November 30th
2008
10:49 PM
The more posts I read, the more I'm beginning to wonder if Effexor is causing some of my physical problems. I have DEFINITELY had the weight gain (40+lbs), low libido, horrible night sweats, very dry scalp. The vertigo went away as well as the extreme fatigue but I still sleep a lot. I remember when I first started it, however, that I almost got into a car accident because I dozed off while I was driving; when I woke up I was going 80 and was in the other lane (thank God no one else was on the road near me). I do feel somewhat better but this is a drug to use with caution in my opinion. I will be discussing weaning off of it with my dr. sooner than later.
-- By melzie_99 | Reply | Private Message me
October 29th
2008
11:12 PM
I have been on 20 mg Lipitor for years, and as I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis, all my symptoms have been blamed on that. I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and put on Lyrica because of the muscle aches and depression. My lower back, hurt in a car accident when I was 17 years old, had gotten so much worse that I had 12 steroid shots in my lower spine a couple of years ago. They didn't help my back at all, but my blood sugar went from normal to diabetic levels, and I am now on Byetta to try to lower it.
I am a 56 year old woman who was the math specialist in a school district until last December when I had to retire early. My back pain was so severe that I could no longer go from school to school carting materials. I could barely make it from the parking lot to my office. Mentally I was not ready to retire, but physically, I was (and am) a wreck. I have severe muscle pain in my shoulders, sometimes one or the other, but always present. I have tingling in my right hand, especially in my fingertips, and have trouble gripping and drop things easily. In the last few months the pain in my right thigh and calf has gotten unbearable. I thought at first it was sciatica, but I have had sciatica before, and this isn't the same, although there is tingling, burning , but the pins and needles is so deep in the muscles I have just sat and cried, or wanted to scream. I have wished I could just cut my leg off. And...I am on some pretty heavy duty pain killers for the RA: a small dose of prednisone plus Enbrel, Methotrexate, and Vicodin, and this pain is cutting right through all these meds. I get severe headaches, I went off Lipitor for 5 days and seemed a little better, but then went back on, and it came back.
Since I no longer work, I sleep longer, am exhausted ALL the time, have terrible mental fog, am clumsy, cannot stand for more than a minute or so without wanting to scream, cannot walk more than a few yards...just getting to the car is an ordeal. I tell people that I can only shop in shoe stores and furniture stores...the only stores with places to sit down.
I no longer cook or clean, cannot play with my granddaughter, even holding a book to read can be too much, and I love reading. I feel I am just dying bit by bit as I lose parts of myself.
My doctor is really into lowering cholesterol, and has put me on Zetia in the past few months...and it has been in this time that the pain in my leg has gotten unbearable. He wants my cholesterol to be between 50-60, and has said that the Zetia along with the Lipitor will do that. Is this normal or in any way reasonable??? I am having a full blood workup done tomorrow morning, and I want to go off the Lipitor starting the day after.
I came across this web site tonight while looking up Lipitor side effects, and I am shocked. I have so many of these symptoms, and there are so many I had no knowledge of at all. I knew about the muscle aches, but that's all. I hope someone can help me with what supplements and vitamins I should be taking. I started taking CoQ10 a month or so ago. What else should I be taking for my health? I know vitamin C and fish oil, but don't know how much or anything else. Right now I am just stunned with the thought that all of these problems that have left me unhappily retired, exhausted and in constant pain can all be caused from a drug I have been taking to help me be healthier.
October 26th
2008
3:24 PM
2 1/2 years ago I had my Mirena IUD place. I had the normal weight gain and steady bleeding which were side effects I was warned about. Sure enough after 2 months or so my weight returned to normal and the daily bleeding stopped. In fact I haven't had any periods since, which I was really please about b/c that was the reason for having the IUD in the first place. I have 4 children and my husband is fixed, but my periods were so heavy I had a hard time dealing with my iron levels, so the Mirena was recommended. I have raved about not having my period anymore and the freedom it has provided.
