June 3th
2009
7:52 AM
Same thing here. I have a sinus infection and pharyngitis that just wouldn't go away for 3 weeks. I was prescribed the generic version (Clarithromycin) 500Mg twice daily. The antibiotic does seem to work. I have had a bitter taste from it almost from the beginning. I took the fourth dose on an empty stomach in the morning with little fluid and 10 minutes later started to eat. 20 minutes after taking the antibiotic I had experienced an uncharacteristically severe panic attack. My heart just instantly started racing, confusion set in. The whole time while I am taking it I have difficulty breathing which eases off as dose wears out. Luckily for me I had some lorazepam laying around which I took to suppress this reaction. I skipped my 5th dose in the evening but my infection is still an issue. Now I am unsure whether to continue taking it or not. I am about to see my ENT today so I think I will not be taking it until I see him.
-- By rozenfeld57mh | Reply | Private Message me
November 11th
2008
8:23 PM
Just had Mirena inserted today and I just want to give some people hope...the insertion was almost painless. Three moderate cramps at about the level of a medium period cramp. One thing that may have helped me is that I took a lorazepam 2 hours before the procedure. This helps with anxiety and I was EXTREMELY nervous after reading all of these posts. If you are considering Mirena, you may want to ask your doctor about getting an anxiety prescription before the procedure.
Hope this helps!
-- By maggielouise | Reply | Private Message me
September 27th
2008
2:43 PM
I hate it! My doctor prescribed 1200mg a day. When I followed this dosage for a week (approximately 2 years ago) I was so lethargic, my tongue felt as if it weighed 10 pounds plus it was numb and I was the most unproductive individual! I stopped taking 1200 and started with 600; the same side effects occurred. Now, I take it every few days which really sucks because the manic monster rears its ugly head. At this point, I have to do my own research to find the right medication for my bipolar. I do know that I cannot continue this medication. I thought it was going to help control the severe angry outburst; I've broken one of our ceiling lamps by throwing my shoes. It's like being trapped within myself. I hope any and everyone who posts to this and even those out there that have bipolar, finds the right medication. It is so incredibly difficult not knowing which way my mood will take me; what journey: being ok one minute and the next, feeling terrible.
-- By wontgiveup | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
August 7th
2008
11:42 PM
Thank god I found this site. I was prescribed Wellbutrin today for my depression. I was already on Lorazepam and that's all I had wanted again. But I guess since Lorazepam causes dependency, doctor's do not want to prescribe it much. My depression got deeper because I noticed hair loss in the first place and no one took me seriously. This doctor KNEW I had issues with hair loss already (i'm a woman) and I once had eating disorders and he went ahead anyway and prescribed this. If I had taken this I can honestly say I would have total bald spots on my head!
Thanks for this site!
April 18th
2008
5:54 AM
I have been taking lorazepam (generic for Ativan) for over a year. It helps me sleep and keeps me level from anxiety. I do find it difficult to sleep without it, but the reason I started is because I found it difficult to sleep. I don't crave it and or abuse it. I am very happy with it and at $6.00 for a 30 day supply, am grateful.
-- By jimboca | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
March 16th
2008
11:26 AM
I started taking Lamictal about six weeks ago for epilepsy. Now keep in mind, I was on Dilantin which worked great for 17 years and then suddenly stopped working. I have been in medication hell since then. First Topamax made me dumb as a rock. I would space out all the time. Worst drug ever. Then Keppra which was better in that my memory/ability to speak came back but I had these intense ups and down. I had rages constantly. Now I'm on Lamictal. So far, it's better than the Topamax and the Keppra, however the dreams are very intense as are the night sweats. I'm also experiencing much hair loss. Fortunately I have a full head of hair but I'm afraid I will eventually lose it all.
-- By lintriago | Reply | (10) replies | Private Message me
February 10th
2008
2:21 AM
While taking Levaquin I experienced insomnia and anxiety. One week after completing 500mg a day for 10 days, I began experiencing Tendonitis in my right hand/wrist and have had an incredibly painful earache with tinnitus and vertigo. The ENT doctor diagnosed TMJ, but I do not grind my teeth or clench my teeth. My jaw operates just fine with no immediate pain, but the earache persists almost constantly. The ENT doctor's solution was Vicodin, but I want a cure not a pain treatment. I don't believe I have TMJ and wonder if it could be the temporal tendon. I am indirectly aware of two other people who have had the same experience, and I wonder how many others are out there. If any one else has experienced this and has any knowledge or advice to offer, I would greatly appreciate it. I have no idea who to go to about this. The ENT doctor does not have any solutions, and I doubt a dentist can help me because I don't think it's TMJ.
