June 12th
2009
10:00 AM
I am 40 years old and recently went to my medical facility as I have had a "viral" ear infection for almost a year now, and it is concerning me. I do not take medication typically. My new primary care provider recommended I try Singulair. So far I have taken three doses over three nights. The first night was horrifying, the dreams I had were so scary, and they were tied into reality which was even stranger as the drug also makes you wake up often, then when you fall back asleep your awake time ties into your dreams. I woke up in a numb state. Since then, I also have been extremely agitated, dizzy, mouth sores, acne, fuzzy thinking, light headed and severe fatigue and body aches. Thank goodness I checked out this webpage, as I too will stop taking this drug. I find it very disappointing, how are we suppose to be able to trust our medical professionals to help us with one of our most prized possessions, our bodies, when we are given something to clear up an ear infection only to have it affect numerous other aspects of our lives to such a serious degree with no mention from our medical professionals. This is ridiculous. I guess I'll live with the viral ear infection.......
-- By jstonecipher | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
April 29th
2009
5:57 PM
hi all. i had the mirena put in January this year. i also noticed a lot of the side effects that a lot have mentioned, my biggest issue was the hair loss. i went back to the GP who said it had nothing to do with the coil and put it down to stress. it was strange that it happened just a few days after having it inserted! so i had it removed in march. however i have noticed that my hair is still lifeless and falling out. im 26 and shouldn't be losing my hair. please can anybody help in telling me if they had the same experience and how long did it take to stop. im very worried about it. all of you ladies out there think twice before you have this device inserted its more hassle and heartache than whats it worth. if any body can help me please please do.
-- By sas | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
February 28th
2009
3:40 PM
On day 8 of 500mg/2x day of Biaxin, yesterday, I woke up with large red patches in my mouth, along with that white cottage-cheesy stuff I always associate with thrush. Went to doc and she said, nope not thrush, another virus (I've been sick with one upper respiratory virus after another for 2 months). She gave me Nystatin, "just in case" it is thrush.
Now I'm reading this site and thinking perhaps my mouth sores are a reaction to Biaxin. I've also been experiencing the weird dreams, mild anxiety and been wondering about it, but hadn't associated it with Biaxin until reading the posts here. Hmmm.
Before being on the biaxin, I was on Levaquin and had an allergic reaction to it--hives all over my body.
-- By rjf | Reply | Private Message me
January 19th
2009
12:16 PM
I also have experience gas, bloating and unbearable stomach cramps that almost prompted me to go to the hospital. In addition, one morning I woke up and my tongue was all black. Is this from the sulfur or is something else wrong with me? Yikes. I was using the GNC supplement before and it worked great, but I got a coupon for move free. I think I'll switch back and pay the extra money.
-- By lmh990 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
November 25th
2008
11:24 AM
I used carmex cherry and it broke my lip out! My lip was burning n busting. I been having black scabs on my lip. My top lip have little bumps on it>
-- By tnkerbell09 | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
November 18th
2008
2:24 PM
I've had all these same symptoms at one point during the two years I've been taking Advair. I've had exercise induced asthma since I was 18 but I can still work out at age 38 regularly with the help of Albuterol/Proventil. I stopped taking Advair after I completed my last disk in Sept, 08. It all makes sense now after the fact from reading here. Firstly, I cant tell you how severe the muscle cramps were. No words can describe upper body cramping in every muscle that I endured for weeks (it felt like knives all over)!!! The same happened with my legs...the muscles became so tight they contorted! My Dr. gave me an m.r.i. took x-rays and several blood tests...even gave me an h.i.v. test because he had no idea what would cause all these symptoms. He said it was "complicated". The test results found nothing. All lof my symptoms are gone now that I've stopped taking it (mouth sores, bleeding gums, strange skin lumps, hair loss, dry eyes, swollen tongue feeling, lump in throat feeling, severe cramping all over my body for 3 weeks). The Dr. noted that I had gained 10lbs since my last visit. I told him, "I've barely been able to MOVE with this cramping much less exercise with my regular weekly routine!" "It even hurts to breath deeply!" I still have a dry cough that hasn't gone away and normally I clear up after the seasonal rag weed season is over. We have had two hard frosts already...that usually clears my allergies.