However, recently I have been suffering major anxiety, to the point I am currently off work for 4 weeks. I am a stock broker so everyone is convinced its market related. But all along I have said I don't have more or less anxiety if the market is up or down. I just feel as though I have almost in a car accident and my body is in a constant state of "fight or flight". I have been placed on heavy med's to try and correct my current imbalance. These med's are very powerful, for the past 6 days I have been asleep of 17 hours out of 24. Anything this strong is obviously pretty powerful. I have been discussing my current condition with friends and saying my instincts tell me something else is going on. I've been suspecting that something else in my environment could be contributing to my imbalance. So i have been looking into my IUD. My first signs of anxiety were 9 months after having it in, but I treated my anxiety with exercise and healthy living and got on with it. Today I found a website with many women with my exact symptoms:*****
As a mother I have learned to listen to my instincts, and at this very moment I am convinced that my Mirena IUD has over time created an imbalance which is responsible for my current poor health, and tomorrow i'm getting it taken out!
October 6th
2008
11:54 PM
I have been on Yasmin for about a year. I have had to start taking it before I go to bed because if i take it during the day, I get severe headaches and extremely nauseous. I also have been having a problem with vaginal dryness. I almost do not want to have sex anymore...no lubricants help. It is so dry that it seems to soak the lube right up and i have to constantly reapply it. Also, I am often moody and/or depressed. I had a three month period where i had to stop taking it because i was in a car accident that resulted in a broken leg and me being put on bed rest so the doctors did not want to take any chances with blood clots aided by my inactivity. Since I have been on it again, i noticed a return of all these symptoms plus i have been noticing loss of hair. And i mean extreme. I get out of the shower and i have to clean the drain so the water can drain...i shed so much hair the tub backs up!
Is this common with any pill or is it just this one? HELP!
September 17th
2008
9:13 PM
I thought I had Lupus because I had complete body aches for weeks. My bicep muscle in my right arm would feel like it was locked. I would wake up every morning feeling like I was in a car accident the day before. Once the body aches went away, I got blurred vision, burning in my eyes, headaches, fatigue, depression, problems concentrating... I just got this shot in June. I hope it metabolizes quickly and leaves my system w/o further side effects. I hope the indentation at the injection site fades away in time but I think it's permanent because the tissue has dissolved and the fat cells were destroyed. I wouldn't feel so bad if the indent wasn't in my face!
-- By nas33 | Reply | Private Message me
September 7th
2008
10:15 PM
Im 18, been on YAZ going on three months now. I was actually looking forward to a little weight gain, but haven't seen any. I got on the pill one for BC, which as far as my periods go is fine. But I also wanted to reduce the mood swings and lately it seems they haven't gotten much better. All of a sudden ill be in a great mood like I want to be, then the next ill be in a crabby mood for no reason. I also got in a car accident a few weeks ago (my fault) and have noticed that since I started the pills I haven't been as alert while driving. I always get side tracked and find myself slamming on the breaks and cutting people off, which was not the case before the pills. Does this have any relation to taking Yaz?
-- By walktrot | Reply | Private Message me
August 16th
2008
1:49 AM
Initially, numbness and tingling in extremities which subsided, but memory loss and loss for words is very uncomfortable, and my neurologist suggested caffeine every AM to compensate, which helps some, but not enough. Difficulty reaching orgasm has become very frustrating as a side effect, but is better than the horrible headaches every day. What a choice!!1
-- By amlooney | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
August 7th
2008
8:41 PM
Oh hey I also get headaches before my period and when I have my period I know that it isn't from yaz, because I have had that already when I get my periods, and for the back pain and stuff I was in a car accident and that is from that, and I did have mood swings to they got better but I do get them once in awhile when I got my period, I don't want to kill myself or anything I have also PMDD and this helps that I think. So the thing I can't stand is the yeast infections do they get better once you have been on the pills? I have had yeast infections at the beginning of taking new pills to.
write ******
-- By raimbow6 | Reply | Private Message me
July 28th
2008
7:41 PM
I took Topamax for my migraines following a significant car accident. All I can say is this medication didn't help me at all. In fact, it made my migraines 10x WORSE! Before, when I had a migraine, they were debilitating and would last up to 48 hours. Once I was on Topamax I had a migraine that would not go away. It was almost a month of me being out of work so that I could be weened off this medication and feel better. Now I take something called Axert which you take at the first sign of a migraine. It is my miracle drug. It is not a narcotic like every other doctor seemed to want to give me and would make my migraine go away within an hour. However, I have noticed I have built up a little bit of a resistance to it!