-- By rachelb | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
January 27th
2008
6:20 PM
Geodon - Weight Loss, Mania Anyone?
________________________________________
I've been on Geodon for 5 wx & have lost 15 #'s. I usually weigh 130, now 115. looking anorexic, but my depression is a lot better now, I'm happy, first time in ovr a yr. nothing else could break the barrier except the Geodon, but it makes me manic, on top of already being manic…can't sleep. as I was about to crash & burn (thu), before I went running to the ER, i found my stash of 4 mg Risperdal that I just weened myself off of 3 mos ago, due to the long term side effects I was having (td, slurring, twitching, sexual dysfunction...). it took the edge off, til I can talk to the pdoc on tue.
like many of you, i’ve tried everything. i’m at my wit’s end. This bizarre combo seems to work for me. It puts a muzzle on the mania, allowing me a more hypomanic state where I can function & still feel really happy. although I’m going to try 40 vs 60 mg geodon. & try going down to 2 mg risperdal or try another a/p. adding the risperdal allowed me to sleep, along w/the lorazepam. but, I prefer not to be on risperdal
So, as of now…i'm on 60 mg geodon, 675 mg lithium, 4 mg risperdal & 1 mg lorazepam X 2/day.
has anyone else had this experience? Especially w/the mania & weight loss?
PLZ HELP! QUEENIE
-- By queenie30 | Reply | (7) replies | Private Message me
November 25th
2007
11:38 AM
Last November, I got pneumonia. My doctor prescribed Avelox. I took the first dose while standing in the doctor's office. Less than one hour later, I was standing at the pharmacy counter and began to become irrational and very anxious. I called my husband who met me at the grocery where our pharmacy is located. When I saw him, I ran from him. Can't explain that except that I had become very freaked out. Can't believe I drove myself home either but the anxiety continued and was so bad that I could not sleep, could not stand to be touched, could not read. We called my doctor's emergency line. They denied that I was having a drug reaction but I knew better. I started drinking water like crazy. I contacted a friend who is a phychologist. She agreed that I was having a drug reaction and prescribed lorazepam which I took the next day-still very anxious. I could feel the anxiety but I did not care. Funny now-not then. I had horrible attacks off and on for almost two weeks. A month later, I was still edgy but no longer anxiety attack prone. My doctor refused to remark in my record that I had had this reaction. I fired him. I have read about and discussed similar reactions to this drug with many people-yet the doctors refuse to believe it. What can we do?
-- By mimi0722 | Reply | Private Message me
November 14th
2007
1:08 PM
I took this yesterday after suffering with asthma problems off and on the past couple of months. After two trips to the doctor, the final consensus was that I had a sinus infection, and that the continuous dripping into my chest was causing the chest congestion.
Anyway, within one hour of taking avelox, I had a full-blown anxiety attack ....I was dizzy, lightheaded, my head felt like it would explode, had diarrhea, couldn't breathe, and thought I was dying. I almost called 911. After about 4 hours of this I took half of a 1 mg lorazepam pill to calm down. I continue to feel completely unwell all evening, shaking and anxious. I finally took a hot bath, and a full lorazepam, which allowed me to sleep. I am telling you that the whole afternoon and evening was a harrowing experience. I am also wondering if the side effects were exacerbated by the Astiliin (nasal spray) I took, since this morning that drug made me feel extremely groggy and tight in the chest.
I will NEVER take this drug again,and now I am so afraid that I am scared to take the zithromax the doctor prescribed in place of Avonex, even though I have used zithromax in the past with no side effects.
At this point, I am ready to consult a naturopath or acupuncturist to help with my condition - most of these new-fangled drugs seem to cause more problems than they "cure".
February 16th
2007
4:58 PM
After 14 months of suffering from Levaquin I am getting worse.
I have had sore ankles and achilles heels for months but last two days this has increased to where I can't walk on them. My shoulders, arms, hands, legs have incresed in pain 50 % in last two days. All I can do is moan, all night in bed and even during day now.
Just loaded up on Lorazepam today.
Also, my nerve system has been severely damaged.
I am over 50. I know what my body feels. Everything involving my nerves has changed from the first 24 hours I took this stuff back in Dec. 2005. My skin feels prickly. My sensitivity to cold and heat is so off and unbearable.
