Advair HFA and depression

I am 34 years old and was prescribed Advair about two years ago. I have had minor asthma issues over the years but nothing major. So the doctor gave me an inhaler. Then one winter I get sick and started going through the inhaler in about a month, so he prescribed Advair.
To back up I had lower back surgery for a bulged disc. So I had a lot of pain and was taking vicodin. Six months after surgery my back started feeling better than it had for a long time. I was able to exercise and get by with one vicodin in the morning. This went on for about a year. The pain was stable for the most part, but would increase every now and then.
Now enters the Advair. When I first started taking it I felt a little weird but it made my breathing a lot better. After a little while I would forget to take it or just feel like I didn't need it. But I could not stop taking it because my breathing got to bad without it. Over time my pain was getting worse and worse. I ended up being put on time release morphine because we thought the back pain was increasing. Then after being on morphine it seemed like I was always sick. I have been to the hospital twice for breathing and lung infections. I thought my back pain was turning into sciatica!!!! All along it is this F@#$ ADVAIR!!!! I have had a super short temper,daily head ache's,depression, HORRIBLE PAIN in my legs and back. I am so glad I found this site. ADVAIR IS EVIL!!!!! I have stopped taking it for two days now. I really need help from anyone who has info about quitting it. PLEASE CONTACT ME. Thanks : )

I am a physician and a patient. I have been on singulair and advair for several years now and had weight gain, anxiety, depression, and mild improvement in asthma that I could tell. I had pneumonia 4 times last year and thought it was the environment. I left the Midwest and moved to the east coast where I stopped my meds for several months and all the above symptoms resolved. I recently restarted them several weeks ago do to increase in symptoms and anxiety/panic attacks came back with a vengeance I stopped them and switched to other meds and wow the side effects are improving again. I am not going to take them or prescribe them again.

I am a 47 year old female that has had asthma all of my life. I was wanting to stop taking Advair and looked up this website, boy am I glad I did. I have all of these side effects. I have been taking Advair 500/50 twice daily for 7 yrs. I have all of the side affects and more. I have experienced hair lose, depression ( I also take Wellburtin XL) since I have started the Advair, I have pain in my legs that make me feel older than I am. I have gain 40 lbs in the past 7 yrs. I now wear reading glasses because my vision is blurry. People always say my face looks rounder. I hate the drug. My doctor said the none of the side effects are caused for the Advair. As of yesterday I stopped taking the Advair. I have cut down my does slowly for the past 2 months. Can someone who has stopped the Adavir tell me what to expect now that I have stopped. Advair is a crazy drug and I refuse to keep taking it.

My daughter was on Advair, Singulair, and Zyrtec to control her severe asthma and allergies. We were so thankful that these medications kept her from having to be hospitalized 2-3 times a year for uncontrollable asthma attacks. About six months after she began taking these medications she began to have headaches, she had difficulty sleeping, she was irritable, she had stomach pains, leg cramps,and eventually depression and social withdrawal. She went from an outgoing and happy teenager to a bitter and angry person. In 2003 she committed suicide. Six months after her death reports started to surface about the link between singulair and depression and suicide. Perhaps for my daughter it was a combination of the three drugs. Whatever you do be cautious and do your research before taking any allergy or asthma medication. Go to the Singulair website and you will be astounded by what you read. Please try to get the word out about these medications.

I couldn't handle Advair for more that 3 weeks!

Had no problem with lower dose, other than voice changes, but prescription was not strong enough.

Higher dose: Couldn't sleep more than 3 hours per night; Indescribable Depression; Weight gain.

Stopped the Advair cold-turkey. Within 2 full days I was feeling almost human again, but still not my normal self.

In 4 full days feeling like myself and needing to use Albuterol inhaler again.
Advair was fantastic for my asthma, but mental health is equally important.

