Stranger symptoms and conditions

Who honestly thought Yaz would make me so emotionally unstable that the love of my life would soon bring me to the point of appearing in court fighting a restraining order?? wow i thought i was pretty much effed for life, i tried lexapro, effexor, ativan, adderall, xanex, wellbutrin and u know the usual bs. At the point of seeing a stranger in my reflection with no one left to tell i just stopped caring about even taking yaz and soon after i fell like i was slowly waking up. Please i am 22 years old i let yaz control 2 years of my precious youth dealing with over barring spilling emotions from hell STOP taking the legal pink pills that rapes you of your soul!!!! i would rather have 5 kids in 5 years then have to resort to that fucked up point of devastation ever ever again!!!

I'm 15 years old and i've been taking prednisone for a few months, and from what i've read i'm on a really high dose. i was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and another autoimmune disorder concerning my muscles at the same time. my doctor told me prednisone was my only choice; it was either that or i would lose the ability to walk. he told me there'd be side effects, but i had no idea it'd turn out like this or i would have fought harder for another course of action. i started out on 30mg twice a day, and since then was weaned down to 20mg twice a day and now i'm down to 30mg once a day. i've been looking up a bunch of information trying to figure out if there's a way to lessen the side effects or any hope at all that they will get better. apparently there isn't much. after reading a bunch of these stories i gotta say i'm not feeling great about this. i totally understand everything everyone is going through. i'm sure you can imagine what it's like being smack in the middle of high school with a huge puffy face, acne so bad on my face, chest, back, neck, and shoulders that wearing a bra could put me in tears, and mood swings so bad i've lost friends over it. everyone knows how brutal high school can be, where appearance and attitude are everything. and i try to tell my doctor about it and he literally looks at me like i'm a whiny teenager and says "you're just going to have to deal with it." and people like my mom and my closest friends don't get it either. nobody understands how beyond frustrating it is. i'll get into the worst moods and not have a reason for it, but i'll stay angry for hours or burst into tears over someone looking at me the wrong way. it'll get to the point where i have to isolate myself from other people because the abrubt mood changes get so bad. as bad as i hate to admit it, the pain from the arthritis is gone now and supposedly my muscles are doing better too. developing arthritis caused me to have to quit cheerleading, something i've loved doing for 6 years, because the pain got to the point where i couldn't get my arms above my head or bend my knees. however, i'd almost rather deal with the horrible joint pain than deal with the side effects of prednisone. if your doctor gives you and alternative method, take it. i've always been confident in the way i look and really outgoing and happy and now i sometimes catch myself thinking about suicide. that's shocking to me because i've got so much going for me, but this medicine makes me miserable. and when i complain about it, anyone i'm talking to just looks at me like i'm being a cry baby. my mom does too, she'll say things like "you just have to do this. i know it's not what you want but to be honest i'm sick of hearing you bitch about it."
i feel a little better knowing other people feel the same way - like nobody gets whats going on with them. the prednisone does give me days of really great euphoria and days when i feel like i could run a marathon, but waking up in the morning to the acne and huge face puts me to tears every day. i have to pee all the time, usually getting up at 2 or 3 am. i don't sleep well anymore and i do sweat all the time. which also sucks being a teenage girl. i'm always hungry, and when i eat i never feel full so i don't know when to stop. my neck and face have put on so much weight that when people see me in the halls or out and about they ask me what happened. mind you these are people i don't talk to, just ones i know from classes or whatever. and it's pretty bad when teenage boys i've never really talked to ask what happened to your face. kind of a blow to the ego, or whatever is left of it at this point.
i'd like to know if, as my dosage gets lowered, the side effects will diminish and when i'm off the prednisone completely if they will disappear altogether. any help there?
or if there is any way to help the acne or puffy face

my doctor just put me on something called methotrexate or something like that to help wean me off the prednisone, and does anyone know what those side effects will do? or if they'll affect the prednisone side effects?
i'm constantly obsessing over gaining weight and what my skin looks like and what i eat and how heavy my face feels and the occasional pressure in my eyes to the point where i just want to be put out of my misery.
and after reading other people's stories i really don't understand why this drug is still given out as freely as it is. but maybe all doctors are like mine, they just don't get it.
best of luck to anyone who's on prednisone, my heart goes out to you; i'm right there with you
sorry this became like a book it wasn't meant to be this long

I am on 25 mg of Topamax and on day 5 of it. Very slightly dopey, but this does not disturb me. The stranger symptom is that I do get hungry and then eat and then experience a significant nausea. I had anticipated a loss of appetite or general malaise, but this seems to hit only after I eat. In turn, I have to really moderate what I eat, not because of a lack of interest but what will hit on the other side. So it would seem the opposite of what others are experiencing...anyone else have this symptom?