I get haywire feeling all through me all the time. My heart jumps. My ears pop. I feel extreme anxiety.
Everything connected to my nerves seems effected. I get odd bladder feelings. Penile soreness like a nerve twinge.
My intestinal tract is shot. Everything from gastritis to gerd to middle intestinal inflammation. I have diagnosed tendinitis, torn rotator cuff, fractured vertebrae, neck disc damage, etc.
I am low in B-12 to 100 level. Also low in Male Hormone.Have acquired bronchial asthma, sinusits, scarring in left lung.
I do not know how much more I can take. And it all started that week I took Levaquin and "no other medicine".
Hadn't taken any medicne for years previous to this.
I called Ortho-McNeill to complain and they asked what happened to me. I told them I was given this after being diagnosed with beginning bronchitis and low electrolytes at our local ER. The lady on the Ortho McNeil complaint line told me " they ( the ER ) should have never given you Levaquin when you had diagnosed electrolyte imbalance."
She also said they were aware of many complaints of tendon damage.
And no attorney will even touch my case. Go figure. This country is crazy.
-- By jb7th | Reply | Private Message me
June 16th
2005
11:51 PM
PREDNISONE: One of the most scary medications that I have EVER taken.
I had injured my neck about 6 months ago. The doctor prescribed 20mg to be taken in the mornings. I am also taking Lorazepam (.5mg) Lorazepam is a tranq and muscle relaxant. I was taking .5 mg 3 times a day and 1 mg at night to help me sleep.
My experience with prednisone was short term: 20 mg the first 2 days... then I was so preoccupied that I forgot a day. On the 4th day I resumed taking the medication, but I was experiencing panic attacks, hostility, and depression.
Soooo, I increased my Lorazepam. By the 5th day, I had no concept of time or space... I had obviously over medicated myself, and luckily didn't die. However, when my significant other got home and tried to take my pills, I became violent. I guess I thought I was superwoman! I among other things, threw him out and called the police... He did not press charges, but the state did... on him, because I called first. Now we have to go to court.
I can honestly tell you. For me, this is a dangerous drug. Needless to say the doctor told me to stop taking the drug when I called the next day. My remorse was unbearable.
My doctor claims that I was only on a small dose and that he had only seen one bad reaction in his 30 years of practice; and he said she was taking twice as much. The doctor said that the prednisone cause the irritability and the Lorazepam removed the inabition (much like alcohol does).The pharmacy did not warn me or give me any paper work on the drug when I picked it up.
It is too bad that we find this site after the fact.
February 26th
2005
5:32 PM
I have experienced 13 years of hell with Levothyroxine, which is pure sodium. Everything in the body from skin to internal organs are affected by shrinkage and shortening of muscle. My horror complaint - leg cramps, massive thoracic jerking and therefore no sleep. think of salt cod or an Egyptian mummy.
First, do not deal with a GP. Thyroid is very tricky and only an endocrinologist should be consulted.
Second, get tested at a Nuclear Medicine Department in your hospital. You may be making enough thyroxin. Partial organs DO compensate.
Third, sodium binds with blood serum. Blood enters muscles. Muscles CAN store sodium. My case.
If you can get away without taking thyroid meds you may find withdrawal unbelievably difficult. In a withdrawal situation, a larger amount is released into the blood stream. You will find your muscles steely rigid and unbendable. You may be pulled over.
You will need huge willpower and support. My withdrawal is now in its 8th month.
I use acupuncture by Chinese medicine methodology, resistance exercise several times a day. Get yourself rubber resistance bands and put hooks in your basement walls and ceiling. Pilates is excellent. Magnesium tablets high strength. 1000 mg is allowable but I've done twice that. Some diarrhea but basically one is too dried out for there to be a problem. From a good herbal store, get probiotics 30 million a day, Udo's Oil (Canadian), eat almonds - several hanmdfuls a day - I hate it but Lorazepam had to be used as a muscle relaxant for 6 weeks at the worst stage. Never discontinue these abruptly. Detox drops after a visit to a QUALIFIED Naturopath. First, Unda Numbers to detox liver and kidneys, then thyroid and lungs. Very effective but you may only tolerate shortish stints- 10 days. me anyway.
Eventually, the muscles feel caged but bulging. Then they start undulating dramatically and free up. But so far I've had to endure 6 of these session at about once a week. After which even more toxic stuff pours out. But it WILL end.