These posts have certainly raised some questions in my mind. I am a 48 female, w/mild to moderate COPD - chronic bronchitis due to years of smoking. I have been taking Advair for about 8 years. I have joint and muscle pain all the time, clearing of throat constantly, hoarse like voice, poor urine stream, red eyes, blurry vision. I've had depression and anxiety attacks for years so I can't really blame that on Advair. I take 250/50 strength once a day. I cannot take the second dose in the evenings. If I do, I will not sleep. I go to my pulmonary doctor next week and will definitely talk to him about other options and coming off Advair.

After an allergic episode about a year ago, I was diagnosed with asthma. The doc put me on advair (2 puffs - twice a day) . After 4 months, I started having an anxiety issues. I couldn't turn my mind off, felt restless and was stressed out and full of worry about dying from the asthma. At this time I got a job 80 miles from where I was living and had to move. My family and friends attributed my mental state to my life change. Up until now, I had never had any issues with anxiety or depression. Over the course of about another 4 months things got worse and I went to see a asthma/allergy specialist. He put me on Allegra for my allergies and prednisone for the asthma. Needless to say, things got exponentially worse. i could not sleep, was restless and found that I would just get up and run around my backyard. The anxiety had gotten so bad with the lack of sleep that I almost couldn't take life. The doc never let me know about the side effects of the prednizone. A month later (now almost nine months from my original diagnosis) I went back to the doc to see what was wrong because of the depression and anxiety. He sent me to the pysc unit to arrange counseling. That never happened due to the business of the clinic I was at. 2 weeks later I stopped taking the Allegra and Advair. Within a day to day and a half I felt like a huge weight had lifted and it took a couple months to get back to what I would call fairly normal life. I share this just in case someone else is having similar effects or life events. It has taken almost 6 months to shake the mental patterns from the few months of exposure that I experienced. Know your body, listen to it and don't blindly accept what a doctor tells you without research. Doctors are a great asset, but science only goes so far and then God.

I am very grateful for this blog because your collective experiences helped me figure out why I've been having depression and anxiety. I started on Advair 100/50 about 2 years ago and experienced wonderful relief from asthma symptoms. The drug seemed like a godsend.

However, just recently my boss noticed that my personality had changed, and she asked me if everything was OK. I said I've had a lot of trouble with depression and anxiety lately. I was just attributing it to aging (I'm 54).

Now after reading the many entries here about depression and anxiety, I realize that my symptoms are probably caused by the Advair. I've actually had the symptoms for quite some, but they were subtle at first, so I didn't link them to the Advair.

I'm going back to my doctor to see if I can get off of this stuff. I'm currently down to one puff per day, but I experience serious asthma symptoms when I try to quit completely. I'll probably need to go back to using a nebulizer at least during the withdrawal period.

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!

Hi All -

I hate to read how Advair has affected all of your lives negatively however, after reading the information on this site, I feel so much better about what I have been experiencing.

I have had asthma all of my life. I was taking Albuterol (as everyone does) to control it when I had an attack, Singulair and Serevent (only prior to exercising to help stop an attack from happening). I went to a new pulmonary doctor with a bought of severe bronchitis and he told me that I was "not controlling my asthma properly" and that I should have been on Advair a long time ago. I trusted him and started taking it twice a day.

I have been on it for 17 days and over the past five days I started having severe anxiety over my breathing functions. I was monitoring every breath I took and wasn't breathing unless I told myself to. This started causing severe panic attacks...I HAVE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE IN MY LIFE!!!!! I am not prone to anxiety or anything like that and I have had asthma ALL MY LIFE!!! This was an entirely new behavior. I thought I was going crazy...I couldn't stop thinking about breathing.....I analyzed what was new in my life and what I have been doing differently that could cause this change in my life and the only new thing was Advair. My husband had to give me a Xanax (something that I have never taken in my life) just so that I could function and go to work. So I went on line and I found at least 50 web sites like this one devoted to Advair and a link to panic attacks, anxiety, depression, etc...I STOPPED TAKING IT!!!!! I don't care what my doctor has to say...the benefits are not worth this drug taking over my life and changing me as a person. I am done. I will deal with my asthma as I have always done so and I don't care if he thinks that I am "not controlling it". I left a message for the doctor and I am still waiting to hear back. I haven't taken the Advair since yesterday morning and the panic attacks have started to get milder. I am still a little bit focused on the breathing but only if I am alone and not preoccupied. I have to believe that these side effects will go away in time and when the drug is out of my system. I learned a valuable lesson. I will only take a drug if I research it first.

