Advair HFA Excess Tension, Uncomfortable Feelings, Flight Mode, Going Out of My Mind, Mental Help

Although I have asthma, I was in my physician's office for another purpose when the doctor noticed my cough. After listening to my breathing, she offered me samples of Advair Discus 100/50. "This will take care of that cough," she said.

Sure enough, the cough I'd had for 2 weeks disappeared completely after only the second dose. I thought I'd hit the medicinal jackpot!

Then came Advair day 3. I noticed that my heart rate was elevated constantly, even when I was lying down, and my blood pressure was higher than normal. I figured I was coming down with a cold.

On day 4, I awoke to the experience of having all of the muscles in my body feeling stiff 24/7. This is no exaggeration. And of all things, my lats (the muscles running down your sides starting at the armpit) were completely tensed at all times. It was one of the most unnatural and uncomfortable feelings I've ever had.

By day 5, my entire body was completely rigid. I had to chew gum all day just to release excess tension. I was growing more and more agitated by the minute. I wanted to take care of things that needed to be done (dishes, laundry, etc.) but found myself only able to read or watch TV.

On day 6, the fear began to set in. I was terribly anxious about something, but I had no idea what. Since my brain couldn't figure out why my body was literally in flight-or-flight mode 24 hours a day, it began parceling out all the angst to all of the small aspects of my life. I became unable to do anything because I was afraid of everything.

On day 7, my cough returned, and my mind went crazy. Fearing the worst, I told my husband that I was going completely out of my mind, but I had no idea why. We are 35, and have known each other since we were 14, and I have never seen such a look on his face. I told him we were going to have to get some kind of mental help immediately because I was ceasing to function at all.

On day 8, I'm still coughing, and still going out of my mind. I have to get on the computer to look up psychologists on my insurance company's website. I start the search, but then, a thought occurs to me. I opened a new tab and googled Advair and Anxiety. And there was the answer. I called my husband at work, and told him I was going off the Advair and why. He seemed skeptical, but thought I should definitely give the Advair a trial discontinuation.

Day 9, I wake up 24 hours after my last dose, and my cough is gone. I feel more relaxed than I have in days. Perhaps I am not going crazy after all.

It took about 4 days to go completely back to normal. According to my physician, the reaction I had was to the Salmeterol. I therefore should avoid any products containing any long acting beta-adrenoceptor agonist: Formoterol, Bambuterol, and sustained-release oral Salbutamol. I'm just glad I didn't end up institutionalized.