I am 63. I resent losing wellness for so long and it took a friend to tell me about a relative with leg cramps to get the connection. By the way, it was the naturopath that identified the cause NOT a doctor. Allopathy (Western medicine) believes all drugs leave you with tissue renewal every 4 months. But Chinese medicine, massage therapists, naturopaths, injury rehab (they use theraball) and reputable spas don't.
All of you are young. I hope I have helped in some way. All of you who ache, I think it is the tightening of the muscles. it is like enforced arthritis. Number 2911, I hope you read this. Your little son sounds just like my beginnings of my dreadful journey.
-- By helen398 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
May 30th
2003
6:56 PM
my husband just took zyprexa for the first time about 3 hours ago (5mg) about 45 minutes after he took it he could hardly keep his eyes open...now he is asleep and dead to the world- we have a 9 month old baby crying and playing and yelling right next to him and he hasn't budged...he eventually tried to stand up but fell down with weakness, and fell right back to sleep where he fell...i haven't had a chance to actually talk to him and see how he feels, i'm hoping this is just a one time thing since his body is not used to the med yet...let me know if any of you experienced this when you started and if so how long it lasts...also he is taking lorazepam (generic ativan) let me know if you have taken these 2 together and how they jive.....thanks...Dale's wife
-- By cactuswireless | Reply | Private Message me
Lorazepam (4) Levaquin (3) Geodon (3) Avelox (2) Mirena (2) PredniSONE (2) Diazepam (1) Wellbutrin (1) Biaxin (1) Gabapentin (1) Ativan (1) Trileptal (1) Lamictal (1) Viagra (1) Lorazepam Novaplus (1) Levoxyl (1) Zyprexa (1)
September 28th
2009
9:13 PM
I am 45 years old. I get the impression many of the ladies here are younger, as they speak of having younger children, so I will tell my side from a bit more "mature" (ie older!) perspective:
Had Mirena for a little over 9 months. My two MAIN side effects were a development of terrible cystic acne on my face, back, shoulders, hairline, behind my ears and straight down my spine, ending in a nice lovely rash just above my tailbone. These things were deep, solid knots under the skin, not average little pimples. Worse acne I've ever had, and at my age too!
Second, profuse sweating under my breasts and lower back, again just at my tailbone, right above my butt. After drying off from a shower, I'd run my hand back there and still feel soaked. This did not seem related to hot flashes. Just sweating, and I think that contributed to the acne, which was beginning to leave scars it was so deep.
I do feel like I gained weight, my pants were much tighter and I just felt bloated all the time.
Fortunately, no hair loss or emotional side effects. I've had anxiety for years and take Ativan (lorazepam) which keeps it pretty much under control. No loss of sex drive either. It seems there are a distinct set of side effects, and some get them in different combination than others, but we're ALL getting them one way or the other!
OBGYN said as the Mirena is only progesterone, I was missing the estrogen which were the 2 components of the pill I took for years with no trouble. He gave me a Rx for a low dose of estrogen. Now I am getting what I had in the pill in 2 separate forms, and having these awful side effects on top of it. It didn't help.
So I had Mirena removed 6 days ago. Luckily he found the strings, told me to cough, and pulled it out, no pain! I immediately went back on Alesse BC pill that same day, so no break in hormones, but I handled the BC pill fine all those years, so I"m just going back on it. Have been bleeding ever since removal, but I figure that is just my body "getting back at me" for not having periods for months. My first real one, due in about 3 weeks following the pill schedule will probably be the period from hell. Ok, I accept that. My uterus wants to get this poison toxic mess out of me, and I'm ok with that.
I'm crossing my fingers that I will miss the "crash" I've read so much about. As it seems to be mostly psychological, and I didn't have those side effects to begin with, maybe it won't be so bad, or at all. Of course that could just be wishful thinking on my part! So far, 6 days of having it out of me and I already feel 100% better! My face cleared up in a matter of days. The sweating stopped immediately. My pants are looser, although I still weigh the same. The bloated feeling is gone. I just feel thinner. Before, my profile in the mirror looked like I was 4 months pregnant! That too is going down quick. Good luck to all who have it removed. Things can only get better!
And don't let any doctor tell you you can't have it out! It's your body! You can demand whatever you want, especially if you feel like it is making you sick! Do not take no for an answer. You don't even owe them an explanation. Just a "Sorry, it's not for me..." at the most.
Good luck to all....
-- By xraygirl444 | Reply | Private Message me