-- By regular_exerciser | Reply | Private Message me
November 18th
2008
2:01 PM
I've had all these same symptoms at one point during the two years I've been taking Advair. I've had exercise induced asthma since I was 18 but I can still work out at age 38 regularly with the help of Albuterol/Proventil. I stopped taking Advair after I completed my last disk in Sept, 08. It all makes sense now after the fact from reading here. Firstly, I cant tell you how severe the muscle cramps were. No words can describe upper body cramping in every muscle that I endured for weeks (it felt like knives all over)!!! The same happened with my legs...the muscles became so tight they contorted! My Dr. gave me an m.r.i. took x-rays and several blood tests...even gave me an h.i.v. test because he had no idea what would cause all these symptoms. He said it was "complicated". The test results found nothing. All lof my symptoms are gone now that I've stopped taking it (mouth sores, bleeding gums, strange skin lumps, hair loss, dry eyes, swollen tongue feeling, lump in throat feeling, severe cramping all over my body for 3 weeks). The Dr. noted that I had gained 10lbs since my last visit. I told him, "I've barely been able to MOVE with this cramping much less exercise with my regular weekly routine!" "It even hurts to breath deeply!" I still have a dry cough that hasn't gone away and normally I clear up after the seasonal rag weed season is over. We have had two hard frosts already...that usually clears my allergies.
-- By regular_exerciser | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
November 1th
2008
11:13 PM
I took the generic for Norvasc (amlodipine)for 2 months and all I have
to say is the stuff is pure junk.
I felt absolutely AWFUL.
I felt like I had been poisoned.
My lips and tongue swelled,canker sores on my tongue
and I became horribly depressed.
What a bunch of BS!!!
I'm not taking anymore of these poisonous substances!
October 16th
2008
1:20 PM
Like many patients, I started out on a low dose of Lamictal. Eventually, I was taking 300 mg. This seemed fine for awhile. Then, I started feeling a bit down, so the doctor increased the dose to 400 mg. Increased dosage does not necessarily mean improvement in mood (bipolar). I began to experience a good number of the adverse side effects reported here, including excessive fatigue, gastrointestinal disturbances, cotton mouth and very bad taste in my mouth, muscle tension (particularly in my legs), forgetfulness and confusion, and sinus and chest congestion. At one point in time, I even had difficulty articulating words.
Though I did not suffer from rash, I have been up in the middle of the night with itching all over my body. I had a few episodes of mouth sores and one pimple on my chin. Many of these have improved since the doctor brought me back to 300 mg. However, they have not entirely disappeared. I continue to suffer from the excessive fatigue many of you have reported here.
I recently had a blood test and learned I have very low levels of Vitamin D and Vitamin B-12. I do not know if there is any relationship between long-term use of Lamical and these test results. However, I do know that low levels of Vitamin D can cause fatigue.
Though I am willing to follow through with further blood tests, I am beginning to understand why some people are tempted to discontinue their medications. I am so tired of being so tired and sleeping so much. When I finally get up, I am still tired and drag through the day.
Sometimes, I think I'd rather have a down day or two than take this medication. I should add, though, that my bipolar is not severe, and that I am only reporting how I feel. I'm certainly not recommending anyone discontinue medications for this or any other condition they may be suffering from. If I were to recommend anything, it would be to get a second opinion if one is concerned about his or her treatment.
If I were to make any suggestion to doctors, it would be this: more is not necessarily better. Send your patients for blood tests (mine were ordered by my M.D. and not by my psychiatrist). Increasing the dosage--at least of Lamictal--might result in a host of negative side effects. Your patients might then become disillusioned with their treatment and give up.