My father was prescribed Ambien due to some sleeping issues. It was prescribed to take "as needed". He was also prescribed flexorall which is a muslce relaxor. After taking the Ambien for awhile he started becoming more agitated than usual and was having nightmares. Then one Sunday morning he got up and was in his usual routine of drinking coffee & reading the paper. He got the hiccups and got up to get a glass of water but when he went into the kitchen he poured more coffee into a glass. He then was stumbling around and twice almost fell. His behavior became stranger and so my mother took him to the ER. They thought he possible had a stroke. He doesn't remember any of that morning until he was at the hospital. After several test it turns out, it was all a side effect of taking the Ambien, Flexorall & drinking a beer the night before. After looking at the side effects on the computer, he had most of them and should not have been taking the muscle relaxer & sleep aid together.

I am a 30 year old nurse and know first hand how birth control pills are individual. I was on many before Yasmin. 6 months ago I started Yasmin because it was the new hype in birth control medicine since it reduces length of period, flow of period, and reduces acne.
I don't think the ingredient drospirenone that's included in Yasmin (a potassium sparing drug, and diuretic, another form of the same type is Spironolactone) works for me.
Ever since I had experienced these symptoms:
Anxiety-heart palpitations, suspiciousness, racing thoughts.
Headaches-tension, leading to muscle spasms in neck and shoulders.
Dizziness-Vertigo type spinning sensations
Ear fullness-popping and cracking without losing hearing.
Fatigue-no motivation, especially for an early riser and a person who works 12 hr shifts.
Chest tightness, lump in throat feeling, could be due to increase in stomach acid (HCl).
If anyone else has vertigo, or dizziness, I would love to know!
Thanks,
Good luck with trying a different form of birth control.

I must be living in a vacuum without knowing it. I have been on Lipitor for a few years now. I do slur words on occasion... the cramps are occasionally unbearable. I get cramps in my rib cage, legs, feet and have to watch myself making move like reaching for something that requires anything other than a normal move or twist.. or I get a cramp. I also get cramps in my hands, muscles knotting up with horrible pain... I have to watch how grasp things my fingers.... occasional just cutting a steak holding the knife or fork and applying pressure... I had a discussion with a complete stranger today who said he had similar side effects with Lipitor... I thought it was old age (I'm 62).... and not very physically active. I looked it up on the internet and found this very informative site.

Hi, I am so thankful for finding this site! I went into ER on January 31, 2008 because my bladder was contracting so badly i couldn't walk. I had severe backache right where my kidneys are. I knew I had a severe bladder infection. I am no stranger to bladder infections but, I usually get rid of them on my own (for the past 10 years) but, with all the hustle and bussle of the Holiday's I let it go and I apparently let it go too long. Anyway, my husband rushed me to the ER frantic thinking I had appendicitis and it was going to burst at any moment. Well, once I finally seen the doctor he said it sounded like a bladder infection that had gotten real bad. He tested my urine and just by looking at it he knew it was in fact a UTI. He did send it to the lab which also confimed it. The doctor gave me PHENAZOPYRIDINE to stop the bladder contractions and the burning when urinating and oh my GOD did I feel so much better. He also gave me a Bactrim right at the hospital. He also gave me a Prescription for both medications. I noticed after taking the first Bactrim I was feeling extremely nausea which I was told was a side effect so I just let it go. The next morning I had zero energy and when I walked I felt short of breath I also, noticed that when I layed down and stretched my legs they would cramp up terribly. I continued to take the Bacrtim because i just assumed that I was having these symptoms because I had been in so much pain that having some relief my body didn't know how to react. I was prescribed to take the Bactrim 2 times daily. So by the third day I was in agony. My lower back was hurting me so bad right at my spine and when sitting in our car it traveled to my left buttock and made it impossible to stay in a sitting position I told my husband I may have to go to ER again and I thought the Doctor had Miss Diagnosed me. My husband brought me back home where I decided to look-up side effects of bactrim and I came across so many sites with so many people having problems after taking this drug I decided that very moment not to take it anymore. I began drinking tons of filtered water to help clean out my system. The next morning I had so much of my energy back and my back and neck pain were at least tolerable. That day, Yesterday Sunday January 4, 2009 I began a full body cleanse product i found at rite aide (not cheap) but, today Monday I woke up and I have my energy back almost 100% no neck pain and very little back pain. What I have a hard time understanding is why the ER doctor gave me a broad spectrum drug knowing I was allergic to 3 other antibiotics. Doesn't that put me in a category of don't test other drugs on me? Anyway, I will never take another antibiotic for the rest of my life. I went 10 years with out taking any and I think I have just re learned why I have no faith in doctors. Thank you for this website I really needed to vent and get some assurance that the drug was in fact the reason I was so ill. I FORGOT TO MENTION ABOUT THE BACKACHE: I FELT AS IF MY BODY WAS BEING SPLIT UP THE MIDDLE OF MY SPINE. I THOUGHT I COULD TEAR APART AT ANY SECOND AND THE ONLY RELIEF I FOUND WAS GETTING ON MY HANDS AND KNEES IN THE SHOWER AND ALLOWING THE WATER TO RUN DOWN MY BACK. HOT,HOT WATER. I ALSO USED A HEATING PAD.