-- By mcsac0613 | Reply | Private Message me
July 10th
2008
1:41 AM
Hey every1,
I just started to take Yaz this past Sunday July 6th '08 and it is now July 10th. I started to get on the 2nd day these weird hot flashes, feeling sweaty, anxious (more than I normally get) and developed this weird calf and Left side leg pain, also my whole left side like my whole arm and I feel crazy about this pain b/c only a year ago i was in a bad car accident and was hit on my driver side as a head on collision to me, so now i feel confused as if i don't know how to distinguish whether it's my accident pain (that will never go away like arthritis) or if it is this Yaz pill. I am very concerned, and being that I am like a hypochondriac (a nervous mess; a disorder characterized by a preoccupation with body functions and the interpretation of normal body sensations, also a constant worrier and negative thinker) I feel much concern for this issue. I even feel like going to the hospital just to make sure and for my sanity.. Help!
-- By sandrade | Reply | Private Message me
June 20th
2008
2:17 PM
I was just discharged from the hospital on Saturday. I had been taking Yasmin for almost two years now and until recently, had no problems. Last Wednesday I went to the ER for severe pain and inability to breath with my left lung. They admitted me after finding a blood clot in the right, as a result of Yasmin! Turns out, I had pneumonia in the left and since I had no symptoms that the clot was there, the pneumonia saved my life! I too had to take those fun Lovenox shots in the stomach and now I'm on Coumadin for 6 months. I am 29 years old, never smoked a day in my life. I do not drink, I am a healthy weight and I work out regularly. I do not have a history of blood clots in the family. How could this happen especially with a drug my doctors told me was safe?
With the amount of occurrences, I'm interested in a class action lawsuit as well. I will never take a birth control pill again EVER.
-- By twinklebug | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
April 22th
2008
6:53 PM
Hi.
I was put on Singulair toward the end of February. At the beginning of March I started getting hives all over my body and becoming very itchy for no reason at all. The allergist said it couldn't have been from the medicine. The frequency of the hives/itchiness have slowed, but I still get them. I was also getting a little dizzy when I'd put my hed back or lay down, but I knew that was one of the side effect. But, the past several days, I've been getting very dizzy when I walk. I'm worried this is from the Singulair -- nothing else has changed. Could these effects show up after a month? My allergist doesn't seem too concerned, but I am.
-- By shellie22 | Reply | (7) replies | Private Message me
April 4th
2008
6:12 PM
I got into a car accident several years ago. I now have severe arthritis in my legs and shoulders and arms. Lifting weights has helped with the pain in my arms and shoulders, but nothing helps with the pain in my legs. When I first got into the accident I was put on soma. I stayed on it for around fifteen years at eight pills a day. When ultram came out I quit taking soma with no problems. Additions not a problem I have. After a few years on ultram it wasn't cutting it so my doctor put me on lortab 700. This helps a great deal and I find that if I take at least two of my doses during the night and only one during the day,I'm much more alert. I don't know what I'll do when these drugs quit working because my husband is selfemployed and so no one will give me insurance so that I can try the new very expensives meds that are out on the market. As of right now, I'm thankful for Lortab.