If anyone out there has suffered from B-12 and D deficiencies, let me know. I'll let you know what I find out.
And remember, most doctors are really trying to help us.
September 16th
2008
1:06 AM
I have been taking two 220 mg. Naproxen Sodium tablets (Aleve) twice per day for backaches, for the past three to four weeks. I am sensitive to ibuprofen (tinnitus and vertigo) so chose Naproxen because it does not seem to have that effect on me. However, I have had painful mouth sores on the inside of my lips and under my tongue since about the first full week of usage.
-- By jg50 | Reply | Private Message me
August 25th
2008
11:27 PM
I have adult onset asthma that has gotten progressively worse since I moved from a small Midwestern town to a larger city in the Sonoran desert. On account of this progression in asthmatic symptoms and flair-ups, I switched from Flovent 220mcg to Advair 500/50 about a year ago. For a long time, Advair really seemed to be helping my asthma. Outside of gaining 10-15 pounds in this year (which I asked my pulmonologist about and was assured that inhaled steroids cannot be responsible for), I have fortunately not had many of the aforementioned side effects. However, in the past month after experiencing a bad flair up while studying abroad, I have developed severe heartburn, nausea, acid reflux, a sore throat, and mouth sores. I take the medicine as prescribed and am always sure to properly rinse out my mouth, having been warned about this. After reading everyone else's entries on this site, I am now curious if Advair is doing more harm that good.
-- By ralewis | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
August 2th
2008
6:06 PM
My father had such severe mouth sores that he could not eat for 2 weeks which eventually led to his organs shutting down which in the end led to his death in 2 weeks time. Please make sure to insist your doctor does something to help with the mouth sores before they get so bad that you cannot eat! Actually, if any loved one of mine gets cancer, next time we are heading to Mexico to the Hoxsey Clinic. I will never again subject a loved one to the poison of chemo again!!!
-- By pbartholomew | Reply | Private Message me
August 2th
2008
2:13 PM
My son suffered from pneumonia at age 6 months till age 2. They had him on Flovent and Singulair from the age of 1. For as long as we can remember, he has been an aggressive, mean, bitter, angry child. The slightest thing would set him off. The doctors had just had him tested for tumors and cancers and other serious head related problems because he was constantly complaining of headaches. All tests came back normal. Then we heard that Singulair can cause ADD amongst many other side effects, including headaches. We took him off of Singulair and after only 2 days off of it he was a completely different little boy. He is happy and loving, calm and patient. He isn't dissolving in a fit of rage at the simplest thing. We can not believe the difference in how he is acting.
We found about 2 years ago a natural supplement that has really helped control his and my asthma and allergies. It is called OPC-3. It is an incredible anti oxidant that helps with so many health problems! If you would like more info, just let me know. It has been a life saver for our family and many others! Here is a website where it can be found.
******
It is under the health and nutrition tab on the left side.
Good Luck!!
July 27th
2008
7:29 PM
I was on 100 mg Lamictal for about 3 months and all I can say is this medication was a nightmare for me. I do have a history of depression, and have recently been diagnosed for Bipolar 2 (which by the way I believe I am not bipolar and that what I had was extreme stress and anxiety from a high pressure job), anyway the medication put me in the hospital. I was at work feeling OK and next minute carried out on a stretcher into an ambulance. I experienced confusion, more anxiety, hair loss, tremors. I also had seizures at work during the few months of taking the medication. My eyes were rolling back and forth. How scary! I also had sores in my mouth and my doctor said it was probably an infection or tooth problem. I never had these kinds of mouth sores before and surprise surprise they (and all other symptoms) went away after I stopped the medication.
I am only feeling normal now and it has been about 5 months after my hospital incident.
The hospital was very scary as well.
I have two children and I do not need to get all messed up on medication.
