Allergists symptoms and conditions

About 4 months ago I took 7 days worth of Levaquin after my sinus surgery. It was a preventative measure, I never had an infection. A few days into the prescription I started having tendon pain in my knees & ankles. I couldn't sleep, I was having nightmares, I was emotional, anxious and drained. My doctor told me to stop taking the Levaquin immediately. 4 months later and I am still suffering from entire body tendonapathy, neuropathic pain, joint pain, skin sensitivity, severe migraines, temperature sensitivity, twitching (muscles convulsing), basically my entire body hurts. Some days are a little better than others but not by much.

I have been to rhuemetologists, neurologists, pm & r doctors, physical therapists, acupunture, orthopedic surgeons, & allergists (in Chico Ca, & @ UC Davis in Sacramento Ca). NONE OF THE DOCTORS KNEW WHAT TO DO. My general physician actually told me to "go home and wait it out" because there was "no hope of finding help" (I'm not kidding). I've had tons of blood tests with fairly normal results. Thankfully I have a wonderful neurologist who has taken some interest in my situation. All of the other doctors told me that my case was very rare & that they had heard of such side effects but had never seen any patients with them! After some research on the internet I seriously doubt that my condition is as "rare" as they claim.

I am only 28 years old, I can't walk, I can't work, and my life has been turned upside down. I was very healthy before, I don't have a family history of health problems, nothing like that...it was the Levaquin.

Here is what I am currently taking: Lyrica for neuropathic pain, twitching, not being able to sleep etc., and oral morphine for the severe pain, Milk Thistle to promote glutathione (important because it helps your liver detox), Magnesium Malate (also helps detox), a multivitamin, vitamin c, and fish oil pills. I also attend acupuncture 2x per week (honestly feel some relief from it). Also, I heard that glutathione infusions are helpful but I haven't tried them yet. At this point I will try anything.

IF YOU HAVE HEARD OF ANYTHING OR ANYONE WHO CAN HELP WITH THESE DEVASTATING SIDE EFFECTS PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

~J.

I have come to the conclusion that our pediatricians, allergists and various other doctors, have been brainwashed by the drug reps,possibly even bribed. My friend took her son off of Singulair almost a month ago when I told her about all of this. He already suffers from a learning disability, but she feels that his ability has improved along with his disposition and complaints of various aches and pains. She took him for his usual appointment at his allergist and told him what she had done and why and he literally YELLED at her, calling her a fool and demanded that she put him back on it. She stood her ground and refused and now is under the impression that her son will be dismissed as a patient from that practice. That won't be a problem. From what I read and what I hear, a lot of doctors are dismissing the whole deal. They can't be bothered with finding out for themselves, what the truth really is. No, they might miss out on the "perks" from the drug reps, like free samples of the deadly drug, or free pens, or a chance at a vacation in the Bahamas, and the list goes on. The drug reps are a hazard. They lack education on the drugs that they are "dealing", and if they HAVE been educated and are still promoting it,
they are no better than the crack dealers in the alley.

It appears that our biggest problem is what is being done with all our complaints to our pediatricians, allergists and other Drs. - NOTHING - which makes everyone say "I haven't heard any of those side effects" reported. This is where I believe we need to keep our fight going! We need to continue to tell EVERYONE to report it to the FDA so that they will begin to listen to us!

And ARTIE, if you are reading this - you should thank your lucky stars that you haven't lived our nightmare or are stilling living it as we are!

Previously posted 8 year old son w/ suicidal ideation and depression...I'm seeing comments about "inattentive." I've been saying my son is ADD for years....How many of you saw this possible side effect? Off of Singulair for 14 days now....behavior unbelievably improved.

My daughter, now 7 years old, took Singulair (4mg crystals) every evening from 12/29/2004-4/3/2008 (with 5 days off in 2/2008 ONLY). She developed significant mood disturbance/mood swings, sleep disturbance/frightening dreams and anxiety/unexplainable fears during this time, which we have now attributed to the drug, Singulair - the ONLY MEDICATION SHE WAS TAKING besides occasional antihistamines (which caused no problem). The drug Singulair clearly caused significant psychiatric symptoms in my daughter which are strikingly similar to symptoms now being attributed to the drug by MANY parents across the country. I suspected Singulair of negatively affecting my daughter and talked to her allergist about taking her off it in 2/2008 (before any news broke about links between Singulair and suicidal thoughts/behavior). The effects of Singulair on the brains of children are NOT UNDERSTOOD and/or NOT reported. I believe that this is a dangerous drug. It has been very difficult to connect the use of this asthma/allergy drug to behavior/mood issues in young children for two reasons. First, improperly trained physicians confuse drug "side effects" with normal child development (a "phase") or psychiatric illness. Second, Singulair has been heavily marketed as "SAFE" (to the medical community and directly to patients and their parents) and therefore has not been suspected when these serious psychiatric disturbances are reported to doctors. Pediatricians and allergists have said for years, "It couldn't be the Singulair" because that is the impression SOLD to them by Merck.

