Positive outlook symptoms and conditions

I'm a 66 year old female who took Singulair for 6 months. I could perceive no positive effects on my breathing. My doctor prescribed this drug as treatment for my COPD. It took some time for me to realize that it was having negative effects on my personality. I was moody, sad, weepy, depressed, all conditions that are contrary to my usual positive outlook on life. A week after I stopped taking Singulair, I could tell that I was reverting back to my upbeat self again. Although I can tell that this drug has changed me. I will never take this drug again, and I recommend that others research it thoroughly before taking it.

What side effects? I have taken Lamictal for 6 weeks. I am on a steady dose of 100mgs. I started out with severe depression (unipolar), and have also been diagnosed as bi-polar and borderline personality disorder. So who knows what I have other than to say that I have felt like a train wreck for 3 yrs. All the other meds I have taken did not help my constant cycles of severe depression. I felt like I was in a fish bowl and the world was going on around me, I could see it but was not a part of it. It was hell on earth. Other meds would help somewhat on certain symptoms, but nothing ever brought my life back to a level where I could say I felt joy and was truly happy until I started Lamictal. 2 weeks into the start of Lamictal (50 mgs), I woke up to a miracle. I realized I felt joy, I was laughing without trying to. I felt refreshed and prepared to go out in the world and face the day with a positive outlook on everything. My side effects so far have been nil. Not one thing...no pain, no headaches, no weight gain, no memory loss, no dizziness, no hairloss. Am I the only one? I know these meds effect people differently but wow, I am in heaven. I hope all of you eventually find something that works for you because I really felt ( before Lamictal) that I would never feel good again! Hallelujah! I do! bless you all!

My 4 year old daughter has been on Singulair daily for approximately 2 months. We started noticing some minor changes in her behavior early on (shyness, separation anxiety, anger, moodiness) but chalked it up to starting a new pre-school and arguing with her older sister. Then about two weeks ago, she started having an obsessive-compulsive type behavior about wiping herself. My first inclination was that she had some type of infection (yeast, UTI, bladder, etc) but all of the tests came back negative. My doctor told us to stop the Singulair, so we have been off for about a week now, but the OCD symptoms haven't lessened. I would say that some of the other behaviors are improving somewhat, but I am not seeing a "whole new kid" effect after being off for one week. Has anyone had a similar experience with OCD type behaviors? I am beside myself with concern! Thanks for any help.

Where do I start? For as far back as I can remember, I have been taking antidepressants. I have tried them all. Celexa, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Cymbalta, etc.. About 3 years ago, I crashed. You all know what that feels like. I went to see the "pill doctor" which is what I call the psychiatrists. He prescribed more antidepressants, Lithium 600mg per day along with Lamictal 200 mg per day for moods and Ambien CR-12.5mg to sleep. Side effects included, weight loss and gain, hair loss, memory loss, confusion, thyroid issues, no sex drive and sleeping too much with wako dreams. BUT is was better than what I was feeling at time. Last month I could not take it any more so I had a second opinion by another Pill Dr. Oh my God! This Pill Dr REALLY opened my eyes. He diagnosed me with a resistant to antidepressant type of depression. No bipolar but mood disorders. He warned me off of Cymbalta 60mg to 30mg to 0mg (antidepressant), and took me off the Lithium and increased my dose of Lamictal from 200mgs per day to 300mgs per day. What a difference it made. I have never felt better. I am sleeping less, have more energy and a much more positive outlook on life. I am scared that this won't last but I hope it will. Lamictal has been a godsend for me. My lesson is get a second opinion on your condition. A fresh set of eyes can see things that others don't.

I also have to remember that every case is unique. Every person has their own set of problems to deal with. Kids are emotionally demanding and draining. You are not different from others who suffer.

I've been on Yasmin for 6 months now. I had previously tried Ortho Tri Cyclen, but I got pregnant with my son while I was on that, so my doctor put me on Loestrin Fe. Worst BC in the world! I had breakthrough bleeding ever week or so for about 3 months. Finally went back and she gave me Ortho Cyclen-one steady does of BC to prevent breakthrough bleeding. Worked very well, but my new insurance made it like $45 per month! So I switched to Yasmin. I love it! My breasts have grown a bit, no breakthrough bleeding, I know exactly when my period will end and when it will begin. My only complaint is that during ovulation, it feels like I'm pregnant. But I can live with that, its not a big deal. Just thought you might want a positive outlook on Yasmin.

Trailblazin,

Thank you for the heartfelt post! I feel horrible and I apologize that we got off on such a bad note too!! Let's put it all behind us ok?

I am 41, female and I do research within the medical field.

I feel so bad for you Trail, and moreso for the way I came across at first. What a terrible ordeal you've endured!! I'm just thankful that you are ok now and on the road to recovery. I know it won't be easy, but I have faith in you. You'll do just fine!

I know it's off the subject here, but how is your diabetes?
Did the new pancreas alleviate it? You mentioned a book about jump starting the pancreas...so I'm alittle lost here..lol.
It sounds as if this man might know a thing or two, I'd be really interested in the name of the book, if we can reveal things like that here.
My mom has Type 2. I started her on a few good supplements and it's helping, but I'd love to see her totally off the glucophage.
I worry about her liver more then anything, but as with you, the kidney/pancreas is of concern also.

I really hope you find some ways to help your insomnia and everything else that came with the prednisone therapy. Medication can have some really toxic effects on some of us but thankfully we usually recover from them.
Your positive outlook is absolutely admirable to me, especially after everything you've gone through.
The things I've seen in my field and some of the things I've gone through in my own life have really altered my way of belief.
For me, I will back with my whole being that; positive attitude, the will to survive, mind over matter, and faith are a few of the strongest medical properties/medicines in the world. Your the prime example of this.

Hope your having a great, pain free, peaceful day Trail!!
Thank you again for your heartfelt post, you really made my day! :)

Jules

I started taking Zyprexa on Friday..today is Monday...I feel less anxiety fear and hopelessness (have bipolar by the way!) but I crave food in the evening...I fear gaining weight I used to be 185...now 150 and feel good about my weight...I also take Epival or valproic acid. My mood is generally down down down,,just want to be happy that is all..want to have positive outlook on life..lyle