Thank you all for your comments....you have helped me to preserve my sanity. We all can't be feeling the same thing and not attribute it to the culprit..ADVAIR!!!!

I am 57 and have had asthma most of my life. I am on Advair with a mixture of other stuff. I recently have had issues with panic attacks and slight depression. I show dogs in agility and have scratched from trials because of it. I started with Advair in June. Aside from the panic I have many of the other symptoms noted on this site. Feel better hearing from other folks, good to know it isn't just me!

Depression has followed each time I have added Serevent to my Q-var. This happened twice, each time about a month after I had added the Serevent, and disappeared when I stpped using it.

I have been on Advair 250/50 since it was allowed in the USA. I also take Spiriva. I told my pulmonary doctor last October that I would like a lower dosage. Now I am on 100/50. The side effects have not dimished and I am getting scared. My skin has aged and the forearms are like goosepumps. Just diagnosed with cataract in one eye and I was told I have severe osteoporosis. I have COPD, the reason for taking Advair. I now have HIVES. I do not suggest anyone try Advair. It is a killer. Tomorrow I have an appointment with my regular doctor for the hives and I am going to inquire about getting off Advair. I don't know if I need any other medication? I use oxygen at night when I go to bed (concentrator). When I was working I didn't need the oxygen during the day but I know I have a lot of anxiety which leads to depression. I have small canisters of oxygen in case I need it. When I get upset, I can use it but notice I recover on my own.

I have been on Advair for 4 years and have had many problems with irritability, depression, itchy skin, blurred vision,. I would certainly like an alternative!!!!!

Jerilynb, yes I noticed more facial hair with Advair. I have since stopped Advair about a week ago because of the varied side effects.. hoarse voice, increased asthma attacks in the last couple years and possible depression. I've used it since around the the time it came to market and now I regret that.

I am a 27 year old female that was diagnosed with asthma in March of 2004. When I was diagnosed, I weighed 152. I current weigh 165. My appetite has changed completely in the past 2 years. I have very little taste for meat (which I used to love), I crave any type of starch and carbohydrate (which I used to enjoy, but not over-indulge in), and I struggle with depression.

Plus, since I started taking Advair, I am always tired and just want to rest when I get home from work. BUT, I can breathe much better than before.

The one thing that I've wondering since I began taking Advair is, is it making my asthma worse? I now depend on Advair to breath, and if I don't take it I am a mess. I don't know what to do.

My daughter is 8 years old. She has been on Advair for about three years (maybe four) and I have noticed over the years that she seems very irritable. This symptom is getting worse as time goes on, and I think it will develop into depression if I don't do something soon. Another symptom is weight gain. When my daughter started Advair she was at a normal weight for her age and had a normal appetite (her father and I are both normal weight). Now she is significantly overweight and never seems full. She is always saying" I'm still hungry". I have discussed these problems with her Pediatrician and he tells me not to worry, and that there is not enough steroid in Advair to cause the problems that I am concerned about. I trust her DR. but I am worried that he is ignoring significant problems. Has anyone else had these types of side effects or am I indeed the overimaginative mother that the Dr. thinks I am?

OH BOY! I have been on Advair since it first come out! 3 0r 4 yrs?
Am I ever a mess!!! Thrush, yeast infections under my breasts, behind my ears & who knows where else! I have been using nystatins rinses, powders, etc etc & nothing! I went off my Advair for 6 months & no changes with any symptoms! So I am back on it : (, I have also had extreme muscle pain, tired all the time, running nose, depression (on anti dep meds now) A whole big change for me & I have seen 3 docs & just more nystatin scripts, well I am off to see my allergist on wed. & am praying he will see something into this!

