Lifestyle changes symptoms and conditions

Except for having high cholesterol (310), I'm a 29 yr old healthy active female, very petite and weigh 98lbs. My mother has had a quadruple bypass and 4 stents at the age of 54, high cholesterol is just hereditary in my family. My doctor put me on 40 mg of zocor. The first week taking zocor I started feeling strange, a little soar here and there and very tired at times, also I have become very forgetful. It's been almost 2 months now and I have severe pain in my legs. First it was the right leg and now both legs, the pain starts at my lower back all the way down to my cav. I have a burning painful feeling sometimes numbing feeling, its driving me crazy!!!! I can't stand for too long cause I feel tons of pressure on my lower back pushing down my legs, It feels like my sciatic nerve. I went to my doctor and he said he is 95% sure that this is from the zocor medication, he told me to stop it right away. This is my first day without it, I know I need to do something to prevent what happen to my mother, I'm on a strict healthy diet, staying away from all fatty cholesterol filled foods, but there has to be a better way then taking statin drugs! If anyone has some ideas of what kind of alternative meds I can take, please help.

As a Doctor myself I think drugs are NEVER the answer except in EMERGENT issues in Heroic life saving... YOU however and all individuals are and should be MORE accountable for your own health and STOP DEMANDING the Drugs and look to LIFESTYLE changes in DIET and EXERCISE to achieve the GOALS so necessary for quality and quantity of life.... The tools are at your fingertips ... The almighty internet ... And your OWN imaginative mentation is your TRUE limitation... So TAKE control of yourself and BE accountable .... Sorry so blunt but MORE tough love and Educating people is whats needed.... NOT more drugs....

MDG

Hi
My husband has been prescribed 2 different blood pressure meds Lisionpril and metoprolol back in June. Come mid July he started to have trouble sleeping and slight tingling in hands and feet. Then it progressed to the arms and legs and then the face and chest. We have seen cardiologist, neurologist, sleep apnea doctors, Had EKG, MRI, Heart sonograms, Nerve test done due to the symptoms. Everything came back normal. He is miserable. The burning and pain is unbearable to wear he wants to cut his feet off and the only thing we keep hearing is well LETS DO ANOTHER TEST or TRY THIS MED. So now he is taking a a sleep med for insomnia and some seizure med for the nerve pain, thinking he may have neuropathy. This is going on 2 months now of trial and error and after reading 20 minutes of experiences, I THINK ITS THE MED!!!!!!!
What do we do then? He had high blood pressure so what meds are good with no side affects of burning or insomnia? Any suggestions or help would be of great appreciation. Thank you!!!

Several years ago I saw a doctor at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City, IA and was diagnosed with a chronic disease. Although most researchers and scientists will tell you lifestyle and dietary changes are essential when diagnosed with a chronic disease, my doctor, Dr. Anne L., told me they don't matter. In the spirit of "Do no harm," dietary and lifestyle changes are often the first things doctors recommend their patients change.

Instead of harmless lifestyle changes, I was put me on a lot of dangerous prescription drugs. One of those dangerous drugs was prednisone.

It didn't help my disease, but its side effects have been devastating and debilitating. And these side effects are particularly annoying because I was told this was a drug that didn't have side effects. (And when I learned about the side effects, I wanted to stop using it, but my doctor told me I'd die if I did. So I had to keep using it. Once you're on prednisone, you can't stop taking it abruptly. It really can kill you. So before you take it, you need to be informed. If you later found out its a drug you don't want to take, you can't just stop.)

But this is what I really wanted to say.

Look, prednisone's a bad drug, and most doctors don't prescribe it so casually anymore, but under the care of a good MD, its effects can be managed. Most docs will tell you right away when you go on prednisone about the side effects that most people are concerned about, like weight gain and acne. The fact is, those things actually matter not just superficially, not just for self-esteem, but in terms of people's overall health and even for managing the chronic disease for which prednisone is likely prescribed. If one becomes depressed, this not only affects one's overall general health, but for many chronic diseases, it can cause the disease itself to relapse. And because prednisone itself carries a risk of depression, managing such side effects, side effects that are likely to make a patient become depressed, is paramount.

Certainly most doctors will readily prescribe either topical acne treatments oral antibiotics for cystic acne which prednisone often induces. For the weight gain itself, ignoring the chronic disease for which prednisone is probably being prescribed, doctors often recommend a different diet to the patient.

My point is just that prednisone isn't as evil when you have an average or mediocre doctor.