-- By grandmama | Reply | Private Message me
March 28th
2008
6:06 PM
I had been on singular for 10 months and have gained 40 lbs. and retention of water in my calves and ankles. I spoke to my doctor but that fell on deaf ears. He told me that they are not side effects of singular. My eating habits are the same, if anything I have never eat better due to the weight. I had been thin all my life - maybe too skinny. I am 49 years old. Also, due to the weight and water retention I have started a health club with no weight loss. I went off the singular 3 weeks ago, my calves are back to normal, but still have the 40 lbs. Anyone have any advised. MK
-- By mod1227 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
January 27th
2008
6:21 PM
Have chronic back pain and have been on the the 100 mg patch for about 5-6 years and it's great. No side effect. Except now after getting into a car accident-not my fault-the courts are trying to take my license permanently-or
while I am on the the patches. Everything else makes me sick. Don't know what I am going to do. Live alone with cat and dog-outside of town-need physical therapy 3 times a week.....
patty
December 16th
2007
2:32 PM
I was diagnosed with Dysthmia in April 07 and the doc prescribed Seroquel (25mg) and Topamax (25mg) I took them for about a week and felt spacey, like I was floating or something. I was scared to drive to work for fear that I would zone out and get in a car accident. So I stopped taking both after a week. Then I started again with both meds (same dosages) this Oct. I'm still on them and haven't experienced any weight gain. If anything, I'm losing weight...but since weight loss is a side effect of Topamax, it's probably countering the appetite gain effects of the Seroquel. My sex life is completely gone. I'm becoming emotionless and I feel like a zombie. Even on 25 mg I fall asleep within 25-30 minutes of taking the Seroquel. I'm so drowsy in the morning and it takes me a long time to get moving in the morning. I am always tired and seem to be fatigued most of the time. Once in awhile I have extreme energy bursts. My mood is more stable, but I plan to begin weaning myself off soon because I want my love life back. Also I have frequent muscle pains on the side of my stomach. Not sure where its coming from...I feel like I've been beat up.
-- By colormeblind | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 20th
2007
8:43 PM
okay i am not usually one to post on the internet but I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY TO FIND A WEBSITE BEFORE IN MY LIFE!!!!! :-) I seriously think Yasmin is the worst thing that ever happened to me...but I just put it all together right now! Thank you everyone for posting! Let me start out by saying i am NORMAL haha! I am a full time college student, athlete, employee, active family member, and I have always been the happiest, most light hearted person of all time! I have always loved every moment of my life...and was always easily able to cope with and learn from the tough times....UNTIL THE PAST SIXTH MONTHS!!!! i have been on yasmin for about a year and a half and starting about six months ago i have: A) dropped 17 pounds (despite eating everything in sight) and my parents/friends/boyfriend are freaking out with worry and i want to cry because i eat SO much! B) have these weird panic attacks like all my clothes (sweatpants, tshirts too!) feel tight and like they are choking me. I also think I have cancer like a thousand times a day (even though I am perfectly healthy...believe me i have been to every doctor (including my psychologist) in the last six months to check these new symptoms out). I am paranoid about stupid things, like if I will get in a car accident even if I am just driving a few blocks C) my heart beats very quickly, double beats, etc even when i am just resting....not working out, walking up the stairs, rushing around etc D) I can barely sleep at all, and even if i sleep for 12 hours i wake up exhausted E) I snap at all my friends F) Although I have been an athlete my entire life, my workouts and performance have been decreasing consistently. G) My glands are swollen often (yes I got an HIV test....and it was negative) and finally I) I freak out and cry about everything my boyfriend does...and he is the greatest guy in the world! So nice! Our relationship has always been great and he is super supportive! But in these last few months I cry and scream and get frustrated/angry/annoyed with him (and everyone) at the drop of a hat.BUT somehow I feel no emotion 99% of the day then when I am with him I become so awful! How is that possible? I HAVE BEEN SO SAD! and he keeps asking me what is wrong and doubting HIMSELF....omg i cant believe this Yasmin sight...i just showed it to him and it is like a huge weight has been lifted off both our shoulders! I am not a doctor and this IS just a blog I suppose....however I plan on talking to my GYN about this as soon as possible! These symptoms seem to match up with the other posts way too much to be just a coincidence......THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!