I am taking another path now and feel much better these days.
No more Lamictal or any other "Mood stabilizers" for me.......
-- By nomeds7 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
April 7th
2008
3:16 AM
I was on Lamictal for 4 years and after the first year I suddenly started having all kinds of teeth and gum problems for no discernible reason. But since Lamictal has the possible side effect of "sores or blisters on the inside of the mouth" I wondered if it could be related.
I did a Google search and am coming up with no experts yet, but lots and lots of posts connecting anticonvulsant meds, particularly Lamictal, Topamax, Neurontin, and Depakote, with dental problems. Dilantin is well known for causing gum disease and breaking down tooth enamel, loosening of teeth, and even breaking down of jawbone tissue.
I don't think the experts have connected the dots yet, but is anyone else having this problem?
-- By absisback | Reply | (15) replies | Private Message me
March 24th
2008
12:47 PM
I've been on Advair for 4 or 5 years and can never find a doctor who will even entertain the notion of taking me off of it. Although I have many symptoms that have been documented by GSK they consider it "very unlikely" that Advair is causing my joint pain, bloating, headaches, mouth sores etc. Last year I had pneumonia (also a reported adverse reaction) and THIS year I was diagnose with osteoporosis (yet another risk). I think these doctors are afraid that if they agree to wean me off & I die they'll get sued. Sorry to be so blunt but the problem is that the last doctor who tried to wean me off (now retired) even contacted the manufacturer & was told there is "currently no protocol" recommended for the cessation of Advair. My asthma got so bad when I tapered off, even with oral steroids he eventually just put me back on, hoping to hear of a protocol later. I'm very frustrated to say the least. Doctors seem to think "well it seems to be working since your still alive". Of course I can't to a certainty attribute all my symptoms to Advair it seems very unlikely that NONE of them are. Can't say if the Advair is directly causing depression but the Advair SITUATION is depressing!
-- By momo1 | Reply | Private Message me
February 22th
2008
11:08 PM
I have been taking Omeprazole since December 2007 now so 2 and a half months.
I had the dose increased to 40mg 3 weeks ago as 20mg wasn't curing the burning in my throat.
For a few weeks now i have had increasing vertigo/dizziness and palpitations. I only linked the 2 to the medication just yesterday, googled it just now and confirmed my suspicions to the Omeprazole.
Other feeling i have had since taking this medication...
Severe dizziness
vertigo
palpitations
headaches/migraines
weakness
fatigue
sweating
nausea
bloating
stomach cramps
visual problems
intolerance to bright lights
aching joints
chest pain
Now my question to myself is do i come off the tablets and endure the misery of my acid reflux? surely there must be something else we can take for our stomach problems that don't cause these awful side effects.
Anyone tried anything else that worked and didn't make them unwell?
February 19th
2008
4:25 PM
I have been taking Advair 500/50 for about two years ( I am now 60 years old,) to help control my allergy related asthma (that only presented itself when I had to take steroid eye drops for glaucoma.) While I had the hoarseness, dry mouth and occasional mouth sores, they seemed livable compared to uncontrolled asthma.
One morning about a month ago, when I was taking my normal AM puff, I suddenly felt as though a giant sledge hammer banged down on my head - pounding me into the floor - almost losing consciousness. Then, I experienced pounding, racing heart that felt as though it might jump out of my chest. I turned white and gray - my family and I thought I was having a heart attack.
I was terrified to take another puff - thinking it might be my last. Two days went by, when, I decided to experiment by taking a very light puff, barely taking any into my lungs. (I had been further scared by warning about suddenly going off steroids.) My doctor was out of the country and no one wanted the liability of advising me.
One hesitant puff of Advair caused the exact same pounding - heart jumping and racing reaction. I decided right then that I did not need further evidence to "pound into my head" that Advair was now toxic for me.