Folks, I have put several posts and replies on here. I am trying to be advocate as much as I can. My family went through hell with this drug and my 4 year old. He has been off it since October of 07 and I can report that he is about 90% recovered. I finally have my son back!! I am a paramedic and have seen these effects on other children first hand! Aspartame is in almost everything. Sure some kids may be having a reaction to that. Most likely not. It may be the inert ingredients. Most allergists do not test for that. However I would be willing to put money where my mouth is and say that neither one of these scenarios is the case. Merck knows what is going on and has failed to do anything. WHY you ask because Singulair is their number one money maker!!!!!!! Please read my other posts. Yes I am very passionate about this. My innocent 4 year old had his world stripped from him. He could not understand the thoughts or pains he was going through. It was overwhelming. No child should have to go through that at any age. Just ask the mother on this board who lost her son from this drug. Trust me folks it can happen to you!! No parent wants to ever face that. It is unbearable. I have seen it first hand, more than I would ever like to. The only thing that we can do as parents is protect our children. Be an advocate. Contact your Attorney General, The FDA. Heck I even wrote Bill O Reily. Maybe if enough of us do that, things will change. My hope is that other parents as ourselves have done stumble upon this website and realize the problem at hand!! Best of luck to you all. My heart is with you as I know this can be a very challenging struggle.

I started with a new allergist 3 years ago (other had retired). She said my asthma, moderate to severe, was out of control. Put me on allergy shots AND Advair Discus to begin with. I had too many problems with hoarseness, and being I'm a teacher, that interfered with my teaching! Then she put me on Advair HFA two years ago. It seemed to be better for awhile. Then I noticed hoarseness, dry mouth, and so I went down to 1/2 dose. I told her about it, and she got very angry that I would not follow her directions. She probably does not like me as a patient since I do speak up to her.
I decided to go off the HFA yesterday. Today I have no dry mouth, and my voice is normal, also no palpitations. I started Spring Forest Qigong which is a Chinese healing discipline, part of which there are certain breathing exercises and self healing techniques I can use, some directed toward asthma specifically. I will watch my diet more carefully for the worst trigger foods; I usually get a delayed sensitive reaction of some kind so I rotate those known foods. In addition red wine, I know, has a lot of histamines. I can get an immediate reaction from that, mostly palpitations.
I am thinking strongly of changing allergists or seeking a pulmonary specialist' opinion.

I have been on mirena now for 10 months. I was on the depo for 10 years prior. I loved my depo adn only went off of it after Kaiser said I could not do it any longer. I was told that mirena was a god send and a lot like my depo. I can say that the combination of depo and mirena I have not had any period at all. but that is where the happiness ends. I have experienced moths of breast pain. it hurt to touch them let alone put anything on them. after about 6 months and numerous trips to the vet it disappeared. then I got a small rash on my neck and by my arms. went to dermatology and since then I have been there, or to my primary or an allergist every week since then. the rough severley itchy skin is constant. remarkably every 29 - 32 days it fades for 2 days or so and just when I am sure it is going away wham back it comes and each time it is getting worse and worse. having never had any skin problems before I believed the doctors tha tit was folliculitus, then they said dermatitus, then they said uticaria and then hives or the last straw i was causing it that it was in my head. i just got a new allergist and while she doesn't knwo if it is my mirena she can tell me I have histamine levels that are off the chart. my husband is allergic to a lot so we already use free & clear everything and my housse is spotless but I am still being told it is soemthing I am doing to myself. I have also been reevaluating my things and I relaize I have been experiencing a lot of numbness and joint pain. so much so that my primary sent me to a rhuematlogist and he ran every test for lupus, and many other diseaeses adn even cancer. I was going crazy. Iwas beginning to think maybe I was mental. I have since been researching mirena and I am finding it so much more than what the pamphlet says. I finally got the nerve to call my ob, adn she ahs since been researching things with me and we know for sure that no matter what next week I get my mirena removed. I am just feeling so alone and depressed. I am 33 years old and instead of enjoying my new marriage I am contemplating a divorce becasue I do not want him to be stuck with soemone who might be crazy. seeking support and anyone else who feels this way.

Started taking Advair in 2003. It helped, I stayed on and off of it for the first year. Then found myself growing more reliant. Last month I added Singulair and Flonaise to the mix. Kaboom! Last night I took myself to the Emergency Room! I was sure I was experiencing a heart attack this time. Blood pressure soaring 198/120. Chest, head, jaw and back pain. Indigestion intesifing signaling all the nightmares. Restless, sleepless night anxious days. My voice has changed, sinusitis increasing, even sleep disorders.

I feel like a Macy's Thanksgiving Baloon stuck in the electric wires (inflated and electrified) Over the last 3 years I've gained 50lbs, and started having occasional anxiety attacks. Personal circumstances brain washed me into thinking that I was bringing it all on myself. Yeast infections, yep gotten them and given them.

I'm done! Over! This purple disc is going to kill me~ going to see the allergists this week.

