Goldenseal symptoms and conditions

My mother was given this drug, Lisinopril, because the doctor decided she had high blood pressure after she went in for a bladder infection (she's had these all her life, every now & then). The doctor also prescribed Nitrofur (please avoid THAT one like the plague - she was on the couch for a week in stomach agony). We didn't put 2 and 2 together on what was really going on until yesterday. She was on Lisinpril for 3 months and every 2-3 weeks had an episode of extreme stomach spasms, bloating and fatigue. These episodes have lasted 3-5 days each, keeping her on the couch in agony. I researched the internet and found out that Lisinopril is made from SNAKE VENOM, can you believe? Turns out lots of people have reactions from this, including coughing. There was one woman who had the exact same things as my mom and wouldn't you know it, stopped using Lisinopril and the episodes went away. Turns out this is an allergic reaction, something they say is rare, BUT I think it depends how long you take it and how sensitive you are. So my mom immediately stopped taking it. What's happening inside is something they call gastrointestinal angioedema (in layman's terms, internal hives). If you experience coughing, the hives are in your throat. If you experience the stomach pains, the hives are all in your intestinal tract and very possible more areas internally. So then I looked up and found an excerpt from "One Earth Herbal Sourcebook" on Google and found the author had experienced something similar, using ayervedic (indian) herbs to fix the problem. I couldn't find where to buy ayervedic herbs, calling Whole Foods Market with no success. Well, all over the world there are healing herbs that do similar things. So I did find 2 that would work. Marshmallow (the herb, not the campfire kind) will help relieve swelling internally. There is another herb called Goldenseal (don't use it if you have very high blood pressure as it can cause a spike) that has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Anyway, now you know what is going on inside - hives you can't see from snake venom. Take that to the doctors and see what they say. Maybe your just better off like we are to research yourself and find a natural answer from nature. I hope this can help others avoid the hell we've been through.

I am so glad i found this site. I was convinced i was developing severe arthritis at age 39. I was put on a 3 weeks course of levaquin in November to combat a sinus polyps and sinus infections. Shortly after, i started complaining to my husband that i was afraid i was getting arthritis. Had the aches and pains through December and then got another sinus infection in january. Was given another course of levaquin and the 2nd day into it, i awoke with terrible pains in my wrists, knees, ankles and shoulders. I called my doctor and got prescribed another antibiotic. It is now February 7 and the side effects linger including sleeplessness (benadryl can get me to sleep) and dry mouth. My symptons kind of come and go - my joints will feel fine for a couple of days and then randomly the pain returns in my ankle, or hands and feet (sometimes all 3). I wanted to encourage many of you that although this is irritating and uncomfortable, you will get better in time - it is a slow process to get this drug out of your system. I have done lots of research and have found that taking 2 tablespoons of milk of magnesium a day can help clear the poison from your system plus taking acidophilus to restore your healthy bacteria and echenasia goldenseal to restore your immune system. Plus and most importantly drink LOTS of water. I have learned that depending on the severity of your reaction - that getting back to normal can take anywhere from a few months to 2 years (for the most severe reactions) But more than likely, it will be a several months. I am feeling better and the aches are tolerable. I am thankful i figured out it was the levaquin or i might be in really bad shape right now. I have two small kids, work part time and don't have time for this!!! I have also learned that you can take this medication one time and suffer mildy and then the second dose can knock you out - so even if you didn't react severely the first time, i urge you not to take it again. Anyway, i would love to hear from others how long it took to get better. I am 2 weeks into my recovery and feeling hopeful and lots more educated. I will never take meds for granted again. Hope this helps. Blessings........

Oh girls. This yasmin stuff.....i know it's supposed to be different for everyone...but i can't help thinking that it's just EVIL

i took yasmin for three weeks and most of my side effects were mental --- it made me feel totally insane. i was nervous and anxious all the time. i cried constantly. and i turned into a total b-tch. so my question...anyone have any idea how long it'll be until i feel back to normal? is there anything i can do to get the stuff out of my system?? (like...take goldenseal or something..).

any help would be much appreciated