I have been on Tri-Sprintec for about 3-4 months. I was noticing a few odd symptoms and kept asking my roommates if they knew how long I should keep taking it for it to "get comfortable" or for it to "get into my system." I am still on it and feeling very sad, moody, cranky, angry, anti-social and FAT! If you knew me, this is not who I am...I am very positive, happy, and lots of energy. My new boyfriend (of 3 months) is noticing my "critical" nature about petty things...I turn into a complete stranger that wants to be alone, unexpectedly! Very strange, and sad for him! But at least now I know that it could just be Tri-Sprintec....any comments or suggestions?

I have only been taking nuvaring for a month (just took it out two days ago for the first time) and I have already been experiencing some of the same side affects as many of the women here. For the last week and a half I have been in the biggest depression I've been in in years. I read an earlier post that said if you already have a predisposition to, say depression, the nuvaring side effects can hit you harder. I think I agree with that. I was crying, moody, hollow feeling, and everyone I crossed, whether friend, acquaintance, or stranger, asked me if I was "okay"... It was, shall we say, noticeable to others.

In fact, it was horrible. I just kept telling people, "I don't what's wrong with me but I'm not right." I was grumpy, tired, and had no zest for life. This depression was so pronounced, extreme, and out-of-character in just a month that I started researching and found this site. (I hope that helps for anyone reading this who is thinking about using the nuvaring and are prone to depression).

I also had extreme tenderness in my boobs about a week into putting it in...like so bad you have to gently glide down your stairs because any bobble will be painful...you know what I mean... :)

I had taken estrostep for a few years but I had gone off it for a year until I decided to try B/C again and my gyno recommended nuvaring for the convenience. I don't remember having any side effects with estrostep and I plan to go back to that immediately.

I have had increased frequency of migraines (MRIs, various medications, etc), missed periods, spotting for days and breast tenderness for about 2 weeks before my period. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one thinking I'm pregnant every month! I also get mild cramps randomly throughout the month. I'm going to talk to my doc, especially since it's not just me experiencing these things. I'm definitely going to switch to something else!!

can't get my sons doctor on the phone. does anyone know anything about just stopping the drug cold turkey? my son is 4 and has been on it for 13 months. can i just stop today? ??

I got my IUD placed in about april of 07 i have seen than experience crazy skin problems such as ance i've never had a problem with ance and i'm 25 i have very bad mood changes that are unexplainable now that i have reread the side effects of Mirena i now know why all the side effects began around the same time and now i'm figuring out why! I will be getting it removed. Has anyone else experience really bad mood swings i was so ready to get on depression medications now i'm going to get it removed and will take it from there!!! Please let me know if i'm not the only one

Be careful, do your research before taking Topamax. I took Topamax for 5 weeks for severe migraines. The first 2 weeks were fine, a slight decrease in my appetite. The third week, my memory suddenly got really bad, really scary. By the 4th week, my memory was non-existant and I felt slightly depressed. My Dr. assured me these side effects would soon pass. By the 5th week of Topamax, I plunged into a horrendous, suicidal depression. I cried all the time, I woke at 4 am with irregular heart beats. I have never been so uncomfortable in my own skin. I became a stranger to myself.

I much prefer my migraines over the side effects I suffered from Topamax.

My 9yr old son was prescribed singulair after hospitalization last October. This was 3rd such hospital visit,(intensive care etc) which is frightening for our child and ourselves. We have been willing to try anything after these episodes. Having read comments already posted I felt I had to relate our experience.
Our son has become terribly moody, anxious and lethargic. He has gained weight and we feel we have a complete stranger in our house. He is to be reviewed at hospital later this month (March) but do we as responsible parents demand that our son stops taking the meds and risk further deterioration in health and more hospital stays? I know that doctors always say "don't stop taking meds" but they do not live with us and see the adverse effects these meds are having on us as a family and also to our previously carefree lively 9yr old.

Voice

I dont think the purpose of this forum is to be lecturing eachother.

iam still in desperation phase.

Patience you say........do you not realize that the number one symptom of anxiety is no patience??
Do you not realize that it would be Dejays husband writing to us had she listened to people say have more patience.
She was seriously going to kill herself in the bathroom that day.

Patience you say???
I have been off Yaz for 8 weeks now not 6 I have suffered and cried almost everyday I have yet to have a good day. I have pieces of good days but not a full day I can say is good.