The odd thing is that my doctor seems to discount my experience by saying I am the only person this has ever happened to (implying there must be something wrong with me!) When I asked about the dangers and appropriate process for suddenly stopping steroids, she pooh-poohed my concern saying there are no side effects from inhalers with steroids. (Several nurses recently told me that was not necessarily true. Who knows what to believe!)
I have stopped Spiriva and Advair and have scheduled an appointment with a doctor and nurse practitioner who use diet, exercise and nutritional supplements to help treat asthma. A friend has gone to them for several years and is now off all asthma medication, has lost about 50 pounds, has improved health and looks 10 years younger! I can only hope this works for me!
I am also writing Advair manufacturer with my experience;copies to FDA. I can only wonder if there are others as 'rare' as me? If so, let it be known. thanks
I
-- By slickrock | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
January 17th
2008
1:36 PM
There has been at least two documented cases of women having extremely high acid levels due to taking Xeloda. These high levels ultimately caused their deaths. All drugs cause side effects but death is not one listed in any of the literature that Roche presents with this drug. If you are taking this drug please make sure that your acid levels are checked regularly and if you know of someone who had the same complications from Xeloda please contact us.
-- By blackboxthisdrug | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
November 11th
2007
3:26 PM
Has anyone had a problem with mouth or tongue sores? My oral surgeon elimnated anything serious, but still can't for sure tell me why the left side of my tongue is sore and red. Leiton planus was mentioned, I found that on one site to be associated with certain blood pressure medications.
-- By butt3040 | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
October 8th
2007
3:28 PM
I am 28 and have lupus, I was put on 10 mg of methotrexate last week weekly. Im expierencing some really weird side effects, atleast I think there side effects. My lower abdomen became very sensitive, I couldnt even touch the area where my uterus is, and now my breast have enlarged by a whole cup size and become very, VERY sore. Like the sore you get when you first get pregnant but I had a tubal ligation 6 years ago so pregnancy is out of the question. My heart beat is irregular and caffene seems to realy make it worse. I am soooo tired too, omg. I can't believe how tired I have become. And my hair is falling out, every time I shower it falls out in handfulls. Has anyone else experienced any of these symptoms? If so please share!
-- By huffmanrebecca | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
October 8th
2007
12:05 PM
I started taking Levaquin on Thursday October 4 for a sinus/throat infection. 5 days later and I feel wired out of my mind. Strange thoughts, increased energy intertwined with panic, wrist/hip pain, very little sleep. Severe stomach pain, constipation, nausea and vomiting, gagging reflex. Also mouth sores, and terrible taste in mouth. This has me very concerned. I am grateful that this isn't my imagination. Thanks for this forum. Why is this drug still on the market. Karen in Winnipeg, Canada
-- By canadiankaren | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
September 12th
2007
11:42 PM
I had extreme stomach bloating and was starting to think I had ovarian cancer or something. I could only eat a little at a time or I'd be so bloated and couldn't breathe. I had 2 lung infections, terrible feet and leg cramps and I also had neck and behind the ear pain, but thought something was out in my neck. I quit using Advair 2 months ago, and now that I come to think of it, my neck and ear pain is gone, and I'm sure I've lost at least 5 lbs. off of my stomach. I also had a very raspy throat and awful sores inside of my mouth for a few months, but attributed it to not gargling every time I used Advair. I started rinsing my mouth out better and the raspy throat did improve, but the mouth sores were always there no matter how much I rinsed. Another thing that has come to me lately is that I don't feel nearly as lethargic and depressed as I did, but never thought of it being the Advair. Reading everyone's side effects, it explains a lot of odd maladies I seemed to be suffering that I don't seem to be bothered by now. I used Advair for over 2 years every day. I will never use it again.