Weight gain, Blood sugar problems. I wonder how many of the folks experiencing paranoia, anxiousness or depression could attribute that to an unevenness in their blood sugar (which can cause side effects that are similar). Advair is warned to upset blood sugar, I've noticed a significant unevenness in mine, reprhase - I can't keep mine even, at all.

Gained pounds , oral thrush last year , depression...
dry throat even after rinsing....afraid of LONG_TERM effects?

Insomnia,depression,weight gain,sore mouth & throat, nightmares, leg pain which Iam now going through testing to see what the problem is, but I think I just found out from reading the letters on this site. I had no idea it could do all of this to a person. I am going to wean myself off of it.
Thanks Jonas Seese age 62

I have been on ADVAIR for one month{I have stopped taking it now}.
I am a woman and after using this product I have severe swelling in my feet, ankles, calves. I cry every night it's so painful. I have headaches and I have never suffered from them. Angry flare-ups {but I think that's just me} Unusual exhaustion, and depression that I just can't pinpoint. After reading about the severe sore throats I knew I had to stop this medication because I usually have a bad bout of "strep" every year. Thanks for this web site. I'ts wonderful!!

My daughter is 14 years old and 2 years ago her allergist put her on Advair due to her asthma. She lasted on Advair for approx 4 months. Within that 4 months she could no longer read, could not concentrate, her grades went from honor roll to straight F's, her vision got worse and she suffered from depression. Two years later she still suffers from depression, memory lose, although she is back on honor roll she still has problems concentrating, and comprehending what she reads. She gets angry very easily, she used to be a very happy person.. I went against her Allergist recommindations to take her off of Adviar and although she refuses to look at the possibly of these reactions I am convinced that this MAJOR changes in my daughter where indeed caused by this medication.
Cheryl

I have been treated for sinusitis and asthma for the last year. On my last visit to the allergist, he commented that my lung function was better on the first visit than it has been since. Ah, the miracle of modern medicine. I read with interest the accounts of the many side effects of Advair. I was beginning to think I had lost my mind or worse yet that this was the way it was going to be from now on... extreme fatigue, depression, weight gain, joint aches and pains..and really I am not much better than when I started. I will wean myself off the meds and try the holistic approach...anything has got to be better than the life I have now

My 11 yr. old daughter does not have asthma yet was put on advair 250/50 because she wheezes everytime she gets a respiratory infection. She is now recovering from the sinus infection that put her on this medicine. She has been on this medicine for 1 week and a day, her last day. Her side effects include...

1. fatigue
2. heartburn
3. mood swings
4. depression
5. acne and red splotches on her face
6. headaches
7. bloody noses (both nostrils at same time)

All this after only one week. She has taken her last dose.
By the way, 2 days after her doc put her on an antibiotic for the sinus infection, no wheezing. She only wheezes when she is sick.... How does advair prevent that? Does it stop her from contracting viruses, I don't think so. New doctor? I think so!

My 7 year old son started Advair about a year ago. The doctor started him on 250 twice a day and I new that wasn't working so I cut him down to 250 once a day. Adam has increasingly exhibit ADHD symptoms that he never had before, and about 6 weeks ago started having bladder accidents during the day. His teacher told me he showed signs of 'aggressive depression' and was concerned about his lack of social skills. I called his Primary physician last week and she wanted to decrease his dose (which she said was excessive for his age) to 100 twice a day (I did 100 once a day because he can't sleep at night if we do this at night). Every day since then there has been an incident. He was caught in major lies yesterday and responded to the teacher in a fit of uncontrolled rage! This is NOT my son! He tells me his brain tells him to do stuff and he can't control himself. I called his primary and she said take him off ALL Advair! Does anyone know what his withdrawal symptoms might look like? Now, in two weeks we'll be sending him to a child psychologist! I believe this is all a result of Advair! All this treatment was to reverse his Reactive Airway Disease (which apparently wasn't full-blown ashtma to begin with). Watch out for this medication with kids!!!!

depression, ringing in the ears-like lighting!