Now, on the other hand, prednisone really is a bad drug to begin with. So under the care of a bad doctor, it's almost inevitable that you're going to experience permanent side effects and yes, under such incompetent care, this drug could easily ruin your life. That's what happened with me.

So make sure you have a good or at least mediocre doctor if you're using this drug.

And as far as dietary and lifestyle changes, I've been able to manage my disease solely with dietary and lifestyle changes. So I didn't need prednisone in the first place. Regardless, I would never take this drug again and I would not recommend anyone else take it unless you have exhausted every other possible option, unless you know you're doctor is competent, unless you know about the risks and side effects and what to do when they occur.

I never would've taken if I knew about the side effects. It's really quite stupid to use this drug as a first-line treatment, which is how it was used in my case. It should only be used as a last resort, if at all.

If I had never taken prednisone, I would be perfectly healthy today. My chronic disease itself doesn't influence my daily life at all anymore. But every single day the side effects of prednisone are evident and debilitating and will be for the rest of my life.

These side effects are scary! I just got off of the drug LISINOPRIL! PLEASE, PLEASE look it up if your doctor is changing your current medication to LISINOPRIL! There are 1,800 entries from people who got very sick on it! He now gave me a scrip for this and no way I am taking it after reading these side effects and seeing how sick it is making people. Thanks to everyone to for posting on this site! I am making drastic lifestyle changes with diet and exercise so I don't end up in the hospital.

Was previously on Micardis HCT; dr. switched to generic Lisinopril HCTZ 12.5 in 11/07 when I went on Medicare & was concerned about cost of Micardis. Since that time I've put on 10 lbs. and had increased pain/muscle fatigue and general lethargy. Unusual, as I've exercised 4-5 days per wk. (incl. aerobics/strength trng/flexibility.) for 20+ yrs. Also, frequently, have problems swallowing pills due to feeling of obstruction in esaphogus tube. In July '08 I awakened to slight numbness/tingling in lips and my lips then proceeded to the swell to the point of pain and my lips (in profile) protruded further than my nose. I received steroid injection and prescription for steroid pack. Diagnosis was possible allergic reaction to new cosmetic product. Today (9/3/08) I woke up with the same symptoms and again had to go to the dr.for a steroid injection & meds. Diagnosis this time (different dr.) was possible side effects of "blood pressure meds." Has anyone else experienced edema of the lips, wt. gain, and problems swallowing?

Back again Oh my am so confused on what to do.. I was taken off this med(LISINOPRIL) at my extreme constant complaint- and put on another--well either I have atypical reactions to all these drugs or am still having side effects from the Lisinopril-- I am taking diavon now-- I feel even worse-- rash is back head hurts so bad I could cry and I am weak all the time.. I could pull every hair that is left on the top of my head right out! I now have that rash around my neck and upper legs- was told before it could be the shingles hey I never had them before,, never.. my nerves are shattered I cry a lot and am hesitant to change again-so I stopped this is day 2 and my headache has subsided
What are we to do I am at wits end.. I know I need something but what today I am at 140/90 going back up,, any suggestions? I started taking Zinc yesterday was told that I am experiencing LOW ZINC LEVELS DUE TO THE LISINOPRIL(HAS ANYONE ELSE BEEN TOLD THIS?)

I had some really odd-ball side effects from Lyrica. I was on 150mg twice a day for fibromyalgia, and it seemed to work initially. I was feeling pretty good, and thought I, too, had found an answer to my aches and pains. After about two months, I noticed that my hair was falling out and turning gray (I was 39 at the time). I hadn't had a menstral period that second month, either. I told every doctor I saw about these strange symptoms, but was prompty ignored.

The third month, I began to gain weight like crazy. I ended up gaining a little over 20lbs during the year-long treatment. My skin was dry and thickening around my thumbs and heels. My energy level began to really go down (it was never that high to begin with). My fingernails became brittle and broke with the slightest provocation. The grayer and falling out hair was coarser, too. I also was either sleeping all the time for days, or then couldn't sleep at all for days.

By the sixth month, I noticed that my wounds were also taking longer to heal. Being diabetic for the last 29 years, I thought that maybe neuropathy was starting to set in. Up to that point, I had never had any signs of neuropathy, and always was in good control of my blood sugar levels. Now, I was beginning to get worried.

