > that. Luckily, he was SO nice, and was supposed to call my "supposed" case > manager (who NEVER calls me back) about a program at the hospital that does do > wheelchairs. The insurance is just jerking me around in hopes that my coverage > will end before they have to get it for me as it’s electric and very expensive. > To them, it doesn’t matter if I have a life or not. It’s just terrible. > Anyhow, had to get that out. Thanks for listening. > Anyhow, Jennie, if the Benadryl doesn’t work, see if your doc will call in the > Vistaril. It is not a controlled medication. It’s side effects are minimal, and > can make you a bit tired, but I found that Benadryl makes me even more so. Give > your body time to adjust to your new dose of MSContin, it might just take time. > OK, this is enough for me. I am really hurting, not just my hands (I also have > Carpal Tunnel in my left hand and will probably have surgery in July or so) but > my back really hurts and I just feel awful. I had a terrible vomiting spell > today, and did not sleep well at all, so I am going to try to sleep now. > Good luck! > Nikki > ******* > I am who I am > You’re approval is neither > Desired nor required > ******* > "When you throw mud at someone, remember you are the > one who is losing ground." > ******* > "He that can’t endure the bad will not live to see the good." > *******
Response:
> It’s pretty normal to itch with opiates. You’ve just had an increase, so it’s > to be expected. If the Benadryl doesn’t work, ask your doctor to phone in some > Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) into your pharmacy. That should take care of the > itchies. I get the itchies as well, for many reasons (kidney aren’t too great) > and have no one here to even scratch my back…I hate that. Anyhow, as long as > you have no other side effects of a pending allergy, you should be OK. You’ve > been fine on MSContin and IR for this long, so it’s probably the increase in > the dose. As I said, if the Benadryl doesn’t work (and you can go up to doses > of 50-100mg as per your doctor) have your doc call in the Vistaril. I get the > 50mg of Vistaril (Atarax is also the same thing, but for some reason, I like > Vistaril better), and I can take 1-2 every 4-6 hours. Usually, I just take 2 > every 6 hours. It works pretty well. I also take Phenergan for nausea and for > some reason, that seems to work for me too.
Nikki, thank you for responding to my concern. If this continues I’ll use your knowledge to talk with my physician about Vistaril. I seem to develop allergies to medications after using them for years, as was the case with codeine. Thus my fear of "what if I can’t use morphine." I’m good at worrying about things early…. never put off til tomorrow that which you can do today. <g> Thanks Nikki, and I hope you have a speedy recovery. Jennie
Response:
>Since taking more of the IR >morphine and then with the increased MSC, I’m have a lot of itching. >Is this a "normal" side effect best handled with OTC benadryl? (that’s >what I using) My concern is that I have many drug allergies, including >codeine, and I’m fearful that I may be developing a problem with >morphine.
It’s pretty normal to itch with opiates. You’ve just had an increase, so it’s to be expected. If the Benadryl doesn’t work, ask your doctor to phone in some Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) into your pharmacy. That should take care of the itchies. I get the itchies as well, for many reasons (kidney aren’t too great) and have no one here to even scratch my back…I hate that. Anyhow, as long as you have no other side effects of a pending allergy, you should be OK. You’ve been fine on MSContin and IR for this long, so it’s probably the increase in the dose. As I said, if the Benadryl doesn’t work (and you can go up to doses of 50-100mg as per your doctor) have your doc call in the Vistaril. I get the 50mg of Vistaril (Atarax is also the same thing, but for some reason, I like Vistaril better), and I can take 1-2 every 4-6 hours. Usually, I just take 2 every 6 hours. It works pretty well. I also take Phenergan for nausea and for some reason, that seems to work for me too. Sorry for the typos…I am typing with one hand following surgery. I am really hurting. [NOTE: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING I WROTE EARLIER] I sent this in a letter to Kathy, the office manager, at my Rheumatologist’s office: "I had Carpal Tunnel Surgery done Thursday 5/30/01 on my right hand/wrist (they knew this as I had an appointment on 5/28), and did not have it done the
June 4, 2002
Question:
with antidepressants. Of 27 patients who did not have rapid cycling prior to antidepressant use, five developed rapid cycling on treatment with these drugs. Because antidepressants have many risks associated with long-term treatment of BD, Ghaemi advocated using mood stabilizers more aggressively. Ghaemi added that valproate (Depakote, Depakene) and lithium have been criticized as "not working so well for depressive symptoms for bipolar disorder. But in the hands of our group at George Washington University when I was there, lithium and valproate seemed to work very well." (The preliminary study was a naturalistic 1.7-year comparison of divalproex and lithium in the treatment of BD in 43 patients [Ghaemi et al., 1999b]–Ed.) In a two-year follow-up study of 38 of these patients, Ghaemi and colleagues found that only 19% of them needed antidepressants at any point (Ghaemi and Goodwin, in press). "What we found is that treatment with valproate (n=17) led to a more than 50% reduction in Hamilton [Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D)] scores, and treatment with lithium (n=13) led to almost that same level. Both of these [results] were highly statistically significant at six-month or longer outcomes. Not only did these drugs seem to treat depressive symptoms, they prevented depressive symptoms and kept patients well," Ghaemi said. In treating his own patients suffering from bipolar depression, Ghaemi follows an algorithm. He advocates considering use of mood stabilizers (without antidepressants) in people with bipolar I disorder experiencing mild-to-moderate depression, rapid-cycling depressive symptoms and severe but nonsuicidal depression that has been previously unresponsive to antidepressants. Frequently, he recommends using a mood stabilizer alone, or combining two mood stabilizers, before using an antidepressant (Figure 1). When antidepressants are needed for an acute episode (in about 20% of cases), Ghaemi said he tends to use paroxetine (Paxil) or bupropion, "because those two have the double-blind controlled data in bipolar I disorder of lower acute mania switch rates than tricyclics [Sachs et al., 1994; Nemeroff et al., 2001]. I might also consider citalopram (Celexa). (There are no prospective controlled studies in which paroxetine, bupropion or citalopram are compared to fluoxetine or sertraline [Zoloft], vis
May 27, 2002
Question:
Hi David, Thanks for replying. Yes, I’m sorry it was so long – I guess it just took a while to get it all out of my system. I got the appointment yesterday for the 3rd of July to see a Doc at the Pain Clinic, which considering I normally have to wait 2-3 months for an appointment at the hospital is no time at all, for which I am very pleased. This is both a bad thing as well as a good one. This is because although I am very happy that that my pain problems are going to be looked at I also want an appointment with a Nuero Doc. I want this referral as soon as possible because of the waiting times involved. I am also worried that I might have ended up in a bit of a dumping ground/blind ally. I’m trying but nobody seems to want me to for some reason. Thanks for the wish for luck, I join with you. Thanks again, Take care, Iduna – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I agree wholeheartedly….I kept reading thinking we would see that had been > explored…take it from a severe back injured person…see the > NueroSurgeonASAP!!!!!! > GOOD LUCK TO U! >Hi Iduna… >From your symptoms, especially the leg and bowel and bladder >involvement, I’d say you have severe nerve impingement going on! This >is very serious, especially with the bowel and bladder. You need to >see a neurologist/neurosurgeon immediately! This shouldn’t have been >allowed to go on, at all! An MRI doesn’t always show all damage going >on with the spinal nerves, by a long shot, so get in to see a >specialist as soon as you can! Demand it! I had the worst herniated >disc my first surgeon had ever seen, but the mri showed only slight >bulging! I take it you are somewhere in the UK, or Europe, so I can’t >help you with what doctors to see specifically, but there are surely >neurologists wherever you are, so seek an opinion from one as soon as >you possibly can! You can end up with permanent damage if this >condition isn’t treated quickly, if it is indeed an impingement on the >nerves to the lower abdominal areas. I was lucky in that my damage was >only to the calf muscle and a smaller degree with the thigh muscles, >but neither will ever be normal again. >I do hope you find help soon! My prayers and hopes go with you. Please >let us know what happens with you, and if you find the help you so >desperately deserve! >Sincerely, >Marcia >>>Hi All, >>>First, I would like to say how much I enjoyed reading posts from people >>>who