My 8 year old son was put on Advair 18 months ago because his idiot father and step-mother smoked around him and this was the only medicine that got his asthma under control.
My son has been showing signs of ADHD and may fail 3rd grade if I cannot get him to pass the End of grade testing. I thought his problems in school were because he was having problems with Dad. Eventually it became evident that it wasn't his Dad and I figured out it was ADVAIR. I knew an adult who was on Advair and also showed signs A.D.D. after she began taking Advair. I confronted my son's allergist and he confirmed that A.D.H.D. is a side effect. My son also had problems with headaches, sinus infections, problems with his bowels, dry mouth, sores on his penius, depression and just not my little boy. I even had my son tested to see if we can figure out why he is doing so poorly in school, and I am awaiting on the results. They are factoring ADVAIR and all his allergy medicine in the end result. I am very happy to report that since my son has been off of ADVAIR his reading has picked up and homework is getting a little easier.

I have a depressed attitude, feeling "speedy" but tired. I can't sleep. I got rid of the reflux by eliminating milk products from my diet. I cut down on the Advair but still have the depression. The ingredient in Seravent is in Advair. Seravent is one of those drugs related to Vioxx

I just got off Advair after being on it for 2 years.
Upon my perscription, I was told there are "zero side effects". (That is probably true of every drug upon its initial release.)
I didn't take note of my side effects for the most part - wt. gain, acne, depression - writing them off on my transitioning to college. I also noticed that my hair was thinning. I had almost two years of not being able to control my skin. I tried three different dermatologists, but nothing would clear up my acne, especially on my forehead. I was about to start Accutane, and upon studying its (horrifying) side effects, my curiosity led me to research Advair as well. This is when the pieces of the puzzle came together.
Testimony after testimony described my exact condition.
I immediatedly stopped taking Advair. A week later I had lost 10 pounds due to a decrease in appetite, my hair began to thicken back up, my skin was glowing, and I was distinctly happier in general. I felt and still feel like a new person. I love life more, cry much less, and repeat that I am much happier, and no longer depressed. The first week I had some difficulty breathing, but was so elated to have my skin, hair, figure, and mental state back that I didn't care in the least.
I regret wasting so much time on Advair. I wish only that the drug get the reputation that it deserves.

I have been on Advair for 12 days. I haven't used my Albuterol AT ALL since then. However, tonight, I started to cry. And I kept crying, for no reason. It is the middle of my cycle and it's not the time for such nonsense; it just
doesn't make sense on this day. Additionally, I have gained 2 pounds in 12 days, and have joint aches, insomnia, headaches, and hoarseness. Most of the side effects I can handle, but the depression is debilitating. Thanks to this
site, I can see that this will only get worse...I start the wean tomorrow.

I started Advair 250/50 approx 6 months ago. I had immediate relief from the asthma and also immediately had the following symptoms:
-Frequent urination, up at night every two hours
-Yeast infection
-Bladder infection
-Sore bones/joints and muscles
-Blurry vision with occasional dancing silver spots in peripheral vision and dizziness
-Slight weight gain
-Dark circles around eyes
-Overall dry skin with cracking skin on fingertips
-Excessive sleepiness
-headaches
-Gravelly voice (I do a great Elmer Fudd and Marge Simpson)
-Sinus infection/itchy ears
-Severe muscle cramping in calves and feet

I was waiting for it to get better, ha ha, and then in the second month of usage, the biggy -- severe depression. That is something I've never had a problem with and for one week I was total doom and gloom, could not shake it. I did not ask my doctor about it. I called and told the nurse to tell her that I was having severe side-effects and wanted the lower dose, prepared to tell them goodbye at the slightest disagreement but no problem. Like everyone else's doctors, mine refuses to listen to what is actually going on with my body. Amazing, isn't it? They just can't be bothered. Must rush on to the next patient and ignore their reality also. The first time I was given prednisone several years ago, I called the doctor's office about the fact that I was in severe pain and could barely walk. As I stood there reading the pharmaceutical insert that included bone/muscle problems, the doctor denied any such side-effect. But I digress.