The eighth month forward brought cracked heels, cracked toes, cracked fingers and thumbs. I began to have pitting edema, which I immediately informed my Rheumatologist about. I have chronic renal insufficiency, though not diabetic related. It was a gift from my OB/GYN during pregnancy when I became eclamptic. The edema was so bad that blisters appeared on my ankles and would not go away, no matter how high up I rested with my legs. My skin hurt all around my legs, and soon started to notice my face also swelling. Still, no comments from any of my numerous doctors.

After a year of all this strange stuff, I took myself off of the Lyrica. It was a hard choice, as the meds helped to silence the strangling pain in my muscles. Within a month after discontinuing the drug, my period came back. Three months later I noticed that both my hair and nails were stronger, and my hair wasn't falling out as much.

Six months later, and I notice now that my wounds heal like they used to. My hair isn't as coarse, and my nails are much stronger. My sleep schedule is still not right, and I still have the deep cracks and crevices to my thumbs and heels, but it is much better than it had been. I have also since tried Lamictal, but am having tachycardia and shortness of breath, along with a marked rise in my blood pressure. This, too, I discontinued and am feeling somewhat better. The muscle aches and pains and fatigue are back with a vengeance, but I will put up with them as long as I can. I am on so many meds anyway, that my body is probably kissing my toes in thanks!

Luck to all who are on this drug, and hope it works for you without all the weird side effects I put up with!

I am still experiencing hot flushes even though I am post menopausal. I reckon it could be down to the Lisinopril pills. My dose has been doubled to 20mg from 10mg. Could this be the case? Has anyone else had these symptoms?

Husband taking 10mg. He is having dizziness, confusion, memory lapse, depression, short-temper, severe leg cramps, chills, loss of appetite, constipation and severe stomach cramps. We are discontinuing this medication. He thinks it's literally killing him like being poisoned.

This is the first time I have actually looked up side effects to NuvaRing. I have been on it since March of 2006, so about 2.5 years. I never really noticed side effects, and I have been to the doctor more than once and told them about the same side effects that have been discussed here. They blamed it on lack of vitamins, lifestyle changes and other random facts of life. Maybe that is the cause of my problems, however, why would they all happen at once???

Until today, I was soooo happy with NuvaRing, and I still am. I am just more aware of why I feel the way I do....It is soo easy to use!! I would NEVER remember to take a pill everyday, I would not like the patch, and the shot wouldn't go with me very well either.

Seems as if every birth control has side effects...here are mine from NR

EXTREME fatigue..
I asked my doctor about this. It has been going on since January. I sleep for 13 hours a day and am still exhausted. I cannot get enough sleep. I am a 20 year old that used to lead a pretty active lifestyle, but it seems the last few months that I have slowed waaaaaaay down. It isn't like me. I usually stay busy

Weight gain
I can accurately say that I have not been as active as I was in the past...but in one year I have put on about 17 lbs, and no matter what I do, the scale keeps climbing....I joined a gym for about 4 months, and I didn't lose a single pound. Before, I was able to LOOK at a treadmill and get in shape, now I spend an hour a day on it, and it does nothing for me.

SEVERE Headaches...with sensitivity to light and sound
I have not had this bad of headaches. EVER. It usually starts in the back of my head and moves to only one side. My doctor told me to wean off the caffeine. I did and they are still there. I drink no caffeine daily and I still am getting these terrible headaches. I work at a casino, so sometimes it really interrupts my daily life, with the lights and sounds and everything.

I AM ALWAYS THIRSTY!!!!!

I have NO sex drive
My boyfriend and I used to have sex every single day when I just started the NR, but now I NEVER want to. I have to pretend that I want to have sex, just so his feelings are not hurt. Sometimes I even catch myself thinking "is it over yet??" That is SOOOO not like me. I was an animal the first few months I was on NR. Now I have no desire.

I feel as if I am just living the motions of life sometimes instead of participating in it. Like I am just here everyday, not always feeling what is going on around me. I am semi moody, but nothing out of the ordinary. Week 3 of the ring is ALWAYS emotional, but the week before my period has ALWAYS been like that. I find it very normal.

My periods are WONDERFUL. I used to have a full 7 day period from hell. Now they last only 3-4 days, and I can basically tell you when I am going to start to the hour. It is AMAZING.

All in all, I love NR still. I am not going to stop taking it yet. I am just glad I found this site so I know the reason behind all of these changes in me. I have never put two and two together....that NR was causing all of these things...but now I know it could be. Or maybe it isn't. Who knows, but as long as I keep an eye on symptoms, I think I will be okay...