-- By kk1985 | Reply | Private Message me
September 12th
2007
7:39 AM
I've been on Zocor since December for high cholestorol, 20 mg. In july, after blood work, it had no effect on cholestorol so my cardiologist, increased dose to 40mg. I don't have the muscle issues described here, but I noticed in August, my eyes have become extremely dry and I can't cry. They are so dry especially at night. I've been on allergy and asthma meds for 2 years now- but those prerscriptions haven't changed. Also, taking zoloft for depression- that was increased also after my car accident in Dec. I don't know if this is a new problem or a result of meds- If anyone has this problem please write. I've changed jobs, my insurance now stinks and can't afford to see my doctors at the present time.
-- By exteach01 | Reply | Private Message me
August 16th
2007
8:22 AM
Guys this isn't a side effect it is a good option. Why the doctor put me on this is beyond me, but from reading the comments below this may help some of you it is worth looking into rather than poisoning your body with drugs. Google NUCCA chiropractic. It has to be NUCCA not regular chiropractic. Believe me I have been dealing with pain for years from a car accident and have done EVERYTHING to stop the pain. I had the headaches under control with NUCCA after many years until I broke a fusion plate in my neck. Still the chiropractor was able to keep them to a reasonable amount but every time my alignment went out I got a headache, go to the chiropractor, put me back and I was ok within hours. If I hadn't broken the plate, I would be good to go. So as I sit here sick as a dog after throwing the pills in the garbage I am wondering where a broken plate in your neck needs mind-altering medication. It is worth a try guys at least my chiropractor will turn you away if he can't help I ran into someone at my neurosurgeon's office who he turned away, he is credible not all of them are you have to judge their character and talk to the patients and see what they think. I HIGHLY recommend it over these side effects.
-- By d04pony | Reply | Private Message me
July 11th
2007
5:21 AM
I am a 30 year old woman who has been on Toprol (25 mg) for a week now. My doc prescribed it for mild hypertension and rapid heart rate. So far, I have had terrible indigestion and other "digestive issues", as well as difficulty sleeping. Fatigue and frequent urination (especially at night) have also plagued me for the past week. I have been taking my BP and heart rate readings every day and have yet to see a noticeable improvement. After reading all of the posts on this page, I am extremely nervous and wondering if I really need to be on this medication
-- By purplepillow | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
July 4th
2007
4:35 PM
I have been on nuvaring for almost three weeks. After reading these posts, I am wondering if this is why I have been feeling so exhausted and unmotivated. It seemed to start three days after I put it in. I could barely enjoy the camping trip I went on. I am turning 41 next month and am on it to help with getting rid of complex ovarian cysts, extreme PMS, and very painful periods. I have not noticed any weight gain or uncomfortable bloating or breat tenderness, which I like. However, I am thinking this might explain why I am totally exhausted. I suffer from chronic pain and notice that I feel worse lately and the last thing I need is more chronic fatigue. I think since I started having chronic pain after a car accident, I have not been able to tolerate BC pills though in the past, I didn't do too badly on Mircette and a couple of other things. Loestrin was the worst ever. I am wondering if anyone can tell me if the depression goes away on the Nuvaring?
-- By wileycat | Reply | Private Message me
June 21th
2007
9:14 AM
I received a Kenalog injection in December '06 to provide relief from an allergic reaction. My doctor did NOT inform me of any possible side effects other than drowsiness. Two months later a small dipple formed where the shot was given. I had no idea what it was and just assumed it was a part of getting older (I'm 30). When it began to get deeper, I became extremely worried. It has now been 6 months and the dimple has turned into a very large indentation. I still did not put two and two together and did not think it could have been caused by the steroid injuection. I visited my doctor, the same one who administered the shot in December, to find out what this could possibly be. He said he had no idea!! And even suggested it could be cancer!!!! I came home upset, obviously, thinking I was very sick, possibly even dying!! My sister did some research and found this site, and I am so relieved. But now I am angry at my doctor for not warning me of this possible side effect at the time of the shot AND then diagnosing it as a possible cancer!!! So now I am left with this deformity on my butt and a profound feeling of helplessness. Someone please tell me actions you have taken that have worked, both legally and physically. Will this go away?!?