I am so glad to find your web site. My now 4 year old starting taking Singulair in January to help with his chronic ashtma. After a month or two I mentioned to my husband how crabby my son had become. He blew me off and said he's three what do you expect. Now in August I have had the worst few months of my life. My loving sweet child has turned into a monster. We were ready to go to counseling, anything to figure out what was wrong with him. He has always been a little strong-willed but you could a least talk things out with him. On Singulair he was horrible. I can't even explain the anger he had, the tantrums he would have. I called the allergists and told him I was taking he off the Singulair. That was about 3 weeks ago. I could tell within the first couple of days a change in him and now everyday he gets better and better. My sweet little boy is coming back. Thanks for sharing and making it easier for this mom to have verification that other people are dealing with this also. Remember parents read all the labels and remember that you know your child better than anyone.

Took Wellbutrin 2 years ago to stop smoking, 2 weeks and 3 days after taking I woke up with flu like symptoms so I took some Ibuprofen. I broke out into big wheals and hives all over body. Not sure what caused reaction Wellbutrin or Ibuprofen, but I never got the flu. After reading posts it seems quite common for this to happen on Wellbutrin. However, if you were to ask dr.'s,pharmacists or allergists they say it is more likely ibuprofen. It seems after reading here that they are not very well educated re: side effects. Also have joint pain and swelling that I still have to this day. Good news, I did quit smoking, never want to go through that again. Hives lasted for a month.

My son is 9 years old and started on Advair in April of 2004. Thing is, it took us forever to get a diagnosis of "asthma" from the allergists. He spent some time in the hospital as an infant with "croup" - sent us home with a nebulizer and some albuteral - He was a monster while on albuteral! So active that he bounced off the wall. Anyway, as he grew older we had him tested and the skin tests always came back negative. Last time tested was in April 2004 when he showed "slight" allergies to "the usual suspects" - pollens, etc. (but honestly all the spots on his back looked the same to me). Anyway, allergist put him on Advair and things went pretty well over the summer. Now school is back in session and all of a sudden my son is a horrible student - he was tested as gifted in kindergarten - but now he cannot sit still in class - I keep getting notes from the teacher saying he cannot stay focused enough to finish work in class. he is missing recess to get caught up and still bringing work home to finish that he did not finish in class. Homework is a horror! Tonight we started at 5pm and did not finish until 7:30 - Gifted teacher gives me same report - he just can't seem to finish his work. He is driving us nuts! The only thing different is the Advair from last year to this. Could it really be the culprit? I am at my wit's end and very tired of being angry with him. I watch him work and realize he is everywhere in the room except where he is supposed to be - looking at the ceiling - tapping his pencil - walking in circles - having to go to the bathroom - going into some long, involved story that he HAS to tell us - but not on the paper sitting in front of him. When he actually DOES the work it is 100% correct. I am so interested in hearing from other parents with young children on Advair to see if it is just me or if this is a common - or at least feasible - reaction to this medication. You can contact me at kathryn.gritts@lcms.org - be sure in put asthma in the subject line so I know its not SPAM. Thanks so much. I don't know what else to do except have him tested by a psychologist for ADD - but it seems odd that this didn't show up in K thru 2? Thanks!

How many of you have a strange feeling every time you swallow? And if so, do you think it could be because of a fungal growth that is not visible in the throat but growth in the stomach and behind the throat? This has caused thyroid problems, joint pain, muscle pain, hormone problems, body temperature problems, etc. Yet Doctors and allergists can not find a problem. IT IS A FUNGAL PROBLEM. THIS MEDICATION SHOULD NOT HAVE EVER BEEN APPROVED. It seem that even after taking an anti-fungal med., this still may not correct the problem. It destroyed my system so bad that malnutrition set in. No matter what I eat, it's not helping. I can't tolerate dairy, it gives me a rash. I don't have much acids in my stomach so food don't break down as well (time for food to ferment and destroy)
If anyone know someone who was either prescribed this drug or is thinking about taking this drug and you feel the same as I do, PLEASE DO NOT LET THEM TAKE IT. My father was just prescribed this so called miracle drug and I WILL DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO MAKE SURE HE DOES NOT TAKE IT.
If people don't believe you, give them this website and let them read it themselves.

Best of luck.

I had been suffering from severe allergies for about 10 years and had been through the desensitizing shots, antihistimines, and whatever else one can imagine. I was a human dartboard for some of the allergists I consulted. Finally, this past Spring, my GP suggested that I try a Kenalog shot. At first I declined because I knew there could be complications with taking corticosteriods. After a month or two of suffering with the allergies and my fibromyalgia in full swing, I decided to get the shot. The difference in the allergies was like night and day. And the bonus to the treatment was that my fibromyalgia was decreased and a pressure buildup in my left ear subsided. Yes, I experienced longer and heavy periods, and occasional acne (which I was able to control with topicals), and I'm certain if I made the effort I could attribute other oddities in my life to the shot. However, I have been miserable lately since I believe the shot is wearing off. After reading all the horror stories on this site it has made me wary of the use of Kenalog. But we must remember that not all humans react the same way to all med.