If any of you have any questions I have been on NR for quite a while, so feel free to email me at ******

just wanted to share my experience with the NuvaRing. i was on it for about a year and stopped taking it about two months ago when my boyfriend and i broke up.

pros:
easy to use, although it took about a month to get totally used to it and not feel it at all anymore. and although my boyfriend said he could feel it, it never bothered him.

bigger boobs! waaaay bigger. :-)

cons:
abdominal cramping. not severe, but not fun.

decreased sex drive. on a scale of 1 - 10, 10 being my normal sex drive, it went down to a 6.

i attributed my weight gain over the past year to lifestyle changes, but in the few months i have been off the ring those ten pounds i have been trying so hard to get rid of just dropped off effortlessly. while on the ring i was heavier than i have EVER weighed in my life but didn't make the connection to the hormones until i stopped using it.

overall, not a terrible experience, but for me the weight gain is a deal breaker. oddly enough, i am one of the only women i know who did not gain weight while using depo provera, so i was surprised that this bc had that effect. when i was on Yasmin i had SEVERE nausea, so quickly stopped taking that.

i have several friends that love the ring, which is actually why i started it, but it's not for me. time to try another pill or talk to my doctor about the long term effects of depo. :-(

Help me! I have stopped taking Yasmin for about 4 or 5 months because my husband and I want to conceive. I AM STARTING TO LOSE MY HAIR! I am so worried about this as I am losing at least double the normal amount everyday and this has been happening for about a week now. I have noticed the difference as my hair is not very thick. My husband has noticed. My friend says she can't tell, but if you look in my bathroom and my comb you would think I was undertaking radiotherapy. I went to my doctor two days ago and she thinks it could be thyroid or iron problems. She thinks it could be ceasing the pill but is unsure......PLEASE, is there ANYONE who has experienced this? And if so will it stop? I am so distressed about it.

I'm a 53 year-old male and do regular Cardio Exercise every week and have for 31 years.
A cardiologist put me on Toprol XL 25 MG on November 22nd. The Doctor prescribed it because I add heart irregularities and palpitations which resulted in me going to the hospital as I didn't know what was happening and never had heart palpitations before in my life. I went to the emergency room and they got me stabilized but brought in cardiologist. My heart returned to normal function in a few hours and was result of taking a decongestant as well as Lisinopril 5 MG. I had just started these drugs and had been on them for three days when the heart palpitation instance happened. The decongestant is ... I had done a two hour hard workout at the gym which I do regularly 3 times per week and then the heart irregularities started on day 3 of taking the two drugs. A cardiologists now has stuck me on this Toprol 25 MG after that day because it helps with irregular heart beat plus my blood pressure was a bit high around 140/90. I immediately started noticing side effects from the Toprol 25 MG but stayed on it plus the Lisinopril 5 MG and 325 MG Aspirin for about 12 days at that dose. I started side effects like tremors, tiredness, constipation, strange dreams, anxiousness, impotence, and struggled to do my workouts etc. I made some lifestyle changes like eliminating caffeine, alcohol, etc and that plus the medicine reduced my blood pressure below 120/80 a bit. I stopped the Lisinopril on December 3rd and my blood pressure is still normal and reduced the Toprol to 12.5 MG at the same time. I did research and the doctor also thinks the irregularity was due to the Decongestant and Lisinopril I had taken for 3 days as both have heart irregularity and palpitations as a side effect. I decided I want to get off the Toprol XL altogether and let my body go back to normal functioning. All my problems were brought once I started taking medicine and the only real problem I have is high blood pressure which I can control now with life style changes and natural supplements. I called the cardiologist's nurse and she said not to do anything until I see the doctor on December 18th. I had already decided to cut the dose in half to 12.5 MG on December 3rd anyway and the side effects got better, but then I had instance the other night after taking a spin class at the gym whereby my heart beat stayed up around 82 bpm for several hours and normally is 59 pbm. I also felt anxious and couldn't get settled to sleep real well. I read on the warning label that your not supposed to work out during the process of reducing the dosage so I guess I will have to stop working out until I'm off this stuff. I have been an exercise person for 31 years doing at least 5 hours of Cardio Exercise per week and then racing bicycles in the summer months doing 10-12 hours of Cardio Exercise. I really want off this drug so I reduced to 6.25 MG today and will stop working out I guess until I'm off. I feel a little shaky and feel sort of like I could faint if I did to much exertion since reducing to 6.25 MG today. I was wondering how long it take to get off this Toprol since I was only on it for 12 days at the 25 MG dosage and should I keep cutting the dosage and go down to 3.12 MG after a few more days and then eventually off after a few days at 3.12 MG? Then how long once I'm off should I wait to return to my rigorous exercise routine?