-- By msjohnson | Reply | (12) replies | Private Message me
April 14th
2007
2:42 PM
In January I was diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis). I was put on 60 mg prednisone and an array of other meds to help with pain, inflammation, water retention, and stomach problems from everything. I've lost some vision from the TA. I've experienced the weight gain, the moon face, stomach problems, depression, fatigue, muscle weakness, lack of memory and concentration, and generally feel miserable. The brain fog is awful! I don't trust myself doing much of anything these days!
When I was first put on the prednisone it completely took away all my TA and PMR symptoms. I could walk and get up and down again, didn't have the headaches, and didn't hurt all over.
My doctor tried to taper my dosage about 6 weeks ago and all my symptoms returned and increased as I went down on the prednisone. He upped me back to 60. That time the symptoms didn't go away. They lessened but were still there.
He's trying to taper again, and I'm down to 30 mg now and feel worse and worse. My sed rate has been normal, so the doctor thinks it's from the prednisone. Does it mimic all the TA and PMR symptoms? I also am having a lot of hand and feet cramping.
Does anyone else have these two illnesses? I would be interested in your experience. I want off these meds! Anyone found an alternative approach that's helped?
God bless!
-- By logcabin | Reply | (10) replies | Private Message me
March 31th
2007
3:34 AM
I have been on Lupron for about a month and I have my second shot this week. I really just wanted to see if anyone else has had dizziness?? I am so dizzy most of the time and I have passed out twice. I haven't spoken with the doctor about it yet but it is really scary because i travel for my job and I am afraid I am going to be in a car accident one of these days if this keeps up. The joint pain is the other major thing. I haven't had any cramping which seems abnormal to me since it really should have been going crazy at this point. Any input you have on this subject would be great. Thanks
-- By missyc21601 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
Yasmin (4) Kenalog (4) PredniSONE (3) Topamax (3) Ultracet (2) Singulair (2) Yaz (2) Tramadol Hydrochloride (2) Zocor (2) Fentanyl (2) Toprol-XL (1) Lortab (1) Vicodin (1) Ritalin (1) Metoprolol Tartrate (1) Pravachol (1) NuvaRing (1) Mirena (1) Effexor (1) Percocet 10/325 (1) Meprozine (1) Morphine Sulfate SR (1) Lisinopril (1) Propafenone Hydrochloride (1) Advair HFA (1) MD-Gastroview (1) Lupron (1) Methadose (1) Neurontin (1) Lipitor (1) Cerefolin NAC (1) Seroquel (1)
December 22th
2008
3:07 PM
I WAS TOLD TO TRY NERVE BLOCKS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SURGERY. I HAVE A RUPTURED LEAKING DISC AS THE RESULT OF A CAR ACCIDENT AT L4,L5, I HAD THREE INJECTIONS, I WAS NOT EVEN TOLD THEY WERE USING A STEROID. WHEN I STARTED HAVING NIGHT SWEATS, IRRITABILITY AND EXTREME FACIAL HAIR MY GYNO SAID IT WAS THE NERVE BLOCKS. THE NP AT THE PAIN TREATMENT CENTER SAID IN TEN YEARS SHE HAD NEVER HEARD OF IT. THE DEPO SHOT I WAS GETTING WAS NEGATED SO I GOT MY TUBES TIED. I HAVE AN APPT WITH AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST IN JUNE, I GOT IT IN NOV, MY HUSBAND SAYS WE WILL HAVE A CIVIL UNION BY THEN!! THE PAIN RELIEF LASTED 19 DAYS, THE HAIR 2 MONTHS AND COUNTING. THE SURGEON TOLD ME BEFORE HE PUT ME UNDER HE DIDN'T THINK IT WAS GOING TO WORK. I WISH I KNEW ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS. NOT HAPPY AT ALL. TREATMENT CENTER SAID BECAUSE OF SIDE EFFECTS I WAS NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR NERVE BLOCKS AND CLOSED MY CASE AS A PATIENT. I ALSO HAVE 2 BULGING DISCS IN MY NECK AND CHI FROM THE ACCIDENT. I GUESS I MAY HAVE TO HAVE SURGERY. THIS HAS NOT BEEN A GOOD EXPERIENCE.
-- By staceyk1 | Reply | Private Message me