Junkie symptoms and conditions

Wow. I am in awe. I lost my mother June 7, 2009. I plunged into severe depression. I was already on Paxil. I started the generic brand of Wellbutrin (Bupropion) around June 30th. I noticed a big difference neurologically. But on to why I am posting... I noticed last week my hands were shaking uncontrollably and I could not stop them. I ran out of Wellbutrin and waited a couple of days to pick it up. I noticed a lot of the symptoms stopped. I have also had off the chart vertigo. I am talking extreme. I had tremors this morning and thought something was under the pillows on my sofa and jumped up to look. I then wondered if I was going crazy. I then went to my desk to work and crossed my legs on top the desk and the tremors started again.

I had thick bit fat hair naturally curly hair (which I still have most of it) . I started seeing hair everywhere in the car seat, the desk chair, on the sofa, the floor blah blah. Everywhere! If pulled on the end to check for split ends and the freaking hair came out. I notice last night that I could see through the temples of my hair and freaked out. So now what? Am I going to have to have a Donald Trump comb over. Seriously I had enough hair on my head for two people. You know how people buy really bad wigs that have way too my hair on them. They are long bushy and you know they aren't real? Yeah well that's my natural hair. So when I looked last night and saw what I saw - I totally freaked. The tremors this morning did it along with the postings here. I just flushed my entire bottle. I had only taken 3 out of it. I'm over it. I like my too big nappy natural hair. I'm going to do everything I can to get it back. My dermatologist friend told me to go to Costco and buy Men's Rogaine gel form (I'm a chick). Can I just say I'm about to put my little dog in my purse and we are off to Costco. This is really, really, really the suck. So here are the choices; do you want to be sane and bald? Or do you want to be semi-crazy and shake like a junkie? I say screw it. Hey, I have cold turkied off Ambien before (it took 14 days but do not try this at home!). I'm done with Wellbutrin. No guts, no glory.

I have been on this horrific drug for just over two years and have wanted to be off of it since the six month mark...i am not on it for depression but for focus...FOCUS, i cannot begin to describe the memory problems that i have...i can be standing in front of a person i have known for years and i will not be able to come up with their name or how i know them...luckily it does not seem to cause problems with my actual work but it is rather embarrassing when your boss walks up and you have to think hard to figure out who they are...side effects...i have gone from being a so called gorgeous man to a frumpy 30 lbs heavier man, and i still run five to ten miles a day and i eat less than i ever have...try to explain that...it is almost like i am swollen...i have horrible dreams, i sweat, i panic, i shake and i have a constant feeling of having a heart attack...try and live thinking you are having a heart attack when you are not but then again do you really know...in other words what if i have been desensitized to thinking i am actually having a heart attack when i actually am, may i rest in peace if that is the case...

when i have actually tried to come off the pills i have been violent (i never have been before in life), irrational, can't sleep, double vision, electrical shocks just by moving my eyes, can't move and bruise to the point that i look like a junkie who has injected himself everywhere...

my doctor never warned me of any of this, nor can i find it on the wyeth website (with the exception of the memory issues, which was not there when i started taking the drug...

i am so very sad over all of this...don't become like me

Adderall has been an excellent drug for the treatment of ADD. It took me from a lethargic, disorganized adult, to a more productive one who finally could finish her work and leave her desk organized at the end of the day. Unfortunately...
...there are many side effects to this drug which has, reluctantly forced me to quit taking it. The weight loss was a welcome side-effect as was getting rid of the lethargy I have experienced on a daily basis since the age of 11 (anti-depressants did nothing). However, my infrequent migraines became daily and excruciating after starting Adderall and its generics. My insurance could not keep up with the coverage of the migraine meds I needed. I began experiencing ear problems (primarily in my left ear) that felt like I constantly had the pressure associated with a cold. After visiting my doctor (who told me nothing was wrong), an ENT doctor, getting a hearing test, and an MRI of my ear canals and Eustachian tubes, I finally found out it was due to the Adderall. The worst side effects, however, was a gradual increase in dermatitis (dry, itchy, scaly, skin). My complexion looked sallow and my back and neck broke out in horrible cyst-like acne (not typical AT ALL for me). My eyes became so dry (not to mention the cotton mouth), that I began trying to reverse this effect with pills from a Lasik eye center (helped, but didn't solve the problem). Perhaps the worst side effect, however, has been the hair loss. Long, beautiful blond hair, has been replaced by very thinning hair (comes out tons at a time in my shower), which is now brittle and breaks all the time. I have finally decided to quit this medication despite its benefits. I only took 15mg 2/day. Once my body recovers, I hope to take on an as-needed basis for important work projects or hectic weeks where productivity is necessary. Other than that, I won't take it any more. The side effects are too severe, even for me.