I was a holistic person prior to Yaz my doctor insisted it was totally safe and would cause no effects my mistake for trying it yes.

But it really bothers me that you tell others on here to be patient when you dont know if they are home and suicidal would you really want to send that message. We all have our own tolerance level.

Obviously I didnt try Kava for 6 weeks than Valerian for 6 weeks I really didnt have calmness so no I couldnt try each thing for 6-7 weeks.

The Lexapro is a drug I was desperate I was at the end of my rope I was hysterical....does that mean now 3 1/2 weeks on it I want to keep taking it of course not I want to be the old Kim the old Me on my own not by another drug.

Its the old saying you guys feel better and have been thru it Dejay and I are in the midst of it we need support comfort understanding kind words soft hearts.

Y you felt necessary to lecture me when Iam already sad upset discouraged hurt and dont feel like myself in my own body.

I asked for advice on the Lexapro I know 3 1/2 weeks isnt much time to give it...but Iam terrified of it terrified of not getting off it terrified something is in my body that is a chemical again I want to go for a walk and feel like me not a stranger to myself.

Today I went out but I feel like a total stranger I dont know if this is the Lexapro making me feel this way or the hormones or how Iam going to be I post on here for help because I need it. Iam so scared.

I guess I dont have patience like you Voice you must have more patience than I will ever have Iam glad your patience made you get thur easier than Iam having but not everyone is the same.

I just post here for advice and help now Iam stressed out

I know it takes time but also iam a single mom who hasnt worked in 7 weeks and who has to I cant even comfortably go in stores and feel normal Iam lightheaded and uneasy how can I work.
I went on Lexapro to help me but I feel like a stranger to myself.

Patience i have been so patient for 8 weeks Iam scared
I want to be me!

Severe numbness in lower arms and legs throughout night, chronic giant urticaria, systemic thrush with constant dry, itchy and inflamed mouth and throat. Severe hot flushes. At one point, I had 4 months off work as at times my joints swelled after urticaria attacks to the po0int where i couldn't walk or move my wrists etc. Acute pain, sickness, excessive mucus and more. I take 2x2 Symbicort per day, plus 8x2 ventolin per day.I also have severe water retention, weight gain and bloatedness. My worst symtoms kicked off after taking diclofenic acid (volterol) for back pain. I had never previously had any side effects with short term use of volterol, but I had previously been on becotide and sabutamol inhalers. Once starting on Symbicort, all other mediction, even paracetomol have resulted in severe and unpleasant side effects. Has anyone else had anything like this?

I have been on zoloft for about 10 weeks. I had alot of "neurological" side effects...tingling hands and feet; muscle tension in arms and legs; numbness in hands feet and face. I hated it. I didn't have any of the "normal" side effects i.e. diarrhea, dry mouth, sexual side effect. I had the stranger ones. I've been off of zoloft for 10 days and the withdrawal is uncomfortable. I had brain zaps, dizziness, general flu-like feelings, headaches. Now starting with muscle tension in arms again...does any one know when this will end?!?!?

PANIC ATTACKS!!!!

What are those!!?!?!?? I have never had a panic attack before I started taking this pill. I have been on if for almost 7 months and didn't really have a problem. My period went from 8 days to 3 days, which was strange to me, but I wasn't complaining. My skin didn't really clear up all that much. I still break out -- just in stranger places on my face than usual. But lately i have had these crippling CRIPPLING panic/anxiety attacks that I can't control. The worst thing? They happen when I'm driving, which scares the crap out of me. I never really gave it any thought that it could be Yasmin. I had never been on bcp before, but after reading many of these postings I realized that Yasmin could TOTALLY be the reason why I have turned into a complete MENTAL case over the past four months. Seriously, the first three months weren't bad at all...but the past three or four months have been out of control. I think I'm going to stop after this pack.

Does anyone have any problems getting off of Yasmin??? Or any advice for it? My one friend went off her pill and had her period for a full month...ugh.

Boys have it so easy. Punks.

feel free to e-mail me...daniele39@hotmail.com

JanK, I thank you so much for your answers!and to everyone who has posted too! after all the reading I am going to request that my Dr.does NOT put me on the Neruontin (unless he has some serious reasons)after my surgery I will be very IN-Active and blood clots are always a factor,I have had 3 back surgeries before so I am not a stranger to that!In response to
The Vicodin I am taking,it does keep the pain under control as much as it can...I have so much going on in there that there is no pain med out there that can control it completly,I REFUSE to take Oxycontin or Ms Contin for it.I have a VERY good Physician and he monitors everything very carefully,I am not worried about him at all,God bless him,he has literally saved my life several times over!I will ask him next week at my appointment why he is leaning towards this med and go head to head with him...lol..thanks for the info!...I will post with the answer,in hopes to help someone with a similiar problem.~Nanc~