On December 5th, I reported that, after stopping the Metoprolol, I was having some minor withdrawal symptoms. As an update, this week has not been good. I've had tightness in the chest, sleeping poorly and some gastric problems. It is now three weeks since the last dose. How long does it take to become symptom free?????

I was on Yasmin for about 7 weeks. The first couple weeks seemed fine, just queezy stomach and some headaches. Then, when I was supposed to be PMSing, I became so lethargic and depressed I could barely function. I laid in bed for 2 days not eating, thinking my world was going to fall apart. I only had energy enough to do a small chore at home (like bathe or brush my teeth) then crawl back into bed. The worst is that, normally if I get down I know deep down it will pass and there's a light at the end of the tunnel. But with Yasmin, my brain is foggy and I feel like there's no hope, w the lack of energy is even more depressing because I can't motivate to do anything and get my mind off my worries. Now I can understand why people get suicidal on Yasmin. There's no reason for me to be so tired, I lift weights 3 times a week and w a trainer (luckily or I would never be motivated to get there), I'm lean and muscular and healthy. Well, after the PMS I never got my period either.
Then after freaking out for a few days (and at my poor boyfriend) I was more mellow for the next couple weeks but still nausea and headaches. Then 2nd month PMS started... same thing, just overwhelmingly depressed and unable to reason it away or snap out of it. I've lost my temper a few times. My energy level is so low I just want to lay in bed all day. Now I just figured out that it was because of Yasmin. I was beginning to worry that I was loosing my mind. I really wanted to stick it out another month to see if they would go away but at this rate I'm going to be in a mental ward by that time.

I admit that I may be prone to get depressed, however, I don't take anti-depressents (I tried Wellbutrin a few yrs. ago and it made me very high strung and irritable). I've figured out lifestyle changes to manage when i get down. I just do things that I enjoy when I get down. But Yasmin has made it so that I don't enjoy life, and I don't even have the energy to work out, go out with people so I can get my mind off of my gloom and doom. It's horrible what Yasmin has done, I have never experienced depression like this and I've been down some tough roads in my life. I always have an inner hope and light in me that keeps me going, and what I'm experiencing with Yasmin is that it kills any voice of hope or optimism leaving one disoriented and afraid. I have been off of it for the 2nd day now and hope things start to clear up soon. Good luck with your experience and I hope this helps... even now, I'm not sure if it really IS Yasmin or me, but I believe the posts people have written so I want to X Yasmin out of my life so I KNOW that no drug is making me this way.

I was on Yasmin for about 7 weeks. The first couple weeks seemed fine, just queezy stomach and some headaches. Then, when I was supposed to be PMSing, I became so lethargic and depressed I could barely function. I laid in bed for 2 days not eating, thinking my world was going to fall apart. I only had energy enough to do a small chore at home (like bathe or brush my teeth) then crawl back into bed. The worst is that, normally if I get down I know deep down it will pass and there's a light at the end of the tunnel. But with Yasmin, my brain is foggy and I feel like there's no hope, w the lack of energy is even more depressing because I can't motivate to do anything and get my mind off my worries. Now I can understand why people get suicidal on Yasmin. There's no reason for me to be so tired, I lift weights 3 times a week and w a trainer (luckily or I would never be motivated to get there), I'm lean and muscular and healthy. Well, after the PMS I never got my period either.
Then after freaking out for a few days (and at my poor boyfriend) I was more mellow for the next couple weeks but still nausea and headaches. Then 2nd month PMS started... same thing, just overwhelmingly depressed and unable to reason it away or snap out of it. I've lost my temper a few times. My energy level is so low I just want to lay in bed all day. Now I just figured out that it was because of Yasmin. I was beginning to worry that I was loosing my mind. I really wanted to stick it out another month to see if they would go away but at this rate I'm going to be in a mental ward by that time.

I admit that I may be prone to get depressed, however, I don't take anti-depressents (I tried Wellbutrin a few yrs. ago and it made me very high strung and irritable). I've figured out lifestyle changes to manage when i get down. I just do things that I enjoy when I get down. But Yasmin has made it so that I don't enjoy life, and I don't even have the energy to work out, go out with people so I can get my mind off of my gloom and doom. It's horrible what Yasmin has done, I have never experienced depression like this and I've been down some tough roads in my life. I always have an inner hope and light in me that keeps me going, and what I'm experiencing with Yasmin is that it kills any voice of hope or optimism leaving one disoriented and afraid. I have been off of it for the 2nd day now and hope things start to clear up soon. Good luck with your experience and I hope this helps... even now, I'm not sure if it really IS Yasmin or me, but I believe the posts people have written so I want to X Yasmin out of my life so I KNOW that no drug is making me this way.