I put my mirena last June. For a few weeks I was fine with it, but as soon as the first period came all my problems started!! I've been having bad headaches, irregular bleeding, very long periods ( 10-12 days). Those headaches seem to be an every day thing for me now, to the point I thought that I might have something really serious!!! I want to go back and take it out. I wish I had seen that forum before!!

I was on Effexor for about 3 years. I started out taking 37mg and was up to 300mg when I started withdrawal. I weaned off gradually, but it's been 3 months and I still don't feel normal. I cry at the drop of a hat and am tired all the time. I started on Wellbrutin about 2 weeks ago. Doesn't help with the crying and makes me very shaky. Effexor, in my mind, is no better than anything a junkie would use.

I started prednisone last week because of an allergic reaction I had to I dunno what (yet). I started with a solumedrol shot, followed 12 hrs later by a kenalog shot, followed 12 hrs after that by oral prednisone q 24 hrs. The 'fog' is fucking horrible; I can't think straight. I'm at the end of a medic class and have finals this weekend - and I'm scared that I'll be in the middle of a fog during the exams and will fail miserably.

It's unlike anything else I've experienced. It's not a drunk or stoned feeling, it's literally like I've lost cognitive ability and cannot process information. For instance: I wanted to make some tea and forgot how to turn on the kettle.

Does anyone else experience wild mood swings? I'm not normally a tearful person, but the past few days have seen me crying uncontrollably for no reason whatsoever - and this morning, I started laughing whilst I was crying and just couldn't stop. My family think I'm losing my mind, and were I not taking prednisone, monteluklast and fexofenadine I'd agree with them. As it is, I feel somewhat reassured that it's the medications that are causing these symptoms, but holy cats, is it ever weird to feel this way.

I feel so bad for you folks who are faced with the prospect of long-term cortico-steroid therapy. If any of you would like to talk, please contact me at ****** .

Good luck, y'all!

This medication was a life-saver for me when I first started taking it 7 years ago. Unfortunately, every so often it would stop being effective. My Dr. would up the dosage until I was on the highest and could go no future. So I set out to titrate off, which I did very slowly, but it was hell. The worst was when I was finally done. I felt like a junkie. I was shaking, having crazy brain zaps that made me feel like I was being shocked every time I'd close my eyes. I was sweating like a pig. My sleep was was filled with terrifying nightmares that left me screaming out in my sleep. I am 5 weeks off and still experiencing nightmares, and a few mind-zap things-but nothing like they were when I first started to come off. Yoga and meditation seemed to be the only things that helped. Each day I wanted to take it again just to feel normal. No one can believe that a common SSRI can have such horrible withdrawal effects, so I am on a quest to educated everyone I know.

Knee aches, elbow aches and my hands ache like never before after being on Lipitor for three months I am off and on to a natural way to lower my cholesterol.
Adios Piizer, one less junkie for you. 55 female previously very healthy

I am so glad I am a research junkie, and that you all posted this for me to find. I just started on Lamictal about 3 weeks to one month ago. I just increased the dose to 100mg at night along with 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL. So far I have experienced hair loss, constant fatigue, excessive yawning, hacking cough, stuffy nose, dizziness, acne on my back, shoulders and face, terrible nightmares, waking with my heart pounding in the middle of the night, extreme rage, continued depression with racing thoughts, lack of energy/desire, general mental fuzziness and some trouble expressing myself verbally and literally.

I have tried several times to contact the doctor who prescribed this for me. But I can't get him to call me back. I desperately want to get off of this drug as soon as possible. That heart episode the other night nearly scared me to death! I didn't know what to do.