While waiting for the new Advair diskus ordered from Canada at half price since I have no insurance, I got on top of the depression by taking supplements of B-complex (the B's keep us sane), Adrenal Support tabs, Vit C to help fight infections, and plenty of water. DON'T FORGET TO DRINK LOTS OF WATER, FRIENDS! Always and especially when on any medications. The poisons must be flushed!

I'm still on the 100/50, the worst of the symptoms lessened, still having some irritation of urinary tract, headaches, sinus mess, and the Advair Voice. If I forget to take the supplements, I can feel the depression trying to creep back in, like the devil knocking at my door -- which reminds me of a line from a musical ... "You knew darn well I was a snake before you let me in!" Well, yeah, *now* I know! I've just decided today to take Advair once a day and recalled finding this site while searching in the grips of doom and gloom. Now I have a very good idea what people are dealing with when suffering from clinical depression. Awful, just awful! And not something you can think your way out of. My heart goes out to anyone dealing with depression ... or Advair.

GOOD LUCK, EVERYONE! DON'T LET THE DOCTORS BULLY YOU -- REMIND THEM THEY WORK FOR YOU! TAKE YOUR SUPPLEMENTS! DRINK WATER! GET THOSE PETS SPAYED AND NEUTERED!
******

i ALSO HAVE MUSCLE CRAMPING ALONG WITH HEADACHES AND FORGETFULLNESS. NOTICING AS OF THIS YEAR, GROWTHS IN THE BACK OF MY HANDS AND WRIST.. VERY PAINFUL TO TOUCH. INSOMNIA, DEPRESSION.

I started Advair over a year ago, first 500/50 then decreased to 250/50. During the past year I have steadily gain 50 lbs, severe muscle and joint aches, as well as depression, forgetfullnes, and confusion. There were also a few periods where I had brief blackouts. In April of this year, I bought a treadmill. I was not able to walk over 2.0 mph or for longer than 1/4 mile. I started having chest pains. I went to the doctor and they admitted me to the hospital for heart tests. The tests came back negative, but they found that I had extremely high thyroid levels. My TSH level was 80.76 (normal is 3-5) and I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. All of the above symptoms are also symptoms of hypothyroidism. My symptoms started to improve after taking the thyroid medication. However, at the same time my asthma improved and I stopped taking Advair. Three weeks ago I had to begin the Advair again and now I am starting to gain weight with muscle tightening and weakness. After reading this site, I now believe my symptoms were more from the Advair than the hypothyroidism. I will no longer use Advair. I would rather be on prednisone than have to experience these side effects.

I have been on Advair for severe COPD for 2 yrs now. In the beginning I was feeling great. I am off prednisone and hardly using my inhaler. After about 2 months I started having severe pain in my bones and muscles. Went to several rhuematologists for diagnosis. Rhuematoid arthiritis,
fibromylgia, Osteopenia and whatever else!I now have depression, memory problems, and a horrible cough, and having a lot of difficulty functioniong.At that time I contacted Glaxo and was told that they had no side effects. Now I am hearing all these side effects that people are having I think this does have to be reported.

Have been on advair for about 6 months. Have 30 lb weight gain, terrible leg & hand cramps. worsening vision, upset stomach & bloating. lots of gas & bowel trouble, bouts of depression and confusion. Only had a small improvement in breathing, so I'm stopping the advair.

My doctor tried to put me on Advair twice. I never lasted for more than 9 days. The first time, within 2 days I had muscle & joint aches, depression (I am NOT a depressed person), anger, and a general sense of not being able to control my emotions. This stuff is horrible. My doctor denies these side effects are from Advair. I let him talk me into trying it again at the lowest dosage and I had the physical effects to a lesser degree and the same exact emotional effects.

9 year old daughter has suddenly become aggressive at school since starting 6 weeks ago. Teacher states "she acts like a completely different child".
Huge drop in grades (straight A's to C's)
Attention span significantly decreased (per teacher)
I see that other sites mention "agitation, aggression and depression" as side effects that have been observed. I don't think her asthma was that bad to begin with,