might actually get the whole pain thing. Mike who I got in touch >>>with via his website has put me on to this newsgroup. >>>I was wondering if you could give me some advice – or know someone/where >>>that can. I afraid this might take a while ! >>>Well here goes – >>>I have progressive chronic pain in my tailbone/tailbone area, causing >>>severe (and getting worse) mobility problems. I can barely walk due to >>>extreme pain in my tailbone area as well as pain and weakness in my >>>right leg. I have reached the point (so far) where I use a stick indoors >>>(we have a very small flat) and a wheelchair outside and for any >>>distance. As I can only walk around 20 meters before I have to rest or >>>burst into tears at the pain – not good. I have been known to throw-up >>>in extreme circumstances (i.e. moving my bowels). I can only stand for a >>>short time and I can’t put all my weight on my right leg. I can’t sit >>>straight or lie flat on my back. I have to lie on my side or my front. >>>When I sit, I sit curled up on my legs or sit on one hip or the other. >>>I also have some sort of overflow incontinence. Where, if I’m involved >>>in something and I forget to go to the toilet (7 or 8 times out of 10 I >>>don’t get the signal to tell me to go), I seem to overflow. I don’t >>>always know this has happened, either due to the various sensory >>>problems I have in my upper legs and lower bottom area. I don’t lose a >>>lot, obviously just enough to relieve the pressure, but enough to leave >>>a sizeable patch that I live in fear of anyone seeing. >>>Unfortunately the doctors seem unable to diagnose what is causing all >>>these problems, and therefore I don’t know how long I’m going to be like >>>this – or worse ! I’m hoping that once they figure it out, they’ll be >>>able to cure me. I have been through two hospital departments so far >>>(Surgical and Orthopaedic) and am heading towards another one >>>(Neurology). I have had three lots of semi-minor surgery, several >>>x-rays, a MRI and lots of trips to the local A&E over the past 8-9 >>>months and STILL nobody seems to know what’s wrong ! >>>My G.P is very good on the Tea and Sympathy routine but pretty hopeless >>>on anything that might actually help me. All she seems able to do is >>>write prescriptions, sick notes and letters to the Hospital, none of >>>which seem to help me much. She looked at me blankly when I asked about >>>how to get a wheelchair so I had to do all the frustrating ringing >>>around myself. All she says it that she doesn’t know how it all works >>>and if I send the appropriate person to her she will happily talk to >>>them write a letter to them backing me up. >>>I have been through several lots of different medications and am >>>presently on Amitriptyline (so-called pain relief in an anti-depressant >>>- Ha !) and Dihydrocodeine (very little pain relief but it’s better than >>>nothing, causes headaches) The headaches come on especially on standing, >>>it shoots up my spine into my head. It’s like a pressure headache, like >>>the kind you get from blowing up balloons too hard. At least the >>>Amitriptyline helps my sleep somewhat but I’m still in continuous pain. >>>The Doctor won’t give me anything else. >>>I can get anything as little as three hours sleep (when I’m in more pain >>>than usual) to as much as 12-14 hours (when I’m so exhausted that I >>>crash and burn). The problem is unless I’m knocked out I move and when I >>>move it causes pain which wakes me up, so I have a very disturbed night. >>>When your sleep is continually disturbed every few hours like that, once >>>every couple of weeks you fall into an exhausted sleep for many hours as >>>your body caches up on the missed recuperation time. I am constantly >>>sleep deprived. >>>Sorry – I know I’m going on a bit, it’s just that I don’t get to talk to >>>someone who might have the faintest idea what I’m talking about very >>>often. I hope you don’t mind. It’s always Doctors, able people or my >>>partner. >>>Doctors don’t seem to care that much; they want me out of their office >>>so that they don’t have to work too hard. They can’t put their finger on >>>what’s wrong right away so, they don’t want to know. >>>My able friends are very sympathetic but don’t grasp what I’m getting >>>at. I’ve been telling them for seven or eight months that I’m getting >>>worse and that every month that goes by there’s something else I can’t >>>do due to the pain. Yet, they’re surprised when they don’t see me for a >>>month and then I turn up in a wheelchair. They thought we’d left the >>>area !! It just showed how much they listen to me. >>>My partner (of 4
May 25, 2002
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