I was diagnosed with bipolar, but I still believe it's depression. I hope that I can get it figured out here soon before things get even worse. I had increased my level of exercise initially but for the last week I have been so tired and out of it I don't want to do anything.

Good luck to all of you as well, hopefully they'll get better at these treatments eventually!
~A

I was a 2:42 marathoner. I used a synthetic varnish containing isocyanates, pentanedione, organic solvents, in one 7-hour session; the company-recommended respirator did not in fact prevent transmission: Severe chemically- induced asthma, plus neuropathy, plus, plus.

I've used Advair 500/50 for six years. There have been many diverse effects from the chemical exposure; I'd not questioned any being Advair side effects. But the raised blood pressure was not initial, and certainly not a priori. Diminished hearing, diminished eyesight, anxiety. Again, not to lump in, but these questions are new for me. But the point I'd like to bring before this group is this: In August I was diagnosed with ehlichiosis , and was prescribed 28 days on doxycycline. They recommend eliminating many possible antagonists to the doxycycline. My respiratory capacity had been continually diminishing. My ongoing physician said this was to be expected and recommended only the next more powerful steroid. Not a good solution. Before all this I was strong; repaired myself. In the absence of constructive answers, wondering if the Advair was weakening me, making me dependent, I quit the Advair as well on beginning the doxycycline. Today is eleven days post-doxycycline. Eight days ago there began with increasing severity, a terrible wracking deep cough producing dark yellow mucus. Painful. No fever. Grevious throat from the wracking, but I question whether this is a cold or infection. It's just in my lungs. Maybe it's as though I've thrown off an epithelial coating. These past two days the quantity of deep yellow mucus is not as ready, but the wracking and coughing is more severe. And my lung capacity, my respiratory capacity, is frighteningly diminished. Until these past two days I'd considered this an infection, especially post-doxy. But it doesn't feel like an infection. And I'm scared. Is this because I quit the Advair abruptly after long regular use? Have any of you had a similar experience. Can you discuss the effects of abruptly discontinuing Advair. Have you stayed off it. What's happened to your respiratory capacity. Have you any professional studies, trials or experience to recommend. Thanks.

PEOPLE, PLEASE DO NOT DISCONTINUE THIS MEDICATION SUDDENLY, IT CAN BE DANGEROUS!!!

I have been reading about this medication here for some time, and I feel concerned when I read about someone deciding to just quit taking it suddenly. I personally intend to quit as soon as I find a doctor with enough knowledge to help me wean off of it in a safe manner. I've been on it for two years, and the side effects have grown worse than my original health problem, so I understand wanting to just up and quit taking it, but after learning the hard way, I've found out it's not so easy.

Do your homework, read and learn about the potential 'rebound effect' and by all means, talk to your doctor before doing something that may cause you to be in danger ( as in having a heart attack)...if you don't believe me, learn for yourself, the information is easily researched.

Blessings, and good luck...

My doctor prescribed Singulair to help my asthma. I took it for three nights. On the third night, I got no sleep due to nausea & intense palpitations & the feeling of blood heavily pounding through my entire body. It felt like my carotid artery was going to explode out of my neck, like my toes were going to rupture & shoot blood everywhere, and like the top of my head was going to explode in a fountain of blood. I thought I might be having an intense panic attack, so I took a Klonipin. Nothing stopped the pounding. The sound was so intense in my ears that I had to play the radio to try to distract myself. My concentration was also shot by this time. I felt strung out like a junkie. I stopped the Singulair and it took about 3 days for the pounding to subside entirely. My concentration returned after about two days. The whole experience was exhausting and nerve-wracking. I just lay in bed with ice packs on my head and neck. My doctor wants me to try taking 1/2 a pill every three days (she thinks I have a "slow metabolism"), but I'm too scared to ever put this stuff in my body again.

Just wanted to post this after reading all these horrible things about Yasmin. This is the 3rd birth control pill I have been on-the last one was making me so bloated I could barely button my pants. I have had very little side effects on Yasmin. I am 30 yrs old, I don't smoke, moderate excercise and a chocolate junkie. The only side effects I have noticed is some insomnia lately and occasional heartburn- but this could also be due to the fact that I am about to make some life altering choices that have me a bit worried. Not to diminish everyone else's pain- just know that everyone's body is different. Both myself and my best friend have been on Yasmin for over 6 months now and we are fine.