I am 48 yrs old, and was prescribed lisinopril in early 2007. It immediately lowered my BP. Due to the stress of my job it took me awhile to notice that the headaches, dry eyes, hollows under my eyes, lack of color to my face, were in fact not from my job but from the medication. It took someone I work with to say to me, "You know, you can go on high blood pressure meds, but if you make the lifestyle changes you need to make, you can also go off the high blood pressure meds." Since I stopped taking the lisinopril, the headaches (like a sinus headache, but deeper), the hollows under my eyes, have greatly improved, my face has color again, and the only symptom I'm still experiencing is dry eyes--hoping that will get better with time, also.

I'm going to start a serious search for a homeopathic alternative. Would appreciate any info anyone out there has re: that. I've also quit my job, gone back to graduate school, and will spend the time now to pay attention to what my body is telling me rather than run to the doctor and get some drugs.

I've been on Lisinopril for about five months. I'm a female, age 47 taking 20 mg once a day. My BP was 150/90 but now low at 100/62. Doc says my young age can support low BP for now. The chest pain and leg twitches are the worst. I'm constantly tired and find a lot of times that I just can't think clearly. I often awake at night with arms that have gone to sleep. Not sure though if the symptoms are from Lisinopril or the low blood pressure that it creates.

Wish me luck because I've decided to stay on the meds but try some lifestyle changes instead. I quit smoking two days ago but have often gone over a week and then caved for a cigarette. Only smoke about five cigs a day anyhow. Started walking when I quit, starting at a mile first (1/2 uphill.) Technically, I"m not overweight by charts but have never weighed this much in my life before. I"ve always had a slender, tall frame until just six years ago (turned 40?).

Also, not sure how much is stress related at every level of my symptoms. Working through a separation and hopefully divorce.. For now doc says stick with this med and lifestyle changes will win out.

I was prescribed 10mg/day for 140/80 BP. Started with 5mg/day. Almost immediatley had less energy and trouble sleeping. After 1 week terrible nightmares and no sex drive. After 2 weeks (still on 5mg/d) had a flare-up of Crohns. Stopped the lisinopril for a month while taking prednisone for the Crohns. Then restarted the lisinopril and the same thing happened. These are the only two flare-ups I have had this year! No more lisinopril for me. This drug is worse than the illness it is supposed to correct.

Hello! I have been on Yasmin since I was 18 years old (I just turned 22), but in the last 6 months I started getting panic attacks. I have always been very self confident and have never had problems with anxiety ever. I never thought to check into my bc pills because I have been taking them for some time and have never had a problem. But now that I look back I did stop and start them again 5-6 months before the symptoms started. So Im not sure if this would be from that, but Im desparate to find some type of solution.

Been on warfarin about 3 weeks due to an a-fib condition.. Dose is 2.5mg a day. Since starting I cannot sleep, feel very tired and fatigued and slight sour stomach. Doctors say this is due to the a-fib but I don't think so. All I hear from my doctors is no side effects. Hs anyone else experienced these symptoms, and/or is there a website where I can find some answers.

Within 2 days of beginning Lisinopril for an "elevated blood pressure event", I bagan to experience labored breathing, like I had just walked up 10 flights of stairs. And that was at rest! I had some anxiety and was generally lethargic. I also began experiencing severe cramps in my legs, feet, and toes. My arches would cramp so bad I coulld hardly stand it. I thought this might be related to the diuretic in the medication. I also experienced muscle weakness. I called my doctor who told me to take half a pill each day. The effects were basically the same at half the dosage! The breathing still labored, less cramping, but same feeling of tiredness and lethargy. I quit taking it, made some lifestyle changes (less sodium laced foods, more exercise) to bring down the pressure.

I have been taking Yasmin since May of 2005. I asked my doctor to put me on the pill because I was having heavy periods with very severe PMS. I felt great the first few months, and everything seemed fine.

The most severe symptom I have had was a lack of sex drive. I have also been quite lethargic the last few months and kind of had the blahs but not depression. I have had a few violent mood swings, probably 2 per month.

I have been off the pill for only a week, but I noticed an immediate change in my sex drive and my mood. I am looking at some dietary and lifestyle changes to help me with my mood.