-- By lynne1139 | Reply | Private Message me
August 29th
2007
8:38 PM
Complete Nightmare. Please read...I was on Minocin for a week. I developed major CNS (central nervous system) side effects including major light sensitivity, back pain, runny nose. The worst of the lot were the mental side effects which included extreme paranoia, the inability to concentrate, depression, suicidal thoughts. I couldn't go to work, I was up all night crying, couldn't socialize properly or look people in the eye. i felt completely out of my mind and didn't know why..until i stopped taking the drug the next day.
My mother who is a registered nurse accompanied me to my dermatologist the following week to describe my experience. Let's just say he denied my claims and that there could be any connection between my side effects and Minocin, rushed me out of his office without treatment or refunding the fee that I already paid to see him, and continued to cancel my future appointments with him. I never heard from him again.
Over the following months, my mother did her own research at her hospital. Turns out,she witnessed and heard of many young women come in with the same side effects..and they were in a mentally unstable state. They were admitted to the psych ward and most were suicidal.
I know this sounds extreme and everyone's body reacts differently to drugs, but this is a true recount of my experience with Minocin and I wanted to share it.
Background: I've never taken regular prescription drugs other than anitibitocs for infections, and am otherwise a healthy person. I have no history of depression and was not going through any emotional stress at the time. I was not on the pill at the time, so my body was not bombarded with high levels of tetracyclin (which Minocin is of) although I was on the pill for a year, 3 years prior.
-- By minocinsuxx | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
Advair HFA (10) Levaquin (3) Lamictal (3) Singulair (3) Xeloda (2) Hydrea (2) Methotrexate (2) Norvasc (1) Lovastatin (1) Lipitor (1) Omeprazole (1) Carmex (1) Lisinopril (1) Hydrochlorothiazide (1) Geodon (1) Schiff Move Free (1) Advair Diskus (1) PredniSONE (1) Minocin (1) Mirena (1) Celexa (1) Naproxen Sodium (1) Biaxin (1)
October 2th
2009
2:09 PM
I just turned 34 and I am a woman. I have struggled with mild asthma from early teens. I was always able to control my mild asthma with a rescue inhaler as my asthma was triggered primarily by cats/some dogs. However eventually that faded away and I was in control as long as I wasn't around cats. At age 31, I had my daughter (she is now 2 1/2), I rarely had asthma symptoms during my pregnancy and before. However about 1 week after my c-section I had to go to the ER because I couldn't breathe. They thought maybe I was having a pulmonary embolism from the previous c-section surgery. Fortunately I wasn't, but unfortunately for whatever reason, my asthma had been triggered (even if I wasn't around animals). My doctor put me on a Advair, another rescue inhaler, and ZPac. It helped right away.
I noticed a big difference in my ability to breathe. However 2 1/2 years later, I'm still on it. 250/50 once a day. I've tried going off of it several times but I'm unable to breathe. I don't want to be on a steroid long term, but I also have to be able to breathe after about 2 days being off of it. It's like gasping for every breathe. Not fun at all. The side effects I've had are hives to anything cold, itchy skin, stiffer feeling joints, occasional mouth sores, lots of phlegm (coughing up phlegm especially in the morning). I've never suffered from leg cramps or depression from Advair, in fact prior to having a child I was on Lexapro for anxiety and after being put on Advair my depression/anxiety has gone away. In fact, I've lost weight (30 Lbs) and am now down to the same size I was in college! I've asked two different doctors my OBGYN and Family Doctor if it's safe as we are planning for another child. They say yes. My OBGYN has said if I can't breathe I'm not going to be able to carry full-term. Which I guess makes sense. My Family Doctor said you can use Advair only as needed as it is not a bad drug to go off and on again (unlike antidepressants where you should never just stop them cold turkey). He said (he also suffers from asthma) that asthma can be triggered by stress (and my life has been extremely stressful over the last year).
Is there anyone who has had similar side-effects? Do you believe the benefit of Advair outweighs the negatives? I'm wondering if there is a better non-steroid drug that I can take that is SAFER for pregnancy and for my future. Open to suggestions...
-- By poodle_girl | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me