I'VE BEEN ON EFFEXOR FOR THE PAST 2AND A HALF YEARS. BEFORE THAT, CELEXA. BEFORE TAKING EFFEXOR MY MIND WAS SHARP AND I HAD PLENTY OF ENERGY TO CARRY ME INTO THE WEE HOURS OF MORNING. NOW I CAN'T HARDLY FIND THE ENERGY TO GET THROUGH THE DAY. MY HOUSE IS NEVER CLEAN ANYMORE, I HAVE NO DESIRE TO EVEN TRY. AND THIS IS FROM A WOMAN WHO'S HOUSE USED TO STAY VERY CLEAN. MY TRAIN OF THOUGHT RAMBLES AND I CAN NO LONGER CONVERSE WITH MOST ADULTS. I FORGET THE APPROPRIATE WORDS TO USE. I MAKE MY LIVING WRITING. I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO WRITE ANYTHING DECENT IN THE PAST TWO YEARS WHICH HAS CAUSED MY BUSINESS TO SUFFER. A YEAR AGO MY DOCTOR TRIED TO CHANGE ME FROM EFFEXOR TO WELLBUTRIN. I FELT ASTHOUGH I HAD LOST MY MIND. I CRIED CONSTANTLY AND NOT THINKING RATIONALLY,SUDDENLY DECIDED TO SELL MY HOME THAT I LOVED DEARLY. NEEDLESS TO SAY WITH MY LUCK, IT SOLD RATHER QUICKLY LEAVING ME WITH NO WHERE TO GO. THINKING THE WELLBUTRIN CAUSED ALL THIS CONFUSION, NEVER THINKING ABOUT POSSIBLE WITHDRAWAL FROM EFFEXOR, I STOPPED THE WELLBUTRIN AND STARTED AGAIN ON THE EFFEXOR. I TOLD MY DOCTOR ABOUT LOSING MY MIND AND SELLING MY HOME AND WAS TOLD HE FELT I MAY BE BI-POLAR. TALK ABOUT DEPRESSION! I WANT TO THANK EACH OF YOU THAT HAS POSTED ON THIS WEBSIGHT YOUR BATTLES WITH THIS SO CALLED WONDER DRUG. AT LEAST I FEEL I MAY HAVE A CHANCE OF GETTING BACK TO NORMAL IF I CAN BEAT THIS HABIT. I'M AS ADDICTED AS ANY JUNKIE TO ANY STREET DRUG AND HAD ALWAYS PRIDED MYSELF ON BEING CLEAN EVEN AS I GREW UP IN THE FREE LOVE AN DRUG GENERATION. ALL I CAN SAY IS GOD HELP US ALL.

These side effects are pretty much what everyone else here is experiencing.

Currently on 60mg/day ( the pharmacist refused to give it to me believing I was a junkie that either modified the prescription or that the doctor did a mistake ... fighting with your pharmacist is something new to me ); should be lowered to 40mg/day in january and in theory will only be taking this for a couple more weeks after that.

Really have a hard time believing my body is changing on a daily basis and I keep finding out I may be effected by one of the multiple side effects that seem limitless.

I'm 22, have a past of kidney issues, at this stage I seem to be near end stage reinal disease (ESRD).
Was put on prednisone to try and lower an inflimmation inside the capilaries ( not sure if that's the right word ) inside the kidneys ...
Have been on this for about a month:
at first experienced a lot of dizziness, severe numbness ( in my outter members ( hands feet ), insomnia ( I am starting to get that under control but only if I pull all nighters once or twice a week to flip my body clock around ), and ACNE!

I have barely had any acne in my whole life and suddenly it's growing massively by the day, one more thing to worry about.

I am not a skinny person to say the least, but with this I am eating way more then I can humanly handle yet I never feel stuffed.

Tried Paxil CR lowest dose for panic attacks. Didn't help, but I was on it for 19 days only. Going off was terrible for a few days-I almost passed out whenever I turned my head with my eyes open, and felt like I was getting shocked. While on it I looked like a junkie-my eyes were fully dilated and unresponsive to light change much of the time.